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Diet and Disease Development: Mechanisms, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 January 2025 | Viewed by 16186

Special Issue Editors

Renal Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Interests: metabolic disease; microvascular/macrovascular complications; diabetes; chronic kidney disease
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Guest Editor
Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Interests: oxidative stress; inflammation; PM; foetal programming; metabolic disorders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between diet and disease development or future programming in certain diseases is well known. Diet is the key factor influencing the gut microbiota composition and an important factor in the microbiome balance. Alteration in the microbiome balance plays an important role in physiology and disease states including obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergy, cancer, cardiovascular disease, aging and kidney disease. Hence, recent research has focused on using natural therapies or dietary supplements to modulate the microbiota for disease prevention or to better manage disease development. The mechanisms involved in the direct and transgenerational effects of high/low calorie intake on disease development are not clear. It is also not clear, to date, whether alteration in the microbiota due to bad dietary choices can affect disease onsets or limit disease progression, or whether using dietary supplements or microbiota modulators can limit disease or prevent future disease development.

The overall aims of this Special Issue are to describe and stress the importance of diet in disease development and future disease predisposition; understand the mechanism(s) whereby diet can induce disease development and affect future disease risk; examine potential novel therapies; and identify current gaps in the area of research. The reviews included in this issue will i) summarise the current literature (from animal and human studies) supporting the role of diet in disease onset or development; ii) provide critical analysis of the available data; iii) describe the mechanisms involved in disease development or prevention and in the future risk for certain diseases; iv) identify novel treatments using dietary supplements/compounds to limit disease development and progression; v) examine whether the microbiota diversity can be considered a cause or just an effect of certain diseases; and vi) assess whether modulating the microbiota can provide a novel therapy to limit disease development or can complement current drugs to better manage certain diseases.

This Special Issue titled “Diet and Disease Development: Mechanisms, Prevention and Treatment” is open for articles and reviews describing the available literature and research evidence, with critical examination of the data and identification of current research outcomes and gaps, study limitations and potential advances in knowledge in the research area. Exploring the effects of diet, nutrients, supplements or microbiota on disease development is within the scope of this study. This includes all types of disease, exploring direct or future effects from animal or human studies.

The topics and themes of this unique collection include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Studies assessing the direct effect of a high-fat diet on disease development and disease mechanisms;

-Effects of diet modification during gestation on disease development in mothers and offspring, including high-calorie or low-calorie diets or diet supplements;

-Novel methods to alter the microbiota for disease prevention;

-Effect of metabolite-based dietary supplementation on disease development;

-Nutritional approaches to manage specific diseases;

-Diet composition or modulation for the prevention of obesity and metabolic disease;

-Mechanisms and pathways linking dietary components to disease development;

-Diet and endocrine regulation of food intake for optimal health;

-Role of microbiota in disease onset and development;

-Effects of prebiotics and probiotics on disease development;

-Health effects due to dietary risks in different countries;

-Food-based therapies for disease prevention;

-Novel treatment to limit disease development or progression due to obesity or high calorie intake;

-Faecal microbiota transplantation for disease prevention.]

Dr. Sonia Saad
Prof. Dr. Hui Chen
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • kidney disease
  • chronic disease
  • nutrients
  • food
  • diet
  • diabetes
  • glucose intolerance
  • natural therapy
  • food supplements
  • high-fat/western diet
  • obesity
  • gut microbiota
  • nutraceuticals
  • kidney injury and fibrosis
  • probiotics and prebiotics

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 600 KiB  
Article
Impact of a Mediterranean-Inspired Diet on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Ana Rita Barbosa, Sandra Pais, Ana Marreiros and Marta Correia
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2443; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152443 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 2171
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. This study focused on evaluating the impact of a Mediterranean-type diet combined with physical exercise on CVD risk factors of high-risk individuals. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) recruited individuals (≥50 years old) with [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. This study focused on evaluating the impact of a Mediterranean-type diet combined with physical exercise on CVD risk factors of high-risk individuals. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) recruited individuals (≥50 years old) with no history of acute myocardial infarction, but with high CVD risk criteria according to the SCORE2/SCORE2 OP. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of diet and exercise intervention. Participants were randomly assigned into 3 groups: no intervention group (Group 1a), physical exercise group (Group 1b), and physical exercise (±2 h/week) plus diet group (Group 2). Briefly, the dietary intervention was based on the principles of an isocaloric Mediterranean diet (MD), with seven main meals/week centered on plant-based foods (legumes and pulses). The combined effect of exercise and the diet showed significant decrease in WC (p = 0.002), BST (p < 0.001), visceral fat (p < 0.001), and TG (p = 0.029), compared with control groups. The intervention significantly increased legume intake (p < 0.001), as well as adherence to the MD, which associates with WC decrease (p = 0.024) and visceral fat (p = 0.017). A combined intervention of exercise and diet should be endorsed as an efficient modifier of cardiometabolic parameters. Full article
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15 pages, 303 KiB  
Review
The Role of the Mediterranean Diet in Assisted Reproduction: A Literature Review
by Dimitris Baroutis, Theodoros Kalampokas, Eleni Katsianou, Alexandros Psarris, George Daskalakis, Konstantinos Panoulis and Makarios Eleftheriades
Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162807 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1901
Abstract
The Mediterranean Diet, characterized by high consumption of plant-based foods, olive oil, moderate intake of fish and poultry, and low consumption of red meat and processed foods, has been suggested to improve assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. This narrative review aimed to summarize [...] Read more.
The Mediterranean Diet, characterized by high consumption of plant-based foods, olive oil, moderate intake of fish and poultry, and low consumption of red meat and processed foods, has been suggested to improve assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. This narrative review aimed to summarize and synthesize the evidence from observational studies on the associations between preconception adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and ART outcomes. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Seven observational studies (n = 2321 women undergoing ART) were included. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was assessed using food frequency questionnaires with 6–195 items. Three studies found that higher Mediterranean Diet scores were associated with improved clinical pregnancy rates (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–1.9; RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.05–3.78) or live birth rates (RR 2.64, 95% CI 1.37–5.07). Two studies showed a positive effect on embryo yield (p = 0.028) and ovarian response. However, two studies reported no significant associations with ultimate ART success, and four studies found no effects on oocyte and embryo number or quality. The heterogeneity in study designs, Mediterranean Diet assessment methods, and ART protocols limited the strength of conclusions. Evidence for the effects of greater adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on ART outcomes is limited but promising. Future research should focus on conducting randomized controlled trials with standardized Mediterranean Diet assessment methods to establish causal relationships between Mediterranean Diet adherence and ART outcomes, and to elucidate potential mechanisms of action. Full article
18 pages, 1896 KiB  
Review
Contemporary Perspectives on the Role of Vitamin D in Enhancing Gut Health and Its Implications for Preventing and Managing Intestinal Diseases
by Jiaxin Wang, Lihua Mei, Yanling Hao, Yajun Xu, Qing Yang, Zhaolai Dai, Ying Yang, Zhenlong Wu and Yun Ji
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2352; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142352 - 20 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2989
Abstract
Vitamin D, a crucial fat-soluble vitamin, is primarily synthesized in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation and is widely recognized as a bone-associated hormone. However, recent scientific advancements have unveiled its intricate association with gut health. The intestinal barrier serves as a [...] Read more.
Vitamin D, a crucial fat-soluble vitamin, is primarily synthesized in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation and is widely recognized as a bone-associated hormone. However, recent scientific advancements have unveiled its intricate association with gut health. The intestinal barrier serves as a vital component, safeguarding the intestinal milieu and maintaining overall homeostasis. Deficiencies in vitamin D have been implicated in altering the gut microbiome composition, compromising the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and predisposing individuals to various intestinal pathologies. Vitamin D exerts its regulatory function by binding to vitamin D receptors (VDR) present in immune cells, thereby modulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and influencing the intestinal barrier function. Notably, numerous studies have reported lower serum vitamin D levels among patients suffering from intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease, highlighting the growing significance of vitamin D in gut health maintenance. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements in understanding the mechanistic role of vitamin D in modulating the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier function, emphasizing its pivotal role in immune regulation. Furthermore, we consolidate and present relevant findings pertaining to the therapeutic potential of vitamin D in the management of intestinal diseases. Full article
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16 pages, 1550 KiB  
Review
Advances in the Anti-Atherosclerotic Mechanisms of Epigallocatechin Gallate
by Yihui Liu, Yiling Long, Jun Fang and Gang Liu
Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132074 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1363
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common clinical sickness and the major pathological basis of ischemic cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs). The pathogenesis of AS involves a variety of risk factors, and there is a lack of effective preventive and curative drugs that can completely treat AS. [...] Read more.
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common clinical sickness and the major pathological basis of ischemic cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs). The pathogenesis of AS involves a variety of risk factors, and there is a lack of effective preventive and curative drugs that can completely treat AS. In recent years, with the improvement of people’s living standards and changes in dietary habits, the morbidity and mortality rates of AS are on the rise, and the age of onset tends to be younger. The formation of AS is closely related to a variety of factors, and the main factors include lipid metabolism disorders, endothelial damage, inflammation, unstable plaques, etc. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), as one of the main components of catechins, has a variety of pharmacological effects, and its role in the prevention of AS and the protection of cardiovascular and cerebral blood vessels has been highly valued. Recent epidemiological investigations and various in vivo and ex vivo experiments have shown that EGCG is capable of resisting atherosclerosis and reducing the morbidity and mortality of AS. In this paper, we reviewed the anti-AS effects of EGCG and its mechanisms in recent years, including the regulation of lipid metabolism, regulation of intestinal flora disorders, improvement of vascular endothelial cell functions, inhibition of inflammatory factors expression, regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and inhibition of platelet aggregation, which are helpful for the prevention of cardiocerebrovascular diseases. Full article
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26 pages, 2195 KiB  
Review
Chronic Kidney Disease Diets for Kidney Failure Prevention: Insights from the IL-11 Paradigm
by Denise Elshoff, Priyanka Mehta and Ouliana Ziouzenkova
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091342 - 29 Apr 2024
Viewed by 7008
Abstract
Nearly every fifth adult in the United States and many older adults worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to kidney failure requiring invasive kidney replacement therapy. In this review, we briefly examine the pathophysiology of CKD and discuss [...] Read more.
Nearly every fifth adult in the United States and many older adults worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to kidney failure requiring invasive kidney replacement therapy. In this review, we briefly examine the pathophysiology of CKD and discuss emerging mechanisms involving the physiological resolution of kidney injury by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and interleukin-11 (IL-11), as well as the pathological consequences of IL-11 overproduction, which misguides repair processes, ultimately culminating in CKD. Taking these mechanisms into account, we offer an overview of the efficacy of plant-dominant dietary patterns in preventing and managing CKD, while also addressing their limitations in terms of restoring kidney function or preventing kidney failure. In conclusion, this paper outlines novel regeneration strategies aimed at developing a reno-regenerative diet to inhibit IL-11 and promote repair mechanisms in kidneys affected by CKD. Full article
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