Nutrients最新文献

Background/Objectives: Although curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RSV) are natural polyphenolic compounds with reported anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties, their combined anticancer effects in melanoma cells remain incompletely characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of CUR and RSV, individually, and in combination, in melanoma cells compared to normal melanocytes. Methods: Cell viability and intracellular ATP levels were quantified, and dose-response analyses performed. Cellular morphology and nuclear alterations were examined by phase-contrast microscopy and DAPI staining. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by Muse™ Cell Analyzer with dedicated assay kits. Survival- and death-related signaling proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. Results: Combined treatment with CUR (60 μM) and RSV (40 μM) for 48 h synergistically reduced melanoma cell viability and markedly depleted intracellular ATP levels, while exerting minimal cytotoxic effects on normal melanocytes. CUR/RSV co-treatment induced pronounced morphological and nuclear alterations, significantly increased apoptotic cell populations, and modulated key signaling pathways regulating cell survival and programmed cell death in melanoma cells. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that combined CUR and RSV treatment exerts enhanced, melanoma-selective anticancer activity while sparing normal melanocytes. The results provide a strong experimental rationale for further in vivo validation of CUR/RSV-based combination strategies as a potential therapeutic approach for melanoma.

Background/objectives: Skin carotenoid measurements have been proposed as an indicator to reflect of fruit and vegetable intake, but evidence from occupational settings remains limited. The primary aim of this study was to assess the association between fruit and vegetable intake and skin carotenoid levels in the workplace. The secondary aim was to examine the association of skin carotenoid levels with blood glucose levels and blood pressure (BP).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included Japanese workers aged ≥20 years between 2022 and 2023. Skin carotenoid levels were measured, dietary intake was assessed using self-administered questionnaires, and data from workplace health check-up records were collected. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between skin carotenoid levels and fruit and vegetable intake in 210 participants. Associations between skin carotenoid levels and log-transformed glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), systolic BP, and diastolic BP levels were examined in 162, 158, and 183 participants, respectively.

Results: Skin carotenoid levels were positively associated with the number of vegetable dishes consumed and the frequency of fruit intake. A slight positive association was observed with HbA1c levels (partial regression coefficient = 0.00012), whereas no associations were found with FBG or BP.

Conclusions: Skin carotenoid levels reflect self-reported fruit and vegetable intake, supporting their potential use as a non-invasive dietary assessment tool in workplace nutrition education. However, the associations observed with HbA1c were very small and of limited clinical significance, and the results should be interpreted with caution.

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related disorders are increasingly recognized as complex conditions involving not only psychological and neurobiological factors but also systemic physiological alterations. Among these, growing evidence points to the crucial role of the gut-brain axis in modulating stress responses, emotional regulation, and neuroinflammation. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize the emerging literature on the interactions between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system in PTSD and trauma-related disorders, highlighting potential mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted across PubMed and Scopus and Web of Science as primary bibliographic databases, focusing on clinical, preclinical, and translational studies published in the last two decades. Emphasis was placed on studies exploring the microbiota's influence on neuroendocrine and immune pathways relevant to trauma, as well as intervention studies targeting the gut-brain axis. Results: Evidence suggests that dysbiosis and gut permeability alterations are associated with PTSD symptomatology, possibly via mechanisms involving hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, neuroinflammation, vagal signaling, and altered neurotransmitter production. Preclinical models support a bidirectional relationship between early-life stress, trauma, and gut microbiota alterations. Furthermore, preliminary clinical data indicate that interventions such as probiotics, diet modulation, and psychobiotics may exert beneficial effects on trauma-related psychopathology. Conclusions: The gut-brain axis represents a promising framework for understanding the pathophysiology of PTSD and related conditions. Although research is still in its early stages, targeting gut microbiota may offer novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to validate these findings and guide clinical translation.

Background/Objectives: Contemporary food systems face dual imperatives of ensuring nutritional adequacy while minimizing environmental resource consumption, yet conventional dietary assessment methodologies inadequately integrate these competing objectives. This simulation-based proof-of-concept study developed an artificial intelligence-driven computational framework synthesizing nutritional evaluation, environmental footprint quantification, and economic accessibility assessment. Methods: The analytical architecture integrated random forest classification, dimensionality reduction, and scenario-based optimization across a simulated population cohort of 1500 individuals. Food composition data encompassed 55 representative foods across eight categories linked with greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and price parameters. Four dietary patterns (Mediterranean, Western, Plant-based, Mixed) were characterized across nutrient adequacy, greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and economic cost. Results: Random forest classification achieved 39.1% accuracy, with cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption emerging as the most discriminating features. Dietary patterns exhibited convergent macronutrient profiles (protein 108.8-112.8 g per day, 4% variation) despite categorical distinctions, while calcium inadequacy pervaded all patterns (867-927.5 mg per day, 7-13% below requirements). Environmental footprints demonstrated limited differentiation (greenhouse gas 3.73-3.96 kg CO₂e per day, 6% range). Bootstrap resampling (n = 1000) confirmed narrow confidence intervals, with NHANES validation revealing substantial energy intake deviations (38-58% above observed means) attributable to adequacy-prioritized design rather than observed consumption patterns. Scenario modeling identified seasonally flexible dietary configurations maintaining micronutrient and protein adequacy while reducing water use to 87% of baseline at modest cost increases. Conclusions: This framework establishes a validated computational infrastructure for integrated dietary assessment benchmarked against sustainability thresholds and epidemiological reference data, demonstrating the feasibility of AI-driven evaluation of dietary patterns across nutritional, environmental, and economic dimensions.

Background/Objectives: Larix decidua has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Although their use has been recognized in alternative medicine, the scientific documentation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of ethanolic extracts from its needles remains insufficiently characterized. The present study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of the ethanolic L. decidua extract, evaluate its in vitro antioxidant capacity, and investigate its therapeutic and prophylactic effects on oxidative-nitrosative stress and inflammation. Methods: L. decidua needles were extracted using a modified Squibb repercolation method. Polyphenol and flavonoid content were quantified, and individual phenols were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI⁺. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, H₂O₂, and NO scavenging assays. The therapeutic and prophylactic in vivo potential was evaluated in a model of acute inflammation induced with turpentine in male Wistar rats. Serum oxidative markers (TOS, TAC, OSI, MDA, AOPP, 8-OHdG, NO, 3-NT, SH) and inflammatory markers (NFκB-p65, IL-1β, IL-18) were quantified. Results: The extract contained high levels of flavonols and hydroxybenzoic acids; kaempferol glycosides and catechin were the dominant constituents. In vitro, the extract exhibited radical scavenging activities. In vivo, L. decidua attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress, restored antioxidant defense, and reduced NFκB-p65, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The L100 concentration most closely approximated the values produced by Trolox and diclofenac. Conclusions: The ethanolic Larix decidua needle extract exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of acute sterile inflammation, attenuating systemic oxidative-nitrosative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators in a concentration-dependent manner. These preclinical findings support further investigation of standardized L. decidua needle preparations as polyphenol-rich nutraceutical/functional ingredient candidates within preventive and adjunct nutrition strategies targeting oxidative stress-driven inflammation.

Background/Objectives: Sustainable diets are essential for public health, food system resilience, and environmental protection, yet engagement with healthy sustainable dietary actions is varied. This study investigated knowledge, perceived importance, current uptake, and willingness to adopt healthy sustainable dietary actions among the general UK population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-report questionnaire completed by 635 adults (205 males and 430 females; mean (SD) age = 43 (16.8) years) in the UK. Results: Considerable variation in knowledge, perceived importance, and current engagement was found across the dietary actions investigated. All three were highest for familiar, health-aligned behaviours, while actions with a stronger environmental focus that were less conventional or culturally unfamiliar were less well understood, perceived as less important, and less often engaged with. Willingness to adopt actions not currently practised was most strongly predicted by perceived importance (smallest β = 1.21, p < 0.001), with perceived value also significant for several actions (smallest β = 0.86, p < 0.001). Knowledge and perceived impact were generally non-significant. Demographic and lifestyle factors showed smaller effects, with greater willingness among younger individuals (smallest β = -0.24, p = 0.01) and those with higher education (smallest β = 0.51, p = 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest some knowledge and engagement with healthy sustainable dietary actions in the UK. However, future campaigns may need to go beyond awareness-raising to emphasise the personal significance and value of these actions. These cognitive factors also showed broad applicability across demographic and lifestyle variables, suggesting potential for widely effective interventions.

With the continuous improvement in living standards, consumers are shifting their focus from merely achieving satiety and food safety to prioritizing nutrition and health, placing greater emphasis on the nutritional value of food and healthy dietary practices [...].

Background: Eating habits influence cardiometabolic health alongside traditional dietary measures. However, the links between dietary patterns, body composition, and heart-healthy food preferences remain under-explored in large cohorts.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2461 adults (aged 18 to 75 years) completed an online survey on eating behaviors, food preferences, and lifestyle. Principal component analysis (PCA) of seven behaviors identified dietary profiles. A heart-healthy diet score (range -2 to 10; higher = greater preference for fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish, and less meat/processed meat) was derived from these food preferences. ANOVA and adjusted regressions linked the profiles to BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and diet score.

Results: Four profiles emerged: structured, social, irregular, and disordered eaters. Structured eaters had the lowest BMI (26.8 ± 5.1 kg/m²), lowest fat mass (28.9 ± 9.4%), and highest dietary score (4.73 ± 2.0). Disorganized eaters had the highest BMI (29.0 ± 5.5 kg/m²), the highest fat mass (31.2 ± 8.8%) and the lowest score (3.93 ± 2.0); all p < 0.05. Dose-response analyses confirmed that greater disordered eating (PCA1) was associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusions: Dietary profiles are associated with body composition and cardioprotective preferences. Behavioral assessment could refine the identification of cardiometabolic risk and personalize nutrition.

Objective: To assess the relationship between adherence to various plant-based diets, as measured by overall, healthy, and unhealthy plant-based diet indices (PDI, hPDI, uPDI), and ovarian cancer risk. Methods: We obtained data on 1031 cases of ovarian cancer and 2411 controls from a case-control study conducted in Italy. PDI, hPDI, and uPDI were calculated using data from a validated food frequency questionnaire. We used logistic regression to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ovarian cancer for PDI, hPDI, and uPDI, adjusting for several possible confounders. Results: PDI and hPDI were inversely related to ovarian cancer risk (OR = 0.70 for the fourth compared to the first quartile, 95% CI: 0.55-0.89, and OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53-0.84, respectively). On the other hand, a higher uPDI was related to a higher risk of ovarian cancer (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.40-2.28). The estimates for a 5-point increment in the indices were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81-0.95) for PDI, 0.90 (95% CI: 0.83-0.96) for hPDI, and 1.15 (95% CI: 1.07-1.23) for uPDI. Consistent associations for the three indices were observed across strata of age, family history of breast/ovarian cancer, educational level, parity, oral contraceptives use, and menopausal status. Conclusions: Plant-based diets favorably influence ovarian cancer risk; plant-based diets characterized by a high intake of unhealthy plant foods are linked to an increased risk. Promoting diets rich in healthy plant foods could support the reduction of ovarian cancer risk.

Background: Sepsis-induced organ dysfunction poses a significant clinical challenge with limited therapeutic options. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) liraglutide in sepsis and its underlying mechanisms, focusing on modulation of the gut microbiota-derived metabolome.

Methods: Public transcriptomic data analysis identified overlapping targets between liraglutide and sepsis-related genes. In a murine cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model, liraglutide treatment was evaluated for its effects on survival, systemic inflammation, and organ injury. The gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolome were assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing and UPLC-MS. We also measured plasma GLP-1 in sepsis patients and examined the microbiota-dependency of liraglutide's effects using antibiotic-depleted mice and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from liraglutide-treated mice. Additionally, citrulline, a key identified metabolite, was functionally validated both in vitro and in a clinical cohort.

Results: Liraglutide significantly improved survival, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated lung, liver, and colon damage in septic mice. It partially restored sepsis-induced gut dysbiosis and modulating associated metabolites, including increasing citrulline. The survival benefit of liraglutide was abolished in microbiota-depleted mice, while FMT from liraglutide-treated mice conferred protection against sepsis, confirming the gut microbiota as a critical mediator. Furthermore, citrulline exhibited direct anti-inflammatory properties in cellular assays, and its plasma levels were negatively correlated with sepsis biomarkers (PCT and CRP) in patients.

Conclusions: Taken together, our findings indicate that liraglutide mitigates sepsis by modulating the gut microbiota and regulating associated metabolic pathways. Citrulline may represent a potential microbial mediator or exploratory biomarker within this axis, warranting further mechanistic investigation.