Items where Author is "Giampieri, Francesca"

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production
University of La Romana > Research > Scientific Production Closed English Food security is a universal need worldwide. This study explored the relationship between food security and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the context of the DELICIOUS project. A survey involving 2,011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6–17 years was conducted. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed through the KIDMED score. Information regarding the ease of accessing Mediterranean foods, economic allowance, employment and residence was collected. Logistic regressions analyses were performed to test the associations. Individuals living in rural areas and reporting difficulty in obtaining all studied foods were less likely to follow the Mediterranean diet. Higher adherence was associated with a household monthly income higher than €4000. No associations with family status and no differences across countries were found. The progressive shift away from the Mediterranean diet may depend not only on cultural preferences for unhealthier, industrial alternatives but also on family budgets and food accessibility. metadata Scazzina, Francesca; Rosi, Alice; Giampieri, Francesca; Poveda-Loor, Carlos; Abdelkarim, Osama; Aly, Mohamed; Frias-Toral, Evelyn; Pons, Juancho; Vázquez-Araújo, Laura; Sumalla Cano, Sandra; Elío Pascual, Iñaki; Monasta, Lorenzo; Paladino, Nadia; Mata, Ana; Chacón, Adrián; Busó, Pablo and Grosso, Giuseppe mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, sandra.sumalla@uneatlantico.es, inaki.elio@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED (2025) Socio-economic status, food security and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in five Mediterranean countries: the DELICIOUS project. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 76 (8). pp. 869-877. ISSN 0963-7486

Article Subjects > Biomedicine
Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production
University of La Romana > Research > Scientific Production Open English Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and beverages, the use of which has been linked to enhanced brain health and cognitive function. These natural molecules are broadly classified into two main groups: flavonoids and non-flavonoid polyphenols, the latter including phenolic acids, stilbenes, and tannins. Flavonoids are primarily known for their potent antioxidant properties, which help neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain, thereby reducing oxidative stress, a key contributor to neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to their antioxidant effects, flavonoids have been shown to modulate inflammation, enhance neuronal survival, and support neurogenesis, all of which are critical for maintaining cognitive function. Phenolic acids possess strong antioxidant properties and are believed to protect brain cells from oxidative damage. Neuroprotective effects of these molecules can also depend on their ability to modulate signaling pathways associated with inflammation and neuronal apoptosis. Among polyphenols, hydroxycinnamic acids such as caffeic acid have been shown to enhance blood-brain barrier permeability, which may increase the delivery of other protective compounds to the brain. Another compound of interest is represented by resveratrol, a stilbene extensively studied for its potential neuroprotective properties related to its ability to activate the sirtuin pathway, a molecular signaling pathway involved in cellular stress response and aging. Lignans, on the other hand, have shown promise in reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which could help slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Polyphenols belonging to different subclasses, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans, exert neuroprotective effects by regulating microglial activation, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and mitigating oxidative stress. These compounds act through multiple signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and Nrf2, and they may also influence genetic regulation of inflammation and immune responses at brain level. Despite their potential for brain health and cognitive function, polyphenols are often characterized by low bioavailability, something that deserves attention when considering their therapeutic potential. Future translational studies are needed to better understand the right dosage, the overall diet, the correct target population, as well as ideal formulations allowing to overcome bioavailability limitations. metadata Godos, Justyna; Carota, Giuseppe; Caruso, Giuseppe; Micek, Agnieszka; Frias-Toral, Evelyn; Giampieri, Francesca; Brito Ballester, Julién; Battino, Maurizio; Rodríguez Velasco, Carmen Lilí and Quiles, José L. mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, julien.brito@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, carmen.rodriguez@uneatlantico.es, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es (2025) Molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of polyphenols: implications for cognitive function. EXCLI journal, 24. pp. 1262-1294. ISSN 1611-2156

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production
University of La Romana > Research > Scientific Production Open English Background: Nut consumption has been considered a potential protective factor against cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to test whether higher total and specific nut intake was associated with better cognitive status in a sample of older Italian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis on 883 older adults (>50 y) was conducted. A 110-item food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information on the consumption of various types of nuts. The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire was used to assess cognitive status. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between nut intake and cognitive status after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Results: The median intake of total nuts was 11.7 g/day and served as a cut-off to categorize low and high consumers (mean intake 4.3 g/day vs. 39.7 g/day, respectively). Higher total nut intake was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of impaired cognitive status among older individuals (OR = 0.35, CI 95%: 0.15, 0.84) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Notably, this association remained significant after additional adjustment for adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern as an indicator of diet quality, (OR = 0.32, CI 95%: 0.13, 0.77). No significant associations were found between cognitive status and specific types of nuts. Conclusions: Habitual nut intake is associated with better cognitive status in older adults. metadata Godos, Justyna; Giampieri, Francesca; Frias-Toral, Evelyn; Zambrano-Villacres, Raynier; Rojas Vistorte, Angel Olider; Yélamos Torres, Vanessa; Battino, Maurizio; Galvano, Fabio; Castellano, Sabrina and Grosso, Giuseppe mail UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, angel.rojas@uneatlantico.es, vanessa.yelamos@funiber.org, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED (2025) Nut Consumption Is Associated with Cognitive Status in Southern Italian Adults. Nutrients, 17 (3). p. 521. ISSN 2072-6643

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production
University of La Romana > Research > Scientific Production Open English Background/Objectives. Traditional dietary patterns are being abandoned in Mediterranean countries, especially among younger generations. This study aimed to investigate the potential lifestyle determinants that can increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents. Methods. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data from five Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and Lebanon) within the context of the EU-funded project DELICIOUS (UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean Diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS). This study comprised information on 2011 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years old collected during 2023. The main background characteristics of both children and parents, including age, sex, education, and family situation, were collected. Children’s eating (i.e., breakfast, place of eating, etc.) and lifestyle habits (i.e., physical activity level, sleep, and screen time) were also investigated. The level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the KIDMED index. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test for likelihood of higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results. Major determinants of higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet were younger age, higher physical activity level, adequate sleep duration, and, among dietary habits, having breakfast and eating with family members and at school. Parents’ younger age and higher education were also determinants of higher adherence. Multivariate adjusted analyses showed that an overall healthier lifestyle and parents’ education were the factors independently associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Conclusions. Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents living in the Mediterranean area is part of an overall healthy lifestyle possibly depending on parents’ cultural background. metadata Rosi, Alice; Scazzina, Francesca; Giampieri, Francesca; Álvarez-Córdova, Ludwig; Abdelkarim, Osama; Ammar, Achraf; Aly, Mohamed; Frias-Toral, Evelyn; Pons, Juancho; Vázquez-Araújo, Laura; Rodríguez Velasco, Carmen Lilí; Brito Ballester, Julién; Monasta, Lorenzo; Mata, Ana; Chacón, Adrián; Busó, Pablo and Grosso, Giuseppe mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, carmen.rodriguez@uneatlantico.es, julien.brito@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED (2024) Lifestyle Factors Associated with Children’s and Adolescents’ Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Living in Mediterranean Countries: The DELICIOUS Project. Nutrients, 17 (1). p. 26. ISSN 2072-6643

Article Subjects > Biomedicine
Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production
University of La Romana > Research > Scientific Production Open English Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. A healthy diet rich in plant-derived compounds such as (poly)phenols appears to have a key role in improving cardiovascular health. Flavan-3-ols represent a subclass of (poly)phenols of great interest for their possible health benefits. In this review, we summarized the results of clinical studies on vascular outcomes of flavan-3-ol supplementation and we focused on the role of the microbiota in CVD. Clinical trials included in this review showed that supplementation with flavan-3-ols mostly derived from cocoa products significantly reduces blood pressure and improves endothelial function. Studies on catechins from green tea demonstrated better results when involving healthy individuals. From a mechanistic point of view, emerging evidence suggests that microbial metabolites may play a role in the observed effects. Their function extends beyond the previous belief of ROS scavenging activity and encompasses a direct impact on gene expression and protein function. Although flavan-3-ols appear to have effects on cardiovascular health, further studies are needed to clarify and confirm these potential benefits and the rising evidence of the potential involvement of the microbiota. metadata Godos, Justyna; Romano, Giovanni Luca; Laudani, Samuele; Gozzo, Lucia; Guerrera, Ida; Dominguez Azpíroz, Irma; Martínez Díaz, Raquel; Quiles, José L.; Battino, Maurizio; Drago, Filippo; Giampieri, Francesca; Galvano, Fabio and Grosso, Giuseppe mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, irma.dominguez@unini.edu.mx, raquel.martinez@uneatlantico.es, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED (2024) Flavan-3-ols and Vascular Health: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of Action. Nutrients, 16 (15). p. 2471. ISSN 2072-6643

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production Open English Much of nutrition research has been conventionally based on the use of simplistic in vitro systems or animal models, which have been extensively employed in an effort to better understand the relationships between diet and complex diseases as well as to evaluate food safety. Although these models have undeniably contributed to increase our mechanistic understanding of basic biological processes, they do not adequately model complex human physiopathological phenomena, creating concerns about the translatability to humans. During the last decade, extraordinary advancement in stem cell culturing, three-dimensional cell cultures, sequencing technologies, and computer science has occurred, which has originated a wealth of novel human-based and more physiologically relevant tools. These tools, also known as “new approach methodologies,” which comprise patient-derived organoids, organs-on-chip, multi-omics approach, along with computational models and analysis, represent innovative and exciting tools to forward nutrition research from a human-biology-oriented perspective. After considering some shortcomings of conventional in vitro and vivo approaches, here we describe the main novel available and emerging tools that are appropriate for designing a more human-relevant nutrition research. Our aim is to encourage discussion on the opportunity to explore innovative paths in nutrition research and to promote a paradigm-change toward a more human biology-focused approach to better understand human nutritional pathophysiology, to evaluate novel food products, and to develop more effective targeted preventive or therapeutic strategies while helping in reducing the number and replacing animals employed in nutrition research. metadata Cassotta, Manuela; Cianciosi, Danila; Elexpuru Zabaleta, Maria; Elío Pascual, Iñaki; Sumalla Cano, Sandra; Giampieri, Francesca and Battino, Maurizio mail manucassotta@gmail.com, UNSPECIFIED, maria.elexpuru@uneatlantico.es, inaki.elio@uneatlantico.es, sandra.sumalla@uneatlantico.es, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es (2024) Human‐based new approach methodologies to accelerate advances in nutrition research. Food Frontiers. pp. 1-32. ISSN 2643-8429

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books Open English Over the last decades, the Mediterranean diet gained enormous scientific, social, and commercial attention due to proven positive effects on health and undeniable taste that facilitated a widespread popularity. Researchers have investigated the role of Mediterranean-type dietary patterns on human health all around the world, reporting consistent findings concerning its benefits. However, what does truly define the Mediterranean diet? The myriad of dietary scores synthesizes the nutritional content of a Mediterranean-type diet, but a variety of aspects are generally unexplored when studying the adherence to this dietary pattern. Among dietary factors, the main characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, such as consumption of fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and cereals should be accompanied by other underrated features, such as the following: (i) specific reference to whole-grain consumption; (ii) considering the consumption of legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices often untested when exploring the adherence to the Mediterranean diet; (iii) consumption of eggs and dairy products as common foods consumed in the Mediterranean region (irrespectively of the modern demonization of dietary fat intake). Another main feature of the Mediterranean diet includes (red) wine consumption, but more general patterns of alcohol intake are generally unmeasured, lacking specificity concerning the drinking occasion and intensity (i.e., alcohol drinking during meals). Among other underrated aspects, cooking methods are rather simple and yet extremely varied. Several underrated aspects are related to the quality of food consumed when the Mediterranean diet was first investigated: foods are locally produced, minimally processed, and preserved with more natural methods (i.e., fermentation), strongly connected with the territory with limited and controlled impact on the environment. Dietary habits are also associated with lifestyle behaviors, such as sleeping patterns, and social and cultural values, favoring commensality and frugality. In conclusion, it is rather reductive to consider the Mediterranean diet as just a pattern of food groups to be consumed decontextualized from the social and geographical background of Mediterranean culture. While the methodologies to study the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated to be useful up to date, a more holistic approach should be considered in future studies by considering the aforementioned underrated features and values to be potentially applied globally through the concept of a “Planeterranean” diet. metadata Godos, Justyna; Scazzina, Francesca; Paternò Castello, Corrado; Giampieri, Francesca; Quiles, José L.; Briones Urbano, Mercedes; Battino, Maurizio; Galvano, Fabio; Iacoviello, Licia; de Gaetano, Giovanni; Bonaccio, Marialaura and Grosso, Giuseppe mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es, mercedes.briones@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED (2024) Underrated aspects of a true Mediterranean diet: understanding traditional features for worldwide application of a “Planeterranean” diet. Journal of Translational Medicine, 22 (1). ISSN 1479-5876

Article Subjects > Biomedicine
Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production
University of La Romana > Research > Scientific Production Open English Isoflavones are a group of (poly)phenols, also defined as phytoestrogens, with chemical structures comparable with estrogen, that exert weak estrogenic effects. These phytochemical compounds have been targeted for their proven antioxidant and protective effects. Recognizing the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), there is a growing interest in understanding the potential cardiovascular benefits associated with these phytochemical compounds. Gut microbiota may play a key role in mediating the effects of isoflavones on vascular and endothelial functions, as it is directly implicated in isoflavones metabolism. The findings from randomized clinical trials indicate that isoflavone supplementation may exert putative effects on vascular biomarkers among healthy individuals, but not among patients affected by cardiometabolic disorders. These results might be explained by the enzymatic transformation to which isoflavones are subjected by the gut microbiota, suggesting that a diverse composition of the microbiota may determine the diverse bioavailability of these compounds. Specifically, the conversion of isoflavones in equol—a microbiota-derived metabolite—seems to differ between individuals. Further studies are needed to clarify the intricate molecular mechanisms behind these contrasting results. metadata Laudani, Samuele; Godos, Justyna; Romano, Giovanni Luca; Gozzo, Lucia; Di Domenico, Federica Martina; Dominguez Azpíroz, Irma; Martínez Díaz, Raquel; Giampieri, Francesca; Quiles, José L.; Battino, Maurizio; Drago, Filippo; Galvano, Fabio and Grosso, Giuseppe mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, irma.dominguez@unini.edu.mx, raquel.martinez@uneatlantico.es, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED (2024) Isoflavones Effects on Vascular and Endothelial Outcomes: How Is the Gut Microbiota Involved? Pharmaceuticals, 17 (2). p. 236. ISSN 1424-8247

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books Closed English Manuka honey, which is rich in pinocembrin, quercetin, naringenin, salicylic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids, has been shown to have pleiotropic effects against colon cancer cells. In this study, potential chemosensitizing effects of Manuka honey against 5-Fluorouracil were investigated in colonspheres enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for chemoresistance. Results showed that 5-Fluorouracil increased when it was combined with Manuka honey by downregulating the gene expression of both ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2, an efflux pump and thymidylate synthase, the main target of 5-Fluorouracil which regulates the ex novo DNA synthesis. Manuka honey was associated with decreased self-renewal ability by CSCs, regulating expression of several genes in Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog and Notch pathways. This preliminary study opens new areas of research into the effects of natural compounds in combination with pharmaceuticals and, potentially, increase efficacy or reduce adverse effects. metadata Cianciosi, Danila; Armas Diaz, Yasmany; Alvarez-Suarez, José M.; Chen, Xiumin; Zhang, Di; Martínez López, Nohora Milena; Briones Urbano, Mercedes; Quiles, José L.; Amici, Adolfo; Battino, Maurizio and Giampieri, Francesca mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, nohora.martinez@uneatlantico.es, mercedes.briones@uneatlantico.es, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es (2023) Can the phenolic compounds of Manuka honey chemosensitize colon cancer stem cells? A deep insight into the effect on chemoresistance and self-renewal. Food Chemistry, 427. p. 136684. ISSN 03088146

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books Open English Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acid of the Ω3 series found mainly in vegetables, especially in the fatty part of oilseeds, dried fruit, berries, and legumes. It is very popular for its preventive use in several diseases: It seems to reduce the risk of the onset or decrease some phenomena related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and conditions of dysregulation of the immune response. Recent studies have confirmed these unhealthy situations also in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Different findings (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical ones), summarized and analyzed in this review, have showed an important role of ALA in other various non-COVID physiological and pathological situations against “cytokines storm,” chemokines secretion, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of immune cells that are also involved in the infection of the 2019 novel coronavirus. According to the effects of ALA against all the aforementioned situations (also present in patients with a severe clinical picture of severe acute respiratory syndrome-(CoV-2) infection), there may be the biologic plausibility of a prophylactic effect of this compound against COVID-19 symptoms and fatality. metadata Cianciosi, Danila; Diaz, Yasmany Armas; Gaddi, Antonio Vittorino; Capello, Fabio; Savo, Maria Teresa; Pali-Casanova, Ramón; Martínez Espinosa, Julio César; Pascual Barrera, Alina Eugenia; Navarro‐Hortal, Maria‐Dolores; Tian, Lingmin; Bai, Weibin; Giampieri, Francesca and Battino, Maurizio mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, ramon.pali@unini.edu.mx, ulio.martinez@unini.edu.mx, alina.pascual@unini.edu.mx, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED (2023) Can alpha‐linolenic acid be a modulator of “cytokine storm,” oxidative stress and immune response in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection? Food Frontiers. ISSN 2643-8429

Article Subjects > Biomedicine
Subjects > Engineering Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production Open English In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-mediated technologies have undergone rapid evolution in healthcare and medicine, from apps to computer software able to analyze medical images, robotic surgery and advanced data storage system. The main aim of the present commentary is to briefly describe the evolution of AI and its applications in healthcare, particularly in nutrition and clinical biochemistry. Indeed, AI is revealing itself to be an important tool in clinical nutrition by using telematic means to self-monitor various health metrics, including blood glucose levels, body weight, heart rate, fat percentage, blood pressure, activity tracking and calorie intake trackers. In particular, the application of the most common digital technologies used in the field of nutrition as well as the employment of AI in the management of diabetes and obesity, two of the most common nutrition-related pathologies worldwide, will be presented. metadata Salinari, Alessia; Machì, Michele; Armas Diaz, Yasmany; Cianciosi, Danila; Qi, Zexiu; Yang, Bei; Ferreiro Cotorruelo, Maria Soledad; Gracia Villar, Santos; Dzul López, Luis Alonso; Battino, Maurizio and Giampieri, Francesca mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, santos.gracia@uneatlantico.es, luis.dzul@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es (2023) The Application of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: An Overview on Nutrition Assessment. Diseases, 11 (3). p. 97. ISSN 2079-9721

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books Closed English Diets enriched in plant-based foods are associated with the maintenance of a good well-being and with the prevention of many non-communicable diseases. The health effects of fruits and vegetables consumption are mainly due to the presence of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, and polyphenols, plant secondary metabolites. One of the most important classes of phenolic compounds are anthocyanins, that confer the typical purple-red color to many foods, such as berries, peaches, plums, red onions, purple corn, eggplants, as well as purple carrots, sweet potatoes and red cabbages, among others. This commentary aims to briefly highlight the progress made by science in the last years, focusing on some unexpected aspects related with anthocyanins, such as their bioavailability, their health effects and their relationship with gut microbiota metadata Giampieri, Francesca; Cianciosi, Danila; Alvarez-Suarez, José M.; Quiles, José L.; Forbes-Hernández, Tamara Y.; Navarro-Hortal, María D.; Machì, Michele; Pali-Casanova, Ramón; Martínez Espinosa, Julio César; Chen, Xiumin; Zhang, Di; Bai, Weibin; Lingmin, Tian; Mezzetti, Bruno; Battino, Maurizio and Diaz, Yasmany Armas mail francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, ramon.pali@unini.edu.mx, ulio.martinez@unini.edu.mx, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED (2023) Anthocyanins: what do we know until now? Journal of Berry Research. pp. 1-6. ISSN 18785093

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books
Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production Open English There is growing evidence that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be prevented by reducing risk factors involved in its pathophysiology. Food-derived bioactive molecules can help in the prevention and reduction of the progression of AD. Honey, a good source of antioxidants and bioactive molecules, has been tied to many health benefits, including those from neurological origin. Monofloral avocado honey (AH) has recently been characterized but its biomedical properties are still unknown. The aim of this study is to further its characterization, focusing on the phenolic profile. Moreover, its antioxidant capacity was assayed both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, a deep analysis on the pathophysiological features of AD such as oxidative stress, amyloid-β aggregation, and protein-tau-induced neurotoxicity were evaluated by using the experimental model C. elegans. AH exerted a high antioxidant capacity in vitro and in vivo. No toxicity was found in C. elegans at the dosages used. AH prevented ROS accumulation under AAPH-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, AH exerted a great anti-amyloidogenic capacity, which is relevant from the point of view of AD prevention. AH exacerbated the locomotive impairment in a C. elegans model of tauopathy, although the real contribution of AH remains unclear. The mechanisms under the observed effects might be attributed to an upregulation of daf-16 as well as to a strong ROS scavenging activity. These results increase the interest to study the biomedical applications of AH; however, more research is needed to deepen the mechanisms under the observed effects metadata Romero-Márquez, Jose M.; Navarro-Hortal, María D.; Orantes, Francisco J.; Esteban-Muñoz, Adelaida; Mazas Pérez-Oleaga, Cristina; Battino, Maurizio; Sánchez-González, Cristina; Rivas-García, Lorenzo; Giampieri, Francesca; Quiles, José L. and Forbes-Hernandez, Tamara Y. mail UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, cristina.mazas@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, UNSPECIFIED, UNSPECIFIED, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, jose.quiles@uneatlantico.es, tamara.forbes@unini.edu.mx (2023) In Vivo Anti-Alzheimer and Antioxidant Properties of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Honey from Southern Spain. Antioxidants, 12 (2). p. 404. ISSN 2076-3921

Article Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books Open English It has been hypothesized that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota might be associated with the onset of certain human pathologies, such as Alzheimer disease, a neurodegenerative syndrome associated with cerebral accumulation of amyloid-β fibrils. It has been shown that bacteria populating the gut microbiota can release significant amounts of amyloids and lipopolysaccharides, which might play a role in the modulation of signaling pathways and the production of proinflammatory cytokines related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Additionally, nutrients have been shown to affect the composition of the gut microbiota as well as the formation and aggregation of cerebral amyloid-β. This suggests that modulating the gut microbiome and amyloidogenesis through specific nutritional interventions might prove to be an effective strategy to prevent or reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease. This review examines the possible role of the gut in the dissemination of amyloids, the role of the gut microbiota in the regulation of the gut–brain axis, the potential amyloidogenic properties of gut bacteria, and the possible impact of nutrients on modulation of microbiota composition and amyloid formation in relation to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. metadata Pistollato, Francesca; Sumalla Cano, Sandra; Elío Pascual, Iñaki; Masias Vergara, Manuel; Giampieri, Francesca and Battino, Maurizio mail francesca.pistollato@uneatlantico.es, sandra.sumalla@uneatlantico.es, inaki.elio@uneatlantico.es, manuel.masias@uneatlantico.es, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es (2016) Role of gut microbiota and nutrients in amyloid formation and pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Nutrition Reviews, 74 (10). pp. 624-634. ISSN 0029-6643

Article Subjects > Biomedicine
Subjects > Nutrition Europe University of Atlantic > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production
Ibero-american International University > Research > Articles and Books Closed English In the last decade, specific dietary patterns, mainly characterized by high consumption of vegetables and fruits, have been proven beneficial for the prevention of both metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related dysfunctions and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nowadays, neuroimaging readouts can be used to diagnose AD, investigate MetS effects on brain functionality and anatomy, and assess the effects of dietary supplementations and nutritional patterns in relation to neurodegeneration and AD-related features. Here we review scientific literature describing the use of the most recent neuroimaging techniques to detect AD- and MetS-related brain features, and also to investigate associations between consolidated dietary patterns or nutritional interventions and AD, specifically focusing on observational and intervention studies in humans. metadata Pistollato, Francesca; Sumalla Cano, Sandra; Elío Pascual, Iñaki; Masías Vergara, Manuel; Giampieri, Francesca and Battino, Maurizio mail francesca.pistollato@uneatlantico.es, sandra.sumalla@uneatlantico.es, inaki.elio@uneatlantico.es, manuel.masias@uneatlantico.es, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es (2015) The Use of Neuroimaging to Assess Associations Among Diet, Nutrients, Metabolic Syndrome, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 48 (2). pp. 303-318. ISSN 13872877