Search Results (143)

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) implies different conditions where insulin resistance constitutes a major hallmark of the disease. The disease incurs a high risk for the development of cardiovascular complications, and takes its toll in regard to the gut–liver axis (pancreas, primary liver and colorectal)-associated immunity. The modulation of immunometabolic responses by immunonutritional factors (IFs) has emerged as a key determinant of the gut–liver axis’ metabolic and immune health. IFs from plant seeds have shown in vitro and pre-clinical effectiveness primarily in dealing with various immunometabolic and inflammatory diseases. Only recently have immunonutritional studies established the engagement of innate intestinal immunity to effectively control immune alterations in inflamed livers preceding the major features of the MetS. However, integrative analyses and the demonstration of causality between IFs and specific gut–liver axis-associated immunometabolic imbalances for the MetS remain ill-defined in the field. Herein, a better understanding of the IFs with a significant role in the MetS, as well as within the dynamic interplay in the functional differentiation of innate immune key effectors (i.e., monocytes/macrophages), worsening or improving the disease, could be of crucial relevance. The development of an adequate intermediary phenotype of these cells can significantly contribute to maintaining the function of T_regs and innate lymphoid cells for the prevention and treatment of MetS and associated comorbidities. Full article

Food insecurity (FI) expresses irregular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. We analyze the association between clusters of sociodemographic characteristics and FI in university students from Mexico. The Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale was applied, and household type, socioeconomic status (SES), and the characteristics of the head of the household, among others, were asked in a cross-sectional study. We performed Two-Step cluster analysis and logistic regression models. We included 466 university students (72.5% women, 47% with FI). We identified three clusters; Cluster-1 (n = 163) included a single-parent (37.4%) or co-resident/roommate (27%) household type, middle SES (63.2%); the head of the household is usually a woman (76.1%), single (71.8%), and with bachelor’s degree (41.7%) or less educational level (46.6%). Cluster-2 (n = 144) included the nuclear (89.6%) household type, high SES (76.4%); the head of the household is usually a man (79.2%), in a relationship (99.3%), and with a bachelor’s degree (63.2%) or graduate level (33.3%). Cluster-3 (n = 147) is very similar to Cluster-2. The difference is that Cluster-3 includes middle SES (70.1%), and the head of the household’s educational level is high school or less (100%). Only belonging to Cluster-1 was positively associated with FI (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.24, 3.09). These results show the interrelationships between multiple sociodemographic characteristics and should contribute to developing interventions that simultaneously address numerous sociodemographic factors to diminish FI in university students. Full article

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of different chronic diseases with immunonutritional markers in the senior population. Methods: this study included 1190 hospitalized geriatric patients. The criteria to participate were ability to communicate, given consent and C-reactive protein (CRP) lower than 6 mg/dL. Results: the mean age of the study population was 81.7 ± 7.6 years. NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), LMR (lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio), MWR (monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio), SII (systemic immune–inflammation index), PNI (prognostic nutritional index) and CAR (C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio) were related to age. NLR and MWR were higher, while LMR, PLR (platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and SII were lower in men. All markers were related to BMI. NLR, LMR, LCR (lymphocyte-to-CRP ratio), MWR, PNI and CAR were related to several concomitant chronic diseases. In multivariate analyses, age and BMI were selected as independent predictors of all studied immunonutritional markers. Atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus and dementia appear most often in the models. PNI presented the most consistent statistical association with age, BMI and concomitant chronic diseases. Conclusions: this study reveals the pivotal role of aging and BMI in inflammatory marker levels and the association of immunonutritional markers with different chronic diseases. Atrial fibrillation seems to have the most dominant connection to the immunonutritional markers. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of breastfeeding in providing passive immunity to infants via specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk. We aimed to quantify these antibodies across different lactation stages and identify influencing factors. This prospective study involved mother–child dyads from Innsbruck University Hospital, Austria, with a positive maternal SARS-CoV-2 test during pregnancy or peripartum between 2020 and 2023. We collected breast milk samples at various lactation stages and analyzed anti-Spike S1 receptor-binding domain (S1RBD) immunoglobulins (Ig). Maternal and neonatal data were obtained from interviews and medical records. This study included 140 mothers and 144 neonates. Anti-S1RBD-IgA (72.0%), -IgG (86.0%), and -IgM (41.7%) were highly present in colostrum and decreased as milk matured. Mothers with natural infection and vaccination exhibited higher anti-S1RBD-IgA and -IgG titers in all milk stages. Mothers with moderate to severe infections had higher concentrations of anti-S1RBD-IgA and -IgG in transitional milk and higher anti-S1RBD-IgA and -IgM in mature milk compared to those with mild or asymptomatic infections. Variations in antibody responses were also observed with preterm birth and across different virus waves. This study demonstrates the dynamic nature of breast milk Ig and underscores the importance of breastfeeding during a pandemic. Full article

Background: Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) are crucial for supporting the nutritional needs of pediatric populations, particularly those with medical conditions or dietary deficiencies. Bioactive compounds within ONSs play a pivotal role in enhancing health outcomes by exerting various physiological effects beyond basic nutrition. However, the comprehensive understanding of these bioactives in pediatric ONSs remains elusive. Objective: This systematic narrative review aims to critically evaluate the existing literature concerning bioactive compounds present in oral nutritional supplements from a pediatric standpoint, focusing on their types, sources, bioavailability, physiological effects, and clinical implications. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across the major academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, employing predefined search terms related to oral nutritional supplements, bioactives, and pediatrics. Studies published between 2013 and 2024 were considered eligible for inclusion. Data extraction and synthesis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results: The initial search yielded 558 of articles, of which 72 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies encompassed a diverse range of bioactive compounds present in pediatric ONS formulations, including, but not limited to, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, and phytonutrients. These bioactives were sourced from various natural and synthetic origins and were found to exert beneficial effects on growth, development, immune function, gastrointestinal health, cognitive function, and overall well-being in pediatric populations. However, variations in bioavailability, dosing, and clinical efficacy were noted across different compounds and formulations. Conclusions: Bioactive compounds in oral nutritional supplements offer promising avenues for addressing the unique nutritional requirements and health challenges faced by pediatric populations. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the optimal composition, dosage, and clinical applications of these bioactives in pediatric ONS formulations. A deeper understanding of these bioactive compounds and their interplay with pediatric health may pave the way for personalized and effective nutritional interventions in pediatric clinical practice. Full article

Immunonutrition, which focuses on specific nutrients in breast milk and post-weaning diets, plays a crucial role in supporting infants’ immune system development. This study explored the impact of maternal supplementation with Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and a combination of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharide (scGOS) and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharide (lcFOS) from pregnancy through lactation, extending into the early childhood of the offspring. The synbiotic supplementation’s effects were examined at both mucosal and systemic levels. While the supplementation did not influence their overall growth, water intake, or food consumption, a trophic effect was observed in the small intestine, enhancing its weight, length, width, and microscopic structures. A gene expression analysis indicated a reduction in FcRn and Blimp1 and an increase in Zo1 and Tlr9, suggesting enhanced maturation and barrier function. Intestinal immunoglobulin (Ig) A levels remained unaffected, while cecal IgA levels decreased. The synbiotic supplementation led to an increased abundance of total bacteria and Ig-coated bacteria in the cecum. The abundance of Bifidobacterium increased in both the intestine and cecum. Short-chain fatty acid production decreased in the intestine but increased in the cecum due to the synbiotic supplementation. Systemically, the Ig profiles remained unaffected. In conclusion, maternal synbiotic supplementation during gestation, lactation, and early life is established as a new strategy to improve the maturation and functionality of the gastrointestinal barrier. Additionally, it participates in the microbiota colonization of the gut, leading to a healthier composition. Full article

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is an under-exploited crop with great potential due to its nutritional and medicinal characteristics. A Sacha inchi protein isolate (SII), obtained from defatted Sacha inchi flour (SIF), was hydrolyzed by Bioprotease LA 660 under specific conditions. The hydrolysates were characterized chemically, and their digestibility and antioxidant capacity were evaluated by in vitro cell-free experiments to select the hydrolysate with major antioxidant activity. Sacha inchi protein hydrolysate at 20 min (SIH20B) was selected, and the anti-inflammatory capacity was evaluated by RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques, using two different doses in monocytes THP-1 stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results obtained showed that the in vitro administration of SIH20B down-regulated the TNF-α gene and reduced the release of this cytokine, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 were up-regulated in LPS-stimulated monocytes and co-administrated with SIH20B. The peptides contained in SIH20B were identified, and the 20 more relatively abundant peptides with a mass by 1 kDa were subjected to in silico analysis to hypothesize those that could be responsible for the bioactivity reported in the hydrolysate. From the identified peptides, the peptides AAGALKKFL and LGVKFKGGL, among others, are proposed as the most biologically actives. In conclusion, SIH20B is a novel, natural source of high-value-added biopeptides that could be used as an ingredient in formulations of food or nutraceutical compounds. Full article

Cereals are an important source of nutrients, especially used in complementary feeding. The objective of this study is to review the nutritional composition of cereal-based foods for infants from 4 months and toddlers that are offered in Spain and Ecuador, countries selected because of the opportunity to work in them, and due to their socio-economic differences (industrialized and developing countries, respectively). The number of these products was 105 cereals in Spain and 22 in Ecuador. The products were classified as gluten-free cereals, five cereals, eight cereals, multigrain cereals, and cookies. A 25 g serving was used to determine the percentage in which the samples analyzed can cover the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for micronutrients in infants from 7 months and toddlers according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Nutritional information per 100 g of dry product was collected according to medium, minimum, and maximum units, and nutrient density was calculated. The age range in which these products are recommended is different in both countries. The nutritional composition presents some differences; Spanish cereals show a lower content of sodium, added sugars, hydrolyzed cereals, and maltodextrin than Ecuadorian cereals. Commercialized cereals could contribute to satisfying the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers; however, they can also be a source of non-recommended components. Full article

Lung cancer presents significant therapeutic challenges, motivating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. Programmed cell death (PCD) mechanisms, encompassing apoptosis, autophagy, and programmed necrosis, are pivotal in lung cancer pathogenesis and the treatment response. Dysregulation of these pathways contributes to tumor progression and therapy resistance. Immunonutrition, employing specific nutrients to modulate immune function, and metabolic reprogramming, a hallmark of cancer cells, offer promising avenues for intervention. Nutritional interventions, such as omega-3 fatty acids, exert modulatory effects on PCD pathways in cancer cells, while targeting metabolic pathways implicated in apoptosis regulation represents a compelling therapeutic approach. Clinical evidence supports the role of immunonutritional interventions, including omega-3 fatty acids, in augmenting PCD and enhancing treatment outcomes in patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, synthetic analogs of natural compounds, such as resveratrol, demonstrate promising anticancer properties by modulating apoptotic signaling pathways. This review underscores the convergence of immunonutrition, metabolism, and PCD pathways in lung cancer biology, emphasizing the potential for therapeutic exploration in this complex disease. Further elucidation of the specific molecular mechanisms governing these interactions is imperative for translating these findings into clinical practice and improving lung cancer management. Full article

Background/Aim: Nutrition is a key element of the prehabilitation process prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical pathways of nutritional prehabilitation before cystectomy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus and the Web of Science databases. Quality and risk of bias assessment was conducted adhering to the JBI framework and evidence was evaluated according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine levels of evidence. Results: Out of 586 records identified, six studies were included. Among them, only two were randomized controlled trials. Immunonutrition has been shown to improve postoperative bowel function (3.12 vs. 3.74 days; RR 0.82; CI, 0.73–0.93; p = 0.0029) and decrease postoperative complications (−36.7%; p = 0.008) and readmission rates (−15.38%; p = 0.03). Furthermore, oral nutritional supplements combined with nutritional counseling demonstrated an accelerated recovery of bowel function (−1 day; p < 0.01), a reduction in the length of hospital stay (−1.75 days; p = 0.01), an improvement in handgrip strength (+6.8%, p < 0.001), an increase in bone mass (+0.3 kg, p = 0.04), and a better BMI value (+2.3%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Nutritional prehabilitation demonstrates potential in enhancing postoperative outcomes following radical cystectomy. Oral supplements, immunonutrition, and counseling exhibit efficacy in improving postoperative results. Full article

Due to the high death rate associated with gastric cancer, a great deal of research has been conducted on this disease. The goal of this paper was to start a trimestral review of 2024 for the year that had just started. The scientific literature from 1 January 2024 was chosen with consideration of the the guidelines of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), which are updated with new findings but not systematically reviewed annually. We used the search term “gastric cancer” to find the most current publications in the PubMed database related to the prognosis and treatment of gastric cancer. As previously said, the only articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria were those from 2024. Articles with case reports were eliminated since they had nothing to do with our research. The treatment of gastric cancer is the focus of the majority of articles from 2024. The primary research axes include surgery and immunonutrition, immunotherapy and Helicobacter pylori, and therapeutic targets. Patients with GC may experience less psychological, social, and financial hardship if the recently identified markers discovered in circulation are better assessed and validated. This could be achieved by either including the markers in an artificial intelligence-based diagnostic score or by using them in conjunction with traditional diagnostic methods. Due to the rising death rate associated with GC, funding for research into diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and therapeutic targets is essential. Full article

Background: In recent years, whole blood parameters and derivatives have been used as prognostic criteria in the course of various diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between parameters such as the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, nutritional risk index (NRI) and immunonutrition status and disease activity in patients with ischemic stroke of the small-vessel, large-vessel and other etiologies. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 1454 consecutive ischemic stroke patients hospitalized in the emergency department of Gaziosmanpasa Education and Research Hospital from 2019 to 2023. Results: Of the 1350 patients with ischemic stroke included in the study, 58.8% had small-vessel disease, 29.3% had large-vessel disease and 11.9% had other etiologies. There was a significant difference between the three etiology groups for PNI and CONUT. The mean of PNI was 47.30 ± 8.06 in the other etiology group, 37.25 ± 7.23 in the small-vessel group, and 34.78 ± 8.16 in the large-vessel disease group. The mean of CONUT was 5.49 ± 1.20 in the small-vessel group, 5.12 ± 1.46 in the large-vessel group and 4.22 ± 1.11 in the other etiology group. In addition, CONUT and PNI were also found to be independent risk factors for mortality. A negative significant correlation was observed between PNI and NLR (r: −0.692), SII (r: −0.591), and CONUT (r: −0.511). Significant correlations were observed between CONUT and NLR (r: 0.402), SII (r: 0.312). Conclusions: PNI, CONUT and NRI were found as more accurate prognostic indicators of nutritional status in patients with ischemic stroke. NLR and SII may be important predictive markers in the course and prognosis of stroke. Full article

Radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymph node dissection is the standard treatment for patients with limited-stage muscle-invasive bladder cancer. RC is associated with a complication rate of approximately 50–88%. Immunonutrition (IMN) refers to the administration of substrates, such as omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, glutamine, and nucleotides, that modulate the immune response. IMN has been associated with improved outcomes following surgery for esophagogastric, colorectal and pancreatic cancer. In this paper, we describe a study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, open-label clinical trial to evaluate the effect of IMN in patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer. A 7-day preoperative course of IMN is compared with a standard high-calorie high-protein oral nutritional supplement. The primary outcome of this study is the rate of complications (infectious, wound-related, gastrointestinal, and urinary complications) in the first 30 days after RC. Secondary outcomes include time to recovery of bowel function and postoperative mobilisation, changes in muscle strength and body weight, biochemical modifications, need for blood transfusion, length of stay, readmission rate, and mortality. The results of this study may provide new insights into the impact of IMN on postoperative outcomes after RC and may help improve IMN prescribing based on patient nutritional status parameters. Full article