Background: Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that analysis of the polyunsaturated fat... more Background: Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that analysis of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is essential to evaluate nutritional requirements and disease risk. We describe a simple, sensitive and non-invasive method for estimating the n-3 index and arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio in dried blood spots (DBSs). Experimental: After obtaining DBSs on a spot card, PUFAs were transesterified (direct, acidic transesterification) and subsequently extracted with n-hexane. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to analyze the extracted PUFAs, and then n-3 index and AA/EPA ratio were calculated. Method validation showed satisfactory precision and linearity. Conclusion: This analysis is simple and reliable to estimate PUFA status, and it was successfully applied to samples from 20 subjects, demonstrating its applicability.
Background: NMR metabonomic of EBC significantly divide healthy from COPD patients, identifying s... more Background: NMR metabonomic of EBC significantly divide healthy from COPD patients, identifying specific profiles linked to cellular oxidative pattern.Curcumin is a recognized anti-oxidant agent in biochemical cellular balance.As it is still unknown if the pattern recognized by NMR metabonomic spectroscopy in COPD is sensitive to exogenous nutrients, in this preliminary open label study we evaluated the effect of daily oral administration of an herbal preparation containing high dosage of curcumin (HPC) on EBC in COPD patients. Materials and methods: 10 COPD (8 M, age 63.3±7.9) were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 12 weeks (T1) of oral administration of HPC once a day collecting each visit EBC, clinical score (BSCN) and spirometry. Results: EBC collected from each patient (T0 and T1) were different in NMR spectra profiles and in comparison with spectra of a HPC. Notably, a completely different profile is observed in T1 patients, with many new resonances appearing. Moreover, 2 patients examined two months after T1 demonstrated EBC profiles similar to those at baseline. Among clinical parameters BSCN score was 4.9±0.9 at T0 and 7.5±1.0 at T1, while FEV1 values resulted slightly but not significantly increased at T1. Conclusions: NMR metabonomic is a sensitive method to explore nutriceutic effects of exogenous antioxidant on EBC in patients affected by COPD.
Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2021
Epidemiological evidence has confirmed the potential causal relationship between specific dietary... more Epidemiological evidence has confirmed the potential causal relationship between specific dietary factors and non-communicable diseases. However, currently nutrition was shown to be insufficiently integrated into medical education, regardless of the country. Without an adequate nutrition education, it is reasonable to assume that future physicians, as well as other health care professionals, will be not able to provide the highest quality care to patients in preventing and treating non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the insufficient availability of physicians with specializations in nutrition has posed the basis for the development of non-medical careers in the field of nutrition. The present document was drafting by the Italian College of Academic Nutritionists, MED-49 (ICAN-49), with the aim to provide an overview on the nutritional competency standards covered by several health care professionals (Physicians Clinical Nutrition Specialists, Clinical Dietitians, Professional Clinical Nutrition Specialists, etc) for the prevention of diseases and/or support of pharmacological therapies. The aim of the ICAN 49 is to suggest a major shift in practice opportunities and roles for many nutritionists, especially for the management of the metabolic diseases, and promote a paradigm change: a clinical and educational leadership role for Physician Clinical Nutrition Specialists in the hospital setting.
Due to the progressive aging of the population and to the age-associated increase in its incidenc... more Due to the progressive aging of the population and to the age-associated increase in its incidence, Alzheimer's disease (AD) will become in near future one of the major challenges that healthcare systems will have to face with in developed countries. Since the pathophysiological process of AD is thought to begin many years before the clinical diagnosis of dementia, in theory there is an opportunity for preventive therapeutic interventions. In recent years, there has been a growing interest, supported by a large number of experimental and epidemiological studies, in the beneficial effects of some natural compounds in preventing various age-related pathologic conditions, including brain aging and neurodegeneration. Homotaurine, a small aminosulfonate compound that is present in different species of marine red algae, has been shown, in both in vitro and in vivo models, to provide a relevant neuroprotective effect by its specific anti- amyloid activity and by its γ-aminobutyric acid...
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that virtually all cell functions are regulated by the c... more Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that virtually all cell functions are regulated by the changes in the cytosolic free Ca 2+ concentration. Ca 2+ signals within cells can be local or global, can involve waves, oscillations, or even more-complex patterns, and can be modulated in terms of both amplitude and frequency. In mammals, many glial cells contain an elaborate endoplasmic reticulum. Associated with this membrane network are pumps for Ca 2+ uptake, that, as in other cells, are inhibited by thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid. The membranous network also contains Ca 2+ -binding proteins for Ca 2+ storage and channels for Ca 2+ induced calcium release. These include the ubiquitous IP 3 receptors and, in many cells, the ryanodine receptors. The chapter reviews that in glia, the major mechanism for Ca 2+ release from internal stores involves activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) gated Ca 2+ release channels (IP 3 receptors). It discusses that the regulation of IP 3 receptors is complex with alternative splicing of at least three different isoforms, posttranslational modification of IP 3 R by phosphorylation, and interaction with adenine nucleotides, calcium, and immunophilins or FK506 binding proteins. The mitochondria and calcium storage proteins also function as high-capacity storage sites for calcium. Other calcium binding proteins play important roles in cell signaling, maintenance of the cytoskeleton, and apoptosis.
The products of vitagenes such as heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32, heme oxygenase 1) and Hsp70, the ... more The products of vitagenes such as heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32, heme oxygenase 1) and Hsp70, the family of inducible cytoprotective proteins regulated by the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, and small molecule antioxidants such as glutathione provide the cell with powerful means to counteract and survive various conditions of stress. Among these protective systems, the heat shock proteins represent a highly conserved and robust way for preservation of correct protein conformation, recovery of damaged proteins, and cell survival. Their regulation is dependent on the redox status of the cell, thus redox regulation is rapidly evolving as an important metabolic modulator of cellular functions, and is being increasingly implicated in many chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Protein thiols play a key role in redox sensing, and regulation of cellular redox state is crucial mediator of multiple metabolic, signalling and transcriptional processes in the brain. Nitric oxide, and reactive nitrogen species induce the transcription of vitagenes and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE-dependent genes whose functional products protect against a wide array of subsequent challenges. Emerging interest is now focusing on exogenous small molecules that are capable of activating these systems as a novel target to minimize deleterious consequences associated with free radical-induced cell damage, such as during neurodegeneration. This chapter describes methods that can be used to assess the expression of heat shock proteins and the cellular glutathione redox status and discusses their relevance to mechanisms modulating the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Increasing evidence suggests that Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) play a central role in ethanol i... more Increasing evidence suggests that Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) play a central role in ethanol induced organ damage. In the current study we measured FAEE formation in rats after short-term oral administration of ethanol, in the presence and absence of pre-treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine. Ethanol treatment caused a significant increase in the levels of FAEE, particularly in the brain and heart,
Recently, it has been proposed that neurofibromin (NF1) forms a binding complex with amyloid prec... more Recently, it has been proposed that neurofibromin (NF1) forms a binding complex with amyloid precursor protein (APP) that interacts with the dopamine D(3) receptor (D(3)R). In the present study we investigated whether the absence of the D(3)R is correlated to modifications in the expression of both NF1 and APP. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses of both transcripts showed that NF1 mRNA levels were significantly reduced whereas APP levels were strikingly increased in D(3)R knock-out (D(3)R KO) as compared to wild type (WT) mice brains. Western blot analyses using mice whole brains produced comparable results with those obtained by mRNA measurements. Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses revealed a similar brain regional distribution of APP protein in the hippocampus, in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex of D(3)R KO mice. Conversely, hippocampal NF1 immunoreactivity did not seem to be affected by the absence of D(3)Rs. Further analyses confirmed that regional NF1 protein expression in the hippocampus was not affected by the absence of the D(3)R, whereas APP levels were still increased in this specific brain region. In conclusion, these results show the existence of a correlation among the D(3)R, NF1 and APP in mice brains and thus show the regional-specific regulation of NF1 in brains of D(3)R KO, which may contribute to gain insights into the comprehension of novel underlying mechanisms that regulate brain function.
Background: Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that analysis of the polyunsaturated fat... more Background: Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that analysis of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is essential to evaluate nutritional requirements and disease risk. We describe a simple, sensitive and non-invasive method for estimating the n-3 index and arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratio in dried blood spots (DBSs). Experimental: After obtaining DBSs on a spot card, PUFAs were transesterified (direct, acidic transesterification) and subsequently extracted with n-hexane. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to analyze the extracted PUFAs, and then n-3 index and AA/EPA ratio were calculated. Method validation showed satisfactory precision and linearity. Conclusion: This analysis is simple and reliable to estimate PUFA status, and it was successfully applied to samples from 20 subjects, demonstrating its applicability.
Background: NMR metabonomic of EBC significantly divide healthy from COPD patients, identifying s... more Background: NMR metabonomic of EBC significantly divide healthy from COPD patients, identifying specific profiles linked to cellular oxidative pattern.Curcumin is a recognized anti-oxidant agent in biochemical cellular balance.As it is still unknown if the pattern recognized by NMR metabonomic spectroscopy in COPD is sensitive to exogenous nutrients, in this preliminary open label study we evaluated the effect of daily oral administration of an herbal preparation containing high dosage of curcumin (HPC) on EBC in COPD patients. Materials and methods: 10 COPD (8 M, age 63.3±7.9) were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 12 weeks (T1) of oral administration of HPC once a day collecting each visit EBC, clinical score (BSCN) and spirometry. Results: EBC collected from each patient (T0 and T1) were different in NMR spectra profiles and in comparison with spectra of a HPC. Notably, a completely different profile is observed in T1 patients, with many new resonances appearing. Moreover, 2 patients examined two months after T1 demonstrated EBC profiles similar to those at baseline. Among clinical parameters BSCN score was 4.9±0.9 at T0 and 7.5±1.0 at T1, while FEV1 values resulted slightly but not significantly increased at T1. Conclusions: NMR metabonomic is a sensitive method to explore nutriceutic effects of exogenous antioxidant on EBC in patients affected by COPD.
Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2021
Epidemiological evidence has confirmed the potential causal relationship between specific dietary... more Epidemiological evidence has confirmed the potential causal relationship between specific dietary factors and non-communicable diseases. However, currently nutrition was shown to be insufficiently integrated into medical education, regardless of the country. Without an adequate nutrition education, it is reasonable to assume that future physicians, as well as other health care professionals, will be not able to provide the highest quality care to patients in preventing and treating non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the insufficient availability of physicians with specializations in nutrition has posed the basis for the development of non-medical careers in the field of nutrition. The present document was drafting by the Italian College of Academic Nutritionists, MED-49 (ICAN-49), with the aim to provide an overview on the nutritional competency standards covered by several health care professionals (Physicians Clinical Nutrition Specialists, Clinical Dietitians, Professional Clinical Nutrition Specialists, etc) for the prevention of diseases and/or support of pharmacological therapies. The aim of the ICAN 49 is to suggest a major shift in practice opportunities and roles for many nutritionists, especially for the management of the metabolic diseases, and promote a paradigm change: a clinical and educational leadership role for Physician Clinical Nutrition Specialists in the hospital setting.
Due to the progressive aging of the population and to the age-associated increase in its incidenc... more Due to the progressive aging of the population and to the age-associated increase in its incidence, Alzheimer's disease (AD) will become in near future one of the major challenges that healthcare systems will have to face with in developed countries. Since the pathophysiological process of AD is thought to begin many years before the clinical diagnosis of dementia, in theory there is an opportunity for preventive therapeutic interventions. In recent years, there has been a growing interest, supported by a large number of experimental and epidemiological studies, in the beneficial effects of some natural compounds in preventing various age-related pathologic conditions, including brain aging and neurodegeneration. Homotaurine, a small aminosulfonate compound that is present in different species of marine red algae, has been shown, in both in vitro and in vivo models, to provide a relevant neuroprotective effect by its specific anti- amyloid activity and by its γ-aminobutyric acid...
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that virtually all cell functions are regulated by the c... more Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that virtually all cell functions are regulated by the changes in the cytosolic free Ca 2+ concentration. Ca 2+ signals within cells can be local or global, can involve waves, oscillations, or even more-complex patterns, and can be modulated in terms of both amplitude and frequency. In mammals, many glial cells contain an elaborate endoplasmic reticulum. Associated with this membrane network are pumps for Ca 2+ uptake, that, as in other cells, are inhibited by thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid. The membranous network also contains Ca 2+ -binding proteins for Ca 2+ storage and channels for Ca 2+ induced calcium release. These include the ubiquitous IP 3 receptors and, in many cells, the ryanodine receptors. The chapter reviews that in glia, the major mechanism for Ca 2+ release from internal stores involves activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) gated Ca 2+ release channels (IP 3 receptors). It discusses that the regulation of IP 3 receptors is complex with alternative splicing of at least three different isoforms, posttranslational modification of IP 3 R by phosphorylation, and interaction with adenine nucleotides, calcium, and immunophilins or FK506 binding proteins. The mitochondria and calcium storage proteins also function as high-capacity storage sites for calcium. Other calcium binding proteins play important roles in cell signaling, maintenance of the cytoskeleton, and apoptosis.
The products of vitagenes such as heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32, heme oxygenase 1) and Hsp70, the ... more The products of vitagenes such as heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32, heme oxygenase 1) and Hsp70, the family of inducible cytoprotective proteins regulated by the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, and small molecule antioxidants such as glutathione provide the cell with powerful means to counteract and survive various conditions of stress. Among these protective systems, the heat shock proteins represent a highly conserved and robust way for preservation of correct protein conformation, recovery of damaged proteins, and cell survival. Their regulation is dependent on the redox status of the cell, thus redox regulation is rapidly evolving as an important metabolic modulator of cellular functions, and is being increasingly implicated in many chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Protein thiols play a key role in redox sensing, and regulation of cellular redox state is crucial mediator of multiple metabolic, signalling and transcriptional processes in the brain. Nitric oxide, and reactive nitrogen species induce the transcription of vitagenes and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE-dependent genes whose functional products protect against a wide array of subsequent challenges. Emerging interest is now focusing on exogenous small molecules that are capable of activating these systems as a novel target to minimize deleterious consequences associated with free radical-induced cell damage, such as during neurodegeneration. This chapter describes methods that can be used to assess the expression of heat shock proteins and the cellular glutathione redox status and discusses their relevance to mechanisms modulating the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Increasing evidence suggests that Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) play a central role in ethanol i... more Increasing evidence suggests that Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) play a central role in ethanol induced organ damage. In the current study we measured FAEE formation in rats after short-term oral administration of ethanol, in the presence and absence of pre-treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine. Ethanol treatment caused a significant increase in the levels of FAEE, particularly in the brain and heart,
Recently, it has been proposed that neurofibromin (NF1) forms a binding complex with amyloid prec... more Recently, it has been proposed that neurofibromin (NF1) forms a binding complex with amyloid precursor protein (APP) that interacts with the dopamine D(3) receptor (D(3)R). In the present study we investigated whether the absence of the D(3)R is correlated to modifications in the expression of both NF1 and APP. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses of both transcripts showed that NF1 mRNA levels were significantly reduced whereas APP levels were strikingly increased in D(3)R knock-out (D(3)R KO) as compared to wild type (WT) mice brains. Western blot analyses using mice whole brains produced comparable results with those obtained by mRNA measurements. Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses revealed a similar brain regional distribution of APP protein in the hippocampus, in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex of D(3)R KO mice. Conversely, hippocampal NF1 immunoreactivity did not seem to be affected by the absence of D(3)Rs. Further analyses confirmed that regional NF1 protein expression in the hippocampus was not affected by the absence of the D(3)R, whereas APP levels were still increased in this specific brain region. In conclusion, these results show the existence of a correlation among the D(3)R, NF1 and APP in mice brains and thus show the regional-specific regulation of NF1 in brains of D(3)R KO, which may contribute to gain insights into the comprehension of novel underlying mechanisms that regulate brain function.
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