Nutrimentum et Curae

Impact of diet on cardiometabolic risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Domenico Basta — 2024-04-12

BACKGROUND. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is

a serious condition associated with increased morbidity

and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

It has been found that OSA and obesity commonly

coexist. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine

recommends diet-induced weight loss and exercise as

lifestyle treatment options for OA. Epidemiological

studies show that sleep apnea leads to increased risk

factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension,

obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Fermentative production, comparative characterization with carrots, and functional analysis of β-carotene produced from Rhodotorulla toruloids Author name.

BAHAA HADI — 2024-12-02

Abstract

Beta-carotene is the most widely demanded red-orange colored pigment having several applications in the food, cosmetic, and dying industries. Synthetic pigments pose serious side effects leading to the need for natural alternatives. In this study, β-carotene was extracted from fungi, and carrots. The confirmation and characterization of β-carotene was carried out via spectrophotometry, Thin Layer chromatography, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Finally, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the pigment were identified and its application as a dye was tested. The isolated yeast strain was identified as

Rhodotorulla toruloids. Submerged fermentation of R. toruloids in YPD medium (wit 4% Dextrose) produced maximum biomass (0.6g/L) at 25°C. Using chloroform and methanol, 0.36g/L β-carotene yield was obtained. The R. toruloids extracted β-carotene showed the highest antibacterial potential against Salmonella sp. with 25.3+0.3 mm inhibition zones as compared to that of carrot extracted β-carotene i.e., 20.3+0.26mm. The DPPH analysis also revealed R. toruloids derived β-carotene as a strong antioxidant. The R. toruloids extracted βcarotene also cast a strong red color on cotton indicating it as a suitable candidate for organic dye. It is concluded from this study that β-carotene extracted from R. toruloids showed better antimicrobial and antioxidant potential along with its efficient ability to dye cotton as compared to the carrot’s β-carotene. Hence,

R. toruloids, being easily available and cost-effective production can prove better β-carotene source as compared to carrots.

Alcohol related disease

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Alcohol related disease

Effectiveness and speed in reducing cardiovascular risk with nutritional intervention in a cohort of Italian women

Domenico Basta — 2024-01-16

Background

Nutritional intervention based on the Mediterranean Diet is effective in significantly reducing, in a relatively short time, the cardiovascular risk in a population of Italian women. Given the absence of contraindications, the Mediterranean diet is an unparalleled tool in preventive and clinical medicine.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of nutritional intervention based on the Mediterranean Diet in the reduction over a period of one year of risk factors for cardio-vascular diseases.
Methods

The study sample consisted of 97 Italian women (mean age 46.09 ± 13.8 years) who voluntarily underwent dietary evaluation and haematochemical analyses, blood pressure measurement and measurement of anthropometric parameters. Follow-up was carried out with repetition of the same examinations one year later during which a Mediterranean diet was followed.

Results

One year after the start of the diet, blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides were significantly reduced; similarly, there was a significant reduction in BMI and a normalization of systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
Conclusion

These results are of considerable importance for public health, because this preventive and therapeutic dietary model remains can be easily adopted by all population groups and various cultures given the absence of contraindications.

Fracture risk, bone density and vitamin D in diabetic women

Celestino Letizia — 2024-07-29

BACKGROUND. Aging is associated with the increasing
prevalence of both type 2 diabetes mellitus
and osteoporosis, especially in the elderly and female
population.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS. We conducted a study
to evaluate the correlation between vitamin D deficiency,
type 2 diabetes (DMT2), and osteoporosis in a
group of Italian women aged 40 to 75 years, comparing
biochemical-clinical parameters, anthropometric
parameters, and results of instrumental investigations,
such as the MOC-DEXA examination.
RESULTS. The results show a lower bone mineral
density and, consequently, an increased risk of osteoporosis
fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes (DMT2).
The responsible mechanism is particularly complex
and not yet fully clarified. In addition, there is a negative
correlation between plasma levels of vitamin D
(25(OH)D) and an increase in insulin resistance with
an increase in blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); in
other words, there is a higher mean vitamin D value in
non-diabetic patients than in the population of women
with diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS. Vitamin D deficiency plays a key
role in the development of insulin resistance as well
as in the development of osteoporosis and, in patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is a greater loss of
bone matrix integrity and consequently there is a significant
increase in the risk of bone fracture. This figure
is significant for future preventive and therapeutic
clinical choices.

Is AUD the same for everyone? The different typologies of AUD patients

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Is AUD the same for everyone? The different typologies of AUD patients

Treatment of AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder): the role of psychosocial approaches considering neuroplasticity and trauma aspects

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Treatment of AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder): the role of psychosocial approaches considering neuroplasticity and trauma aspects

Alcohol in Europe: epidemiology, policies and sustainable health targets to fill the gaps of prevention

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Scafato

Neuroendocrine pathways in alcohol use disorder: opportunities to develop biomarkers for alcohol craving?

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Neuroendocrine pathways in alcohol use disorder: opportunities to develop biomarkers for alcohol craving?

IMPACT OF NON-CANCER RELATED MALNUTRITION ON BONE METABOLISM

Valeria Maccauro — 2024-06-28

Malnutrition, defined as an imbalanced nutritional intake due to different causes, still represents an open issue for clinicians. Cancer is the leading cause of malnutrition, even though other forms of nutritional chronic deficits as obesity, sarcopenia, aging and undernutrition should also been considered as important factors in non-oncological patients.

Malnutrition can damage all body systems: in particular, on bone it determinates a reduction in mineral density and an alteration of microarchitecture, thus enhancing the risk of pathological fractures. Therefore, avoiding malnutrition by a correct life-style approach appears to be necessary to ameliorate bone health, even though the best dietary habit is not fully established.

The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the pathological alteration of bone metabolism induced by non-cancer related malnutrition and the effect of different dietary habits on nutrients deficiencies and on bone architecture to suggest the best clinical practice to restore normal bone structure in malnourished patients.

Alcohol and cancer: the role of cytochrome P4502E1

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Alcohol and cancer: the role of cytochrome P4502E1

Investigating the Effects of Biofortified Wheat Flour on Plasma Zinc, Selenium, and Enterobacteria in Pediatric Populations

usama usama — 2024-06-04

Introduction: Zinc and Selenium deficiency affects 39% children in Pakistan, according to the recent National Nutritional Survey 2011. Keeping in view deficiency states of zinc in our population, interventional strategies have been employed such as fortification of cereals, food products, and zinc preparations in suspension forms. Zinc biofortification is a better option as wheat flour is most common and easily assessed food in resource-poor settings compared to the other fortification methods. Although zinc has been used in the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea, the relationship of plasma zinc status with potentially pathogenic bacteria has not been studied.

Objective: Primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of zinc biofortified wheat flour on plasma zinc and selenium status in resource-poor rural settings of Peshawar where wheat is a major food staple. Furthermore, the secondary objective was to observe the relationship of change in zinc and selenium concentration (with biofortified wheat flour) with absolute quantities of potentially pathogenic gut bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni.

Study design & Setting: Children aged 5-10 years (n=10) were randomly allocated into a control group (n=5) or an intervention group (n=5). The study was pilot randomized control parallel trial in rural area of Peshawar.

Methods: Dietary zinc intake was assessed using 24 hours’ dietary recall, Plasma zinc and selenium status were analyzed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry ICP-MS and Enterobacteria (Campylobacter jejuni) was amplified with TaqMan probes and primers through 7500 Real-Time qPCR.

Results: No difference in the plasma zinc and selenium levels was observed in pre- and post-intervention (918.0 µg/L & 90.7 µg/L VS 880.9 µg/L & 78.5 µg/L). Similarly, no significant difference in the change in plasma zinc (ΔZn = 37.1 µg/L) and selenium (ΔSe = 12.2 µg/L) was observed between the two groups. 16S RNA gene qPCR amplification of Campylobacter jejuni was negative in all the samples from both the groups before and after the intervention.

Conclusion: Biofortified flour consumption did not affect plasma zinc and selenium status although this may be because of a small sample size. Large community-based studies are needed to study the effectiveness of this intervention.

Effects of temperature and Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-culture on mycotoxins stability and decontamination in wheat

Khurram Abbas — 2024-09-11

Background: Mycotoxins found in cereals have adverse effects on animals, humans, and agricultural products, posing significant health risks and affecting the marketability of wheat products.

Aim: This study aimed to identify mycotoxin contamination in durum and bread wheat and to evaluate the effects of heating and Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-culture on controlling toxigenic fungal growth and decontaminating mycotoxins in stored wheat products.

Methods: Aflatoxins and ochratoxins were extracted from various samples of durum and bread wheat available in the Pakistani market using methanol, water, and n-hexane. Mycotoxins were identified using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Fungal species were identified using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), with samples incubated at 28°C for 6 to 7 days. The stability of mycotoxins during thermal processing was assessed using traditional cooking methods.

Results: Eight samples with aflatoxins and six samples with ochratoxins had levels above the European Union Commission maximum limits. The sample from Faisalabad containing aflatoxin B2 was notably above the maximum threshold. Thermal treatment completely eliminated mycotoxins, enhancing food safety. Additionally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-culture significantly inhibited mycotoxin growth, making the grains safer and increasing their marketable value.

Conclusion: Thermal processing effectively eliminates mycotoxins from wheat samples, ensuring food safety. Saccharomyces cerevisiae co-culture is a promising method to inhibit mycotoxin growth, thereby improving the safety and marketability of wheat products.

Emergencies in AUD: acute alcohol intoxication and alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Emergencies in AUD: acute alcohol intoxication and alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Treatment of alcohol use disorder: position paper of the Società Italiana di Alcologia (SIA)

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Treatment of alcohol use disorder: position paper of the Società Italiana di Alcologia (SIA)

Alcohol use and Alcohol Use Disorder

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Alcohol use and Alcohol Use Disorder

Pharmacotherapy and clinical considerations for alcohol use disorder

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Pharmacotherapy and clinical considerations for alcohol use disorder

Introduction

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Addolorato

Untangling the gut-brain axis: the relevance of gut microbiota in alcohol use disorder

Celestino Letizia — 2024-04-29

Untangling the gut-brain axis: the relevance of gut microbiota in alcohol use disorder