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The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 April 2024) | Viewed by 14946

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Prof. Dr. Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz

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Guest Editor

Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: olive oil; plant proteins; lipoproteins; omics; byproducts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Fernando Rivero-Pino

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Guest Editor

Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
Interests: bioactive peptides; functional food; human nutrition; novel foods; oil; protein hydrolysates; toxicology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out the relevant effect of diet on the immunoinflammatory responses of humans. In fact, a variety of functions and processes for individual food components in health promotion and/or illness prevention are now provided by products obtained through modern innovation practices in the food industry. Gaining a solid scientific foundation with which to support the approval of a health claim requires understanding of the mechanisms of nutrients or bioactive components in immune responses to decreased inflammatory and improved diversity immune markers in various disease states (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment, and obesity). Health-promoting properties that can be related to certain foods or dietary components in addition to the immune system or immune function, which support the body's defenses against external agents and stimulate immunological responses, are generally welcomed in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz
Dr. Fernando Rivero-Pino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

bioactive compounds
biomarkers
dietary factors
functional food
immunonutrition
inflammatory mechanism modulating
noncommunicable diseases
nutrition
peptides
phenols
prevention

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Heat-Treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum nF1 on the Immune System Including Natural Killer Cell Activity: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

by Geun-Hye Hong, So-Young Lee, In Ah Kim, Jangmi Suk, Chaemin Baeg, Ji Yeon Kim, Sehee Lee, Kyeong Jin Kim, Ki Tae Kim, Min Gee Kim and Kun-Young Park

Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1339; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091339 - 29 Apr 2024

Viewed by 515

Abstract

Heat-treated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum nF1 (HT-nF1) increases immune cell activation and the production of various immunomodulators (e.g., interleukin (IL)-12) as well as immunoglobulin (Ig) G, which plays an important role in humoral immunity, and IgA, which activates mucosal immunity. To determine the effect of HT-nF1 intake on improving immune function, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 100 subjects with normal white blood cell counts. The HT-nF1 group was administered capsules containing 5 × 10¹¹ cells of HT-nF1 once a day for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks of HT-nF1 intake, significant changes in IL-12 were observed in the HT-nF1 group (p = 0.045). In particular, the change in natural killer (NK) cell activity significantly increased in subjects with low secretory (s) IgA (≤49.61 μg/mL) and low NK activity (E:T = 10:1) (≤3.59%). These results suggest that HT-nF1 has no safety issues and improves the innate immune function by regulating T helper (Th)1-related immune factors. Therefore, we confirmed that HT-nF1 not only has a positive effect on regulating the body’s immunity, but it is also a safe material for the human body, which confirms its potential as a functional health food ingredient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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16 pages, 1047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Sociodemographic Factors, Reasons, and Barriers in the Diversity of Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Undergraduate Students

by Thanaporn Kaewpradup, Mutthatinee Tangmongkhonsuk, Charoonsri Chusak, Mario Siervo and Sirichai Adisakwattana

Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060779 - 9 Mar 2024

Viewed by 939

Abstract

The transition from adolescence to university life represents a crucial period during which dietary choices can significantly influence long-term health outcomes. While the benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (FVs) are widely acknowledged, there remains a noticeable gap in research concerning the factors influencing the consumption of specific FV varieties among university students. This study aimed to investigate the factors and barriers influencing the diversity of fruit and vegetable intake among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study involving 542 undergraduate students (with an average age of 20.6 ± 0.1 years and a body mass index of 21.3 ± 0.2 kg/m²) was conducted at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, between February and September 2022. Most students showed a preference for tropical fruits with inedible peels (88.2%) and Brassicaceae vegetables (91.0%), whereas lower consumption was observed for citrus fruits (19.7%) and Fabaceae vegetables (43.7%). Sociodemographic factors and cooking methods significantly influenced FV intake, with non-consumption associated with male students, independent living, lower BMI, and advanced academic years. A lower quality of life was found to be correlated with a higher proportion of students who did not consume vegetables. Barriers to inadequate fruit intake included busy lifestyles, while taste preference emerged as the primary reason for fruit consumption. Busy lifestyles and perceived healthiness were identified as the main barriers and reasons for vegetable intake. The study highlights the importance of implementing strategies and improvements in the university environment to promote diverse FV consumption and encourage healthy dietary behaviors among students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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18 pages, 4888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Erigeron annuus Extract Improves DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in a Mouse Model via the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

by Myeongguk Jeong, Hyeokjin Kwon, Yeeun Kim, Hyunwoo Jin, Go-Eun Choi and Kyung-Yae Hyun

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030451 - 3 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1193

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a persistent inflammatory skin condition resulting from an intricate interplay among genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Erigeron annuus (EA), an annual winter plant belonging to the family Asteraceae, possesses anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antioxidant activities. In this study, we hypothesized that Erigeron annuus extract (EAE) could be an effective agent for ameliorating AD-like symptoms. To confirm this hypothesis in vitro, we used H₂O₂-stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) to demonstrate that pre-treatment with EAE protected against oxidative stress. HaCaT cells pretreated with EAE and stimulated with H₂O₂ showed decreased intracellular malondialdehyde content, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation. To verify the in vivo hypothesis based on the intracellular results, an AD disease mouse model was induced with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB), and EAE was orally administered at a non-toxic concentration according to the toxicity evaluation results. The results showed that AD disease models in BALB/c mice exhibited reduced ear epidermal thickness, scratching behavior, and mast cell infiltration. In conclusion, our results indicate that EAE has the potential to improve AD by upregulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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0 pages, 1514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Olive Leaf Phenolic Compounds’ Gastrointestinal Stability Based on Co-Administration and Microencapsulation with Non-Digestible Carbohydrates

by Carmen Duque-Soto, Francisco Javier Leyva-Jiménez, Rosa Quirantes-Piné, María Asunción López-Bascón, Jesús Lozano-Sánchez and Isabel Borrás-Linares

Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010093 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1058

Abstract

The large generation of olive by-products has motivated their revalorization into high-added-value products. In this regard, olive leaves pose as an interesting source of bioactive compounds, due to their phenolic content with commonly known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, with potential application in non-communicable diseases. However, their effectiveness and applicability into functional foods is limited by their instability under gastrointestinal conditions. Thus, the development of protective formulations is essential. In this study, the spray-drying encapsulation of a phenolic-rich olive leaf extract with inulin as the encapsulating agent was optimized. Then, the behavior of the free extract under gastrointestinal conditions, its co-administration with the encapsulating agent, and the optimized microencapsulated formulation were studied through an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process following the INFOGEST protocol. Digestion of the free extract resulted in the degradation of most compounds, whereas this was minimized in the co-administration of the non-encapsulated extract with the encapsulating agent. This protective effect, related to its interaction with inulin, was similar to the microencapsulated formulation. Thus, both approaches, co-administration and microencapsulation with inulin, could be promising strategies for the improvement of the stability of these anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds under gastrointestinal conditions, enhancing their beneficial effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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13 pages, 3262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Recombinant IL-13 Treatment on Gut Microbiota Composition and Functional Recovery after Hemisection Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

by Ibrahim Hamad, Jana Van Broeckhoven, Alessio Cardilli, Niels Hellings, Till Strowig, Stefanie Lemmens, Sven Hendrix and Markus Kleinewietfeld

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4184; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194184 - 27 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1081

Abstract

In recent years, the gut–central nervous system axis has emerged as a key factor in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI). Interleukin-13 (IL-13) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in SCI. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in microbiota composition after hemisection injury and to determine whether systemic recombinant (r)IL-13 treatment could alter the gut microbiome, indirectly promoting functional recovery. The gut microbiota composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and correlations between gut microbiota alterations and functional recovery were assessed. Our results showed that there were no changes in alpha diversity between the groups before and after SCI, while PERMANOVA analysis for beta diversity showed significant differences in fecal microbial communities. Phylogenetic classification of bacterial families revealed a lower abundance of the Bacteroidales S24-7 group and a higher abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae in the post-SCI group. Systemic rIL-13 treatment improved functional recovery 28 days post-injury and microbiota analysis revealed increased relative abundance of Clostridiales vadin BB60 and Acetitomaculum and decreased Anaeroplasma, Ruminiclostridium_6, and Ruminococcus compared to controls. Functional assessment with PICRUSt showed that genes related to glyoxylate cycle and palmitoleate biosynthesis-I were the predominant signatures in the rIL-13-treated group, whereas sulfolactate degradation super pathway and formaldehyde assimilation-I were enriched in controls. In conclusion, our results indicate that rIL-13 treatment promotes changes in gut microbial communities and may thereby contribute indirectly to the improvement of functional recovery in mice, possibly having important implications for the development of novel treatment options for SCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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14 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ingesting Food Containing Heat-Killed Lactococcus lactis Strain Plasma on Fatigue and Immune-Related Indices after High Training Load: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Parallel-Group Study

by Yuta Komano, Kosuke Fukao, Kazunori Shimada, Hisashi Naito, Yoshihiko Ishihara, Toshio Fujii, Takeshi Kokubo and Hiroyuki Daida

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071754 - 4 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC-Plasma) is a unique lactic acid bacterium that activates plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). We evaluated the effect of LC-Plasma on fatigue indices and dendritic cells activity in athletes after 14 days’ continuous exercise load. Thirty-seven participants were divided into two groups and consumed placebo (PL) or LC-Plasma capsules (containing 100 billion cells) daily for 14 days. Maturation markers on dendritic cells, blood parameters, physiological indices, and fatigue-related indices were recorded on days 1 and 15 (before and after exercise). Cumulative days of symptoms relating to physical conditions were also recorded during the continuous exercise period. We observed that CD86 as a maturation marker on pDCs was significantly higher and that cumulative days of fatigue were significantly fewer in the LC-Plasma group than in the Placebo group on day 15. We also conducted 2 h ergometer exercise on day 15 to evaluate fatigue. The results showed that autonomic fatigue parameters (LF/HF) were significantly lower in the LC-Plasma group. These results suggest that LC-Plasma supplementation alleviates fatigue accumulation and increases pDC activity caused by a continuous high training load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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14 pages, 1891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulation of Beta-Amyloid-Activated Primary Human Neutrophils by Dietary Phenols from Virgin Olive Oil

by Fernando Rivero-Pino, Elena Grao-Cruces, Soledad Lopez-Enriquez, Gonzalo Alba, Elvira Marquez-Paradas, Carmen M. Claro-Cala, Consuelo Santa-Maria and Sergio Montserrat-de la Paz

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040941 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1985

Abstract

The defense mechanism against harmful stimuli is inflammation. Indeed, neurodegenerative disorders can arise as a result of a persistent neuroinflammation. Beta-amyloid (Aβ_1-42) is an early trigger in the origination of Alzheimer’s disease, leading to synaptic and cognitive impairments. Virgin olive oil (VOO) is correlated with a decreased risk of developing immune-inflammatory disorders, but the potential effects of the phenolic fraction (PF) from VOO in the modulation of neuroinflammatory processes in neutrophils remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the ability of the PF to modulate the activation of Aβ_1-42-stimulated primary human neutrophils, focusing on the expression of gene and surface markers and the release of pro-inflammatory and chemoattractant mediators. Down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in Aβ_1-42-treated neutrophils, among other changes, was reported. Furthermore, pretreatment with PF prevented neutrophil activation. The beneficial effects in the modulation of inflammatory responses show the relevance of VOO to achieve a healthier diet that can help prevent inflammatory diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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Review

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35 pages, 2891 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chlorogenic Acid: A Systematic Review on the Biological Functions, Mechanistic Actions, and Therapeutic Potentials

by Vi Nguyen, Elaine G. Taine, Dehao Meng, Taixing Cui and Wenbin Tan

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16070924 - 23 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1382

Abstract

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a type of polyphenol compound found in rich concentrations in many plants such as green coffee beans. As an active natural substance, CGA exerts diverse therapeutic effects in response to a variety of pathological challenges, particularly conditions associated with chronic metabolic diseases and age-related disorders. It shows multidimensional functions, including neuroprotection for neurodegenerative disorders and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-pathogens, mitigation of cardiovascular disorders, skin diseases, diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney injuries, and anti-tumor activities. Mechanistically, its integrative functions act through the modulation of anti-inflammation/oxidation and metabolic homeostasis. It can thwart inflammatory constituents at multiple levels such as curtailing NF-kB pathways to neutralize primitive inflammatory factors, hindering inflammatory propagation, and alleviating inflammation-related tissue injury. It concurrently raises pivotal antioxidants by activating the Nrf2 pathway, thus scavenging excessive cellular free radicals. It elevates AMPK pathways for the maintenance and restoration of metabolic homeostasis of glucose and lipids. Additionally, CGA shows functions of neuromodulation by targeting neuroreceptors and ion channels. In this review, we systematically recapitulate CGA’s pharmacological activities, medicinal properties, and mechanistic actions as a potential therapeutic agent. Further studies for defining its specific targeting molecules, improving its bioavailability, and validating its clinical efficacy are required to corroborate the therapeutic effects of CGA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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14 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evidence of Immunomodulatory Food-Protein Derived Peptides in Human Nutritional Interventions: Review on the Outcomes and Potential Limitations

by Fernando Rivero-Pino, Álvaro Villanueva, Sergio Montserrat-de-la-Paz, Susana Sanchez-Fidalgo and Maria C. Millán-Linares

Nutrients 2023, 15(12), 2681; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15122681 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1600

Abstract

The immune system is somehow related to all the metabolic pathways, in a bidirectional way, and the nutritional interventions affecting these pathways might have a relevant impact on the inflammatory status of the individuals. Food-derived peptides have been demonstrated to exert several bioactivities by in vitro or animal studies. Their potential to be used as functional food is promising, considering the simplicity of their production and the high value of the products obtained. However, the number of human studies performed until now to demonstrate effects in vivo is still scarce. Several factors must be taken into consideration to carry out a high-quality human study to demonstrate immunomodulatory-promoting properties of a test item. This review aims to summarize the recent human studies published in which the purpose was to demonstrate bioactivity of protein hydrolysates, highlighting the main results and the limitations that can restrict the relevance of the studies. Results collected are promising, although in some studies, physiological changes could not be observed. When responses were observed, they sometimes did not refer to relevant parameters and the immunomodulatory properties could not be clearly established with the current evidence. Well-designed clinical trials are needed in order to evaluate the role of protein hydrolysates in immunonutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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Other

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30 pages, 590 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Non-Digestible Carbohydrates: Green Extraction from Food By-Products and Assessment of Their Effect on Microbiota Modulation

by Xavier Expósito-Almellón, Carmen Duque-Soto, Lucía López-Salas, Rosa Quirantes-Piné, Cristiano Ragagnin de Menezes, Isabel Borrás-Linares and Jesús Lozano-Sánchez

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3880; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183880 - 6 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1499

Abstract

The nature and composition of the waste produced by food industrial processing make its abundance and accumulation an environmental problem. Since these by-products may present a high potential for revalorization and may be used to obtain added-value compounds, the main goals of the technological advancements have been targeted at reducing the environmental impact and benefiting from the retrieval of active compounds with technological and health properties. Among the added-value substances, nondigestible carbohydrates have demonstrated promise. In addition to their well-known technological properties, they have been discovered to modify the gut microbiota and enhance immune function, including the stimulation of immune cells and the control of inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, the combination of these compounds with other substances such us phenols could improve their biological effect on different noncommunicable diseases through microbiota modulation. In order to gain insight into the implementation of this combined strategy, a broader focus concerning different aspects is needed. This review is focused on the optimized green and advanced extraction system applied to obtain added-value nondigestible carbohydrates, the combined administration with phenols and their beneficial effects on microbiota modulation intended for health and/or illness prevention, with particular emphasis on noncommunicable diseases. The isolation of nondigestible carbohydrates from by-products as well as in combination with other bioactive substances could provide an affordable and sustainable source of immunomodulatory chemicals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunonutrition)

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