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Role of Diet and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2026) | Viewed by 12822

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Fernando Guerrero-Romero

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Guest Editor

Biomedical Research Unit, Mexican Institute of Social Security IMSS, Durango ZC 34067, Mexico
Interests: diabetes; insulin resistance; glucose metabolism; lipid metabolism; abdominal obesity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The health burden of metabolic diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia is increasing worldwide and understanding the molecular mechanisms that food and nutrition exert on the development of these diseases will, undoubtedly, make it possible to plan of preventive and management interventions for the improving of patients’ health status. In this regard, the identification of molecular targets and biomarkers for early diagnosis and prevention, as well as new approaches to improving nutritional status, emerge as a public health priority. The aim of this Special Issue is to publish the results of current and up-to-date research that provides a better understanding how diet and nutritional status are related to metabolic diseases. Original and review manuscripts regarding biomarkers for the early identification of risk and prognosis, about pathophysiological pathways binding diet and disease, new molecular targets, associations of specific nutrients with metabolic diseases, and new therapeutic approaches are all welcome.

This Special Issue is supervised by Dr. Fernando Guerrero-Romero and assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Claudia I. Gamboa-Gomez (Unidad de Investigación Biomédica, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social).

Dr. Fernando Guerrero-Romero
Guest Editor

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Keywords

nutrients
biomarkers
molecular targets
pahodiagnosis
treatment

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 4412 KB

Open AccessArticle

Targeted Lipidomics and Lipid Metabolism Elucidate Anti-Obesity Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria-Fermented Purple Sweet Potato Tainung No. 73 Extract in Obese Mice

by Hsien-Yi Yang, Chien-Hsun Huang, Shang-Tse Ho, Hsin-Hui Su, Yen-Po Chen and Yung-Tsung Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031489 - 3 Feb 2026

Viewed by 541

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders poses a major global health challenge. In the present study, purple sweet potato Tainung No. 73 was fermented using Lactobacillus amylovorus OFMLa-73 and Levilactobacillus brevis OFMLb-143 to enrich the specific bioactive metabolite indolelactic acid. Furthermore, supplementation with fermented sweet potato (FSPE) ethanol extract resulted in a significant reduction in body weight gain, adipocyte hypertrophy, and hepatic lipid accumulation, while also improving serum lipid profiles in high-fat diet-induced obesity mice. These physiological improvements were associated with the downregulated expression of adipogenic and inflammatory genes in both liver and adipose tissues. Furthermore, lipidomic analysis revealed that FSPE modulated key lipid species, including ceramides and acylcarnitines, which are implicated in metabolic dysfunction. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that lactic acid fermentation enhanced purple sweet potato’s functional potential, positioning FSPE as a promising candidate for dietary intervention in obesity management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Diet and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases)

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22 pages, 2631 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Coffee Roasting Degree from Four Mexican Regions on In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Digestive Enzyme Inhibition and Its In Vivo Effects on Carbohydrate and Lipid Absorption

by Claudia I. Gamboa-Gómez, Jazel Barragán-Zúñiga, Mayra Denise Herrera, Marilisa Alongi, Nuria E. Rocha-Guzmán, Karen M. Herrera-Rocha, Deisy Dominguez, Karla F. Valles-Araiza, Monica Anese, Martha Rodríguez-Morán and Fernando Guerrero-Romero

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 10067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262010067 - 16 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1087

Abstract

Coffee is among the most consumed beverages worldwide and is recognized for its bioactive compounds, which exert diverse physiological effects. This study evaluated the impact of roasting degree on the in vitro antioxidant activity and digestive enzyme inhibition of brews from four Mexican regions, as well as their in vivo effects on carbohydrate and lipid absorption. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition, while inhibition of lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase was also determined. Oral starch (OSTT) and lipid (OLTT) tolerance tests were conducted in healthy Wistar rats. Antioxidant activity was strongly influenced by region and roasting degree. All coffee samples exhibited radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition. With respect to enzyme inhibition, all coffees showed ~67–70% inhibition of lipase activity. For amylase, unroasted coffee from Oaxaca displayed the highest inhibition (34%, p < 0.001). For glucosidase, unroasted samples showed low inhibition (~6–19%), which increased substantially at the medium roast degree (~55% across all samples) but decreased again at the high roast degree (~27%). In OSTT, serum glucose levels were reduced after 120 min by ~20%, 21%, and 18% in rats treated with unroasted, medium-roast, and high-roast coffee, respectively, compared with the negative control. In OLTT, serum triglycerides decreased by ~26% (Chiapas), ~58% (Colima), ~32% (Oaxaca), and ~54% (Hidalgo). Crop region and roasting degree influence the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of Mexican coffee. Although unroasted coffees had the highest concentration of bioactive compounds, roasting enhanced specific bioactivities, particularly enzyme inhibition and lipid-lowering effects in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Diet and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases)

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14 pages, 1055 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Link between Salivary Amylase Activity, Overweight, and Glucose Homeostasis

by Gita Erta, Gita Gersone, Antra Jurka and Pēteris Tretjakovs

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 9956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189956 - 15 Sep 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6139

Abstract

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers in the colon, plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolic health, particularly by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Given the rising incidence of metabolic disorders, understanding the factors that influence butyrate production is of significant interest. This study explores the link between salivary amylase activity and butyrate levels in overweight women of reproductive age. Participants were categorized into low (LSA) and high (HSA) salivary amylase activity groups and further divided into two subgroups: one followed a low-starch diet (LS), and the other underwent caloric restriction (CR). We assessed salivary amylase activity and measured serum butyrate concentrations to examine their associations. Our findings showed a significant, though weak, positive correlation (ρ = 0.0486, p < 0.05), suggesting a link between salivary amylase activity and butyrate levels. The statistical significance, despite the weak correlation, implies that this relationship is not random. Moreover, higher baseline butyrate levels were observed in women with elevated salivary amylase activity. Also, women with low salivary amylase activity on a low-starch diet experienced a more pronounced increase in butyrate levels compared to those on caloric restriction. These results suggest that salivary amylase activity and dietary intake interact to influence butyrate production, with potential implications for improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. The study underscores the potential of butyrate in enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting overall metabolic well-being. Further research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved and to understand the long-term effects of butyrate on metabolic health across different populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Diet and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases)

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Review

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18 pages, 1284 KB

Open AccessReview

Nutrition, Cell Signalling, Mitochondrial Function, and Chronic Non-Communicable Disease

by Russell Phillips

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(7), 3303; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073303 - 5 Apr 2026

Viewed by 654

Abstract

Cellular homeostasis is a dynamic process which balances anabolic processes with catabolic and recycling processes. These processes require nutrients, which are converted to energy to fuel the complex interactions of intracellular signalling. Cellular health requires that, on average, energy input and energy requirements are matched. Cells contain a nutrient-sensing mechanism which controls the balance between anabolism and catabolism. Normal intracellular functions generate products which regulate signalling pathways, and health at a cellular level requires a fluctuation between relative nutrient abundance and relative nutrient scarcity. This allows clearance of damaged intracellular molecules and organelles. When nutrient supply exceeds cellular requirements, adaptations to intracellular signalling occur, resulting in energy being stored as glycogen in muscle and the liver and fatty acids in adipose tissue. Overfuelling and aberrant fuelling of mitochondria result in oxidative stress, which not only disrupts cellular homeostasis but can alter epigenetic expression, with intergenerational effects. If the recycling mechanisms of the cell are insufficient to clear metabolic products, apoptosis may result or expression of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) on the cell surface may occur, activating immunity and inflammation at a systemic level. Disrupted cellular signalling affects cells with different “professional” functions in different organs, and it is the mechanism which underlies the associations between chronic non-communicable diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune diseases, and macular degeneration. Mitochondria are the controllers of energy production and are pivotal in cell signalling. Mitochondrial function governs health at cellular and organismal levels. This paper reviews the influence of nutrition on mitochondrial function, nutrient sensing, autophagy, insulin signalling, and apoptosis—the key pathways in cellular homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Diet and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases)

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16 pages, 2070 KB

Open AccessReview

Precision Nutrition in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Through Molecular Nutrigenomic and Epigenetic Modulation of Insulin Signaling and Glucose Metabolism

by Daniel Rumui, Aida Dama, Era Gorica, Victor Samuel Halim, Apple Faith Setiawan, Xandra Christensen Tjia, Edwin Hadinata, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, Fahrul Nurkolis and Antonello Santini

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041631 - 7 Feb 2026

Viewed by 2010

Abstract

Precision nutrition has emerged as a promising strategy for the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by targeting molecular pathways underlying insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Accumulating evidence indicates that dietary patterns, caloric intake, and specific nutrients can modulate gene expression and epigenetic mechanisms involved in insulin signaling, inflammation, and energy homeostasis. This narrative review synthesizes recent human and experimental studies (2025–2026) examining how dietary components influence transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in the context of T2DM prevention. A total of 29 peer-reviewed studies were included, encompassing dietary patterns, macronutrient manipulation, micronutrient and bioactive supplementation, and gene–diet interactions. Very-low-calorie diets consistently induced coordinated modulation of key metabolic genes, including downregulation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) and upregulation of PDK4, CPT1, and AMPK, reflecting a metabolic shift toward enhanced fatty acid oxidation and improved insulin sensitivity. In contrast, high-fat and fructose-rich diets promoted proinflammatory gene expression and immune activation, contributing to insulin resistance. Plant-based and vegan dietary patterns were associated with reduced epigenetic aging and improved insulin sensitivity through DNA methylation changes. Targeted interventions, including vitamin D combined with probiotics, dietary fiber, nucleotides, and trace elements such as copper, further demonstrated favorable transcriptional and epigenetic effects linked to improved glycemic control. Collectively, these findings highlight diet-driven modulation of insulin signaling and glucose metabolism at the molecular level and support nutrigenomics-guided precision nutrition as a viable preventive approach for T2DM. Integrating genetic and epigenetic insights into dietary strategies may enable more personalized and effective interventions to curb the growing global burden of type 2 diabetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Diet and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases)

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26 pages, 570 KB

Open AccessReview

Immunonutrition: Another Player on the MASLD Field

by Iván López-Méndez, Misael Uribe and Eva Juárez-Hernández

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(18), 8928; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26188928 - 13 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1619

Abstract

Immunonutrition is a nutritional strategy where the bioactive properties of nutrients from the diet are used to modulate metabolic pathways, inflammation signals, and oxidative stress regulators. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic degenerative disease with increasing prevalence over the past decade. In MASLD, where inflammation and oxidative stress play key roles in the progression of liver disease, immunonutrition becomes even more important. The impact of different dietary patterns has been studied in the MASLD context; however, current guidelines emphasize the Mediterranean Diet, which, in terms of included food groups, provides a high level of immunonutrients. Nonetheless, adherence, monitoring, and implementation based on geographic areas, availability, and economic factors make this type of diet ultimately less accessible. The main benefit of the diet pattern is in maintaining the positive effects of new pharmacological treatments, alongside physical activity, which are crucial to prevent recurrence. A diet strategy designed for MASLD needs to be adapted to local food availability and should promote the inclusion of immunonutrients. In the treatment of MASLD, dietary recommendations should be individualized based on the sociodemographic, clinical, and nutritional characteristics of the patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Diet and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases)

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