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Nutrients
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Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Bioactive Compounds in Diet and Their Applications
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Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Bioactive Compounds in Diet and Their Applications

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 5289

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Weiqun Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Health Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
Interests: cancer prevention; dietary factors; molecular mechanisms; weight control; phytochemicals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are key contributors to the development and progression of many non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Dietary bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids have shown strong potential in modulating inflammatory responses and reducing oxidative damage, making them promising candidates for disease prevention and health promotion.

These compounds function through diverse mechanisms, scavenging free radicals, modulating signaling pathways, regulating gene expression, and interacting with the gut microbiota, to help maintain cellular homeostasis and reduce disease risk. Growing research interest has focused on the identification, characterization, and application of these compounds in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and personalized dietary interventions.

This Special Issue aims to present original research articles and comprehensive reviews that explore the mechanistic insights, efficacy, and practical applications of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative bioactive compounds in the diet. We welcome submissions based on molecular research, animal studies, human clinical trials, and population-based approaches.

The goal is to provide a platform for advancing the scientific understanding and translational potential of dietary bioactives in promoting long-term health and preventing chronic disease.

Prof. Dr. Weiqun Wang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioactive compounds
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antioxidant
  • functional foods
  • dietary supplements
  • phytochemicals
  • omega-3 fatty acids
  • nutraceuticals
  • chronic disease prevention
  • oxidative stress
  • gut microbiota
  • nutritional interventions

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2937 KB  
Article
PLX3397-Induced Microglial Ablation Alters Adipose Tissue Accumulation in a Male–Female-Dependent Manner Under High-Energy-Diet Feeding
by Flynn P. O’Connell, Andras Hajnal, Patricia M. Di Lorenzo and Krzysztof Czaja
Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3445; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213445 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
Background: Diet-induced obesity (DIO) is increasingly linked to microglial proliferation in the central nervous system, yet the causal role of microglia in metabolic and behavioral changes remains unclear. Methods: Here, we investigated the effects of microglial suppression using the CSF-1R antagonist PLX 3397 [...] Read more.
Background: Diet-induced obesity (DIO) is increasingly linked to microglial proliferation in the central nervous system, yet the causal role of microglia in metabolic and behavioral changes remains unclear. Methods: Here, we investigated the effects of microglial suppression using the CSF-1R antagonist PLX 3397 (Pexidartinib; PLX) on body weight, adiposity, and sucrose preference in lean and DIO male and female rats. Microglial activation was quantified in the hypothalamus and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Results: PLX administered during initial high-energy-diet (HED) exposure produced sex-specific effects: body weight increased in males but decreased in females. In male DIO rats, PLX+HED reduced body fat percentage without altering total weight. PLX treatment did not significantly alter body weight, food intake, or glucose tolerance in females. Hypothalamic microglial suppression was more extensive in males, whereas NTS suppression was similar across sexes. PLX also reversed HED-induced reductions in low-concentration sucrose preference in males. Substantial individual variability was observed in both susceptibility to DIO and responsiveness to PLX. Conclusions: These findings reveal a clear sexual dimorphism in microglial responses to HED, with females showing relative protection and males’ greater vulnerability. Overall, the results underscore the importance of accounting for sex differences in the design and application of microglia-targeted interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Bioactive Compounds in Diet and Their Applications)
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16 pages, 536 KB  
Article
Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish and Risk of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in a Mediterranean Population: Findings from the NUTRIHEP Cohort
by Rossella Tatoli, Bonfiglio Caterina, Rossella Donghia, Pasqua Letizia Pesole, Luigi Fontana and Gianluigi Giannelli
Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213372 - 27 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1869
Abstract
Background: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is linked to metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA from fish, may protect against hepatic steatosis. Methods: From 2015 to 2018, all participants were invited to [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is linked to metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA from fish, may protect against hepatic steatosis. Methods: From 2015 to 2018, all participants were invited to the first follow-up, where 1426 (62% response rate) responded and underwent the same standardized protocol as at baseline. For this analysis, the study is a cross-sectional investigation focusing solely on follow-up data, which included 1297 adults. MASLD was diagnosed via standardized ultrasound, and dietary intake was assessed using the validated EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire. Associations between total EPA and DHA intake and MASLD were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, marital status, occupation, income, Mediterranean diet adherence, liver enzymes, and C-reactive protein. Results: Overall, 48.5% of participants had MASLD. Higher total EPA and DHA intake was associated with lower odds of MASLD (EPA highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.572, 95% CI 0.400–0.818; DHA highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.516, 95% CI 0.361–0.739). Intake of fatty fish contributed most strongly to this protective effect (EPA highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.556, 95% CI 0.390–0.794; DHA highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.575, 95% CI 0.403–0.820), whereas mollusks, crustaceans, and some processed/frozen fish showed weaker or no associations. A statistically significant trend of decreasing MASLD risk was observed across increasing quartiles of both EPA and DHA intake. Conclusions: Higher intake of EPA and DHA, especially from fatty fish, is linked to lower MASLD risk in this Mediterranean population, supporting recommendations for regular fish consumption to protect liver health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Bioactive Compounds in Diet and Their Applications)
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15 pages, 1662 KB  
Article
Discovery of Anti-Aging Effects of Wheat Bran Extract in a D-Galactose-Induced Rat Model of Oxidative Stress
by Kaori Kobayashi, Keshari Sudasinghe, Ryan Bender, Md Suzauddula, Cheng Li, Cen Wu, Yonghui Li and Weiqun Wang
Nutrients 2025, 17(18), 2954; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17182954 - 13 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1514
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Wheat bran is known for its anti-aging effects, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. Our previous study identified novel antioxidants in wheat bran (xylo-oligosaccharides and protein hydrolysates) using an innovative extraction method. However, the anti-aging potential of these wheat bran extracts (WBEs) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Wheat bran is known for its anti-aging effects, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. Our previous study identified novel antioxidants in wheat bran (xylo-oligosaccharides and protein hydrolysates) using an innovative extraction method. However, the anti-aging potential of these wheat bran extracts (WBEs) remains unclear. Methods: This study evaluated the anti-aging effects of WBE in a D-galactose-induced aging model using Wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups: (1) saline-injected control, (2) D-galactose-injected control, (3) D-galactose + 5% WBE, and (4) D-galactose + 10% WBE. After six weeks, body weight, food intake, body fat percentage, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and liver senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) levels were assessed. Results: D-galactose significantly reduced food intake in positive control 87 ± 21%/weekly (negative control; p < 0.05, 107 ± 20%/weekly for 10%WBE; p < 0.01. Body fat percentage (positive control: 84 ± 19% vs. 5% WBE: 110 ± 20%, p < 0.05 in 100% convert). It also lowered erythrocyte SOD activity; 68.6 ± 9%, p < 0.01 in 100% conversion). WBE supplementation restored SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner (5% WBE: 32,479 ± 12,773 U/mL; 10% WBE: 42,368 ± 20,281 U/mL. Although D-galactose did not elevate significantly SA-β-gal activity in the liver, WBE supplementation still led to a dose-dependent reduction in baseline SA-β-gal levels (294 ± 84 nmol/min/mg protein vs. 5% WBE: 181 ± 65 nmol/min/mg protein, and 10% WBE: 146 ± 40 nmol/min/mg protein. p < 0.001). No significant group differences were found in hepatic SOD2, catalase (liver and skin), or telomerase reverse transcriptase expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that wheat bran extracts mitigate D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in circulation, indicating potential anti-aging benefits. However, their effects at the tissue level remain inconclusive. Further studies are needed to explore molecular mechanisms and refine intervention duration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Bioactive Compounds in Diet and Their Applications)
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Review

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28 pages, 361 KB  
Review
Pecans and Human Health: Distinctive Benefits of an American Nut
by Amandeep K. Sandhu, Indika Edirisinghe and Britt Burton-Freeman
Nutrients 2025, 17(23), 3686; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17233686 - 25 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1162
Abstract
Pecans are a tree nut native to America with a rich content of unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, fiber, and a diverse array of bioactive components, including polyphenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols. This review summarizes variations in the phenolic composition of pecans from various parts [...] Read more.
Pecans are a tree nut native to America with a rich content of unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, fiber, and a diverse array of bioactive components, including polyphenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols. This review summarizes variations in the phenolic composition of pecans from various parts of the world based on cultivar, maturity stage, postharvest storage, and processing. Additionally, the review delves into the bio-accessibility and bioavailability of bioactive components from pecans and their potential influence on diet quality, body weight, satiety, cardiometabolic, brain and gut health. Data from human clinical trials suggest that replacing foods/snacks with pecans improves overall diet quality and lipid profiles. However, inconsistent effects are observed on vascular function, glycemia, and inflammation. Body weight changes after pecan intake are reported as neutral, with promising results on satiety peptides and appetite regulation. Cognition and gut health are emerging areas of research with very limited data from both human and preclinical models, warranting further investigation. Overall, the current literature supports the cardiometabolic benefits of pecans within healthy dietary patterns. Future research should focus on well-controlled studies targeting at-risk populations to understand mechanistic endpoints such as metabolomics, microbiome, and vascular function assessments to substantiate the role of pecans in dietary guidance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Bioactive Compounds in Diet and Their Applications)
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