Search Results (24)

The association between aluminum exposure and obesity remains uncertain. This study investigated whether aluminum exposure (dietary, serum, and urinary) is linked to obesity and whether dietary antioxidant capacity moderates this relationship. A total of 54 adult women (26 obese, 28 normal weight) were recruited from a private weight loss clinic in Türkiye. Dietary aluminum exposure was estimated using 24 h dietary recalls and literature values, and antioxidant capacity was calculated through a food frequency questionnaire. Serum and spot urine samples were collected, and aluminum levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. No significant differences were observed between normal weight and obese groups in serum aluminum (127.7 ± 102.42 vs. 122.9 ± 88.37 µg/L, p > 0.05), urinary aluminum (28.1 ± 12.73 vs. 14.1 ± 10.77 µg/L, p > 0.05), or weekly dietary aluminum exposure (0.61 ± 0.45 vs. 0.45 ± 0.24 mg/kg bw/week, p > 0.05). Dietary aluminum exposure correlated positively with total antioxidant capacity (r = 0.665, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that dietary aluminum exposure was inversely associated with body mass index (β = −0.27, p < 0.05), while antioxidant capacity did not moderate this relationship, nor did the age difference. These results suggest dietary aluminum exposure reflects diet quality and/or food preparation methods, etc., rather than directly influencing obesity. Full article

This study aimed to determine the caffeine and L-theanine contents in tea infusions prepared under varying fermentation degrees, brewing conditions (temperature and time), and serving methods (tea bag/loose-leaf). Infusions of six tea types (green, white, yellow, oolong, black, and Pu-erh) and various serving forms of green, white, and black tea were brewed at 80 °C and 100 °C for 2, 5, and 10 min. Contents were analyzed using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Caffeine levels were highest in black and yellow tea (14 ± 1.0 mg/200 mL and 13.8 ± 0.2 mg/200 mL, respectively), both of which were significantly higher than the levels in green, white, and oolong tea (11 ± 2.1 mg/200 mL; 5.8 ± 0.7 mg/200 mL; and 4 ± 1.6 mg/200 mL, respectively; p < 0.001), whereas Pu-erh tea (13 ± 2.9 mg/200 mL) had caffeine levels comparable to that of black tea (p > 0.05). L-Theanine levels were highest in black and green tea (12.3 ± 2.8 mg/200 mL and 12.5 ± 2.5 mg/200 mL, respectively), and these levels were significantly higher than those in the other tea types (p < 0.001). Brewing temperature only affected caffeine levels n, whereas L-oolong tea (4.4 → 13.5 mg/200 mL, p < 0.05); theanine remained stable (p > 0.05). Longer brewing times significantly raised both components (e.g., yellow tea caffeine levels rose to 53 ± 16.9 mg/200 mL at 10 min; p < 0.05). In black tea, cup-sized bags yielded higher caffeine levels (39 ± 9.9 mg/200 mL) than loose-leaf (24 ± 7.2 mg/200 mL) and teapot bags (p < 0.001). Serving method had no effect on green and white teas (p > 0.05). In conclusion, fermentation rate, brewing conditions, and serving method were found to influence the caffeine and L-theanine levels of tea infusions. Full article

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and play essential roles in physiological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. They have emerged as promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). In recent years, exosome-derived miRNAs, known as “xeno-miRNAs”, which are derived from food, as well as circulating miRNAs, have emerged as areas of intense research due to their potential effects on metabolic disorders. miRNAs influence fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance through mechanisms such as β-cell differentiation, insulin gene transcription, and PI3K–AKT pathway activation. Additionally, miRNAs play important roles in regulating MetS components, as follows: obesity through adipogenesis and lipogenesis; hypertension through regulation of the renin–angiotensin system and vascular tone; and dyslipidemia by modulating lipid metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests that nutrients such as polyphenols and specific dietary patterns can alter miRNA expression, potentially impacting metabolic health. Understanding the interactions between diet and miRNA regulation offers novel insights into the prevention and treatment of MetS. This review explores the mechanisms by which miRNAs influence MetS components, and highlights the growing potential of nutrient-regulated miRNAs as therapeutic targets within the framework of precision nutrition and personalized metabolic disease management. Full article

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with autoimmune and neurodegenerative features that affect the nervous system. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as vitamin D deficiency and dysbiosis activating a pro-inflammatory response, have a role in the etiology of the disease. In this context, the interactions of vitamin D with the gut microbiota and immune system have attracted attention in recent years. Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) modulates the immune response by binding to the Vitamin D receptor (VDR). This pathway supports the functions of regulatory T cells by suppressing the activity of T helper cells 1 and 17 (Th1 and Th17). In MS patients, dysbiosis is characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity, and an increase in pro-inflammatory species is observed when compared to healthy individuals. Vitamin D has protective effects on eubiosis via VDR in intestinal epithelial cells, also reducing intestinal permeability by regulating tight junction proteins. In this way, vitamin D may contribute to the prevention of systemic inflammation. Although the relationship between vitamin D and the immune system is well documented, studies that address the triad of vitamin D level, gut microbiota, and immune response in MS are still limited. Full article

Background: Fetuin-A prevents the precipitation of hydroxyapatite in supersaturated solutions of calcium and phosphate; however, its relationship with nephrolithiasis has yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective and predictive roles of serum and urine fetuin-A levels in nephrolithiasis and their relationships with the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI). Methods: This study involved 75 adult patients with kidney stone disease and 71 healthy adults without kidney stone disease in the control group. Participants had specific anthropometric measurements taken, and three-day food records were kept. The CDAI was calculated by summing six standard antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, manganese, selenium, and zinc, representing participants’ antioxidant profile. In addition to some analyzed serum and urine parameters of the participants, fetuin-A levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: In patients with kidney stones, both serum and urine fetuin-A levels (676.3 ± 160.14 ng/mL; 166.6 ± 128.13 ng/mL, respectively) were lower than in the control group (1455.6 ± 420.52 ng/mL; 2267.5 ± 1536.78 ng/mL, respectively) (p < 0.00001). In contrast, the CDAI was higher in patients with kidney stones compared to those without kidney stones (p < 0.001). Besides, several dietary parameters had significant positive correlations with serum and/or urinary fetuin-A. Conclusions: The present study suggests that serum and urinary fetuin-A levels may serve as protective factors against kidney stones and could potentially be used as predictive markers for the development of nephrolithiasis. Furthermore, our results suggest that the CDAI above a certain level may increase the risk of stone formation and that some dietary parameters may affect the levels of this biomarker in serum and urine. Full article

It is known that probiotics have direct and indirect effects on many systems in the body, especially the gastrointestinal system. Interest in using probiotic strain-derived cell components and metabolites has also increased as a result of the significant benefits of probiotics. Although many terminologies and definitions are used for these components and metabolites, the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) recommended the use of the term postbiotic in 2021, which is defined as “a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host”. Postbiotics are bioactive metabolites such as organic acids, peptides/proteins, cell wall components, functional enzymes, short-chain fatty acids, vitamins, and phenols. These molecules mediate many positive effects such as immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. These positive effects on maintaining health have enabled the identification of many new postbiotic proteins such as p40, p75, and HM0539. In this review, the postbiotic proteins p40, p75, and HM0539 derived from lactobacilli and their functional effects are systematically summarized. The p40 protein, in particular, has been shown to support gut barrier activity and reduce inflammation, potentially through mechanisms involving epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent signaling. Additionally, p40 and p75 proteins exhibit protective effects on intestinal epithelial tight junctions, suggesting their therapeutic potential in preventing intestinal damage and diseases such as colitis. HM0539 enhances intestinal barrier integrity, exhibits antiinflammatory properties, and protects against bacterial infection, suggesting its possible as a therapeutic for inflammatory bowel disease. This review may contribute to future studies on the therapeutic use of p40, p75, and HM0539 postbiotic proteins in inflammatory gastrointestinal system diseases. Full article

Oxylipins are oxidized fatty acids, both saturated and unsaturated, formed through pathways that involve singlet oxygen or dioxygen-mediated oxygenation reactions and are primarily produced by enzyme families such as cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450. These lipid-based complex bioactive molecules are pivotal signal mediators, acting in a hormone-like manner in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases, especially cardiometabolic diseases via modulating plenty of mechanisms. It has been reported that omega-6 and omega-3 oxylipins are important novel biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases. Moreover, collected literature has noted that diet and dietary components, especially fatty acids, can modulate these oxygenated lipid products since they are mainly derived from dietary omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or linoleic acid and α-linolenic by elongation and desaturation pathways. This comprehensive review aims to examine their correlations to cardiometabolic diseases and how diets modulate oxylipins. Also, some aspects of developing new biomarkers and therapeutical utilization are detailed in this review. Full article

Background: Human breast milk is a complex biological fluid containing multifaceted biological compounds that boost immune and metabolic system development that support the short- and long-term health of newborns. Recent literature suggests that human breast milk is a substantial source of nutrients, bioactive molecules, and exosomes. Objectives: This review examines the factors influencing exosomes noted in human milk and the impacts of exosomes on infant health. Furthermore, it discusses potential future prospects for exosome research in dietetics. Methods: Through a narrative review of the existing literature, we focused on exosomes in breast milk, exosome components and their potential impact on exosome health. Results: Exosomes are single-membrane extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin, with an approximate radius of 20–200 nm. They are natural messengers that cells secrete to transport a wide range of diverse cargoes, including deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid, proteins, and lipids between various cells. Some studies have reported that the components noted in exosomes in human breast milk could be transferred to the infant and cause epigenetic changes. Thus, it can affect gene expression and cellular event regulation in several tissues. Conclusions: In this manner, exosomes are associated with several pathways, including the immune system, oxidative stress, and cell cycle, and they can affect the short- and long-term health of infants. However, there is still much to learn about the functions, effectiveness, and certain impacts on the health of human breast milk exosomes. Full article

Background: Food literacy is associated with sustainable food systems and encourages individuals to adopt healthy eating habits. However, there is no validated method that can be used to measure food literacy related to sustainable food systems of Turkish adults. This research aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the “Food Literacy (FOODLIT) Tool” for Turkish adults. Methods: The study involved 328 people aged 19 to 58 years. The FOODLIT-Tool is a five-point Likert-type scale consisting of 24 items and five factors (“culinary competencies”, “production and quality”, “selection and planning”, “environmentally safe” and “origin”). Results: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was applied to assess internal consistency reliability, showing an excellent scale coefficient of 0.927. The model was evaluated with a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings of the CFA suggested that the fit indices were acceptable (χ²/df = 1.257, comparative fit index: 0.991, goodness-of-fit index: 0.977, normed fit index: 0.990 and root mean error of approximation: 0.028). Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between the FOODLIT-Tool score and the “Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale” (SHEB) score (r = 0.518, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that the Turkish version of the FOODLIT-Tool integrated with sustainable food systems is a valid and reliable measurement tool for assessing the food literacy of Turkish adults. Full article

The need to increase food safety and improve human health has led to a worldwide increase in interest in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), produced by lactic acid bacteria (LABs). GABA, produced from glutamic acid in a reaction catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), is a four-carbon, non-protein amino acid that is increasingly used in the food industry to improve the safety/quality of foods. In addition to the possible positive effects of GABA, called a postbiotic, on neuroprotection, improving sleep quality, alleviating depression and relieving pain, the various health benefits of GABA-enriched foods such as antidiabetic, antihypertension, and anti-inflammatory effects are also being investigated. For all these reasons, it is not surprising that efforts to identify LAB strains with a high GABA productivity and to increase GABA production from LABs through genetic engineering to increase GABA yield are accelerating. However, GABA’s contributions to food safety/quality and human health have not yet been fully discussed in the literature. Therefore, this current review highlights the synthesis and food applications of GABA produced from LABs, discusses its health benefits such as, for example, alleviating drug withdrawal syndromes and regulating obesity and overeating. Still, other potential food and drug interactions (among others) remain unanswered questions to be elucidated in the future. Hence, this review paves the way toward further studies. Full article

Fermented foods refer to beverages or foods made by carefully regulated microbial growth and the enzymatic conversion of dietary components. Fermented foods have recently become more popular. Studies on fermented foods suggest the types of bacteria and bioactive peptides involved in this process, revealing linkages that may have impacts on human health. By identifying the bacteria and bioactive peptides involved in this process, studies on fermented foods suggest relationships that may have impressions on human health. Fermented foods have been associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. In this article, fermented dairy products, vegetables and fruits, legumes, meats, and grains are included. Two elements in particular are emphasized when discussing the fermentation of all of these foods: bioactive chemicals generated during fermentation and microorganisms involved during fermentation. Organic acids, bioactive peptides, conjugated linoleic acid, biogenic amines, isoflavones, phytoestrogens, and nattokinase are a few of the bioactive compounds included in this review. Also, certain bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Bacillus species, which are utilized in the fermentation process are mentioned. The effects of both substances including anti-fungal and antioxidant properties; the modulation of intestinal microbiota; anti-inflammatory, antidiabetes, anti-obesity, anticancer, and antihypertension properties; and the protection of cognitive function are explained in this review. Full article

The need to improve the safety/quality of food and the health of the hosts has resulted in increasing worldwide interest in acidophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the food, livestock as well as health industries. In addition to the use of acidophilic LAB with probiotic potential for food fermentation and preservation, their application in the natural disposal of acidic wastes polluting the environment is also being investigated. Considering this new benefit that has been assigned to probiotic microorganisms in recent years, the acceleration in efforts to identify new, efficient, promising probiotic acidophilic LAB is not surprising. One of these effots is to determine both the beneficial and harmful compounds synthesized by acidophilic LAB. Moreover, microorganisms are of concern due to their possible hemolytic, DNase, gelatinase and mucinolytic activities, and the presence of virulence/antibiotic genes. Hence, it is argued that acidophilic LAB should be evaluated for these parameters before their use in the health/food/livestock industry. However, this issue has not yet been fully discussed in the literature. Thus, this review pays attention to the less-known aspects of acidophilic LAB and the compounds they release, clarifying critical unanswered questions, and discussing their health benefits and safety. Full article

Plants evolve to synthesize various natural metabolites to protect themselves against threats, such as insects, predators, microorganisms, and environmental conditions (such as temperature, pH, humidity, salt, and drought). Plant-derived toxic proteins are often secondary metabolites generated by plants. These proteins, including ribosome-inactivating proteins, lectins, protease inhibitors, α-amylase inhibitors, canatoxin-like proteins and ureases, arcelins, antimicrobial peptides, and pore-forming toxins, are found in different plant parts, such as the roots, tubers, stems, fruits, buds, and foliage. Several investigations have been conducted to explore the potential applications of these plant proteins by analyzing their toxic effects and modes of action. In biomedical applications, such as crop protection, drug development, cancer therapy, and genetic engineering, toxic plant proteins have been utilized as potentially useful instruments due to their biological activities. However, these noxious metabolites can be detrimental to human health and cause problems when consumed in high amounts. This review focuses on different plant toxic proteins, their biological activities, and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, possible usage and removal strategies for these proteins are discussed. Full article

Java plum is widely recognized as a plant with valuable medicinal properties, originating from Indonesia and India and distributed globally in the tropic and sub-tropic regions of the world. The plant is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, phenyl propanoids, terpenes, tannins, and lipids. The phytoconstituents of the plant seeds possess various vital pharmacological activities and clinical effects including their antidiabetic potential. The bioactive phytoconstituents of Java plum seeds include jambosine, gallic acid, quercetin, β-sitosterol, ferulic acid, guaiacol, resorcinol, p-coumaric acid, corilagin, ellagic acid, catechin, epicatechin, tannic acid, 4,6 hexahydroxydiphenoyl glucose, 3,6-hexahydroxy diphenoylglucose, 1-galloylglucose, and 3-galloylglucose. Considering all the potential beneficial effects of the major bioactive compounds present in the Jamun seeds, in the current investigation, the specific clinical effects and the mechanism of action for the major bioactive compounds along with the extraction procedures are discussed. Full article