Search Results (334)

Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) is a nucleotide-rich, water-soluble intracellular fraction derived from disrupted Chlorella biomass that has historically been described as a “growth-promoting” extract but remains poorly defined at the molecular level. In this review, we propose that CGF should not be interpreted as a classical receptor-binding growth factor, but rather as a heterogeneous, nucleotide-dominant metabolic fraction that may modulate cellular redox balance and biosynthetic capacity. We integrate available evidence on CGF characterization, including A260-based analytical indices, mineral-dependent biosynthesis, and extraction methodologies, with mechanistic observations from in vitro, animal, and applied biological systems. Across these contexts, CGF-associated fractions have been reported to influence redox-sensitive pathways, including NAD(H)/NADP(H)-linked processes, MAPK/AP-1 signaling, extracellular matrix regulation, and humoral immune responses. However, most mechanistic evidence remains indirect, and compositional heterogeneity limits direct comparability across studies. From a nutritional perspective, CGF contributes minimal macronutrient value but may provide conditionally relevant dietary nucleotides, amino acids, and redox-active metabolites that support metabolic processes under stress conditions. Observed biological effects are consistent with a model of metabolic permissiveness, in which CGF-associated fractions may support endogenous cellular functions rather than directly initiating signaling cascades. Key translational challenges include the lack of compositional standardization, limited nucleotide speciation, variability in extraction protocols, and the absence of pharmacokinetic and controlled human studies using well-characterized CGF preparations. Overall, CGF may be conceptualized as a candidate dietary bioactive with redox-centered and metabolically permissive properties. Further work integrating standardized analytical frameworks with mechanistic and clinical validation will be required to establish its role in human nutrition and functional food applications. Full article

Nutrient-sensing nuclear receptors (NSNRs), including PPARs, FXR, LXRs, RAR/RXR, VDR, and related orphan receptors, integrate a molecular interface that allows diet to communicate directly with the genome. By binding fatty acids, bile acids, sterols, vitamins, polyphenols, and other food-derived metabolites, NSNRs translate qualitative and quantitative features of the diet into coordinated transcriptional programmes across metabolically active organs. This ligand-dependent signalling network integrates dietary information to orchestrate inter-organ lipid and glucose metabolism, mitochondrial function, thermogenesis, and immune response, thereby enabling the organism to adapt dynamically to fasting–feeding cycles. In this review, we synthesise current evidence on the integrated roles of major NSNRs in the liver, skeletal muscle, white and brown adipose tissue, and kidney, emphasising how receptor networks within and between metabolic organs collectively govern energy expenditure, substrate partitioning, and systemic metabolic flexibility. We propose a conceptual framework in which diet functions as an “external endocrine organ”, acting as the primary source of chemically diverse NSNR ligands, while metabolic tissues serve as secondary signal amplifiers and integrators. Through circulating lipid species, bile acids, oxysterols, and other metabolites, these organs engage in continuous bidirectional communication that reprograms NSNR activity across tissues. We then examine how the global shift from minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods to nutrient-poor, energy-dense ultra-processed diets leads to a reduction in NSNR ligand diversity, promoting hepatic steatosis, muscle metabolic inflexibility, adipose tissue dysfunction, renal lipotoxicity, and chronic low-grade inflammation, ultimately causing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease. Finally, we explore strategies to restore NSNR function, including Mediterranean and plant-based dietary patterns, as well as diets enriched with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and polyphenols. By integrating molecular, physiological, and clinical evidence, this review aims to clarify how NSNR networks translate dietary cues into coordinated inter-organ metabolism and how nutrient-poor diets lead to metabolic diseases trough a loss of metabolic information, rather than merely by energy excess. This framework supports a paradigm shift from calorie-centred nutrition to diet quality as the main therapeutic target for preventing metabolic diseases and promoting health. Full article

Menopause is a pivotal stage in women’s life that brings with it multiple physiological changes that significantly increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. (Poly)phenols are plant secondary metabolites that present several mechanisms of action that could improve human health, including the regulation of gene expression, the control of lipid metabolism, the maintenance of glucose homeostasis, a reduction in blood pressure, prebiotic effects, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the main cardiometabolic risk factors associated with menopause (i.e., obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance) and examines the potential of dietary strategies focused on (poly)phenol intake to mitigate these alterations. Current evidence suggests that dietary intervention based on (poly)phenol intake could be a great strategy to mitigate cardiometabolic alterations during menopause. Moreover, this review underscores the crucial need to develop personalized nutrition strategies to optimize the effectiveness of (poly)phenol-rich diets for postmenopausal women’s health, thereby alleviating the cardiometabolic risk associated with this pivotal stage of women’s lives. In addition, this work emphasizes that future research should comprehensively address the key factors involved in the main mechanisms of action of (poly)phenols in promoting health, including (poly)phenol bioavailability, the role of the gut microbiota in the colonic metabolization of these bioactive compounds, and the regulation of gene expression via nutrigenomic effects related to cardiometabolic diseases. This integrative approach will be essential for establishing evidence-based dietary recommendations for (poly)phenol intake during menopause. Full article

The reciprocal relationship between genes and nutrients, known as nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, has been established in many studies. However, current investigations of maternal and neonatal nutrition using a precision nutrition approach focused on genomics are limited, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This review aims to summarize the impacts of the dietary micronutrients, folic acid, thiamine, and cobalamin on optimal health outcomes during pregnancy, fetal development, lactation, and infant growth. In this review, the roles of folic acid, thiamine, and cobalamin are discussed in the context of various aspects of pregnancy, such as preconception, fetal development, and lactation, highlighting how genetic events occurring during developmental periods can have consequential impacts on health outcomes later in life. Deficiency rates and related health consequences as well as the prevalence of genetic mutations related to these nutrients of interest in the MENA region are also elaborated on. How to advance knowledge and applications of precision nutrition, how genes interact with the neurochemical changes during pregnancy, and how this interaction impacts maternal eating behaviors, and consequently fetal development and infant and child growth and health, should be further explored in future studies. This includes taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies and the role of artificial intelligence in this endeavor. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the main degenerative joint disease affecting nearly 7% of world population. OA is a multifactorial pathology due to environmental, inflammatory and genetic causes. Recently, the diet and consumption of specific foods have been associated to onset and progression of OA. Dietary patterns, macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds can influence inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and cartilage metabolism. These effects are mediated not only by structural support but also through the modulation of gene expression and cellular signaling pathways. The emerging fields of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics provide a mechanistic framework to explain interindividual variability in dietary responses. Nutrigenomics investigates how nutrients influence gene expression and molecular pathways involved in OA pathophysiology, whereas nutrigenetics examines how genetic polymorphisms affect nutrient metabolism, bioavailability, and biological efficacy. This narrative review critically examines current evidence on the interaction between diet, nutraceuticals, and common non-pathological genetic variants in OA. We discuss whether specific dietary patterns exert genotype-independent effects or require personalized approaches to optimize outcomes. By integrating genetic, metabolic, and nutritional perspectives, this review aims to clarify inconsistent findings in the literature and to outline the potential of precision nutrition as a complementary strategy for OA prevention and management. The integration of these approaches enables the development of personalized nutritional strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic background, metabolic profile, and comorbid conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Full article

An anti-inflammatory dietary pattern represents a key component of non-pharmacological management in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), as it targets chronic low-grade inflammation, adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, and disturbances of the gut–metabolic axis. In the present work, we outline a framework for an “omics-based” approach that integrates data on gut microbiota composition and function (metagenomics), adipokine profiles, nutrigenomics, epigenetics, and related transcriptomic and metabolomic layers in order to enable more precise characterization of the metabolic phenotype and to support precision nutrition strategies. The proposed dietary model emphasizes the quality rather than merely the quantity of macronutrients, with particular focus on lipid profile optimization. Specifically, total fat intake is recommended to remain below 30% of total energy through the reduction in saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fats, and excessive omega-6 fatty acids, alongside increased consumption of omega-3 PUFA (EPA/DHA) and plant-based sources of α-linolenic acid (ALA). Concurrently, greater intake of lean protein sources and low-glycemic-index carbohydrates rich in dietary fibre—particularly fermentable fractions—is recommended. The model also highlights the importance of polyphenols with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. To enhance feasibility and long-term adherence, recommendations are structured as flexible food substitutions rather than rigid prescriptions. Further well-designed interventional studies are required to confirm the impact of a multi-omics-based anti-inflammatory diet on both molecular and clinical endpoints. Full article

The most recent National Research Council Nutrient Requirements for Sheep and Goats was published in 2007, one of the most consequential nutrient requirement recommendations for sheep and goats in the world. The enhancement of production efficiency, minimization of carbon footprint, and maximization of resource economy, among others, motivate the continuing discussion of nutrient utilization and refinement of nutrient requirements in sheep and goats that are increasingly important in various parts of the world. Progress has been made in the estimation of energy and protein requirements in sheep and goats, mainly utilizing empirical feeding experimentation, comparative slaughter techniques and minimum endogenous loss methods. In sheep, newer estimates of energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth and partial efficiencies has been reported since 2007. There were suggestions that energy and protein requirements could have been affected by breed, wool growth, gender and size, with these reported values being similar or lower than the recommended values in international feeding systems such as NRC, ARC, INRA and AFRC. In goats, energy and protein requirements for growing goats were reported to be either higher or lower than the established recommendations, depending upon meat or dairy breeds. Effect of gender on energy requirement appeared to be related to the stage of growth or degree of maturity. Newer data also suggested that existing recommendations on nutrient requirements may not be adequate for non-pregnant and non-lactating pubertal females. In multiparous pregnant goats, energy and protein requirements for maintenance did not appear to be affected by days of pregnancy, but efficiencies of metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein utilization for pregnancy were. There were suggestions that metabolizable protein can be predicted from energy intake using equations that encompass both sheep and goats, but more data on goats were called for to account for specific differences in nutrition. In addition to sulfur, there has been progress made on the estimation of maintenance and growth requirements of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in goats, with suggestions on the consideration of gender and breed differences. While conventional factors such as breeds and species, genotype, stage of maturity, gender, body composition, mobilization of tissue energy for production, and additional activity energy required due to resource limitation and acclimatization remain as important considerations for the estimation of nutrient requirements in sheep and goats, emerging factors such as climate change, heat stress, parasitism and secondary plant compounds that can affect nutrient utilization should also be considered in the estimation of nutrient requirements. Model equations and partial efficiencies used by NRC to predict energy and protein requirements for maintenance, growth, lactation, and fiber have been highlighted and discussed for the purpose of a more focus discussion and refinement for the future. Potential limitations of both traditional and emerging methodologies in determining the nutrient requirements in sheep and goats were discussed. The advancement in nutrigenomics can potentially move nutrient requirements beyond its population-based guidelines. To justify the research investment, emerging methodologies such as nutrigenomics will have to be linked more directly to the improvement of production efficiency via more precise prediction of nutrient requirement. With the assistance of artificial intelligence and more data obtained from sensor technology, precision nutrition has the potential to deliver nutrients precisely to individual animals and meet nutrient requirements in sheep and goats. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes—including preterm birth < 37 weeks’ gestation (PTB), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA)—remain elevated in the United States. Preventive strategies beyond the current standard of care (SOC) may be needed, particularly in diverse and socioeconomically vulnerable populations. The study evaluated a targeted diet and lifestyle intervention incorporating selected nutrient and gene variant analysis with personalized trimester-based counseling and supplementation (Standard of Care Plus, PLUS). Methods: The prospective observational study compared outcomes among participants receiving PLUS in addition to SOC with regional SOC data. A Nevada PLUS cohort (n = 15), consisting of high-risk participants with 100% Medicaid coverage, received the intervention virtually. An Oregon PLUS cohort (n = 387), consisting of moderate-risk participants with approximately 50% Medicaid coverage, received PLUS through in-person group sessions. Outcomes were compared with regional SOC rates and between PLUS cohorts. Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) analyses were performed to account for site-level differences in pooled analyses. Primary outcome was PTB < 37 weeks’ gestation; secondary outcomes included HDP, GDM, SGA, and LGA. Results: The Nevada PLUS application was associated with lower adverse outcome rates compared with regional SOC; however, statistical significance was not observed, likely reflecting limited sample size. The Oregon PLUS cohort experienced statistically significant association with reductions across all five outcomes (all p < 0.001) compared to regional SOC. No statistically significant differences were observed between the Nevada (virtual) and Oregon (in-person) PLUS cohorts. In pooled analyses (n = 402), significant reductions compared with SOC were observed for PTB (RR = 0.23), HDP (RR = 0.11), GDM (RR = 0.06), SGA (RR = 0.25), and LGA (RR = 0.35) (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: The implementation of selected nutrient and gene variant analysis combined with targeted nutritional and lifestyle interventions, delivered in collaboration with standard obstetric care, was associated with reduced adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Interpretation of virtual delivery remains limited by small sample size. Full article

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant tumors that develop in the bone. Currently, surgery is often the best and most used approach, often preceded and followed by chemotherapy, which, however, carries serious short- and long-term side effects. Recently, much attention has been paid to natural compounds capable of inducing tumor cell death, reducing tumor and metastatic activity, and interacting with selective chemotherapy targeting tumor cells. Griffonia simplicifolia, a tropical African plant, has attracted attention because its extracts with bioactive chemicals have demonstrated multiple therapeutic uses. We show the antitumor properties of a Griffonia seed extract, obtained by maceration in a hydroalcoholic mixture (ethanol/water, 70/30, v/v, Gri70), on osteosarcoma cell lines, evaluating cytotoxicity, interaction with a pro-inflammatory signal (interleukin-1β), epigenetic activity of this signal on interleukin-6 gene expression, and interactions with an elective chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin. Although the extract did not have strong antiproliferative activity in the cell lines analyzed, we nevertheless observed that it was able to block proliferative and migration signals induced by interleukin-1β, as well as acting epigenetically by blocking the de-methylation of the interleukin-6 promoter and its expression. Furthermore, the extract did not appear to interfere with the antitumor activity of doxorubicin, and the interaction potentiated antimetastatic effects. These results indicate that Gri-70 extract may be useful as adjuvants to enhance the effect of doxorubicin, reducing the adverse effects associated with the increased EMT process of osteosarcoma cells that manage to overcome cell death induction. Indeed, metastasis represents the main cause of poor prognosis. Full article

The interaction between chrono-nutrition (dinner intake), glycemic index (GI), and the C358A variant of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), along with its impact on morning fasting insulin and glycemia, has not been previously explored. This study provides new insights into chronometabolic and nutrigenetic interactions. This study aims to analyze the association between the dinner GI and the C385A variant in the FAAH gene with respect to fasting glucose, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR in adults with obesity. It was hypothesized that the dinner GI, probably influenced by the FAAH variant, could be associated with glycemic homeostasis in adults with obesity. This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study focused on 189 adults with obesity (129 women; mean age, 41 ± 12 years; mean BMI, 38.0 ± 5.2 kg/m²). Dietary intake was assessed through two 24 h food records, enabling the calculation of GI and macronutrient composition at each meal, especially dinner. Fasting-parameter setting and genotyping were done during the study. The lineal regression analyses were adjusted by age, sex, BMI, energy intake and dinner protein. Participants with lower fasting glucose levels had higher total GI and dinner GI values than those with higher fasting glucose levels, whereas no differences in dinner GI were observed across groups stratified by insulin or HOMA-IR levels. In fully adjusted regression models, dinner GI values remained inversely associated with fasting glucose levels (β = −0.172, 95%CI −0.298 to −0.045; p = 0.008). The FAAH C385A variant independently predicted lower insulin (β = −2.674, 95%CI −5.185 to −0.164; p = 0.037) and lower HOMA-IR (β = −0.731, 95%CI −1.364 to −0.099; p = 0.024) levels. No statistically significant interaction between dinner GI and the FAAH genotype was detected with respect to glycemia, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Overall, these findings indicate that the dinner GI influences fasting glucose levels in adults with obesity; the FAAH variant predicted lower insulin and HOMA-IR levels, supporting a plausible chrono-nutrigenetic interaction between carbohydrate quality, mealtime intake, and FAAH variation in metabolic regulation, which must be further studied. Full article

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

Bladder cancer (BC) is a biologically heterogeneous tumor affected by genetic, metabolic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Recent research indicates that nutrition can change the way urothelial cancer forms by affecting inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular energy, and the epigenome. It can also change the risk of BC and how well treatment works. Simultaneous progress in precision nutrition (PN) and nutriomic profiling—encompassing nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, nutriepigenetics, metabolomics, and microbiome science—presents novel options to tailor dietary regimens beyond universal guidelines. In this review, we consolidate existing knowledge regarding the nutritional factors influencing BC, outline pertinent principles of PN for BC prevention and survival, and explore how urine proteomics and molecular subtyping facilitate the integration of PN into precision oncology. Our review examines the methodological, bioinformatic, biomarker, and clinical translation challenges that impede the implementation of PN in BC management; these challenges include the need for validated nutritional biomarkers with mechanistic endpoints, interoperable data platforms, and rigorously designed clinical trials. Finally, we emphasize future prospects for PN-guided medical nutrition therapy and dietary models during and after systemic treatment recovery. We propose research priorities that will facilitate the integration of PN-informed individualized dietary plans with medical and surgical approaches in BC treatment, aiming to decrease the costs associated with expensive or excessively aggressive treatment methods, thereby supporting long-term survival care. This review seeks to establish a conceptual framework for the integration of PN into BC management by delineating the opportunities and challenges, hence promoting hypothesis-driven research in a promising yet underexplored domain. Full article

Pregnancy represents a period of heightened oxidative demand in which maternal metabolic adaptations are tightly regulated by redox-sensitive molecular pathways. Imbalances in these systems have been associated with gestational complications, impaired placental function, and long-term effects on offspring health. This review examines the molecular mechanisms through which adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) influences oxidative balance during pregnancy. We summarize evidence on how MD-derived bioactives regulate oxidative stress pathways and affect oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. At the same time, certain MD foods containing environmental contaminants may potentially attenuate its protective effects. In addition, the review explores molecular insights into how the MD may counteract oxidative stress induced by environmental pollutants through modulation of redox signaling and detoxification pathways. By integrating biochemical, molecular, and environmental perspectives, this review highlights the MD as a potential nutrigenomic intervention to optimize oxidative balance, support healthy pregnancy outcomes linked to environmental pollution. Full article

Background: Nutritional status assessment is the cornerstone of the Nutrition Care Process, guiding diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring. The classical ABCD model (Anthropometry, Biochemical, Clinical, Dietary) has been widely applied; however, it presents limitations in addressing current nutritional and epidemiological challenges. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize and update the scientific evidence on the expanded nutritional assessment model, known as ABCDEFG, which incorporates the Ecological–microbiota (E), Functional (F), and Genomic–nutrigenomic (G) approaches. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2013 to 2025. Articles were selected based on relevance to at least one of the seven assessment domains. Findings were synthesized descriptively and critically, highlighting applications, strengths, and limitations. Results: The ABCDEFG framework offers a multidimensional perspective of nutritional assessment. While anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary methods remain essential, the inclusion of ecological dimensions (gut microbiota, environmental influences), functional measures (e.g., muscle strength, physical performance), and genomics enables a more sensitive and personalized evaluation. This integrative approach supports better clinical decision-making and research innovation in nutrition and health sciences. Conclusions: The seven-method model broadens the scope of nutritional assessment, bridging traditional and emerging tools. Its application enhances the capacity to identify nutritional risks, design targeted interventions, and advance precision nutrition. Full article

Background/Objectives: This review integrates evolutionary, metabolic, genetic, and nutritional perspectives to explain how sterol-derived vitamin D pathways shape human physiology and inter-individual variability in vitamin D status. Methods: The literature on sterol and vitamin D metabolism across animals, plants, fungi, and algae was synthesized with data from metabolomics databases, genome-wide association studies, RNA-seq resources (including GTEx), structural biology, and functional genomics. Results: Vitamin D₂ and vitamin D₃ likely emerged early in evolution as non-enzymatic photochemical sterol derivatives and were later co-opted into a tightly regulated endocrine system in vertebrates. In humans, cytochrome P450 enzymes coordinate vitamin D activation and degradation and intersect with oxysterol production, thereby linking vitamin D signaling to cholesterol and bile acid metabolism. Tissue-specific gene expression and regulatory genetic variants, particularly in the genes DHCR7, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and CYP27A1, contribute to population-level differences in vitamin D status and metabolic outcomes. Structural analyses reveal selective, high-affinity binding of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ to VDR, contrasted with broader, lower-affinity ligand recognition by LXRs. Dietary patterns modulate nuclear receptor signaling through distinct yet convergent ligand sources, including cholesterol-derived oxysterols, oxidized phytosterols, and vitamin D₂ versus vitamin D₃. Conclusions: Sterol and vitamin D metabolism constitute an evolutionarily conserved, adaptable network shaped by UV exposure, enzymatic control, genetic variation, and diet. This framework explains inter-individual variability in vitamin D biology and illustrates how evolutionary and dietary modulation of sterol-derived ligands confers functional flexibility to nuclear receptor signaling in human health. Full article