Search Results (2,501)

Background: Former and current smokers in lung cancer screening remain at elevated risk for lung cancer despite smoking cessation. We and others have shown that curcumin (CUR) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects but is limited by poor bioavailability. However, since CUR is lipophilic, co-administration with ω-3 FAs represents a mechanistically rational strategy to enhance delivery and target complementary pathways, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the transcription factor NF-κB (NF-κB) signaling for lung cancer chemoprevention. Methods: We conducted a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II pilot study evaluating CUR combined with ω-3 FAs in high-risk former and current smokers with CT-detected pulmonary nodules. Participants received intervention agents with active-dose groups (low dose = 3; high dose = 9) or a placebo (n = 7) for 6 months. Primary endpoints included radiologic changes in nodule size, number, and density. Secondary endpoints included safety, adherence to the study agent and exploratory biomarker analyses. Correlation analyses of imaging-derived metrics were performed to assess relationships among LDCT parameters. Results: Nineteen participants were enrolled (intervention, n = 12; placebo, n = 7). Eighteen (11 intervention, 7 placebo) subjects completed post-intervention imaging. One subject was unable to complete follow-up and study-related procedures. Data from the treatment arms were pooled for analysis and comparison with the placebo arm. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in primary imaging endpoints. The intervention was well tolerated, with predominantly grade 1 adverse events. Exploratory analyses demonstrated consistent positive correlations among established imaging biomarkers, with clustering of size-based metrics (mean diameter, volume, sum of longest diameters) and density-based parameters. Multidimensional scaling supported this structure, indicating internal coherence among imaging-derived endpoints. Conclusions: Although no statistically significant treatment effect on the image biomarkers was observed, this pilot study demonstrates feasibility challenges and identifies coherent imaging biomarkers that may serve as intermediate endpoints in early-phase chemoprevention trials. These results support further investigation of strategies utilizing agent combinations with enhanced bioavailability and safety and refinement of trial design in high-risk lung cancer patient populations. Full article

Microalgae are recognized as sustainable biofactories for metabolites relevant to nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and marine drug applications. Nannochloropsis salina is notable for its production of bioactive lipids, including the pharmaceutically relevant omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Here, we evaluated orange peel extract (OPE), a citrus by-product, as a substrate for mixotrophic cultivation of N. salina within a bioeconomy framework. OPE supplementation triggered dose-dependent physiological responses. Among the tested OPE concentrations, 5% supplementation resulted in the highest total fatty acid content, increasing fatty acids from 24.4% (control) to 30.6% and EPA from 6.4% to 9.8%, whereas 10% OPE maintained biomass pigmentation. Higher OPE levels enhanced antioxidant potential, raising total antioxidant capacity from 4.6 (control) to 6.7 mg/g vitamin C equivalents (with 10% OPE), while the highest concentrations induced metabolic stress, reducing biomass and altering lipid composition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed biochemical adjustments consistent with metabolic reorganization, including increased intensities of the amide I and II bands associated with protein-rich structures. Overall, OPE emerges as a cost-effective supplement capable of modulating the biochemical quality of N. salina while valorizing agro-industrial residues. The increases in EPA and antioxidant capacity support the potential of OPE-supplemented cultures as a platform for the production of marine-derived bioactive compounds. Full article

Within the emerging field of nutritional neuroscience, omega-3 fatty acids are among the most extensively investigated dietary bioactive compounds with potential relevance to cognitive aging. As populations continue to age worldwide, identifying modifiable nutritional factors that support cognitive health has become an important public health priority. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), obtained primarily from marine sources, are integral components of neuronal membranes and serve as precursors of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. This narrative review integrates concepts from nutritional neuroscience and geroscience to examine how dietary omega-3 fatty acids may influence biological pathways involved in age-related cognitive decline. Current evidence suggests that DHA and EPA affect multiple processes linked to brain aging, including neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, cerebrovascular integrity, cellular senescence, and gut–brain axis signaling. These mechanisms overlap with several hallmarks of aging and may contribute to the maintenance of cognitive function during later life. Observational studies generally associate higher dietary intake or circulating omega-3 status with better cognitive performance and a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Findings from randomized controlled trials are less consistent, although benefits appear more likely in individuals with low baseline omega-3 status, mild cognitive impairment, or increased biological vulnerability. Beyond their established anti-inflammatory effects, omega-3 fatty acids may influence multiple aging-related pathways, particularly inflammaging, vascular aging, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although heterogeneity in study design, dosage, intervention timing, and participant characteristics precludes firm conclusions, viewing omega-3 fatty acids through a geroscience lens offers a useful framework for interpreting existing evidence and informing future research. Overall, omega-3 fatty acids represent a promising nutritional strategy for supporting cognitive health across the lifespan, warranting further investigation in well-characterized populations and precision nutrition approaches. Full article

The present study was designed to evaluate the structural and biochemical efficacy of Omega-3 fatty acids in preventing renal injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic kidney injury and to correlate systemic oxidative stress parameters with histological and ultrastructural parameters. Twenty-eight male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7) as follows: Control, Omega-3 (500 mg/kg, orally), Diabetes Mellitus (DM; 50 mg/kg STZ, i.p.), and DM+Omega-3 (STZ, followed by 500 mg/kg Omega-3 for 42 days). Biochemical analysis of renal function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine) and oxidative status (malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI)) was measured by ELISA. Histopathological scoring and Caspase-3 staining were performed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemically, respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the renal tissues. Our results showed that the DM group presented with severe hyperglycemia, uremia, and a significant oxidative shift, as evidenced by increased MDA/TOS levels and depleted antioxidant defenses. Light microscopy showed extensive glomerular damage, tubular degeneration and inflammatory infiltration in the kidneys of diabetic rats. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong Caspase-3 expression in the tubular and glomerular compartments. TEM showed severe podocyte effacement and damage to the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Notably, Omega-3 supplementation significantly reversed renal dysfunction, restored the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and reduced histopathological injury scores. Moreover, Omega-3 treatment efficiently blocked Caspase-3-mediated apoptotic signaling and preserved the ultrastructural integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) and tubular mitochondria. Our results demonstrate the potent nephroprotective effects of Omega-3 fatty acids in reducing oxidative stress, preventing programmed cell death and maintaining the stability of the renal parenchyma’s microarchitecture. These findings suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids could be an effective adjuvant therapeutic agent for the management of diabetic nephropathy. Full article

Cancer remains a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, with oxidative stress playing a central role in its pathogenesis, progression, and response to therapy. Nutrition has emerged as a modifiable factor capable of influencing redox homeostasis, thereby contributing to both cancer prevention and therapeutic outcomes. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and bioactive compounds that modulate oxidative stress and are associated with reduced cancer risk and improved response to treatment. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering the period from 2002 to 2025 to capture contemporary dietary approaches and clinical evidence. Eligible studies addressed nutrient compounds, dietary strategies, obesity, gut microbiota, conventional cancer therapies, and clinical outcomes, with particular emphasis on mechanisms related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune modulation. Epidemiological evidence consistently supports the protective role of plant-based dietary patterns and reduced intake of red and processed meat, partly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nutrients such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with decreased oxidative damage, improved immune responses, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy across multiple tumor types, including colorectal, breast, lung, and ovarian cancers, as well as glioblastoma. Emerging data also suggest that dietary interventions, including ketogenic diets and fasting, may influence tumor metabolism and redox balance, potentially increasing sensitivity to conventional therapies. The gut microbiota has been identified as a key mediator linking diet, oxidative stress, and cancer-related pathways. Although current evidence supports the role of nutritional strategies in targeting oxidative stress for cancer prevention and treatment, further large-scale randomized clinical trials are required to clarify their impact on survival and treatment efficacy. The integration of nutritional counseling into oncology practice represents a cost-effective, accessible, and patient-centered approach with the potential to modulate oxidative stress and improve clinical outcomes. Full article

The pet food industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing trend of companion animal humanization and increasing concerns over the environmental sustainability of conventional protein and lipid sources. Consumers now seek diets that not only meet basic nutritional requirements but also offer preventive health benefits. Microalgae, including Arthrospira (Spirulina, a kind of cyanobacterium), Chlorella, Schizochytrium, and Euglena gracilis, have emerged as versatile biological platforms capable of addressing both functional and sustainability challenges. These microorganisms produce high-quality proteins, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (particularly docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), natural pigments, and immunomodulatory polysaccharides. This review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies on the application of microalgae in pet nutrition, covering dogs, cats, and aquatic companion animals. We examine how algal ingredients influence gut microbiota, for instance, by enriching beneficial genera such as Turicibacter and Peptococcus, enhance vaccine responses and mucosal immunity, support cognitive function in aging pets, and contribute to weight management. Particular attention is given to Euglena gracilis and its paramylon (β-1,3-glucan), a pathogen-associated molecular pattern that engages the Dectin-1 pathway to train innate immunity and has demonstrated antiviral activity through host defense mechanisms. The review also surveys the patent landscape, highlighting trends in palatability enhancement, hypoallergenic formulations, and novel delivery formats. Key challenges remain, including ingredient standardization, safety validation, palatability optimization, and consumer acceptance. We outline a translational roadmap that prioritizes well-designed clinical trials in target species and processing methods that preserve bioactivity. Collectively, the evidence positions microalgae, and Euglena gracilis in particular, as promising candidates for next-generation functional pet foods that deliver health benefits alongside ecological sustainability. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease defined by persistent synovial inflammation, progressive cartilage and bone erosion, and extra-articular manifestations. Current treatments, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), control disease activity but are limited by toxicity, reduced response over time, and are expensive, demonstrating the need for safer and more effective adjuncts. The marine environment is a rich, largely untapped source of structurally diverse bioactive molecules that could be used to develop new therapeutics. This review compiles current evidence on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds from marine organisms relevant to RA, including macroalgae, true marine microalgae, marine microorganisms (bacteria and fungi, including deep-sea taxa), sea cucumbers, sponges, mussels, corals, and jellyfish. Recurring mechanisms of action include inhibition of the NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signalling cascades; suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); reduced production of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6; and activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant response. Particular attention is given to functional lipids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, prostaglandin-like oxylipins) and pigments (astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, β-carotene) from marine microalgae and heterotrophic protists, which recent literature identifies as the most clinically advanced marine leads. To clarify translational status, compounds are grouped by their development stage (marketed nutraceutical, clinical trial, or preclinical) and summarised in a dedicated table. Some compounds, such as green-lipped mussel extract, microalgal omega-3 oils, and astaxanthin, have reached the stage of randomised controlled trials for arthritis. However, most other potential treatments are still in the early, preclinical phase. It is worth noting that ocean-derived compounds appear generally safe, but more thorough studies, especially in living organisms and in clinical settings, are needed to confirm their effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis before any claims can be made about their therapeutic benefits. Full article

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are critical modulators of cardiovascular physiology, acting through anti-inflammatory signaling, membrane remodeling, and transcriptional regulation. Despite strong biological plausibility, clinical evidence remains heterogeneous. This narrative review evaluates the complexities of ω-3 supplementation, moving beyond standardized dosing to discuss the emerging role of biomarker-based assessments. While traditional low-dose mixed formulations often failed to show significant benefits, high-dose purified EPA (icosapent ethyl, 4 g/day) has demonstrated a substantial reduction in residual cardiovascular risk in specific populations. However, this clinical success is accompanied by a modest but consistent increase in atrial fibrillation risk at pharmacological doses, suggesting a need for better risk stratification. We highlight that therapeutic efficacy is closely tied to bioavailability—driven by chemical form and dietary context. In this setting, objective metrics such as the ω-3 Index or EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio are discussed as validated biomarkers of ω-3 status that, although not yet incorporated into clinical guidelines as routine treatment targets, may help account for inter-individual variability. Furthermore, we address the environmental burden of marine-derived oils, considering microalgae-based alternatives as sustainable solutions. Ultimately, this review advocates for a more nuanced approach that integrates clinical evidence, the potential of biomarker monitoring, and global environmental responsibility. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recovery nutrition must restore near-term readiness without indiscriminately suppressing biological signals that contribute to repair and training adaptation. This review evaluates recovery–adaptation coupling (RAC) as a research framework and clarifies its contribution relative to established recovery, nutrient-periodization, and athlete-monitoring models. Methods: Targeted narrative searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were supplemented by Google Scholar citation tracking and backward and forward screening. Peer-reviewed English-language literature available through 31 May 2026 was considered. Human athlete studies, randomized trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, consensus statements, and position stands were prioritized; mechanistic evidence was used to explain pathways rather than to support stand-alone performance recommendations. The final cited corpus comprised 130 records. No formal risk-of-bias tool, certainty grading, PRISMA denominator, or quantitative pooling was used. Claims were instead identified as established practice (EP), context-dependent evidence (CDE), mechanistic rationale (MR), or RAC hypothesis (RH). Results: The most consistent applied support concerns adequate energy availability, distributed high-quality protein, carbohydrate restoration when recovery windows are short, and individualized fluid and sodium replacement. Evidence for polyphenol-rich products, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and creatine is context- and product-dependent. Collagen or gelatin evidence is mainly mechanistic or pilot-level, while RAC recovery-pattern categories and multimodal monitoring rules remain unvalidated hypotheses. RAC differs from existing frameworks by jointly specifying the next athletic demand, dominant recovery bottleneck, possible adaptive cost of intervention, and response-verification plan. Conclusions: RAC should presently be interpreted as an evidence-organization and hypothesis-generation architecture, not as a validated predictive, diagnostic, or treatment algorithm. Prospective comparative studies are required before RAC-specific decision rules can guide individualized practice. Full article

Asthma prevalence in school-age children varies widely by geography, from below 5% in some regions to above 20% in others, averaging 10–12% across industrialized countries, but genetic factors account for less than 40% of disease liability. Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a critical intermediary between early-life dietary exposure and immunological trajectories that determine asthma susceptibility. Through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, propionate, and acetate, commensal bacteria regulate dendritic cell function, promote T-regulatory (Treg) cell differentiation, and attenuate Th2-polarized airway inflammation via the gut–lung axis. Epidemiological cohorts including CHILD, WHEALS, and PASTURE associate early-life dysbiosis and reduced Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii with increased asthma risk, while dietary patterns rich in fermentable fibre, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and diverse plant-based foods are associated with preserved microbial diversity and, in preclinical models, attenuated type-2 inflammatory signalling. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic and epidemiological evidence on how nutritional exposures shape gut microbiota composition and influences asthma onset and severity in paediatric populations, including the distinct obesity-related asthma phenotype. Critical gaps, insufficient dietary intervention trials with microbiome endpoints, methodological heterogeneity across cohorts, and the paucity of data from non-Western populations are discussed, with implications for preventive nutritional counselling in paediatric allergology practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Prospective studies of omega-3 supplementation during breast cancer chemotherapy differ in intervention composition, co-supplementation, dose, treatment setting, and outcomes. We summarized and critically appraised interventions comprising DHA alone, EPA + DHA, EPA + DHA + GLA, or EPA + DHA with or without vitamin D, stratified by intervention composition and outcome domain. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library/CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Embase were last searched on 8 July 2026, supplemented by citation searching. Eligible studies prospectively administered EPA and/or DHA during chemotherapy and reported inflammatory/biological, nutritional/functional, quality-of-life, treatment-related, anticancer-response, or safety outcomes. Active co-supplementation was analyzed separately. Owing to clinical and methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively; risk of bias and outcome-specific certainty were assessed using RoB 2-informed and GRADE approaches. Results: Fourteen reports representing ten prospective interventional trials were included. No eligible EPA-only trial was found. Interventions comprised EPA + DHA/fish oil without another active nutrient, DHA alone, EPA + DHA plus gamma-linolenic acid, and a factorial trial of EPA + DHA with or without vitamin D. One trial reported lower paclitaxel-induced neuropathy, whereas another found no benefit for paclitaxel-associated acute pain or neuropathic symptoms. Biomarker, nutritional, functional, and quality-of-life findings were inconsistent and often derived from small trials, exploratory or compliance-restricted analyses, companion reports, or co-supplementation designs. No consistent improvement in treatment response or survival was demonstrated. Serious supplementation-related adverse events were not reported, although adverse-event reporting varied. Certainty was low for safety and very low for efficacy-related domains. Conclusions: Current evidence is preliminary. The evaluated interventions appeared generally tolerated, but independent clinical efficacy of DHA alone, EPA + DHA without another active nutrient, EPA + DHA + GLA, or EPA + DHA with or without vitamin D during breast cancer chemotherapy remains unproven. Full article

Neuropathic pain is a chronic, difficult-to-treat condition arising from injury or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Current pharmacological treatments provide limited relief for many patients and are often associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for complementary mechanism-based strategies. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are pivotal and interdependent drivers of neuropathic pain, promoting glial activation, cytokine release, mitochondrial dysfunction, redox imbalance, ion channel sensitization, and peripheral and central sensitization. Nutraceuticals and dietary bioactive compounds have gained attention because of their pleiotropic actions, i.e., multiple pharmacological activities, on inflammatory, oxidative, metabolic, mitochondrial, and neuroimmune pathways. This review summarizes the mechanistic roles of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in neuropathic pain and discusses evidence supporting nutraceutical-based interventions, including polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, fatty acids and lipid-derived compounds, antioxidant nutraceuticals, vitamins, and micronutrients. Preclinical studies indicate that these compounds can attenuate pain-related behaviors by modulating redox-sensitive inflammatory signaling, glial reactivity, mitochondrial function, nociceptive ion channels, and endogenous antioxidant defenses. Although clinical evidence remains limited, selected compounds, including alpha-lipoic acid, palmitoylethanolamide, omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, and capsaicin, show translational promise. Future studies should prioritize standardized formulations, bioavailability, dosing, safety, mechanistic biomarkers, and robust randomized trials to clarify their clinical role as complementary, multi-target strategies for neuropathic pain management. Full article

Fueled by the rapid growth of the global companion animal industry, the development of nutritional additives for improving canine intestinal health has emerged as a prominent research area in pet nutrition. Excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation triggers severe oxidative stress, inducing intestinal inflammation, abnormal epithelial senescence, and tight junction destruction to damage intestinal mucosal integrity. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have proven antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potency, yet divergent functions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on canine ileal epithelial cells (cIECs) remain unclear. Here, an H₂O₂-stimulated oxidative injury model was built to compare their protective capacity. Under all equivalent gradient concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 μM in this experiment, Equal-dose DHA failed to alleviate cell damage, while EPA effectively rescued impaired cIEC viability. Biochemical tests showed EPA lowered malondialdehyde and boosted key antioxidant enzyme activities. Transcriptomics confirmed EPA suppressed overactivated TNF-α/IFN-γ inflammatory and senescence pathways. Western blot verified EPA downregulated p-Chk1, p53, p57, and p73 and restored telomere-protective and tight junction proteins. In summary, EPA protects cIECs via antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-senescence, supporting its development as a promising functional feed additive for canine intestinal care. Full article

Interactions among the gut, brain, and skin are increasingly understood as a systemic regulatory network connecting intestinal activity, neuroimmune communication, and cutaneous homeostasis. Microbiota-derived metabolites, immune mediators, and neuroendocrine pathways can influence central nervous system activity and subsequently regulate skin homeostasis. This review summarizes current evidence on how functional ingredients modulate the gut–brain–skin axis in the context of aging and skin health. Polyphenols, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids appear to act through overlapping biological routes, including reshaping microbial communities, supporting epithelial barrier function, regulating immune activity, and limiting oxidative stress. These gut-derived signals may affect the brain through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways, thereby modulating neuroinflammation, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity, and neurotransmitter balance. Through brain–skin communication, these changes may influence inflammation, epidermal barrier integrity, collagen remodeling, and skin aging processes. Emerging clinical evidence suggests potential improvements in skin-related outcomes and systemic inflammatory markers; however, studies remain heterogeneous, and integrated assessments of gut, brain, and skin endpoints are limited. Further studies that integrate multi-omics profiling with carefully designed clinical trials will be required to define causal pathways and support the development of evidence-based nutritional approaches targeting this axis. Full article

Understanding how sensory preferences shape the acceptance of nutrient-dense foods is essential for improving prenatal nutrition. This exploratory study examined taste, smell, texture, appearance, and enjoyment factors influencing food acceptability among (n = 21) African American pregnant women, examining how determinants must be met for consumption. We administered surveys to identify preferred foods and analyzed the nutrient quantity of vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin D, iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids in each food, given their influence on prenatal health. Nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods were identified by ranking preferred foods by nutrients and selecting those that consistently ranked as top contributors. Focus groups further explored conditions that promote or hinder intake, and content analysis was conducted using NVivo. Preferred nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods included cashews, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, salmon, carrots, red bell peppers, and spinach. Participants cited low acceptance due to allergies, undesirable textures (“dry” or “slimy”), unpleasant taste or appearance, a lack of cravings, preference for alternatives, unenjoyable preparation methods, and foods perceived as “display-only.” High acceptance was linked to appealing taste and texture, flexible preparation options, and perceived health benefits. These considerations suggest that taste, texture, appearance, and enjoyment are important considerations for prenatal food intake. Full article