Inflammation and cellular stress: a mechanistic link between immune-mediated and metabolically driven pathologies. Eur J Nutr. 2011;50:219-233. [PMID: 21547407 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-011-0197-0]

Mediterranean diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 modifies the expression of proinflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes in elderly men and women

We have investigated whether the quality of dietary fat and supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ) modifies expression of genes related with inflammatory response and endoplasmic reticulum stress in elderly persons. Twenty participants received three diets for 4 weeks each: Mediterranean diet + CoQ (Med + CoQ), Mediterranean diet (Med), and saturated fatty acid-rich diet (SFA). After 12-hour fast, volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets. Med and Med + CoQ diets produced a lower fasting calreticulin, IL-1b, and JNK-1 gene expression; a lower postprandial p65, IKK-b, MMP-9, IL-1b, JNK-1, sXBP-1, and BiP/Grp78 gene expression; and a higher postprandial IkB-a gene expression compared with the SFA diet. Med + CoQ diet produced a lower postprandial decrease p65 and IKK-b gene expression compared with the other diets. Our results support the anti-inflammatory effect of Med diet and that exogenous CoQ supplementation in synergy with a Med diet modulates the inflammatory response and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Mechanisms of action of isothiocyanates in cancer chemoprevention: an update

Isothiocyanates (ITC), derived from glucosinolates, are thought to be responsible for the chemoprotective actions conferred by higher cruciferous vegetable intake. Evidence suggests that isothiocyanates exert their effects through a variety of distinct but interconnected signaling pathways important for inhibiting carcinogenesis, including those involved in detoxification, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell cycle and epigenetic regulation, among others. This article provides an update on the latest research on isothiocyanates and these mechanisms, and points out remaining gaps in our understanding of these events. Given the variety of ITC produced from glucosinolates, and the diverse pathways on which these compounds act, a systems biology approach, in vivo, may help to better characterize their integrated role in cancer prevention. In addition, the effects of dose, duration of exposure, and specificity of different ITC should be considered.