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Gómez-García I, Fernández-Quintela A, González M, Gómez-Zorita S, Muguerza B, Trepiana J, Portillo MP. Usefulness of Opuntia spp. on the Management of Obesity and Its Metabolic Co-Morbidities. Nutrients 2024; 16:1282. [PMID: 38732528 PMCID: PMC11085070 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The plants of the Opuntia genus mainly grow in arid and semi-arid climates. Although the highest variety of wild species is found in Mexico, Opuntia spp. is widely distributed throughout the world. Extracts of these cacti have been described as important sources of bioactive substances that can have beneficial properties for the prevention and treatment of certain metabolic disorders. The objective of this review is to summarise the presently available knowledge regarding Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal or prickly pear), and some other species (O. streptacantha and O. robusta) on obesity and several metabolic complications. Current data show that Opuntia ficus-indica products used in preclinical studies have a significant capacity to prevent, at least partially, obesity and certain derived co-morbidities. On this subject, the potential beneficial effects of Opuntia are related to a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Nevertheless, clinical studies have evidenced that the effects are highly contingent upon the experimental design. Moreover, the bioactive compound composition of nopal extracts has not been reported. As a result, there is a lack of information to elucidate the mechanisms of action responsible for the observed effects. Accordingly, further studies are needed to demonstrate whether Opuntia products can represent an effective tool to prevent and/or manage body weight and some metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iker Gómez-García
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-G.); (A.F.-Q.); (S.G.-Z.); (M.P.P.)
| | - Alfredo Fernández-Quintela
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-G.); (A.F.-Q.); (S.G.-Z.); (M.P.P.)
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela González
- Nutrition and Food Science Department, Faculty of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, National University of Litoral and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe 3000, Argentina;
| | - Saioa Gómez-Zorita
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-G.); (A.F.-Q.); (S.G.-Z.); (M.P.P.)
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Muguerza
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnología, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
| | - Jenifer Trepiana
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-G.); (A.F.-Q.); (S.G.-Z.); (M.P.P.)
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María P. Portillo
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Lucio Lascaray Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; (I.G.-G.); (A.F.-Q.); (S.G.-Z.); (M.P.P.)
- Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Gómez-López I, Eseberri I, Cano MP, Portillo MP. Anti-Obesity Effect of Different Opuntia stricta var. dillenii's Prickly Pear Tissues and Industrial By-Product Extracts in 3T3-L1 Mature Adipocytes. Nutrients 2024; 16:499. [PMID: 38398824 PMCID: PMC10892177 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Opuntia stricta var. dillenii fruit is a source of phytochemicals, such as betalains and phenolic compounds, which may play essential roles in health promotion. The aim of this research was to study the triglyceride-lowering effect of green extracts, obtained from Opuntia stricta var. dillenii fruit (whole fruit, pulp, peel, and industrial by-products (bagasse)) in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. The cells were treated on day 12, for 24 h, after the induction of differentiation with the extracts, at doses of 10, 25, 50, or 100 μg/mL. The expression of genes (PCR-RT) and proteins (Western blot) involved in fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid uptake, triglyceride assembly, and triglyceride mobilisation was determined. The fruit pulp extraction yielded the highest levels of betalains, whereas the peel displayed the greatest concentration of phenolic compounds. The extracts from whole fruit, peel and pulp were effective in reducing triglyceride accumulation at doses of 50 μg/mL or higher. Bagasse did not show this effect. The main mechanisms of action underpinning this outcome encompass a reduction in fatty acids synthesis (de novo lipogenesis), thus limiting their availability for triglyceride formation, alongside an increase in triglyceride mobilisation. However, their reliance is contingent upon the specific Opuntia extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Gómez-López
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Food Functionality, Biotechnology and Food Microbiology Department, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL) (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-L.); (M.P.C.)
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and Lucio Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain;
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Itziar Eseberri
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and Lucio Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain;
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- BIOARABA Institute of Health, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - M. Pilar Cano
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Food Functionality, Biotechnology and Food Microbiology Department, Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL) (CSIC-UAM), Nicolás Cabrera 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-L.); (M.P.C.)
| | - María P. Portillo
- Nutrition and Obesity Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy and Lucio Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain;
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- BIOARABA Institute of Health, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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Madrigal-Santillán E, Portillo-Reyes J, Madrigal-Bujaidar E, Sánchez-Gutiérrez M, Izquierdo-Vega JA, Izquierdo-Vega J, Delgado-Olivares L, Vargas-Mendoza N, Álvarez-González I, Morales-González Á, Morales-González JA. Opuntia spp. in Human Health: A Comprehensive Summary on Its Pharmacological, Therapeutic and Preventive Properties. Part 2. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11182333. [PMID: 36145735 PMCID: PMC9505094 DOI: 10.3390/plants11182333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Plants of the genus Opuntia spp are widely distributed in Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Specifically, Mexico has the largest number of wild species; mainly O. streptacantha, O. hyptiacantha, O. albicarpa, O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. The latter being the most cultivated and domesticated species. Its main bioactive compounds include pigments (carotenoids, betalains and betacyanins), vitamins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Together, they favor the different plant parts and are considered phytochemically important and associated with control, progression and prevention of some chronic and infectious diseases. Part 1 collected information on its preventive actions against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, hepatoprotection, effects on human infertility and chemopreventive capacity. Now, this second review (Part 2), compiles the data from published research (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies) on its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antimicrobial, antiviral potential and in the treatment of skin wounds. The aim of both reviews is to provide scientific evidences of its beneficial properties and to encourage health professionals and researchers to expand studies on the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Opuntia spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Madrigal-Santillán
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
- Correspondence: (E.M.-S.); (J.A.M.-G.); Tel.: +52-55-5729-6300 (ext. 62753) (E.M.-S.)
| | - Jacqueline Portillo-Reyes
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Madrigal-Bujaidar
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Profesional A. López Mateos”, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Jeannett A. Izquierdo-Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Julieta Izquierdo-Vega
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Luis Delgado-Olivares
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ex-Hacienda de la Concepción, Tilcuautla, Pachuca de Soto 42080, Mexico
| | - Nancy Vargas-Mendoza
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Isela Álvarez-González
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Profesional A. López Mateos”, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - Ángel Morales-González
- Escuela Superior de Cómputo, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Profesional A. López Mateos”, Ciudad de México 07738, Mexico
| | - José A. Morales-González
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, “Unidad Casco de Santo Tomas”, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
- Correspondence: (E.M.-S.); (J.A.M.-G.); Tel.: +52-55-5729-6300 (ext. 62753) (E.M.-S.)
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Daniloski D, D'Cunha NM, Speer H, McKune AJ, Alexopoulos N, Panagiotakos DB, Petkoska AT, Naumovski N. Recent developments on Opuntia spp., their bioactive composition, nutritional values, and health effects. FOOD BIOSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Kashif RR, D’Cunha NM, Mellor DD, Alexopoulos NI, Sergi D, Naumovski N. Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes as a Functional Ingredient for Hyperglycemia Management: A Brief Narrative Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020300. [PMID: 35208623 PMCID: PMC8874358 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of obesity is increasing along with its comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). From a pathophysiological perspective, T2DM arises as a consequence of insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, which together induce chronic hyperglycemia. The pharmacological treatment of T2DM specifically focuses on its management, rather than remission, with a lack of pharmacological agents to prevent the onset of the disease. Considering the role of unhealthy dietary patterns on the development of T2DM, identifying novel food ingredients and bioactive substances may provide new avenues by which to address the T2DM epidemic. In this brief review, we have summarized the latest findings on the consumption of the prickly pear (PP; Opuntia spp.) cladode as a potential nutritional tool for the management of hyperglycemia. The consumption of prickly pear cladodes was reported to exert hypoglycemic effects, making it a potential cost-effective nutritional intervention for the management of T2DM. Several studies have demonstrated that the consumption of prickly pear cladodes and the related products reduced post-prandial glucose levels. The cladodes’ high fiber content may be implicated in improving glycemic control, by affecting glucose absorption and effectively slowing its release into the blood circulation. Given these potential hypoglycemic effects, prickly pear cladodes may represent a potential functional food ingredient to improve glycemic control and counter the negative metabolic effects of the modern Western diet. Nonetheless, in consideration of the lack of evidence on the chronic effects of the prickly pear cladode, future research aimed at evaluating its long-term effects on glycemic control is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rao Raahim Kashif
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.R.K.)
- Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Nathan M. D’Cunha
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.R.K.)
- Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Duane D. Mellor
- Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK;
| | | | - Domenico Sergi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Nenad Naumovski
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.R.K.)
- Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-6206-8719
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Sissons M. Development of Novel Pasta Products with Evidence Based Impacts on Health-A Review. Foods 2022; 11:foods11010123. [PMID: 35010249 PMCID: PMC8750499 DOI: 10.3390/foods11010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pasta made from durum wheat is a widely consumed worldwide and is a healthy and convenient food. In the last two decades, there has been much research effort into improving the nutritional value of pasta by inclusion of nonconventional ingredients due to the demand by health-conscious consumers for functional foods. These ingredients can affect the technological properties of the pasta, but their health impacts are not always measured rather inferred. This review provides an overview of pasta made from durum wheat where the semolina is substituted in part with a range of ingredients (barley fractions, dietary fibre sources, fish ingredients, herbs, inulin, resistant starches, legumes, vegetables and protein extracts). Impacts on pasta technological properties and in vitro measures of phytonutrient enhancement or changes to starch digestion are included. Emphasis is on the literature that provides clinical or animal trial data on the health benefits of the functional pasta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Sissons
- Department of Primary Industries, Tamworth Agricultural Institute, 4 Marsden Park Road, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia
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Palmieri N, Suardi A, Stefanoni W, Pari L. Opuntia ficus-indica as an Ingredient in New Functional Pasta: Consumer Preferences in Italy. Foods 2021; 10:foods10040803. [PMID: 33917970 PMCID: PMC8068382 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica is a source of minerals and vitamins and has recently been used as ingredient to make a new functional variety of pasta. Italy was the first country in the world to produce pasta and is also the second largest producer of Opuntia in the world. According to an Italian sample, this study considers the main factors that could influence consumers when choosing functional pasta (featuring Opuntia) and characterizes distinct hypothetical consumer segments in terms of their food habits, pasta choices, and perceptions toward functional pasta featuring Opuntia. Data were collected using a web-based survey and with 328 respondents. Factor analysis (FA) with orthogonal rotation (varimax) was used to simplify the observed variables and hierarchical cluster analysis was performed with the FA results. Seven clusters were identified and the main results show that the level of education plays an important role in the perception of functional pasta. In fact, the perceptions of well-educated people differed from poorly-educated people. Moreover, the results showed significant respondent interest regarding health benefits and the nutritional and environmental aspects of functional pasta, which should encourage people's acceptance and consumption of this new functional food. In addition, the respondent preferences reflect a value of experience towards the pasta, i.e., the belief of cooking typical Italian pasta. This means that Opuntia used for the production of functional pasta should maintain the organoleptic and physical properties of durum wheat-based pasta. In addition, respondent preferences for pasta featuring Opuntia could also be driven by its price.
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Sciacca F, Palumbo M, Pagliaro A, Di Stefano V, Scandurra S, Virzì N, Melilli MG. Opuntia cladodes as functional ingredient in durum wheat bread: rheological, sensory, and chemical characterization. CYTA - JOURNAL OF FOOD 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2020.1862918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Sciacca
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Acireale (Catania), Italy
| | - M. Palumbo
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Acireale (Catania), Italy
| | - A. Pagliaro
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Acireale (Catania), Italy
| | - V. Di Stefano
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - S. Scandurra
- Institute for BioEconomy, National Council of Research, Catania, Italy
| | - N. Virzì
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, Acireale (Catania), Italy
| | - M. G. Melilli
- Institute for BioEconomy, National Council of Research, Catania, Italy
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Accardi G, Aiello A, Aprile S, Caldarella R, Cammarata G, Carru C, Caruso C, Ciaccio M, Colomba P, Galimberti D, Gambino CM, Davinelli S, De Vivo I, Ligotti ME, Vasto S, Zinellu A, Candore G. The Phenotypic Characterization of the Cammalleri Sisters, an Example of Exceptional Longevity. Rejuvenation Res 2020; 23:476-484. [PMID: 32242495 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2019.2299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This article shows demographic, clinical, anamnestic, cognitive, and functional data as well as biochemical, genetic, and epigenetic parameters of two exceptional siblings: Diega (supercentenarian) and Filippa (semisupercentenarian) Cammalleri. The purpose of this study is to provide new insights into the extreme phenotypes represented by semisupercentenarians and supercentenarians. Different studies have been published on supercentenarians, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the only concerning two sisters and the most detailed from a phenotypic point of view. Our findings agree with the suggestion that supercentenarians have an increasing relative resistance to age-related diseases, approximating the limits of the functional human reserve to address successfully the acute causes of death. More interestingly, our data agree with, and extend, the suggestion that inflammation and oxidative stress predict centenarian mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Aprile
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosalia Caldarella
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, "P. Giaccone" University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cammarata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ciriaco Carru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari. Italy
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Italian Association of Anti-Ageing Physicians, Milano, Italy
| | - Marcello Ciaccio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, "P. Giaccone" University Hospital, Palermo, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colomba
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Maria Gambino
- Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio," University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Immaculata De Vivo
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mattia Emanuela Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sonya Vasto
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari. Italy
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in Ageing and Longevity: Focus on Sicilian Long-Living Individuals (LLIs). Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:8635158. [PMID: 32454796 PMCID: PMC7222606 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8635158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteins that activate substrates by enzymatic cleavage and, on the basis of their activities, have been demonstrated to play a role in ageing. Thus, in order to gain insight into the pathophysiology of ageing and to identify new markers of longevity, we analysed the activity levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in association with some relevant haematochemical parameters in a Sicilian population, including long-living individuals (LLIs, ≥95 years old). A cohort of 154 healthy subjects (72 men and 82 women) of different ages (age range 20-112) was recruited. The cohort was divided into five subgroups: the first group with subjects less than 40 years old, the second group ranging from 40 to 64 years old, the third group ranging from 65 to 89 years old, the fourth group ranging from 90 to 94 years old, and the fifth group with subjects more than 95 years old. A relationship was observed between LLIs and MMP-2, but not between LLIs and MMP-9. However, in the LLI group, MMP-2 and MMP-9 values were significantly correlated. Furthermore, in LLIs, we found a positive correlation of MMP-2 with the antioxidant catabolite uric acid and a negative correlation with the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Finally, in LLIs MMP-9 values correlated directly both with cholesterol and with low-density lipoproteins. On the whole, our data suggest that the observed increase of MMP-2 in LLIs might play a positive role in the attainment of longevity. This is the first study that shows that serum activity of MMP-2 is increased in LLIs as compared to younger subjects. As far as we are concerned, it is difficult to make wide-ranging conclusions/assumptions based on these observations in view of the relatively small sample size of LLIs. However, this is an important starting point. Larger-scale future studies will be required to clarify these findings including the link with other systemic inflammatory and antioxidant markers.
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Oniszczuk A, Wójtowicz A, Oniszczuk T, Matwijczuk A, Dib A, Markut-Miotła E. Opuntia Fruits as Food Enriching Ingredient, the First Step towards New Functional Food Products. Molecules 2020; 25:E916. [PMID: 32085649 PMCID: PMC7070420 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) is a rich source of vitamins C, B1, B2, A, and E, minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as bioactive substances, i.e., carotenoids, betalains, and phenolic compounds. Of these, the phenolic acids, betalains, and flavonoids are notable in that they are largely responsible for the health-promoting properties of this plant. The purpose of the presented research was to first determine the antioxidant properties and the content of polyphenolic compounds (including individual phenolic acids) in prickly pear fruit, then to produce an innovative gluten-free pasta from rice-field bean flour enriched with various amounts of pear prickly fruit. The content of free phenolic acids, the sum of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of pasta were subsequently determined in the supplemented pasta. Chromatographic analysis (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) showed a wide variety of phenolic acids. In the fruit sample, 14 acids were detected, whereas in the pasta sample without additives, 9. The dominant acid was isoferulic. The total content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols increased with increasing content of the functional additive. Moreover, the content of individual acids generally increased as the Opuntia fruit was added. The antioxidant activity was also positively correlated with the addition of fruit, with the content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols. Our research has shown that our innovative pasta with the addition of prickly fruit can become a source of the free phenolic acids indispensable for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oniszczuk
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wójtowicz
- Department of Thermal Technology and Food Process Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 31, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Oniszczuk
- Department of Thermal Technology and Food Process Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 31, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Matwijczuk
- Department of Biophysics, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ahlem Dib
- Laboratoire de Nutrition et Technologie Alimentaire, Institut de la Nutrition, de l’Alimentation et des Technologies Agro-Alimentaires, Université des Frères Mentouri, Constantine 25017, Algeria;
| | - Ewa Markut-Miotła
- Departament of Lung Diseases & Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
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Angulo-Bejarano PI, Gómez-García MDR, Valverde ME, Paredes-López O. Nopal (Opuntia spp.) and its Effects on Metabolic Syndrome: New Insights for the Use of a Millenary Plant. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:3457-3477. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191010171819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Background:Nopal (Opuntia spp.) is by excellence the most utilized cactus in human and animal nutrition. It is also a very noble plant; its main physicochemical, nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics allow the use of nopal in diverse food applications. Special focus has been given over the past decades in the use of Opuntia for the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is predominantly related to Diabetes Mellitus. In this sense, the prevalence of MetS is increasing at a worldwide level. This in turn has led to a notorious demand for natural and nutraceutical food sources.Methods:The objective of this work was to summarize the main contributions in the field of Opuntia spp. research highlighting the potential use of nopal fruits or cladodes in MetS treatment, providing the reader with historical and novel information in this field. Nevertheless, the present work is not a meta-analysis. We included mainly information from recognized scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. No homeopathic based studies were included since they lack scientific validation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that fairly categorizes the majority of the information in this field into subsections, which can be of interest for the reader, such as the effect of nopal against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity among others.Conclusion:Nopal constitutes one of the most studied members of the Cactaceae family; its potential effects on human health have been described since ancient times, mostly through traditional medicine. The present work highlights the importance of this plant in the treatment of MetS related maladies and points out the importance of elucidating new compounds and their validation for the interactions of nutraceutical compounds which could be related to MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Isabel Angulo-Bejarano
- Centre of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Queretaro, Queretaro, Qro, Mexico
| | | | - Maria Elena Valverde
- Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados-IPN, Campus Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Octavio Paredes-López
- Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados-IPN, Campus Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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Nuzzo D, Contardi M, Kossyvaki D, Picone P, Cristaldi L, Galizzi G, Bosco G, Scoglio S, Athanassiou A, Di Carlo M. Heat-Resistant Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Extract (Klamin®) as a Functional Ingredient in Food Strategy for Prevention of Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:9481390. [PMID: 31827711 PMCID: PMC6885278 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9481390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are generally considered an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive molecules that make them suitable to be introduced in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), an edible microalga, contains numerous biomolecules potentially able to prevent some pathologies including age-related disorders. With the aim to include an AFA extract (Klamin®) as a functional ingredient in baked products, we investigated if its bioactive molecules are destroyed or inactivated after standard cooking temperature. The AFA extract was exposed to heat stress (AFA-HS), and no significant decrease in pigment, polyphenol, and carotenoid content was detected by spectroscopic analysis. Thermal stability of AFA-HS extract was demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and no change in the morphology of the granules of the powder was noticed by SEM microscopic observation. By Folin-Ciocalteu, ORAC, and ABTS assays, no change in the antioxidant activity and polyphenol contents was found after high-temperature exposition. When added in cell culture, solubilized AFA-HS lost neither its scavenging ability against ROS generation nor its protective role against Abeta, the main peptide involved in Alzheimer's disease. Prebiotic and antioxidant activities of AFA extract that are not lost after thermal stress were verified on E. coli bacteria. Finally, AFA-HS cookies, containing the extract as one of their ingredients, showed increased polyphenols. Here, we evaluate the possibility to use the AFA extract to produce functional food and prevent metabolic and age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Nuzzo
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - M. Contardi
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - D. Kossyvaki
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - P. Picone
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - L. Cristaldi
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Biotecnologie Mediche (Di.Bi.Med.), Università di Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - G. Galizzi
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - G. Bosco
- Le Farine dei Nostri Sacchi S.M.E., Via Ugo La Malfa 135, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - S. Scoglio
- Nutrigea-Nutritherapy Research Center, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - A. Athanassiou
- Smart Materials, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - M. Di Carlo
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB), CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
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