Flavonoids-Enriched Vegetal Extract Prevents the Activation of NFκB Downstream Mechanisms in a Bowel Disease In Vitro Model.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence has increased in the last decades due to changes in dietary habits. IBDs are characterized by intestinal epithelial barrier disruption, increased inflammatory mediator production and excessive tissue injury. Since the current treatments are not sufficient to achieve and maintain remission, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) becomes a primary practice as a co-adjuvant for the therapy. Thus, the intake of functional food enriched in vegetal extracts represents a promising nutritional strategy. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke, caihua and fenugreek vegetal extract original blend (ACFB) in an in vitro model of gut barrier mimicking the early acute phases of the disease. Caco2 cells cultured on transwell supports were treated with digested ACFB before exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines. The pre-treatment counteracts the increase in barrier permeability induced by the inflammatory stimulus, as demonstrated by the evaluation of TEER and CLDN-2 parameters. In parallel, ACFB reduces p65NF-κB pro-inflammatory pathway activation that results in the decrement of COX-2 expression as PGE2 and IL-8 secretion. ACFB properties might be due to the synergistic effects of different flavonoids, indicating it as a valid candidate for new formulation in the prevention/mitigation of non-communicable diseases.

Health-Related Lifestyles among University Students: Focusing on Eating Habits and Physical Activity.

The transition to higher education at University is a critical moment for young adults to acquire unhealthy habits regarding physical activity (PA) and adherence to a healthy diet. Negative behaviors might be maintained in the years to come with a major risk of suffering from a Non-Communicable Disease. This study aims to determine the relationship between diet and PA in the student community of University of Milano-Bicocca. Students between 18 and 30 years old completed an online survey (6949 students). Two analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), chi-square tests of independence, and a binomial logistic regression were performed to examine the relationship between adequacy of food consumption and PA, in association also with sociodemographic characteristics. Data show a strong correlation between behaviors analyzed, with a proportional positive association between PA and healthy diet. Nevertheless, a third of the sample students incur in incorrect habits for both diet and PA. Further, students performing intensive PA have the healthiest food consumption in general but the worst red meat and pork intake. Accordingly, men practice more PA but have a less adequate diet, exactly contrary to women. In conclusion, policies promoting consciousness of well-being would transform Universities into healthy hubs for virtuous habits.