Evaluation of food and nutrient intake in a population of subjects affected by periodontal disease with different levels of bone mineral density.

Introduction: Both osteoporosis and periodontitis are pathologies characterized by an imbalance in the bone tissue. Vitamin C is an important factor involved in maintaining the health of the periodontium; its deficiency causes characteristic lesions to periodontal tissues such as bleeding and redness of the gums. Among the essential minerals for the health of the periodontium we find instead calcium.Objectives of the study: The objectives of the proposed study are to study the association between the presence of osteoporosis and periodontal disease. We tried to identify the possible connections between particular dietary patterns and therefore the etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease and secondarily of osteoporosis.Materials and methods: 110 subjects were recruited in a single-center observational cross-sectional study carried through the collaboration between the University of Florence and the private institute of dentistry Excellence Dental Network based in Florence, suffering of periodontitis, 71 osteoporotic/osteopenic and 39 non-osteoporotic/osteopenic. Anamnestic data and information on eating habits were collected. Results: The population showed eating habits that do not meet the intake levels recommended by the L.A.R.N. Regarding the relationship between nutrient intake and plaque index, it appears that in the population, the higher the intake of vitamin C through food, the lower the plaque index value is. This result could reinforce the scientific evidence that there is a protective factor in the onset of periodontal disease by the consumption of vitamin C which to date is still the subject of investigation. In addition, the same type of trend would also have been observed for calcium intake, but a larger sample size would be required to make this effect significant. Conclusions: The relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis and the role of nutrition in influencing the evolution of these pathologies still seems to be deeply explored. However, the results obtained seem to consolidate the idea that there is a relationship between these two diseases and that eating habits play an important role in their prevention.

Mediterranean diet adherence and dietary calcium intake in a group of pregnant women: Results of an Italian survey.

Pregnancy is a delicate phase in woman's life that could become a risk factor for osteoporosis in pregnant women who do not meet recommended nutrient standards, especially for calcium and vitamin D. Mediterranean diet (MD) has been demonstrated to be beneficial for adequate nutrient intake. This article aims to evaluate the MD adherence and dietary calcium intake in a group of pregnant Italian women and to investigate how these are linked to each other and to fast glycemia at first trimester of pregnancy. Two hundred and seventy-nine pregnant women were recruited at the gynecology units of two hospitals in Florence. Socio-demographic, clinical information, and results of the first trimester blood sample analysis were collected. Two questionnaires, validated for evaluation of MD adherence and calcium intake, were administered to the pregnant women. Approximately 60% of the women had a high level of MD adherence, with a mean dietary calcium intake of 870.3 ± 335.3. In women with higher MD adherence level, fast glycemia resulted lower. Calcium intake was lower than Population Rate Intake for the Italian population (1,200 mg/daily) and was positively correlated to MD adherence score. The MD proved to be nutritious, as it was related to a higher calcium intake in this group of Italian women.

The Mediterranean Diet in Osteoporosis Prevention: An Insight in a Peri- and Post-Menopausal Population.

Osteoporosis represent a widespread public health problem. The management and prevention of osteoporosis and related low energy fractures start with a correct lifestyle and proper nutrition. Several different nutrients are essential for bone and mineral metabolism, especially calcium. Nevertheless, a well-balanced nutrition, such as Mediterranean diet (MD), proved to be beneficial for several chronic diseases and also fragility fractures resulted lower in the Mediterranean area. A prospective observational study in a population of two hundred peri- and post-menopausal women (aged 30-80 years) was developed at Careggi hospital, Florence. Both MD adherence and dietary calcium intake were evaluated in occasion of a "first visit" and a "follow-up" visit, through validated questionnaires. From a descriptive point of view, although not statistically significant, in both visits a slight increase in calcium intake was observed for high adherence to MD diet. Moreover, a short nutritional interview (20 min) was applied in our population and demonstrated to be sufficient to significantly improve MD adherence level (mean score at T0 = 6.98 ± 1.74 and T1 = 7.53 ± 1.68), opening promising paths in osteoporosis prevention.

Social support, adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity in adults: results from a community-based cross-sectional study.

There is a growing recognition that social support can potentially exert consistent or opposing effects in influencing health behaviours. The present paper presents a cross-sectional study, including 2,064 adults from Italy, Spain and Greece, who were participants in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (C4H study), aiming to examine whether social support is correlated with adherence to a healthy Mediterranean diet and physical activity. Social support data were available for 1,572 participants. The majority of the sample reported emotional support availability (84·5 %), financial support availability (72·6 %) and having one or more close friends (78·2 %). Mediterranean diet adherence was significantly associated with emotional support (P = 0·009) and social network support (P = 0·021). No statistically significant associations were found between participant physical activity and the social support aspects studied. In conclusion, emotional and social network support may be associated with increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. However, further research is needed to evaluate the role of social support in adherence to healthy Mediterranean diet.

Muscle endocrinology and its relation with nutrition.

Recent years have demonstrated clear evidence that skeletal muscle is an active endocrine organ. During contraction of muscle fibers, the skeletal muscle produces and releases, into the blood stream, cytokines and other peptides, called myokines, thanks to which it can both communicate with cells locally within the muscle, in an autocrine and paracrine fashion, or with other distant tissues, exerting its endocrine effects. With the progress of sophisticated technologies, the interest towards the skeletal muscle secretome is rapidly grown and the discovery of new myokines represents a prolific field for the identification of new pharmacological approaches for the management and treatment of many clinical diseases. Considering the importance of the muscle proteome and the cross-talk with other organs, the preservation of a skeletal muscle in good health represents a fundamental aspect in life, especially in ageing. Sarcopenia is the age-dependent loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, bringing to increases of the risk of adverse outcomes, such as physical disability and poor quality of life, as well as alteration of several hormonal networks. For that reasons, the scientific community has risen its interest to find new interventions to prevent and manage the sarcopenia. Adequate nutrition during ages plays a fundamental role in the health and function of the skeletal muscle and it can represents, alone or in combination with physical exercise, a possible preventive measure against sarcopenia. This review will overview the endocrinology of the skeletal muscle, making a focus on food intake as a strategy for preventing skeletal muscle decay.

Calcium Intake in Bone Health: A Focus on Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters.

Calcium is an essential element that plays numerous biological functions in the human body, of which one of the most important is skeleton mineralization. Bone is a mineralized connective tissue in which calcium represents the major component, conferring bone strength and structure. Proper dietary calcium intake is important for bone development and metabolism, and its requirement can vary throughout life. The mineral composition of drinking water is becoming relevant in the modulation of calcium homeostasis. In fact, calcium present in mineral drinking waters is an important quantitative source of calcium intake. This, together with its excellent bioavailability, contributes to the maintenance of the bone health. This article aims to examine studies that assessed the bioavailability of the calcium contained in calcium-rich mineral waters and their impact on bone health, including original data collected in a recent study in humans.

Natural mineral waters: chemical characteristics and health effects.

Water contributes significantly to health and a daily intake of 1.5 to 2 liters of water should be guaranteed, because a good hydration is essential to maintain the body water equilibrium, although needs may vary among people. However, worldwide population is far from the Recommended Allowance for water intake. Among the waters for human uses, there are 'waters (treated or not), intended for drinking, used for the food and beverages preparation or for other domestic purposes' and natural mineral waters, that are 'originated from an aquifer or underground reservoir, spring from one or more natural or bore sources and have specific hygienic features and, eventually, healthy properties'. According to the European Legislation (2009/54/EC Directive), physical and chemical characterization is used to make a classification of the different mineral waters, basing on the analysis of main parameters. Mineral composition enables to classify natural mineral waters as bicarbonate mineral waters, sulphate mineral waters, chloride mineral waters, calcic mineral waters, magnesiac mineral waters, fluorurate mineral waters, ferrous mineral waters and sodium-rich mineral waters. Although the concerns about bottled mineral waters (due to plasticizers and endocrine disruptors), many are the health effects of natural mineral waters and several studies explored their properties and their role in different physiological and pathological conditions.

Growing Strong and Healthy with Mister Bone: An Educational Program to Have Strong Bones Later in Life.

Optimal peak bone mass and bone health later in life are favored by a sufficient calcium intake in infancy, childhood and adolescence. The purpose of this study was to test a new educational program created to monitor and to improve calcium and vitamin D intake in children. Nutritional habits in children were evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess the intake of calcium, vitamin D, dairy products, and total caloric energy at baseline and after seven months of exposure to a unique educational program applied between November 2013 and May 2014 in 176 schoolchildren (48% male, 52% female) attending the fourth and fifth grades of two selected primary schools in Florence, Italy. A significant increase of calcium (from 870 ± 190 to 1100 ± 200 mg/day, p < 0.05), and vitamin D (from 3.6 ± 1.53 to 4.1 ± 2 µg/day) intake in children was documented after the educational program. The amount of specific foods important for bone health consumed, such as milk and vegetables, increased significantly, both in male and female children (p < 0.05). The proposed educational program appears to be effective in modifying calcium intake in children, with a significant increase in the consumption of dairy products and vegetables, but without a significant change in the total caloric intake.

In vitro effects of extracts of extra virgin olive oil on human colon cancer cells.

The Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower incidence of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. Recent interest has been focused on the biological activity of phenolic compounds present in extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs). Both in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that EVOO components have positive effects on metabolic parameters, such as plasma lipoproteins, oxidative damage, inflammatory markers, platelet function, and antimicrobial activity. We have investigated the possible interactions between 2 extracts of extra virgin olive oil and estrogen receptor ß (ERß) in an in vitro model of colon cancer. The qualification and quantification of the components of the 2 samples tested showed that phenolic compounds-hydroxytyrosol, secoiridoids, and lignans-are the major represented compounds. EVOO extracts were tested on a colon cancer cell line engineered to overexpress ERß (HCT8-ß8). By using custom made Oligo microarray, gene expression profiles of colon cancer cells challenged with EVOO-T extracts when compared with those of cells exposed to 17ß-estradiol (17ß-E2). This study demonstrated that the EVOO extracts tested showed an antiproliferative effect on colon cancer cells through the interaction with estrogen-dependent signals involved in tumor cell growth. Specifically, the ability of EVOO extracts to inhibit cell proliferation was superimposable to the activation of the ERß receptor, similar to what was observed after 17ß-E2 challenge.

In vitro effects of polyphenols on colorectal cancer cells.

AIM: To investigate the effects of quercetin and genistein on colon cancer cell proliferation and their estrogen receptor ß (ERß) expression. METHODS: Colon cancer cells were stably transfected with a mammalian expression vector to overexpress ERß (HCT8-ß8-expressing cells) or a control vector (HCT8-pSV2neo-expressing cells). The proliferation of these cells was examined after treatment with quercetin or genistein (5-100 µmol/L), or 10 nmol/L 17ß-estradiol (17ß-E2). Cell viability was examined by acridine orange staining following treatments for 48 or 144 h. Effects of quercetin and genistein on ERß transcriptional transactivation were examined by luciferase activity in HCT8-ß8-expressing cells transiently transfected with a pEREtkLUC reporter vector. In addition, the regulation of ERß transcription by phytoestrogens and 17ß-E2 was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Proliferation of HCT8-ß8-expressing cells was not reduced low doses (5 µmol/L) of quercetin and genistein, while it was reduced at 25-50 µmol/L with an effect similar to 10 nmol/L 17ß-E2. Treatment with doses of phytoestrogens ≥ 75 µmol/L completely blocked cell growth and reduced overall cell counts, however no effects at any dose were observed in HCT8-pSV2neo-expressing cells. These results were supported by viability staining that revealed acridine orange-stained lysosomes with high doses or extended treatment periods. Genistein and quercetin (50 µmol/L) significantly increased ER-responsive luciferase activity similar to 10 nmol/L 17ß-E2 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, genistein and quercetin (50 µmol/L), as well as 10 nmol/L 17ß-E2 significantly increased ERß mRNA levels in HCT8-ß8-expressing cells (P < 0.05). In addition, treatment of HCT8-pSV2neo-expressing cells with 50 µmol/L quercetin or 10 nmol/L 17ß-E2 significantly increased ERß mRNA levels compared to untreated controls (P < 0.05), though the absolute levels were much lower than in HCT8-ß8-expressing cells. CONCLUSION: The antitumorigenic effects of the phytoestrogenic compounds quercetin and genistein on colon cancers cells occur through ERß activity and expression.

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and bone health.

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease characterized by loss of bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to a consequent increase in the risk of skeletal fractures. Diet awakes a critical interest in osteoporosis, because it is one of the few determinants that can be safely modified. A healthy well balanced nutrition can play an important role in prevention and pathogenesis of osteoporosis, but also in support of a pharmacological therapy. Numerous evidences have already established that dietary calcium, proteins and vitamin D are essential nutrients for achieved peak bone mass and maintaining skeletal health.Dairy products, by providing both calcium and proteins, represent the optimal source of highly bioavailable nutrients for bone health. Among dairy foods in particular cheese results one of the major source of calcium in the adults western diet and also in the Italian adults diet.Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is an homemade Italian food whose denomination "Protected Designation of Origin" is linked to an artisanal manufacturing process in limited geographic area of Northern Italy and is an optimal source of essential nutrients for acquisition and maintenance of bone health. Parmigiano Reggiano is a cheese easy digested, for the presence of ready to use proteins and lipids, lactose free, rich in calcium, with possible prebiotic and probiotic effect. On the basis of its nutritional characteristics and of its easy digestibility Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is recommended in all feeding age groups.

HPLC/DAD/MS and antioxidant activity of isoflavone-based food supplements.

Isoflavones are polyphenolic compounds found mainly in legumes the benefits of which have been widely studied and attributed in particular to their phytoestrogenic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quali-quantitative composition of food supplements based on soy isoflavones (Glycine max L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). Six commercial food supplements (five soy-based and one red clover-based) were analyzed by HPLC/DAD/MS. Genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A and formononetin derivatives (glycosides and acylglycosides) were identified in the analyzed samples. Also the antiradical activities (towards the DPPH* radical) and Fe2+ chelating abilities were compared.

Absorption and bioeffects of an isoflavone-based supplementation in postmenopausal women.

Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of isoflavones rich diets can improve several postmenopausal complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the absorption and the efficacy of isoflavonic supplementation in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.36 postmenopausal women received 75 mg/day of isoflavones in the form of tablets, for six months. 21 subjects concluded the treatment. Plasmatic and urinary samples were collected before and after the treatment, along with a dietary interview. Isoflavones were determined in biological samples and in commercial administered supplements by a HPLC/DAD system.Results showed the presence of genistein (from 0.043 to 1.820 micromol/L) in plasma samples, and of genistein (from 2.486 to 20.363 micromol/24h) and daidzein (from 11.106 to 98.091 micromol/24h) in the urines of the treated women. In the 21 completers the Greene Climateric scale value for hot flushes changed from 3 to 1 or 0. No changes of the endometrial thickness and of the breast tissue were detected. The analysis of the supplement content in the tablets was in agreement with what declared by the producer.Administration of isoflavone supplements produced a decrease of symptoms in this cohort of postmenopausal women monitored for isoflavone absorption.

Genistein accumulates in body depots and is mobilized during fasting, reaching estrogenic levels in serum that counter the hormonal actions of estradiol and organochlorines.

Isoflavones are important dietary compounds that are consumed with the daily diet and elicit important biological actions. Here we report on the ability of genistein to partially accumulate in body depots of male mice, be released following fasting, and modulate the actions of estradiol and environmental estrogens in reproductive and nonreproductive target organs of estrogen-reporter mice (ERE-tK-luciferase). After the consumption of 50 mg/kg/day for 3 days, genistein accumulates in body compartments where it remains at functionally active levels for at least 15 days. Following 48 h of fasting, its concentration increased in serum from 99 +/- 13 to 163 +/- 17 nM. These levels are sufficient to exert an estrogenic effect in the testis and liver, as revealed by a twofold increase in luciferase gene expression. beta-Benzene-hexachloride (betaBHC) given at the concentration of 100 mg/kg/day for 3 days also accumulates in the body and is released by fasting, reaching serum levels of 176 +/- 33 nM, upregulating the luciferase gene in the liver and inhibiting its expression in the testis. When genistein was given in combination with betaBHC at doses sufficient to induce accumulation of both in body depots, the genistein mobilized by fasting reversed the action of the mobilized betaBHC in the testis. Acute administration of nutritional doses of genistein inhibited the action of estradiol and reversed the antiestrogenic action of o,p'-DDT: 1,1,1,-trichloro-2(p-chlorophenyl)-2-(o-chlorophenyl)ethane in the liver and the antiestrogenic action of betaBHC in the testis. Genistein had an additive effect with the ER agonist p,p'-DDT: 1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane in the liver. The observed effects may be relevant to a protective action of phytoestrogens against estrogen receptor-interacting pollutants as well as the dietary modulation of estradiol action.

Phytoestrogens: food or drug?

Within the past several years, the relation between diet and health has been accepted by the mainstream nutrition community and in this connection interest in the physiological role of bioactive compounds present in plants has dramatically increased over the last decade.The phytoestrogens are bioactive molecules present as nutritional constituents of widely consumed vegetables. Their name derives from the fact that they are able to bind to estrogen receptors and to induce an estrogenic/antiestrogenic response in target tissues. Natural estrogens are involved in a multiplicity of programmed events in target tissues as uterus, breast, pituitary gland and hormone responsive tumors. Phytoestrogens are present in many human foodstuffs including fruits (plum, pear, apple grape berries, …), vegetables (beans, sprouts, cabbage, spinach, soybeans, grains, hops, garlic, onion,…), wine, tea, and they have been identified in a number of botanical dietary supplements. They include a wide variety of structurally different compounds such as isoflavones, mainly found in soy, lignans found in grains, stilbenes found in the skin of grapes. Other less investigated compounds include flavones, flavans, isoflavanes and coumestans. The estrogenic or antiestrogenic activity of any chemicals depends on the ability of the compound to interact with the ERs (ERα , ERß ).This article reported the knowledge about the activity of phytoestrogens from a pharmacological point of view for their estrogenicity or antiestrogenicity.

Calcium bioavailability from a calcium-rich mineral water, with some observations on method.

GOALS: The study was designed to determine whether high-calcium mineral water is an efficient additional source of dietary calcium, optimizing a method for calcium determination never used for mineral waters. BACKGROUND: It is generally agreed that an adequate calcium intake is necessary for the acquisition of an ideal peak bone mass and for the maintenance of the bone mineral density in adults, in postmenopausal women, and in the elderly. Mineral waters are calorie free, and some, with high calcium levels, might be significant sources of calcium. STUDY: The availability of the calcium contained in a high-calcium mineral water was measured in 27 healthy subjects. In 8 subjects the calcium availability of the water was compared with the calcium availability ingested with milk at the same calcium load. Milk and water were labeled extrinsically with 30 mg Ca. Fractional absorption from the oral dose was determined from plasma samples using ICP-MS technique. RESULTS: At an ingested calcium load of 3.18 mmol, percentage of absorption for water averaged 22.53 +/- 2.53 (mean +/- SD) for men, 22.57 +/- 2.10 (mean +/- SD) for premenopausal women and 21.62 +/- 3.12 (mean +/- SD) for postmenopausal women. Percentage absorption from milk was 23.15 +/- 4.06 (mean +/- SD). DISCUSSION: The calcium from the mineral water is thus highly bioavailable, at least as bioavailable as milk calcium, and ICP-MS appears to represent a reliable and reproducible method for calcium absorption from alimentary sources.

Growth response of colon cancer cell lines to selective estrogen receptor modulators.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the "in vitro" effects of the selective estrogen receptor modulators, tamoxifen and raloxifene, on two human colon cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serial concentrations (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 microM) of tamoxifen and raloxifene were used and evaluated for cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis in HCT8 and HCT116 cells. RESULTS: Micromolar doses of raloxifene significantly reduced HCT116 and HCT8 cell proliferation. Tamoxifen (5 microM) strongly reduced HCT8 cell growth with minor effects on HCT116 cells. Raloxifene (10 microM) was lethal on both cell lines, while 10 microM tamoxifen caused lethality only in HCT8 cells. Five microM raloxifene reduced cell viability in HCT8 and HCT116 cells, while 5 microM tamoxifen halved only HCT8 cell viability. Raloxifene and tamoxifen did not induce apoptosis in the two cell lines. CONCLUSION: Tamoxifen, and even more raloxifene, were effective in reducing HCT8 and HCT116 cell proliferation and viability, suggesting their potential application in the prevention and therapy of colorectal cancer.