Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease: Targeting neuroinflammation strategies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neuronal loss. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has shown potential neuroprotective effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review aims to synthesize current preclinical data on the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of curcumin in the context of AD, addressing its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and potential as a therapeutic adjunct. An exhaustive literature search was conducted, focusing on recent studies within the last 10 years related to curcumin's impact on neuroinflammation and its neuroprotective role in AD. The review methodology included sourcing articles from specialized databases using specific medical subject headings terms to ensure precision and relevance. Curcumin demonstrates significant neuroprotective properties by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Despite its potential, challenges remain regarding its limited bioavailability and the scarcity of comprehensive human clinical trials. Curcumin emerges as a promising therapeutic adjunct in AD due to its multimodal neuroprotective benefits. However, further research is required to overcome challenges related to bioavailability and to establish effective dosing regimens in human subjects. Developing novel delivery systems and formulations may enhance curcumin's therapeutic potential in AD treatment.

Dietary flavonoids: Nano delivery and nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

Application of nanotechnologies to cancer therapy might increase solubility and/or bioavailability of bioactive compounds of natural or synthetic origin and offers other potential benefits in cancer therapy, including selective targeting. In the present review we aim to evaluate in vivo studies on the anticancer activity of nanoparticles (NPs) obtained from food-derived flavonoids. From a systematic search a total of 60 studies were identified. Most of the studies involved the flavanol epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and the flavonol quercetin, in both delivery and co-delivery (with anti-cancer drugs) systems. Moreover, some studies investigated the effects of other flavonoids, such as anthocyanins aglycones anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones and isoflavonoids. NPs inhibited tumor growth in both xenograft and chemical-induced animal models of cancerogenesis. Encapsulation improved bioavailability and/or reduced toxicity of both flavonoids and/or co-delivered drugs, such as doxorubicin, docetaxel, paclitaxel, honokiol and vincristine. Moreover, flavonoids have been successfully applied in molecular targeted nanosystems. Selectivity for cancer cells involves pH- and/or reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, flavonoids are good candidates as drug delivery for anticancer drugs in green synthesis systems. In conclusion, although human studies are needed, NPs obtained from food-derived flavonoids have promising anticancer effects in vivo.

Total and Plant Protein Consumption: The Role of Inflammation and Risk of Non-Communicable Disease.

Background: Inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and can be influenced by a person's macronutrient profile. This work aims to evaluate the relationship between the compliance with the age-specific recommended protein intake and the levels of inflammatory markers related to the risk of NCDs. Methods: The study participants included 347 participants (119 men and 228 women), ages 18 to 86 years. Cardio-metabolic risk evaluations, including an assessment of the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome, were performed. Leptin, IL-15, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were measured. Results: The adequacy of the total protein (TP) intake was lower in old people compared to individuals aged <60 years, and only few volunteers consumed the suggested 50% plant protein (PP) for a healthy and sustainable diet. A lower risk of NCDs with a PP consumption above at least 40% was observed only in old individuals. A differential effect on TNF-α and IL-6 was observed for both TP and PP intake by gender and age class, whereas for leptin and IL-15 only significant interactions among sex and the class of age were found. Conclusion: Although our data suggest that consuming more than 40% of PP can reduce the risk of NCDs, the effect of gender differences on cytokine levels should be considered in larger studies.

Chemometric Investigation and Antimicrobial Activity of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn Essential Oils.

To ensure the better production and sustainable management of natural resources, a chemometric investigation was conducted to examine the effect of cooperative and harvesting periods on the crop yields and chemical compositions of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils in the Oriental region of Morocco. The samples were collected from three cooperatives over nine time periods from January 2018 to April 2019. The chemical composition of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The data from this study were processed by multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The disc diffusion technique and a determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration were performed to study the antibacterial properties of the oils. Statistical analysis showed that the cooperative and harvest period have a significant effect on yields. The highest yield of essential oil was recorded in April 2019 at cooperative C1. The PCA and the HCA results were divided into two groups: Group A for the summer season and group B for the winter season. The samples collected during summer were characterized by a high amount of 1,8-cineole component and a high yield of essential oil, whereas the samples collected during winter were qualified by a high amount of α-pinene component and a low yield of essential oil. The antibacterial activity of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils showed that Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC23857 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 23857 are the most susceptible strains, stopping growth at 1/500 (v/v). The least susceptible strain is Escherichia coli ATCC25922, with an MIC value corresponding to 1/250 (v/v). The findings of this study could have a positive economic impact on the exploitation of rosemary in the Oriental region, especially during the best harvest periods, as they indicate how to obtain the best yields of oils richest in 1,8-cineole and α-pinene chemotypes.

Synergistic Effect of Bioactive Monoterpenes against the Mosquito, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquitoes represent one of the most important vectors and are responsible for the transmission of many arboviruses that affect human and animal health. The chemical method using synthetic insecticides disturbs the environmental system and promotes the appearance of resistant insect species. Therefore, this study investigated the insecticidal effect of some binary monoterpene combinations (1,8 cineole + α-pinene and carvone + R (+)-pulegone) using a mixture design approach. The fumigant toxicity was evaluated against Culex pipiens female adults using glass jars. The results show that the toxicity varies according to the proportions of each compound. Indeed, Mixture 1 (1,8-cineole + α-pinene) displayed a strong toxic effect (51.00 ± 0.86% after 24 h and 100.00 ± 0.70% after 48 h) when the pure compounds were tested at 0.25/0.75 proportions of 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, respectively. Nevertheless, the equal proportion (0.5/0.5) of carvone and R (+)-pulegone in Mixture 2 exhibited a toxic effect of 54.35 ± 0.75% after 24 h and 89.96 ± 0.14% after 48 h, respectively. For Mixture 1, the maximum area of mortality that the proposed model indicated was obtained between 0/1 and 0.25/0.75, while the maximum area of mortality in the case of Mixture 2 was obtained between 0.25/0.75 and 0.75/0.25. Moreover, the maximum possible values of mortality that could be achieved by the validated model were found to be 51.44% (after 24 h) and 100.24% (after 48 h) for Mixture 1 and 54.67% (after 24 h) and 89.99% (after 48 h) for Mixture 2. It can be said that all purev molecules tested through the binary mixtures acted together, which enhanced the insecticide's effectiveness. These findings are very promising, as the chemical insecticide (deltamethrin) killed only 19.29 ± 0.01% and 34.05 ± 1.01% of the female adults after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Thus, the findings of our research could help with the development of botanical insecticides that might contribute to management programs for controlling vectors of important diseases.

Mediterranean Diet for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes in the Covid-19 Era: Implications of Il-6 In Diabesity.

The aim of this review is to highlight the influence of the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) during the COVID-19 pandemic era and the specific role of interleukin (IL)-6 in diabesity. It is known that diabetes, high body mass index, high glycated hemoglobin and raised serum IL-6 levels are predictive of poor outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The immunopathological mechanisms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection include rising levels of several cytokines and in particular IL-6. The latter is associated with hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and could be useful for predicting the development of GDM. Rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, MedDiet improves the immune system and could modulate IL-6, C reactive protein and Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB. Moreover, polyphenols could modulate microbiota composition, inhibit the NF-κB pathway, lower IL-6, and upregulate antioxidant enzymes. Finally, adhering to the MedDiet prior to and during pregnancy could have a protective effect, reducing GWG and the risk of GDM, as well as improving the immune response to viral infections such as COVID-19.

MAPK signalling pathway in cancers: Olive products as cancer preventive and therapeutic agents.

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are fundamental in inflammation and cancer control, through the crosstalk between the redox regulated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kB (NFκB) gene expression. MAPKs regulate various cellular activities involved in cancer progression, including proliferation, apoptosis and immune escape and blockade of upstream kinases is a current therapeutic strategy. However, these therapies are associated with some adverse effects and with the paradoxical activation of the MAPKs pathway. In the context of cancer prevention and treatment, it has been suggested that dietary factors are able to modulate cancer initiation and progression by interacting with the MAPKs. Within these dietary factors, virgin olive oil (VOO) is of particular interest due to its content in squalene, already used as drug delivery system in cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to discuss the studies pointing to the effects of olive-derived foodstuff and nutraceuticals on MAPKs signalling cascades. The reviewed experimental studies suggest that the stress-activated JNK and p38 MAPKs could be targets of olive-derived nutraceuticals. The latter, including phytochemicals from olive cultivation and processing wastes, could be adjuvants in chemotherapies, whereas VOO could be considered a "natural delivery system" of bioactive phytochemicals due to its high content in squalene.

Salivary Stress/Immunological Markers in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

There is continuous and growing interest in research into new alternatives to standard biomarkers to detect and follow-up disease, reducing physical and psychological stress in patients needing regular and invasive medical examinations for the evaluation of pathologies, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Saliva is one of the most promising body fluids in the research of new biomarkers, thanks to the large number of molecules it contains. Many molecules present in saliva are often directly correlated to their concentration in the blood but may be affected by the condition of the oral cavity. This means that a careful selection of a specific biomarker is required for each pathology, especially pathologies such as IBD, which may induce inflammation in the oral cavity. Here, we analyze the currently used and the proposed new salivary biomarkers (i.e., calprotectin, cytokines, IgA, cortisol, and oxidative stress markers) for the detection and follow-up of the main subtypes of IBD, known as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Camellia sinensis in asymptomatic hyperuricemia: A meta-analysis of tea or tea extract effects on uric acid levels.

Flavanols of Camellia sinensis exhibit uric acid (UA) lowering effect, through the modulation of both xanthine oxidase and urate excretion. In order to investigate the potential benefit of Camellia Sinenis products in asymptomatic hyperuricemia, a meta-analysis of long-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) with tea or tea extract has been conducted. From 20 human intervention studies selected only 5 RCT (13 interventions) were suitable for meta-analysis (n = 472). The current "normal" range set for hyperuricemia fails to identify patients with potential metabolic disorders. Therefore on the basis of the literature data, we fixed cut-off limits for UA baseline levels of 4.5 mg/dl for women, 6.1 mg/dl for men, and 5.5 mg/dl for studies involving mixed populations. Statistically significant effects were not found, but subgroup analysis revealed that the Pooled Estimate effect was different in subjects with baseline levels under [MD (95% CI): 0.1078 (-0.0528 to 0.2684)] and over the cut-off [MD (95% CI): -0.0239 (0.3311 to 0.2833)]. However, due to the low number of RCT and to the lack of data on bioavailability, it is difficult to draw any firm conclusion and more studies are needed to establish if tea flavanols could be useful in asymptomatic hyperuricemia treatment.

Plasma total antioxidant capacity and peroxidation biomarkers in psoriasis.

Systemic biomarkers of oxidative stress can be relevant for assessment of psoriasis severity, for prediction of the outcome of therapy and of the development of comorbidities. In this review we aimed to evaluate the relationship between plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and peroxidation biomarkers, as well as their association with dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation in psoriasis. The review of 59 case-control comparisons (from 41 studies) and 17 interventions (from 13 studies) suggests that peroxidation markers are more sensitive than TAC in the evaluation of oxidative stress in psoriasis. Although few studies investigated the effect of treatment on oxidative stress, it seems that biological drugs could be the better choice in the treatment of psoriasis. However, considering the limitations of TAC and plasma peroxidation markers, this review suggests that new methods should be developed in order to evaluate systemic oxidative stress in psoriasis.

Green Tea and Bone Marrow Transplantation: From Antioxidant Activity to Enzymatic and Multidrug-resistance Modulation.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main flavonoid of green tea (GT), could play an active role in the prevention of oxidative-stress-related diseases, such as hematologic malignancies. Some effects of EGCG are not imputable to antioxidant activity, but involve modulation of antioxidant enzymes and uric acid (UA) levels. The latter is the major factor responsible of the plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC). However, hyperuricemia is a frequent clinical feature caused by tumor lysis syndrome or cyclosporine side effects, both before and after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Besides this, food-drug interactions could be associated with GT consumption and could have clinical implications. The molecular mechanisms involved in the redox and drug metabolizing/transporting pathways were discussed, with particular reference to the potential role of GT and EGCG in BMT. Moreover, on reviewing data on NEAC, isoprostanes, uric acid, and various enzymes from human studies on GT, its extract, or EGCG, an increase in NEAC, without effect on isoprostanes, and contrasting results on UA and enzymes were observed. Currently, few and contrasting available evidences suggest caution for GT consumption in BMT patients and more studies are needed to better understand the potential impact of EGCG on oxidative stress and metabolizing/transporting systems.

Flavonoids and immune function in human: a systematic review.

Flavonoids, through a modulation of immune function, have been suggested to be involved in the role played by plant foods in disease prevention. We performed a systematic search in the MEDLINE database to review the effect of flavonoid-rich foods and flavonoids supplements on immune function. A total of 58 studies, were identified as suitable: 41 addressed in vivo proinflammatory cytokines and 15 measured ex vivo markers of immune function. According to our findings and on the basis of single food items, the number of studies in humans is limited and, for galenic supplements, only quercetin has been investigated. More evidences are needed to clarify the role of flavonoids as modulator of immune function in humans.

Effects of red wine on postprandial stress: potential implication in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease development.

INTRODUCTION: Red wine consumption is considered to be protective against oxidative stress. Diet strongly influences non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is associated with oxidative stress and is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: We reviewed the available evidence that investigated the effects of red wine on the postprandial-induced metabolic and oxidative stress in humans. RESULTS: After red wine consumption with meal, despite the improvement in non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and lipoperoxidation markers, the influence of confounding factors such as uric acid should be taken into account. Both uric acid and triglycerides increases, induced by ethanol, could cause liver damage. On the other hand, further researches are required in order to understand the meaning of the induction of antioxidant enzymes by red wine and red wine polyphenols in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, inconsistent and contrasting findings exist regarding the potential benefits of red wine consumption against postprandial stress.

Interference of flavonoids with fluorescent intracellular probes: methodological implications in the evaluation of the oxidative burst by flow cytometry.

The evaluation of oxidative burst is particularly relevant in many pathological and subclinical conditions. Flow cytometry provides quick and accurate measures of the reactive oxygen species production by leukocytes in most situations. However, spurious results, related to probes' efflux may be observed in several instances. Many factors affect the evaluation of the oxidative burst with fluorescent probes that require intracellular deacetylation and could be substrate of the multidrug resistance proteins (MDR). After discussing the implications of the efflux of fluorophores in the normalization strategies in flow cytometry assays, we have pointed out the possible interference of flavonoids with fluorescet probes' staining and signal. We have also reviewed the results from human intervention studies regarding the evaluation of oxidative burst with these probes. In vitro, at concentrations close to post-ingestion circulating levels, some flavonoids and their metabolites could interfere with probes' staining and fluorescence signal through different mechanisms, such as the inhibition of esterases, the modulation of the MDR-mediate efflux of probe and the inhibition of the oxidation of probe. These effects may explain the contrasting results obtained by human intervention studies. Finally, also inflammatory state or the use of drugs substrate of MDR proteins could affect the evaluation of the oxidative burst with intracellular probes.

Fruit juice drinks prevent endogenous antioxidant response to high-fat meal ingestion.

High-fat meals (HFM) induce metabolic stress, leading to the activation of protective mechanisms, including inflammation and endogenous antioxidant defences. In the present study, we investigated the effects of antioxidant-rich fruit juice drinks on the endogenous antioxidant response induced by HFM. In a double-blind, cross-over design (10 d washout), fourteen overweight volunteers were randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: HFM+500 ml placebo beverage (HFM-PB, free from fruit); HFM+500 ml antioxidant beverage 1 (HFM-AB1; apple, grape, blueberry and pomegranate juices and grape skin, grape seed and green tea extracts); HFM+500 ml antioxidant beverage 2 (HFM-AB2; pineapple, black currant and plum juices). HFM-PB consumption increased the plasma levels of thiols (SH) (4 h, P< 0·001) and uric acid (UA) (2 h, P< 0·01) and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) (4 h, P< 0·01). Following the consumption of drinks, UA production was significantly reduced with respect to placebo beverage consumption 8 h after HFM-AB2 consumption (P< 0·05). SH levels were reduced 0·5 (P< 0·05), 1 (P< 0·05) and 2 h (P< 0·01) after HFM-AB1 consumption and 2, 4 and 8 h (P< 0·05) after HFM-AB2 consumption. Plasma TRAP (2 h, P< 0·001) and urinary ferric reducing antioxidant power (0-8 h, P< 0·01) were increased by HFM-AB1 consumption, the drink with the highest in vitro antioxidant capacity, but not by HFM-AB2 consumption. In urine, UA levels were significantly increased from basal levels after the consumption of HFM-PB and HFM-AB2. However, neither of the beverages increased the urinary excretion of UA with respect to the placebo beverage. In conclusion, the increase in UA and SH levels induced by HFM as part of an endogenous antioxidant response to postprandial stress can be prevented by the concomitant ingestion of antioxidant-rich fruit juice drinks.

Interactions between prebiotics, probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols: diet or supplementation for metabolic syndrome prevention?

The metabolic syndrome can be prevented by the Mediterranean diet, characterized by fiber, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. However, the composition of the Mediterranean diet, which can be viewed as a natural multiple supplement, is poorly controlled, and its beneficial effects poorly predictable. The metabolic syndrome is associated with intestinal dysbiosis and the gut microbioma seems to be the main target and player in the interactions occurring between probiotics, prebiotics, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols. From the reviewed evidence, it is reasonable to manage growth and metabolism of gut microflora with specific prebiotics and polyphenols. Even though the healthy properties of functional foods and nutraceuticals still need to be fully elucidated, available data suggest that well-designed supplements, containing the better ratio of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, specific probiotic strains, and selected polyphenols and prebiotics, could be useful in metabolic syndrome prevention and treatment.

Optimizing wheelchair basketball lineups: A statistical approach to coaching strategies.

This study was designed to support the tactical decisions of wheelchair basketball (WB) coaches in identifying the best players to form winning lineups. Data related to a complete regular season of a top-level WB Championship were examined. By analyzing game-related statistics from the first round, two clusters were identified that accounted for approximately 35% of the total variance. Cluster 1 was composed of low-performing athletes, while Cluster 2 was composed of high-performing athletes. Based on data related to the second round of the Championship, we conducted a two-fold evaluation of the clusters identified in the first round with the team's net performance as the outcome variable. The results showed that teams where players belonging to Cluster 2 had played more time during the second round of the championship were also those with the better team performance (R-squared = 0.48, p = 0.035), while increasing the playing time for players from Classes III and IV does not necessarily improve team performance (r2 = -0.14, p = 0.59). These results of the present study suggest that a collaborative approach between coaches and data scientists would significantly advance this Paralympic sport.

Upper-Limb Muscle Fatigability in Para-Athletes Quantified as the Rate of Force Development in Rapid Contractions of Submaximal Amplitude.

This study aimed to compare neuromuscular fatigability of the elbow flexors and extensors between athletes with amputation (AMP) and athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) for maximum voluntary force (MVF) and rate of force development (RFD). We recruited 20 para-athletes among those participating at two training camps (2022) for Italian Paralympic veterans. Ten athletes with SCI (two with tetraplegia and eight with paraplegia) were compared to 10 athletes with amputation (above the knee, N = 3; below the knee, N = 6; forearm, N = 1). We quantified MVF, RFD at 50, 100, and 150 ms, and maximal RFD (RFDpeak) of elbow flexors and extensors before and after an incremental arm cranking to voluntary fatigue. We also measured the RFD scaling factor (RFD-SF), which is the linear relationship between peak force and peak RFD quantified in a series of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude. SCI showed lower levels of MVF and RFD in both muscle groups (all p values ≤ 0.045). Despite this, the decrease in MVF (Cohen's d = 0.425, p < 0.001) and RFDpeak (d = 0.424, p = 0.003) after the incremental test did not show any difference between pathological conditions. Overall, RFD at 50 ms showed the greatest decrease (d = 0.741, p < 0.001), RFD at 100 ms showed a small decrease (d = 0.382, p = 0.020), and RFD at 150 ms did not decrease (p = 0.272). The RFD-SF decreased more in SCI than AMP (p < 0.0001). Muscle fatigability impacted not only maximal force expressions but also the quickness of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude, particularly in SCI. This may affect various sports and daily living activities of wheelchair users. Early RFD (i.e., ≤50 ms) was notably affected by muscle fatigability.

PAR level mediates the link between ROS and inflammatory response in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by disrupted glucose homeostasis and metabolic abnormalities, with oxidative stress and inflammation playing pivotal roles in its pathophysiology. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a post-translational process involving the addition of ADP-ribose polymers (PAR) to target proteins. While preclinical studies have implicated PARylation in the interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation in T2DM, direct clinical evidence in humans remains limited. This study investigates the relationship between oxidative stress, PARylation, and inflammatory response in T2DM patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation involved 61 T2DM patients and 48 controls. PAR levels were determined in peripheral blood cells (PBMC) by ELISA-based methodologies. Oxidative stress was assessed in plasma and PBMC. In plasma, we monitored reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. In PBMC, we measured the expression of antioxidant enzymes SOD1, GPX1 and CAT by qPCR. Further, we evaluated the expression of inflammatory mediators such as IL6, TNF-α, CD68 and MCP1 by qPCR in PBMC. RESULTS: T2DM patients exhibited elevated PAR levels in PBMC and increased d-ROMs in plasma. Positive associations were found between PAR levels and d-ROMs, suggesting a link between oxidative stress and altered PAR metabolism. Mediation analysis revealed that d-ROMs mediate the association between HbA1c levels and PAR, indicating oxidative stress as a potential driver of increased PARylation in T2DM. Furthermore, elevated PAR levels were found to be associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNF-α in the PBMC of T2DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that hyperactivation of PARylation is associated with poor glycemic control and the resultant oxidative stress in T2DM. The increase of PAR levels is correlated with the upregulation of key mediators of the inflammatory response. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore their clinical implications.

Antioxidant and inflammatory response following high-fat meal consumption in overweight subjects.

PURPOSE: Postprandial metabolic stress as a consequence of ingestion of high-energy meals is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory and antioxidant response of the body to the acute ingestion of a high-fat meal (HFM). METHODS: Fifteen healthy overweight subjects were recruited for the study. After HFM consumption, plasma glucose, insulin, uric acid (UA), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), thiols (SH), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and dietary antioxidants were measured at 0, 0, 5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h points from ingestion. RESULTS: The ingestion of HFM induced significant increases in both TG and TC, with peaks at 4 h (p < 0.001) and 8 h (p < 0.01), respectively. IL-6 and TNF-α significantly increased postprandially, reaching maximum concentrations 8 h after meal consumption (p < 0.001). Whereas plasma concentrations of vitamins and carotenoids were not changed by HFM, SH and UA increased, peaking 2-4 h postingestion (p < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Increments of SH and UA were positively correlated with AUC for TG (Pearson coefficient 0.888, p < 0.001 and 0.923, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Present results indicate that as a consequence of an excess of dietary fat, the body responds through an inflammatory reaction, which is accompanied by an increment of endogenous antioxidant defenses, mediated by UA and SH, but not by vitamins C and E and carotenoids. Although further studies are needed, results of the current investigation represent novel findings on endogenous strategies of redox defense from fat overloads.