International Journal of Nutrology
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Natural flavonoids as ACE2 modulators: computational insights into quercetin’s role in oral cancer therapy
Full text linkBackground: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key counter-regulatory enzyme in the Renin-Angiotensin System that converts angiotensin II into angiotensin-1–7, which has anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and vasodilatory properties. In addition to its cardioprotective function, ACE2 has gained attention in the field of cancer biology, where the dysregulated ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis links its downregulation to tumour progression and poor prognosis, including in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) the predominant cancers of the head and neck region, which accounts for about 90%, with approximately 270,000 to 300,000 new cases diagnosed world-wide each year, and about 20% occurring in people less than 55 years. Its clinical significance is further emphasized by its role as the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor; ACE2 expression is influenced by a number of hormones, but little is known about the role of antioxidants. By interacting with signalling pathways, quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived from plants, may alter ACE2. This study analyses the potential effects of quercetin on ACE2 by means of computational methods. Materials & methods: Molecular docking, interaction profiling, molecular dynamics (MD) modeling, and in silico ADMET analysis were employed to investigate ligand–protein interactions with ACE2. Top-ranked ZINC library chemicals were docked to ACE2 to identify favorable binding conformations. Binding affinities were assessed using a variety of scoring systems. MD simulations using Desmond were performed for 100 ns in order to evaluate the ACE2-ligand complexes' dynamic behavior and structural stability under physiological settings. Through interaction profiling, strong conformational alterations and binding persistence were found. To evaluate quercetin's pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and toxicity, ADMET predictions were also made using the pkCSM program. Results: With a docking score of -8.2 kcal/mol, quercetin demonstrated a high binding affinity with ACE2. MD simulations showed complex stability with few fluctuations. Persistent ligand-receptor binding was validated by interaction profiling. Conclusion: The research aims to provide insights for future experimental validations and to stimulate the development of bioflavonoid Quercetin as a novel, effective therapeutic agent for modulating the ACE2 activity.
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Pesticide residues and microbiological safety of apricots as food raw materials: an experimental research
Full text linkIntroduction: Apricots are a valuable raw material for the production of jams, juices, and dried products; however, their safety largely depends on residual contaminants. According to recent epidemiological data from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), foodborne outbreaks linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables accounted for approximately 11-13% of total cases of foodborne illness in the European Union between 2018 and 2023, with pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes responsible for over 2,000 hospitalisations annually. Objective: The aim of this study was a comprehensive assessment of the safety of fresh apricot fruits (Prunus armeniaca L.) from four varieties – Hungarian, Delmast, Roxana, and Silistrenska Compotna – grown in Bulgaria, in terms of compliance with the sanitary and hygienic requirements of the European Union. Methods: The study included the determination of pesticide residues from three toxicological groups, quantitative and qualitative microbiological assessment, and measurement of heavy metal content. Results: In all samples, the concentrations of organophosphates, carbamates, and dithiocarbamates were below the limit of quantification (0.010 mg/kg), confirming that the maximum permissible levels were not exceeded. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes was not detected in any sample. The Enterobacteriaceae count was <10 CFU/g in the Hungarian, Delmast, and Roxana varieties, but reached 30 CFU/g in Silistrenska Compotna. All samples showed low levels of sulphite-reducing Clostridia (<10 CFU/g). Lead content ranged from 0.005 mg/kg in Delmast to 0.014 mg/kg in Hungarian, while cadmium did not exceed 0.005 mg/kg in any sample. Comparative analysis showed the highest overall safety in the Delmast and Roxana varieties, while the Silistrenska Compotna variety, despite acceptable concentrations of heavy metals and pesticides, was found to have a higher microbiological load. Conclusions: The results can be used for the selection of safe raw materials in the processing industry, as well as for the development of recommendations for pre-cleaning, washing, or pasteurisation of certain varieties prior to technological processing.
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Renal impairment and its clinical predictors among patients with multiple myeloma: a multicenter study with implications for cancer care
Full text linkIntroduction: Renal impairment is a frequent and clinically significant complication of multiple myeloma (MM), influencing treatment choices, toxicity risk, and survival. Evidence from Middle Eastern populations remains limited. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of renal impairment among MM patients and examined clinical and laboratory predictors associated with kidney dysfunction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across major hospitals in the West Bank from 2018 to 2025, including 201 adults with confirmed MM. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected through retrospective chart review. Renal impairment was defined using sex-specific creatinine thresholds. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors. Results: Renal impairment was present in 35.3% of patients. Those with impaired kidney function had higher median uric acid, calcium, and inflammatory marker levels and slightly lower albumin levels, although these differences did not remain significant after adjustment. In the multivariable model, diabetes mellitus was the only independent predictor of renal impairment (adjusted OR 4.02; p=0.014). Model performance was acceptable, with an AUC of 0.75. Conclusion: Renal impairment is common among MM patients, and diabetes substantially increases the risk. Routine renal monitoring and aggressive management of metabolic comorbidities, particularly diabetes, may improve kidney outcomes and support better overall care.
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SIBO: Challenges and Perspectives in Contemporary Gastroenterology
Full text linkSmall Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by an excessive increase in bacteria in an area that normally has a restricted microbiota. This study aims to review the clinical features, diagnostic methods, risk factors, and treatment options for SIBO, with a particular focus on its prevalence in chronic diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional diyspepsia, diabetes, and liver diseases. The review highlights the variability in diagnostic methods and the absence of a gold standard, which limits diagnostic accuracy. Among treatment options, antibiotics, probiotics, and herbal therapies (phytotherapy) show potential in symptom management. The need for standardized diagnostic criteria and further research on integrative therapies is emphasized to optimize clinical practice in the treatment of SIBO
Impacts of lifestyle change and precise nutrology on healthy longevity: a systematic review
Full text linkIntroduction: Dietary restriction without malnutrition remains the most robust non-genetic intervention to date and can maximize life expectancy and health. It also increases life expectancy and protects against obesity, cancer, neurodegeneration, frailty, and a range of cardiometabolic conditions. Objective: It was to develop a systematic review of the impacts of adequate nutrition and lifestyle on healthy human longevity. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from May to June 2025 in the Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 134 articles were found, and 40 articles were evaluated in full, and 30 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 28 studies with a high risk of bias and 24 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X2=92.2%>50%. Innovative, and possibly holistic, food and diet-based intervention strategies for healthy aging include the adoption of regimes such as calorie and dietary restriction, as well as time-restricted eating. Chrononutrition denotes the link between circadian rhythms and nutrient-sensing pathways. Nutrients of interest for cognitive health include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Low concentrations of vitamin D have been linked to accelerated decline in cognition across ethnicities. Dietary regimens have been suggested as interventions to treat conditions such as hypertension, and dyslipidemia, the Mediterranean diet for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health, and the Okinawa diet for healthy aging. Certain amino acids are emerging as promising adjunctive treatments for mind-body balance, such as N-acetylcysteine. Multivitamins and multimineral supplements can improve life expectancy
Major nutrological approaches and bariatric endoscopy using the spatz3® intragastric balloon: a systematic review
Full text linkIntroduction: In the context of obesity and its comorbidities, more than 2.2 billion people are overweight or obese worldwide. By 2030, it is estimated that more than 60% of the world's population will be overweight or obese. Brazil has approximately 20 million obese people. In this context, and as a measure to mitigate this pathological scenario, nutrology combined with the use of the intragastric balloon (IGB) is an important pillar for obesity treatment. Also noteworthy is the 1-year adjustable balloon option, the Spatz3®, which offers the advantage of longer treatment with the possibility of adjustments to increase weight loss. Objective: the present study analyzed, through a systematic review, the main information and results of the use of the Spatz3® intragastric balloon, highlighting the volume adjustments up and down. Methods: The model followed for the systematic review was PRISMA. Databases such as Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Scielo, Lilacs, Google Scholar, PubMed were used. A total of 136 clinical studies were submitted to the eligibility analysis and, after that, 20 studies were selected to compose the present study. The Risk of Bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane Instrument model. Main findings and Conclusion: Studies have shown that the treatment of obesity and super obesity with Spatz3® is a safe and effective procedure for weight reduction, without mortality, but with greater morbidity compared to traditional BIGs. Studies have also shown that adjusting the Spatz3® volume upwards allowed the balloon to remain in place for a longer time. However, the effectiveness of the upward adjustment still requires further confirmation. However, it is necessary for the professional to be well trained for the implantation of the intragastric balloon, as well as to know in depth the possible complications in an attempt to control the variables and reduce the chances of these occurrences. Although it may present risks of perforations and/or obstructions, the intragastric balloon represents an important alternative for superobese patients with high surgical risk for gastroplasty
Gut microbiota-skin axis in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis with the promotion of gut health: a systematic review
Full text linkIntroduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatological condition that affects approximately 60 million individuals worldwide, with recurrence rates between 0.1% and 1.5% after conventional treatments. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with genetic and environmental factors, characterized primarily by an allergic immune response to environmental antigens with increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE). The gut microbiota is essential for immune system activation and the treatment of these diseases. Objective: To investigate the gut microbiota-skin axis in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis through the promotion of gut health. Methods: The PRISMA Platform systematic review rules were followed. The search was carried out from July to August 2025 in the Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. Study quality was based on the GRADE instrument, and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 131 articles were found, and 28 articles were evaluated in full, and 17 were included and developed in the present systematic review study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 24 studies with a high risk of bias and 25 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. Most studies showed homogeneity in their results, with X2=77.6 %>50%. It was concluded that the gut microbiota has enormous metabolic capacity along the gut-skin axis. Dietary or microbiota metabolites are accessible to the skin. Therefore, after defining key open questions about the nature of these metabolites, their detection, and the skin changes they can induce, understanding these pathways will lead to new therapeutic strategies that target one organ to improve the health of another. Probiotics and prebiotics are microbiota management tools for treating psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
Nutrological triggers of muscle regeneration in athletes under modulation and gene expression of microRNAs and exosomes: a systematic review
Full text linkIntroduction: In the context of regenerative nutrological processes, nutrition makes it possible to recover from muscle injuries in athletes. Muscle wasting results in reductions in basal muscle protein synthesis and muscle resistance to anabolic stimulation. Therefore, higher protein intakes (2-2.5 g/kg/day) are necessary. Regular physical training associated with nutritional health has broad benefits to the health of the gut microbiota. MicroRNAs (miRs) and exosomes have emerged as critical regulators of numerous biological processes, modulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Objective: A systematic review was conducted to demonstrate, through scientific studies, the nutrological triggers of muscle regeneration in athletes under the modulation and gene expression of microRNAs and exosomes. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform and the methodological quality of AMSTAR were followed. The research was carried out from June to August 2024 in the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Lilacs, Ebsco, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 134 articles were found, and 62 articles were evaluated in full and 52 were included and developed in this systematic review study. Clinical studies showed homogeneity in their results, with Chi-Square X2 =72.4%>50%. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 12 studies with a high risk of bias and 20 studies that did not meet GRADE. miRs play an important role as regulatory molecules during the muscle healing process. Myoblasts are known to secrete exosomes enriched with miRs into the inflammatory environment, whereby miR-224 is transferred to macrophages to inhibit M2 polarization. Additional data demonstrate that WNT-9a may be a direct target of miR224 for macrophage polarization. The results showed that miR-122 and myogenic markers were down-regulated in C2C12 cells after TGF-β stimulation, and overexpression of miR-122 can restore myogenesis inhibited by TGF-β. Evidence suggests that the exosome derived from mesenchymal stem cells exhibits functions similar to mesenchymal stem cells with low immunogenicity and without tumorization. High rates of intestinal self-renewal are enabled by intestinal stem cells (LGR5+) at the base of intestinal crypts. LGR5+ activity, including proliferation and differentiation rates, is affected by large shifts in nutrient availability, as occurs on a high-fat diet or fasting. The practice of physical activity, endogenous metabolites, and dietary nutrients can directly influence epigenetic enzymes. Dietary manipulations and metabolites can affect tissue stem cell fate decisions. Self-renewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells can be regulated by manipulating vitamin C, A, or D levels and valine restriction
Benefits of implementing a Multi-Professional Nutritional Therapy Team (MNTT) in hospital services: a literature review
Full text linkIntroduction: The management of nutritional diseases in the nosocomial context, especially malnutrition, has raised considerable concern. Objective: In this context, the multi-professional nutritional therapy team (MNTT) emerged, aiming to provide a prompt diagnosis and effective treatment for these conditions. Methods: To assess the benefits of implementing MNTT in hospital services, a review was conducted, gathering articles and legislation related to the proposed topic. The search terms used included “nutritional therapy,” “nutritional therapy costs,” “MNTT,” “multidisciplinary nutritional therapy team,” “enteral nutrition,” and “parenteral nutrition.” Discussion: The presence of MNTT leads to reduced mortality, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, lower hospital expenses, and improved nutritional support for patients compared to services without MNTT. Conclusion: The multitude of benefits from investing in MNTT implementation is evident, as they play a fundamental role in diagnosing, treating, and primarily preventing nutritional diseases, ultimately resulting in better patient care
Muscle regeneration and increased muscle mass in athletes under the modulation of microRNAs and exosomes: a systematic review
Full text linkIntroduction: In the context of muscle regeneration, precise nutrition makes it possible to recover from muscle injuries in athletes. Muscle wasting results in reductions in basal muscle protein synthesis and muscle resistance to anabolic stimulation. Therefore, higher protein intakes are necessary. Regular physical training associated with nutritional health has broad benefits to the health of the gut microbiota. MicroRNAs (miRs) and exosomes have emerged as critical regulators of numerous biological processes, modulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Objective: A systematic review of the literature was developed to highlight the process of muscle regeneration and increased muscle mass in athletes under the modulation of microRNAs and exosomes. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform and the methodological quality of AMSTAR-2 were followed. The research was carried out from May to June 2025 in the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Lilacs, Ebsco, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 134 articles were found, and 62 articles were evaluated in full and 52 were included and developed in this systematic review study. Clinical studies showed homogeneity in their results, with Chi-Square (X2) =75.5%>50%. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 12 studies with a high risk of bias and 20 studies that did not meet GRADE and AMSTAR-2. miRs play an important role as regulatory molecules during the muscle healing process. Myoblasts are known to secrete exosomes enriched with miRs into the inflammatory environment, whereby miR-224 is transferred to macrophages to inhibit M2 polarization. Additional data demonstrate that WNT-9a may be a direct target of miR-224 for macrophage polarization. The results showed that miR-122 and myogenic markers were downregulated in C2C12 cells after TGF-β stimulation, and overexpression of miR-122 can restore myogenesis inhibited by TGF-β. Evidence suggests that the exosome derived from mesenchymal stem cells exhibits functions similar to mesenchymal stem cells with low immunogenicity and without tumorization. High rates of intestinal self-renewal are enabled by intestinal stem cells (LGR5+) at the base of intestinal crypts. LGR5+ activity, including proliferation and differentiation rates, is affected by large shifts in nutrient availability, as occurs on a high-fat diet or fasting. The practice of physical activity, endogenous metabolites, and dietary nutrients can directly influence epigenetic enzymes. Dietary manipulations and metabolites can affect tissue stem cell fate decisions. Selfrenewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells can be regulated by manipulating vitamin C, A, or D levels and valine restriction