Effect of pistachio oil on gene expression of IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2: A biomarker of inflammatory response

When incorporated into the diet; pistachios have a beneficial effect on lipid and lipoprotein profiles. However; little is known about potential anti-inflammatory properties. This study was conducted to determine whether pistachio oil and an organic extract from pistachio oil extract (PE) regulated expression of inflammation-related genes. A mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7 cells) was […]

Effect of pistachio diet on lipid parameters; endothelial function; inflammation; and oxidative status: A prospective study

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested that nuts have favorable effects beyond lipid lowering. We aimed to investigate effect of the Antep pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) on blood glucose; lipid parameters; endothelial function; inflammation; and oxidation in healthy young men living in a controlled environment. METHODS: A Mediterranean diet was administered to normolipidemic 32 healthy young […]

Identification of two pistachio allergens; Pis v 1 and Pis v 2; belonging to the 2S albumin and 11S globulin family

BACKGROUND: IgE-mediated allergic reactions to pistachio appear to be occurring more frequently; however; little is known about its allergenic proteins. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to identify pistachio allergens and to clone the encoding genes. METHODS: Pistachio proteins were extracted and separated by SDS-PAGE. Immunolabelling was performed with sera from 28 pistachio-allergic individuals. Proteins of interest were […]

Consumption of pistachio nuts beneficially affected blood lipids and total antioxidant activity in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet

Although nuts are typically high in dietary fat; novel studies have shown that regular consumption of these heart-healthy foods might confer a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease risk. In the present study; we aimed to analyse the effects of pistachio consumption on blood lipids; antioxidant activity; oxidative stress and sialic acid levels in high-fat-fed rats […]

The lipid messenger OEA links dietary fat intake to satiety

The association between fat consumption and obesity underscores the need to identify physiological signals that control fat intake. Previous studies have shown that feeding stimulates small-intestinal mucosal cells to produce the lipid messenger oleoylethanolamide (OEA) which; when administered as a drug; decreases meal frequency by engaging peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-alpha (PPAR-alpha). Here; we report that duodenal […]

Priority Areas for Research on the Intake; Composition; and Health Effects of Tree Nuts and Peanuts

This article summarizes the main conclusions drawn from a conference on the health effects of nut consumption and identifies priority areas for future research. Individuals with higher intakes of nuts generally have higher intakes of many beneficial dietary constituents. More information is needed on nut composition; the bioavailability of nutrients; and other bioactive constituents. Better […]

Tree Nut and Peanut Consumption in Relation to Chronic and Metabolic Diseases Including Allergy

The New and Emerging Research session highlighted the emerging understanding of both the positive and negative effects of nuts consumption on health. The limited nature of both experimental and epidemiological evidence for positive relationship(s) between nut intake and health were noted. Study inconsistency and limitations; particularly survey methodology; were explored. Recent results from epidemiologic studies […]

Effects of pistachios on cardiovascular disease risk factors and potential mechanisms of action: a dose-response study

BACKGROUND: Nut consumption lowers cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Studies are lacking about the effects of pistachios; a nutrient-dense nut; on CVD risk factors; dose-response relations; and lipid-lowering mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of 2 doses of pistachios; added to a lower-fat diet; on lipids and lipoproteins; apolipoprotein (apo)-defined lipoprotein subclasses; and plasma fatty acids. […]