Effects of one serving of mixed nuts on serum lipids; insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Knowledge of the effect of nut consumption on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components is limited. We assessed the effects of nut intake on adiposity; serum lipids; insulin resistance; and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with MetS. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized; parallel-group; 12-week feeding trial; 50 patients with MetS were given recommendations for […]

Analysis of genes early expressed during Aspergillus flavus colonisation of hazelnut

Aflatoxins contamination by Aspergillus flavus is a matter of great concern for oil rich crops among which hazelnuts represent economically important agricultural commodities of Mediterranean countries; mainly used as mixed nuts or as ingredients in the bakery and confectionery industries. Since the biosynthetic pathway of aflatoxin biosynthesis has been elucidated in detail; expression analysis of […]

Natural antioxidants in tree nuts

The levels of natural antioxidants and phytochemicals present in tree nuts are reported. Where possible; the health claims by Food and Drug Administration and European Food Safety Authority and health effects of tree nuts are provided. The content and recommended dietary allowances of nutrient antioxidants (such as vitamins A; C; E; and the mineral selenium) […]

The anti-ophidian properties of Anacardium occidentale bark extract

Snakebites in rural areas of tropical and subtropical regions are commonly treated with medicinal plants. In this report; we have studied the ability of Anacardium occidentale bark extract to neutralize enzymatic as well as pharmacological effects induced by Vipera russelii venom. The extract neutralized the viper venom hydrolytic enzymes such as phospholipase; protease; and hyaluronidase […]

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 […]

[Hormonal and inflammatory impact of different dietetic composition: emphasis on dietary patterns and specific dietary factors] [Article in Portuguese]

Healthy dietary pattern; characterized by the consumption of fruits; vegetables; white meats; skim dairy products; nuts and moderate intake of vegetable oils and alcohol; is an important factor for a lower risk of chronic disease such as obesity; metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This beneficial effect can be explained; at least partially; by its modulating […]

A saturated fatty acid-rich diet induces an obesity-linked proinflammatory gene expression profile in adipose tissue of subjects at risk of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Changes in dietary fat composition could lower the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue is an interesting tissue in this respect because of its role in lipid metabolism and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the effect of a saturated fatty acid (SFA)- and a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich diet on insulin […]

Cardioprotective roles of aged garlic extract; grape seed proanthocyanidin; and hazelnut on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a chemotherapeutic agent used effectively in the treatment of several childhood malignancies. During treatment; cardiotoxicity caused by cell damage due to the free oxygen radicals that are generated is a major limiting factor. This study was undertaken to determine whether DXR-induced cardiotoxicity could be prevented by natural foods with antioxidant properties such […]