Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Figs (Fresh and Dried): A Review of Literature from 2000 to 2022
With their rich history dating back 6000 years, figs are one of the oldest known plants to mankind and are a classical fruit in the Mediterranean diet. They possess a diverse array of bioactive components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health-promoting effects […]
Peanut allergy: risk factors, immune mechanisms, and best practices for oral immunotherapy success
Introduction: Peanut oral immunotherapy (pOIT) is the only FDA-approved treatment for food allergy and its adoption amongst allergist immunologists and their patients is growing. pOIT is the subject of numerous clinical trials, however, the focus is often on treatment efficacy, safety, and tolerability, rather than identifying patients most likely to benefit from pOIT. Here, we […]
Food-Induced Anaphylaxis: Data From the European Anaphylaxis Registry
Background: Food is one of the most common elicitors of anaphylaxis, with an increasing incidence over recent years. Objectives: To characterize elicitor-specific phenotypes and identify factors enhancing the risk or severity of food-induced anaphylaxis (FIA). Methods: We analyzed data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry applying an age- and sex-matched analysis of associations (Cramer’s V) for single food triggers […]
Interaction of mediators and effector cells in cashew nut-induced anaphylaxis
Background: The underlying mechanisms of an immediate food-induced allergic reaction involve mast-cell degranulation and recruitment of other effector cells, such as lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. How the interaction of various mediators and cells results in anaphylaxis is not fully understood. Objective: To evaluate changes in platelet-activating factor (PAF), platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), tryptase, eosinophils, basophils, […]
Phase 3 Trial of Epicutaneous Immunotherapy in Toddlers with Peanut Allergy
Background: No approved treatment for peanut allergy exists for children younger than 4 years of age, and the efficacy and safety of epicutaneous immunotherapy with a peanut patch in toddlers with peanut allergy are unknown. Methods: We conducted this phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving children 1 to 3 years of age with peanut allergy […]
Use of a Liver-Targeting Immune-Tolerogenic mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Platform to Treat Peanut-Induced Anaphylaxis by Single- and Multiple-Epitope Nucleotide Sequence Delivery
While oral desensitization is capable of alleviating peanut allergen anaphylaxis, long-term immune tolerance is the sought-after goal. We developed a liver-targeting lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform to deliver mRNA-encoded peanut allergen epitopes to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), which function as robust tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells that induce FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs). The mRNA strand was constructed by […]
The protective effect of moderate maternal peanut consumption on peanut sensitization and allergy
Background: The Learning Early About Peanut Allergy or LEAP trial found that the early introduction of peanuts in the diet of infants at risk for peanut allergies prevents peanut allergy. The effect of maternal consumption of peanuts on subsequent peanut sensitization or peanut allergy in the LEAP trial has not been studied to date. Objective: To determine […]
A Pecan-Enriched Diet Reduced Postprandial Appetite Intensity and Enhanced Peptide YY Secretion: A Randomized Control Trial
Background & aims: Tree nuts have been shown to have satiating qualities; however, little is known concerning the effect of pecans on measures of appetite. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a pecan-enriched diet on subjective, physiological, and direct measures of appetite in older adults. Methods: This was a randomized, […]
The role of intestinal microbiota and microRNAs in the anti-inflammatory effects of cranberry: from pre-clinical to clinical studies
Cranberries have known anti-inflammatory properties, which extend their benefits in the context of several chronic diseases. These benefits highly rely on the polyphenol profile of cranberries, one of few foods rich in A-type proanthocyanidin (PAC). A-type PAC comprises flavan-3-ol subunits with an additional interflavan ether bond in the conformational structure of the molecule, separating them […]
Tree Nut and Peanut Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
CVD is the leading cause of death globally. Habitual consumption of tree nuts and peanuts is associated with cardioprotective benefits. Food-based dietary guidelines globally recommend nuts as a key component of a healthy diet. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between tree nut and peanut consumption and risk factors for […]