In recent years, many studies have highlighted the possible close correlation between human diseases and definite patterns of microbial organisms colonizing various organs. Even at sites ...traditionally considered sterile, such as the upper female reproductive tract (FRT), it is now well-recognized as hosting a low biomass of different bacterial phyla. Additionally, the data from recent studies highlight a possible link between lower and upper FRT dysbiosis with a potential predisposition to cervical and ovarian cancer. Acinetobacter, chlamydia, increased mycoplasma, and lactobacillary scarcity in the upper FRT have all been linked to a predisposition to ovarian cancer. Additionally, a high-diversity vaginal community state type (CST) is linked to the presence and persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), resulting in decreased cellular p53 activity and a reduction in the immune activity of T lymphocytes, resulting in cervical and ovarian cancer predisposition. While these findings are still far from being clarified in all aspects, in patients with multiple risk factors for ovarian cancer, a
treatment with a product with a proven ability to restore a favorable CST should be considered as an add-on therapy.
Metabolic disorders, mainly characterized as the marked alteration of the lipid and carbohydrate profile, in addition to the clinical presence of the direct consequences of these alterations, are ...pathological conditions that have considerably increased in prevalence in recent years. They are directly linked to the onset of various pathologies, including cancer, particularly breast cancer, and are hormone-responsive. Alongside the known conditions responsible for this scenario, such as nutrition and lifestyle in general, the importance of both the colonic microbiota and the various organs and systems is becoming increasingly evident. In fact, it is now evident that microbial dysbiosis plays a fundamental role in the onset of these metabolic disorders, and therefore how these conditions are indirectly responsible for the onset and progression of neoplasms. Indirect mechanisms such as an altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio; the formation of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in particular, butyrate, which is capable of acting as a tumor suppressor; and the glucuronidase activity of estroboloma (bacteria responsible for estrogen metabolism) are just some of the most important mechanisms that contribute to the history of breast cancer. It is therefore understandable that in clinical terms, it is essential to associate the modulation of metabolic disorders and the microbial conditions that contribute to generating them with common therapies, preferably using compounds and solutions that are effective and acceptable for the patient without side effects. Nutraceuticals such as berberine (active both in metabolic scenarios and in the microbiota) and interventions modulating the microbial structure such as the use of probiotics and prebiotics seem to be ideal solutions for these preventive and no-longer-ignorable strategies in the light of numerous data now present in the literature.
Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a technique used for the assessment of body composition based on the electrical properties of biological tissues and for evaluating variations ...related to hydration and nutrition status changes. The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of predicting performance status and injuries using segmental BIVA analysis. Data were collected from 14 professional male athletes aged between 20 and 39 years of Caucasian and Afro-American ethnicity belonging to the US Victoria Libertas Pallacanestro Pesaro team in the Italian Serie A basketball championship. From an analysis of training injuries, the data highlight a possible positive link between the number of training injuries and upper hemisoma reactance (XCEmsSup) (t = 2.881, p = 0.007), an inverse relationship between training injury duration and higher right lower limb reactance (XCLegDx) (t = −4.213, p < 0.001), and an inverse relationship between injury duration and higher body mass index (t = −4.213, p < 0.001), highlighting how higher cellularity seems less prone to severe training injuries. Analyzing match-day injuries, right upper-limb higher reactance (XCArmdx) negatively correlates with match-day number of injuries (t = −4.469, p < 0.001), right upper limb resistance (RZArmDx) negatively correlates with lower match-day injury duration (t = −4.202, p < 0.001), and trunk resistance (RZTrunk) positive correlates with lower match-day injury duration (t = 2.803, p = 0.008), in contrast with the training data analysis. Analyzing the relationship between the BIVA parameters and performance indicators, right upper limb resistance (RzArmDx) has a positive link with plus−minus (t = 2.889, p = 0.007); however, RzArmDx negatively correlates with assist number (t = −3.362, p = 0.002), and BMI is directly proportional to assist number (t = 2.254, p = 0.032). These first data suggest a good correlation between the cellularity of different body districts and the risk of injuries in training but still leave several doubts surrounding the concrete predictive potential regarding performance and injuries during competitions while considering the numerous factors involved. Further studies on BIVA and similar applications could provide tools for managing athlete health and physical integrity preservation and potentially help us better understand the factors involved in improving performance.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with several intestinal and/or metabolic disorders as well as neurological manifestations such as epilepsy (ASD-E). Those presenting these ...neuropathological conditions share common aspects in terms of gut microbiota composition. The use of microbiota intervention strategies may be an approach to consider in the management of these cases. We describe the case of a 17-year-old girl affected by ASD, reduced growth, neurological development delay, mutations in the PGM1 and EEF1A2 genes (in the absence of clinically manifested disease) and, intestinal disorders such as abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with weight loss. As she demonstrated poor responsiveness to the therapies provided, we attempted two specific dietary patterns: a ketogenic diet, followed by a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet, with the aim of improving her neurological, metabolic, and intestinal symptoms through modulation of the gut microbiota’s composition. The ketogenic diet (KD) provided a reduction in Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria. Although her intestinal symptoms improved, KD was poorly tolerated. On the other hand, the passage to a low FODMAPs diet produced a significant improvement in all neurological, intestinal, and metabolic symptoms and was well-tolerated. The following gut microbiota analysis showed reductions in Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria. The alpha biodiversity was consistently increased and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased, reducing the extent of fermentative dysbiosis. Gut microbiota could be a therapeutic target to improve ASD-related symptoms. Further studies are needed to better understand the correlation between gut microbiota composition and ASD, and its possible involvement in the physiopathology of ASD.
Many clinical studies have now highlighted how the composition of the intestinal microbiota can regulate the effects of many oncological therapies. In particular, the modulation of microbial ...composition has been shown to enhance their efficacy and reduce potential side effects. Numerous adverse events induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy appear to be strongly associated with an alteration in the intestinal microbiota caused by these treatments. This supports the hypothesis that the modulation or correction of the microbiota may decrease the toxic impact of therapies, improving patient compliance and quality of life. Among the most debilitating disorders related to oncological treatments is certainly mucositis, and recent clinical data highlight how the deficiency of short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, and specifically the lack of certain bacterial groups responsible for its production (butyrate producers), is strongly associated with this disorder. It is hypothesized that restoring these elements may influence the onset and severity of adverse events. Therefore, the intake of probiotics, especially butyrate producers, and specifically
(CBM588), currently the only cultivable and usable strain with a history of data proving its safety, could be a valuable ally in oncological therapies, reducing the associated discomfort and improving compliance, efficacy, and quality of life for patients.
Recent studies have highlighted a possible correlation between microbiota composition and the pathogenesis of various oncological diseases. Also, many bacterial groups are now directly or indirectly ...associated with the capability of stimulating or inhibiting carcinogenic pathways. However, little is known about the importance and impact of microbiota patterns related to the efficacy and toxicity of cancer treatments. We have recently begun to understand how oncological therapies and the microbiota are closely interconnected and could influence each other. Chemotherapy effectiveness, for example, appears to be strongly influenced by the presence of some microorganisms capable of modulating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the compounds used, thus varying the real response and therefore the efficacy of the oncological treatment. Similarly, chemotherapeutic agents can modulate the microbiota with variations that could facilitate or avoid the onset of important side effects. This finding has or could have considerable relevance as it is possible that our ability to modulate and modify the microbial structure before, during, and after treatment could influence all the clinical parameters related to pharmacological treatments and, eventually, the prognosis of the disease.
In this review, we examined the top 10 nutraceutical products sold in Italian pharmacies and parapharmacies as well as hypermarkets and supermarkets; in the first, three product categories saw the ...greatest increase in sales (vitamins and minerals, immunostimulants, and sleep products) for the 12-month period between October 2019 and October 2020 (including first pandemic wave of SARS-CoV-2). We are investigating their respective formulas and isolating the botanicals that are used to make them. Many of these products have undergone preclinical and clinical studies. We performed a systematic literature search in the MEDLINE database using PubMed and Google Scholar from November 15, 2020 to December 15, 2020 (including studies carried out between 1980 and 2020). The search terms that were used included the complete name of the medicinal plant in English or Latin and the terms "cytochrome" or "drug interactions," crossing, respectively, the Latin name and English common names with "cytochrome" and "drug interactions." The search included
and
studies describing the effects of interaction between the plant (extract or botanical medicine) and human cytochromes. Despite their great complexity, there is decidedly limited clinical data on botanical medicine. In fact, of the 28 botanicals that were examined, only 2 (
and
) show
pharmacological interactions in human subjects. On the contrary, for the other botanicals, there is only weak evidence of dubious clinical significance or potential interactions shown in animal models or
without clinical confirmation. This study provides a rational assessment of the most widely used products, including those used in self-medication, to simplify patient management during the COVID-19 health emergency.
Quercetin, a natural polyphenol with demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, has been proposed as an adjuvant for early-stage coronavirus disease 2019 ...(COVID-19) infection.
To explore the possible therapeutic effect of quercetin in outpatients with early-stage mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.
This was an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the department of medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PK. Patients were randomized to receive either standard of care (SC) plus an oral quercetin supplement (500 mg Quercetin Phytosome®, 1st week, TDS: 2nd week, BDS) (
= 50, quercetin group) or SC alone (
= 50, control group).
After one week of treatment, patients in the quercetin group showed a speedy recovery from COVID-19 as compared to the control group, i.e., 34 patients (vs. 12 in the control group) tested negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (
= 0.0004), and 26 patients (vs. 12 in the control group) had their COVID-19-associated acute symptoms resolved (
= 0.0051). Patients in the quercetin group also showed a significant fall in the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) mean values i.e., from 406.56 ± 183.92 to 257.74 ± 110.73 U/L,
= 0.0001. Quercetin was well-tolerated by all the 50 patients, and no side effects were reported.
Our results, suggest the possible therapeutic role of quercetin in early-stage COVID-19, including speedy clearance of SARS-CoV-2, early resolution of the acute symptoms and modulation of the host's hyperinflammatory response.
clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04861298.
Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that the addition of lentisk oil (LO) to streptococcal cultures makes it possible to differentiate
Streptococcus
spp. into three categories with
...Streptococcus mitis
and
Streptococcus intermedius
sensitive,
Streptococcus pyogenes
,
Streptococcus agalactiae
, and
Streptococcus mutans
partially sensitive, and
Streptococcus salivarius
insensitive to the product. We have investigated here whether the winterization of LO, an easy and cheap procedure that removes some of the fatty substances contained within, resulted in a better antimicrobial effect on human pathogens affecting the pharyngeal mucosa and middle ear such as
S
.
pyogenes
,
S
.
pneumoniae
,
Moraxella catarrhalis
, and
Haemophilus influenzae
, without affecting, or minimally affecting,
S
.
salivarius
strains, oral probiotics commonly used to reduce oral and middle ear infection recurrence, especially in children. Our results not only demonstrated a stronger antimicrobial action of winterized LO (WLO) on
S
.
pyogenes
, compared to what was seen with LO, but also demonstrated a strong antimicrobial action vs.
S
.
pneumoniae
and
M
.
catarrhalis
and a very limited effect on
S
.
salivarius
(strains K12 and M18). Moreover, WLO demonstrated a co-acting action when tested along with the antibiotics amoxicillin (A) and amoxicillin clavulanate (AC), effects clearly visible also on
H
.
influenzae
. Our results also showed that at least part of the antimicrobial effect observed was due to the presence of anacardic acids (AAs). Finally, WLO, when tested with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (h-PBMCs), reduced the release of IL-6 and TNF-α and, in the case of cells stimulated by LPS, the release of IFN-γ. In conclusion, our study highlights an enhanced antimicrobial role for LO when winterized, suggests a co-acting effect of this when given with antibiotics, identifies AAs as possible active ingredients, and proposes a possible anti-inflammatory role for it.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are the most common illnesses affecting athletes, causing absences from training and competition. Salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is the main immune factor ...in saliva, and a consistent association between low concentrations of sIgA and an increased incidence of URTIs has been reported. The oral probiotic
K12 has been suggested to have the potential to improve oral diseases and mucosal barrier function. However, the effects of this probiotic on active young subjects performing a high-intensity training (HIT) program have not been investigated.
Active young students were randomised into a treated group (
K12) and a control (placebo) group and asked to take the product daily for 30 days. After this period, participants performed a graded exercise test and five HIT sessions, all within 3 days. They were also asked to complete the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey daily to monitor URTI's presence. Before and after the 30 days, and at 0h, 24h and 72h after the last training session, saliva samples were collected to quantify sIgA level, secretion rate, and flow. The effect of
K12 intake on these parameters was tested using an ANOVA for repeated measures.
Twenty (M = 14, F = 6) young subjects (23.5 ± 2.3 years old) participated in the study. The total accumulated training load (sRPE) in the supplementation period was similar in the two groups (treated: 4345 ± 3441 AU; control: 4969 ± 4165 AU; p > 0.05). Considering both sIgA level and secretion rate, significant time (F
= 3.38; p = 0.037; F
= 6.00; p = 0.004) and time×group interactions (F
= 2.49; p = 0.049; F
= 5.01; p = 0.009) were reported, with the treated group showing higher sIgA levels at 72h post-exercise and increased secretion rate both at 0h and 72h. The number of URTI episodes was similar in the treated and control groups (χ² = 1.83; p > 0.05).
This study demonstrates that relatively short-term
K12 supplementation increased sIgA level and secretion in healthy subjects performing a demanding exercise-training programme composed of HIT sessions.
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