Current Nutrition & Food Science - Volume 5, Issue 2, 2009

Leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells play a major role in atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Infiltration of intima by leukocytes and macrophages is one of the earliest events to occur in atherosclerosis, whereas leukocytosis is known to be associated with a greater cardiovascular risk. It is well documented that a close interaction occurs between platelets, leukocytes and endothelial cells. This cross t Read More

Diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are due to neovascularization as a result of increased production of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-ß), hepatocyte growth factor, placental growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in response to hypoxia and isch Read More

The essential PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) serve as precursors of several bioactive lipids molecules including the endocannabinoids (ECS). This article reviews the components of the endocannabinoid system, and their functions. Furthermore, a brief overview on the relationship of this system with some physiological and pathological processes, with focus on metabolic and mental disorders is discussed. Experimental an Read More

Carcinogenesis involves a growing accumulation of genetic and epigenetic aberrations, leading to the deregulation of cellular homeostasis, followed by neoplastic progression. Although nutritional lipids play a critical role the specific transcriptional mechanisms involved in this process are not completely understood. In this review, we examine the biological effects of dietary essential fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 EFAs) and vitamin A, Read More

Multiple review articles have been published summarizing the evidence base for approaches to prevent childhood obesity. Literature reviews provide summaries of new knowledge from the empirical research as well as provide evidence for the state of the science. The purpose of this paper is to examine the state of the science of preventing childhood obesity by critiquing recently published review articles. We examine Read More

Polyphenols constitute one of the most numerous and ubiquitous groups of plant metabolites and are an integral part of both human and animal diets. The main polyphenol dietary sources are fruit and beverages (wine, tea, coffee, chocolate and beer) and to a lesser extent vegetables, dry legumes and cereals. Dietary polyphenols are mostly derivatives and/or isomers of flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, catechins and pheno Read More