Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 24, Issue 2, 2018

Background: Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leading to cumulative alterations of skin structure, function and appearance. Polyphenols, which are secondary plant metabolites, represent one of the largest classes of compounds used in dermatology and nutricosmetics to combat skin aging. The main objective is to provide an overview of the existing li Read More

Background: Naturally occurring polyphenols are the subject of increasing attention due to their potent antioxidant activity and their marked effects on the prevention of various oxidative stress-associated diseases such as cancer. Ellagic acid (EA) is an herbal polyphenol that is structurally a condensed dimer of gallic acid. Methods: This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview on the biological activities Read More

Background: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a group of histone modification enzymes with pivotal role in disease pathogenesis especially in cancer development. Increased activity of certain types of HDACs and positive effects of HDAC inhibition has been shown in several types of cancers. Furthermore, few HDAC inhibitors have been approved by the FDA for cancer treatment, and this has generated interest in find Read More

Background: A high dietary intake of polyphenols has been associated with a reduced cardiovascular mortality, due to their antioxidant properties. However, growing evidence suggests that counteracting oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease might also reduce sympathetic nervous system overactivity. Methods: This article reviews the most commonly used techniques to measure sympathetic activity in humans; the role of s Read More

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests potential preventive effects of chocolate/cocoa on the risk of cardio vascular disease (CVD). However, cocoa products also contain high levels of sugar and fat, which increase CVD risk factors. Even, the identity of the substance in chocolate/cocoa that has a favorable effect on CVD and CVD risk factors remains unclear, growing evidence from experimental studies Read More

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a disease progressing over many years. Genetic factors, as well as the exposure to risk factors, are continuously leading to endothelial dysfunction, vascular alterations and, eventually, organ damage, major cardiovascular events and deaths. Oxidative stress, platelet hyperactivity and low-grade inflammation are important modulators in this context, contributing to plaque for Read More

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the leading cause of death globally. The metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors including hypertension, hyperglycemia, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increased visceral adiposity, is a significant risk factor for the development of CVD. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often r Read More

Background: Pathogenesis of breast cancer is paralleled by distinct alterations in the expression profile of several microRNAs (miRNAs). Recent studies have shown that miRNAs can serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and also as therapeutic targets in breast cancer. Curcumin is a biologically active dietary polyphenol that has emerged with strong anti-tumor properties that are also documented in breast cancer. Me Read More

Background: Polyphenols are a family of natural antioxidants that in recent years have been studied and tested for their potential benefits towards cardiovascular diseases. Objective: The aim of this review is to focus the attention on the presumed lipid-lowering and atheroprotective effects of polyphenols, administered either as individual molecules (nutritional supplements) and as functional foods, on the basis of the evidence Read More

Background: Polyphenols widely distributed in plants, fruits and vegetables have received considerable attention on account of their physiological functions, including their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some antioxidant components of cacao liquor prepared from fermented and roasted cacao beans, which is a major ingredient of cocoa and chocolate products, have been characterized as flavan-3-ols and pro Read More

Background: Polyphenol-rich dietary sources are acknowledged to have potential cardiovascular health benefits, particularly in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Methods: This systematic review sought to determine the effect of polyphenol-rich foods and beverages upon microvascular function, which is of considerable importance in its contribution towards the pathophysiology of microvascular-related co Read More

Background: The aging of western societies is leading to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions, threatening the health status and then the sustainability of our healthcare systems. In particular, dementia is being increasingly recognized as a public health priority, given its enormous socioeconomic burdens further amplified by the absence of treatments really effective in improving the clinical course of the Read More

Background: Polyphenols are bioactive compounds that can be found mostly in foods like fruits, cereals, vegetables, dry legumes, chocolate and beverages such as coffee, tea and wine. They are extensively used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) providing protection against many chronic illnesses. Their effects on human health depend on the amount consumed and on their bioavailability. Read More