Our body is constantly exposed to pathogens or external threats, but with the immune response that our body can develop, we can fight off and defeat possible attacks or infections. Nevertheless, sometimes this threat comes from an internal factor. Situations such as the existence of a tumour also cause our immune system (IS) to be put on alert. Indeed, the link between immunology and cancer is evident these days, with IS being used as one of the important targets for treating cancer. Our IS is able to eliminate those abnormal or damaged cells found in our body, preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of tumour cells that can lead to cancer. However, in several cases, tumour cells can escape from the IS. It has been observed that immune cells, the extracellular matrix, blood vessels, fat cells and various molecules could support tumour growth and development. Thus, the developing tumour receives structural support, irrigation and energy, among other resources, making its survival and progression possible. All these components that accompany and help the tumour to survive and to grow are called the tumour microenvironment (TME). Given the importance of its presence in the tumour development process, this review will focus on one of the components of the TME: immune cells. Immune cells can support anti-tumour immune response protecting us against tumour cells; nevertheless, they can also behave as pro-tumoural cells, thus promoting tumour progression and survival. In this review, the anti-tumour and pro-tumour immunity of several immune cells will be discussed. In addition, the TME influence on this dual effect will be also analysed.
25 May 2017 in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
A lipid excess produces a systemic inflammation process due to tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein synthesis. Simultaneously, this fat excess promotes the appearance of insulin resistance. All this contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). On the other hand, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (omega 3), and arachidonic acid (omega 6) have shown anti-inflammatory properties. Lately, an inverse relationship between omega-3 fatty acids, inflammation, obesity and CVDs has been demonstrated. To check fatty acids effect, the levels of some inflammation biomarkers have been analyzed. Leptin, adiponectin and resistin represent a group of hormones associated with the development of CVDs, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance and are modified in obese/overweight people comparing to normal weight people. Omega-3 PUFAs have been shown to decrease the production of inflammatory mediators, having a positive effect in obesity and diabetes mellitus type-2. Moreover, they significantly decrease the appearance of CVD risk factors. Regarding omega-6 PUFA, there is controversy whether their effects are pro- or anti-inflammatory. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive overview about the role of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs in CVDs and metabolic syndrome.
Gut microbiota has significant effects on the structure and function of the enteric and central nervous system including human behaviour and brain regulation. Herein, we analyze the role of this intestinal ecosystem, the effects of dietary changes and the administration of nutritional supplements, such as probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal transplantation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Numerous factors have been highlighted to influence gut microbiota composition, including genetics, health status, mode of birth delivery and environment. However, diet composition and nutritional status has been repeatedly shown to be one of the most critical modifiable factors of this ecosystem. A comprehensively analysis of the microbiome-intestine-brain axis has been performed, including the impact of intestinal bacteria in alterations in the nervous, immune and endocrine systems and their metabolites. Finally, we discuss the latest literature examining the effects of diet composition, nutritional status and microbiota alterations in several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's disease and anorexia nervosa.