Tyrosinase is a multi-copper enzyme which is widely distributed in different organisms and plays an important role in the melanogenesis and enzymatic browning. Therefore, its inhibitors can be attractive in cosmetics and medicinal industries as depigmentation agents and also in food and agriculture industries as antibrowning compounds. For this purpose, many natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic inhibitors have been developed by different screening methods to date. This review has focused on the tyrosinase inhibitors discovered from all sources and biochemically characterised in the last four decades.
27 June 2022 in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Obesity has consistently been associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the development of several types of cancer. In recent decades, unfortunately, the rate of overweight/obesity has increased significantly among adults and children. A growing body of evidence shows that there is a relationship between metabolic disorders such as obesity and the composition of the gut microbiota. Additionally, inflammation is considered to be a driving force in the obesity–gut microbiota connection. Therefore, it seems that anti-inflammatory nutrients, foods, and/or diets can play an essential role in the management of obesity by affecting the intestinal flora and controlling inflammatory responses. In this review, we describe the links between the gut microbiota, obesity, and inflammation, and summarize the benefits of anti-inflammatory diets in preventing obesity.
Arterial stiffness is often increased in overweight/obese subjects before the development of hypertension. It is also one of the earliest indicators of increased cardiovascular disease risk and can be considered a good predictor of the development of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction. Arterial stiffness is a significant prognostic factor influencing cardiovascular risk, which dietary habits can modify. Obese patients should use the caloric-restricted diet because it augments aortic distensibility, diminishes pulse wave velocity (PWV), and increases the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthases. High intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fats, and cholesterol, typical for the Western diet, impairs endothelial function and raises brachial-ankle PWV. The replacement of SFA with monounsaturated (MUFA) or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived from seafood and plants diminishes the risk of arterial stiffness. The dairy product intake (excluding butter) decreases PWV in the general population. The high-sucrose diet causes toxic hyperglycemia and increases arterial stiffness. Complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (including isomaltose) should be recommended to keep vascular health. The high sodium intake (>10 g/day), particularly associated with low potassium consumption, has a deleterious effect on arterial stiffness (↑ baPWV). Since vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and phytochemicals, they should be recommended in patients with high PWV. Thus, the dietary recommendation to prevent arterial stiffness should be similar to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in dairy products, plant oils, and fish, with a minimal red meat intake and five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common long-lasting liver disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is best identified with a hepatic fat build-up that ultimately leads to inflammation and damage. The classification and nomenclature of NAFLD have long been a controversial topic, until 2020 when a group of international experts recommended substituting NAFLD with MAFLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated FLD). MAFLD was then terminologically complemented in 2023 by altering it to MASLD, i.e., metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Both the MAFLD and the MASLD terminologies comprise the metabolic element of the disorder, as they offer diagnostic benchmarks that are embedded in the metabolic risk factors that underlie the disease. MASLD (as a multisystemic disease) provides a comprehensive definition that includes a larger population of patients who are at risk of liver morbidity and mortality, as well as adverse cardiovascular and diabetes outcomes. MASLD highlights metabolic risks in lean or normal weight individuals, a factor that has not been accentuated or discussed in previous guidelines. Novel antihyperglycemic agents, anti-hyperlipidemic drugs, lifestyle modifications, nutritional interventions, and exercise therapies have not been extensively studied in MAFLD and MASLD. Nutrition plays a vital role in managing both conditions, where centralizing on a diet rich in whole vegetables, fruits, foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and specific nutrients (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids and fibers) can improve insulin resistance and reduce inflammation. Thus, it is essential to understand the role of nutrition in managing these conditions and to work with patients to develop an individualized plan for optimal health. This review discusses prevention strategies for NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD management, with particular attention to nutrition and lifestyle correction.