Nutrition plays an essential role in the regulation of optimal immunological response, by providing adequate nutrients in sufficient concentrations to immune cells. There are a large number of micronutrients, such as minerals, and vitamins, as well as some macronutrients such as some amino acids, cholesterol and fatty acids demonstrated to exert a very important and specific impact on appropriate immune activity. This review aims to summarize at some extent the large amount of data accrued to date related to the modulation of immune function by certain micro and macronutrients and to emphasize their importance in maintaining human health. Thus, among many, some relevant case in point examples are brought and discussed: (1) The role of vitamin A/all-trans-retinoic-acids (ATRA) in acute promyelocytic leukemia, being this vitamin utilized as a very efficient therapeutic agent via effective modulation of the immune function (2) The involvement of vitamin C in the fight against tumor cells via the increase of the number of active NK cells. (3) The stimulation of apoptosis, the suppression of cancer cell proliferation, and delayed tumor development mediated by calcitriol/vitamin D by means of immunity regulation (4) The use of selenium as a cofactor to reach more effective immune response to COVID vaccination (5). The crucial role of cholesterol to regulate the immune function, which is demonstrated to be very sensitive to the variations of this macronutrient concentration. Other important examples are reviewed as well.

The intricate relationship between the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome and the progression of chronic non-communicable diseases underscores the significance of developing strategies to modulate the GI microbiota for promoting human health. The administration of probiotics and prebiotics represents a good strategy that enhances the population of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal lumen post-consumption, which has a positive impact on human health. In addition, dietary fibers serve as a significant energy source for bacteria inhabiting the cecum and colon. Research articles and reviews sourced from various global databases were systematically analyzed using specific phrases and keywords to investigate these relationships. There is a clear association between dietary fiber intake and improved colon function, gut motility, and reduced colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Moreover, the state of health is reflected in the reciprocal and bidirectional relationships among food, dietary antioxidants, inflammation, and body composition. They are known for their antioxidant properties and their ability to inhibit angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation. Additionally, they promote cell survival, modulate immune and inflammatory responses, and inactivate pro-carcinogens. These actions collectively contribute to their role in cancer prevention. In different investigations, antioxidant supplements containing vitamins have been shown to lower the risk of specific cancer types. In contrast, some evidence suggests that taking antioxidant supplements can increase the risk of developing cancer. Ultimately, collaborative efforts among immunologists, clinicians, nutritionists, and dietitians are imperative for designing well-structured nutritional trials to corroborate the clinical efficacy of dietary therapy in managing inflammation and preventing carcinogenesis. This review seeks to explore the interrelationships among dietary antioxidants, dietary fiber, and the gut microbiome, with a particular focus on their potential implications in inflammation and cancer.

The circadian clock regulates biological cycles across species and is crucial for physiological activities and biochemical reactions, including cancer onset and development. The interplay between the circadian rhythm and cancer involves regulating cell division, DNA repair, immune function, hormonal balance, and the potential for chronotherapy. This highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm for cancer prevention and treatment. This article investigates the complex relationship between the circadian rhythm and cancer, exploring how disruptions to the internal clock may contribute to tumorigenesis and influence cancer progression. Numerous databases are utilized to conduct searches for articles, such as NCBI, MEDLINE, and Scopus. The keywords used throughout the academic archives are “circadian rhythm”, ”cancer”, and ”circadian clock”. Maintaining a healthy circadian cycle involves prioritizing healthy sleep habits and minimizing disruptions, such as consistent sleep schedules, reduced artificial light exposure, and meal timing adjustments. Dysregulation of the circadian clock gene and cell cycle can cause tumor growth, leading to the need to regulate the circadian cycle for better treatment outcomes. The circadian clock components significantly impact cellular responses to DNA damage, influencing cancer development. Understanding the circadian rhythm’s role in tumor diseases and their therapeutic targets is essential for treating and preventing cancer. Disruptions to the circadian rhythm can promote abnormal cell development and tumor metastasis, potentially due to immune system imbalances and hormonal fluctuations.

Producing animal proteins requires large areas of agricultural land and is a major source of greenhouse gases. Cellular agriculture, especially cultured meat, could be a potential alternative for the environment and human health. It enables meat and other agricultural products to be grown from cells in a bioreactor without being taken from farm animals. This paper aims at an interdisciplinary review of literature focusing on potential benefits and risks associated with cultured meat. To achieve this goal, several international databases and governmental projects were thoroughly analyzed using keywords and phrases with specialty terms. This is a growing scientific domain, which has generated a series of debates regarding its potential effects. On the one hand the potential of beneficial effects is the reduction of agricultural land usage, pollution and the improvement of human health. Other authors question if cultured meat could be a sustainable alternative for reducing gas emissions. Interestingly, the energy used for cultured meat could be higher, due to the replacement of some biological functions, by technological processes. For potential effects to turn into results, a realistic understanding of the technology involved and more experimental studies are required.

This review examines the diverse ways in which probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts, contribute to animal health and welfare across both livestock and companion species. By modulating gut microbiota, enhancing immune responses, and suppressing harmful pathogens, probiotics represent an effective strategy for disease prevention and performance improvement without reliance on antibiotics. In livestock production, these beneficial microbes have been shown to optimize feed utilization, support growth, and reduce methane emissions, thereby contributing to more sustainable farming practices. Their role extends beyond productivity, as probiotics also help mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by offering natural alternatives to conventional treatments. In aquaculture, they further promote environmental sustainability by improving water quality and reducing pathogen loads. For companion animals such as dogs and cats, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their ability to support gastrointestinal balance, alleviate stress through gut–brain axis interactions, and aid in the management of common conditions including diarrhea, food sensitivities, and allergies. The integration of probiotics into veterinary practice thus reflects a growing emphasis on holistic and preventive approaches to animal health. Despite these advances, several challenges remain, including variability in strain-specific efficacy, regulatory limitations, and cost-effectiveness in large-scale applications. Emerging research into precision probiotics, host–microbiome interactions, and innovative delivery methods offers promising avenues to overcome these barriers. As such, probiotics can be regarded not only as functional supplements but also as transformative tools that intersect animal health, productivity, and sustainability.

Cortisol, an essential glucocorticoid hormone, is crucial in regulating the stress response and maintaining physiological and behavioral homeostasis in mammals, including dogs. This review explores cortisol’s physiological and behavioral role in canines, focusing on its effects on stress, immune function, and metabolism. Various methods of measuring cortisol levels in dogs, invasive (blood, saliva, urine) and non-invasive (hair, fecal assays), are discussed regarding their accuracy and practical applications. The review also highlights the influence of different environmental factors, such as shelter conditions, human interaction, and music, on cortisol levels in dogs. Furthermore, the clinical and behavioral implications of abnormal cortisol levels are examined, with particular attention to conditions like Cushing’s disease and stress-related behavioral issues. The findings emphasize the importance of cortisol monitoring in veterinary practice and animal welfare, proposing future research directions to improve canine health and stress management.