Resveratrol and quercetin are phytochemicals that are found in a variety of plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol and quercetin on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CD133+ and CD133− pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer stem cells (CD133+ cells) were obtained from the PANC-1 cells by the MiniMACS system. CD133+ and CD133− PANC-1 cells were treated with different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µM) of resveratrol and quercetin. Cell growth and cytotoxicity were evaluated by MTT assay. Anticancer and anti-metastatic properties of resveratrol and quercetin were determined by immunocytochemistry using antibodies (ACTA-2, IL-1β, N-cadherin, TNF-α, and vimentin). The immunostaining intensity of CD133+ cells was stronger than CD133− cells. ACTA-2, IL-1β, and N-cadherin immunoreactivities were significantly decreased, whereas TNF-α and vimentin immunoreactivities significantly increased in quercetin-treated CD133+ cells. Moreover, N-cadherin and TNF-α immunoreactivities significantly decreased in resveratrol-treated CD133+ cells. The reduction in N-cadherin and ACTA-2 immunoreactivities was higher than the increase in vimentin immunoreactivity, quercetin could prevent EMT to a greater extent than resveratrol in pancreatic cancer stem cells because of the reduced expression of N-cadherin. Quercetin could be more effective in inhibiting metastasis compared to resveratrol.

Diabetes mellitus is a significant health problem that is caused by chronic hyperglycaemia as a result of inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin action in the body. In recent years, many new pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been developed for improving pancreatic insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Resveratrol is a natural and biologically active stilbenoid polyphenol present in various plant species and has the potential to benefit diabetes. The anti-diabetic actions of resveratrol have also been extensively studied in diabetic human and animal models. Moreover, resveratrol might affect insulin sensitivity by regulating visceral fat derivated adipokine levels. The use of resveratrol in combination with anti-diabetic therapies or alone may have significant potential for the management of diabetes mellitus. This review provides an overview of the anti-diabetic action of resveratrol as well as the possible mechanisms that have an effect on insulin secretion and insulin resistance in diabetics.

Diet may play an important role in the development of asymptomatic hyperuricemia (ASH) and gouty arthritis (GOUT). However, the association between dietary factors and hyperuricemia remains unclear. Serum uric acid levels are affected by dietary factors. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of uric acid levels with biochemical parameters and dietary factors in individuals with ASH and GOUT. This study was conducted in 145 individuals with ASH and GOUT. General characteristics of individuals were collected via face-to-face interviews. Food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain energy, macro- and micronutrients intakes. Biochemical parameters were obtained from patient files. The incidence of gout was higher in men comparing to women. Individuals in the GOUT group consumed more alcohol and higher serum levels of vitamin B₁₂, C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride, and uric acid. Individuals in the GOUT group had higher intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, fructose, vitamin C, and vitamin B₁₂. Triglyceride, uric acid, CRP, vitamin B₁₂, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were found to be affected by high uric acid levels. Dietary factors can pose a risk for health problems in addition to GOUT and ASH, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

The global increase in the morbidity and mortality of non-communicable chronic diseases threaten human health significantly. Therefore, in the treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases, it is needed to develop disease-specific and personalised nutrition strategies following the principles of adequate and balanced nutrition. Potential effects of vegetables and their phytomolecules on diseases have been of interest. There are different types and amounts of phytomolecules in onion, which is commonly known as the queen of vegetables. Phytomolecules, such as different types of phenolic and sulphur compounds, in onion can prevent non-communicable chronic diseases due to their various potential effects, such as anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-cardiovascular, and anti-cancer, and this has been among the research topics in the literature. These potential effects can occur through energy metabolism, adipogenesis, lipogenesis, diabetes-related enzymes, insulin signalling, glycogenesis, vasodilator, endothelial, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis pathways. In this review article, it is aimed to explain the potential effects of onion and its phytomolecules on non-communicable chronic diseases. Clinical determination of the effects of onion and its components will significantly assist to further researches about the medical nutrition therapy strategies of chronic diseases.