Background: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, necessitating effective prevention strategies. The current literature was scrutinized to investigate the impact of dietary factors, such as the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet on reducing the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, the potential role of diet in diminishing the risk of disease recurrence and enhancing outcomes among breast cancer survivors was explored. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE to identify relevant studies published between 2000 and 2024. Inclusion criteria were applied to select studies with robust methodologies, including randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and prospective cohort studies focusing on adult women. Only studies published in English were considered. Papers on animal studies, editorials, and case series were excluded. Results: Our findings show the critical interplay between diet and breast cancer prevention, crucial for the development of effective strategies to both primary and tertiary prevention. Challenges such as adherence to dietary recommendations, cultural and socioeconomic disparities, and limited high-quality evidence were identified. Conclusions: This review underscores the critical need to integrate nutrition into clinical practice and highlights avenues for future research, including personalized dietary interventions.

Renin–angiotensin systems produce angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), which are able to induce opposite effects on circulation. This study in vivo assessed the effects induced by Ang II or Ang 1-7 on rat pial microcirculation during hypoperfusion–reperfusion, clarifying the mechanisms causing the imbalance between Ang II and Ang 1-7. The fluorescence microscopy was used to quantify the microvascular parameters. Hypoperfusion and reperfusion caused vasoconstriction, disruption of blood–brain barrier, reduction of capillary perfusion and an increase in reactive oxygen species production. Rats treated with Ang II showed exacerbated microvascular damage with stronger vasoconstriction compared to hypoperfused rats, a further increase in leakage, higher decrease in capillary perfusion and marker oxidative stress. Candesartan cilexetil (specific Ang II type 1 receptor (AT₁R) antagonist) administration prior to Ang II prevented the effects induced by Ang II, blunting the hypoperfusion–reperfusion injury. Ang 1-7 or ACE2 activator administration, preserved the pial microcirculation from hypoperfusion–reperfusion damage. These effects of Ang 1-7 were blunted by a Mas (Mas oncogene-encoded protein) receptor antagonist, while Ang II type 2 receptor antagonists did not affect Ang 1-7-induced changes. In conclusion, Ang II and Ang 1-7 triggered different mechanisms through AT₁R or MAS receptors able to affect cerebral microvascular injury.

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major global public health challenge. Diet plays a central role in CKD management, with guidelines emphasizing individualized intake of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients in combination with medical treatment. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward diet quality and the degree of food processing, particularly the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which have been linked to adverse metabolic and renal outcomes. However, limited data are available on the real-life dietary patterns of individuals with CKD who have not yet received structured nutritional counseling. This study aims to describe the dietary habits of adults with CKD compared to healthy controls, in order to better understand nutritional challenges and identify potential targets for dietary intervention in CKD management. Methods: 73 subjects (46.6% M) were enrolled; they attended the Outpatients Clinic of the I.P. “Diet Therapy in transplantation, renal failure and chronic pathology”, University of Naples Federico II. Subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence/absence of CKD, established on the basis of a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Each participant was evaluated for biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and dietary assessment. Results: CKD group showed a lower caloric intake compared to Control Group. In particular, lipid intake was significantly higher in Control Group whereas carbohydrates intake was higher in CKD Group. No difference was found between the two groups regarding daily protein intake. Dietary sodium and salt intake was found to be lower in CKD Group compared to Control Group and the latter showed a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Interestingly, the consumption of UPF was higher in Control Group compared to CKD Group. Conclusions: This study offers a snapshot of the dietary habits of a cohort from Southern Italy CKD stage 3–5 patients, showing that even in the absence of specific nutritional guidance, individuals were able to implement small lifestyle changes such as UPF and salt intake reduction. However, critical nutritional imbalances in CKD patients show the limits of self-managed diets, highlighting the need for structured nutritional support.