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Unhealthy dietary habits have been identified as a risk factor for the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, adopting a healthy eating pattern is currently recommended to prevent the onset of different types of cancers, including breast carcinoma. In particular, the Mediterranean diet, based on high consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (N-3 PUFAs), such as those found in cold-water fish and other seafood, nuts, and seeds, is recommended to reduce the incidence of several chronic-degenerative diseases. Indeed, the consumption of N-3 PUFAs, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), reduced the risk of different types of cancer, including breast cancer. Moreover, they can counteract breast cancer progression and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer survival. Studies have demonstrated that DHA, exhibiting greater antitumor activity than EPA in breast cancer, can be attributed to its direct impact on breast cancer cells and also due to its conversion into various metabolites. N-docosahexaenoyl ethanolamine, DHEA, is the most studied DHA derivative for its therapeutic potential in breast cancer. In this review, we emphasize the significance of dietary habits and the consumption of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly DHA, and we describe the current knowledge on the antitumoral action of DHA and its derivative DHEA in the treatment of breast cancer.

The Mediterranean diet (MD), characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and grains, a moderate intake of red wine and a reduced consumption of meat, has been considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide. Growing evidence suggests an inverse relationship between high adherence to the MD and cancer, as well as other chronic degenerative diseases. The beneficial effects elicited by the MD pattern on cancer are due to the high contents of bioactive compounds contained in many foods of MD, which protect cells by oxidative and inflammatory processes and inhibit carcinogenesis by targeting the various hallmarks of cancer with different mechanisms of action. Although over the past decades numerous dietary and phytochemical compounds from Mediterranean food that have anticancer potential have been identified, a clear association between the MD eating pattern and cancer needs to be established. While we wait for answers to this question from well-conducted research, the empowering of the MD as a protective choice against cancer should represent the priority for public health policies.

Over the last decades, the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) has been increasingly recognized as a key player in tumor development and progression and as a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for breast cancer patients. The breast TME, representing a complex network of cellular signaling—deriving from different stromal cell types as well as extracellular matrix components, extracellular vesicles, and soluble growth factors—establishes a crosstalk with cancer cells sustaining tumor progression. A significant emphasis derives from the tumor surrounding inflammation responsible for the failure of the immune system to effectively restrain breast cancer growth. Thus, effective therapeutic strategies require a deeper understanding of the interplay between tumor and stroma, aimed at targeting both the intrinsic neoplastic cells and the extrinsic surrounding stroma. In this scenario, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, primarily known as a metabolic regulator, emerged as a potential target for breast cancer treatment since it functions in breast cancer cells and several components of the breast TME. In particular, the activation of PPARγ by natural and synthetic ligands inhibits breast cancer cell growth, motility, and invasiveness. Moreover, activated PPARγ may educate altered stromal cells, counteracting the pro-inflammatory milieu that drive breast cancer progression. Interestingly, using Kaplan–Meier survival curves, PPARγ also emerges as a prognostically favorable factor in breast cancer patients. In this perspective, we briefly discuss the mechanisms by which PPARγ is implicated in tumor biology as well as in the complex regulatory networks within the breast TME. This may help to profile approaches that provide a simultaneous inhibition of epithelial cells and TME components, offering a more efficient way to treat breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Highly targeted therapies have been developed for different subtypes of breast cancer, including hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. However, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and metastatic breast cancer disease are primarily treated with chemotherapy, which improves disease-free and overall survival, but does not offer a curative solution for these aggressive forms of breast cancer. Moreover, the development of chemoresistance is a major cause of therapeutic failure in this neoplasia, leading to disease relapse and patient death. In addition, chemotherapy’s adverse side effects may substantially worsen health-related quality of life. Therefore, to improve the outcome of patients with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, several therapeutic options are under investigation, including the combination of chemotherapeutic drugs with natural compounds. Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids, have drawn attention for their antitumoral properties and their preventive activities against chemotherapy-induced toxicities in breast cancer. A literature review was conducted on PubMed using keywords related to breast cancer, omega-3, chemoresistance, and chemotherapy. This review aims to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms driving breast cancer chemoresistance, focusing on the role of ω-3 PUFAs in these recognized cellular paths and presenting current findings on the effects of ω-3 PUFAs combined with chemotherapeutic drugs in breast cancer management.

The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic assemblage of microorganisms that colonize different sites of the oral cavity maintaining both oral and systemic health. Therefore, when its composition is altered, oral diseases occur. Among oral inflammatory pathologies, periodontal diseases affect the tissues surrounding the teeth, representing the main cause of tooth loss and one of the most important threats to the oral health. Lifestyle and eating habits influence the composition of the human oral microbiota and the development and progression of oral diseases. In this context, the Mediterranean Diet (MD) model, comprising both healthy dietary choices and lifestyle, is linked to the prevention of several metabolic and chronic-degenerative pathological processes, including oral diseases. Indeed, the MD is a plant-based diet, enriched of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrients, which may induce beneficial effects against dental caries and periodontal diseases. This review summarizes the role of the oral microbiome in the development of the oral diseases and the potential of MD in modulating the oral microbiome leading to implications for oral health. The data collected highlight the need to promote the MD pattern along with the correct hygiene habits to prevent the development of oral diseases.

Background The measurement of the skin carotenoids using the Veggie Meter® has emerged as a rapid objective method for assessing fruit and vegetable intake, highly recommended by the Mediterranean Diet (MD), which represents one of the healthiest dietary patterns, worldwide. This study aimed to examine differences in skin carotenoid content and degree of adherence to the MD pattern between two adult populations from Southern Italy and the Dominican Republic. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 995 adults, 601 subjects from Italy and 394 from the Dominican Republic. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements and skin carotenoid assessment by Veggie Meter®. Adherence to the MD and lifestyle were evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE) questionnaires. Correlations between the skin carotenoid and MEDAS score were estimated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression models were created to determine variables that affect skin carotenoid score for both populations. Results Mean total skin carotenoids were higher in the Italian compared to the Dominican Republic population (342.4 ± 92.4 vs 282.9 ± 90.3; p < 0.005) regardless of sex (women: 318.5 ± 88.9 vs 277.3 ± 91.9, p < 0.005 and men: 371.7 ± 88.3 vs 289.5 ± 88.1, p < 0.005), and remaining statistically significant after age-adjustment of the Dominican Republic sample. Using the MEDAS questionnaire, we found a higher MD adherence score in the Italian than in the Dominican Republic population also after age-adjusting data (7.8 ± 2.1 vs 6.2 ± 3.7; p < 0.005) and even when categorized by sex (Italian vs age-adjusted Dominican Republic women: 7.9 ± 2.1 vs 6.3 ± 2.6; Italian vs age-adjusted Dominican Republic men: 7.7 ± 2.2 vs 6.0 ± 4.7; p < 0.005). Using the MEDLIFE test, total Italians presented a lower score with respect to the age-adjusted Dominican Republic population (3.2 ± 1.2 vs 3.4 ± 1.4; p < 0.05). In multiple regression analysis, skin carotenoids were associated with sex and negatively associated with BMI in the Italian population (sex: β: 54.95; 95% CI: 40.11, 69.78; p < 0.0001; BMI: β: − 1.60; 95% CI: − 2.98,0.86; p = 0.03), while they resulted associated with age and sex in the Dominican Republic population (age: β: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.92, 3.56; p < 0.001; sex: β: 23.29; 95% CI: 5.93, 40.64; p = 0.009). Interestingly, skin carotenoids were positively correlated with MEDAS score in both populations (Italy: r = 0.03, p < 0.0001, Dominican Republic: r = 0.16, p = 0.002). Conclusions This study provides the assessment of the adherence to the MD and skin carotenoid content in adults living in Southern Italy and the Dominican Republic, showing a higher MD adherence score and a skin carotenoid content in inhabitants from the Mediterranean region. Our findings highlight the need to globally encourage fruit and vegetable intake, particularly in non-Mediterranean area.

Background Healthy lifestyle behaviors are the cornerstone for the prevention of a wide range of metabolic and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCSs). Among lifestyle factors, diet, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits and physical activity are associated with the risk of developing NCSs, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Particularly, as a part of a healthy diet, increased intake of fruit and vegetable (FV), rich sources of vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber and non-nutrient substances including antioxidants, are known to improve overall health. Carotenoid levels can be measured in skin providing an objective biomarker of long-term FV intake. This study aimed to explore the potential role of skin carotenoids as indicators of health status examining their associations with lifestyle factors among a cohort of young adults. This study aimed to explore the potential role of skin carotenoids as indicators of health status examining their associations with lifestyle factors among a cohort of young adults. Methods A sample of 2078 university students were enrolled at the University of Calabria, Italy. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements, assessment of the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) pattern by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and Mediterranean Life Style Index (MEDLIFE) questionnaires and the skin carotenoid content by Veggie Meter®. Student’s t-test, chi-squared test, and univariate and multiple linear regressions were used for analyses. Results Participants had a mean BMI of 23.30 ± 3.79, which falls within the normal range as well as a medium adherence to the dietary (MEDAS: 7.19 ± 1.86) and lifestyle (MEDLIFE: 3.38 ± 1.21) MD patterns. Mean skin carotenoid levels were 360.61 ± 97.02, with higher carotenoid score in participants stocking up on FV from garden than market (368.28 ± 99.98 vs 357.84 ± 95.88, p  = 0.03). Moreover, skin carotenoids were significantly higher in participants declaring to consume more than 2 servings of vegetables and more than 3 servings of fruits/day compared to those having less FV intakes (391.67 ± 101.03 vs 349.27 ± 90.92, p  < 0.0001). Multiple regression analyses have revealed that the carotenoid score was positively associated with age, male gender, MEDAS, stocking up on FV from the garden and consuming high FV, while it was negatively associated with BMI and smoking habits. Conclusions Skin carotenoids are objective indicators of health status showing a positive association with the adherence to healthy diet and lifestyle behaviors among a cohort of young adults. Findings from this study may contribute to identify individuals with potential risk factors for NCDs and to develop public health strategies to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Childhood obesity represents a public concern worldwide. Evidence indicates that fruits and vegetables (FV) consumed as part of the daily diet reduce the global burden of obesity. Indeed, FV are rich in bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, which exert health benefits as very potent natural antioxidants. Here, we compared the anthropometric characteristics and the skin carotenoid content between two schoolchildren populations from Southern and Central Italy to evaluate their dietary habits. A sample of 121 and 124 schoolchildren from primary schools in Central and Southern Italy, respectively, was recruited. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements and assessment of the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) by the KIDMED questionnaire and the skin carotenoid score by Veggie Meter®. The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in participants from Central Italy than in those from Southern Italy. A significantly higher percentage of overweight and obesity was found in the overall sample from Southern than in Central Italy. The adherence to the MD was in the average range for both populations, with no gender-related differences. The carotenoid score was higher and negatively correlated with BMI in the schoolchildren from Central Italy. In multiple regression analyses, skin carotenoids were positively associated with the consumption of fruit in the entire sample. This study suggests the importance of increasing FV intake, particularly in Southern Italy, as a strategy for preventingof obesity during the whole lifespan. Further studies are essential to better understand the influence of skin carotenoids on different variables and their potential role as indicators of health status in children.

Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz) has become an emerging forest resource of economic and ecological significance with health benefits. Since the beneficial effects of the non-edible parts of bamboo have not been thoroughly explored, we characterized in this study bamboo leaf (BL) and sheath (BS) extracts. The total phenol and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching test) and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Leaves exhibited a TPC value of 73.92 mg equivalent (eq) gallic acid/g fresh weight (FW) and a TFC value of 56.75 mg eq quercetin/g FW. Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with photo diode array detector (PDA) analysis revealed evidence for the presence of protocatechuic acid, isoorientin, orientin and isovitexin in BL, whereas BS was rich in phenolic acids. Both samples demonstrated a significant ability to scavenge radicals against ABTS·+, with an inhibitory concentration of 50% of 3.07 μg/mL for BL and 6.78 μg/mL for BS. At a concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL, BS decreased reactive oxygen species production without hampering cell viability in HepG2 liver cells, while at the same concentrations, BL exhibited cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In addition, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL BS and BL reduced Interleukin-6 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 production in human lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, without affecting cell viability. These findings highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of BL and BS, corroborating their different potential applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Background The complex interplay between health, lifestyle and genetics represents a critical area of research for understanding and promoting human well-being. Importantly, genetics plays a key role in determining individual susceptibility to disease and response to lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to identify genetic factors related to the metabolic/inflammatory profile of adolescents providing new insights into the individual predisposition to the different effects of the substances from the environment. Methods Association analysis of genetic variants and biochemical parameters was performed in a total of 77 healthy adolescents recruited in the context of the DIMENU study. Results Polymorphisms of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaril coenzyme A reductase ( HMGCR ; rs142563098), C-reactive protein gene ( CRP ; rs1417938, rs1130864), cholesteryl ester transfer protein ( CETP ; rs5030708), interleukin ( IL)—10 (IL-10; rs3024509) genes were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with various serum metabolic parameters. Of particular interest were also the correlations between the HMGCR polymorphism (rs3846663) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, as well Fatty-acid desaturase ( FADS ) polymorphism (rs7481842) and IL-10 level opening a new link between lipidic metabolism genes and inflammation. Conclusion In this study, we highlighted associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum levels of metabolic and inflammatory parameters in healthy young individuals, suggesting the importance of genetic profiling in the prevention and management of chronic disease.