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Nutrients
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The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunity and Metabolism
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The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunity and Metabolism

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2024 | Viewed by 12220

Special Issue Editor

Dr. David Briskey

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
Interests: bioactive natural products; biochemical response to supplements; inflammation, signalling pathways; liver and kidney disease; exercise; absorption/bioavailability; exercise recovery; gastrointestinal health; intestinal permeability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The role of bioactive compounds in immunity and metabolism is a dynamic and evolving field, offering promising avenues for improving health and preventing diseases. Bioactive compounds play a pivotal role in both immunity and metabolism, profoundly impacting our overall health. Phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, bolster immunity by enhancing the function of immune cells and reducing inflammation. These compounds act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that can compromise the immune system. Moreover, bioactive compounds exert a profound influence on metabolism. They can modulate key enzymes and metabolic pathways, promoting efficient energy utilization and regulating blood sugar levels. Bioactive compounds act as essential mediators in maintaining a robust immune system and a well-balanced metabolism, contributing significantly to our overall well-being.

The scope for bioactive compounds in immunity and metabolism research and application is vast and continues to expand as our understanding of these compounds increases. Continued research, innovation, and collaboration between scientists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, and healthcare professionals will further expand our understanding and application of these compounds in enhancing human health. This Special Issue aims to explore a wide range of bioactive compounds with the objective of influencing immunity and metabolism.

Dr. David Briskey
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bioactive products
  • infection, immunity, and inflammation
  • pharmacokinetics, absorption, and bioavailability
  • gastrointestinal health
  • metagenomics
  • microbiome

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 5917 KiB  
Article
Impact of Combined Prebiotic Galacto-Oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium breve-Derived Postbiotic on Gut Microbiota and HbA1c in Prediabetic Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study
by Beyda Beteri, Monica Barone, Silvia Turroni, Patrizia Brigidi, George Tzortzis, Jelena Vulevic, Karol Sekulic, Diana-Elena Motei and Adele Costabile
Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142205 - 10 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2292
Abstract
The complex interactions between intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders are well-documented, with implications for glucose metabolism, energy expenditure, and intestinal permeability. Prebiotics induce beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition in prediabetes, while postbiotics can enhance gut barrier function, complementing each other to improve [...] Read more.
The complex interactions between intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders are well-documented, with implications for glucose metabolism, energy expenditure, and intestinal permeability. Prebiotics induce beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition in prediabetes, while postbiotics can enhance gut barrier function, complementing each other to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week dietary fibre (DF) supplement on gut health, metabolic function, and diet. The supplement contained konjac glucomannan (KGM), galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs), and exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from Bifidobacterium breve. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, 53 prediabetic volunteers were randomly assigned to either a daily DF supplement (YMETA) or a placebo (cellulose microcrystalline) for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up. Measurements included gut microbiota composition, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), plasma lipids, anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, and dietary intake. The intervention group showed a significant increase in alpha diversity and butyrate-producing bacteria, with reductions in HbA1c and FPG levels below prediabetes thresholds. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. This study suggests that manipulating the human gut microbiome through dietary interventions could be a promising therapeutic approach to managing prediabetes and preventing or delaying diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunity and Metabolism)
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14 pages, 1894 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicus Extracts in Respiratory Discomfort: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Hyung-jin Kim, Jun-Ho Lee, So-Young Kwon, Yoo Jin Kwon, Mi-Sun Park, Kyung Hwan Kim, Chang Hun Shin, Jong-Cheon Joo and Soo-Jung Park
Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132128 - 3 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1391
Abstract
The increased global prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in recent years has caused a substantial public health burden. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) extracts can alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical [...] Read more.
The increased global prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in recent years has caused a substantial public health burden. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) extracts can alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical efficacy and safety profile of this combination in patients with respiratory diseases remain unclear. Therefore, this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extracts in adults with respiratory discomfort. This mixture was termed ‘CKDB-315’. Participants, randomly assigned to the CKDB-315 or placebo groups, were treated for 12 weeks. Assessments included the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT). The CKDB-315 group showed considerably improved SGRQ and CAT scores compared with the placebo group. Secondary outcomes, including dyspnea, pulmonary function, total antioxidant status, and inflammatory cytokine levels, were consistent with the primary outcomes. Exploratory analyses of the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid contents revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of CKDB-315. Finally, safety analysis indicated that CKDB-315 was well tolerated and caused few adverse events. Our findings indicate that CKDB-315 is a promising therapeutic option for respiratory discomfort in adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunity and Metabolism)
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9 pages, 1039 KiB  
Article
The Efficacy of Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) on the Incidence and Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection—A Double Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial
by Amanda Rao, Rachael Skinner and David Briskey
Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4453; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204453 - 20 Oct 2023
Viewed by 4131
Abstract
Introduction: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are caused by bacteria or viruses, with the most common causes being the common cold and influenza. The high occurrence of URTI means therapies that are effective with minimal side effects are in constant demand. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) [...] Read more.
Introduction: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are caused by bacteria or viruses, with the most common causes being the common cold and influenza. The high occurrence of URTI means therapies that are effective with minimal side effects are in constant demand. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a signaling lipid previously shown to be effective in improving the incidence of URTIs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PEA (Levagen+) on URTI incidence, duration, and severity. Methods: Participants (n = 426) consumed either 300 mg of Levagen+ or a placebo (maltodextrin) twice daily for 12 weeks. Participants completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey 24 questionnaire daily upon the commencement of symptoms until symptoms subsided. Results: The Levagen+ group reported fewer URTI episodes (39 vs. 64) compared to the placebo group. The Levagen+ group reported a significant reduction in the median severity score of URTI symptoms for scratchy throat (3 vs. 7) and cough (2 vs. 7) compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: The results of this study show Levagen+ to be safe and effective in reducing the incidence and symptoms associated with URTIs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunity and Metabolism)
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Review

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28 pages, 1447 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Components of Human Milk and Their Impact on Child’s Health and Development, Literature Review
by Hubert Szyller, Katarzyna Antosz, Joanna Batko, Agata Mytych, Marta Dziedziak, Martyna Wrześniewska, Joanna Braksator and Tomasz Pytrus
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101487 - 14 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3706
Abstract
The composition of human breast milk is an ideal combination of substances necessary for the healthy development of an infant’s body while protecting from pathogens and the balanced development of the microbiota. Its composition is dynamic and changes with the age of the [...] Read more.
The composition of human breast milk is an ideal combination of substances necessary for the healthy development of an infant’s body while protecting from pathogens and the balanced development of the microbiota. Its composition is dynamic and changes with the age of the child, meeting their current needs. The study provides a thorough overview of human milk components, such as immunological components, growth factors, hormones, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. Authors focus on capturing the most important aspects of the effects of these substances on a newborn’s body, while also looking for specific connections and describing the effects on given systems. Supplementation and the use of ingredients are also discussed. The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of knowledge about the bioactive components of human milk and their impact on the growth, development, and health of the young child. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Immunity and Metabolism)
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