Sánchez-Villegas, A., C. Galbete, M.Á. Martinez-González, J.A. Martinez, C. Razquin, J. Salas-Salvadó, R. Estruch, P. Buil-Cosiales, A. Martí, 2011. The effect of the Mediterranean diet on plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels: The PREDIMED-NAVARRA randomized trial. Nutritional Neuroscience. 14(5):195-201.
Objectives: There are no human studies assessing the effect of nutritional interventions on plasma brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. The aim of this study was to assess the role of a nutritional intervention based on a Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) on plasma BDNF levels. Methods: PREvención con Dieta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) is a randomized clinical trial designed to assess the effect of a Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. For this analysis, 243 participants from the Navarra centre were randomly selected. Participants were assigned to one of three dietary interventions: control (low-fat) diet, MeDiet supplemented with virgin olive oil (MeDiet + VOO), or MeDiet supplemented with nuts (MeDiet + Nuts). Plasma BDNF levels were measured after 3 years of intervention. Multivariate-adjusted means of BDNF for each intervention were compared using generalized linear models. Logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between the dietary intervention and the likelihood to have low plasma BDNF values (<13 μg/ml, 10th percentile). Analyses were repeated after stratifying the sample according to baseline prevalence of different diseases. Results: Higher but non-significant plasma BDNF levels were observed for participants assigned to both MeDiets. Participants assigned to MeDiet + Nuts showed a significant lower risk (odds ratios (OR) = 0.22; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.05–0.90) of low plasma BDNF values (<13 μg/ml) as compared to the control group. Among participants with prevalent depression at baseline, significantly higher BDNF levels were found for those assigned to the MeDiet+ Nuts. Discussion: Adherence to a MeDiet was associated to an improvement in plasma BDNF concentrations in individuals with depression.
Tulipani, S., R. Llorach, O. Jáuregui, P. López-Uriarte, M. Garcia-Aloy, M. Bullo, J. Salas-Salvadó, C. Andrés-Lacueva, 2011. Metabolomics unveils urinary changes in subjects with metabolic syndrome following 12-week nut consumption. J. Proteome Res. 10:5047–5058.
Through an HPLC-Q-TOF-MS-driven nontargeted metabolomics approach, we aimed to discriminate changes in the urinary metabolome of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS), following 12 weeks of mixed nuts consumption (30 g/day), compared to sex and age-matched individuals given a control diet. The urinary metabolome corresponding to the nut-enriched diet clearly clustered in a distinct group, and the multivariate data analysis discriminated relevant mass features in this separation. Metabolites corresponding to the discriminating ions (MS features) were then subjected to multiple tandem mass spectrometry experiments using LC-ITD-FT-MS, to confirm their putative identification. The metabolomics approach revealed 20 potential markers of nut intake, including fatty acid conjugated metabolites, phase II and microbial-derived phenolic metabolites, and serotonin metabolites. An increased excretion of serotonin metabolites was associated for the first time with nut consumption. Additionally, the detection of urinary markers of gut microbial and phase II metabolism of nut polyphenols confirmed the understanding of their bioavailability and bioactivity as a priority area of research in the determination of the health effects derived from nut consumption. The results confirmed how a non-targeted metabolomics strategy may help to access unexplored metabolic pathways impacted by diet, thereby raising prospects for new intervention targets.
Mandalari, G., T. Genovese, C. Bisignano, E. Mazzon, M.S.J. Wickham, R. Di Paola, G. Bisignano, S. Cuzzocrea, 2011. Neuroprotective effects of almond skins in experimental spinal cord injury. Clinical Nutrition 30:221-233.
Background & Aims: Functional deficits following spinal cord injury (SCI) arise from both mechanical injury and from secondary tissue reactions involving inflammation. Natural almond skins (NS) were tested to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects on an animal model of SCI. Methods: SCI was induced by the application of vascular clips to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. In the present study, to elucidate whether the protective effects of NS are related to the total phenolic content, we also investigated the effect of a blanched (BS) almond skins (industrially obtained by removing bran from the nut) in SCI. NS and BS (30 mg/kg respectively) were administered per os, 1 h and 6 h, after SCI. Results: SCI in mice resulted in severe injury characterized by edema, tissue damage, production of inflammatory mediators and apoptosis (measured by Bax, Bcl-2 and Tunel assay). NS treatment, 1 and 6 h after SCI, reduced all parameters of inflammation as neutrophil infiltration, NF-κB activation, PAR formation, iNOS expression and apoptosis. However, treatment with BS did not exert any protective effect. Conclusions: Our results suggest that NS treatment, reducing the development of inflammation and tissue injury, may be useful in the treatment of SCI.
Mandalari, G., C. Bisignano, T. Genovese, E. Mazzon, M.S.J. Wickham, I. Paterniti, S. Cuzzocrea, 2011. Natural almond skin reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease. International Immunopharmacology. 11:915–924.
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of natural almond skin (NS) powder in mice subjected to experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in mice by intracolonic instillation of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). NS powder was administered daily orally (30 mg/kg). Four days after DNBS administration, colon NF-κB and p-JNK activation was increased as well as TNF-α and IL-1β productions. Neutrophil infiltration, by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, in the mucosa was associated with up-regulation of ICAM-1 and P-selectin. Immunohistochemistry for i-NOS, nitrotyrosine and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) showed an intense staining in the inflamed colon. Treatment with NS powder significantly reduced the appearance of diarrhea and body weight loss. This was associated with a significant reduction in colonic MPO activity. NS powder also reduced NF-κB and p-JNK activation, the pro-inflammatory cytokines release, the appearance of i-NOS, nitrotyrosine and PARP in the colon and reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and the expression of P-selectin. The results of this study suggested that administration of NS powder may be beneficial for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Casas-Agustench, P., A. Salas-Huetos, J. Salas-Salvado´, 2011. Mediterranean nuts: origins, ancient medicinal benefits and symbolism. Public Health Nutrition: 14(12A): 2296–2301.
Objective: To consider historical aspects of nuts in relation to origin and distribution, attributed medicinal benefits, symbolism, legends and superstitions. Design: Review of historical aspects of nuts. Setting: Mediterranean region. Subjects: The varieties reviewed include almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts and pistachios. Results and conclusions: Like other foods, nuts have a wide variety of cultural connections to the areas where they grow and to the people who live there or eat them. History, symbolism and legends reveal the ancient tradition of nuts and how they are related to the lives of our ancestors. Archaeological excavations in eastern Turkey have uncovered the existence of a non-migratory society whose economy centered on harvesting nuts. This shows that nuts have been a staple in the human diet since the beginnings of history. Moreover, since ancient times nuts have been used for their medicinal properties. They also play a role in many old legends and traditions.
Jaceldo-Siegl, K., J. Sabate´, M. Batech, G.E. Fraser, 2011. Influence of body mass index and serum lipids on the cholesterol-lowering effects of almonds in free-living individuals. Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases. 21:S7-S13.
Background and aims: Short-term (4-9 weeks) human feeding trials have shown nut consumption to reduce serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL). We hypothesized that individual levels of BMI, LDL, TC and triglycerides modify the cholesterol-lowering effect of almonds in a 24-week almond supplementation trial in a free-living population. Methods and results: We performed secondary analysis on data from a previously published study. Using a sequential study design, all participants followed their habitual diets during the first six months (control), and then consumed an almond-supplemented diet (habitual þ almonds) for another six months. 100 adults enrolled; 19 were lost to attrition. Those who completed the study were men (n=43) and women (n=38) with mean (SD) age 49.4 (13.6) years. During almond supplementation, we found statistically significant changes in TC (-0.22 mmol/L), LDL (-0.22 mmol/L), TC:HDL (-0.35), and LDL:HDL (-0.28) in participants with baseline LDL levels ≥ 3.30 mmol/L, but not among normocholesterolemic individuals. Direction and magnitude of change were similar among individuals with TC ≥ 5.20 mmol/L but not in the lower strata. Tests of interaction (diet × TC and diet × LDL) were significant. Reductions in the ratios TC:HDL, and LDL:HDL were significant among those with BMI < 25 kg/m2, but not in heavier individuals; however, formal tests of interaction did not reach significance.
Berryman, C.E., A.G. Preston, W. Karmally, R.J. Deckelbaum, P.M. Kris-Etherton, 2011. Effects of almond consumption on the reduction of LDL-cholesterol: a discussion of potential mechanisms and future research directions. Nutrition Reviews. 69(4):171–185.
Diet plays a seminal role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Consumption of tree nuts has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a primary target for coronary disease prevention, by 3–19%. Almonds have been found to have a consistent LDL-C-lowering effect in healthy individuals, and in individuals with high cholesterol and diabetes, in both controlled and free-living settings. Almonds are low in saturated fatty acids, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and contain fiber, phytosterols, and plant protein. Other cardioprotective nutrients unique to almonds include α-tocopherol, arginine, magnesium, copper, manganese, calcium, and potassium. Mechanisms responsible for the LDL-C reduction observed with almond consumption are likely associated with the nutrients almonds provide. Biologically active by nature, these nutrients target primary mechanistic routes of LDL-C reduction, including decreased (re)absorption of cholesterol and bile acid, increased bile acid and cholesterol excretion, and increased LDL-C receptor activity. The nutrients present in almonds may regulate enzymes involved in de novo cholesterol synthesis and bile acid production. Research is needed to understand all mechanisms by which almonds reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Bolling, B.W., C.-Y. O. Chen, D.L. McKay, J.B. Blumberg, 2011. Tree nut phytochemicals: composition, antioxidant capacity, bioactivity, impact factors. A systematic review of almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts. Nutrition Research Reviews 24:244–275
Tree nuts contain an array of phytochemicals including carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols and polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins (PAC) and stilbenes, all of which are included in nutrient databases, as well as phytates, sphingolipids, alkylphenols and lignans, which are not. The phytochemical content of tree nuts can vary considerably by nut type, genotype, pre- and post-harvest conditions, as well as storage conditions. Genotype affects phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes and phytosterols, but data are lacking for many other phytochemical classes. During the roasting process, tree nut isoflavones, flavanols and flavonols were found to be more resistant to heat than the anthocyanins, PAC and trans-resveratrol. The choice of solvents used for extracting polyphenols and phytosterols significantly affects their quantification, and studies validating these methods for tree nut phytochemicals are lacking. The phytochemicals found in tree nuts have been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antiviral, chemopreventive and hypocholesterolaemic actions, all of which are known to affect the initiation and progression of several pathogenic processes. While tree nut phytochemicals are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans, the number of intervention trials conducted to date is limited. The objectives of the present review are to summarize tree nut: (1) phytochemicals; (2) phytochemical content included in nutrient databases and current publications; (3) phytochemicals affected by pre- and post-harvest conditions and analytical methodology; and (4) bioactivity and health benefits in humans.
Yada, S., K. Lapsley, G. Huang, 2011. A review of composition studies of cultivated almonds: Macronutrients and micronutrients. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 24:469–480.
Prunus dulcis, the cultivated sweet almond, has long been recognized as a source of nutrients in many traditional diets, and is increasingly promoted as a healthy snack and ingredient. This paper reviews the global research over the past 50 years that has contributed to knowledge on the composition and characterization of almond macronutrients and micronutrients, specifically the lipids and fatty acids, proteins and amino acids, carbohydrates (including dietary fiber), minerals and vitamins. Tables providing an overview of major macronutrient and micronutrient contents (range of means per 100 g) as reported for almonds grown in various production regions are presented. Considerable variability in lipid content has been reported within and among commercial varieties and breeding selections; total lipids range from 25 to 66 g/100 g almonds (fresh weight). Oleic and linoleic acids account for about 90% of total lipids, and saturated fatty acid levels are very low (<10%) in all varieties from all regions. However, oleic/linoleic acid ratios vary widely among varieties. Total protein contents range from 14 to 26 g/100 g almonds. α-Tocopherol is the major vitamin E isomer in all almond varieties assessed; β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols are minor components. Published data on total dietary fiber (TDF), minerals and other vitamins in almonds are limited.
Li, S.-C., Y.-H. Liu, J.-F. Liu, W.-H. Chang, C.-M. Chen, C.-Y. O. Chen, 2011. Almond consumption improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental. 60:474–479.
Almond consumption is associated with ameliorations in obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. The hypothesis of this 12-week randomized crossover clinical trial was that almond consumption would improve glycemic control and decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease in 20 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (9 male, 11 female; 58 years old; body mass index, 26 kg/m2) with mild hyperlipidemia. After a 2-week run-in period, patients were assigned to either a control National Cholesterol Education Program step II diet (control diet) or an almond diet for 4 weeks, with a 2-week washout period between alternative diets. Almonds were added to the control diet to replace 20% of total daily calorie intake. Addition of approximately 60 g almonds per day increased dietary intakes of fiber, magnesium, polyunsaturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and vitamin E. Body fat determined with bioelectrical impedance analysis was significantly lower in patients consuming almonds (almonds vs control: 29.6% vs 30.4%). The almond diet enhanced plasma α-tocopherol level by a median 26.8% (95% confidence intervals, 15.1-36.6) compared with control diet. Furthermore, almond intake decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 6.0% (1.6-9.4), 11.6% (2.8-19.1), and 9.7% (0.3-20.9), respectively. Plasma apolipoprotein (apo) B levels, apo B/apo A-1 ratio, and nonesterified fatty acid also decreased significantly by 15.6% (5.1-25.4), 17.4% (2.8-19.9), and 5.5% (3.0-14.4), respectively. Compared with subjects in the control diet, those in the almond diet had 4.1% (0.9-12.5), 0.8% (0.4-6.3), and 9.2% (4.4-13.2) lower levels of fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, respectively. Our results suggested that incorporation of almonds into a healthy diet has beneficial effects on adiposity, glycemic control, and the lipid profile, thereby potentially decreasing the risk for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
