Yazar "Lombardo, Mauro" seçeneğine göre listele

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    Biological and Nutritional Applications of Microalgae
    (Mdpi, 2025) Saritas, Sumeyye; Kalkan, Arda Erkan; Yilmaz, Kadir; Gurdal, Savas; Goksan, Tolga; Witkowska, Anna Maria; Lombardo, Mauro
    Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that have a rapid growth cycle and carbon fixation ability. They have diverse cellular structures, ranging from prokaryotic cyanobacteria to more complex eukaryotic forms, which enable them to thrive in a variety of environments and support biomass production. They utilize both photosynthesis and heterotrophic pathways, indicating their ecological importance and potential for biotechnological applications. Reproducing primarily through asexual means, microalgae have complex cell cycles that are crucial for their growth and ability to adapt to changing conditions. Additionally, microalgae possess bioactive compounds that make them both nutritious and functional. Thanks to their content of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, they play an important role in the development of functional food products, particularly by enhancing nutritional content and product quality. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that algae and algal bioactive compounds support cardiovascular health, immune function, and gut health, especially in relation to obesity and other metabolic diseases. They also contribute to skin health and cognitive functions, including memory. This review article explores the biological, nutritional, and functional properties of microalgae based on the studies conducted.
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    Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health
    (Mdpi, 2024) Canbolat, Ahmet Alperen; Lombardo, Mauro; Mondragon, Alicia del Carmen; Lopez, Jose Manuel Miranda; Bechelany, Mikhael; Karav, Sercan
    Bovine colostrum (BC), the first milk secreted by mammals after birth, is a trending alternative source for supplementing infants and children, offering benefits for gut and immune health. Its rich components, such as proteins, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and glycans, are used to fortify diets and support development. Preterm development is crucial, especially in the maturation of essential systems, and from 2010 to 2020, approximately 15% of all premature births occurred at less than 32 weeks of gestation worldwide. This review explores the composition, benefits, and effects of BC on general infants and children, along with preterm infants who require special care, and highlights its role in growth and development. BC is also associated with specific pediatric diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), infectious diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), short-bowel syndrome (SBS), neonatal sepsis, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, and some minor conditions. This review also discusses the clinical trials regarding these specific conditions which are occasionally encountered in preterm infants. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties of BC are discussed, emphasizing its mechanisms of action. Clinical trials, particularly in humans, provide evidence supporting the inclusion of BC in formulas and diets, although precise standards for age, feeding time, and amounts are needed to ensure safety and efficacy. However, potential adverse effects, such as allergic reactions to caseins and immunoglobulin E, must be considered. More comprehensive clinical trials are necessary to expand the evidence on BC in infant feeding, and glycans, important components of BC, should be further studied for their synergistic effects on pediatric diseases. Ultimately, BC shows promise for pediatric health and should be incorporated into nutritional supplements with caution.
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    Functional Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Skeletal Muscle Physiology and Sarcopenia: The Importance of Physical Exercise and Nutrition
    (Mdpi, 2024) Lombardo, Mauro; Aiello, Gilda; Fratantonio, Deborah; Karav, Sercan; Baldelli, Sara
    Background/Objectives: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in intercellular communication by transferring miRNAs and other macromolecules between cells. Understanding how diet and exercise modulate the release and content of skeletal muscle (SM)-derived EVs could lead to novel therapeutic strategies to prevent age-related muscle decline and other chronic diseases, such as sarcopenia. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of EVs in muscle function and to explore how nutritional and physical interventions can optimise their release and function. Methods: A literature review of studies examining the impact of exercise and nutritional interventions on MS-derived EVs was conducted. Major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, were searched using keywords such as 'extracellular vesicles', 'muscle', 'exercise', 'nutrition' and 'sarcopenia'. The selected studies included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials and cohort studies. Data from these studies were synthesised to identify key findings related to the release of EVs, their composition and their potential role as therapeutic targets. Results: Dietary patterns, specific foods and supplements were found to significantly modulate EV release and composition, affecting muscle health and metabolism. Exercise-induced changes in EV content were observed after both acute and chronic interventions, with a marked impact on miRNAs and proteins related to muscle growth and inflammation. Nutritional interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet and omega-3 fatty acids, have also shown the ability to alter EV profiles, suggesting their potential to improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. Conclusions: EVs are emerging as critical mediators of the beneficial effects of diet and exercise on muscle health. Both exercise and nutritional interventions can modulate the release and content of MS-derived EVs, offering promising avenues for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting sarcopenia and other muscle diseases. Future research should focus on large-scale RCT studies with standardised methodologies to better understand the role of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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    Lactoferrin: A Promising Therapeutic Molecule against Human Papillomavirus
    (Mdpi, 2024) Kaplan, Merve; Baktiroglu, Merve; Kalkan, Arda Erkan; Canbolat, Ahmet Alperen; Lombardo, Mauro; Raposo, Antonio; Alves, Jose Luiz de Brito
    Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein naturally found in mammalian secretions, predominantly in colostrum and milk. As a key component of dairy foods, lactoferrin enhances viral protection and boosts human health, owing to its fundamental properties including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory effects. Importantly, the antiviral effect of lactoferrin has been shown against a range of viruses causing serious infections and threatening human health. One of the viruses that lactoferrin exerts significant antiviral effects on is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most prevalent transmitted infection affecting a myriad of people around the world. Lactoferrin has a high potential to inhibit HPV via different mechanisms, including direct binding to viral envelope proteins or their cell receptors, thereby hindering viral entry and immune stimulation by triggering the release of some immune-related molecules through the body, such as lymphocytes. Along with HPV, lactoferrin also can inhibit a range of viruses including coronaviruses and hepatitis viruses in the same manner. Here, we overview the current knowledge of lactoferrin and its effects on HPV and other viral infections.
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    Revealing the Potency of Growth Factors in Bovine Colostrum
    (Mdpi, 2024) Yalcintas, Yalcin Mert; Duman, Hatice; Lopez, Jose M. Miranda; Portocarrero, Alicia C. Mondragon; Lombardo, Mauro; Khallouki, Farid; Koch, Wojciech
    Colostrum is a nutritious milk synthesized by mammals during the postpartum period, and its rich bioactive components has led to a global increase in the consumption of bovine colostrum as a supplement. Bovine colostrum contains key components such as immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, lactoferrin and lysozyme. It is a special supplement source due to its natural, high bioavailability and high concentrations of growth factors. Growth factors are critical to many physiological functions, and considering its presence in the colostrum, further research must be conducted on its safe application in many bodily disorders. Growth factors contribute to wound healing, muscle and bone development, and supporting growth in children. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms have been explored, highlighting the growth factors roles in cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, and the regulation of immune responses. These findings are crucial for understanding the potential health effects of bovine colostrum, ensuring its safe use, and forming a basis for future clinical applications. This review article examines the growth factors concentration in bovine colostrum, their benefits, clinical studies, and molecular mechanisms.
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    The Impact of Fermentation on the Antioxidant Activity of Food Products
    (Mdpi, 2024) Saritas, Sumeyye; Portocarrero, Alicia C. Mondragon; Lopez, Jose M. Miranda; Lombardo, Mauro; Koch, Wojciech; Raposo, Antonio; El-Seedi, Hesham R.
    From ancient times to the present day, fermentation has been utilized not only for food preservation but also for enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of foods. This process is influenced by numerous factors, including the type of microorganisms used, substrate composition, pH, time, and temperature, all of which can significantly alter the characteristics of the final product. Depending on the parameters, fermentation enhances the bioactive content of the products and imparts the necessary properties, such as antioxidant characteristics, for the products to be considered functional. The enhancement of these properties, particularly antioxidant activity, enriches foods with bioactive compounds and functional attributes, contributing to improved health benefits. Through a review of recent research, this study elucidates how different fermentation processes can enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of antioxidants, thereby improving the nutritional and functional qualities of foods. This study investigated the multifaceted effects of fermentation on antioxidant properties by exploring various types and conditions of fermentation. It highlights specific examples from dairy products and other food categories as well as the valorization of food waste and byproducts. The findings underscore the potential of fermentation as a sustainable method to produce health-promoting foods with elevated antioxidant activities, offering new perspectives for food science and technology.
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    The Potential Applications of Natural Colostrum in Skin Health
    (Mdpi, 2024) Bolat, Ecem; Karagoz, Zeynep; Alves, Jose Luiz de Brito; Neto, Jose Patrocinio Ribeiro Cruz; Witkowska, Anna Maria; El-Seedi, Hesham; Lombardo, Mauro
    Skin is a crucial organ for preserving the body's equilibrium. Like other parts of the body, skin also ages due to extrinsic and intrinsic factors, leading to several signs such as wrinkles, spots, and a decline in elasticity, causing a range of issues similar to those seen elsewhere in the body. Some of these factors include ultraviolet (UV) radiation, hormonal disorders, genetic factors, loss of moisture, metabolic disorders, exposure to chemicals, and smoking. Colostrum, which is the initial foremilk, has shown positive effects on the consequences of these factors. Its content is richer than mature milk and contains several beneficial components. For instance, it includes hyaluronic acid, a molecule that binds water and keeps the skin hydrated; lactoferrin, with high antimicrobial properties; immunoglobulins, which are responsible for immunity; growth factors, which increase the amount of collagen, the main protein type of the skin; and, finally, the telomerase enzyme, which maintains the telomere's length and, thus, decelerates the aging process. It has recently become apparent that using skin products with natural ingredients is essential. Considering its nature, contents, and effects, colostrum stands out as an excellent material for the cosmetic industry, especially for the aging sector. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to demonstrate the potential application of natural colostrum in skin health and its usage in natural cosmetic products in the cosmetic sector.