Physiology

Green tea and its major constituent epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been studied in prevention and potential treatment for prostate cancer. The disease requires decades to develop and may therefore be influenced by measures which demand long exposure to the active agent. [1]

Ellinger et al 2012 report that exotic fruits like açai, camu-camu, and blackberries are marketed as "functional" food supporting a pro-/antioxidant balance. Ellinger and colleagues, in a randomized controlled crossover trial, found that the anthocyanin-rich fruit juice may stabilize the pro-/antioxidant balance without affecting markers of oxidative stress. [1]

For a long time the search was going on to explain the chemical trigger of  neurodegeneration by food. Spencer, Fry and Kisby present the fascinating story which started examining the toxin of the cycad plants used for food on Guam. The toxin [cycasin: methylazoxymethanol (MAM)-β-d-glucoside]  was the cause of a complex neurodegenerative disease, a combinations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), parkinsonism (P), and/or a dementia (D) akin to Alzheimer's disease (AD). [1]

The PTEN gene is the cause of increased sensitivity to the hormone insulin. Aparna Pal et al. 2012 write that the PTEN gene may become a target for drugs to fight insulin resistance, the cause of type 2 diabetes. The PTEN gene encodes for an enzyme that is part of the insulin signalling pathway in the body. It is known to have a role in controlling the body's metabolism, and to play a part in cell growth. [1]

The signalling pathway, acting downstream of the hedgehog protein enables muscle cells and brown fat cells to absorb sugars without relying on insulin. Substances that selectively activate the signalling pathway could thus be utilized in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. [1]

A clear evidence of the benefit of vitamin D exists only for bone health, measured by increased bone density and reduced fracture rates. [1]

TFA consumption produces a unique cardiometabolic imprint via pathways linked to the insulin resistance syndrome. Consumption of trans fatty acids (TFA) is linked to harmful changes in serum lipids, systemic inflammation, endothelial function visceral adiposity, diabetes, increased  risk of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death, and sudden death. [1]

Researchers report that consuming up to three servings.cherries or cherry extract over two days, lowers the risk of gout attack. Cherry intake during a 2-day period was associated with a risk reduction of 35% gout attacks, and  cherry extract intake was associated with a risk reduction of 45%. [1]

Grimm et al.2012  report that trans fatty acids accumulate in the membrane of cells. In this study the intake of  trans fatty acids was found to increase the production of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides which are the main components of senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease. [1]

Increasing number of studies link low vitamin D levels with different health issues, including poor cognition. Balion et al. 2012 report that with Alzheimer's disease (AD) had lower concentrations of vitamin D than those without AD, and better cognitive test results were linked to higher vitamin D concentrations. The mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were compared between participants with vitamin D <50 nmol/L to those with values ≥50 nmol/L. [1]