Dietary Supplements for Intestinal Inflammation

Intestinal inflammation leads to various chronic diseases, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD mainly affects the large intestine, but it can also affect the gastrointestinal tract as a whole. Its major symptoms are pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, and it is usually associated with deficiencies of both macro- and micronutrients. Unluckily, after some time the body develops resistance against the already available drugs: thus, many patients fail to maintain remission, which is achieved in less than 50% of cases. Diet is a major determinant of gut inflammation. An unbalanced diet can affect the gut microbiota and cause dysbiosis, which is related to a dysregulated host immune response. The Mediterranean Diet its renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects and for preventing dysbiosis. In order to improve management and treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases, it should become common practice to integrate the patient’s diet with dietary supplements with anti-inflammatory effects (probiotics, butyrate, phosphatidylcholine, lactoferrin, palmitoylethanolamide, silymarin, and omega 3), which maintain the stability of the intestinal microbial cohort and strengthen the mucosal barrier, thus preventing or soothing IBD symptoms. Dietary supplements may help fight the high costs, the adverse side effects, and the recurrent relapses typical of drug use

From Achille Bertelli onward: more than 100 years of research and production of dietary supplements based on natural molecules typical of the Mediterranean diet

Achille Bertelli was an aeronautics pioneer and an innovative entrepreneur of the pharmaceutical industry. After graduating in Chemistry in Italy, he moved to the United States of America where he opened a chemical-pharmaceutical laboratory in San Francisco in 1879, and later moved back to Italy where he opened a chemical and pharmaceutical industry in Milan (1886). The “A. Bertelli” pharmaceutical company developed the famous cough pills “Catramina Bertelli”, as well as new cosmetics and perfumes. Apart from his chemical experience, Achille Bertelli was a passionate aeronautics expert. He wrote many essays on this topic and devoted himself to aeronautical experiments by designing theapparatus “Autovol”, “Aerocurvo”, “Autovol no. 2”, “Autovolno. 3", which are considered the prototypes of the helicopter. Achille Bertelli was also the president of the Electric Company of Salò, which installed an electrical system that served the lighting in many cities on Lake Garda (Italy). Finally, Achille Bertelli also participated in the Italian revival after the First World War, especially by supporting the agricultural revival. Throughout his life, Achille Bertelli teamed with several famous people from all over Italy, such as Gabriele D’Annunzio, Cesare Lombroso and Cordero di Montezemolo. Today, Achille Bertelli’s interest for natural molecules, his ideas, and his entrepreneurial approach are carried forward by his descendant, Matteo Bertelli

Genetic testing for cystic hygroma

AbstractCystic hygroma (CH) is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the region of the fetal neck and is a major anomaly associated with aneuploidy. Morphologically characterized by failure of the lymphatic system to communicate with the venous system in the neck, the clinical manifestations of CH depend on its size and location. Incidence is estimated at one case per 6000-16,000 live births. CH has autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Genetic testing for Hennekam syndrome

Abstract Hennekam Syndrome (HS) is a combination of congenital lymphatic malformation, lymphangiectasia and other disorders. It is a very rare disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. We developed the test protocol "Hennekam Syndrome" on the basis of the latest research findings and diagnostic protocols on lymphatic malformation in HS. The genetic test is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Dietary supplements for polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent female endocrine reproductive disorders, affecting between 4 to 18% of the women in their reproductive age. It is generally characterized by several clinical aspects, among which anovulation, inflammation and infertility. Moreover, PCOS has several health implications, including increased metabolic, reproductive, and psychological risks. Previously, metformin and to some extent thiazolidinediones were considered as drug of choice for PCOS management, but they had several side-effects, and controversial results were obtained about their efficiency, especially in non-insulin-resistant non-obese patients. Thus, alternative treatment options are now being studied for PCOS, including different natural molecules and complementary medicines (CM) for the improvement of their health, wellbeing and fertility. Recently, treatment of PCOS patients with different natural molecules, coming from nutritional supplements and herbal medicines, has attained satisfactory results with the absence of any side effects. In this review, four natural molecules, curcumin, vitamin D, inositol and CoQ10 are discussed for their therapeutic ability. These molecules proved to decrease insulin sensitivity and inflammation, to improve the restoration of ovarian function, and they could restore hormonal balance and regulate the menstrual cycle, all of which are the main features and major concerns for women suffering from PCOS

Periconceptional Mediterranean Diet during Pregnancy on Children’s Health

During pregnancy, rapid and subtle physiological changes are observed from conception to birth. Nutrition and other lifestyle factors before and during pregnancy have been shown in the literature to influence the health of both mother and child. A healthy and varied diet during pregnancy can provide adequate energy and nutrients for both the mother and the growing fetus. Current research focuses on the periconceptional phase, which includes the early processes of gametogenesis, embryogenesis and placentation. A variety of abnormalities and pregnancy-related problems occur during this period, including congenital defects, fetal loss, miscarriage and preterm birth. A varied and balanced diet during periconception is important to maintain fetal development and growth. To date, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of consuming different nutrients, foods or food groups during pregnancy on the health of mother and child. For example, the Mediterranean diet is considered as a balanced, nutrient-rich diet due to the low consumption of meat products and fatty foods and the high consumption of vegetables, cheese, olive oil, fish, shellfish and little meat. While many studies have been conducted in the literature to investigate the effects of a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy on fetal health, the results have been inconclusive. The aim of this article is to review the current literature on the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy

Genetic testing for coarctation of aorta

Abstract Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is an inherited narrowing of the proximal descending thoracic aorta. Histological features include localized medial thickening and infolding with superimposed neointimal tissue. CoA is diagnosed by detection of a murmur or hypertension during routine examination. Typical clinical features are delayed or absent femoral pulses and difference in blood pressure between the arm and legs. These symptoms may appear in the first weeks of life or after the neonatal period. CoA accounts for 4-6% of all congenital heart defects and has a reported prevalence of about 4 per 10,000 live births. It is more common in males than females (59% vs 41%). This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Genetic testing for pulmonary stenosis

Abstract Pulmonary stenosis (PS) is a congenital pulmonary valve malformation. It can be classified as valvular, subvalvular or supravalvular. Isolated forms of PS are rare. PS is associated with the development of massive pulmonary arterial dilatation. Patients with PS have a high consanguinity rate and the disorder is highly familial, which is why knowing the genetic aetiology of this defect is important. Prevalence is estimated at about 4/10,000 live births, and incidence at about 10% of all children with congenital heart defects. PS has prevalently autosomal dominant and rarely autosomal recessive inheritance. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, couple risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Genetic testing for Ebstein anomaly

Abstract Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital tricuspid valve malformation, characterized by downward displacement of the septal leaflet and an atrialized right ventricle. About 80% of cases of EA are non-syndromic; in the other 20%, the anomaly is associated with a chromosomal or Mendelian syndrome. The prevalence of EA is estimated at about 1 per 20,000 live births, and accounts for less than 1% of all congenital heart defects. EA has autosomal dominant inheritance. Likely causative genes are: NKX2-5, MYH7 and TPM1. This Utility Gene Test was developed on the basis of an analysis of the literature and existing diagnostic protocols. It is useful for confirming diagnosis, as well as for differential diagnosis, potential risk assessment and access to clinical trials

Dietary supplements in retinal diseases, glaucoma, and other ocular conditions

Environmental pollution, inadequate eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles have led to a tremendous increase in ocular diseases worldwide. Given the costly treatments that are currently available for the most common and threatening eye diseases (such as cataract, dry eye disorder, or diabetic retinopathy), curing these diseases or preventing refractive errors by taking nutraceuticals and natural compounds that are present in our daily diet is a very valuable intervention. The eyes are the most important part of our visual system and require micronutrients such as vitamins, carotenoids, trace metals, and omega-3 fatty acids in order to function properly and to protect themselves against light-induced and age-mediated degenerative disorders. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) has been in the limelight since the 1980s because of the several health benefits it provides, including eye health. MedDiet is characterized by the consumption of small amounts of red meat, while emphasizing the intake of fish, eggs, nuts, legumes, citrus fruits, green vegetables, olives and their derivatives, especially olive oil, and dairy products in a proportionate manner, in order to achieve the maximum health benefits. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties of these foods – both when used as an ingredient in the dietary regime or as a source of nutritional supplements – have shown promising results in the management of chronic degenerative ocular diseases, both in animal models and in human subjects. In this chapter, we will focus on the importance of MedDiet and natural compounds for the visual system and its role in slowing down age-related ocular degeneration