Diet-Derived Antioxidants and Their Role in Inflammation, Obesity and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Abstract

It is generally accepted that gut microbiota, inflammation and obesity are linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic/non-communicable pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and ageing-related disorders. In this scenario, oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. Evidence suggests that the global dietary patterns may represent a tool in counteracting oxidative stress, thus preventing the onset of diseases related to oxidative stress. More specifically, dietary patterns based on the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (i.e., Mediterranean diet) have been licensed by various national nutritional guidelines in many countries for their health-promoting effects. Such patterns, indeed, result in being rich in specific components, such as fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, whose beneficial effects on human health have been widely reported. This suggests a potential nutraceutical power of specific dietary components. In this manuscript, we summarize the most relevant evidence reporting the impact of dietary antioxidants on gut microbiota composition, inflammation and obesity, and we underline that antioxidants are implicated in a complex interplay between gut microbiota, inflammation and obesity, thus suggesting their possible role in the development and modulation of chronic diseases related to oxidative stress and in the maintenance of wellness. Do all roads lead to Rome?

Exploring the Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease

“…Diets rich in foods with a high content of antioxidants and polyphenols have been shown to decrease oxidative stress markers. Elevated levels of glucose lead to an increase in oxidative stress, resulting in the oxidation of lipoproteins and production of adhesion molecules [ 44 ]. Gut microbes can influence oxidative stress through the regulation of uric acid metabolism.…”

An Avocado Extract Enriched in Mannoheptulose Prevents the Negative Effects of a High-Fat Diet in Mice

“…Chronic consumption of a high-fat diet can induce oxidative stress in many organ systems [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. As shown in Figure 8 , the HF diet induced major increases in three measures of oxidative stress in the liver as measured by EPR.…”

“…We examined effects on body composition, food intake, metabolism, insulin sensitivity, blood lipids, leptin, adiponectin, motor performance, oxidative stress, and mTOR signaling. High-fat diets are well known to induce oxidative stress in many organs [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. We utilized electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to measure production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).…”

Nutritional Management in Bariatric Surgery Patients

“…Regarding the gut microbiota, an improvement in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and an increase in A. muciniphila, commonly altered in obesity, also due to the low dietary intake of fibers and antioxidants [60], are observed. In addition, these changes are related to better health [61].…”