Effects of dietary intervention on human diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Abstract

Diet, serving as a vital source of nutrients, exerts a profound influence on human health and disease progression. Recently, dietary interventions have emerged as promising adjunctive treatment strategies not only for cancer but also for neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. These interventions have demonstrated substantial potential in modulating metabolism, disease trajectory, and therapeutic responses. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignant progression, and a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in tumors and its effects on immune regulation is a significant challenge that impedes cancer eradication. Dietary intake, as a key environmental factor, can influence tumor metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary interventions might affect the nutrient availability in tumors, thereby increasing the efficacy of cancer treatments. However, the intricate interplay between dietary interventions and the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases is complex. Despite encouraging results, the mechanisms underlying diet-based therapeutic strategies remain largely unexplored, often resulting in underutilization in disease management. In this review, we aim to illuminate the potential effects of various dietary interventions, including calorie restriction, fasting-mimicking diet, ketogenic diet, protein restriction diet, high-salt diet, high-fat diet, and high-fiber diet, on cancer and the aforementioned diseases. We explore the multifaceted impacts of these dietary interventions, encompassing their immunomodulatory effects, other biological impacts, and underlying molecular mechanisms. This review offers valuable insights into the potential application of these dietary interventions as adjunctive therapies in disease management.

High Fat Diet and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Adolescence: An Overview of Nutritional Strategies

“…The term "high-fat diet" refers to consuming fat calories that make up 30% to 75% of the total daily caloric intake, up to reaching 90% in some dietary protocols. High-fat diets are typically defined as dietary patterns characterized by excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids and calories, characteristics that inevitably lead to weight gain and the onset of related conditions, including the exacerbation of PCOS symptoms [2,3]. It is the dietary pattern known as the "Western diet", prevalent in industrialized countries and characterized by red and processed meats, sweetened meals and drinks, refined cereals, high-fat dairy products, and foods containing added sugars and fats [3,4].…”

“…High-fat diets are typically defined as dietary patterns characterized by excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids and calories, characteristics that inevitably lead to weight gain and the onset of related conditions, including the exacerbation of PCOS symptoms [2,3]. It is the dietary pattern known as the "Western diet", prevalent in industrialized countries and characterized by red and processed meats, sweetened meals and drinks, refined cereals, high-fat dairy products, and foods containing added sugars and fats [3,4]. The overconsumption of foods rich in calories but lacking in nutrients, combined with a low fiber content and excessive intake of added sugars and unhealthy fats, all negatively impact health [5].…”