Aldo Arturo Reséndiz-Albor

Nuts and seeds are abundant sources of bioactive compounds, including proteins, fiber, phytosterols, polyphenols (such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins), tocopherols, carotenoids, and phenolic metabolites. These foods also contain antioxidants and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which may promote health and well-being. Additionally, nuts and seeds provide micronutrients that may reduce physiological stress and inflammation. The antioxidants present can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative damage. Studies across different populations have found that regular consumption of nuts and seeds is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. These protective effects are primarily attributed to their influences on lipid metabolism, vascular function, gut microbiota, and gene expression related to oxidative stress and metabolism. The multifunctional properties of these compounds place nuts and seeds at the intersection of molecular nutrition, clinical outcomes, and public health, highlighting the need for an integrative approach to fully elucidate their health implications. This chapter reviews the principal antioxidant compounds and chemical properties of common nuts and seeds, as well as their bioavailability and effects on selected metabolic pathways and other protective mechanisms. Strategies to increase nut and seed intake are also proposed. The chapter also evaluates current evidence regarding health benefits and therapeutic applications, identifies research gaps, and proposes future directions in nutrition and preventive medicine.

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) is well known as a plant with therapeutic potential and is also attractive to the food and cosmetic industries. Traditional medicine supports its use, mainly for the treatment of metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation but also for certain types of cancer. Noni has been the subject of considerable interest within the scientific community due to its purported health benefits. However, despite its growing popularity and extensive traditional use, significant gaps remain in the empirical understanding of its properties, mechanisms, and potential applications. To understand its biological activity, particular attention has been given to several chemical compounds present in its leaves and fruits, as they have been identified as bioactive agents. Moreover, several studies support the idea that specific flavonoids and anthraquinones from noni act on enzymes and transporters associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in humans. Its involvement in cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and inflammatory regulation across several high-burden diseases expands the potential medical applications of noni. This narrative review presents the current state of knowledge, highlighting preclinical studies that suggest the mechanisms of action underlying the observed effects, including theoretical approaches proposing specific interactions between noni compounds and proteins associated with human diseases as potential therapeutic targets. It also identifies areas where information remains insufficient and proposes future research directions for pharmacological applications, including the need for additional clinical studies and more comprehensive pharmacokinetic and toxicological evaluations.

Stress is a predisposing factor for pulmonary diseases; however, its effects on the lungs of healthy individuals have not been fully elucidated. Since bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a powerful immunomodulator, this study aimed to evaluate whether lactoferrin can modulate the effects of chronic stress on humoral and cellular immunity in the lungs. We performed chronic restraint stress (RS) and oral administration of bLf in a BALB/c model, assessing serum corticosterone, body weight, and various lung immunity parameters, including immunoglobulin concentrations in serum and tracheobronchial lavages (TBLs), secretory IgA (S-IgA) levels in TBLs, IgA-secreting plasma cells, relative expression of pIgR, CD4⁺ lymphocyte Th1 and Th2 populations, and antigen-presenting cell (APC) populations in the lungs. Our results demonstrate that stress increases corticosterone and production of total IgA and IgG, while decreasing levels of IgM and S-IgA, promotes a Th1/Th2 profile imbalance, and decreases APC populations. Interestingly, bLf modulates serum corticosterone levels and stress-induced weight loss, and it also modulates humoral and cellular effects produced by chronic stress. These results demonstrate that bLf should be considered a new therapeutic target for further studies, focusing on prophylactic and co-therapeutic administration to treat and prevent respiratory diseases.

Stress is a predisposing factor for pulmonary diseases, but its effects on the lungs of healthy individuals have not been elucidated yet. Since bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a powerful immunomodulator, in this study, we focused on evaluating whether lactoferrin is able to modulate the effects of chronic stress on humoral and cellular immunity of the lung. We performed a chronic restraint stress (RS) and oral administration of bLf BALB/c model and we evaluated serum corticosterone, body weight and some parameters of lung immunity, such as immunoglobulin concentrations in serum and tracheobronchial lavages (TBL), secretory IgA (S-IgA) levels in TBL, IgA-secreting plasma cells, pIgR relative expression, CD4⁺ lymphocyte Th1 and Th2 populations and Antigen Presenting Cells (APC) populations on the lung. Our results demonstrate that stress increases corticosterone, production of total IgA and IgG, while decreasing the levels of IgM and S-IgA, promotes a Th1/Th2 profile imbalance, and decreases APC populations. Interestingly, bLf modulates serum corticosterone levels and stress-induced weight loss, and it also modulates humoral and cellular effects produced by chronic stress. These results demonstrated that bLf should be considered as a new therapeutic target for further studies to focus on the prophylactic and co-therapeutic administration to treat and prevent respiratory diseases.

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (NR4A2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of different genes involved in essential biological processes, including cell proliferation, neuronal development, immune response, cellular stress, apoptosis, DNA repair, and angiogenesis. The gene encoding this transcription factor is called NR4A2 and has been identified as an immediate early gene. Moreover, research in animal models and clinical trials has suggested an association between reduced NR4A2 gene expression and some neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. These include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease progression, schizophrenia, substance abuse (alcohol and amphetamines), neurodevelopmental disorders, and cognitive imairment. NR4A2 activity is controlled at multiple levels, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of its gene expression, such as translational and post-translational processes. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the NR4A2 gene, encompassing its structure and the molecular mechanisms that regulate its expression. The key epigenetic mechanisms that regulate its gene expression are emphasized, including DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and regulation by microRNAs. It also addresses its role in central nervous system pathologies associated with dysregulation of NR4A2 gene expression. Finally, we discuss the potential of these regulatory mechanisms as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders.

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) mediates trans cytosis of IgA, a pivotal anti-inflammatory player of the mucosal immune system. Transcytosis mediated by pIgR entails protein effectors of vesicle-mediated transport involved in signal pathway activation that lead to the sorting of pIgR-IgA complexes from the basolateral to apical membrane. Each step of pIgR transport encompasses multiple targets for regulation, but the role of cholinergic system components, i.e. acetylcholine (ACh), the ligand of nicotinic (nAChR) and muscarinic (mAChR) receptors, is unclear. This study evaluated the effect of the cholinergic system on pIgR at transcriptional and protein levels. Accordingly, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed Caco-2 cells were treated with nicotine (nAChR agonist) and/or mecamylamine (nAChR antagonist) or with muscarine (mAChR agonist) and/ or atropine (mAChR antagonist), and then pIgR was analysed in situ by immunofluorescence and by RT-qPCR. In general terms, cholinergic antagonists counteracted the upmodu latory outcome of both cholinergic agonists on both pIgR cellular location and mRNA levels. These findings suggest that the cholinergic system plays a key role in the regulation of epithelial immunity by modulating pIgR expression. The study provides insights into the interaction between the cholinergic system and intestinal immune mechanisms for future research in mucosal immunity and possible therapeutic strategies.

Pulque, an available traditional Mexican fermented beverage, has deep ethnographic and cultural significance. It was originally consumed by pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Teotihuacanos, Mexicas, Otomies, Zapotecas, Mixtecas, and Maya. It was revered as a sacred drink with both ceremonial and medicinal uses, often reserved for elites and priests. Its production is based on the ancestral extraction and fermentation of aguamiel, a sweet sap obtained from agave plants. While advances in food technology have occurred, traditional techniques for obtaining and fermenting aguamiel remain prevalent, especially in rural communities, reflecting the resilience of indigenous knowledge systems. Recent interest in pulque has focused on its nutritional content and potential health benefits when consumed in moderation, though risks related to excessive intake remain a concern. Moreover, cultural initiatives aim to revitalize indigenous heritage through gastronomic promotion, tourism routes, and festive traditions. This study explores pulque’s production processes, its cultural symbolism, and its evolving role within Mexican society, suggesting that its survival reflects both continuity and adaptation in the face of modernity. This paper is also presented as a narrative integrative review to explore the biocultural significance of pulque across the anthropological, historical, biochemical, and public-health domains.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition charac-terized by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors, often ac-companied by comorbidities such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. Emerging evidence suggests that nutritional interventions targeting underlying pathophysiological mechanisms may offer adjunctive benefits. Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from various medicinal plants, exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated that berberine can modulate key pathways implicated in ASD, such as the gut microbiota–brain axis, neuroinflammatory cascades, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress responses. The ability of ber-berine to restore intestinal barrier integrity, suppress microglial activation, balance neuro-transmitter systems, and regulate key signaling pathways such as NF-κB and Nrf2

Carbohydrate consumption during pregnancy represents an important source of energy; its consumption, however, can cause gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), body weight gain, inflammation, increased glucose transport to the fetus, adiposity, and a risk of macrosomia. The objective was to research the impact of sucrose consumption during pregnancy on the metabolic, immune, and redox profile in female mice with GDM. A total of 24 female CD1 mice were used, divided into two groups: Control and GDM. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups: (a) Without sucrose and (b) With sucrose. The females were mated, and, once pregnancy was confirmed, GDM was induced by administering 230 mg/kg of streptozotocin subcutaneously. GDM was confirmed by glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL and the presence of polyphagia, polydipsia, and change in body weight. Metabolic, immune, and redox profile parameters were determined. Sucrose consumption groups increase HOMA-IR and the secretion of insulin, adiponectin, and leptin; it also increased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and the production of IgA and IgG antibodies, decreased the activity of the Glutathione Reductase enzyme, and increased the production of TBARS and AGE. High sucrose consumption increases the inflammatory response mediated mainly by CD8⁺ lymphocytes and the production of proinflammatory cytokines; it can trigger a compensatory humoral response and alter redox mechanisms, causing a state of Oxidant Stress.

Aim: This study aims to analyze the impact of sucrose consumption on inflammatory and immunological parameters of newborn offspring of females with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: 4 groups of pregnant female CD1 mice were created (n = 6): A, without GDM, without sucrose supplementation; B, without GDM, with sucrose supplementation; C, with GDM, without sucrose supplementation; and D, with GDM, with sucrose supplementation. GDM was induced by subcutaneous injection of streptozotocin, with a dose of 230 mg/kg. Sucrose supplementation was administered at a concentration of 41.66 mg/mL per oral stool (500 μL volume) to each female daily at 8:00 am from confirmation of gestational diabetes until the end of pregnancy. Immediately after birth, the pups were sacrificed in the first 2 h of life. The following were quantified in each group of 8 newborns: body weight, glycaemia, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, HOMA-IR index, percentage of lymphocytes: CD3, CD4, and CD8, immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), and redox activity: (carbonylated proteins, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant capacity). Results: Sucrose consumption increased the levels of adiponectin, IL-1β, IL-6 and decreased the concentration of IgA in the offspring. Group C and D caused lower body weight and higher concentration of carbonylated proteins. The combination of sucrose and GDM favored an increase in blood glucose, the HOMA-IR index, the percentage of T lymphocytes, the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, and reduced glutathione, with reduction of catalase. Conclusions: Sucrose consumption by mothers during pregnancy and the presence of GDM generate alterations at the cellular, immunological, metabolic, hormonal, and redox levels in newborns. This results in an inflammatory state, with an imbalance in the redox state, which predisposes the newborn to short and medium-term metabolic problems from birth.