Justyna Godos
University of Catania
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Featured researches published by Justyna Godos.
Liver International | 2016
Federico Salomone; Justyna Godos; Shira Zelber-Sagi
Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is emerging as a main health problem in industrialized countries. Lifestyle modifications are effective in the treatment of NAFLD; however, the long‐term compliance is low. Therefore, several pharmacological treatments have been proposed but none has shown significant efficacy or long‐term safety. Natural polyphenols are a heterogeneous class of polyphenolic compounds contained in vegetables, which are being proposed for the treatment of different metabolic disorders. Although the beneficial effect of these compounds has traditionally related to their antioxidant properties, they also exert several beneficial effects on hepatic and extra‐hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis. Furthermore, natural polyphenols exert antifibrogenic and antitumoural effects in animal models, which appear relevant from a clinical point of view because of the association of NASH with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several polyphenols, such anthocyanins, curcumin and resveratrol and those present in coffee, tea, soy are available in the diet and their consumption can be proposed as part of a healthy diet for the treatment of NAFLD. Other phenolic compounds, such as silymarin, are commonly consumed worldwide as nutraceuticals or food supplements. Natural antioxidants are reported to have beneficial effects in preclinical models of NAFLD and in pilot clinical trials, and thus need clinical evaluation. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence regarding the potential role of natural antioxidants in the treatment of NAFLD and examine possible future clinical applications.
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition | 2014
Justyna Godos; Francesca Romana Pluchinotta; Stefano Marventano; Silvio Buscemi; Giovanni Li Volti; Fabio Galvano; Giuseppe Grosso
Abstract Coffee consists of several biological active compounds, such as caffeine, diterpenes, chlorogenic acids, and melanoidins, which may affect human health. The intake of each compound depends on the variety of coffee species, roasting degree, type of brewing method and serving size. The bioavailability and the distribution of each compound and its metabolites also contribute to coffee mechanisms of action. The health benefits of coffee consumption regarding cardiovascular system and metabolism mostly depend on its antioxidant compounds. In contrast, diterpenes and caffeine may produce harmful effects by raising lipid fraction and affecting endothelial function, respectively. Studying the mechanism of action of coffee components may help understanding weather coffee’s impact on health is beneficial or hazardous. In this article, we reviewed the available information about coffee compounds and their mechanism of action. Furthermore, benefits and risks for cardiovascular system associated with coffee consumption will be discussed.
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research | 2017
Giuseppe Grosso; Justyna Godos; Rosa M. Lamuela-Raventós; Sumantra Ray; Agnieszka Micek; Andrzej Pajak; Salvatore Sciacca; Nicolantonio D'Orazio; Daniele Del Rio; Fabio Galvano
SCOPE To summarize available evidence on the association between dietary flavonoid as well as lignan intake and cancer risk in observational studies. METHODS AND RESULTS A systematic search on electronic databases of all English language case-control and prospective studies published up to June 2016 was performed. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by random-effects model separately by study design. Heterogeneity and publication bias were tested. Out of the 143 studies included, meta-analyses of prospective studies showed isoflavones significantly associated with decreased risk of lung and stomach cancers and nearly significant breast and colorectal cancers; total flavonoids showed nonsignificant decreased risk of breast cancer. Meta-analyses of case-control studies showed: total and/or individual classes of flavonoids associated with upper aero-digestive tract, colorectal, breast, and lung cancers; isoflavones with ovarian, breast, and colorectal cancers, endometrial and lung cancers. CONCLUSIONS Most evidence reported in previous meta-analyses was driven by case-control studies. Overall results may be promising but are inconclusive. Further prospective cohorts assessing dietary polyphenol exposure and studies using other methods to evaluate exposure (i.e. markers of consumption, metabolism, excretion) are needed to confirm and determine consumption levels required to achieve health benefits.
Annual Review of Nutrition | 2017
Giuseppe Grosso; Justyna Godos; Fabio Galvano; Edward Giovannucci
To evaluate the associations between coffee and caffeine consumption and various health outcomes, we performed an umbrella review of the evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Of the 59 unique outcomes examined in the selected 112 meta-analyses of observational studies, coffee was associated with a probable decreased risk of breast, colorectal, colon, endometrial, and prostate cancers; cardiovascular disease and mortality; Parkinsons disease; and type-2 diabetes. Of the 14 unique outcomes examined in the 20 selected meta-analyses of observational studies, caffeine was associated with a probable decreased risk of Parkinsons disease and type-2 diabetes and an increased risk of pregnancy loss. Of the 12 unique acute outcomes examined in the selected 9 meta-analyses of RCTs, coffee was associated with a rise in serum lipids, but this result was affected by significant heterogeneity, and caffeine was associated with a rise in blood pressure. Given the spectrum of conditions studied and the robustness of many of the results, these findings indicate that coffee can be part of a healthful diet.
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition | 2017
Justyna Godos; Gaetano Zappalà; Sergio Bernardini; Ilio Giambini; Maira Bes-Rastrollo; Miguel Ángel Martínez-González
Abstract Diet plays a role in the onset and progression of metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to systematically review and conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of results from observational cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies on adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and risk of MetS. Literature databases including PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE were searched from the beginning to May 2016. Eight cross-sectional and four prospective studies were included in this meta-analysis, accounting for a total of 33,847 individuals and 6342 cases of MetS. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a risk of MetS (RR: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.71, 0.92). Regarding individual components of the MetS, the inverse associations were significant for waist circumference, blood pressure and low HDL-C levels. In conclusion, adoption of a Mediterranean dietary pattern was associated with lower risk of the MetS and it can be proposed for the primary prevention of the MetS.
American Journal of Epidemiology | 2017
Giuseppe Grosso; Agnieszka Micek; Justyna Godos; Andrzej Pajak; Salvatore Sciacca; Fabio Galvano; Edward Giovannucci
Recent evidence has suggested that flavonoid and lignan intake may be associated with decreased risk of chronic and degenerative diseases. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the association between dietary flavonoid and lignan intake and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in prospective cohort studies. A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases to identify studies published from January 1996 to December 2015 that satisfied inclusion/exclusion criteria. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model. Nonlinear dose-response analysis was modeled by using restricted cubic splines. The inclusion criteria were met by 22 prospective studies exploring various flavonoid and lignan classes. Compared with lower intake, high consumption of total flavonoids was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence intervals: 0.55, 0.99), while a 100-mg/day increment in intake led to a (linear) decreased risk of 6% and 4% of all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively. Among flavonoid classes, significant results were obtained for intakes of flavonols, flavones, flavanones, anthocyanidins, and proanthocyanidins. Only limited evidence was available on flavonoid classes and lignans and all-cause mortality. Findings from this meta-analysis indicated that dietary flavonoids are associated with decreased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality.
Nutrition Reviews | 2017
Giuseppe Grosso; Francesca Bella; Justyna Godos; Salvatore Sciacca; Daniele Del Rio; Sumantra Ray; Fabio Galvano; Edward Giovannucci
Context: Evidence of an association between dietary patterns derived a posteriori and risk of cancer has not been reviewed comprehensively. Objective: The aim of this review was to investigate the relation between a posteriori‐derived dietary patterns, grouped as healthy or unhealthy, and cancer risk. The relation between cancer risk and background characteristics associated with adherence to dietary patterns was also examined. Data Sources: PubMed and Embase electronic databases were searched. Study Selection: A total of 93 studies including over 85 000 cases, 100 000 controls, and 2 000 000 exposed individuals were selected. Data Extraction: Data were extracted from each identified study using a standardized form by two independent authors. Results: The most convincing evidence (significant results from prospective cohort studies) supported an association between healthy dietary patterns and decreased risk of colon and breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal, hormone receptor‐negative women, and an association between unhealthy dietary patterns and increased risk of colon cancer. Limited evidence of a relation between an unhealthy dietary pattern and risk of upper aerodigestive tract, pancreatic, ovarian, endometrial, and prostatic cancers relied only on case‐control studies. Unhealthy dietary patterns were associated with higher body mass index and energy intake, while healthy patterns were associated with higher education, physical activity, and less smoking. Potential differences across geographical regions require further evaluation. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of diet in certain cancers, but the evidence is not conclusive and may be driven or mediated by lifestyle factors.
Translational Research | 2016
Alessandro Federico; Marcello Dallio; Justyna Godos; Carmela Loguercio; Federico Salomone
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is widely emerging as the most prevalent liver disorder and is associated with increased risk of liver-related and cardiovascular mortality. Recent experimental and clinical studies have revealed the pivotal role played by the alteration of gut-liver axis in the onset of fatty liver and related metabolic disturbances. Gut-liver cross talk is implicated not only in the impairment of lipid and glucose homeostasis leading to steatogenesis, but also in the initiation of inflammation and fibrogenesis, which characterize nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the evolving form of NAFLD. The gut microbiota has been recognized as the key player in the gut-liver liaison and because of its complexity can act as a villain or a victim. Gut microbiota not only influences absorption and disposal of nutrients to the liver, but also conditions hepatic inflammation by supplying toll-like receptor ligands, which can stimulate liver cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, the modification of intestinal bacterial flora by specific probiotics has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of NASH. In this review, we summarized the evidence regarding the role of gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of NASH and discussed the potential therapeutic role of gut microbiota modulation in the clinical setting.
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology | 2016
Shira Zelber-Sagi; Justyna Godos; Federico Salomone
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a major public health problem because of its association with increased cardiovascular and liver-related morbidity and mortality. Both genetic factors and lifestyle contribute to the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Lifestyle, including dietary habits and physical activity, is a modifiable risk factor and thus represents the main target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. In this review, we summarize the evidence regarding nutritional aspects (i.e. total energy intake, saturated fat and carbohydrates intake, certain foods or drinks and dietary patterns as a whole) in the treatment of NAFLD. In addition, we analyze the evidence concerning the independent effect of physical activity, including aerobic and resistance training, in the treatment of NAFLD. A therapeutic algorithm according to results from intervention trials is also provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals involved in the management of NAFLD.
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition | 2017
Justyna Godos; Alessandro Federico; Marcello Dallio; Francesca Scazzina
Abstract Nutritional habits modifications have shown an important impact in preventing and ameliorating metabolic alterations, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Among several dietary approaches that exert positive effects in NAFLD patients, the Mediterranean dietary pattern has shown notable benefits. This review explores the molecular mechanisms through which the Mediterranean diet would improve risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. The main features of the Mediterranean diet acting on metabolism are represented by its whole-grain and low glycemic index cereal-based items, its fatty acid profile, and its content in phytochemical compounds. Carbohydrate-rich foods high in dietary fiber inducing low glycemic response are able to interact with glucose and insulin metabolism. Unsaturated fatty acids are associated with better hepatic lipid metabolism. Finally, phytochemical compounds, such as dietary polyphenols, are thought to ameliorate inflammation, which is considered one of the mechanisms through which NALFD may evolve into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).