nutrients-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2021) | Viewed by 48678

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Chemistry-Biochemistry-Physical Chemistry of Foods, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Kallithea, Athens, Greece
Interests: dietary interventions; foods; nutrients; food supplements; dietary patterns; chronic inflammatory conditions; inflammatory diseases; oxidative stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammatory diseases include a series of disorders and conditions that are characterized by chronic inflammation. Inflammatory conditions, even low-grade inflammation, embody the release of a plethora of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators by cells that are, however, common even in different inflammatory conditions (inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, NASH, diabetes, etc.). In many inflammatory conditions, the elevated levels of proinflammatory proteins may cause discomfort, pain, and suffering in humans. Likewise, inflammation is present in chronic pain.

Dietary patterns, meaning quantity and variety of different foods, as well as specific foods or nutrients, can either trigger the inflammatory process and result in the manifestation of a proinflammatory state or regulate inflammation and reduce pain, when present.

In this Special Issue of Nutrients, we would like to bring together manuscripts dealing with the topic of “Dietary Interventions in Chronic Inflammatory Conditions and/or Chronic Pain”. Topics may include high‐quality dietary interventions with foods, altered nutrient intake or food supplements, and specific dietary pattern interventions, such as the Mediterranean diet or calorie restriction, in humans.

Different types of manuscripts, including original clinical research articles and up-to-date reviews (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) are welcome.

Dr. Andriana Kaliora
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Dietary interventions
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Dietary patterns
  • Foods
  • Nutrients
  • Food supplements
  • Chronic pain

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Intervention with Dried Bonito Broth for the Amelioration of Aggressive Behaviors in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Dioxins in Vietnam: A Pilot Study
by Muneko Nishijo, Tai The Pham, Ngoc Thao Pham, Hai Thai Thu Duong, Ngoc Nghi Tran, Takashi Kondoh, Yoshikazu Nishino, Hiroshi Nishimaru, Quyet Ba Do and Hisao Nishijo
Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051455 - 25 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2288
Abstract
Dioxins have been suggested to induce inflammation in the intestine and brain and to induce neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), partly due to deficits in parvalbumin-positive neurons in the brain that are sensitive to [...] Read more.
Dioxins have been suggested to induce inflammation in the intestine and brain and to induce neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), partly due to deficits in parvalbumin-positive neurons in the brain that are sensitive to inflammatory stress. Previously, we reported ADHD traits with increased aggressiveness in children with prenatal exposure to dioxins in Vietnam, whereas dried bonito broth (DBB) has been reported to suppress inflammation and inhibit aggressive behavior in animal and human studies. In the present study, we investigated the association between dioxin exposure and the prevalence of children with highly aggressive behaviors (Study 1), as well as the effects of DBB on the prevalence of children with highly aggressive behaviors (Study 2). Methods: In Study 1, we investigated the effects of dioxin exposure on the prevalence of children with high aggression scores, which were assessed using the Children’s Scale of Hostility and Aggression: Reactive/Proactive (C-SHARP) in dioxin-contaminated areas. The data were analyzed using a logistic regression model after adjusting for confounding factors. In Study 2, we performed nutritional intervention by administering DBB for 60 days to ameliorate the aggressiveness of children with high scores on the C-SHARP aggression scale. The effects of DBB were assessed by comparing the prevalence of children with high C-SHARP scores between the pre- and post-intervention examinations. Results: In Study 1, only the prevalence of children with high covert aggression was significantly increased with an increase in dioxin exposure. In Study 2, in the full ingestion (>80% of goal ingestion volume) group, the prevalence of children with high covert aggression associated with dioxin exposure was significantly lower in the post-ingestion examination compared with in the pre-ingestion examination. However, in other ingestion (<20% and 20–79%) groups and a reference (no intervention) group, no difference in the prevalence of children with high covert aggression was found between the examinations before and after the same experimental period. Conclusions: The findings suggest that DBB ingestion may ameliorate children’s aggressive behavior, which is associated with perinatal dioxin exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases)
23 pages, 609 KiB  
Article
The Efficacy of an Energy-Restricted Anti-Inflammatory Diet for the Management of Obesity in Younger Adults
by Gordana Kenđel Jovanović, Ines Mrakovcic-Sutic, Sandra Pavičić Žeželj, Branislav Šuša, Dario Rahelić and Sanja Klobučar Majanović
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3583; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113583 - 22 Nov 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7287
Abstract
There is growing evidence of the dietary impact on obesity-induced low-grade chronic inflammation and the associated chronic non-communicable diseases modification. We determined changes in body composition and cardiometabolic and inflammatory status of participants with obesity after 24 weeks of a dietary intervention based [...] Read more.
There is growing evidence of the dietary impact on obesity-induced low-grade chronic inflammation and the associated chronic non-communicable diseases modification. We determined changes in body composition and cardiometabolic and inflammatory status of participants with obesity after 24 weeks of a dietary intervention based on an energy-reduced anti-inflammatory diet and examined the relationship of these changes with changes in the inflammatory potential of the diet. The anthropometric and body composition parameters of 81 participants (average age of 43 years, 74 women) were assessed. Metabolic status was determined using the glycemic and lipid statuses, and the cardiometabolic index and inflammatory status were determined using the concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The inflammatory potential of the diet was assessed using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®). Intervention with an anti-inflammatory diet resulted in a significant reduction in body weight and visceral adipose tissue and caused improvements in the participants’ cardiometabolic and inflammatory statuses. The anti-inflammatory diet was shown to be effective regarding obesity management. The study data could advance current scientific knowledge in the field of inflammation and diet, provide guidelines for obesity management, and find its application in routine clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1213 KiB  
Article
Administration of an Intravenous Fat Emulsion Enriched with Medium-Chain Triglyceride/ω-3 Fatty Acids is Beneficial Towards Anti-Inflammatory Related Fatty Acid Profile in Preterm Neonates: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
by Panos Papandreou, Aristea Gioxari, Dimitrios Ntountaniotis, Olga-Natalia Korda, Maria Skouroliakou and Tania Siahanidou
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3526; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113526 - 16 Nov 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3455
Abstract
Intravenous administration of pure soybean oil emulsions high in linoleic acid may lead to inflammation and lipid peroxidation in preterm neonates. We aimed to investigate the effects of a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) on plasma fatty [...] Read more.
Intravenous administration of pure soybean oil emulsions high in linoleic acid may lead to inflammation and lipid peroxidation in preterm neonates. We aimed to investigate the effects of a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)/ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-enriched intravenous fat emulsion (IVFE) on plasma fatty acid (FA) profile and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) in preterm neonates. In this double-blind randomized study, 92 preterm neonates (gestational age < 32 weeks, birth weight < 1500 g) were assigned to receive either MCT/ω-3 PUFA-enriched IVFE (Intervention Group) or soybean oil-based IVFE (Control Group). Levels of FAs were measured at baseline (day 0) and day 15 of parenteral nutrition with gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Serum IL-6 was measured with sandwich ELISA in 59 neonates. Plasma FAs changed significantly over time; the MCT/ω-3 PUFA-IVFE group showed higher ω-3 PUFAs (p = 0.031), eicosapentaenoic acid (p = 0.000), and oleic acid (p = 0.003), and lower ω-6/ω-3 PUFAs ratio (p = 0.001) and ω-6 PUFAs (p = 0.023) compared to control group. Linoleic acid was higher in the soybean oil (SO)-based IVFE arm compared to the MCT/ω-3 PUFAs-IVFE arm (p = 0.006). Both fat emulsion types decreased IL-6 compared to baseline, but changes were insignificant between groups. Administration of MCT/ω-3 PUFA-enriched IVFE in preterm neonates is beneficial in changing the FA profile consistent with attenuated inflammatory response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Food Histamine Intake on Asthma Activity: A Pilot Study
by Emilia Vassilopoulou, George N. Konstantinou, Anastasia Dimitriou, Yannis Manios, Lemonica Koumbi and Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos
Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3402; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113402 - 05 Nov 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5165
Abstract
Asthma is a complex chronic inflammatory disorder. Diet’s impact on asthma symptoms is controversial. The objective of this pilot crossover, randomized, two-period study was to examine the effect of dietary histamine intake on asthma symptoms in twenty-one children with mild intermittent asthma. Children [...] Read more.
Asthma is a complex chronic inflammatory disorder. Diet’s impact on asthma symptoms is controversial. The objective of this pilot crossover, randomized, two-period study was to examine the effect of dietary histamine intake on asthma symptoms in twenty-one children with mild intermittent asthma. Children were randomly assigned to either a high- or low-histamine diet, based on the Mediterranean pattern, for 4 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, patients crossed to the alternative diet for 4 additional weeks. Asthma symptoms were assessed at baseline and after the completion of each diet period by a clinician. Daily symptoms and peak flow were recorded throughout the intervention. Adherence to the dietary intervention was assessed via analysis of four random 24-h recalls, for each intervention period. Eighteen children completed the study. Significantly higher mean air flow obstruction was recorded and a trend for prolonged and more severe symptoms was observed during the high-histamine period. Diet may have an active and direct impact on asthma symptoms. Food choice is affected and/or may affect symptoms in children with mild asthma. Diet intervention is promising yet challenging, for asthma control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 795 KiB  
Article
Dietary Short-Term Fiber Interventions in Arthritis Patients Increase Systemic SCFA Levels and Regulate Inflammation
by Kerstin Dürholz, Jörg Hofmann, Aida Iljazovic, Julian Häger, Sébastien Lucas, Kerstin Sarter, Till Strowig, Holger Bang, Jürgen Rech, Georg Schett and Mario M. Zaiss
Nutrients 2020, 12(10), 3207; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103207 - 20 Oct 2020
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 9729
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases are often initiated and guided by the release of proinflammatory mediators. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in the joints, thereby favoring chronic inflammation and joint damage. Here, we investigate if short-term [...] Read more.
Chronic inflammatory diseases are often initiated and guided by the release of proinflammatory mediators. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in the joints, thereby favoring chronic inflammation and joint damage. Here, we investigate if short-term high-fiber dietary intervention shifts this towards anti-inflammatory mediators. Healthy controls (n = 10) and RA patients (n = 29) under routine care received daily high-fiber bars for 15 or 30 days, respectively. Stool and sera were analyzed for pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. A high-fiber dietary intervention resulted in increased anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), decreased proarthritic cytokine concentrations, along with a durable shift in the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. Together, these results further strengthen high-fiber dietary interventions as a practical approach complementing existing pharmacological therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1757 KiB  
Review
Dietary Interventions with Polyphenols in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review Directed from the Preclinical Data to Randomized Clinical Studies
by Evdokia Valsamidou, Aristea Gioxari, Charalampia Amerikanou, Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis, George Skarpas and Andriana C. Kaliora
Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051420 - 23 Apr 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3906
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a major cause of limited functionality and thus a decrease in the quality of life of the inflicted. Given the fact that the existing pharmacological treatments lack disease-modifying properties and their use entails [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a major cause of limited functionality and thus a decrease in the quality of life of the inflicted. Given the fact that the existing pharmacological treatments lack disease-modifying properties and their use entails significant side effects, nutraceuticals with bioactive compounds constitute an interesting field of research. Polyphenols are plant-derived molecules with established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been extensively evaluated in clinical settings and preclinical models in OA. As more knowledge is gained in the research field, an interesting approach in the management of OA is the additive and/or synergistic effects that polyphenols may have in an optimized supplement. Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the recent literature regarding the use of combined polyphenols in the management of OA. For that purpose, a PubMed literature survey was conducted with a focus on some preclinical osteoarthritis models and randomized clinical trials on patients with osteoarthritis from 2018 to 2021 which have evaluated the effect of combinations of polyphenol-rich extracts and purified polyphenol constituents. Data indicate that combined polyphenols may be promising for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the future, but more clinical trials with novel approaches in the identification of the in-between relationship of such constituents are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 684 KiB  
Review
Dietary Interventions in the Management of Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Best-Evidence Synthesis
by Ethan Lowry, Joanne Marley, Joseph G. McVeigh, Emeir McSorley, Philip Allsopp and Daniel Kerr
Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2664; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092664 - 31 Aug 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 15319
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterised by chronic widespread pain alongside fatigue, poor sleep quality and numerous comorbidities. It is estimated to have a worldwide prevalence of 1.78%, with a predominance in females. Treatment interventions for fibromyalgia have limited success, leading to many patients [...] Read more.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterised by chronic widespread pain alongside fatigue, poor sleep quality and numerous comorbidities. It is estimated to have a worldwide prevalence of 1.78%, with a predominance in females. Treatment interventions for fibromyalgia have limited success, leading to many patients seeking alternative forms of treatment, including modifications to their diet and lifestyle. The effectiveness of dietary changes in fibromyalgia has not been widely researched or evaluated. This systematic review identified twenty-two studies, including 18 randomised control trials (RCTs) and four cohort studies which were eligible for inclusion. In total these studies investigated 17 different nutritional interventions. Significant improvements in reported pain were observed for those following a vegan diet, as well as with the low fermentable oligo di-mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diets. Supplementation with Chlorella green algae, coenzyme Q10, acetyl-l-carnitine or a combination of vitamin C and E significantly improved measures of pain. Interpretation of these studies was limited due to the frequent poor quality of the study design, the wide heterogeneity between studies, the small sample size and a high degree of bias. Therefore, there is insufficient evidence to recommend any one particular nutritional intervention for the management of fibromyalgia and further research is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Interventions for Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop