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Articles publicats en revistes (Nutrició, Ciències de l'Alimentació i Gastronomia)

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    Greater fragmentation of the daily rhythm of energy intake is associated with better insulin sensitivity in rotating shift workers
    (Informa Healthcare, 2026-05-15) Pereira Marot, L.uisa; Zerón-Rugerio, María Fernanda; Cambras Riu, Trinitat; Tibiletti Balieiro, Laura Cristina; Rosa, Dayane Eusenia; Vale Cardoso Lopes, Tássia Do; Castro Moreno, Claudia Roberta de; Izquierdo Pulido, Maria; Crispim, Cibele Aparecida
    Shift workers are essential to sustaining the modern 24 h society. However, they experience a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a vulnerability thought to arise from recurrent misalignment between their sleep-wake and fasting-eating schedules. This study aimed to investigate the association between the daily rhythms of energy and macronutrient intake, motor activity (MA), and wrist temperature (WT) with anthropometric and biochemical parameters in rotating shift workers (RSW). Thirty male RSW participated in this 10 d cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were collected, and a 10 d 24 h food recall was used to assess energy and macronutrient intake. From these data, daily rhythms of energy intake were characterized, and actigraphy was used to evaluate daily rhythms of MA and WT. Daily rhythms were analyzed using non-parametric analyses including the intradaily variability (IV) and interdaily stability (IS), and associations with outcome variables were tested using partial correlations. A negative association was observed between the IV of the daily rhythms of energy and carbohydrate intake with insulin levels (p < 0.05), HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), and triglycerides (p < 0.05). In contrast, higher IV in the daily rhythm of WT was associated with higher total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05). These results suggest that a higher fragmentation (higher IV) of the daily rhythm of energy intake is associated with better glucose tolerance among RSW.
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    Fetal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and congenital malformations: A nation-wide register-based study on PFAS in drinking water
    (Elsevier Ltd., 2025-03-14) Säve-Söderbergh, Melle; Gyllenhammar, Irina; Schillemans, Tessa; Lindfeldt, Emelie; Vogs, Carolina; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Ankarberg, E. H.; Glynn, Anders; Ahrens, Lutz; Helte, Emilie; Åkesson, Agneta
    Background: Teratogenic properties of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been assessed in a few studies, however, epidemiological evidence for an association is inconclusive. Objectives: We conducted a Swedish nation-wide register-based cohort study to assess the associations of estimated fetal exposure to the sum of drinking water perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) with major congenital malformations. Methods: We included all births in Sweden during 2012-2018 of mothers residing ≥four years prior to partus in localities served by municipal drinking water where PFAS concentrations have been measured in drinking water. We estimated the fetal PFAS4 exposure by using a one-compartment toxicokinetic model - including maternal residential history, municipal PFAS water concentration and year-specific PFAS maternal background concentrations as input data - and accounting thereafter PFAS-specific transplacental transfer factors to estimate the fetal PFAS4 exposure. By register linkage we obtained birth outcomes and covariates. Odd ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of the associations between estimated PFAS in foetuses and major congenital malformations were estimated by logistic regressions and, complementary, by quantile g-computation regression for mixture effects. Results: Analyses of 256,659 newborns of which 5,357 were diagnosed with major congenital malformations, revealed associations between fetal PFAS4 exposure and malformations on the nervous system OR, 2.84 (95 % CI: 1.38-5.84, p-trend: 0.008) and chromosomal anomalies OR, 1.50 (95 % CI: 1.07-2.10, p-trend: 0.009) comparing extreme quartiles. For the individual PFAS and in the quantile g-computation model, there were indications of an association between PFAS and urinary defects, OR 1.96 (95 % CI: 1.59-2.43, p-trend mixed effect: <0.001), primarily driven by PFOA and PFHxS. Discussion: Modelled fetal sum of PFAS4 was associated with malformations of the nervous system and chromosomal anomalies, while the mixture assessment revealed associations with defects on urinary system. As the underlying toxicological mechanisms remains unclear, further investigation is warranted.
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    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension and preeclampsia: A nation-wide register-based study on PFAS in drinking water
    (Elsevier Ltd., 2025-03-26) Gyllenhammar, Irina; Schillemans, Tessa; Lindfeldt, Emelie; Vogs, Carolina; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Helte, Emilie; Ankarberg, Emma; Glynn, Anders; Ahrens, Lutz; Åkesson, Agneta; Säve-Söderbergh, Melle
    Background: There is inconclusive evidence of associations between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Objectives: We conducted a nation-wide register-based cohort study to assess the associations of the estimated maternal drinking water exposure to the sum of four major PFAS (PFAS4; perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluorohexanoate (PFHxS)) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertension and preeclampsia. Materials and methods: We included nulliparous women giving birth in Sweden during 2012-2018 in large localities served by municipal drinking water where PFAS were measured in raw and drinking water. Using a one-compartment toxicokinetic model, we estimated cumulative maternal blood levels of PFAS4 during pregnancy considering residential history, municipal PFAS water concentration and year-specific maternal PFAS background serum levels. The outcomes and individual covariates were ascertained via register linkage. Mean values and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) of Odds Ratios (OR) were estimated by logistic regression. Results: Among the 109,031 nulliparous women included, with an estimated average 7.8 ng PFAS4/mL serum (standard deviation: 2.0 ng/mL), there were indications of a non-monotonic inverse association for PFAS4 and GDM, corresponding to multivariable-adjusted OR 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.61-0.84) when comparing extreme quartiles. An inverse association were also seen for each PFAS individually. No clear associations were seen for hypertension or preeclampsia, although individual PFAS indicated significant associations, both inverse (PFAS and PFHxS) and direct (PFOS and PFNA) for hypertension. Conclusion: In the present study, we observed indications of inverse, non-monotonic associations for PFAS4 and GDM. Some individual PFAS were also associated with hypertension, both direct and inverse. The limitations linked to the exposure assessment still require caution in the interpretation.
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    Longitudinal assessment of nitrate and trihalomethanes in drinking-water and breast cancer in the CONSTANCES cohort: a prospective population-based study in France
    (Elsevier Ltd., 2025-10-11) Lafontaine, Antoine; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Lequy, Emeline; Lee, Sewon; Glorennec, Philippe; Le Bot, Barbara; Goldberg, Marcel; Zins, Marie; Jacquemin, Bénédicte; Villanueva, Cristina M.
    Nitrate and trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water are widespread and potential human carcinogens. We evaluated the association between time-varying exposure to nitrate and THMs in drinking water and female breast cancer (BC) among adults from CONSTANCES, a large French population-based prospective cohort. Our analysis included 26,669 women (18.5-72.5 years old) enrolled in 2012-2020, followed until 2021, with information on residential history, type of water consumed, type of filter used, and bathing and showering frequency. We used water quality data for 2004-2020 from the drinking surveillance national database (SISE-Eaux). Annual median concentrations of nitrate, chloroform, chlorodibromomethane, bromodichloromethane, and bromoform at the participants' residential addresses were estimated. Waterborne ingested exposure was estimated considering type of water, filter used, and liters/day consumed. Estimated exposure in showers and baths combined residential concentrations with showers/baths duration and frequency. Incident BC cases were ascertained in the French national health data system (SNDS) for 2012-2021. Extended Cox models with attained age as time-scale and time-varying weighted average exposures, adjusted for individual and area-level covariables, were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) by exposure tertiles. Average age at enrolment was 49.3 years, and median exposure window was 13 years. Median follow-up was 5 years (153,742 person-years), resulting in 437 new BC diagnoses. Median residential nitrate, brominated (Br)-THMs and chloroform concentrations were, respectively, 15.8 mg/L, 14.2 μg/L, and 2.7 μg/L. HR (95 %CI) of BC associated with waterborne ingested nitrate (mg/day) for the second (>4.8-15.1) and third tertile (>15.1) compared to the first (≤4.8) were 1.35 (1.01-1.81) and 1.51 (1.10-2.07), respectively. Residential THM concentrations were not associated with BC, however HR (95 %CI) of BC for showering and bathing Br-THMs exposure (μg/L × min/day) was 1.18 (0.84-1.64) for the third (>125) vs. first tertile (≤51.5). Findings suggest that ingested nitrate could be a risk factor of BC.
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    Association of faecal and urinary micro- and nanoplastics with markers of gut integrity and renal function
    (Elsevier, 2026-03-04) Miguela-Benavides, Maria; Calikanzaros, Emma; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Aguilar, Ruth; Raimondi, Felipe; Iraola Guzmán, Susana; Dobaño, Carlota, 1969-; Cid, Rafael de; Llorca Casamayor, Marta; Farré Albaladejo, Magí; Villanueva, Cristina M.
    Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) constitute an emerging environmental concern due to their persistence and ubiquity, but evidence on health effects remains limited. We explored the association between MNPs exposure and markers of gut integrity and renal function in a cross-sectional study in Barcelona (Spain). We enrolled 50 healthy adults who self-collected spot urine and stool samples. MNPs (0.7-20 μm) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS). Calprotectin, zonulin, lysozyme, β-defensin-2 and lactoferrin were measured in stool samples via ELISA. Urea, creatinine and albumin were measured in urine through kinetic and immunoturbidimetric methods. Generalized linear models adjusting for potential confounders were performed to evaluate the association between MNP presence in biological samples and the mentioned biomarkers. Six MNP polymers were detected across 52% of stool and 48% of urine samples. Polyamide was the most frequently detected polymer in stool (34%) and urine samples (16%). Polypropylene (PP) detection in stool was negatively associated with calprotectin (Ratio of means-ROM [95%CI] = 0.52 [0.31-0.94]). In urine, the presence of any MNP polymer was positively associated with the albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) (ROM [95%CI] = 2.18 [1.17-4.01]). Negative associations between PP in stool and lactoferrin, and polybutene-1 (PB1) in urine and uACR were observed, although these must be cautiously interpreted due to substantial lactoferrin measurement variability (lactoferrin undetected in 32% of samples) and a small number of PB1 detected samples (N = 5). Findings of this exploratory study suggest oral exposure to MNPs may be associated with renal function and gut integrity.
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    Reviving ancient winemaking: Effects of ceramic vessels and organic coatings in wine production
    (Elsevier B.V., 2026-05-15) Abarca-Rivas, Clara; Corrado, Marina; Campins Machado, Francesc Miquel; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Pecci, Alessandra
    The revival of ancient winemaking techniques using ceramic vessels and organic coatings such as pitch, resin, and beeswax has gained renewed interest among producers seeking distinctive sensory profiles, sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation. This review synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence on the role of ceramic containers and coatings in wine production, integrating archaeological insights with contemporary practices. Ceramic vessels enable micro-oxygenation and thermal stability, influencing phenolic polymerization and wine complexity without introducing exogenous compounds. Organic coatings historically served to waterproof vessels and impart antimicrobial and aromatic properties, with modern applications observed in traditional wines such as Georgian qv<em>evri</em>, Portuguese <em>talha</em>, Greek <em>retsina</em>, and Canary Islands <em>tea</em> wines. These techniques have been associated with enhanced poly(phenol) content, unique volatile profiles, and reduced reliance on chemical preservatives. Despite promising findings, research remains fragmented, with gaps in sensory characterization, mineral migration, and coating performance. Addressing these gaps through integrated chemical, microbiological, and sensory studies could transform these heritage practices into scientifically validated strategies for producing high-quality, low-intervention wines.
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    Indole Content Profiling During Biological Ageing of Cava Sparkling Wine
    (MDPI, 2025-02-20) Abarca-Rivas, Clara; Martín Garcia, Alba; Riu Aumatell, Montserrat; López Tamames, Elvira
    Indoles are bioactive components found in wine products and are associated with yeast activity. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is characterized by aging in contact with lees, making it a potential matrix for indoles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the indole content in Cava produced at an industrial scale. Nine indoles were analysed by Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Cava samples with different ageing times (n = 74). Significant amounts of tryptophan (2.3–1680.4 µg/L), tryptophan ethyl ester (0.1–5.2 µg/L), 5-methoxytryptophol (0.3–29.2 µg/L) and n-acetyl serotonin (0.3–2.3 µg/L) were determined. Tryptophan and tryptophan ethyl ester were positively correlated and decreased with ageing time. In fact, a concentration of less than 0.56 µg of the latter indole can become a marker of the most aged Cavas. The ageing time in contact with lees seems to play a key role affecting the indole content, since base wines show high amount of tryptophan and tryptophan ethyl ester while aged sparkling wines have values around the lower 95% confidence limit. Notably, the identification of tryptophan ethyl ester as a potential marker for aging in Cava suggests a new avenue for further research and quality assessment in its production
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    Central Adiposity Assessed with Body Roundness Index and Mortality: The Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra Prospective Cohort
    (MDPI, 2025-10-23) Dominguez, Ligia J.; Sayón Orea, Carmen; Toledo Atucha, Estefanía; Bes Rastrollo, Maira; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Barbagallo, Mario; Martínez-González, Miguel Ángel, 1957-
    Background/Objectives: Obesity is currently a global pandemic and a major risk factor for the development of chronic disease and increased mortality. Common methods used to define obesity, such as body mass index (BMI), do not accurately reflect body fat content or distribution. Methods: We investigated the prognostic significance of the body roundness index (BRI) on incident death in 12,642 participants (60.2% women, mean age: 39, standard deviation (SD): 12 years) from the “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” prospective cohort and compared it to waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) and waist circumference (WC). Participants were monitored through biennial questionnaires. The mean of the baseline BRI was 3.6 (SD: 1.4) units. Multivariable-adjusted Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and confidence intervals (CI) of death. Results: Over a median follow-up period of 11.5 years, 380 participants died (absolute mortality rate 1.74 × 10−3). In multivariable-adjusted models, higher quartiles of BRI were significantly associated with all-cause death, specifically in those ≥ 60 years (Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 1: HR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.70). Considering the whole group (all ages), each 2-unit increase in BRI was linked to a 21% higher all-cause mortality risk in both men and women. This association was even stronger for participants aged over 60 years (multivariate adjusted HR for 2-unit BRI increase: 1.31; CI: 1.00, 1.72), while it was not significant when considering only those under 60 years. The associations of z-WtHR and z-WC with incident mortality for all participants were also significant in the fully adjusted model (HRs: 1.14; CI: 1.01, 1.27, and HRs: 1.16; CI: 1.04, 1.30, respectively). Mortality associations assessed using the BRI, WtHR, and WC were superior to associations based on the BMI. Conclusions: BRI shows a linear link with all-cause mortality in healthy adults ≥ 60, while WtHR and WC were also mortality predictors. Thus, lower central fat may help reduce early death risk.
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    Dietary patterns and neuropsychological function in adolescents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
    (BioMed Central, 2026-12-01) Manidis, Alexios; Ayala-Aldana, Nicolas; Bernardo-Castro, Sara; Pinar-Martí, Ariadna; Galkina, Polina; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Papandreou, Christopher; Julvez, Jordi; Fernández Barrés, Silvia; Ramírez-Carrasco, Patricia
    Background. Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, during which dietary patterns may influence neuropsychological functioning. Objective. To examine cross-sectional associations and determine if baseline adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is associated with changes in adolescent neuropsychological outcomes over 6 months. Methods. This study represents a secondary analysis of the WALNUTs Smart-Snack Trial. We evaluated 653 adolescents (aged 12–16 years) from Barcelona at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. All dietary data used for these analyses were collected at the baseline timepoint only. MD adherence was measured with the KIDMED index and UPF consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and classified using the NOVA system. Cognitive domains were assessed at both time points using standardised computer-based tasks: attention (alerting, orienting, executive control) with the Attention Network Test; working memory (4-back) with the N-back task; fluid intelligence with the Primary Mental Abilities-Revised; decision-making with the Roulettes Task; and emotion recognition with the Emotion Recognition Task. Behavioural outcomes were also evaluated at both time points using the self-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and teacher-reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-DSM-IV scales. Associations were examined using multivariable generalised linear models. To further validate UPF consumption estimations, polyphenol biomarkers were measured in urine in a subsample of 257 participants. Results. Greater adherence to the MD was cross-sectionally linked to fewer behavioural problems and higher scores of executive functioning, while higher UPF consumption was associated with poorer emotion recognition, reduced alerting attention, less advantageous decision-making, more behavioural problems and internalising symptoms. Longitudinally, higher UPF consumption was associated with more internalising symptoms and less advantageous decision-making, whereas MD adherence showed no associations. Conclusions. Greater MD adherence appears associated with more favourable behavioural and cognitive profiles. In contrast, higher UPF consumption seems to be associated with less favourable profiles across multiple neuropsychological domains in adolescents. However, the limited longitudinal evidence points to complex relationships that warrant further investigation. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of promoting healthier dietary habits during adolescence.
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    Green optimisation of microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from rice straw lignocellulosic residues and LC-HRMS-based cultivar profiling
    (Elsevier B.V., 2026-05-15) San Sebastián, Laura; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Jiménez, Alfonso; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Garrigós, María Carmen; Ramos, Marina; Laveriano-Santos, Emily P.
    Rice straw was valorised as a source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was optimised using a Box–Behnken design to assess the influence of temperature, ethanol concentration, solvent volume and extraction time on yield, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity. Temperature and time were the key factors. Optimal conditions (80 °C, 60% ethanol, 50 mL, 40 min) produced an 18.9% yield and 796 mg GAE/100 g DW, with high antioxidant activity (FRAP 32.3; ABTS 43.2 μmol TE/g DW). LC-ESI/LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS/MS enabled detailed profiling of phenolic compounds, with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin-3-glucoside as major contributors. The optimised workflow was applied to eleven cultivars harvested in 2019–2020, revealing cultivar- and year-dependent differences in phenolic fingerprints and antioxidant performance. Overall, the integrated MAE–Orbitrap approach efficiently produced phenolic-rich extracts and supported comparative cultivar profiling, although further evidence on stability, safety and regulatory aspects is needed for food-related applications.
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    TAS2R5 and TAS2R38 are bitter taste receptors whose colonic expressions could play important roles in age-associated processes
    (Elsevier B.V., 2025-06-01) Jalševac, Florijan; Segú, Helena; Balaguer Prunés, Francesc; Ocaña, Teresa; Moreira, Rebeca; Abad Jordà, Laia; Gracia-Sancho, Jorge; Fernández Iglesias, Anabel; Andrés Lacueva, Ma. Cristina; Martínez Huélamo, Miriam; Beltrán-Debón, Raúl; Rodríguez Gallego, Esther; Terra, Ximena; Ardévol Grau, Anna; Pinent, Montserrat
    Ageing disrupts how our bodies process nutrients, leading to deregulation of nutrient-sensing and increased inflammation. Dietary interventions can promote healthy ageing, which demonstrates the importance of both metabolism and the gastrointestinal tract for our health. Bitter taste receptors (TAS2R) present in the intestine are key members of metabolic regulation. TAS2R are involved in controlling enterohormonal secretion, detect phenolic compounds in our diet, and potentially have a great impact on the ageing process. Here, we aimed to analyze the potential role of intestinal TAS2R on the ageing process and establish potential impact of these receptors on the biomarkers. Healthy subjects were divided into two age cohorts: young (38.9±6) and aged (63.6±6). TAS2R expression was analyzed in the colon. Analyses of metabolomics and of phenolic markers were performed in plasma. Best discriminatory parameters were obtained using three machine-learning methods. Finally, Spearman's rank correlation was performed. The best separators of the age cohorts were docosahexaenoic acid and multiple lipoprotein fractions. Two TAS2R were also identified: TAS2R5 and TAS2R38. TAS2R5 correlated with multiple lipoprotein-derived fractions, inflammatory marker IL-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids. TAS2R38 was much more selective, correlating with a few parameters, including membrane lipid sphingomyelin, ketone body acetone, and omega acids. Both TAS2R5 and TAS2R38 correlated with β-hydroxybutyrate. The parameters that correlated with TAS2R have known effects on the ageing process. This suggests that TAS2R5 and TAS2R38 are the bitter receptors most likely to play a role in the development and progress of ageing.
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    Tomato Intake Improves Cognitive Performance and Modulates Functional Brain Networks in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial.
    (MDPI, 2026-05-19) Ruiz-León, Ana María; Casas Rodríguez, Rosa M.; Estruch Riba, Ramon; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Corrado, Marina; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; López-Solís, Ricardo; Donat Vargas, Carolina; Ramírez-Carrasco, Patricia; Gutiérrez-Romero, Rocío M.; Pérez Bosch, Maria; Castellví, Magdalena; Bosch Capdevila, Beatriz; Arancibia Riveros, Camila; Hinojosa-Moscoso, Alejandro; Muñoz-Moreno, Emma; Laredo Gregorio, Carlos
    Tomatoes are the major dietary source of lycopene, a carotenoid that crosses the blood–brain barrier and exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the impact of tomato consumption on cognitive function in healthy adults remains unclear. This study assessed the effects of concentrated tomato paste on cognitive performance and explored potential mechanisms, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and functional brain connectivity. A randomized, two-period crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05891977) was conducted in 47 healthy adults aged 40–55 years assigned to two 3-month interventions separated by a 1-month washout: (a) daily consumption of concentrated tomato paste (0.5 g/kg body weight) and (b) a lycopene-restricted control diet. Cognitive performance was evaluated using validated neuropsychological tests (d2-R, Face-Name Associative Memory Exam, Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), alongside plasma lycopene and BDNF, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Forty-two participants completed the study. Tomato intake improved selective attention (concentration performance: +7.2 points; processing speed: +8.3 points) and associative memory (face-name matching: +0.8 points). Plasma BDNF showed a borderline increase with tomato intake (mean difference 15.2 ng/mL). Resting-state fMRI revealed changes in brain networks, including reduced connectivity in frontoparietal and auditory networks, contrasting with reductions in the dorsal attention network during the control period. These findings provide evidence that tomato consumption may support cognitive function and modulate brain connectivity in healthy middle-aged adults.
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    Dietary Polyamine Intake Across Age Groups in Spain: A Comprehensive Assessment
    (MDPI, 2026-05-01) Toro Funes, Natalia; Comas Basté, Oriol; Latorre Moratalla, Mariluz; Veciana Nogués, María Teresa; Vidal Carou, Ma. Carmen
    Background: Polyamines, including putrescine (PU), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM), are ubiquitous bioactive compounds essential for cell proliferation, genomic stability, autophagy, and the regulation of oxidative and inflammatory responses. Growing evidence, particularly for SPD, suggests that polyamine-rich diets may protect against age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders. As endogenous polyamine synthesis declines with age, dietary intake becomes increasingly important, especially in older adults. Methods: This study estimated each polyamine (PU, SPD and SPM) and total polyamine intake in the Spanish population using food consumption data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Intakes were evaluated across four age groups, and major dietary sources were identified. Results: Total polyamine intake increased with age, reaching 393 µmol/day in adults over 65 years. PU accounted for 49% of total intake, followed by SPD (29%) and SPM (22%). Plant-based foods were the primary contributors to SPD intake, particularly vegetables (36%), fruits (26%), and cereals (18%). PU intake was also predominantly plant-derived, mainly from fruits (58%) and vegetables (23%), whereas SPM intake was largely associated with meat products (59%). A theoretical Mediterranean diet model yielded a slightly higher total polyamine intake of 406.6 µmol/day and a substantially greater SPD intake than that observed in older adults (193.99 µmol/day versus 121.62 µmol/day). Conclusions: Overall, estimated polyamine intake in the Spanish population fell below the optimal level of 540 µmol/day proposed in the literature. These findings highlight the need for public health strategies promoting consumption of polyamine-rich foods, particularly vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits, to support healthy aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
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    Modulation of volatile profiles in wine produced following ancientpractices: A comparison between pitch-coated and uncoated amphorae
    (Elsevier B.V., 2026-07-01) Abarca-Rivas, Clara; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Pérez Bosch, Maria; Corrado, Marina; Zifferero, Andrea; Chessa, Riccardo; Rossellini, Daniele; Reynolds, Paul; Pecci, Alessandra
    Reviving ancient winemaking techniques, such as so called amphora fermentation, is gaining attention for producing wines with distinctive sensory profiles. This is the first study that investigates the impact of Pinaceae pitch coating on experimental wine volatile composition in coated and uncoated ceramic vessels. Using HS-SPME/GC-MS, we identified 52 compounds, with significant differences between samples. This highlights the influence of pitch coating on fermentation dynamics and volatile profile development, with potential implications for aroma. Several pitch-derived compounds, including pitch biomarkers, were detected exclusively in wines produced in coated vessels, suggesting direct migration from the pitch. Coating also modified the abundance of esters, acids and alcohols, likely due to differences in micro-oxygenation and potentially by yeast metabolism. These preliminary findings provide new insights into the role of vessel coatings in shaping wine aroma and open avenues for targeted modulation of wine profiles through material selection.
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    Managing bioactive amines in plant-based fermented products
    (Elsevier B.V., 2026-03-01) Costa-Catala, Judit; Tabanelli, Giulia; Diez González, Alicia; Latorre Moratalla, Mariluz; Vidal Carou, Ma. Carmen; Comas Basté, Oriol
    The fermentation of vegetable products is gaining interest due to its ability to extend shelf life and reduce food waste. Additionally, the perceived health benefits of certain fermented foods and the growing popularity of plant-based diets have led to greater consumption and diversification of fermented products. However, fermentation can also promote the accumulation of biogenic amines, which may pose health risks. This study investigated the content of bioactive amines in various commercial plant-based fermented products and evaluated a novel strategy to reduce biogenic amine accumulation by the addition of an active ingredient derived from lyophilised green pea sprouts containing the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). Among the tested products, sauerkraut and soy sauce exhibited the highest total biogenic amines levels, with the greatest variability between samples. In contrast, average biogenic amines levels in kimchi, tempeh, miso, soybean paste and a cashew-based cheese analogue were moderate with less variability. No biogenic amines were detected in kombucha. Spermidine and spermine were present in most products, reflecting their natural occurrence in plant ingredients. When the DAO-containing active ingredient was added to laboratory-scale sauerkraut, it significantly reduced biogenic amine levels after seven days: cadaverine decreased by 80 %, putrescine by 70 %, histamine by 23 % and tyramine by 11 %. When all four biogenic amines were simultaneously present in the sauerkraut, the selectivity and effectiveness of the active ingredient were maintained. This novel approach may contribute to the development of safer, higher-quality fermented plant products while benefiting histamine-intolerant consumers.
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    Comparative Assessment of the Nutritional Profile of Meat Products and Their Plant-Based Analogues
    (MDPI, 2023-06-01) Costa-Catala Judit; Toro Funes, Natalia; Comas Basté, Oriol; Hernández-Macias, Salvador; Sánchez-Pérez, Sònia; Veciana Nogués, María Teresa; Castell Garralda, Victòria; Vidal Carou, Ma. Carmen; Latorre Moratalla, Mariluz
    Vegetarian and vegan diets are increasingly being adopted in Spain, a trend mainly driven by ethical concerns for animal welfare and the environment. This has resulted in a growing market for plant-based substitutes of meat products. However, available data on the nutritional value of such meat analogues in Mediterranean countries are still limited. In this study, the labelling information of four categories of plant-based meat analogues (n = 100) and the corresponding conventional meat products (n = 48) available on the Spanish market was surveyed and compared. The nutrient content of plant-based meat analogues varied significantly, due to the wide range of ingredients used in their formulation. Some of these products were found to have a low protein content, which in others was enhanced by the addition of cereals and legumes. Compared to the meat products, the plant-based analogues contained lower levels of total fat as well as saturated fat, which ranged from 30% of total fat in burgers to less than 15% in meatballs, sausages, and nuggets; in contrast, they contained higher amounts of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Overall, the meat analogues cannot be considered as nutritionally equivalent substitutes to conventional meat products due to a high variability of protein content and other nutrients.
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    Microbial phenolic metabolites are associated with better frontal lobe cognition
    (Tsinghua University Press, 2024-12-18) Domínguez López, Inés; Parilli Moser, Isabella; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Tresserra i Rimbau, Anna; Valls Pedret, Cinta; Vázquez Ruiz, Zenaida; Castañer Niño, Olga; Estruch Riba, Ramon; Ros Rahola, Emilio; Lamuela Raventós, Rosa Ma.
    With increasing life expectancy, neurodegenerative diseases have become one of the leading causes of illhealth in the elderly. Preventive strategies include following healthy diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, which is particularly rich in polyphenols, bioactive compounds with neuroprotective properties. The aim of this study was to assess the association of microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) with cognition. This cross-sectional analysis was performed with 200 participants of the PREDIMED trial (Barcelona-Clinic recruitment center). A novel method based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was used to identify urinary MPM (protocatechuic acid, enterodiol glucuronide, enterolactone glucuronide, urolithin B glucuronide, and vanillic acid glucuronide), and cognitive function was evaluated with neuropsychological tests. Multivariable-adjusted ordinary least squares regression was used to assess the associations between cognitive function and MPM, and a score was calculated as the weighted sum of MPM. A higher MPM score was associated with better frontal lobe function. Among individual metabolites, vanillic acid glucuronide was correlated with frontal cognitive performance. Participants with higher concentrations of vanillic acid glucuronide and urolithin B glucuronide obtained better scores in the Color Trail Test part 2. A higher score for urinary multiMPM was associated with better frontal cognitive performance in an older Mediterranean population.
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    Distinctive Behavior and Selective Modulation of PPARγ by Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Pomolic Acid and Hederagenin from Rosa canina
    (American Chemical Society, 2026-04-29) Nicola Llorente, Mariano; Hermoso-Pinilla, Francisco Javier; Torres-Oteros, Daniel; Luque Garriga, F. Xavier; Canudas Puig, Sílvia; Marrero González, Pedro F.; Haro Bautista, Diego; Relat Pardo, Joana
    Bioactive triterpenoids present in plant-derived foods are emerging as modulators of metabolic health, although their molecular targets and mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we characterize Pomolic acid and Hederagenin, two pentacyclic triterpenoids from Rosa canina, as antagonists and selective modulators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Both compounds reduced lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and antagonized rosiglitazone-induced PPARγ transactivation without intrinsic agonist activity. Pomolic acid behaved as a neutral antagonist, repressing adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression and preventing TRAP220 recruitment. In contrast, Hederagenin selectively modulated PPARγ target genes involved in lipid handling while limiting triglyceride accumulation. TR-FRET assays confirmed direct binding to the receptor, and molecular dynamics simulations revealed a betulinic acid─like binding mode that destabilizes helices H11–H12 and disrupts the AF-2 coactivator interface. These findings provide mechanistic insight into how structurally related dietary triterpenoids modulate PPARγ signaling and support them as candidates for metabolic disease strategies.
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    The Antiobesity Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina) Flesh by Antagonizing the PPAR Gamma Activity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
    (Wiley-VCH, 2024-02-08) Sanz Lamora, Héctor; Nicola Llorente, Mariano; Torres-Oteros, Daniel; Pérez-Martí, A.; Aghziel, Inass; Lozano Castellón, Julián; Vallverdú i Queralt, Anna; Canudas Puig, Sílvia; Marrero González, Pedro F.; Haro Bautista, Diego; Relat Pardo, Joana
    Scope: The rosehip (Rosa canina) is a perennial shrub with a reddish pseudofruit that has demonstrated antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and antiobesogenic effects in rodent models but there is low information about the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects on the onset and progression of diet-induced obesity. Methods and results: Four-week-old C57BL/6J male mice are subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD)-supplemented or not with R. canina flesh for 18 weeks. The results indicated that the R. canina flesh exerts a preventive effect on HFD-induced obesity with a significant reduction in body-weight gain and an improvement of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance caused by a HFD. At the tissue level, subcutaneous white adipose tissue exhibits a higher number of smaller adipocytes, with decreased lipogenesis. On its side, the liver shows a significant decrease in lipid droplet content and in the expression of genes related to lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and glucose metabolism. Finally, the data suggest that most of these effects agree with the presence of a putative Perosxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR ) antagonist in the R. canina flesh. Conclusions: R. canina flesh dietary supplementation slows down the steatotic effect of a HFD at least in part through the regulation of the transcriptional activity of PPAR .
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    Intake of the Total, Classes, and Subclasses of (Poly)phenols and Breast Cancer Risk: A Prospective Analysis of the EPIC Study
    (MDPI, 2026-03-01) Tjønneland, Anne; Lill, Christina M.; Farràs, Marta; Zamora-Ros, Raul; Schulze, Matthias B.; Masala, Giovanna; Agnoli, Claudia; Signoriello, Simona; Padroni, Lisa; Lasheras, Cristina; Sánchez, M. José; Aizpurua Atxega, Amaia; Colorado-Yohar, S.M.; Gasque, Alba; López Padilla, M. Fernanda; Seoane-Miraz, David; Guiñón Fort, Daniel; Almanza Aguilera, Enrique; Dahm, Christina C.; Louati-Hajji, Mariem; Cadeau, Claire; Mancini, Francesca; Bajracharya, Rahsmita; Katzke, Verena; Chan, Wing Ching; Saleh, Yahya Mahamat
    Polyphenols represent the largest and most diverse class of dietary antioxidants. Epidemiological evidence linking specific (poly)phenol classes, such as flavonoids and lignans, to breast cancer (BC) risk remains limited and largely inconclusive in prospective studies. The aim of this study is to examine the association between the intake of total (poly)phenols—and its classes and subclasses—and BC risk—overall and by subtypes (estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2))—in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. The EPIC cohort includes 257,960 adult women from seven European countries. During a mean follow-up of 14 years, there were 10,722 incident overall BC cases. Associations were computed using Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders. No significant associations were found between total (poly)phenol intake and overall BC risk (HRQ5 vs. Q1 = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.95–1.11). In addition, null associations were mostly found between classes and subclasses of (poly)phenols and BC subtypes. After stratifying by menopausal status, no significant associations were observed. In conclusion, this study found no evidence of associations between the intake of any class or subclass of (poly)phenols and BC risk in the European population.