Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Joseph Cannillo
University of Bari, Italy
Keynote: Epigenetics, Inflamamsomes and Low Back Pain
Time : 10:00-10:45
Biography:
Abstract:
Persistent low back pain (LBP) is the most common form of chronic illness in patients age 60 and under, affecting 15% of the population. In addition to being a major health problem, it also has serious economic consequences. Current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to chronic back pain are limited by our narrow understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms. As a consequence, treatment is not always effective and individuals may suffer for years without relief. LBP is often associated with signs of degeneration in the intervertebral discs. LBP encompasses a wide spectrum of pain disorders including axial pain in the low back region and radiating pain down one or both legs. The extracellular matrix protein SPARC (Secreted Protein, Acidic, Rich in Cysteine) has been linked to degeneration of the intervertebral discs and chronic low back pain (LBP). In humans, SPARC protein expression is decreased as a function of age and disc degeneration.
In mice, inactivation of the SPARC gene results in the development of accelerated agedependent disc degeneration concurrent with age-dependent behavioral signs of chronic LBP. DNA methylation is the covalent modification of DNA by addition of methyl moieties to cytosines in DNA. DNA methylation plays an important role in programming of gene expression, including in the dynamic regulation of changes in gene expression in response to aging and environmental signals. DNA methylation down-regulates SPARC expression in chronic LBP in pre-clinical models and in patients with chronic LBP.
There is evidence that DNA methylation of a single gene plays a role in chronic pain in humans and animal models. This has important implications for understanding the mechanisms involved in chronic pain and for pain therapy.
The metabolic effects of obesity have made this highly prevalent disease one of the most common risk factors for diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and atherosclerosis, the leading causes of end-stage renal failure. Moreover, adipose tissue is now recognized as an immune organ that secretes numerous immunomodulatory factors and seems to be a significant source of inflammatory signals known to cause insulin resistance. Therefore, inflammation within white adipose tissue may be a crucial step contributing to the emergence of many of the pathologic features that characterize the metabolic syndrome and result in arthritis, low back pain, diabetes and atherosclerosis. This presentation will describe the role of proinflammatory cytokines and hormones released by adipose tissue in generating the chronic inflammatory profile associated with visceral obesity.Epigenetic factors contributing to hyper methylating promoter areas of certain genes that provoke degenerative disc disease. We will also discuss therapeutic interventions to prevent and treat such conditions, utilising Life Style changes, Nutritional interventions, Supplements, and Herbals.
Keynote Forum
Daniela de Almeida
President of INUG Nutrition Nutrition and Gastronomy Institute Brazil
Keynote: Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases
Time : 10:45-11:30
Biography:
Daniela de Almeida is registered nutritionist, President of INUG Nutrição (Nutrition and Gastronomy Institute) Professor in Faculty of Technology Ipê FAIPE. Supervisor of the Post Graduation of Nutraceuticals and Nutricosmetics in Clinical Practice. She is since 2008 organizer and scientific director of the Functional Nutrition Congress and the Symposium of Sports Nutrition and Functional Gastronomy of RJ INUG. She has extensive experience in clinical nutrition, is educator in Diabetes by the International Diabetes Federation, Nutritionist of the Department of Nutrition and Metabology of the Brazilian Society of Diabetes and Co-author of the book "Guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Diabetes”.
Abstract:
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising worldwide, especially in older adults. Lifestyle changes, particularly in diet, can be highly effective in preventing, treatment, and even reversing type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes address the root causes of type 2 diabetes and can ameliorate comorbidities while reducing the risk of polypharmacy, particularly in the elderly. A variety of eating patterns are acceptable for the management of diabetes, like for example, plant-based diets. This kind of diet is especially potent in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes and have been associated with much lower rates of obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular mortality. In addition, a diet with a high content of nutraceutical can be an appropriate strategy. A nutraceutical compound is a substance which has physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic diseases, or specific clinical conditions. Nutraceuticals may be used to improve health, delay the aging process and prevent chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes. Various nutraceuticals have been studied to evaluate their impact on type 2 diabetes, glycemic control in people with diabetes, and on the various complications of diabetes. Specific nutraceuticals have proven to be of benefit, like berberine, Gymnema sylvestre, Milk thistle, Ginger, Ganoderma lucidum, plantago ovata, aloe vera, fenugreek and others. Better knowledge of selected nutraceuticals and more appropriate formulations, leading to improved bioavailability, will certainly widen the use of these agents, already in large use for the management of these very frequent patient groups. These products are promising and merit consideration and further research.
Keynote Forum
Olusola Abiola LADOKUN
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
Keynote: GC-MS and molecular docking studies of Hunteria umbellata methanolic extract as a potent anti-diabetic
Time : 11:30-12:15
Biography:
Olusola Abiola Ladokun is a Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Lead City University, Ibadan. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. She is the current serving Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical and Applied Sciences. She has to her credit several articles in both local and international journals, chapters in books and conference proceedings. Her areas of research include but not limited to Food Chemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Functional Foods. She has attended and presented papers in conferences and workshops in Nigeria and Internationally
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the diabetic effect of phytocompounds synthesized from Hunteria umbellata using GC-MS analysis and molecular docking studies. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists are beneficial in the treatment of diabetes by stimulating insulin sensitivity and antagonizing hepatic gluconeogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate PPAR-γ agonist property of phytocompounds from Hunteria umbellata using in-silico approach. Molecular docking of Hunteria umbellata on human PPAR-γ protein was determined by Auto/Vina in Pymol 4.2 and compared with Gilbenclamide, a known agonist of PPAR-γ. Our present study reports the phytochemical analysis of the extracts of the seeds and leaves of Hunteria umbellata. 21 compounds were revealed through GC-MS analysis and screened using Autodock/Vina against PPAR-γ. Docking studies recommended that 2,2-Benzylidenebis (3-methylbenzofuran) an existing phytochemical from the seed of Hunteria umbellata had the highest fitness score of -11.3 Kcal/mol and hence could be a potent antidiabetic drug. Hunteria umbellata seed extract and its compound 2,2-Benzylidenebis (3-methylbenzofuran) have a significant antidiabetic activity against PPAR-γ. Molecular binding interaction of an in-silico data demonstrated that 2,2-Benzylidenebis (3-methylbenzofuran) has more specificity towards the PPAR-γ binding site and could be a potent antidiabetic compound.
- Plenary presentation
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Session Introduction
Girish H. Kedar
GLOVERK Consultancy, Amsterdam
Title: Natural Ingredients, Alternative Medicines and Food Supplements: The Current and Future Trends in Europe
Biography:
Girish is born and brought up in Mumbai, India. He studied, lived and worked in different European countries like Sweden, Germany and The Netherlands. He is Pharmacist and holds PhD in Neuroscience from Vrije University, Amsterdam. Girish is Founder and CEO of GLOVERK Consultancy that provide services to Cosmeceutical, Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical industry. The service ranges from raw material supply, private label manufacturing, formulation development, clinical studies etc. Along with Europe, GLOVERK also provide similar services to its pan India client base. The mission is to be the one-stop solution provider to small and medium sized companies around the globe. He is also student ambassador in Vrije University and a independent Career Coach for PhD and Post-Doctorate candidates.
Abstract:
The perception of being healthy is changing in European consumer. It is evident that consumers are taking conscious steps not only to become healthy but also age healthy, prevent illness and look radiant. In Europe, the health trend and societal changes are leading to a growing demand for natural ingredients for health products. Use of alternative medicine and in particular food supplements continues to increase. Sustainability is still a strong trend, demanded by European companies as well as consumers. Such focus on healthy lifestyle is a boon for natural ingredients, Alternative medicines and Food supplements manufacturers around the world. However, stringent European regulation and consumers demand for best quality products makes it challenging for manufacturers. The talk will mainly focus on current and future trends on European policies, consumer mindset, important health sectors, growth opportunity and manufacturers roles & responsibility
Ekin Kurtul
Ankara University, Turkey
Title: E-BABE-Evaluation of Alchemilla persica antidiabetic activity on mice induced by alloxan
Biography:
Ekin is a PhD student in Ankara University, Faculty of Pharmacy for 2,5 years. she is working as a research assistant at the same university, Department of Pharmacognosy.
Abstract:
Alchemilla species are used in Turkish folk medicine for treatment of many disease together with diabetes. Alchemilla persica belonging to this genus, widely distributed in East part of Anatolia as well as Caucasica, north and northeast of Iran and north Iraq. In present study Alchemilla persica aerial part and root methanolic-water extracts were evaluated for their hypoglycemic activities on alloxan induced diabetic mice in order to verify its usage in folk medicine. Any of the tested extracts did not exhibit significant lowering effect on blood glucose levels. On the other hand A. persica aerial parts increased blood glucose level at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg notably. A. persica usage for its antidiabetic activity is not confirmed in present study.
Biography:
Mrittika had completed her education in Master of Science (Nutrition science) from Indira Gandhi National Open University, India. She is expert in Insulin injection and previously worked has Dietician at saltlake city medical centre, India. Presently she is working as freelance Nutritionist in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Cruciferous vegetables are part of the Brassica genus of plants. They include the vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts etc.
Cruciferous vegetables are rich in nutrients, including several carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin); vitamins C, E, and K; folate; and minerals. They also are a good fibre source.
In addition, cruciferous vegetables contain a group of substances known as glucosinolates, which are sulphur-containing chemicals. These chemicals are responsible for the pungent aroma and bitter flavour of cruciferous vegetables.
During food preparation, chewing, and digestion, the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables are broken down to form biologically active compounds such as indoles, nitriles, thiocyanates, and isothiocyanates (1). Indole-3-carbinol (an indole) and sulforaphane (an isothiocyanate) have been most frequently examined for their anticancer effects as they are the regulators of microRNAs (miRNAs) and inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). The mis-regulation and overexpression of these genes are responsible for the uncontrolled cellular proliferation and viability of various types of cancer cells.
There are different types of studies regarding the associations between intake of cruciferous vegetables and the risk of cancer. The evidence has been reviewed by various experts. Key studies regarding four common forms of cancer like prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer.
In addition, several case-control studies have shown that specific forms of the gene that encodes glutathione S-transferase, which is the enzyme that metabolizes and helps eliminate isothiocyanates from the body, may influence the association between cruciferous vegetable intake and human lung and colorectal cancer risk.
The federal government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommend consuming a variety of vegetables each day. Different vegetables are rich in different nutrients.
Vegetables are categorized into five subgroups: dark-green, red and orange, beans and peas (legumes), starchy, and other vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables fall into the “dark-green vegetables” category and the “other vegetables” category. Higher consumption of vegetables in general may protect against some diseases, including some types of cancer.