Benefits of tree nut consumption on aging and age-related diseases: Mechanisms of actions

• Published in: Trends in food science & technology Vol. 88; pp. 104 - 120
• Main Authors: Rusu, Marius Emil, Simedrea, Ramona, Gheldiu, Ana-Maria, Mocan, Andrei, Vlase, Laurian, Popa, Daniela-Saveta, Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: 1-Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; Age related diseases; Aging; AKT protein; Anti-Aging; Antioxidants; Bioactive compounds; Biological activity; Blocking; Carcinogenesis; Carcinogens; Chronic illnesses; Diet; Diseases; DNA methylation; Energy balance; Epigenetics; Fatty acids; Food consumption; Food groups; Health promotion; Health risks; Healthspan and lifespan; Homeostasis; Inflammation; Insulin; Insulin-like growth factor I; Life span; Mechanisms of actions; Minerals; Nutrient deficiency; Nutrition; Nuts; Phenotypes; Polyphenols; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Reactive nitrogen species; Reactive oxygen species; Risk analysis; Risk factors; Senescence; Senolytic; Signal transduction; Signaling; Tree nuts; Vitamins; Anti-Aging; Age-related diseases; Healthspan and lifespan; Senolytic; Tree nuts; Mechanisms of actions
• ISSN: 0924-2244; 1879-3053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.03.006

In the quest for a healthier and longer life, nutrition plays a key role. Tree nuts have a complex, health-promoting phytochemical profile, including proteins, mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and the consumption of this food group can postpone aging and inhibit many age-related diseases. In this review we focus on the biologically active compounds from tree nuts and the mechanisms of actions their intake have on delaying aging and prevent diseases linked with aging. Scientific findings recommend the inclusion of tree nuts into the diet of mature adults. The consumption of tree nuts can mitigate the pro-inflammatory effects of Western diets and diminish the inflammation by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and inflammatory molecules. Tree nuts modulate the Nrf2/EpRE and NF-κB signaling pathways, present cytoprotection, stimulate antioxidant and detox enzyme systems, and reduce inflammatory conditions. Similarly to calorie restriction, tree nuts positively affect the same specific cell signaling pathways: down-regulate PI3K/Akt/mTOR and insulin/IGF-1, prevent mitochondrial dysfunctions, promote mitochondrial biogenesis and energy homeostasis. Tree nut intake can hinder the installation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype and have a senolytic capacity. Through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, they are potentially anti-tumoral. By inhibiting mTOR signaling pathways, but also via epigenetic mechanisms, such as obstructing DNA methylation or histone and microARN modulation, nuts act as carcinogenesis inhibitors. Consumption of tree nuts can positively influence many risk factors associated with chronic diseases related to aging, improve and extend healthspan and lifespan. •Bioactive compounds from tree nuts delay aging and age-related diseases.•Nrf2/EpRE pathway is upregulated and NF-кB pathway is downregulated by tree nuts.•Senescence-associated secretory phenotype is modulated by tree nuts.•Tree nuts have anti-tumoral potential and can act as carcinogenesis inhibitors.•Tree nuts exert cytoprotection via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.