Innovative approach to MEditerranean Diet: a protective strategy against genetic and epigenetic modifications induced by urban AIR particulate matter
ProjectAir pollution is a major global health concern, with particulate matter (PM) identified as a key element in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. Indeed, mounting evidence indicates that urban ultrafine PM (PM0.5) exerts its harmful effects largely through oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage, mutagenesis and epigenetic and metabolic alterations.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on several biological processes have been largely investigated. However, the potential of the MD to mitigate the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of PM0.5 remains to be elucidated.
The IMEDAIR project aims to investigate whether MD foods, particularly those high in antioxidants, can act as DNA-protective agents against PM0.5-induced damage. To achieve this goal, we will adopt a multi-tiered experimental strategy integrating environmental exposure assessment, in vitro cellular systems, and advanced multicellular models that mimic whole-body complexity.
Specifically, PM0.5 samples collected from two highly polluted urban environments will undergo chemical characterisation, as aqueous and organic extracts will be prepared for biological assays. In parallel, selected MD foods will undergo simulated digestion to obtain bioavailable fractions and will be chemically characterised (pre- and post-digestion).
Digested MD foods will be tested for their ability to mitigate toxicity, genotoxicity (as primary DNA damage and micronuclei),
epigenetic modifications (as histone modifications and microRNAs), programmed cell death, and changes in metabolic pathways
triggered by oxidative stress induced by exposure of cells to PM extracts.
Based on our preliminary data, we expect the IMEDAIR project to generate new knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of MD-associated foods that counteract PM-induced effects in a complex, multidimensional experimental environment.
Indeed, our data will contribute to the already considerable body of knowledge on the benefits of the MD for health by adding new insights into its potential as a DNA-protective tool that counteracts the effects of air pollution exposure. The findings of the IMEDAIR study will be instrumental in enhancing public health educational interventions against non-communicable diseases, including cancer, and in promoting beneficial habits to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution, thereby potentially improving lifestyle and health.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on several biological processes have been largely investigated. However, the potential of the MD to mitigate the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of PM0.5 remains to be elucidated.
The IMEDAIR project aims to investigate whether MD foods, particularly those high in antioxidants, can act as DNA-protective agents against PM0.5-induced damage. To achieve this goal, we will adopt a multi-tiered experimental strategy integrating environmental exposure assessment, in vitro cellular systems, and advanced multicellular models that mimic whole-body complexity.
Specifically, PM0.5 samples collected from two highly polluted urban environments will undergo chemical characterisation, as aqueous and organic extracts will be prepared for biological assays. In parallel, selected MD foods will undergo simulated digestion to obtain bioavailable fractions and will be chemically characterised (pre- and post-digestion).
Digested MD foods will be tested for their ability to mitigate toxicity, genotoxicity (as primary DNA damage and micronuclei),
epigenetic modifications (as histone modifications and microRNAs), programmed cell death, and changes in metabolic pathways
triggered by oxidative stress induced by exposure of cells to PM extracts.
Based on our preliminary data, we expect the IMEDAIR project to generate new knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of MD-associated foods that counteract PM-induced effects in a complex, multidimensional experimental environment.
Indeed, our data will contribute to the already considerable body of knowledge on the benefits of the MD for health by adding new insights into its potential as a DNA-protective tool that counteracts the effects of air pollution exposure. The findings of the IMEDAIR study will be instrumental in enhancing public health educational interventions against non-communicable diseases, including cancer, and in promoting beneficial habits to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution, thereby potentially improving lifestyle and health.