Non-communicable chronic diseases (CNCD) represent a high cost to society and to the country's economy, due to productivity decrease and health expenses. CNCDs are associated with an inadequate nutritional standard, collectively referred to as the "Western diet," which includes a high content of protein, fat and cholesterol, sugar and salt.
The nutritional guidelines to minimize the prevalence of CNCD recommend increasing the intake of vegetable protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, etc. However, the impact of these constituents on the body must be studied in the context of ingestion of the complex food matrix in which they are ingested, since multifactorial causes are underlying the CNCD etiology, namely oxidative damage, inflammation, adipogenesis, among others. The use of comprehensive technologies focused on the evaluation of the nutritional quality of diets enriched in these constituents, in the study, in the mechanisms of action, and in the biological response of the organism after exposure to different nutritional standards, will contribute to deepening knowledge that helps in its prevention and management. This approach, called foodomics, requires innovative methodologies that bring together different areas of research in which DIETimpact participants have competencies, namely: (i) experience in analytical methods to understand the composition of diets in fatty acids, amino acids, carbohydrates and fiber; Such as analysis of vitamins, minerals and other bioactive compounds; Ii) evaluation of bioaccessibility of nutrients after in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion; Iii) application of cellular models to evaluate the protective effect on oxidative stress, inflammation and adipogeneses; Iv) advanced techniques of molecular biology.
Foodomics will enable us to assess the impact of integrating healthy foods into a "standard Western diet" model. Evaluate the effects on bioaccessibility of nutrients, protection against oxidative damage, inflammation, adipogenesis and gene expression, resulting from the substitution of meat proteins, saturated fats or refined carbohydrates in the "western dietary pattern" by healthier alternatives of local products whose Consumption is intended to enhance, such as legumes and sea fish; Olive oil and fatty fruits; Chestnuts and fruits. In vitro assays will be performed with immortalized gastrointestinal, hepatic and endothelial cell lines and embryonic stem and mesenchymal cell lines. Sequence-RNA transcriptome analysis will be used to understand how healthy foods alter gene expression.
The DIETimpact project is aligned with three of the national priority areas: Health and Welfare (food); Agro-food - Healthy and sustainable food; Economy of the Sea - Safe Foods. The expected results of the project will contribute to strengthening regional and national R & D capacity.