Adipose tissue secretes many adipokines that regulate important physiological functions. Growing studies have highlighted that these bioactive molecules may contribute to the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Adipokines exert systemic metabolic effects and independent activity on numerous cells of the cardiovascular system, including cardiomyocytes and vascular cell walls. Adiponectin shows anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activity on blood vessels. Conversely, resistin is endowed with pro-inflammatory effects and stimulates the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, thus promoting the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Leptin plays an important role in cardiac remodeling and blood pressure regulation through the activation of the sympathetic system. Obesity is a pathological condition associated with hypertrophy of white adipose tissue, which stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory adipokines while, it reduces the production of anti-inflammatory adipokines. The delicate balance among the production of pro-and anti-inflammatory molecules generated by adipose tissue affects, not only the development of metabolic complications associated with obesity, but also the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, adipokines may be regarded as potential agents of clinical interest in the treatment of a wide range of metabolic disorders and as potential biomarkers useful for early detection of metabolic, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

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Citrus fruits are the main fruits of the Mediterranean diet and have been long recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. Observational studies have shown a significant association between dietary flavo-noid intake and reduced risk of cardiovascular and malignant diseases. The beneficial effects of citrus fruits on human health appear to be due to their high content in vitamins, minerals and fibers. In particular, the an-tioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have been indicated as some of the mechanisms through which citrus fruits may thwarts the development of chronic degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis and can-cer. This review would critically examine the results from numerous studies carried out in order assess the contribute of citrus flavonoids to the prevention of chronic pathological conditions including athero-sclerosis and cancer.

Thyroid hormones have been proposed as anti obesity drugs due to their effects on basal metabolism and the ability to increase energy expenditure. However, their clinical use has been strongly curbed by the concomitant onset of thyrotoxicosis. In this setting, several studies have been undertaken to assess the role of 3,5 diiodo- L-thyronine (T2), an endogenous metabolite of thyroid hormone derived from the enzymatic deiodination of triodothyronine T3. The metabolic effects of T2 are similar to those induced by T3. However, these effects appear to involve different and not welldefined mechanisms that make this molecule clinically useful as potential drug in the treatment of pathological conditions such as obesity and hepatic steatosis. The main pharmacological target of T2 appears to be the mitochondria. Therefore, the administration of T2 to obese subjects might improve the mitochondrial performance, which is generally recognized to be reduced in these subjects who must oxidize greater quantities of substrates. In this context, it can be hypothesized that T2, by acting mainly on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, might be able to prevent and revert the tissue damages and hepatic steatosis induced by a hyperlipidic diet and a concomitant reduction in the circulating levels LDL and triglycerides as well. This review the discuss the mechanisms of action of T2 and the possible, future clinical uses of T2 analogs for the treatment lipid dysmetabolism related to obesity and overweight.

The influence of diet on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and related pathologies has been known for some time. Some classes of nutrients, such as fatty acids belonging to the omega 3 series, have particular effects on the bacteria that make up the intestinal microbiota. ω-3 PUFAs affect the gut microbiota in three different ways: by modulating the type and abundance of intestinal bacteria, by regulate SCFAs levels, and by alter the levels of proinflammatory mediators. Through these modalities, ω-3 PUFAs could be useful for the prevention of intestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC). The ability of ω-3 PUFAs to modulate the intestinal inflammatory response, to preserve the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and to modulate the bacterial composition of the intestine, could be useful as a preventive strategic approach to hinder the development of CRC.