Effect of chronic consumption of pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) on glucose metabolism in pre-diabetics and type 2 diabetics: A systematic review

Abstract

Pistachio is a nut with high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyphenols and carotenoids content, and the synergism between these compounds appears to affect glucose metabolism. In this systematic review we analyzed studies in which the effect of chronic consumption of pistachio on markers of glucose metabolism was evaluated in pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetics. We used the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Lilacs databases. The research terms used were pistachio, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, blood glucose, hyperglycemia and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Four articles were selected, of which three tested the intake of 50 to 57 g of pistachio/day and one 20% of the daily caloric intake, for a period of 1 to 4 months. Studies reported a decrease in fasting blood glucose, insulinemia, HOMA-IR, and fructosamine, but no change in HbA1c. Lower concentrations of miR-192 and miR-375 were also found, which correlated positively with HOMA-IR. The synergism between PUFA, MUFA, polyphenols and carotenoids present in pistachios can modulate specific miRNA, increasing insulin sensitivity through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This modulation can be used as a tool to monitor the response to interventions, favoring the prevention and treatment of complications related to diabetes.

Pistachio consumption modulates DNA oxidation and genes related to telomere maintenance: a crossover randomized clinical trial

“…In fact miR-375, one of the most abundant miRNAs in the islets (41), was found to have decreased after pistachio consumption (22). This miRNA is one of the first identified in the pancreas as being able to regulate insulin secretion, having been identified as a potential circulating or tissue T2D biomarker (42). Also noteworthy is the fact that miR-375 regulates telomerase activity by reducing TERT transcription and activity.…”

The efficacy of propolis on markers of glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Thus, appropriate T2DM management is a public health imperative. Key current recommendations for T2DM management include lifestyle modification (dietary changes and physical exercise) and pharmaceutical interventions, but each of these approaches has its own limitations (Kerrison et al, ; Ribeiro, Silva, Almeida, Hermsdorff, & Alfenas, ). Stringent lifestyle changes are often only accepted by limited numbers of patients, while at the same time, despite the significant effects of oral antidiabetic drugs, excessive use of these synthetic compounds like thiazolidinediones (TZDs) can lead to various adverse effects including higher risk of bone fractures, congestive heart failure, and gastrointestinal problems (Grunberger, ; A. Hadi, Mohammadi, Hadi, Roshanravan, & Kafeshani, ; Kerrison et al, ; Nissen & Wolski, ; Yang et al, ).…”

Natural Bioactive Compounds Useful in Clinical Management of Metabolic Syndrome

“…Nuts α-Linolenic acid seems to modulate the circulating mi-croRNAs involved in the control of insulin sensitivity [141]. Furthermore, the nuts complex set of MUFAs, PUFAs, and polyphenols can improve insulin sensitivity through the regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway [200]. A study evaluated the effect of the extract obtained from the leaves of the walnut plant (Juglans regia L.) in T2DM patients.…”