Search Results (120)

This study addressed the optimal magnesium (Mg) requirement for juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and assessed the effects of dietary Mg supplementation on growth performance, nutrient metabolism, and alleviation of heat stress in it. In this study, six diets with varying Mg levels (1.01, 1.26, 1.78, 2.24, 2.35, and 2.51 g/kg), designated as MG1, MG2, MG3, MG4, MG5, and MG6, respectively, were formulated using MgSO₄·7H₂O as the Mg source. These diets were fed to juvenile M. salmoides (initial body weight 2.27 ± 0.02 g) for 8 weeks. The growth performance of the MG4 group was significantly improved. In addition, Plasma GLU, LDL-C, and TG levels were significantly reduced in the MG4 group, while plasma HDL-C levels were increased. In terms of gene expression, glut2, g6pdh, ppar-γ, fas, elovl2, acc, and igf-1 were significantly upregulated in the MG4 and MG5 groups, while g6pase and ppar-α were significantly downregulated in the MG5 group. In the heat stress test, MG4 group exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by decreased plasma MDA levels and increased CAT activity, coupled with enhanced gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. Gene expression results also showed that il-10 and bcl-2 were significantly upregulated in the MG4 group, while nf-κb, ifn-γ, il-8, tnf-α, casp3, casp8, bax, jnk2 and ask1 were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, the results of TUNEL immunofluorescence labeling analysis showed that the apoptotic index was significantly decreased in the MG2-MG6 groups. Overall, appropriate dietary Mg levels promoted growth performance, improved glucose metabolism, and induced lipid deposition in juvenile M. salmoides. Notably, Mg reduced oxidative damage by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, thereby modulating heat stress-induced Antioxidant–Inflammatory–Apoptotic of juvenile M. salmoides. Based on quadratic regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the optimal Mg requirement for juvenile M. salmoides was 2.04, and 2.15 g/kg, respectively. Full article

This experiment investigated the effects of seaweed polysaccharide (SP) and seaweed enzymatic hydrolysate (SEH) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of Muscovy ducks. A total of 240 healthy 1 day female Muscovy ducks (48.85 ± 0.45 g) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 4 replicates per group and 20 ducks per replicate. The control (CON) group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of water, the SP group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SP, and the SEH group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SEH. The experimental period lasted for 28 d. The results indicate that, compared to the CON group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed to gain (F/G) of the SP and SEH groups of ducks significantly decreased at 28 d (p < 0.05). In the SP group, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as the concentrations of glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the SEH group, the activities of ALT and AST were also significantly lower (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the SEH group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the SP group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In the SP and SEH groups, the villus height (VH) and the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) of the Muscovy ducks significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the crypt depth (CD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in the abundance of Barnesiella was observed in the SP and SEH groups (p < 0.05), whereas the abundances of UCG-005 and Romboutsia significantly decreased (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis indicated that g__Bacillus and g__Veillonella were significantly abundant in the SP group (p < 0.05), while g__Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002 was significantly abundant in the SEH group (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of SP and SEH to the feed can promote the healthy growth of ducks by improving intestinal morphology, regulating the structure of intestinal microbiota, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune function, and optimizing metabolic indicators. This occurs while reducing feed intake and feed-to-weight ratio, and there is a certain specificity in their mechanisms of action. Full article

High-fat (HF) diets are widely used in aquaculture to reduce feed costs, but they often lead to hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and reduced environmental tolerance in carnivorous fish. This study evaluated whether dietary rosiglitazone (RO; 10 mg·kg⁻¹) alleviates HF (18% fat) diet-induced metabolic dysfunctions in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fish were fed a control diet (10% fat), an HF diet (18% fat), or an HF + RO diet for 8 weeks. RO supplementation reversed HF-induced dyslipidemia by lowering plasma triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (T-CHO) while elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and it reduced intraperitoneal fat and whole-body lipid (p < 0.05). RO also mitigated hepatic vacuolization and decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p > 0.05) activities. Antioxidant capacity was enhanced by RO, as indicated by increased glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), together with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and accompanied by upregulation of nrf2, downstream antioxidant genes, and downregulation of keap1 (p < 0.05). Moreover, RO suppressed HF-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (grp78, eif2α, chop) and pro-inflammatory genes (tnfα, il-1β, nf-κb), while upregulating il-10 (p < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis showed RO-mediated enrichment of Firmicutes and short-chain fatty acid-producing genera (Faecalibaculum, Dubosiella). Importantly, RO significantly reduced mortality during a 96 h acute ammonia challenge (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results demonstrate that dietary rosiglitazone mitigates HF diet-induced hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation through Nrf2 activation, anti-inflammatory effects, and microbiota modulation, providing a potential strategy to enhance HF feed utilization and environmental stress resilience in carnivorous fish. Further studies on dose optimization and residue safety are warranted. Full article

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) protect against atherosclerosis through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial properties. Although interest is increasing in uncovering both physiological and external factors that influence these functions, definitive evidence remains lacking in this area. To fill this gap, we assessed for the first time how intake of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and dietary antioxidants affects key HDL-associated proteins. We observed that myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker of HDL oxidation, was inversely correlated with total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 and omega-6 intake (p < 0.05), polyphenols (p < 0.001), and overall antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). Levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 also decreased with higher antioxidant consumption (p < 0.05). By contrast, glutathione peroxidase 3 (Gpx3) activity, a protective HDL enzyme, increased in tandem with omega-3 and antioxidant intake. Finally, a composite HDL-antioxidant/anti-inflammatory score integrating all measured proteins rose in association with total PUFAs (p < 0.001), omega-6 (p < 0.001), omega-3 (p < 0.01), polyphenols, and total antioxidants (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that higher dietary PUFA, especially omega-6, and antioxidant intake may enhance HDL’s atheroprotective properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: The search for new bioactive molecules increasingly extends beyond conventional medicinal plants, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative botanical sources. Parasitic plants represent a promising but underexploited reservoir of pharmacologically relevant compounds. Cuscuta australis (CA), a parasitic species with a history of traditional use, remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate its phytochemical composition and evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Methods: The phytochemical profile of CA extract was characterized by LC-MS. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. In vivo hepatoprotection was evaluated in male rats subjected to CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity and treated orally with CA (30 or 60 mg/kg body weight). Biochemical, lipid, oxidative stress, and histological parameters were determined. Molecular docking was conducted to predict the binding of major identified compounds against selected protein targets. Results: CA significantly and dose-dependently improved biochemical and histological markers. At 60 mg/kg, ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin were reduced by 32%, 33%, 63%, and 51%, respectively. Lipid metabolism was improved by decreased TC, TG, and LDL-C with increased HDL-C. Antioxidant defense was enhanced through elevated CAT, SOD, and GPx activities, accompanied by reduced MDA levels. TNF-α and IL-6 decreased by 48% and 53%, respectively. Histopathology confirmed hepatoprotection and reduced fibrosis. Docking studies revealed strong binding affinities (−7.07 to −19.20 kcal/mol) for several metabolites, notably quercetin glucoside, diosmetin glucoside, caffeic acid glucoside, feruloylquinic acid, and isorhamnetin glucoside, against CYP450, IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that C. australis is a promising source of bioactive compounds with hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Full article

The decrease in the production performance of laying hens during the later laying stage can be attributed to multiple factors, chief among them being oxidative stress and disrupted lipid metabolism. Quercetagetin, the active component of marigold extract, is a flavonoid whose polyhydroxy structure has greater antioxidant capacity than other flavonoids. In this study, we determined whether adding marigold extract to the diet can improve the antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of late-laying hens to increase their performance. In total, 800 Lohmann laying hens (45 weeks old) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each consisting of eight replicates (20 hens per replicate). Throughout the experiment, which lasted 24 weeks, the hens were fed diets containing 0, 200, 400, 600, or 800 mg/kg marigold extract. The results of the study showed that the addition of marigold extract to the feed significantly increased the egg production rate and qualified egg rate and reduced the feed-to-egg ratio; it also reduced the levels of oxidized products in eggs, serum, and liver, and improved the antioxidant capacity of the organism. Mechanistic studies showed that marigold extract could activate the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulate the gene expression of CAT, SOD, GPX, and Nrf2. In addition, marigold extract increased HDL and VLDL content in the liver, decreased TC and LDL content, and alteration of the cecal microbial composition. In conclusion, marigold extract showed good application value and potential as a safe and effective antioxidant additive in the late laying stage of laying hens. Full article

Background: Previous studies showed that workplace physical activity programs (WPAPs) could improve general health among employees. However, there is a lack of correlation between oxidative redox status and the metabolic and physical fitness (PF) of workers. The objective of the study was to evaluate the improvements of a 24-week combined circuit training and mobility training program on PF, oxidative redox status, and metabolic parameters on healthy academic employees. Methods: Twenty-six university employees (52.8 ± 11.5 years) followed a 24-week WPAP composed of two circuit training sessions and one mobility training session per week. PF components were assessed through one leg stand, shoulder/neck mobility, handgrip, dynamic sit-up, jump and reach, and 2-Minute step test (2MST). Oxidative stress and antioxidant potential were evaluated through derived-Reactive Oxygen Metabolites (d-ROM) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) tests, respectively. Metabolic measurements included total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, and fasting plasma glucose. All assessments were conducted at baseline and after 24 weeks. Results: D-ROM values increased significantly likely due to an acute adaptive response to exercise and a stable BAP/d-ROM ratio was maintained. At baseline, subjects with higher 2MST scores showed a better BAP/d-ROM ratio compared to those with lower 2MST scores, which was also associated with normal weight status (p < 0.05), healthy values of triglycerides (p < 0.01), and LDL-C (p < 0.01). Excluding statin-treated subjects, an intriguing shift toward a condition of enhanced antioxidant capacity was observed. Conclusions: Overall, the 24-week WPAP improved metabolic health and maintained redox balance, despite increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Statin supplementation may have hidden antioxidant adaptations to physical exercise, an intriguing observation that warrants further studies. Full article

Feeding Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) could improve lamb growth, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. These effects were supposed to be mediated by the rumen microbiota, as reported in our previous studies, but further verification is required. The purpose of this study was to verify whether changes in serum immunity, antioxidant, and biochemical indicators of meat sheep mediated by AMR are achieved via rumen microbiota regulation. The experiment included two phases. In phase I, twelve 90-day-old male lambs (25 ± 1 kg) were used as rumen fluid donors and consumed a basal diet with 15 g/day AMR for 135 days to induce changes in their rumen microbiota. In phase II, thirty 90-day-old male lambs (23 ± 2 kg) were split into three groups (n = 10 each): the control group (CON) fed the basal diet; the AMR-supplemented group (AMG) fed the basal diet supplemented with 15 g/day of AMR; and the rumen fluid recipient group (RTG) fed the basal diet and received rumen fluid transplantation. The CON and AMG groups received four oral infusions of 250 mL saline, while the RTG group received four oral infusions of 250 mL donor rumen fluid. Phase II lasted for 75 days, and the blood samples were collected on the last day. Rumen fluid transplantation was performed every 15 days, with a total of four infusions of 250 mL each. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily gain (ADG) of the AMG and RTG groups were higher than those of the CON group (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences between the AMG and RTG groups (p > 0.05). On day 30, the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the AMG and RTG groups were increased (p < 0.05), and malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between the AMG and RTG groups. On day 60, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), IgM, IgG, and catalase (CAT) were increased in the AMG and RTG groups, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were decreased (p < 0.05), and there were no significant differences between the AMG and RTG groups (p > 0.05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the RTG group was significantly lower than in the CON and AMG groups, while the AMG group had significantly higher HDL-C than the CON group (p < 0.05). Microbial analysis indicated that Mitsuokella, VUNI01, and Caecibacter were positively correlated with IgM; Mitsuokella, CAG 791, Desulfovibrio R, Porcincola, VUNI01, and UBA 7741 were negatively correlated with TNF-α; CAG 791 was positively correlated with T-AOC; VUNI01 was positively correlated with CAT; MDA was negatively correlated with Mitsuokella; Allisonella and UBA 7741 were negatively correlated with HDL-C; and Porcincola, VUNI01, Allisonella, and UBA 7741 were negatively correlated with LDL-C. Therefore, the study indicates that both supplementation with AMR and transplantation of rumen fluid from sheep fed with AMR can enhance the immunity and antioxidant capacity of lambs by increasing the abundance of the aforementioned bacteria. It also verified that the improvement in immunity and antioxidant capacity mediated by Allium mongolicum Regel is driven by the rumen microbiota. Full article

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), caused by the bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus, is a major threat to global shrimp aquaculture. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of phage therapy in Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with AHPND-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Phage application at various concentrations significantly improved shrimp survival, with the 1 ppm group demonstrating the highest survival rate. Enzymatic assays revealed that phage-treated shrimp exhibited enhanced immune enzyme activities, including acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM). In addition, antioxidant defenses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) significantly improved, accompanied by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Serum biochemical analyses demonstrated marked improvements in lipid metabolism, particularly reductions in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), alongside higher levels of beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Transcriptomic analysis identified 2274 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), notably enriched in pathways involving fatty acid metabolism, peroxisome functions, lysosomes, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Specifically, phage treatment upregulated immune and metabolic regulatory genes, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MYD88), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), indicating activation of innate immunity and antioxidant defense pathways. These findings suggest that phage therapy induces protective immunometabolic adaptations beyond its direct antibacterial effects, thereby providing an ecologically sustainable alternative to antibiotics for managing bacterial diseases in shrimp aquaculture. Full article

Glycerol fatty acid esters (GFAEs) are recognized for their potential to improve lipid metabolism, energy utilization, and gut health due to their excellent emulsifying and antimicrobial properties. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of dietary GFAE supplementation on production performance, serum biochemical profiles, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle. Thirty crossbred Simmental bulls, averaging 507.42 ± 9.59 kg in body weight, were assigned to three distinct cohorts, with 10 animals in each cohort. The CON cohort was fed a basal diet devoid of GFAE, whereas the treatment cohorts (GFAE1 and GFAE2) received GFAE supplements at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.2% of the dietary dry matter, respectively. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 0.1% GFAE significantly increased the ADG of beef cattle by 12.14% (p < 0.05); compared with the GFAE2 group, ADG was 7.86% higher (p > 0.05). The digestibility of NDF and ADF was significantly enhanced in the GFAE1 group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Dietary GFAE supplementation significantly elevated rumen acetate, propionate, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations in both the GFAE1 and GFAE2 groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In contrast to the control group, there was a notable rise in serum levels of T-AOC, UREA, and TG in both GFAE1 and GFAE2 groups (p < 0.05). Conversely, the concentration of HDL-C was significantly decreased in the GFAE2 group. Additionally, at the phylum level, the abundance of Fibrobacterota was significantly higher in the GFAE1 group than in the control group (p < 0.01). At the genus level, the proportions of Bacteroides and Fibrobacter were significantly higher in the GFAE1 group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the addition of 0.1% GFAE to beef cattle diets significantly enhances the digestibility of ADF and NDF nutrients, increases serum total antioxidant capacity, urea, and triglycerides, optimizes rumen fermentation parameters and microbial community structure, and ultimately improves production performance. As a result of the findings from this research, it is suggested that 0.1% GFAE be incorporated into the diet for beef cattle. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is the leading cause of death worldwide, driven by factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism disorders. Although phenolic compounds such as Tyrosol (Tyr) and Hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have shown promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, their specific roles in modulating oxidative stress biomarkers and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality in elderly populations, especially in those with prior myocardial infarction, are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EVOO phenolic compounds on oxidative stress biomarkers and HDL functionality, and related metabolic outcomes in both healthy and post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) elderly individuals. This pilot randomized clinical trial study included healthy and post-MI participants aged 65–85 years. Participants in each group were randomly assigned to consume 25 mL per day of one of three types of olive oils: high phenolic (HTyr/Tyr) extra virgin olive oil (HP-EVOO), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), or refined olive oil (ROO) for a period of 26 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess key biomarkers. Plasma levels of (poly)phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity (LCAT), and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity were measured. A total of 34 individuals completed the study (mean age: 74 years). Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), weight, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, did not differ significantly between the two groups. A significant increase in both FRAP levels and PON-1 activity was observed in post-MI participants following HP-EVOO consumption compared to baseline (p = 0.014). No significant changes were observed in MDA levels, LCAT activity, or plasma (poly)phenols. These results indicate that HP-EVOO may enhance antioxidant capacity, particularly FRAP and PON-1 activity, in elderly post-MI individuals. The observed differences between groups suggest that underlying cardiometabolic status may influence the response to olive oil phenolic compounds. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term cardiovascular effects. Full article

Background: The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest and safest diets for preventing chronic diseases. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the occurrence of prediabetes in a representative population of Bialystok, Poland. Prediabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range, indicating an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Methods: The study participants were selected into healthy control (HC) and prediabetic (PreD) groups based on age and gender. Biochemical measurements included total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, blood pressure, handgrip strength, anthropometric parameters, and body composition were measured. Information on patients’ social data, medical history, and lifestyle history was collected using questionnaires developed for this study. A standardized questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was used to assess life satisfaction. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and dietary total polyphenol intake (DTPI) were determined using a 3-day nutritional interview and appropriate databases containing information on polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of food products. To assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet recommendations, a 9-item Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) was used. Results: It was found that the mean MDI for the entire group was low (3.98 ± 1.74), and the HC was characterized by a significantly higher MDI compared to the PreD. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between MDI and HDL-C, whereas a negative correlation was found between MDI and FG, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), IL-6, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, visceral fat mass, android/gynoid fat ratio. Conclusions: Abdominal obesity was shown to significantly reduce life satisfaction. In model 3, after adjusting for age, sex, dietary energy intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking, each additional MDI point indicated a 10% lower risk of prediabetes. Full article

Mulberry (Morus alba) twigs and leaves, rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and alkaloids with multi-target regulatory properties on glucose/lipid metabolism, were evaluated for their anti-obesity effects using methanol-extracted twigs (MTE) and aqueous-extracted leaves (MLE) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Both extracts significantly ameliorated obesity-related metabolic dysregulation, as evidenced by attenuated body weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, serum lipid profiles, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and hepatic inflammation compared to HFD controls (p < 0.05). Concurrently, MTE and MLE enhanced systemic antioxidant capacity and elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Notably, high-dose MTE (MTEH, 1000 mg/kg) markedly reduced perirenal adiposity while increasing brown adipose tissue mass (p < 0.05). Mechanistic investigations revealed that MTEH reshaped gut microbiota composition by suppressing Firmicutes and Enterococcus, while enriching beneficial Faecalibaculum and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.05). Furthermore, cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiling demonstrated MTEH and MLEH-mediated metabolic reprogramming, characterized by increased propionic acid and decreased butyric acid, suggesting microbiota-dependent modulation of host energy metabolism. These findings collectively highlight the potential of mulberry extracts as multi-targeted nutraceuticals for obesity intervention via gut microbiota–SCFA axis regulation. Full article

Liver cirrhosis is a complex condition characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, contributing to systemic complications and high mortality. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), particularly its small subclasses, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol efflux capacities. This study examined changes in HDL subclass distribution and composition in cirrhosis and assessed their prognostic relevance for mortality. We analyzed HDL profiles using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients with compensated (n = 205) and decompensated (n = 158) cirrhosis, compared to healthy controls (n = 16). Across all HDL subclasses in cirrhotic patients, cholesterol content was decreased, and triglyceride levels were elevated. In particular, compensated cirrhosis was associated with a marked reduction in small and extra-small HDL particles, while large HDL levels remained unchanged. This reduction was even more pronounced in decompensated disease. Small HDL particle levels were inversely correlated with oxidative stress markers and liver dysfunction and independently predicted 12-month mortality in patients with compensated cirrhosis, even after adjusting for MELD score. In conclusion, our findings highlight a substantial depletion of small and extra-small HDL particles as a key feature of cirrhosis, linked to oxidative stress and mortality in the compensated stage. Full article

To investigate the dietary effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and non-specific immunity of Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) during the domestication stage, fish were randomly allocated into quadruplicate groups receiving Tenebrio molitor-based diets supplemented with Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) at graded concentrations of 0 (CON), 700 (APS1), 1400 (APS2), and 2100 (APS3) mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The results showed that dietary APSs at 700–1400 mg/kg·bw significantly enhanced the weight gain rate (WG) and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of M. albus (p < 0.05). Concurrently, hematological analysis revealed that hemoglobin levels increased by 19.9% and 23.0% in the 700 and 1400 mg/kg APS groups, respectively (p < 0.05). In terms of lipid metabolism, supplementation with APSs significantly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) content in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Lower serum triglyceride (TG) levels were found in the APS2 group (p < 0.05), and decreased triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were displayed in the APS3 group (p < 0.05). Among the antioxidant parameters, the supplementation with 700 mg/kg·bw APSs significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activity levels of M. albus (p < 0.05). The APS2 group had a significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and CAT activity levels (p < 0.05), and the APS3 group had significantly increased CAT activity levels (p < 0.05). In addition, the APS1 and APS3 groups had significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05). In terms of non-specific immunity, the APS1 and APS2 groups showed significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lysozyme (LZM) activity levels of M. albus (p < 0.05), and the addition of 700 mg/kg·bw APSs significantly increased the levels of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of acid phosphatase (ACP) activity were significantly increased in all experimental groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal APS addition for T. molitor as biocarrier bait is 700 mg/kg, corresponding to 352 mg/kg, which elicits improvements in the growth parameters, lipid homeostasis regulation, oxidative stress mitigation, and innate immune potentiation of M. albus during the domestication stage. Full article