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33 pages, 3513 KB  
Article
Effects of Red Kojic Rice Supplementation on Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health of Litopenaeus vannamei Fed a Diet with Fish Meal Replacement by Soybean Meal
by Qianping Huang, Hongkai Ye, Zhanzhan Wang, Bo Liu, Min Yang, Xiaobin Chen, Shengli Liu and Chuanpeng Zhou
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010058 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 22
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Red kojic rice (RKR) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei fed a diet with fishmeal replacement by soybean meal. Shrimps (initial mean weight [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Red kojic rice (RKR) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei fed a diet with fishmeal replacement by soybean meal. Shrimps (initial mean weight = 1.88 ± 0.03 g) were fed six experimental diets for 8 weeks, including a normal fishmeal control group (FM), a soybean meal-replaced fishmeal group (H0), and four soybean meal-replaced fishmeal groups supplemented with 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4% RKR, respectively, which are designated as H1, H2, H3, and H4, respectively. Each group had three replicates, with 30 shrimp per replicate. The results showed that the final average weight (FWG), weight gain rate (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) of H2 group were significantly higher than those of H0, H3, and H4 groups (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of H2 group was significantly lower than that of H0 and H4 groups (p < 0.05). In contrast to the H0 group, the blood ACP activity in the H2 group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The blood lysozyme (LYZ) activity in H3 group was significantly higher than that in H1 group (p < 0.05), while the opposite was true for phenoloxidase (PO). The activities of trypsin and amylase in hepatopancreas of H3 group were significantly higher than those of H0 and H1 groups (p < 0.05). Compared with the FM group, the hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in H0, H3, and H4 groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with the H0 group, the hepatopancreatic MDA levels in H1 and H2 groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Analysis of gene expression levels in hepatopancreas revealed that antioxidant (gpx, sod, cat, gst, nrf2, trx, and ho-1), non-specific immune (tnf-α, il-1β, and ifn-γ), and digestive (trypsin and α-amylase) genes were suppressed in the H0 group but enhanced by RKR supplementation. Similar expression patterns of those genes were observed in the intestine. Microbial community analysis showed reduced diversity and altered composition in the H0 group, which were partially restored by RKR. Network analysis showed “small-world” property in microbial co-occurrence network. Metabolomic analysis revealed that among the differential metabolites, Bismurrayaquinone A and Harmol exhibit highly significant differences. Correlation analysis revealed that beneficial bacteria Rhodococcus_C and Oceanobacillus in H2 group exhibited higher richness and showed significant correlation. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.5–2% RKR promoted the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of shrimp fed a diet with fishmeal replacement by soybean meal. The optimal RKR supplementing content is 1%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Feeding)
15 pages, 15798 KB  
Article
Targeting Ferroptosis to Restore Salivary Gland Homeostasis in an Obesity Model
by Gi Cheol Park, Hanaro Park, Soo-Young Bang, Ji Min Kim, Sung-Chan Shin, Yong-il Cheon, Ha-Nee Kwon, Jung Hwan Cho and Byung-Joo Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010514 - 4 Jan 2026
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Obesity is a systemic metabolic disorder that is known to impair various organ systems; however, its precise impact on salivary gland homeostasis remains unclear. Recent studies have implicated ferroptosis—an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress—in glandular [...] Read more.
Obesity is a systemic metabolic disorder that is known to impair various organ systems; however, its precise impact on salivary gland homeostasis remains unclear. Recent studies have implicated ferroptosis—an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress—in glandular dysfunction. In this study, we used leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice to elucidate the role of ferroptosis in obesity-associated salivary gland pathology. The protective effects of ferroptosis inhibition were evaluated by administering ferrostatin-1 (a lipid reactive oxygen species [ROS] scavenger) and deferoxamine (an iron chelator) for an 8-week period. Obese mice exhibited significantly increased body weight, food intake, and hyperglycemia. These systemic changes are accompanied by profound histological alterations in the salivary glands, including lipid droplet accumulation, acinar atrophy, and mitochondrial ultrastructural damage. These alterations correlate with the hallmarks of ferroptotic injury, including increased ROS levels (p < 0.001), elevated malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.01), suppressed glutathione peroxidase 4 activity (p < 0.01), and iron overload (p < 0.001). Salivary gland fibrosis, inflammation, and secretory dysfunction were evident, characterized by the upregulation of TGF-β (p < 0.01) and Collagen I (p < 0.05), reduced expression of aquaporin-5 and amylase, and dysregulated levels of autophagy-related markers (LC3B and p62). Treatment with either ferrostatin-1 or deferoxamine significantly mitigated these pathologies; however, the degree of efficacy varied depending on the specific parameters that were examined. Thus, our findings implicate ferroptosis as a critical contributor to salivary gland dysfunction in obesity and suggest that pharmacological inhibition of this pathway represents a viable therapeutic strategy for preserving glandular integrity under metabolic stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ferroptosis, ROS and Cell Death Cytomodulator Compounds)
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25 pages, 12788 KB  
Article
The Effect of Fructooligosaccharide and Inulin Addition on the Functional, Mechanical, and Structural Properties of Cooked Japonica Rice
by Bing Dai, Ruijun Chen, Shiyu Chang, Zheng Wei, Xiaohong Luo, Jiangzhang Wu and Xingjun Li
Gels 2026, 12(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12010048 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 273
Abstract
To test whether fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and inulin (INU) molecules can improve the hardness of cooked rice through forming a hydrogel network, we added FOS or INU at 0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% concentrations to two cooking japonica rice and compared the cooking [...] Read more.
To test whether fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and inulin (INU) molecules can improve the hardness of cooked rice through forming a hydrogel network, we added FOS or INU at 0%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% concentrations to two cooking japonica rice and compared the cooking and textural parameters, the pasting, thermal, and thermo-mechanical properties, and the microstructure of the cooked rice. General Linear Model Univariate (GLMU) analysis revealed that, compared with no oligofructose addition, both FOS and INU addition reduced the rice cooking time and increased the gruel solid loss. The addition of these dietary fibers (DFs) to cooking rice lowered the hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of the rice, but maintained the cohesiveness and increased the resilience. Compared with no oligofructose addition, FOS and INU addition improved the smell, taste, and total sensory score of cooked rice. The addition of these DFs significantly decreased the trough, peak, final, breakdown, and setback viscosities, but increased the pasting temperature and peak time. Both FOS and INU addition decreased the enthalpy of gelatinization but increased the peak and conclusion temperature of gelatinization of rice flour paste. After the retrograded flour pastes were kept at 4 °C for 21 days, both FOS and INU significantly increased amylopectin aging compared with no oligofructose addition. The FOS-added and INU-added rice doughs had a higher dough development time and stability time, gelatinization peak torque, setback torque, and gelatinization speed, with a lower protein weakening degree, amylase activity, breakdown torque, heating speed, and enzymatic hydrolysis speed. Compared with no oligofructose addition, both FOS and INU addition reduced the amorphous region of starch and β-sheet percentage, but increased the percentages of random coils, α-helixes, and β-turns in cooked rice. Principal component analysis (PCA) further demonstrated that the gruel solid loss, cooked rice hardness, chewiness, gumminess, taste, and the peak, trough, breakdown, final, and setback viscosities were sensitive parameters for evaluating the effects of species and the amount of oligofructose addition on rice quality. The microstructure showed that FOS or INU addition induced thickening of the matrix walls and an increase in the pore size, forming a soft and evenly swollen structure. These results suggest that FOS or INU addition inhibits amylose recrystallization but maintains amylopectin recrystallization in cooked rice, with INU addition producing greater improvements in the texture and sensory scores of cooked rice compared withFOS addition. This study provides evidence of the advantages of adding DFs and probiotics such as INU and FOS to cooked rice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Composite Gels in Food Processing and Engineering)
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17 pages, 3135 KB  
Article
Molecular, Physiological, and Histopathological Insights into the Protective Role of Equisetum arvense and Olea europaea Extracts Against Metronidazole-Induced Pancreatic Toxicity
by Manal R. Bakeer, Maha M. Rashad, Asmaa A. Azouz, Rehab A. Azouz, Abdulmajeed Fahad Alrefaei, Sultan F. Kadasah, Mohamed Shaalan, Alaa M. Ali, Marwa Y. Issa and Salma I. El-Samanoudy
Life 2025, 15(12), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15121907 - 13 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 383
Abstract
Background: Acute pancreatitis is a significant global disease. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and potential protective effects of Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail) ethanol extract and Olea europaea L. (olive leaves) aqueous extract against metronidazole (MTZ)-induced pancreatic damage in rats. Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Acute pancreatitis is a significant global disease. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and potential protective effects of Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail) ethanol extract and Olea europaea L. (olive leaves) aqueous extract against metronidazole (MTZ)-induced pancreatic damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into six groups: Group I (control) received saline; Group II (Metronidazole) received only MTZ (400 mg/kg). Group III (Equisetum arvense group) received E. arvense 100 mg/kg. Group IV (Olea europaea) received 400 mg/kg of O. europaea. Group V (MTZ + E. arvense) received both MTZ (400 mg/kg) and E. arvense (100 mg/kg). Group VI (MTZ + O. europaea) received MTZ (400 mg/kg) and O. europaea (400 mg/kg). All treatments were delivered daily via the oral route. After 60 days, serum amylase, lipase, protease, and glucose levels, oxidative parameters “malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), mRNA relative expression of pancreatic Pik3ca (phosphatidylinosi-tol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha), AKT (AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1), Nrf-2 (Nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2), TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta genes, an apoptotic marker “caspase-3,” and histopathological changes were estimated. Results: HPLC analysis revealed that horsetail extract contained caffeic acid, catechin, rutin, and kaempferol, while olive leaf extract was dominated by oleuropein. MTZ administration significantly elevated serum levels of pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) and glucose and increased oxidative stress markers, such as MDA, while reducing catalase (CAT) activity. Co-treatment with MTZ and horsetail, or MTZ and olive extracts, mitigated these effects, especially horsetail, which restored CAT levels and reduced MDA concentrations. qPCR analysis showed MTZ upregulated inflammatory genes (TNFα, IL-1β) and downregulated antioxidant and survival-related genes (Pik3ca, AKT, Nrf-2). Horsetail co-treatment significantly reversed these gene expression patterns. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed MTZ-induced pancreatic tissue degeneration and increased cleaved caspase-3 expression, both of which were notably alleviated by horsetail extract. Conclusions: These findings highlight the superior protective efficacy of Equisetum arvense over Olea europaea in ameliorating MTZ-induced pancreatic toxicity, potentially through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Full article
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22 pages, 5292 KB  
Article
Effects of Eucalyptus Biochar on Intestinal Health and Function in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
by Bing Fu, Yan Chen, Xiang Li, Huiyun Zhou, Junru Hu, Jinghong Li, Wen Huang, Hongxia Zhao, Bing Chen and Jiun-Yan Loh
Biology 2025, 14(12), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14121754 - 7 Dec 2025
Viewed by 491
Abstract
Intestinal health is critical for nutrient absorption and disease resistance in cultured fish. Yet, the effects of dietary Eucalyptus-derived biochar on the gut of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated whether supplementing diets with Eucalyptus biochar c [...] Read more.
Intestinal health is critical for nutrient absorption and disease resistance in cultured fish. Yet, the effects of dietary Eucalyptus-derived biochar on the gut of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated whether supplementing diets with Eucalyptus biochar c profiles. In a 56-day feeding trial, M. salmoides were offered a standard diet containing either 0% (control) or graded levels of biochar. Juvenile fish (initial body weight 13.34 g) were randomly distributed into six groups with three replicates each (30 fish per replicate). Six extruded diets were formulated with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, or 40.0 g kg−1 of biochar, designated G0 through G5. Biochar had no significant effects on villus length, muscle layer thickness, villus width, or the activities of trypsin, amylase, and lipase, though goblet cell number was significantly higher in G5. mRNA expression of Claudin-3 and IL-10 was significantly upregulated in G1–G4, while IL-1β was significantly downregulated in G4 and G5, and TNF-α expression was reduced in G2 and G3. 16S rDNA sequencing showed increasing trends in the relative abundance of Firmicutes (43% to 49.17%) and Lactococcus (0% to 1.10%) in G3, accompanied by decreases in Proteobacteria and Klebsiella. Metabolomic analysis indicated significant upregulation of taurochenodeoxycholic acid-7-sulfate, apigenin, genistein, baicalein, taurocholic acid-3-sulfate, taurochenodeoxycholic acid-3-sulfate, and arginylmethionine in G3, whereas etoxazole and soyasaponin were significantly reduced. Dietary inclusion of 10 g kg−1 Eucalyptus biochar improved intestinal health in largemouth bass by shaping the gut microbiota, promoting isoflavone biosynthesis and bile acid and amino acid metabolism, inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, and reinforcing the intestinal barrier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
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23 pages, 5445 KB  
Article
Physiological and Molecular Responses of Seed Germination to Irrigating-Sowing in Drought-Stressed Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
by Boyu Lu, Shide Dan, Siyu Yan, Rongxue Wang, Jiaxing Li, Jianhong Ren, Shuqi Dong, Yinyuan Wen, Liguang Zhang and Xiangyang Yuan
Plants 2025, 14(23), 3571; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14233571 - 22 Nov 2025
Viewed by 589
Abstract
Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is an important crop in northern China’s arid and semi-arid regions. Frequent spring droughts and limited irrigation facilities often cause poor seed germination due to insufficient soil moisture, threatening food security. The irrigation-sowing technique, which creates a [...] Read more.
Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is an important crop in northern China’s arid and semi-arid regions. Frequent spring droughts and limited irrigation facilities often cause poor seed germination due to insufficient soil moisture, threatening food security. The irrigation-sowing technique, which creates a localized moist microenvironment around seeds, effectively addresses this issue. However, this technique has been poorly studied, and its effects on foxtail millet seed germination remain unclear. To address this, field experiments were conducted using a two-factor split-plot design, with three drought levels and five irrigation gradients. The results showed that irrigation-sowing increased soil moisture, promoted root–shoot growth coordination, and improved germination characteristics. Transcriptome analysis of seeds under moderate drought compared the optimal irrigation treatment (13.5 m3·hm−2) with the non-irrigated control (0 m3·hm−2), identifying 2169 differentially expressed genes. Seeds receiving irrigation exhibited higher transcript abundance in pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, energy production, secondary metabolism, and hormone signaling. Physiological measurements further showed increased α/β-amylase activity, while starch, sucrose, and cellulose content decreased. Glycolytic enzyme activity was enhanced, and ATP content increased by 125%. Additionally, phenylpropanoid metabolism was promoted, and proanthocyanidin accumulation increased by 11.5%. Hormone analysis showed that the contents of IAA and GA increased as germination progressed by 29.09% and 54.70%, respectively, while ABA content decreased. Overall, irrigation-sowing serves as an upstream moisture signal that reshapes metabolic and hormonal states associated with improved germination performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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17 pages, 10021 KB  
Article
Mango Fructokinases Inhibit Sugar Accumulation and Enhance Energy Metabolism in Transgenic Tomato
by Bin Zheng, Songbiao Wang, Hongxia Wu, Xiaowei Ma, Wentian Xu, Kunliang Xie, Meng Gao, Yanan Wang, Chengming Yan, Zixin Meng and Li Li
Plants 2025, 14(22), 3526; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14223526 - 19 Nov 2025
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Sugar content critically determines mango fruit quality and varies significantly among varieties. Preliminary studies indicate that fructokinases (MiFRKs) MiFRK1 and MiFRK2 likely regulate intervarietal sugar variation. We characterized these MiFRKs using heterologous expression in tomato. Both isoforms phosphorylate fructose, promoting downstream [...] Read more.
Sugar content critically determines mango fruit quality and varies significantly among varieties. Preliminary studies indicate that fructokinases (MiFRKs) MiFRK1 and MiFRK2 likely regulate intervarietal sugar variation. We characterized these MiFRKs using heterologous expression in tomato. Both isoforms phosphorylate fructose, promoting downstream catabolism, with R-MiFRK2 (from low-sugar ‘Renong No. 1’) exhibiting higher activity than T-MiFRK2 (high-sugar ‘Tainong No. 1’) and MiFRK1. Transcriptomic and metabolic analyses reveal that MiFRK overexpression inhibits sugar accumulation by altering the expression of key metabolic genes, including sucrose degradation enzymes (invertases), starch breakdown genes (β-amylases), and glycolytic genes (enolases). Intriguingly, MiFRK1 and MiFRK2 exhibit distinct regulatory effects on these pathways, suggesting functional specialization between the two isoforms. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms through which MiFRKs govern sugar metabolism in mango, highlighting their potential as key targets for metabolic engineering to enhance fruit quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horticultural Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 1060 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activity of Female and Male Cones from Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Maire
by Mary Fucile, Carmine Lupia, Martina Armentano, Mariangela Marrelli, Ekaterina Kozuharova, Giancarlo Statti and Filomena Conforti
Antioxidants 2025, 14(11), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14111368 - 18 Nov 2025
Viewed by 783
Abstract
The Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Maire), a subspecies of black pine endemic to southern Italy, is widely known for the quality of its valuable timber, and the parts of the plant that are not used for this purpose are [...] Read more.
The Corsican pine (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Maire), a subspecies of black pine endemic to southern Italy, is widely known for the quality of its valuable timber, and the parts of the plant that are not used for this purpose are considered unusable production waste. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical profile and a series of biological activities of extracts from the female and male pine cones. The extracts were prepared by maceration with ethanol and subsequently fractionated using liquid-liquid separation. The total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant potential (DPPH and β-carotene bleaching tests), anti-inflammatory activity (nitric oxide inhibition in RAW 264.7 cells), and enzymatic inhibition against pancreatic lipase and α-amylase were determined. The female cones showed a higher crude extract yield and total phenolic content (76.4 mg GAE/g) than the male cones, while the latter were richer in flavonoids. The extracts from the female cones showed higher antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities. On the contrary, extracts from male cones showed greater activity against α-amylase, with the dichloromethane fraction proving to be the most potent (IC50 = 35.28 ± 3.08 µg/mL). The hexane fraction of female cones also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 107.50 ± 15.22 µg/mL). Our results reveal that the pine cones of Pinus nigra subsp. laricio (Poir.) Maire are a rich source of bioactive compounds. These results provide the first scientific evidence of the potential of extracts from this still poorly studied part of the plant for further investigation of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Full article
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26 pages, 4662 KB  
Article
Effect of Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Phenolic Composition and Bioactivity of Cymbopogon flexuosus Extracts
by Ana Alimpić Aradski, Danijel D. Milinčić, Mirjana B. Pešić, Milena Milutinović, Eisuke Kuraya, Akiko Touyama and Danka Bukvički
Foods 2025, 14(22), 3868; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14223868 - 12 Nov 2025
Viewed by 589
Abstract
This study characterized leaf extracts of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Ryukyu Lemongrass Corporation, Okinawa, Japan) and evaluated the bioaccessibility and bioactivities of phenolic compounds following a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal model of digestion (in vitro GID) of plant material. Undigested (controls, AqC, EtC) and digested [...] Read more.
This study characterized leaf extracts of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Ryukyu Lemongrass Corporation, Okinawa, Japan) and evaluated the bioaccessibility and bioactivities of phenolic compounds following a simulated in vitro gastrointestinal model of digestion (in vitro GID) of plant material. Undigested (controls, AqC, EtC) and digested aqueous (AqD) and ethanolic (EtD) extracts were analyzed. Control extracts contained higher total phenolics and flavonoids than digested ones, with EtC showing the highest values. UHPLC-QToF-MS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer) identified 32 compounds, including phenolic acids, flavone aglycones, C-glycosides, and derivatives. Hydroxybenzoic acids, coumaric acid, caffeic esters, flavones, tricin derivatives, vitexin, and isoorientin exhibited reduced recovery, while coumaric acid hexoside, ferulic acid hexoside, and isoschaftoside/schaftoside exceeded 100% recovery, suggesting release from the matrix. Some compounds were absent from AqD, and many were found in the pellet, indicating potential colonic metabolism. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, β-carotene/linoleic acid) was stronger in controls but always weaker than BHT/ascorbic acid. Extracts mildly inhibited α-amylase but more strongly inhibited α-glucosidase as shown with applied enzyme inhibition assays, especially EtD (76.93% at a concentration of 10 mg/mL), which showed stronger activity than controls but remained below acarbose (87.74% at 1 mg/mL). All extracts promoted HaCaT keratinocyte growth and reduced HCT-116 colon cancer cell viability at 250 µg/mL, with the strongest effects in AqC and AqD. Overall, GID decreased antioxidant activity but enhanced antidiabetic potential, confirming the safety and selective anticancer effects of C. flexuosus extracts. Full article
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14 pages, 560 KB  
Article
Phytochemical Properties, Antioxidant Capacity, and Hypoglycemic Potential of Goji Berry Juice from Serbia
by Tijana Ilić, Nemanja Krgović, Uroš Čakar, Igor Kodranov, Milan Milenković and Bojana Vidović
Horticulturae 2025, 11(11), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111308 - 1 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1706
Abstract
Goji berry is a rich source of polyphenols, carotenoids and polysaccharides, contributing to its diverse biological activities. Due to their high water content and perishability, the berries are often processed into dried forms or juices. This study hypothesized that juice obtained from Serbian-grown [...] Read more.
Goji berry is a rich source of polyphenols, carotenoids and polysaccharides, contributing to its diverse biological activities. Due to their high water content and perishability, the berries are often processed into dried forms or juices. This study hypothesized that juice obtained from Serbian-grown goji berries would exhibit a distinctive phytochemical composition and significant in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching assays, while hypoglycemic potential was evaluated via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition. The analyzed goji juice exhibited mild acidity and moderate sweetness. In terms of bioactive composition, the juice contained high levels of polyphenols (194.50 ± 3.88 mg GAE/100 mL) exceeding the values reported for most commercial fruit juices, as well as notable levels of flavonoids (70.30 ± 5.11 mg CE/100 mL), carotenoids (289.53 ± 0.65 µg/100 mL) and polysaccharides (375.20 ± 12.46 mg Glu/100 mL), along with minerals, particularly potassium and copper. It also showed strong antioxidant capacity and concentration-dependent inhibition of α-amylase (IC50 = 5.28 ± 0.26 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 10.12 ± 0.23 mg/mL). This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of Serbian-grown goji berry juice, confirming its potential as a functional ingredient. Full article
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20 pages, 4355 KB  
Article
Geographical Variation Shapes Nutritional Metabolite Profile and Food Functionality of Houttuynia cordata
by Yuanyuan Zhang, Xuelang Fu, Jinqun Zhu, Yu Gui, Huilin Huang, Yangye Liao, Yanping Mao, Hui Tian and Lei Liu
Metabolites 2025, 15(11), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15110701 - 29 Oct 2025
Viewed by 682
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Houttuynia cordata Thunb., a widely consumed vegetable and traditional food in Asia, possesses significant nutritional value. However, the impact of geographical origin on its nutritional metabolite composition, crucial for food quality and functionality, remains unclear. Methods: Here, we conducted a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Houttuynia cordata Thunb., a widely consumed vegetable and traditional food in Asia, possesses significant nutritional value. However, the impact of geographical origin on its nutritional metabolite composition, crucial for food quality and functionality, remains unclear. Methods: Here, we conducted a comprehensive metabolomic analysis of H. cordata cultivated across six major Chinese regions (Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei) using UPLC-MS/MS. Results and Conclusions: We identified 496 nutritional metabolites, predominantly amino acids and derivatives (53.23%). Key bioactive carbohydrates, maltotriose and maltitol, exhibited distinct geographical accumulation patterns: maltotriose was significantly enriched in Yunnan (YN), while maltitol accumulated predominantly in Sichuan (SC). Integrated transcriptomic analysis linked this variation to the differential expression of starch metabolism genes (GBE1/glgB, α-amylases, β-amylases). Bioinformatic evaluation suggested potential health-related functionalities associated with these metabolites. These findings provide critical insights into the geographical determinants of H. cordata nutritional quality and functional properties. They offer a scientific foundation for optimizing cultivation practices based on regional advantages and developing H. cordata as a region-specific, high-value vegetable and functional food ingredient targeting distinct nutraceutical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Metabolomics)
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22 pages, 2865 KB  
Article
Taurine Supplementation in Low-Fishmeal of Golden Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) Diets: Improving Intestinal Health and Alleviation of Inflammatory Response
by Zhanzhan Wang, Hongkai Ye, Zhong Huang, Jun Wang, Yun Wang, Wei Yu, Heizhao Lin, Zhenhua Ma and Chuanpeng Zhou
Animals 2025, 15(21), 3080; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213080 - 23 Oct 2025
Viewed by 777
Abstract
This research explored the effects of supplementing taurine in a low-fishmeal diet on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, muscle quality, intestinal health, and alleviation of inflammatory response of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Over an eight-week period, 300 juvenile fish (initial weight [...] Read more.
This research explored the effects of supplementing taurine in a low-fishmeal diet on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, muscle quality, intestinal health, and alleviation of inflammatory response of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Over an eight-week period, 300 juvenile fish (initial weight 9.4 ± 0.47 g) were randomly allocated into 12 net enclosures (1.0 × 1.0 × 1.5 m), with each treatment group comprising three replicate cages containing 25 specimens. The results demonstrated that an optimal taurine inclusion level of 1.0–1.5% significantly promoted growth, as evidenced by the increased weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR). It also protected hepatic health by reducing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and enhancing antioxidant capacity. Activation of the hepatic Nrf2/Keap-1/HO-1 signaling pathway increased the level of antioxidant gene expression, including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, the appropriate supplementation of taurine significantly down-regulated muscle hardness-related genes (cathepsin B (CatB) and cathepsin L (CatL)) and promoted the growth and differentiation of myoblasts, thus improving muscle quality. The chymotrypsin of fish fed the A25T10 diet was significantly higher than those in other groups (p < 0.05). The amylase (AMY) of fish fed the A25T15 diet was significantly higher than those in other groups (p < 0.05). The Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson of fish fed the A25T15 diet were significantly higher than those in other groups (p < 0.05). Proteobacteria were the most abundant in group A25T10. The relative abundance of Photobacterium rose in the A25RT10 group. In this study, taurine supplementation can down-regulate the expression of intestinal pro-inflammatory factors (interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8)) and up-regulate the expression of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10), enhance intestinal immunity, and improve intestinal digestion and absorption. Therefore, the addition of 1–1.5% taurine to low-fishmeal feeds can improve the growth performance of golden pompano. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nutritional Ingredients for Aquaculture)
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20 pages, 2052 KB  
Article
Inhibition of α-Glucosidase Activity and Islet Amyloid PolyPeptide Fibril Formation by Rubus ulmifolius Fruit Extract: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Sonia Floris, Barbara Noli, Cristina Cocco, Antonella Fais, Benedetta Era, Carlo Ignazio Giovanni Tuberoso, Valentina Masala, Franca Piras, Valeria Sogos, Amalia Di Petrillo, Antonio De Agostini, Francesca Pintus and Cinzia Sanna
Plants 2025, 14(21), 3247; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213247 - 23 Oct 2025
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Abstract
This study examines the antidiabetic potential of Rubus ulmifolius, a shrub traditionally used for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The aim was to assess the fruit extract’s inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes (T2D), given their role [...] Read more.
This study examines the antidiabetic potential of Rubus ulmifolius, a shrub traditionally used for medicinal and nutritional purposes. The aim was to assess the fruit extract’s inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes (T2D), given their role in carbohydrate digestion. Considering the role of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) aggregation in pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in T2D, the extract’s effect on inhibiting this process was also evaluated. Cytocompatibility and antioxidant effects were tested in Caco-2 cells, while caspase-1 activity was measured to evaluate anti-inflammatory potential. Phytochemical analysis of R. ulmifolius fruits revealed various phenolic compounds, with anthocyanin as the most abundant one. The cyanidin-3-O-glucoside accounted for 86% of all anthocyanins. Among flavonoids, the most represented ones were quercetin-HMG-glucoside and a kaempferol derivative, while ellagic acid glucuronide was the predominant ellagitannin. The extract showed significantly higher α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 2.8 µg/mL, 32 times more effective than acarbose, and it markedly inhibited IAPP aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. It demonstrated antioxidant activity in cellular and acellular systems, without cytotoxicity. Caspase-1 activity was also reduced in intestinal cells. These findings support R. ulmifolius fruits as a promising functional food for managing T2D and preserving pancreatic function. Full article
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20 pages, 2965 KB  
Article
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Polysaccharide from Houttuynia cordata and Structure Characterization of the Degradation Products and Their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
by Lanlan Zhang, Zhixuan Yang, Yanan Yuan, Mohammed Mansour, Ting Wu, Siyi Pan and Xiaoyun Xu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 11057; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011057 - 15 Oct 2025
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Abstract
This study aimed to enhance the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) and investigate the structure of derivatives. Under optimal conditions (amylase derived from Aspergillus oryzae loading of 15 U/mL, 60 °C, and pH 6.1), the enzymatic hydrolysates of HCP (EHCP) [...] Read more.
This study aimed to enhance the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) and investigate the structure of derivatives. Under optimal conditions (amylase derived from Aspergillus oryzae loading of 15 U/mL, 60 °C, and pH 6.1), the enzymatic hydrolysates of HCP (EHCP) demonstrated significantly higher α-glucosidase inhibition than non-enzymatically treated HCP (NEHCP). At a 6 mg/mL concentration, the α-glucosidase inhibition rates of EHCP and NEHCP were 77.32% and 52.92%, respectively. Molecular weight analysis revealed that EHCP was a homogeneous polysaccharide of 338.7 kDa, lower than that of NEHCP (504.6 kDa). The monosaccharide composition was Galacturonic acid/Glucuronic acid/Galactose/Rhamnose/Mannose/Fucose/Xylose/Arabinose/Glucose = 77.42:3.78:8.04:2.12:3.16:2.48:0.75:0.17:2.08 molar ratio. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses confirmed pyranose rings and both α- and β-glycosidic linkages. Compared with NEHCP, EHCP demonstrated improved solubility, decreased crystallinity, and morphological changes from dense rod-like to loose flaky structures. Full article
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26 pages, 2735 KB  
Article
Bioengineering Caulobacter vibrioides for Xylanase Applications in the Bakery Industry
by Bruna Simioni, Paula Maria Carneiro Rocha, Adriano Fávero, José Luis da Conceição Silva, Rinaldo Ferreira Gandra, Alexandre Maller, Marina Kimiko Kadowaki and Rita de Cássia Garcia Simão
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102367 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 947
Abstract
The present study investigated the impact of genetic engineering strategies to produce a cell-free xylanase for applications in the baking industry. The xynA1 gene from the nonpathogenic bacterium Caulobacter vibrioides was integrated into the pAS22 vector with a xylose-inducible promoter and introduced back [...] Read more.
The present study investigated the impact of genetic engineering strategies to produce a cell-free xylanase for applications in the baking industry. The xynA1 gene from the nonpathogenic bacterium Caulobacter vibrioides was integrated into the pAS22 vector with a xylose-inducible promoter and introduced back into the bacteria, resulting in the creation of the BS-xynA1. This construct exhibited substantial secreted xylanase 1 (XynA1) activity, reaching 17.22 U/mL, and a specific activity of 278.64 U/mg after an 18 h growth period with 0.3% (v/v) xylose plus 0.2% (w/v) corn straw. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that higher xylanase activity in C. vibrioides cells was correlated with increased transcription of the xynA1 gene in the induction medium. Moreover, BS-xynA1 cells coexpress other enzymes, including xylanase 2 (XynA2), cellulase, pectinase, α-amylase, β-glucosidase, β-xylosidase, and α-L-arabinosidase, at low levels (≤2 U/mL). In vitro comparison of cell-free xylanases from BS-xynA1 with three commercially available xylanase-containing mixtures commonly utilized in baking protocols revealed its superior specific activity (163.4 U/mg) across a broad temperature range (30–100 °C), with optimal performance at 50 °C. In practical baking tests, the addition of cell-free XynA1 led to a reduction in dough kneading time and increase in bread height compared to those of the control. Notably, the incorporation of XynA1 resulted in enhanced alveolar structure formation within the bread crumb. Specifically, the following changes were observed in the mass parameters compared to those of the control: an increase in extensibility, elasticity, and deformation energy, and subsequent improvements in strength. Additionally, XynA1 addition led to a reduction in toughness and toughness/elasticity index, indicating a reduction in the mass stiffness of the enzyme-treated bread. To date, this is the first successful application of recombinant XynA1 from C. vibrioides in biotechnological processes related to baking, underscoring the potential and prospects in the food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Enzymes—Tools for Biotechnological Processes)
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