Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (22,434)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = L1 protein

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
19 pages, 996 KB  
Article
Optimization of Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Atlantic Salmon Frame Proteins by Alcalase Using Response Surface Methodology: Degree of Hydrolysis and Nitrogen Recovery
by Suleivys M. Nuñez, Sebastián Plaza, Siri Povea, Regina Nuñez, Pedro Valencia and Yunesky Masip
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6057; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126057 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
The valorization of salmon farming by-products is an essential strategy within the circular economy. This study optimized the enzymatic hydrolysis of salmon frame proteins using Alcalase 2.5L and response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of temperature (50–60 °C), substrate concentration (50–100% w/ [...] Read more.
The valorization of salmon farming by-products is an essential strategy within the circular economy. This study optimized the enzymatic hydrolysis of salmon frame proteins using Alcalase 2.5L and response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of temperature (50–60 °C), substrate concentration (50–100% w/w), and protease dose (1–13 mAU/g salmon frames) were evaluated on two key responses: degree of hydrolysis (DH) and nitrogen recovery (NR). The 20 experimental assays showed that substrate concentration and enzyme dosage strongly influenced both responses, whereas temperature had a moderate effect. The fitted models exhibited R2adjusted values above 70% and met statistical assumptions, confirming their predictive reliability. Optimal conditions for maximizing DH were 55 °C, 50% w/w substrate, and 13 mAU/g protease, yielding a predicted DH of 6.65%. In contrast, the highest NR (48.35%) was observed at 50 °C, 50% w/w substrate, and 13 mAU/g protease, indicating that solubilization does not depend solely on hydrolysis intensity. Validation experiments showed no significant differences between predicted and experimental values (p > 0.05), supporting the robustness of the models. These results demonstrate the usefulness of RSM for optimizing enzymatic hydrolysis and advancing sustainable valorization of salmon by-products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 3575 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Pharmacokinetics of the Marine-Derived PDE4 Inhibitor LY104 and Its Major Metabolite M1 in Rats: A Validated LC-MS/MS Method with Sex Comparison, Multiple-Dose, Protein Binding, Metabolic Stability, and Excretion Studies
by Xiaochen Niu, Jun Zhao, Deqi Ding, Wei He, Guanhua Du, Jiejie Hao and Jianchun Zhao
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(6), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24060215 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
LY104 (previously designated as B7) is a selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor with promising activity against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We previously reported its single-dose pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in rats. In the present study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed [...] Read more.
LY104 (previously designated as B7) is a selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor with promising activity against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We previously reported its single-dose pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in rats. In the present study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of LY104 and its major metabolite M1 in rat plasma following ICH M10 guidelines. The method showed excellent linearity over 20–1200 ng/mL for both analytes, with retention times of 2.85 min (LY104) and 3.22 min (M1). Using this method, we extended our previous work in several directions. Re-analysis of previously published single-dose pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution data revealed no significant sex differences for LY104. Newly generated multiple-dose studies (1 mg/kg daily for 7 days) demonstrated no accumulation of LY104 or M1. The pharmacokinetic profile of M1 was quantified for the first time. Comprehensive in vitro investigations included plasma and liver microsomal stability, plasma protein binding, and excretion studies. This systematic preclinical pharmacokinetic characterization of LY104 and M1, incorporating re-analysis of existing data with sex stratification, newly generated multiple-dose and metabolite data, excretion studies, and comprehensive in vitro investigations, provides useful information to support further drug development and clinical trial design. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 1437 KB  
Article
Microbial-Derived Daidzin (Eco-3) Inhibits Adipogenesis and Lipid Accumulation in Cellular and Zebrafish Models
by Nivethasri Lakshmana Perumal, Muneer Hussain, Kyung-Bon Koo, Kil-Hwan Han and Byeong-Churl Jang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5394; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125394 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Daidzin is a soy-derived isoflavone with reported anti-obesity effects; however, the biological activity of microbial-derived daidzin remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity potential of microbial-derived daidzin (hereafter referred to as Eco-3) in both in vitro and in [...] Read more.
Daidzin is a soy-derived isoflavone with reported anti-obesity effects; however, the biological activity of microbial-derived daidzin remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity potential of microbial-derived daidzin (hereafter referred to as Eco-3) in both in vitro and in vivo models. Eco-3 significantly suppressed adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) without inducing cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, Eco-3 reduced the expression of key adipogenic regulators, including PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α, and modulated lipid metabolism-related proteins such as FAS and perilipin A. In addition, Eco-3 activated AMPK signaling while inhibiting the STAT-3 and STAT-5 pathway. In zebrafish models, Eco-3 significantly reduced lipid accumulation under both normal and diet-induced obesity conditions, as demonstrated by LipidGreen2 and Oil Red O staining. Collectively, these findings suggest that Eco-3 exerts anti-obesity effects through coordinated regulation of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity: From Cellular Mechanism to Potential Molecular Therapies)
22 pages, 9169 KB  
Article
Identification and Transcriptomic Analysis of Mitochondria-Related Gene Signatures in Obesity
by Hezhang Yun, Chang Liu, Binghong Gao and Peijie Chen
Metabolites 2026, 16(6), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16060419 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to identify core genes associated with mitochondria-related transcriptomic signatures and evaluate their potential as computational biomarkers, immune characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and potential therapeutic relevance. Methods: Obesity-related transcriptome datasets were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify core genes associated with mitochondria-related transcriptomic signatures and evaluate their potential as computational biomarkers, immune characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and potential therapeutic relevance. Methods: Obesity-related transcriptome datasets were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were intersected with mitochondria-related genes (MRGs) to identify obesity-related MRGs. Functional enrichment, protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis, CytoHubba, LASSO and random forest algorithms were used to screen core genes. External validation, ROC analysis, immune infiltration analysis, regulatory network construction, candidate drug prediction, and molecular docking were further performed. Results: A total of 527 DEGs and 15 differentially expressed MRGs were identified. Enrichment analysis suggested that these mitochondria-related genes were mainly associated with disrupted mitochondrial energy metabolism, lipid metabolic remodeling, and altered substrate utilization. ECHDC2, FASN, NAT8L, and AASS were identified as core MRGs; these genes are respectively associated with mitochondrial metabolic regulation, de novo fatty acid synthesis, N-acetylaspartate-related mitochondrial metabolism, and lysine degradation. These genes were significantly downregulated in obesity and showed good diagnostic performance. Immune infiltration analysis revealed alterations in the immune microenvironment, and the core genes were negatively correlated with multiple immune cell types. Molecular docking showed that Genistein had the lowest predicted binding free energy with NAT8L (−8.89 kcal/mol), suggesting relatively favorable binding among the tested ligand–target pairs. Conclusions: ECHDC2, FASN, NAT8L, and AASS may serve as candidate computational biomarkers, among which FASN represents a known lipid metabolism-related gene, supporting the biological plausibility of the workflow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obesity and Metabolic Health, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 8041 KB  
Article
q Is a Heterotrimeric G-Protein Subunit That Directs the Selectivity of PPARγ-Induced Gene Pathways Toward Energy-Related Processes Rather than Adiposity
by Evelyn A. Bates, Zachary A. Kipp, Wang-Hsin Lee, Genesee J. Martinez, Sally N. Pauss, Philipp E. Scherer and Terry D. Hinds
Metabolites 2026, 16(6), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16060418 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Signaling mediators of PPARγ influence pathways involved in adipogenesis, lipid storage, inflammation, energy-related processes, and glucose utilization. Recent research indicates that PPARγ coregulators, recruited or released during ligand binding, govern specific gene pathways. It was recently discovered that Gαq, a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Signaling mediators of PPARγ influence pathways involved in adipogenesis, lipid storage, inflammation, energy-related processes, and glucose utilization. Recent research indicates that PPARγ coregulators, recruited or released during ligand binding, govern specific gene pathways. It was recently discovered that Gαq, a heterotrimeric G protein subunit, also signals to PPARγ and may significantly affect adipogenesis and glucose sensitivity. Methods: To explore Gαq’s role in adipocytes, we generated CRISPR-mediated Gαq (Gnaq) knockout (Gnaq KO) and scramble control cells from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Results: The absence of Gαq resulted in increased lipid accumulation and elevated serine 273 (but not serine 112) phosphorylation of PPARγ. Gαq deficiency also decreased mitochondrial abundance and respiration in response to PPARγ ligands such as rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and troglitazone. RNA sequencing comparing differentiated Gnaq KO and control adipocytes identified over 800 differentially expressed genes, including those associated with enhanced lipid metabolism and reduced inflammation. Corresponding PamGene kinome profiling showed increased serine/threonine kinase activity and decreased phosphotyrosine kinase signaling in Gnaq KO adipocytes. Conclusions: These findings support Gαq as a regulator of adipocyte function, linking kinase signaling pathways to PPARγ-mediated transcription. This research provides mechanistic insights into targeting Gαq as a potential treatment for individuals with obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1592 KB  
Article
Fecal Zonulin-Related Proteins in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Associations with Clinical Disease Activity and Inflammatory Markers
by Sergiu Ioan Frandeș, Oana Frandeș, Melania Macarie, Claudiu Marinel Ionele and Simona Maria Bățagă
Medicina 2026, 62(6), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62061160 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Intestinal barrier dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a contributor to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathophysiology. Zonulin, a regulator of epithelial tight-junction permeability, has emerged as a potential non-invasive biomarker; however, its clinical relevance remains uncertain. This study evaluated whether [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Intestinal barrier dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a contributor to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathophysiology. Zonulin, a regulator of epithelial tight-junction permeability, has emerged as a potential non-invasive biomarker; however, its clinical relevance remains uncertain. This study evaluated whether fecal zonulin levels reflect clinical disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease and explored their association with ileal involvement in Crohn’s disease (CD). Materials and Methods: Forty-six consecutive IBD patients (26 CD, 20 UC) were prospectively included. Fecal zonulin was measured using a commercially available ELISA. In this study, the term “fecal zonulin” refers to ELISA-detected zonulin-related proteins. Clinical disease activity was assessed using CDAI for CD and the Mayo score for UC. Standard blood and fecal inflammatory markers were obtained, and subgroup analyses were performed according to disease type and location. Results: Fecal zonulin levels were significantly higher in active IBD compared with remission (106.37 vs. 53.80 ng/mL, p = 0.002). Patients with CD had higher zonulin concentrations than those with UC (91.4 vs. 51.0 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Zonulin showed a moderate positive correlation with fecal calprotectin (r = 0.338; p = 0.021). In multivariable analysis, clinical disease activity remained independently associated with zonulin levels, whereas ileal involvement was no longer statistically significant. Conclusions: Fecal zonulin is associated with disease activity in IBD, suggesting that fecal zonulin-related proteins may represent a potential adjunctive marker of epithelial barrier dysfunction and clinical disease activity in IBD. However, these findings should be considered exploratory and require validation in larger, longitudinal multicenter studies using standardized assays and endoscopic correlation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Diarrheal Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 11023 KB  
Article
Effects of Chlorantraniliprole on Oxidative Stress, Enzymatic Biomarkers, and Hepatic Transcriptome in Alosa sapidissima (Wilson, 1981)
by Yao Zheng, Noa Shapumba and Gangchun Xu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125383 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of 1.5 μg·L−1 environmentally relevant chlorantraniliprole (CAP) on oxidase biomarkers (juvenile, 2.5 g) for 2, 4, and 8 h and transcriptomic response (adult, 254.8 g) for 96 and 192 h in [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of 1.5 μg·L−1 environmentally relevant chlorantraniliprole (CAP) on oxidase biomarkers (juvenile, 2.5 g) for 2, 4, and 8 h and transcriptomic response (adult, 254.8 g) for 96 and 192 h in American shad Alosa sapidissima (Wilson, 1981). American shad is sensitive to pollutants and has become an important economic fish in China, especially for recirculating the aquaculture system and photovoltaic farming. For juvenile shad under short-time CAP exposure, acid phosphatase (ACP) and aryl hydrocarbon receptase (AHR) at the protein level significantly increased at 2 h, and for longer-time exposure, alkaline phosphatase (AKP), polyphenol oxidase enzyme (PPO), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) at the protein level significantly decreased; ryanodine receptase (RYR) at the protein level was significantly increased at 8 h. Interestingly, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, biomarkers of oxidative stress, were significantly decreased for depletion at 2 h and 4 h, while they increased for eliminating free radicals at 8 h via longer-time CAP exposure duration. With the same CAP exposure for adult shad, the number of congested and dilated sinuses of the liver changed, with fine granular brown pigmentation and vacuolization of hepatocytes at 96 h, while the sinuses and central veins were dilated and edematous degeneration occurred at 192 h for longer-time exposure. The detected enzymatic activities, except for adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), significantly decreased, and MDA contents significantly increased in adult shad at 96 and 192 h. Ribosome, proteasome, spliceosome, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, oxidative phosphorylation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, ferroptosis, peroxisome, apoptosis, necroptosis, and mTOR signaling pathways were the most significantly enriched pathways. For qPCR verification, the genes ppa2, pla1a, psmb13a, pkz and stat1b were significantly upregulated, while hspa8b, capn2, tram2, asns, bcl2l1, diablo, and prkcb were downregulated in adult shad. The results reveal elevated oxidative stress causing time-dependent hepatic damage via 1.5 μg·L−1 CAP exposure both in juvenile and adult shad. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicity Mechanism of Emerging Pollutants: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1451 KB  
Article
Ill Fate of Rectal Mucinous Adenocarcinoma: A Defect in Immunosurveillance or a Mucin Coating Effect?—The IMMUNOREACT 20 Study
by Lorenzo Dell’Atti, Andromachi Kotsafti, Francesca Galuppini, Melania Scarpa, Roberta Salmaso, Astghik Stepanyan, Marta Sbaraglia, Luca Maria Saadeh, Gaia Tussardi, Antonio Rosato, Imerio Angriman, Cesare Ruffolo, Emanuele Damiano Luca Urso, Quoc Riccardo Bao, Silvia Negro, Isacco Maretto, Luca Facci, Giorgio Rivella, Antonella D’Angelo, Anna Matteazzi, Chiara Vignotto, Andrea Baldo, Vincenza Guzzardo, Valerio Pellegrini, Stefano Brignola, Carlotta Ceccon, Tommaso Stecca, Anna Pozza, Marco Massani, Ottavia De Simoni, Pierluigi Pilati, Mario Gruppo, Boris Franzato, Ivana Cataldo, Giuseppe Portale, Chiara Cipollari, Matteo Zuin, Licia Laurino, Luca Dal Santo, Giovanni Pirozzolo, Alfonso Recordare, Lavinia Ceccarini, Michele Antoniutti, Laura Marinelli, Alberto Brolese, Mattia Barbareschi, Giovanni Bertalot, Monica Ortenzi, Mario Guerrieri, Maurizio Zizzo, Massimiliano Fabozzi, Silvio Guerriero, Alessandra Piccioli, Giulia Pozza, Mario Godina, Isabella Mondi, Daunia Verdi, Corrado Da Lio, Giulia Noaro, Roberto Cola, Giovanni Bordignon, Roberto Merenda, Giulia Becherucci, Laura Gavagna, Salvatore Candioli, Giovanni Tagliente, Umberto Tedeschi, Dario Parini, Beatrice Salmaso, Gianluca Businello, Loretta Di Cristofaro, Francesco Marchegiani, Francesca Bergamo, Sara Lonardi, Andrea Porzionato, Valentina Chiminazzo, Federico Scognamiglio, Romeo Bardini, Salvatore Pucciarelli, Marco Agostini, Dario Gregori, Barbara Di Camillo, Ignazio Castagliuolo, Gaya Spolverato, Matteo Fassan, Angelo Paolo Dei Tos and Marco Scarpaadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2026, 18(12), 1943; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18121943 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a rare and clinically problematic subtype of rectal cancer, tending to present at an advanced stage and to respond poorly to neoadjuvant therapy. The consistently worse prognosis than that of not-otherwise-specified adenocarcinoma (NOS-AC) is not fully understood, potentially [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a rare and clinically problematic subtype of rectal cancer, tending to present at an advanced stage and to respond poorly to neoadjuvant therapy. The consistently worse prognosis than that of not-otherwise-specified adenocarcinoma (NOS-AC) is not fully understood, potentially owing to intrinsically more aggressive biology or specific immune evasion mechanisms. We used the IMMUNOREACT multicentre cohort, with external validation in TCGA, to investigate the clinical and immunological features of rectal MAC in detail. Methods: Two hundred patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (16 MAC, 184 NOS-AC) from the IMMUNOREACT 1 (NCT04915326) and IMMUNOREACT 2 (NCT04917263) prospective cohorts were included. To account for the imbalance in baseline characteristics, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed on age, sex, neoadjuvant treatment and TNM stage. The immune microenvironment was characterised using immunohistochemistry (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD8β, Tbet, FoxP3, PD-L1, MSH6, PMS2, CD80), flow cytometry and NanoString PanCancer IO 360™ transcriptomics of adjacent healthy mucosa. Findings were externally validated against TCGA rectal and colon adenocarcinoma datasets. Results: MAC presented at significantly more advanced stage than NOS-AC across all TNM parameters: higher T stage (p = 0.006), N stage (p < 0.001), M stage (p = 0.039) and overall TNM stage (p < 0.001). In the unmatched cohort, MAC was associated with worse overall survival (HR 2.53; 95% CI 1.03–6.23; p = 0.043) and disease-free survival (HR 2.86; 95% CI 1.25–6.55; p = 0.013), but both differences became non-significant after PSM. MAC patients had higher haemoglobin after adjusting for confounders (mean difference [MD] 1.26 g/dL, 95% CI 0.30–2.31, p = 0.012), consistent with a hypothesis of reduced chronic rectal bleeding as a possible mechanism for late presentation. Transcriptomically, MAC showed suppression of HLA class II antigen presentation genes (HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DRB1) and myeloid activation genes (S100A8/A9/A12) in adjacent healthy mucosa. Loss of MMR proteins MSH6 and PMS2 in histologically normal mucosa was significantly more frequent in MAC. These findings were replicated in the TCGA cohort, which also showed lower tumour mutational burden and a distinct mucin-associated transcriptomic profile in MAC. Conclusions: The worse outcomes of rectal MAC appear to be driven largely by late-stage presentation, possibly owing to later diagnosis. MAC nonetheless carries a distinct immune phenotype, detectable even in histologically normal surrounding mucosa, that likely contributes to its treatment resistance. These observations provide a basis for developing histotype-specific approaches to both early detection and treatment in this uncommon but clinically challenging tumour subtype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Tumor Microenvironment)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 16735 KB  
Article
The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Geniotrigona thoracica (Apidae: Meliponini): Phylogenomic Implications and Mitochondrial Gene Rearrangement Patterns
by Pisit Poolprasert, Srihunsa Malichan and Atsalek Rattanawannee
Diversity 2026, 18(6), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18060365 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
The stingless bee Geniotrigona thoracica is an ecologically and economically important pollinator in Southeast Asia, yet comprehensive genomic resources for this species remain limited. In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of G. thoracica to investigate its [...] Read more.
The stingless bee Geniotrigona thoracica is an ecologically and economically important pollinator in Southeast Asia, yet comprehensive genomic resources for this species remain limited. In this study, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of G. thoracica to investigate its genomic architecture and phylogenetic position. The circular mitogenome is 16,061 bp in length and comprises the typical set of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes. The genome exhibits a strong A + T bias, consistent with other hymenopteran mitogenomes, and codon usage patterns reflect this nucleotide composition. Most tRNAs display the canonical cloverleaf secondary structure, although minor structural variations were observed. Comparative analyses revealed several gene rearrangements, including transposition and inversion events, suggesting lineage-specific rearrangements, including transposition of the cox1–trnL–cox2–trnD–atp8–atp6–cox3 block and transposition with inversion of the trnF–nad5–nad4–nad4l–trnP block, relative to the ancestral hymenopteran gene order. Phylogenomic analyses based on concatenated mitochondrial genes strongly supported the monophyly of Meliponini and placed G. thoracica within a well-supported Indo-Malayan clade, closely related to Tetragonula, Heterotrigona, and Lepidotrigona. Furthermore, stingless bees were recovered as more closely related to bumblebees than to honeybees, consistent with previous studies. Overall, this study provides a complete, annotated mitogenomic resource for G. thoracica and contributes to a better understanding of mitochondrial genome evolution, phylogenetic relationships, and biogeographic patterns in stingless bees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 552 KB  
Article
Reduced Serum Uric Acid and Albumin Levels in Patients with Migraine: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Yuan-Ting Chang, Hsuan-Chu Hsu, Kuo-Cheng Lu and Yu-Chen Cheng
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4629; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124629 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Migraine is associated with neurogenic inflammation, trigeminovascular activation, oxidative stress, and systemic metabolic changes. However, circulating antioxidant-related biomarkers in older adults with migraine remain insufficiently characterized. We examined whether self-reported migraine history was associated with serum uric acid (UA), albumin, and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Migraine is associated with neurogenic inflammation, trigeminovascular activation, oxidative stress, and systemic metabolic changes. However, circulating antioxidant-related biomarkers in older adults with migraine remain insufficiently characterized. We examined whether self-reported migraine history was associated with serum uric acid (UA), albumin, and total protein levels in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA), including exploratory analyses in migraine-discordant twin pairs. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used the first in-person testing wave of SATSA. Participants aged ≥50 years with complete migraine status and biomarker data were included. Serum UA was the primary outcome; albumin and total protein were secondary outcomes. Group differences were assessed using t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, or chi-square tests, as appropriate. Linear regression models were adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Paired analyses were conducted in 13 migraine-discordant twin pairs. Results: Among 411 participants, 23 reported a migraine history. Participants with migraine had lower serum UA (4.39 vs. 5.15 mg/dL, p = 0.011), albumin (4.40 vs. 4.55 g/dL, p = 0.019), and total protein (7.16 vs. 7.43 g/dL, p = 0.008). These associations remained significant after adjustment. In discordant twin pairs, UA was lower in twins with migraine than in co-twins without migraine (4.34 vs. 4.72 mg/dL, p = 0.050), whereas albumin and total protein differences were not significant. Conclusions: Self-reported migraine history in older adults was associated with lower circulating UA, albumin, and total protein levels. These exploratory, cross-sectional findings should be interpreted as associative rather than causal and require confirmation in longitudinal studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers and Diagnostics in Neurological Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4490 KB  
Article
Dietary Supplementation with Litsea cubeba Leaves Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Preserving Key Functional Components of the Colonic Barrier
by Bungo Shirouchi, Mai Okumura, Shiori Iwasaki, Shigeki Oogai, Kaede Yamasaki, Hiroyuki Katsuragi, Yasuo Nagata, Keisuke Tsuge, Kazunori Koba and Teruyoshi Yanagita
Nutraceuticals 2026, 6(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals6020041 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
The leaves and bark of Litsea species have traditionally been used as folk medicine to treat pain, headache, inflammation, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. This study investigated whether dietary supplementation with Litsea cubeba leaves could preserve key functional components of the colonic barrier in a [...] Read more.
The leaves and bark of Litsea species have traditionally been used as folk medicine to treat pain, headache, inflammation, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. This study investigated whether dietary supplementation with Litsea cubeba leaves could preserve key functional components of the colonic barrier in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with L. cubeba leaves (20 g/kg diet) for 2 weeks, and colitis was induced by administering 3% (w/v) DSS in drinking water during the final week. Dietary L. cubeba leaf supplementation significantly attenuated DSS-induced body weight loss and suppressed the increase in Disease Activity Index. In addition, L. cubeba leaf supplementation attenuated DSS-induced reduction in fecal immunoglobulin A content and significantly prevented the reduction in fecal mucin content, which are key functional components of the colonic barrier. Furthermore, plasma levels of the inflammatory chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were significantly decreased by L. cubeba leaf supplementation, accompanied by a reduction in plasma alanine aminotransferase activity, a marker of liver injury. These findings suggest that dietary L. cubeba leaf supplementation alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice, at least in part, by preserving key functional components of the colonic barrier rather than predominantly through direct suppression of colonic inflammatory gene expression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3730 KB  
Article
Persistent CRP Elevation at 4 Weeks Is Associated with Delayed Union After Polytrauma: An Exploratory Retrospective Cohort Study
by Eduard Catalin Georgescu, Ioana Anca Badarau, Alexandru Lisias Dimitriu, Elisa Georgiana Popescu, Monica Georgiana Roman, Liliana Mirea, Dragos Ene and Razvan Ene
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121845 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Delayed bone healing remains a relevant complication after polytrauma, where fracture repair occurs in the setting of systemic inflammation and repeated physiologic stress. This study evaluated whether serial changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen are associated with delayed union [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Delayed bone healing remains a relevant complication after polytrauma, where fracture repair occurs in the setting of systemic inflammation and repeated physiologic stress. This study evaluated whether serial changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen are associated with delayed union in polytrauma patients with long-bone fractures. Methods: We performed an exploratory retrospective cohort study including 115 adult polytrauma patients with long-bone fractures treated at a single tertiary trauma center between 2 January 2022 and 14 December 2024. Serum IL-6, CRP, and fibrinogen were recorded at 24 h, 72 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after injury. IL-6 was measured in the institutional clinical laboratory using routine immunoassay methods, whereas CRP and fibrinogen were measured using standard hospital analytical methods, including an immunoturbidimetric assay for CRP and the Clauss clotting method for fibrinogen. Radiographic healing was assessed at 6, 12, and 24 weeks using an mRUST-based healing score. The primary endpoint was clinician-assigned delayed union at 24 weeks; nonunion at 9 months was assessed secondarily. Complete-case multivariable logistic regression was performed in 86 patients, and exploratory longitudinal biomarker analyses used generalized estimating equations. Results: Delayed union at 24 weeks occurred in 39/115 patients (33.9%), while nonunion at 9 months occurred in 7/115 patients (6.1%). Patients with delayed union had longer time to definitive fixation (35.3 ± 10.2 h vs. 29.0 ± 14.0 h; p = 0.003) and more frequent shock on admission (43.6% vs. 23.7%; p = 0.047). IL-6 was higher in the delayed-union group at 1 week (57.3 ± 30.3 vs. 46.5 ± 29.2 pg/mL; p = 0.043) and 4 weeks (21.2 ± 11.6 vs. 17.1 ± 10.3 pg/mL; p = 0.022), whereas CRP was markedly higher at 4 weeks (29.4 ± 14.2 vs. 16.3 ± 10.6 mg/L; p < 0.001). After false-discovery-rate correction, only CRP at 4 weeks remained significant among serial biomarker comparisons. In multivariable analysis of 86 complete cases, CRP at 4 weeks remained independently associated with delayed union (adjusted OR 2.16 per 10 mg/L, 95% CI 1.36–3.43; p = 0.001). The model showed apparent discrimination with an AUC of 0.80 and acceptable calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.41). In sensitivity analysis excluding deep surgical-site infection cases, the association between CRP and delayed union persisted (adjusted OR 2.02 per 10 mg/L, 95% CI 1.26–3.26; p = 0.004). Conclusions: In this exploratory retrospective cohort of polytrauma patients with long-bone fractures, persistent post-traumatic CRP elevation at 4 weeks was associated with clinician-assigned delayed union, whereas IL-6 findings were weaker and exploratory. Because CRP is a nonspecific inflammatory marker, the observed association may reflect delayed healing, infection, reoperation, and/or persistent postoperative inflammatory burden. These data support association rather than validated prediction and require prospective validation with standardized outcome adjudication. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4677 KB  
Article
Screening of a 4-Ethylguaiacol-Producing Bacillus coagulans JN11 and Biochemical Characterization of Its Phenolic Acid Decarboxylase BcPAD
by Yufeng Liu, Hao Wang, Xinyue Lan, Rui Wang, Can Liu, Jun Liu, He Zou and Siqi Yuan
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061338 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
4-Ethylguaiacol (4-EG) is a volatile phenolic compound associated with smoky, woody, and spicy aroma notes in fermented foods and beverages, including Baijiu. In this study, a 4-EG-producing strain, designated JN11, was obtained by screening isolates from Baijiu pit mud and identified as Bacillus [...] Read more.
4-Ethylguaiacol (4-EG) is a volatile phenolic compound associated with smoky, woody, and spicy aroma notes in fermented foods and beverages, including Baijiu. In this study, a 4-EG-producing strain, designated JN11, was obtained by screening isolates from Baijiu pit mud and identified as Bacillus coagulans based on morphological, physiological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA analyses. In sorghum juice medium, strain JN11 produced 271.6 ± 2.7 μg/L 4-EG. To investigate the upstream decarboxylation step involved in volatile phenol formation, the phenolic acid decarboxylase gene, BcPAD, was cloned and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The BcPAD gene comprises 504 bp and encodes a 167-amino-acid protein. Recombinant BcPAD exhibited maximal activity at pH 6.0 and 50 °C and retained more than 60% residual activity after 5 h at 30–40 °C. Fe3+ increased enzyme activity to 115.36% of the control, whereas Zn2+ markedly inhibited enzyme activity and SDS completely inactivated the enzyme. BcPAD showed the highest activity toward p-coumaric acid, with a specific activity of 460.6 ± 18.3 U/mg and a catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) of 12.1 ± 1.4 mM−1·s−1, while lower activities were observed toward caffeic acid and ferulic acid, and no activity was detected toward sinapic acid. Homology modeling and molecular docking suggested that the superior catalytic performance toward p-coumaric acid may be related to favorable hydrogen-bonding interactions and substrate orientation within the active site. Although 4-EG production was observed during fermentation by strain JN11, BcPAD was biochemically characterized as a phenolic acid decarboxylase likely responsible for the upstream formation of vinyl derivatives in the proposed pathway. These findings improve our understanding of phenolic acid decarboxylases from B. coagulans and provide a basis for further investigation of the roles of strain JN11 and BcPAD in volatile phenol formation during Baijiu production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1649 KB  
Review
Beyond PD-1/PD-L1: Reprogramming the Gynecologic Tumor Microenvironment by Targeting TIGIT and Myeloid Suppression
by Shanza Waseem, Jun Zhan and Xue Xiao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125373 (registering DOI) - 14 Jun 2026
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1)/PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) axis have transformed cancer therapeutics, yet their efficacy in gynecologic malignancies particularly high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma remains disappointingly limited. This therapeutic resistance stems from a highly orchestrated, multidimensional immunosuppressive [...] Read more.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1)/PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) axis have transformed cancer therapeutics, yet their efficacy in gynecologic malignancies particularly high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma remains disappointingly limited. This therapeutic resistance stems from a highly orchestrated, multidimensional immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) characterized by the convergent actions of regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and an inhibitory cytokine network (IL-10, TGF-β, VEGF). Emerging evidence positions TIGIT (T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain) as a master checkpoint integrator that coordinately regulates CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, NK-cell dysfunction, and Treg-mediated suppression. Dual blockade of PD-1 and TIGIT represents a mechanistically rational strategy to dismantle this immunosuppressive fortress. This review synthesizes current understanding of the gynecologic TME architecture, delineates the molecular and cellular basis for TIGIT/PD-1 synergy, critically evaluates ongoing clinical translation efforts, and proposes an integrative framework leveraging spatial transcriptomics, single-cell resolution immunoprofiling, and patient-derived experimental models to accelerate biomarker-driven therapeutic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 11549 KB  
Article
Chitosan Nanoparticles Co-Encapsulating Selegiline Analogue and L-Tyrosine Mitigate Depression-Related Pathology and Cognitive Decline in Rats
by Wesam Abd El-Fattah, Ahlem Guesmi, Naoufel Ben Hamadi, Khulud M. Alshehri, Ehab Mohamed Abdella, Rehab R. Mohamed, Reda F. M. Elshaarawy and Hani S. Hafez
Biomolecules 2026, 16(6), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16060871 (registering DOI) - 14 Jun 2026
Abstract
Chronic depression is associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and Alzheimer’s-like changes. Current monoamine oxidase inhibitors have limited cognitive benefits and disease-modifying properties. A new nanotherapeutic, combining chitosan nanoparticles, propargylamino-1-(4-methylthiophenyl) propane (PAMTP), and L-tyrosine (En@PAMTP_Tyr), was developed. En@PAMTP_Tyr nanoparticles were ~140 nm [...] Read more.
Chronic depression is associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and Alzheimer’s-like changes. Current monoamine oxidase inhibitors have limited cognitive benefits and disease-modifying properties. A new nanotherapeutic, combining chitosan nanoparticles, propargylamino-1-(4-methylthiophenyl) propane (PAMTP), and L-tyrosine (En@PAMTP_Tyr), was developed. En@PAMTP_Tyr nanoparticles were ~140 nm in diameter, with a zeta potential of +27 mV and entrapment efficiencies of 73.45% for PAMTP and 90.85% for L-tyrosine. Drug release was pH-sensitive, favoring acidity. Intraperitoneal administration of En@PAMTP_Tyr reduced anhedonia, despair, cognitive deficits, and neuromuscular weakness, with efficacy matching or exceeding that of selegiline. In treated rats’ hippocampal tissue, En@PAMTP_Tyr increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione, normalized MAO and acetylcholinesterase activities, and corrected CUSD-induced TNF-α and IL-10 changes, showing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Histological analyses revealed that En@PAMTP_Tyr preserved CA1 pyramidal neurons, reduced β-amyloid levels, restored tau protein, and improved brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, indicating reduced neurodegeneration. Molecular docking studies showed that PAMTP had high affinity for monoamine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase, supporting its role as an MAO-B inhibitor and cholinergic modulator. These findings suggest that En@PAMTP_Tyr is a promising nanoplatform for targeting MAO-B in depression, addressing mood, cognitive function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and Alzheimer-like pathology in the hippocampus. Full article
Back to TopTop