Search Results (67)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Rhodotorula yeast cultures (RYC) and Bacillus subtilis (BS), alone or in combination, on growth performance and intestinal barrier function in yellow-feathered broilers. A 2 × 2 factorial interaction study was conducted, in which a total of 192 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly assigned into four treatment groups: CON group, fed a basal diet; BS group, supplemented with 5 × 10⁹ CFU/kg of BS; RYC group, supplemented with 5000 mg/kg of RYC; and RYC + BS group, supplemented with both. During the 56-day experimental period, body weight, average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by RYC, BS, or their interaction (p > 0.05). In the jejunum, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was significantly increased by the interaction of RYC and BS (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (JAM2, TJP1) was significantly upregulated by BS alone (p < 0.05), but this effect was diminished when RYC and BS were combined, indicating an antagonistic interaction between the two supplements. Mucin-2 (MUC2) expression was significantly increased by RYC or BS alone (p < 0.05). In immune function analysis, IgM levels were significantly increased by RYC alone but decreased when RYC and BS were combined (p < 0.05), further highlighting their antagonistic interaction. BS supplementation significantly increased IgG and pro-inflammatory gene expression (TNFA, IL1B, and NFKB1) (p < 0.05), while RYC supplementation reduced IFN-γ and increased anti-inflammatory gene expression (IL10 and MyD88). Cecal microbial analysis revealed increased abundance of g_Bacillus in the BS group, g_norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_UCG-014 in the RYC group, and g_norank_f__norank_o__norank_c_Clostridia in the BS + RYC group were significantly increased compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that RYC and BS, as dietary supplements, may enhance intestinal health and barrier function in yellow-feathered broilers with minimal effects on growth performance. However, the antagonistic interactions between RYC and BS in modulating immune responses and tight junction protein expression highlight the need for careful consideration when combining these supplements in poultry nutrition strategies. Full article

Acrylamide is a class 2A carcinogen with neurotoxicity and genotoxicity. In addition to industrial production, it is ubiquitous in high-temperature heated high-carbohydrate foods. Numerous studies have confirmed the toxicity of ACR on reproduction. Implantation and decidualization are crucial processes during the establishment of pregnancy in rodents and humans. However, its effect on uterine implantation and decidualization remains poorly understood. The objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which ACR affects implantation and decidualization in mice. ACR is exposed in the daily drinking water of female mice, and the dose is calculated according to the body weight of the mice. After 3 months of administration at concentrations of 0, 20, and 30 mg ACR/kg/d, female mice are mated with male mice to induce pregnancy. Compared to the control group, ACR treatment significantly reduces the number of embryo implantations and litter size. ACR treatment leads to abnormal expression of endometrial receptivity-related molecules in the luminal epithelium on day 4 of pregnancy, including a decrease in p-STAT3 level and an increase in MUC1 and MSX1 levels. The level of decidualization-related molecules is obviously downregulated by ACR. Furthermore, ACR treatment results in abnormality of oxidative stress- and ferroptosis-related protein levels at the implantation site on day 5. In conclusion, acrylamide can impair mouse implantation and decidualization by disrupting oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the structural characteristics of four polysaccharides derived from Citri grandis fructus immaturus and their antioxidant and expectorant activities. ECP1 fraction passing through a 500 kDa dialysis bag (ECP1A) and ECP2 fraction retained in a 300 kDa dialysis bag (ECP2B) had molecular weights of 340 and 1217 kDa, respectively. All four polysaccharides were composed of six monosaccharides, including l-rhamnose, d-arabinose, d-xylose, d-mannose, d-glucose, and d-galactose, with molar ratios of 1.99:52.38:6.99:2.64:5.15:31.15 for ECP1A and 1.54:65.13:6.34:2.51:3.58:22.07 for ECP2B. ECP1A had an α/β-glucopyranose ring, and the glycosyl groups were linked mainly by 1→4, 1→2, or 1→6 glycosidic bonds. It likely adopted a single-stranded helical conformation. ECP2B had a β-glucopyranose ring, and the glycosyl groups were linked mainly by 1→4, 1→2, or 1→6 glycosidic bonds. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that ECP1A displayed excellent antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.4614 mg/mL). ECP2B significantly inhibited MUC5AC mucin content expression in the mucus hypersecretion model of BEAS-2B cells, thus exerting an expectorant effect. A significant negative correlation was observed between the molecular weight of Citri grandis fructus immaturus polysaccharides and their antioxidant activity, and the uronic acid and d-arabinose contents of these polysaccharides exhibited strong negative trends with both antioxidant and expectorant activities. This study shows the potential for developing and utilizing polysaccharides from Citri grandis fructus immaturus as an antioxidant and expectorant agent. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of dietary green tea extract (GTE) on growth performance, Clostridium perfringens (CP) colonization, and inflammatory responses in broiler chickens during experimental subclinical necrotic enteritis (SNE). In a 21-day experiment, 480 one-day-old male broiler (Ross 708) chicks were equally allotted into four dietary treatment groups. From days 1 to 10, all groups received a corn–soy basal diet, switching to a wheat-fish diet on day 11. Treatments included CON (no GTE), GTX, GTY, and GTZ (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg GTE, respectively). On day 11, each group split into ACON, AGTX, AGTY, and AGTZ, totaling eight treatments. From days 17 to 20, ACON, AGTX, AGTY, and AGTZ chicks were orally challenged twice daily with 3 mL CP26 (2.5 × 10⁸ CFU/mL). On d 16 (pre-challenge) and d 1 post-challenge, ileo-jejunal contents were collected for CP enumeration, and jejunum tissue was analyzed via qRT-PCR to determine the expression levels of IL-1β, IFNγ, TNF-α, TGFβ, IL-10, and MUC2 genes. Challenged chicks showed poorer (p ≤ 0.05) growth and higher intestinal CP, with a potential improvement in GTE-supplemented diets. Findings suggests that dietary GTE supplementation mitigated the characteristic growth depression during SNE, reduced intestinal CP infection, and modulated inflammatory response in broiler chicks. Full article

Objective: This study investigated the effects of a supraphysiological dose of testosterone on uterine morphology and the regulation of the leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signalling pathway during endometrial receptivity. Methods: In this study, 30 adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment groups received subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/kg/day of testosterone from gestational day 1 to day 3, either testosterone alone or in combination with inhibitors (anastrozole, finasteride, or both). A control group of six untreated rats was maintained for comparison. Rats were euthanised on the evening of gestational day 4 to examine uterine morphological changes, gene expression and the distribution of proteins associated with the LIF signalling pathway (LIF, LIFR, JAK1 and STAT3) and MUC1 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Results: The results of this study showed that the thickness of the endometrium and myometrium, as well as the number of glands, markedly decreased in all testosterone-treated rats. In addition, the mRNA levels of LIF, LIFR, JAK1 and STAT3 were significantly downregulated in response to supraphysiological testosterone treatment, while the mRNA of MUC1 was significantly upregulated. The IHC results were consistent with the mRNA data and confirmed the changes in protein distribution in all treatment groups. Conclusions: A supraphysiological dose of testosterone may impair endometrial receptivity through dysregulation of the LIF signalling pathway, potentially affecting fertility. Full article

This study investigated the lung-protective effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma extracts (the root of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex Kitam), known as AJ extracts, in mitigating subacute pulmonary injuries caused by particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) exposure in Balb/c mice. AJ was given orally at concentrations of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg, demonstrating a promising impact by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase α (p38 MAPKα) pathways and reducing mucus overproduction. These protective effects were achieved through the downregulation of p38 MAPKα and PI3K/Akt mRNA expressions, enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and increased mucolytic expectorant effects arbitrated by elevated lung acetylcholine (ACh) and substance P levels, along with decreased mRNA expressions of MUC5AC and MUC5B. Importantly, these outcomes occurred without significant hepatotoxicity. While all AJ dosages provided dose-dependent pulmonary protection, their effects were less pronounced than those of dexamethasone (DEXA) at 0.75 mg/kg. However, AJ uniquely exhibited mucolytic expectorant activities absent in DEXA-treated mice. The results indicate that A. japonica may serve as a potential candidate for creating alternative treatments for respiratory conditions or as an ingredient in functional foods. Full article

This study investigated the growing environmental concern of particulate matter (PM)-induced pulmonary injury and explored novel preventive strategies. In particular, it evaluated the protective effects of Atractylodes japonica Koidz. ex. Kitam root extract (AJ), which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, against PM_2.5-induced subacute pulmonary injuries in Balb/c mice. The experimental design involved administering AJ at a concentration from 400 to 100 mg/kg over a ten-day period, with comparisons made to the mucolytic agent ambroxol hydrochloride (AX). The results revealed that AJ significantly alleviated PM_2.5-induced pulmonary injuries, mucus overproduction, and respiratory acidosis in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, body surface redness was reduced by up to 55% at a concentration of 100 mg/kg compared to the control. These effects were evidenced by reduced mRNA expression of the mucus-associated genes MUC5B and MUC5AC and increased concentrations of substance P (up to 475%) and acetylcholine (up to 355%) in the lungs at 400 mg/kg, compared to the intact vehicle control. Particularly, the 400 mg/kg dose of AJ demonstrated comparable effectiveness to AX, highlighting its potent mucolytic and expectorant activities. The results of this study highlight the fact that AJ could act as a promising alternative for respiratory protection, with potential applications as a functional food ingredient. This study substantiates AJ’s role in enhancing respiratory health, emphasizing its capacity as a candidate for further development into therapeutic agents against toxic environmental exposure. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of terpinen-4-ol (TER) supplementation on the intestinal barrier function of pigs. Five groups of fifty 28-day-old piglets with comparable body weights were randomly assigned to the following groups: the control group (CON), the lipopolysaccharide group (LPS), the low TER group (PLT), the middle TER group (PMT), and the high TER group (PHT). The basal diet was given to the CON and LPS groups, and 30, 60, or 90 mg/kg TER was added to the basal diet for the TER groups. After the 21-day trial period, piglets in the LPS and TER groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg/kg body weight of LPS, whereas the piglets in the CON group received an injection of 0.9% normal saline solution. The results showed that LPS stimulation resulted in a decrease (p < 0.05) in the depth of colonic crypts in piglets, which was greater (p < 0.05) in the TER group. Compared with those in the CON group, the number of goblet cells and MUC2 expression were decreased in the colon of piglets in the LPS group, while these parameters were increased in the PMT group (p < 0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) content was greater in the colon of the LPS group than in that of the CON group, while the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were lower in the colon of the LPS group; conversely, the MDA content was lower in the colons of the PLT and PMT groups than in those of the LPS group (p < 0.05). TER also reduced (p < 0.05) LPS-induced upregulation of IL-1β and TNF-α expression, along with the relative gene expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in the colon of piglets (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, the abundances of Firmicutes and UCG-005 in the LPS group were lower (p < 0.05), and those in the TER group were significantly greater than those in the LPS group. Compared with those in the CON group, the abundance of Proteobacteria in the LPS group increased (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Actinobacteria and Phascolarctobacterium increased (p < 0.05) in the colon of the PHT group compared with that in the LPS group. In conclusion, TER effectively improved the intestinal barrier function of the colon in weaning piglets. Based on the results of this study, the appropriate dose of TER in the diets of weaning piglets was 60 mg/kg. Full article

This article aims to investigate the mechanism by which Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal oxidative stress. The study involved two experimental subjects: human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells and Arbor Acres broiler chickens. The experiment involving two samples was designed with the same treatment groups, specifically the control (CK) group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (JF) group, and JF+LPS group. In the Caco-2 experiment, we administered 2 μg/mL of LPS and 1 × 10⁶ CFU/mL of JF to the LPS and JF groups, respectively. In the broiler experiment, the LPS group (19–21 d) received an abdominal injection of 0.5 mg/kg BW of LPS, whereas the JF group was fed 1 × 10⁷ CFU/g of JF throughout the entire duration of the experiment (1–21 d). The results indicated the following: (1) JF significantly decreased the DPPH free radical clearance rate and hydrogen peroxide levels (p < 0.05). (2) JF significantly enhanced the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) activity in Caco-2 cells (p < 0.05), while concurrently reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). (3) Compared to the CK group, JF significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), SOD, catalase (CAT), GSH-Px, interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Claudin, Occludin1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and mucin 2 (MUC2) in Caco-2 cells (p < 0.05), while concurrently reducing the mRNA expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) (p < 0.05). In comparison to the LPS group, the JF+LPS group demonstrated a significant increase in the mRNA expression of Nrf2, SOD, GSH-Px, and IL-4, as well as Occludin1, ZO-1, and MUC2 in Caco-2 cells (p < 0.05), alongside a decrease in the mRNA expression of Keap1, TNF-α, and IL-1β (p < 0.05). (4) In broiler chickens, the JF group significantly elevated the levels of T-AOC, CAT, and GSH-Px in the jejunum while reducing MDA content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the CAT level in the JF+LPS group was significantly higher than that observed in the LPS group, and the levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). (5) In comparison to the CK group, the JF group exhibited a significant increase in Nrf2 levels in the jejunum of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Notably, the mRNA expression levels of IL-4, IL-10, Claudin, Occludin1, ZO-1, and MUC2 were reduced (p < 0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of Keap1, TNF-α, and IL-1β also showed a decrease (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, Occludin1, ZO-1, and MUC2 in the JF+LPS group were significantly elevated compared to those in the LPS group (p < 0.05), whereas the mRNA expression levels of Keap1 and TNF-α were significantly diminished (p < 0.05). In summary, JF can enhance the intestinal oxidative stress response, improve antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function, and decrease the expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Full article

Studies have shown the presence of residual amounts of the herbicide glyphosate in poultry feed, which leads to its bioaccumulation in the body. Recently, it has been established that exposure to low levels of glyphosate over a long period may have serious negative effects on poultry health. Moreover, combined exposure to several toxicants can potentially lead to additive and/or synergistic effects. The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in meat productivity and the expression dynamics of key genes (IGF1, IGF2, MYOG, MYOZ2, SLC2A1, SLC2A2, MSTN, MUC2, OCLN, CLDN1, TLR2, TLR4, CAT, SOD1, PRDX6, and HMOX1) in the cecum of broilers as affected by glyphosate, antibiotics and a coccidiostat (anticoccidial drug). Day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens (n = 260) were divided into four groups, including a control group (CONT) fed the basic diet (BD), and three experimental groups: GLY (BD + glyphosate), GLY+ANT (BD + glyphosate and antibiotics enrofloxacin and colistin methanesulfonate), and GLY+CS (BD + glyphosate and the coccidiostat ammonium maduramycin). Samples were collected at control 7, 14, and 40 days of rearing, 50 mg each from three birds from each group. The mean body weight in each group was determined after the individual weighing of the entire flock. At 7 days of age, an upregulating effect on the expression of the immune-related TLR2 gene was detected in Groups GLY+ANT and GLY+CS compared to Group CONT (p = 0.044 and p = 0.042, respectively) and Group GLY (p = 0.049 and p = 0.044, respectively). At 40 days of age, this gene expression, conversely, decreased in Groups GLY+ANT and GLY+CS compared to Group CONT (p = 0.041 and p = 0.038, respectively). Glyphosate (Group GLY) upregulated the mRNA level of genes associated with productivity (IGF1, IGF2, and MSTN) at 7 days of age by 3.7 times (p = 0.041, p = 0.036 and p = 0.039, respectively) and, conversely, decreased it at a later age (14 and 40 days) compared to Group CONT (p = 0.024, p = 0.049 and p = 0.047, respectively, at 14 days, and p = 0.037 and p = 0.036 and p = 0.035, respectively, at 40 days of age). Thus, we identified detrimental changes in the expression of key broiler genes as influenced by glyphosate, as well as its combinations with antibiotics and a coccidiostat, which may have negative consequences for the poultry industry. Full article

The poultry industry struggles with oxidative stress affecting gut health and productivity. This study examined using 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) extracts from mulberry leaves as an antioxidant in broilers feed to combat this issue. We divided 240 broilers, aged 16 days, into six groups, including a control and groups exposed to oxidative stress through H₂O₂ injections, with different supplement levels of DNJ-E (40, 80, 120, and 160 mg/kg of the basal diet) lasting until the broilers reached 42 days old. We evaluated intestinal morphology, ultrastructure, oxidative stress markers, the tight junction, and inflammatory cytokines. Adding 40 mg/kg DNJ-E improved villus height, the villus-to-crypt ratio, and cellular ultrastructure, and increased SOD levels in the jejunum and ileum, as well as CAT levels in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05), compared to the H₂O₂ group. The addition of DNJ had differential effects on oxidative stress, the intestinal barrier, and immune-related genes. Importantly, the dosages of 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg resulted in an upregulation of MUC2 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that DNJ-E holds potential as a beneficial feed additive for enhancing broiler health, particularly at supplementation levels below 80 mg/kg, as higher concentrations may negatively influence intestinal health. Future investigations should aim to elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which DNJ-E operates within the avian gastrointestinal system. Full article

Immunosuppression undermines intestinal barrier integrity. Cow placenta extract (CPE) primarily consists of active peptides with immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to examine the preventive effect of CPE against intestinal damage induced by cyclophosphamide (Cy) in immunosuppressed mice. Thirty-six mice were randomly allocated into three groups: control group (C), model group (M), and treatment group (CPE). The mice in the CPE group were provided with 1500 mg/kg/day of CPE via gavage. In the last 3 days, mice in the groups M and CPE received intraperitoneal injections of 80 mg/kg/day of Cy. The results showed that CPE improved intestinal barrier function by decreasing serum d-Lactate (D-LA) levels and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, while elevating the relative expression of Occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and mucin-2 (MUC-2) mRNA. Additionally, CPE improved the immune organ index and elevated the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the intestine, thereby enhancing intestinal mucosal immune function. Furthermore, CPE improved the diversity of intestinal microbiota and increased the abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Psychrobacter, and Enterorhabdus, which promoted the proper functioning of the intestines. These findings suggest that CPE effectively ameliorates Cy-induced intestinal damage by enhancing the intestinal barrier, improving immune function, and restoring intestinal microbiota. Full article

Eimeria is a parasite that causes coccidiosis in a variety of animals, leading to nutritional imbalances, issues with food digestion and absorption, low weight, and intestinal inflammation of varying degrees in its hosts. Anticoccidial medication resistance has become a significant obstacle to disease control efforts, leading to a renewed focus on discovering novel chemicals for alternative therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Holothuria polii extract (HpE) in treating eimeriosis in mice. Five groups of mice were studied, with E. papillata sporulated oocysts (1 × 10³) used to infect three groups experimentally. The first group was treated with 200 mg/kg of HpE, the second group with Amprolium (120 mg/kg), and the third group was left untreated as a control. The fourth and fifth groups were uninfected, with one of them treated with 200 mg/kg of HpE and the other used as a negative control. The results revealed that HpE has 10 phytochemical compounds according to GC-MS analysis. Treatment with HpE resulted in a substantial decrease in oocyst output in feces. Also, the parasitic stages showed morphometric alterations, with reductions in the measurements compared with the infected, untreated mice. Moreover, expression of the mucin gene (MUC2) was higher in treated mice compared to infected ones, with significant increases in goblet cell numbers, which provided additional evidence for the activity of HpE as an anticoccidial product. In conclusion, there are a wide variety of natural products and many have been employed in folk medicine for treating a range of parasitic diseases. Full article

Steroid-resistant asthma (SRA), resisting glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (DEX), is a bottleneck in the treatment of asthma. It is characterized by a predominantly neutrophilic inflammatory subtype and is prone to developing into severe refractory asthma and fatal asthma. Currently, there is a lack of universally effective treatments for SRA. Moreover, since cold stimulation does increase the risk of asthma development and exacerbate asthma symptoms, the treatment of cold-stimulated SRA (CSRA) will face greater challenges. To find effective new methods to ameliorate CSRA, this study established a CSRA mouse model of allergic airway inflammation mimicking human asthma for the first time and evaluated the alleviating effects of 80% ethanol extract of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) based on multi-omics analysis. The results indicate that cold stimulation indeed exacerbated the SRA-related symptoms in mice; the DEX individual treatment did not show a satisfactory effect; while the combination treatment of DEX and MCG could dose-dependently significantly enhance the lung function; reduce neutrophil aggregation; decrease the levels of LPS, IFN-γ, IL-1β, CXCL8, and IL-17; increase the level of IL-10; alleviate the inflammatory infiltration; and decrease the mucus secretion and the expression of MUC5AC. Moreover, the combination of DEX and high-dose (200 mg/kg) MCG could significantly increase the levels of tight junction proteins (TJs), regulate the disordered intestinal flora, increase the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and regulate the abnormal gene profile and metabolic profile. Multi-omics integrated analysis showed that 7 gut microbes, 34 genes, 6 metabolites, and the involved 15 metabolic/signaling pathways were closely related to the pharmacological effects of combination therapy. In conclusion, integrated multi-omics profiling highlighted the benefits of MCG for CSRA mice by modulating the interactions of microbiota, genes, and metabolites. MCG shows great potential as a functional food in the adjuvant treatment of CSRA. Full article

Chitosan was subjected to a crosslinking reaction with three polyhydroxylated diacids (glucaric (GlcA), mannaric (ManA), and mucic (MucA) acids) that only differ in the spatial orientation of their hydroxyl groups. This work aimed to obtain experimental evidence of the impact of the three-dimensional arrangement of the crosslinkers on the resulting properties of the products. In all the cases, the products were hydrogels, and their chemical structures were fully elucidated by FT-IR spectroscopy and conductometric titration. Thermogravimetric and morphological studies were also carried out. The specific surface area of all the products was similar and higher than that of native chitosan. Moreover, all hydrogels were characterized in terms of viscoelastic properties and long-term stability under external perturbation. Furthermore, their lead adsorption efficiency and swelling capacity were assessed. Despite the resemblant chemical structure in all the hydrogels, Ch/ManA exhibited the highest lead adsorption capacity, (Ch/ManA: 93.8 mg g⁻¹, Ch/GlcA: 82.9 mg g⁻¹, Ch/MucA: 79.2 mg g⁻¹), while Ch/GlcA exhibited a remarkably higher swelling capacity (i.e., ~30% more than Ch/MucA and ~40% more than Ch/ManA). The results obtained herein evidenced that the selection of the polyhydroxylated crosslinker with the appropriate three-dimensional structure could be crucial to finely adjust the final materials’ features. Full article