Search Results (353)

The maximum protein or nitrogen deposition is commonly used as the basis for modeling the amino acid intake in growing birds. In previous studies, the exponential functions of the nitrogen balance data were used to estimate the theoretical maximum for nitrogen deposition (ND_maxT) as a reference model for the amino acid intake. However, this amino acid intake value is only valid for the period in which the ND_maxT was estimated. Additionally, physiological changes, such as the rapid development of reproductive organs and associated increases in protein deposition that occur in the period before the first egg is laid, should be considered in the models. Thus, this study was conducted to model the daily ND_maxT of pullets and integrate this value into the factorial model to estimate the daily methionine + cysteine (Met+Cys) intake. Our results showed that, up to 63 days of age, the values of ND_maxT obtained via the modeling procedure were 11% higher than the values predicted using the Gompertz function. At 105 days, there was a protein deposition peak from the growth of the reproductive organs, which contributed 14% of the variation in the model in this age. Alongside these factors, the integration of the models enabled daily Met+Cys estimates consistent with the literature; however, the recommendations varied according to the targeted daily protein deposition (50% or 60% of ND_maxT), daily feed intake, and amino acid utilization efficiency. The modeling approach demonstrated here for Met+Cys can be used to model other amino acid requirements and can be extended to other species. Full article

Bee pollen (BP) is a nutritionally valuable natural product whose biological activity is strongly influenced by its amino acid profile. This study evaluated qualitative and quantitative changes in free amino acids in Lithuanian BP subjected to freezing (−20 °C and −80 °C) or low-temperature drying and stored for 15 months. Seventeen amino acids, including all nine essential amino acids, were identified using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, accounting for 47–48% of the total amino acid content (TAAC). Arginine, proline, and aspartic acid were the predominant free amino acids. Both frozen and dried samples showed a statistically significant decrease in TAAC after nine months of storage (p < 0.05), resulting in a 1.5–1.7-fold reduction after prolonged storage. Frozen storage at −20 °C and −80 °C better preserved free amino acids, particularly alanine, glutamic acid, and proline, whereas dried BP stored at room temperature exhibited accelerated degradation. Sulfur-containing amino acids, especially cysteine and methionine, were highly unstable under all storage conditions. These results provide practical guidance for selecting storage strategies that minimize amino acid losses and help maintain the nutritional quality of bee pollen during long-term storage. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the context of increasing consumer demand for high-quality meat, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 4% fermented goji berry residue supplementation on meat quality and flavor characteristics in finishing Tan sheep. Methods: Thirty-six male lambs were randomly assigned to a control and FGB group and fed for 68 days. Results: FGB supplementation significantly enhanced Longissimus Dorsi (LD) brightness (L*), redness (a*), and crude protein content, while reducing crude fat (p < 0.05). Amino acid analysis revealed significant increases in lysine, methionine, histidine, glycine, proline, arginine, cysteine, and total sweet-tasting amino acids in the FGB group (p < 0.05). Lactate and inosine monophosphate (IMP) levels were significantly elevated, whereas hypoxanthine levels decreased (p < 0.05). Metabolomics identified 189 metabolites, with 12 differentially expressed, mainly enriched in butanoate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, PI3K-Akt, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Transcriptomics revealed 382 differentially expressed genes, including key regulators of lipid metabolism (FOXO1, SLC2A4, LPIN1, IGF1, SPP1) and amino acid metabolism (COL3A1, GLUL, PSMC1). Conclusions: Fermented goji residue altered amino acid and lipid metabolism in the LD muscle of Tan sheep, affecting meat quality and flavor traits. However, effects on color (L*, a*, b*), protein content, and shear force varied across the four muscles studied, indicating that responses to supplementation are muscle-specific. These findings offer a sustainable strategy for improving meat quality and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying flavor development in ruminants. Full article

Currently, there is no report on prediction models of standardized ileal amino acid digestibilities (SIAADs) in soybean meals (SBMs) for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. This study firstly analyzed the chemical compositions of 10 SBMs, then determined their SIAADs in chickens, and finally established and verified prediction models for SBM SIAADs based on their chemical compositions and amino acid (AA) profiles. A total of 276 55 d-old Tianluma roosters were selected and randomly divided by body weight into 11 treatment groups. On d 63, chickens were fed either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or one of 10 SBM diets for 5 d. On d 67, ileal chyme samples were collected to determine SIAADs. Data from nine SBM samples and stepwise regressions were employed to build prediction models, while one SBM sample was randomly selected to validate model accuracy. Different SBM sources affected (p ≤ 0.007) SIAADs in medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of glutamic acid (Glu) was the highest (93.9%), whereas that of cysteine (Cys) was the lowest (81.7%). Fifteen prediction models (R² = 0.567–0.993, p < 0.03) for the SIDs of methionine (Met), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), arginine (Arg), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), Glu, glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), Cys, tyrosine (Tyr), and proline (Pro) in SBMs for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens were effectively established based on chemical compositions and AA profiles. Among them, the prediction model for the SID of Cys showed the best fit (R² = 0.993, p = 0.002), while the model for the SID of Ala had the lowest fit (R² = 0.567, p = 0.019). Except for His and Pro, which exhibited poor predictive accuracy, all other models showed good accuracy. These prediction models thus provide a valuable reference for rapidly estimating the SIDs of key AAs in SBMs for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. Full article

Freshwater scarcity makes saline–alkaline water essential for sustainable aquaculture. Current research has primarily focused on individual salinity or alkalinity effects on fish, with limited studies addressing their interactive effects. We found significant synergistic toxicity between salinity and alkalinity (r ≈ −0.950/−0.925) in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), demonstrating higher salinity levels corresponding to lower 96-h median lethal concentration (96 h LC₅₀) values for alkalinity, and vice versa. A subsequent 56-day subacute stress trial (salinity: 6‰; alkalinity: 20 mmol/L) assessed the impact on largemouth bass through growth efficiency, histopathology, biochemical assays, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, comparing a saline–alkaline group (SA) with a normal control group (NC). There were no significant differences in growth or survival between the SA and NC groups, but the SA group exhibited pathological changes in gill and liver tissues. Biochemically, the SA group exhibited elevated malondialdehyde, glutathione, and blood urea nitrogen levels, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity significantly decreased. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses demonstrated that saline–alkaline stress disrupts lipid, amino acid, and steroid metabolism in largemouth bass, affecting steroid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways. Fish adapt by adjusting gene expression and metabolite levels to maintain metabolic balance. This study highlights adaptive mechanisms and applications for sustainable largemouth bass culture in saline–alkaline environments. Full article

Wheat possesses inherently low concentrations and bioavailability of the essential micronutrients (EMis) zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu), limiting its capacity to sufficiently address human nutritional requirements. Biofortification of wheat with EMis through agricultural methods is a strategy aimed at addressing EMi deficiencies in human populations that emphasize cost-effectiveness and sustainability. All EMis are usually applied foliarly as sulfates, which indicates sulfur (S)-assisted biofortification. The formation of EMi complexes provides solubility as well as protection during long-distance transport. Several small molecules are possible candidates as ligands—the S-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine among them—linking EMi homeostasis to S homeostasis, which represents another aspect of S-assisted biofortification. In this study, we delve into the S-assisted agronomic biofortification strategy by applying sulfate micronutrients coupled with a sulfur-containing amino acid and we explore the effect of the selected accompanying cation (Zn, Fe, Mn, or Cu) on the EMi metallome of the grain, along with the biofortification effectiveness, whilst the type of the incorporated surface active agent seems to affect this approach. A field experiment was conducted for two years with durum wheat cultivation subjected to various interventions at the initiation of the dough stage, aiming to biofortify the grain with EMis provided as sulfate salts coupled with cysteine or methionine as potential biofortification enhancers. The mixtures were applied alone or in combination with commercial surfactants of the organosilicon ethoxylate (SiE) type or the alcohol ethoxylate (AE) type. The performance of two relevant preparations, FytoAmino-Bo (FABo) and Phillon, has been studied, too. The interventions affected the accumulation of the EMi metallome into the grains, along with the interactions of the EMis within this metallome. Several interventions increased the EMi metallome of the grain and affected the contribution of each EMi to this metallome. Many interventions have increased Zn and Fe, while they have decreased Mn and Cu. An increase in Zn corresponded (i) to a decrease in Cu, (ii) to an increase or no increase in Fe, and (iii) to a variable change in Mn. Cys increased the metallome by 34% and Zn and Fe within it. ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ increased the metallome by 5% and 9%, whilst MnSO₄ and CuSO₄ increased the metallome by 36% and 33%, respectively. The additives improved the contribution to increasing the metallome in most cases. Without surfactant, the efficacy ranking proved to be MnSO₄ > CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of SW7 sustained the order CuSO₄ > MnSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of Saldo switched the order to CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄ > MnSO₄. In the case of Phillon, the order was CuSO₄ > FeSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > MnSO₄. The effect of Cys or Met was case-specific. The differentiations in the intensity of both the agronomic performance (grain weight, grain weight per spike, and yield) and the biofortification performance (concentrations vs. accumulations of each EMi within the grain) among the various combinations of EMis and additives are depicted by adopting a grading scale, which highlighted the intensity of the acclimation reaction of the biofortified grain to the applied intervention. Full article

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases threatening global rice production. Although host resistance represents a sustainable control strategy, the underlying mechanisms mediated by the rhizosphere microbiome remain poorly understood. In this study, we selected four rice varieties with varying resistance to blast and demonstrated, through an integrated approach of 16S rRNA/ITS amplicon sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and soil physicochemical analysis, that the rice genotype reprograms the genotype-root exudate-rhizosphere microbiome system. Results showed that the resistant variety P104 significantly decreased the soil pH while increasing the contents of total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen. On the other hand, the susceptible variety P302 exhibited higher pH and available phosphorus content. Furthermore, the rhizosphere of P104 was enriched with specific beneficial microbes such as Desulfobacterota, Ascomycota, and Pseudeurotium, and activated defense-related metabolic pathways including cysteine and methionine metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In contrast, susceptible varieties showed reduced bacterial diversity and fostered a microecological environment more conducive to pathogen proliferation. Our findings indicate that blast-resistant rice genotypes are associated with a protective rhizosphere microbiome, potentially mediated by alterations in root metabolism, thereby suppressing pathogen establishment. These insights elucidate the underground mechanisms of blast resistance and highlight the potential of microbiome-assisted breeding for sustainable crop protection. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of short-term depuration under different salinity levels on the muscle nutritional composition and quality of Carassius auratus gibelio, aiming to provide guidance for enhancing the value of farmed crucian carp. A total of 240 fish (450 ± 50 g) were reared in recirculating aquaculture systems at salinities of 0‰ (S0), 3‰ (S3), 6‰ (S6), and 9‰ (S9) for 0 (D0), 5 (D5), and 10 days (D10). Dorsal muscle samples were analyzed for proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, flavor-related nucleotides, geosmin, and volatile compounds. Short-term depuration significantly improved muscle protein content, total amino acids, and umami amino acids. Culturing at 6‰ salinity for 10 days enhanced crude protein, total amino acids, umami amino acids, and lipid indices associated with cardiovascular benefits, while 9‰ salinity for 5 days increased crude lipid, total umami amino acids content, and the essential amino acid index (EAAI). Geosmin content decreased under moderate salinity but tended to accumulate at higher salinities. Amino acid scoring identified lysine, methionine, and cysteine as limiting under certain conditions, indicating a need for supplementation. Overall, short-term salinity depuration effectively improves muscle nutritional composition, fatty acid profiles, and flavor attributes, offering a practical approach to producing higher-value C. auratus gibelio with enhanced health benefits and consumer appeal. Full article

Upon reaction of dirhodium tetraacetate ([Rh₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₄]) and some [Rh₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₄] derivatives with proteins, dimeric Rh-Rh units (diRh) or monometallic moieties can bind the side chains of His, Cys, Met, Asp, Asn, Arg and Lys, and the C-terminal carboxylate. However, structural data on the interaction between the diRh center and Cys and Met side chains within the protein environment are still missing. Here, we report the X-ray structure of the adduct that [Rh₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)₄] forms with C-phycocyanin from Galdiera phlegrea at 2.17 Å resolution. Twelve diRh binding sites were found on the protein structure, two for each (αβ) unit. Dimetallic fragments were observed close to the side chains of Met30 of β-chains and of Cys73 of α-chains. To the best of our knowledge, the results provide the first unambiguous crystallographic observation of the diRh center binding to Met and Cys protein residues. DiRh binding does not alter overall protein structure and stability. This result will help in the design of new dirhodium-based artificial metalloenzymes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major metabolic disorder and is frequently accompanied by liver steatosis. Apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) is a glucose-regulated molecular chaperone that has been implicated in hepatic lipid deposition under nutrient overload. This study aimed to investigate the role of hepatocyte-specific ApoJ deletion in hepatic metabolism under diabetic conditions. Methods: A T2DM mouse model with hepatocyte-specific ApoJ knockout (HKO) was established through a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Hepatic metabolic profiles were analyzed using untargeted metabolomics with UHPLC–MS/MS. Differential metabolites were subjected to KEGG pathway and Sankey diagram analyses to identify biologically relevant pathways. Results: In total, 140 metabolites showed significant differential abundance in HKO mouse liver, primarily encompassing organic acids and derivatives as well as lipids and lipid-like molecules. KEGG analysis revealed that ApoJ deletion enhanced pathways related to vitamin digestion and absorption, thiamine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, lysine degradation, and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism. In contrast, pathways associated with galactose metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, purine metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway were suppressed. Sankey diagram analysis further demonstrated that ApoJ deletion markedly reshapes hepatic metabolic networks in T2DM. Conclusions: Given the central role of hepatic dysmetabolism in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications, targeting ApoJ may represent a promising therapeutic approach for restoring hepatic metabolic homeostasis and preventing diabetes-associated steatosis. Full article

Advances in next-generation sequencing have significantly improved the molecular diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases (MDs), a group of heterogeneous neurogenetic disorders. However, progress in understanding their pathogenic mechanisms and translating this knowledge into effective therapies remains limited. Elucidating the molecular determinants of phenotypic variability in primary MDs is essential to uncover disease mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets. We investigated a cohort of eight adult patients with genetically confirmed Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia (PEO)—an extremely rare mitochondrial disorder—and compared them with eight age- and sex-matched healthy controls. A comprehensive multi-omics approach combining LC–MS/MS-based proteomics, UPLC–MS/MS-based metabolomics, ATR–FTIR spectroscopy, and chemometric multivariate analysis was employed to identify molecular alterations associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Distinct proteomic and metabolic patterns related to energy metabolism were observed in PEO patients, correlating with their genetic background. Metabolomic analysis showed altered amino acid levels (seven statistically relevant) and disruptions in the metabolism of cysteine, methionine, and glutathione; proteomics finding (154 differentially expressed proteins) revealed dysregulation in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and immune response pathways. This integrative analytical strategy offers new insights into the molecular complexity of PEO and mitochondrial disorders. The identification of disease-associated molecular signatures may enhance the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and support the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for MDs. Full article

The aim of this study was to develop a dynamic factorial model for predicting amino acid requirements in Hy-Line Gray laying hens during critical early growth stages (0–84 days), addressing the need for precision feeding in modern poultry production systems. Methods: Four sequential trials were conducted. In Trial 1, growth curves and protein deposition equations were developed based on fortnightly body composition analyses, with parameters evaluated using the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria (AIC and BIC). In Trial 2, the carcass and feather amino acid profiles were characterized via HPLC. And established the amino acid composition patterns of chicken feather protein and carcass protein (AAF and AAC). In Trial 3, maintenance requirements were quantified through nitrogen balance studies, and in Trial 4, amino acid patterns of feather protein (APD) and apparent protein digestibility (ADD) were established using an endogenous indicator method. These datasets were integrated through factorial modeling to predict age-specific nutrient demands. Results: The developed model revealed the following quantitative requirements (g/day) for 18 amino acids across developmental stages: aspartic acid (0.1–0.863), glutamic acid (0.170–1.503), serine (0.143–0.806), arginine (0.165–0.891), glycine (0.258–1.279), threonine (0.095–0.507), proline (0.253–1.207), alanine (0.131–0.718), valine (0.144–0.737), methionine (0.023–0.124), cysteine (0.102–0.682), isoleucine (0.086–0.458), leucine (0.209–1.067), phenylalanine (0.086–0.464), histidine (0.024–0.133), lysine (0.080–0.462), tyrosine (0.050–0.283), and tryptophan (0.011–0.060). The model demonstrated strong predictive validity throughout the 12-week growth period. Conclusion: This integrative approach yielded the first dynamic requirement model for Hy-Line Gray layers during early development. The factorial framework enables precise adjustment of amino acid provisions to match changing physiological needs and has high potential value in optimizing feed efficiency and supporting sustainable layer production practices. Full article

Both primary and secondary hemostasis consist of finely regulated pathways, forming a blood clot to stop bleeding. These orchestrated mechanisms involve multiple plasma- and platelet/endothelial-derived receptors, factors, enzymes, and proteins, such as the von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, and thrombin. Over-activation or improper resolution of the coagulation cascade leads to severe pathological disorders, arterial and venous. Despite the fact that the genetic etiology of thrombophilia has gained the main research interest, there is growing evidence that the disturbed redox network of key hemostatic pathways signals thrombus formation. Oxidized LDL in dyslipidemias and many endogenous and exogenous compounds act as pro-oxidant stimuli that lead to post-translational modifications of proteins, such as sulfenylation, nitrosation, disulfide formation, glutathionylation, etc. Oxidation of cysteine and methionine residues of vWF, fibrinogen, and thrombomodulin has been detected at thrombotic episodes. Increased homocysteine levels due to, but not restricted to, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) mutations have been incriminated as a causative factor for oxidative stress, leading to a pro-thrombotic phenotype. Alterations in the vascular architecture, impaired vascular relaxation through decreased bioavailability of NO, accumulation of Nε-homocysteinylated proteins, ER stress, and endothelial cells’ apoptosis are among the pro-oxidant mechanisms of homocysteine. This review article focuses on describing key concepts on the oxidant-based molecular pathways that contribute to thrombotic episodes, with emphasis on the endogenous compound, homocysteine, aiming to promote further molecular, clinical, and pharmacological research in this field. Full article

In piglets, the gut microbiota matures in a segment-specific manner during the nursing period, while fecal-based studies provide limited functional resolution across intestinal sites. We profiled the ileum using 16s rRNA gene sequencing and assessed segmental functions by shotgun metagenomics at selected ages. Ileal species richness and diversity were relatively stable across days. Lactobacillus were prominent from day 7, with stage-associated taxa including Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, and Limosilactobacillus pontis. Through metagenomic functional analysis, at 21 days, genes were enriched in butanoate metabolism, and Limosilactobacillus pontis as a potential probiotic played an important role in it. At day 28, metagenomic analysis indicated higher relative abundance in the ileum of pathways linked to cysteine and methionine metabolism and lysine biosynthesis, largely carried by Limosilactobacillus mucosae, Limosilactobacillus oris, and Limosilactobacillus pontis. These data describe the composition and function of the ileum in the intestines of piglets and indicate a differentiation period around day 21 to day 28. Full article

A cultivation of durum wheat that established in a field with soil poor in micronutrients received foliar applications at the initiation of the dough stage towards biofortifying the spikes with micronutrients. The morphology of the spike is crucial in determining grain yield, and the spikelets, the components of the inflorescence, influence each other. The number and arrangement of these spike components affect spike length, spike weight, spike chaff (the non-grain biomass in the spike), grain number per spike, grain weight per spike, and spikelet number per spike, and all contribute to final grain yield per spike. The spike’s developmental program responded to the interventions regarding the morphological traits; this response was analyzed for each spike component, and an acclimation program seemed to be activated by each intervention. Cysteine or methionine has been added as a potential enhancer of the biofortification process, and the application mixtures were coupled with selected surfactants, an organosilicon ethoxylate or an alcohol ethoxylate one, while products with targeted composition for biofortification with micronutrients have also been studied. Their effect on the developmental acclimation program of the treated spike is presented and discussed. The action of this program provided grains of similar weight, regardless of the intervention. Full article