Search Results (2,692)

Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and Clitocybe nuda (Bull.) H.E. Bigelow & A.H. Sm. are wild edible mushrooms with nutritional and functional potential that remain insufficiently characterized. This study provides the first comparative assessment of their nutritional profiles, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity, using specimens collected from Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal). Proximate composition, organic and phenolic acids, free sugars, and fatty acids were analyzed by chromatographic methods, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through OxHLIA and TBARS assays. F. hepatica showed higher carbohydrates (9.3 ± 0.2 g/100 g fw) and estimated energy values (43 ± 1 kcal/100 g fw), increased phenolic acids content (2.7 ± 0.1 mg/g extract), and the exclusive presence of p-coumaric and cinnamic acids, along with OxHLIA activity (IC₅₀ = 126 ± 5 µg/mL at Δt = 60 min). C. nuda displayed higher protein (2.5 ± 0.1 g/100 g dw) and quinic acid contents (4.13 ± 0.02 mg/g extract), a PUFA-rich profile, and greater TBARS inhibition (EC₅₀ = 303 ± 17 µg/mL). These findings highlight distinct and complementary bioactive traits, supporting their valorization as natural functional ingredients. Their compositional features offer promising applications in sustainable food systems and nutraceutical development, encouraging further investigations into safety, bioaccessibility, and formulation strategies. Notably, F. hepatica is best consumed at a young developmental stage, as its sensory properties tend to decline with maturity. Full article

Microalgae, with their unparalleled capabilities for sunlight-driven growth, CO₂ fixation, and synthesis of diverse high-value compounds, represent sustainable cell factories for a circular bioeconomy. However, industrial deployment has been hindered by biological constraints and the inadequacy of conventional genetic tools. The advent of CRISPR-Cas systems initially provided precise gene editing via targeted DNA cleavage. This review argues that the true transformative potential lies in moving decisively beyond cutting to harness CRISPR as a versatile synthetic biology “Swiss Army Knife”. We synthesize the rapid evolution of CRISPR-derived tools—including transcriptional modulators (CRISPRa/i), epigenome editors, base/prime editors, multiplexed systems, and biosensor-integrated logic gates—and their revolutionary applications in microalgal engineering. These tools enable tunable gene expression, stable epigenetic reprogramming, DSB-free nucleotide-level precision editing, coordinated rewiring of complex metabolic networks, and dynamic, autonomous control in response to environmental cues. We critically evaluate their deployment to enhance photosynthesis, boost lipid/biofuel production, engineer high-value compound pathways (carotenoids, PUFAs, proteins), improve stress resilience, and optimize carbon utilization. Persistent challenges—species-specific tool optimization, delivery efficiency, genetic stability, scalability, and biosafety—are analyzed, alongside emerging solutions and future directions integrating AI, automation, and multi-omics. The strategic integration of this CRISPR toolkit unlocks the potential to engineer robust, high-productivity microalgal cell factories, finally realizing their promise as sustainable platforms for next-generation biomanufacturing. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by the bidirectional deterioration of cardiac and renal function, driven by mechanisms such as renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the key molecular pathways involved in CRS and to highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, with a special emphasis on nutritional interventions. We examined recent evidence on the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction, uremic toxins, and immune activation to CRS progression and assessed the role of dietary and micronutrient factors. Results indicate that a high dietary intake of sodium, phosphorus additives, and processed foods is associated with volume overload, vascular damage, and inflammation, whereas deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D correlate with worse clinical outcomes. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactives, such as omega-3 PUFAs, curcumin, and anthocyanins from maqui, demonstrate potential to modulate key CRS mechanisms, including the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Gene therapy approaches targeting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling are also discussed. An integrative approach combining pharmacological RAAS modulation with personalized medical nutrition therapy and anti-inflammatory nutrients may offer a promising strategy to prevent or delay CRS progression and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Fibrocapsa japonica (Raphidophyceae) is a cosmopolitan species frequently associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish mortality events, representing a potential threat to aquaculture and coastal ecosystems. This study provides the first comprehensive morphological, phylogenetic, pigmentary, and toxicological characterization of F. japonica strains isolated from Argentina. Light and transmission electron microscopy confirmed key diagnostic features of the species, including anterior flagella and the conspicuous group of mucocyst in the posterior region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the LSU rDNA D1–D2 region revealed monophyletic relationships with strains from geographically distant regions. Pigment analysis by HPLC identified chlorophyll-a (62.3 pg cell⁻¹) and fucoxanthin (38.4 pg cell⁻¹) as the main dominant pigments. Cytotoxicity assays using RTgill-W1 cells exposed for 2 h to culture supernatants and intracellular extracts showed strain-specific effects. The most toxic strain (LPCc049) reduced gill cell viability down to 53% in the supernatant exposure, while LC₅₀ values ranged from 1.6 × 10⁴ to 4.7 × 10⁵ cells mL⁻¹, depending directly on the strain and treatment type. No brevetoxins (PbTx-1, -2, -3, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, BTX-B1 and BTX-B2) were detected by LC–MS/MS, suggesting that the cytotoxicity may be linked to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), or hemolytic compounds, as previously hypothesized in the literature. These findings offer novel insights into the toxic potential of F. japonica in South America and underscore the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its ichthyotoxic effect. Full article

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a disease caused by the deposition of transthyretin-derived fibrils in the body. Despite extensive research conducted over the years, there are currently only four drugs available in clinical use to treat this condition, two of which are repurposed drugs used off-label. However, these treatments present several limitations; therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. In this context, dietary supplements containing natural compounds capable of stabilizing the transthyretin (TTR) protein could represent a promising approach to contrast the disease progression, potentially supporting the therapeutic effects of the aforementioned drugs. In light of this, the present review highlights and analyzes the natural compounds that have most recently been reported in the literature as TTR stabilizers. In particular, the studies elucidating the potential of these compounds in the treatment of ATTR, along with the available crystallographic data explaining their binding mode to TTR, are reported. Overall, although the use of natural compounds as supplements shows promise in managing ATTR, further research is still needed to explore its feasibility and confirm its effectiveness. Hopefully, this work will help shed light on these issues and serve as a useful starting point for the development of new strategies to treat this disease. Full article

This study evaluated the authenticity of olive oil in canned tuna products from the Slovenian market using both official methods, including fatty acid (FA) profiling, determination of the equivalent carbon number difference (ΔECN42), and sterol analysis, and an advanced method: stable carbon isotope analysis (δ¹³C) of FAs obtained through compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA). Results from both methods confirmed that all 10 samples were authentic, as per the limits set by EU Regulation 2022/2104 and supported by the scientific literature. Method performance was further evaluated by adulterating the olive oil from the canned tuna with 5–20% vegetable oil (VO) or hazelnut oil (HO). While FA analysis struggled to differentiate adulterants with similar FA profiles, CSIA of FAs significantly improved detection. However, distinguishing between VO and HO blended samples remained challenging. PLS-DA analysis further supported the potential of using δ¹³C values of FA for food authentication. Storage of adulterated samples also influenced FA composition, leading to significant changes in MUFA/PUFA ratios and δ¹³C values, which became less negative, likely due to oxidative degradation. In summary, the combination of official and advanced methods, supported by chemometric analysis, offers a robust approach to ensuring the authenticity of olive oil in canned tuna. Full article

Grape pomace (GP), the main by-product of the wine industry, represents a valuable source of bioactive metabolites with significant potential for valorization in the context of sustainable bioresource management. This study systematically characterizes the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profile, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC) of GP derived from seven grape varieties across three consecutive vintages (2022–2024). White GP, particularly Verdelho and Sercial, exhibited a superior lipid quality with high concentrations of methyl linoleate (up to 1997 mg/100 g DW) and methyl oleate (up to 1294 mg/100 g DW), low atherogenic (AI < 0.05) and thrombogenic indices (TI ≤ 0.13), and elevated PUFA/SFA ratios (≥8.2). In contrast, red GP, especially from Complexa and Tinta Negra, demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential, with TPC values up to 6687 mgGAE/100 g DW, TFC up to 4624 mgQE/100 g DW, and antioxidant activities reaching 5399 mgTE/100 g (DPPH) and 7219 mgTE/100 g (ABTS). Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, PLS-DA, HCA) revealed distinct varietal and vintage-dependent clustering and identified key discriminant fatty acids, including linolenic acid (C18:3), lauric acid (C12:0), and arachidic acid (C20:0). These findings underscore the compositional diversity and functional potential of GP, reinforcing its suitability for applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, in alignment with circular economy principles. Full article

This research investigated the impact of corn–soybean meal-based fermented feed on the growth performance, pork quality, and fatty acid profiles of lean-type finishing pigs. A total of 80 lean-type growing DLY (Duroc × Landrace–Yorkshire) pigs were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 5 replicates of 8 pigs per pen. The pigs in control group (CON group) were fed a basal diet, while the pigs in fermented feed group (FF group) were fed a diet supplemented with 10% fermented feed. The experimental period lasted 70 days. Results exhibited that pigs in FF group had a significant increase in final body weight and average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and had a significant decrease in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05). The FF group also exhibited significant promotion in muscle intramuscular fat content, marbling score, and meat color and significantly reduced the meat shear force and drip loss (p < 0.05). Serum analysis indicated that fermented feed significantly elevated blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and serum hormones such as insulin, leptin, and IGF-1 (p < 0.05). Additionally, fermented feed significantly elevated the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), whereas it decreased the saturated fatty acids (SFAs) contents (p < 0.05). The fermented feed also significantly enhanced pork nutritional values (p < 0.05). The fermented feed increased the expression of IGF-1, SREBP1c, PDE3, PPARγ, SCD5, and FAT/CD36 mRNA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, microbial 16S rDNA analysis uncovered that FF supplementation significantly reduced the Campilobacterota phylum abundance, while increasing the genus abundances of Clostridium_sensu_stricto, norank_f_Oscillospiraceae, unclassified_c_Clostridia, and V9D2013 (p < 0.05). In summary, the results indicated that the microbial fermented feed exhibited the regulation effects on pork quality and nutritional values of lean-type pigs through regulating lipid metabolism and gut microbial composition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oxylipins, a family of oxygenated natural products derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play crucial roles in various physiological processes. Evaluating their levels in vivo helps to reveal their roles in health and disease. Because of the numerous isomers of oxylipins, it is essential to develop efficient and precise analytical methods for their identification and quantification. The objective of this study is to establish a quantitative method for oxylipin analysis and its application to the assessment of oxylipins in children’s plasma, with potential implications for diagnostic use in pediatric populations. Methods: A liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to quantify 64 oxylipins and four precursor PUFAs within 36 min. The limits of quantification ranged from 0.25 to 50 pg, with most analytes showing recoveries and matrix effects between 85 and 110% and between 90 and 110%, respectively. Intra- and inter-day precision values were within 15%. The established method was applied to plasma samples from children aged 9–12 years (boys = 181; girls = 161) in Hokkaido, Japan, to assess the relation between plasma oxylipin and PUFA levels and age, sex, and body mass index. Results: There was no significant correlation between oxylipin levels and age, sex, or body mass index. However, among the PUFAs, boys had higher eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid levels than those of girls, with a significant increase in eicosapentaenoic acid levels in the overweight group compared with those in the underweight group. Conclusions: We successfully developed a simple and highly selective method for the analysis of oxylipins in preadolescent children’s plasma samples. Thus, this study provides a foundation for broader application of the developed method to different biological samples in future studies. Full article

Tilapia possess the ability to biosynthesize long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA); however, variations in this capacity across different growth stages and between sexes remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity in male and female tilapia fed two distinct diets—perilla oil (rich in α-linolenic acid, ALA) and peanut oil (rich in linoleic acid, LA)—over 24 weeks, spanning four growth stages (I-IV, from fry to adult). The results revealed that during stages I to III, both diets produced similar final body weights. However, in stage IV, male tilapia fed the peanut oil diet exhibited significantly higher body weight compared to those fed perilla oil, whereas females showed no significant differences between diets. Throughout stages III and IV, males were consistently heavier than females. LC-PUFA levels in the liver and intestine varied across growth stages, with the lowest levels at stage II and the highest at stage III. Notably, male tilapia exhibited higher expression levels of fads2 and elovl5 compared to the females across stages II to IV. The hepatic and intestinal mRNA levels increased by up to 6.40-fold and 3.85-fold, respectively, indicating a greater LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity in males. This study provides valuable insights into the biosynthesis of LC-PUFA in tilapia, highlighting the influence of growth stage, sex and dietary fatty acid composition on this process, and laying a foundation for further evaluating the functional significance of dietary lipid sources in aquaculture. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the main causes of dementia, with an exponential increment in its incidence as years go by. However, since pathophysiological mechanisms are complex and multifactorial, therapeutic strategies remain inconclusive and only provide symptomatic relief to patients. In order to solve this problem, new strategies have been investigated over recent years for AD treatment. This field has been reborn due to epidemiological and preclinical findings that demonstrate the fact that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) can be promising therapeutic agents because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurogenic-promoting activities, thus allowing us to classify these molecules as neuroprotectors. Similarly, ω-3 PUFAs perform important actions in the formation of characteristic AD lesions, amyloid-β plaques (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles, reducing the development of these structures. Altogether, the aforementioned actions hinder cognitive decline and possibly reduce AD development. In addition, ω-3 PUFAs modulate the inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and promoting the synthesis of specialised pro-resolving mediators. Consequently, the present review assesses the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs can act as therapeutic molecules and the effectiveness of their use in patients. Clinical evidence so far has shown promising results on ω-3 PUFA effects, both in animal and epidemiological studies, but remains contradictory in clinical trials. More research on these molecules and their neuroprotective effects in AD is needed, as well as the establishment of future guidelines to obtain more reproducible results on this matter. Full article

A high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol from processed meats is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. This study aimed to develop a nutritionally enhanced Bologna-type sausage by partially replacing the beef content with a structured emulsion gel (EG) formulated from pine nut oil, inulin, carrageenan, and whey protein concentrate. The objective was to improve its lipid quality and functional performance while maintaining product integrity and consumer acceptability. Three sausage formulations were prepared: a control and two variants with 7% and 10% EG, which substituted for the beef content. The emulsion gel was characterized regarding its physical and thermal stability. Sausages were evaluated for their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol content, pH, cooking yield, water-holding capacity, emulsion stability, instrumental texture, microstructure (via SEM), oxidative stability (TBARSs), and sensory attributes. Data were analyzed using a one-way and two-way ANOVA with Duncan’s test (p < 0.05). The EG’s inclusion significantly reduced the total and saturated fat and cholesterol, while increasing protein and unsaturated fatty acids. The 10% EG sample achieved a PUFA/SFA ratio of 1.00 and an over 80% reduction in atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Functional improvements were observed in emulsion stability, cooking yield, and water retention. Textural and visual characteristics remained within acceptable sensory thresholds. SEM images showed more homogenous matrix structures in the EG samples. TBARS values increased slightly over 18 days of refrigeration but remained below rancidity thresholds. This period was considered a pilot-scale evaluation of oxidative trends. Sensory testing confirmed that product acceptability was not negatively affected. The partial substitution of beef content with pine nut oil-based emulsion gel offers a clean-label strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of Bologna-type sausages while preserving functional and sensory performance. This approach may support the development of health-conscious processed meat products aligned with consumer and regulatory demands. Full article

To elucidate the interactions among fatty acid metabolism, immune status, and gut microbiota, both cultured and wild Coilia nasus from the Yangtze River were examined in China. The results demonstrated that wild C. nasus exhibited markedly higher lipid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents, a greater ratio of total ω-3 PUFAs to total ω-6 PUFAs, and more active antioxidant enzymes compared to cultured C. nasus. However, the shear force, water-holding capacity, and total n-6 PUFA content were lower in wild C. nasus. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct gene expression patterns: wild C. nasus upregulated immune-related genes, while cultured C. nasus downregulated genes related to fatty acid metabolism. Significant differences were observed in alpha and beta diversity between cultured and wild groups. LEfSe analysis identified Clostridium_T, Escherichia, and Glutamicibacter as biomarkers for cultured C. nasus, while eight genera, including Pseudomonas_E and Sphingomonas_L, were predominant in wild C. nasus. Modular analysis identified five modules linked to immune functions and fatty acid metabolism. Clostridium_T, Sphingomonas_L, and Pseudomonas_E were dominant in the first two modules, with Pseudomonas_E and Clostridium_T as key regulators of fatty acid metabolism and immune processes. These differences, likely due to gut microbiota variations, provide insights for C. nasus nutritional studies. Full article

The distinctive nature of ferroptosis is that it is induced chemically and signifies a regulated cell death dependent on iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. The mechanism of ferroptosis involves oxidative damage to the membrane lipids. It differs from apoptosis and necroptosis, triggering metabolic changes in the iron-lipid homeostasis and antioxidant defense, such as glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Herein, the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and its role in the tumorigenesis process and infection-related diseases are presented. It also discusses metabolic reprogramming as a factor that modifies the levels of cell-sensitizing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), iron dysregulation, and oxidative stress in aggressive cancers and inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Particular attention is given to chemical modulators of ferroptosis, including synthetic inducers and inhibitors, as well as bioactive natural compounds. Our focus is on the significance of analytical tools, such as lipidomics and metabolomics, in understanding the phenomenon of ferroptosis. Finally, we explore novel therapeutic approaches targeting ferroptosis in cancer and infectious diseases, while navigating both the opportunities and challenges in drug development. The review then draws on chemical biology and disease pathology to propose promising areas of study for ferroptosis-related therapies. Full article

Background: Dyslipidemia and distorted fatty acid (FA) metabolism are frequent biochemical abnormalities associated with anorexia nervosa (AN). Gut microbiota is supposed to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of AN. Apart from the digestive function of bile acids (BAs), these compounds have multiple metabolic functions due to the activation of specific receptors. Objective/aims: The aims of the study were to investigate biochemical measures, including plasma lipids (lipoproteins, respectively), fatty acid (FA) patterns, and the profile of plasma Bas, in AN patients and healthy controls (CON). Methods: Plasma phospholipid FA and BAs profiles were analyzed in 39 women with a restrictive type of AN (AN-R; median age 17 years) and in 35 CON women (median age 20 years). Results: Compared to CON, AN had an increased concentration of HDL-C, increased content of palmitic acid, and decreased proportion of linoleic acid. Moreover, AN had a drop in the level of the sum of PUFAn-6 and increased delta 9 desaturase activity for stearic acid. In AN, we found decreased levels of plasma tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). In AN, concentrations of 22:5n-6, 16:0, 20:3n-6 and fat mass index were predic-tors of HDL-C levels (R² = 0.43). Conclusions: Patients with AN-R had an increased concentration of HDL-C, decreased levels of total PUFA n-6, and increased activity of D9D for stearic acid. Furthermore, AN exerted decreased levels of TUDCA. Therefore, a decreased level of TUDCA could potentially serve as a marker of AN. Full article