Search Results (934)

Heat stress (HS) significantly threatens the sustainability of the rabbit industry, primarily by inducing oxidative damage to the intestine, which compromises both the health and productivity of rabbits. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) belongs to a major class of natural polyphenols and possesses significant antioxidant properties. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of CGA against HS-induced intestinal damage in rabbits. In vivo, compared with the HS group, CGA significantly elevated serum CAT and SOD activities (p < 0.05), as well as reduced serum MDA and jejunal HSP70 levels (p < 0.05) in HS-challenged rabbits. In addition, CGA reversed HS-induced downregulation of antioxidant genes (HO-1, SOD1) and upregulation of apoptosis-related genes (Bax, caspase-3) (p < 0.05). In vitro, CGA significantly suppressed HS-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, ROS overproduction, and tight junction protein (occludin, ZO-1) downregulation (p < 0.05) by activating Nrf2 signaling. Specific inhibition of Nrf2 significantly abolished CGA’s protective effects. These results strongly suggest that CGA alleviates HS-induced intestinal oxidative damage and maintains barrier integrity via Nrf2 signaling. This finding offers a safe nutritional intervention to enhance HS resistance and growth performance in rabbits, addressing a key constraint to the sustainability of the rabbit industry amid global warming. Full article

This study examined the protective impact of tributyrin on heat-stressed Taihe silky fowls, providing insight into oxidative status, inflammatory response, and mucosal barrier function. Three hundred chicks were randomly assigned to 6 treatments: control (CON, 24 ± 1 °C) fed with basal diet and 5 heat stress (HS) treatments (34 ± 1 °C for 8 h/d) fed with basal diet containing 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32% tributyrin. Heat stress elevated serum malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), D-lactate, and diamine oxidase levels, and decreased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels (p < 0.05). Compared with HS treatment, tributyrin reversed these serum changes (p < 0.05). Moreover, HS elevated jejunal and ileal MDA content and IL-1β mRNA abundance, decreased GSH-Px activity, villus height (VH), VH: crypt depth ratio, and mRNA abundance of IL-10, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and decreased cecal butyrate content (p < 0.05). Compared with HS treatment, tributyrin reduced jejunal and ileal MDA content and IL-1β mRNA abundance, increased GSH-Px activity, VH, and mRNA abundance of IL-4, IL-10, occludin, and ZO-1, and increased cecal butyrate content (p < 0.05). In conclusion, tributyrin enhanced antioxidant capacity, attenuated inflammatory responses, increased cecal butyrate content, and improved intestinal morphology and mucosal barrier function in cyclic heat-stressed Taihe silky fowls. Full article

Background/Objective: Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from wireless technologies has raised concerns about male reproductive health. We aimed to evaluate the protective role of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a potent antioxidant, against testicular alterations induced by 2.45 GHz EMR. Methods: Twenty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, EMR, ALA, and ALA+EMR. Animals in the EMR and ALA+EMR groups were exposed to EMR for 2 h/day for 1 month. Testicular tissues were examined histologically, stereologically, and immunohistochemically, while serum samples were analysed biochemically. Results: EMR exposure caused marked structural damage, including disruption of seminiferous tubule architecture, increased collagen deposition, and expansion of tubular and interstitial volumes. These pathological changes were primarily prevented in the ALA+EMR group. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed increased IL-6 and TNF-α expression following EMR exposure, whereas ALA supplementation significantly reduced these inflammatory markers and restored AR, ZO-1, and ZO-2 expression. Biochemically, EMR reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH, GPx) and elevated MDA levels, indicating oxidative stress; these parameters were reversed by ALA treatment. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings demonstrate that 2.45 GHz EMR induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and testicular injury, while ALA provides significant protection. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of ALA as a protective agent against EMR-related reproductive toxicity and infertility risk. Full article

Bacillus subtilis, as a probiotic feed additive, has been increasingly applied in livestock and poultry farming. In the present study, the environmental tolerance of a strain of Bacillus subtilis, isolated from a goat farm, was investigated. This article conducts a series of experiments on the obtained strains. The results demonstrated that the isolated strain exhibits strong tolerance to high temperatures, acidic and alkaline conditions, and high concentrations of bile salts. Furthermore, its self-aggregation rate exceeded 60% after 24 h. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the genomes of the isolated strains were functionally annotated, identifying genes associated with amino acid metabolism, vitamin biosynthesis, and other metabolic pathways. Based on this genomic analysis, the present study further evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of a Bacillus subtilis strain isolated in a murine model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The analyses revealed that the DSS-treated group exhibited significantly reduced expression of intestinal tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, along with elevated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, compared to the PBS control group. Following oral administration of 1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL Bacillus subtilis isolated strain suspension, the DSS-treated mice showed increased expression of ZO-1 and Occludin and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results indicate that the isolated strain of Bacillus subtilis has a protective effect against colitis and demonstrates probiotic potential. Full article

The exopolysaccharides (EPS) from the mycelial fermentation of Cordyceps sinensis Cs-HK1, especially the low-molecular weight, protein-rich exopolysaccharide fractions (EPS-LM), have previously exhibited significant antioxidant activity. This study further investigated the antioxidant and protective effects of EPS-LM on intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in Caco-2 monolayers challenged with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂, 550 μM). EPS-LM contained two major molecular-weight fractions, 25 kDa and 1.7 kDa, with 19.3% total carbohydrate and 28.7% protein content (w/w). Treatment of the cells with EPS-LM (50–200 μg/mL) showed concentration-dependent protective effects against ROS-induced losses of cell viability and epithelial barrier integrity. EPS-LM treatment enhanced the activities of major antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) and modulated NRF2 and its downstream target NQO1, consistent with alleviated oxidative stress. It also improved several indicators of intestinal barrier function, including increased transepithelial electrical resistance and upregulation of tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO-1, and Claudin-1). These results provide new experimental evidence and theoretical basis for the nutraceutical potential of EPS-LM to mitigate oxidative stress and preserve intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Full article

Current asthma therapies reduce inflammation and symptoms but there are concerns regarding adverse effects and the long-term treatment burden. The anti-asthmatic potential of Dictamnine (Dic) has not been investigated. The therapeutic effect of Dic on airway inflammation and remodeling was investigated by targeting the tumor growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad2/3 pathway. A murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma was used to evaluate the effects of orally-administered Dic on airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), OVA-specific IgE in the serum, and histopathological changes. The expression of TGF-β/Smad2/3 and epithelial markers was assessed. Human bronchial epithelial cells were used in vitro to examine the effects of Dic on TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Network pharmacology was conducted to predict Dic-associated targets and pathways. Dic substantially reduced the levels of Th2 cytokines, mucin 5AC in BALF, and OVA-specific IgE in the serum. Histology indicated reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, bronchial wall thickening, and peribronchial fibrosis in Dic-treated mice. Dic downregulated TGF-β and p-Smad2/3 expression and upregulated ZO-1 expression in the lung tissue. Dic downregulated TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation in bronchial epithelial cells. Network pharmacology indicated enrichment of Dic-related genes in the TGF-β pathway. Dic exhibited anti-asthmatic effects and is a potential therapeutic candidate. Full article

The effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on intestinal histomorphology, barrier integrity, antioxidant parameters, and gut microbiota in heat-stressed rabbits were assessed in this study. One hundred and twenty weaned New Zealand rabbits were assigned to three groups: control (CON) at 25 ± 1 °C, heat stress (HS) at 35 ± 1 °C, and HS with CGA supplementation (HS + CGA) at 35 ± 1 °C. Rabbits in the CON and HS groups were fed a basic diet, while those in the HS + CGA group receive the basic diet added with 800 mg/kg CGA. HS induced intestinal oxidative stress, impaired intestinal morphology and barrier function, and altered the gut microbiota. CGA supplementation mitigated HS-induced increases in serum diamine oxidase and D-lactate levels, and intestinal malondialdehyde content (p < 0.05), and countered HS-induced reductions in intestinal superoxide dismutase activity, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and claudin-1 and ZO-1 mRNA expressions (p < 0.05). In addition, HS decreased the abundances of Akkermansia and uncultured_bacterium_g__Akkermansia and increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and uncultured_bacterium_g__unclassified_o_Clostridia_UCG-014 abundance as well as the abundance of bacterial functions related to animal_parasites_or_symbionts and human_pathogens_all. HS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis was significantly restored by CGA supplementation. The findings indicated that dietary 800 mg/kg CGA supplementation effectively safeguarded intestinal health in rabbits under high temperatures. Full article

Severe traumatic brain injury includes neurovascular unit (NVU) damage that is linked to the later development of neurodegenerative diseases. Cell-type-specific contributions and crosstalk between cells of the neurovascular unit following brain injury remain poorly defined in human cells. Here, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) human NVU model using silk–collagen scaffolds to examine cellular responses to controlled cortical impact (CCI). Using this platform, we show that CCI induced acute cell death in astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells but spared pericytes, which occurred independently of classical apoptotic or necroptotic pathways. Astrocytes and microglia were the primary sources of early bioactive IL-1β release, while endothelial junctional integrity was differentially regulated by support cells: astrocytes destabilized VE-cadherin, pericytes preserved barrier proteins, and microglia contributed to Claudin-5 loss in multicellular settings. Conditioned media experiments demonstrated that soluble factors from injured support cells alone were sufficient to disrupt endothelial junctional proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin) and induce inflammatory adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1). Together, these findings define cell-type-specific injury responses and reveal how NVU interactions regulate vascular dysfunction after trauma, providing a human-based framework for understanding blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Full article

This study aimed to explore the effect of 2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) on the gut health of aged mice. The results revealed that 2′-FL intervention effectively improved the intestinal permeability and reduced the serum diamine oxidase (DAO) level in aged mice (p < 0.05); in addition, 2′-FL increased the IgA level and decreased the IgG level (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, 2′-FL reduced the serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis indicated that 2′-FL successfully reversed intestinal damage in the jejunum and colon. Additionally, 2′-FL increased the expression of the tight-junction proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-1 both at mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.05), and also down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β) (p < 0.05), and decreased aging-related markers P16^INK4α and P21^Cip1. Furthermore, 16S rRNA results showed that 2′-FL increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. In conclusion, 2′-FL effectively improved the intestinal immune health of the aged mice and provided a theoretical basis for its application as a functional component in the treatment of intestinal diseases. Full article

This study explored the efficacy of dietary Fagopyrum dibotrys extract (FDE) in mitigating Escherichia coli O157 (E. coli) infections in broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old male Shengze 901 broilers were randomly allocated to four groups (with 10 broilers per group): CON (basal diet), COLI (basal diet + E. coli challenge), FDE (basal diet + 500 mg/kg FDE), and FDEC (basal diet + 500 mg/kg FDE + E. coli challenge). The results showed that E. coli challenge reduced the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and cecal E. coli load, impaired the intestinal mucosa, and induced intestinal inflammatory responses (p < 0.05). FDE supplementation improved growth performance, increased duodenal villus height and villus/crypt ratio; reduced serum interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), diamine oxidase (DAO), and endotoxin levels; and lowered cecal E. coli counts (p < 0.05). Molecularly, FDE supplementation upregulated Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1 gene expressions, and downregulated jejunal TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA levels. Microbiome analysis revealed that FDE increased the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and alleviated the E. coli-induced reduction in Clostridia_UCG-014. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 500 mg/kg FDE could mitigate colibacillosis-related intestinal damage and inflammatory responses. Full article

Drought stress (DS) is a primary environmental factor that limits the production of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been shown to enhance drought resistance in ginger by modulating water relations. However, the specific impact of SiNPs on the antioxidant and glyoxalase system responses to DS remains unclear. To investigate the impact of SiNP100 on photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism in ginger under DS, four treatments were designed in this study: control (CK), drought stress (DS), silica nanoparticles (SiNP100) application, and the combined treatment of DS and SiNP100 (DS + SiNP100). The results showed that SiNP100 alleviated DS-induced damage by improving photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll content, and the efficiency of photosystems I and II. DS significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and methylglyoxal (MG), thereby inducing oxidative stress. SiNP100 mitigated this effect by reducing ROS accumulation and enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, SiNP100 boosted the ascorbate–glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle by increasing the activities of key enzymes (APX, DHAR, MDHAR, and GR) and upregulating the expression of ZoDHAR2, ZoAPX1, and ZoGR2. This leads to higher ascorbate and glutathione levels in ginger. SiNP100 also bolstered the glyoxalase system, as evidenced by increased activities of glyoxalase I (Gly I) and glyoxalase II (Gly II), alongside the upregulation of ZoGLY1 expression, thereby promoting methylglyoxal (MG) detoxification. In conclusion, SiNP100 enhances drought tolerance in ginger by reinforcing the antioxidant defense system, AsA-GSH cycle, and methylglyoxal detoxification system, thereby protecting photosynthetic metabolism and promoting growth. Full article

Polysaccharides from marine organisms have been extensively studied and utilized as functional food ingredients due to their excellent immunomodulatory properties. However, the immunomodulatory potential of fermented Ruditapes philippinarum polysaccharide (RPP) has not been systematically explored. This study investigated the effects of RPP on immune function in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. These results revealed that RPP alleviated CTX-induced weight loss and restored appetite. Moreover, RPP can promote the morphology and indices of immune organs, as well as increased the number of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb). Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were significantly elevated following RPP treatment. Additionally, RPP improved colonic morphology by upregulating the expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1 and promoting the secretion of secretory IgA (sIgA). These results indicated that RPP exerted an immune protective effect in BALB/c mice and justified its further potential as a bioactive ingredient for functional foods derived from marine shellfish. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease with escalating global incidence. Conventional therapies face limitations including substantial costs and adverse effects, while live probiotics pose safety risks in vulnerable populations. Postbiotics—inactivated microorganisms conferring health benefits—offer therapeutic potential without viable bacterial risks. This study investigated inactivated Akkermansia muciniphila AKK PROBIO in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Inactivated AKK PROBIO significantly ameliorated disease manifestations, restoring body weight and food intake during days 10–14 (p < 0.01) and reducing Disease Activity Index scores (p < 0.0001). Treatment preserved colonic architecture, enhanced tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1), and elevated mucin 2 expression. Mechanistically, AKK PROBIO modulated inflammatory responses by increasing anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (p < 0.05) while decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (all p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed selective microbiota remodeling with enriched beneficial genera (Ligilactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Bacteroides, Akkermansia) and depleted pathobionts (Escherichia-Shigella). Functional profiling demonstrated enhanced microbial metabolic capacity in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism pathways. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis confirmed elevated short-chain fatty acid production, particularly butyrate and isocaproate (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed interconnected relationships among beneficial microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory mediators, while showing inverse associations with pro-inflammatory cytokines. In summary, our findings demonstrate that inactivated AKK PROBIO alleviates colitis, supporting its development as a safe, food-derived postbiotic. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mastitis adversely affects human lactation, and there is a need for effective natural therapeutic agents. Poplar-type propolis is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but its protective effects and mechanisms against mastitis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of ethanol extract of Chinese propolis (EECP) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis. Methods: An integrated approach combining network pharmacology and transcriptomics was employed. In vivo validation was conducted using an LPS-induced mouse mastitis model in female BALB/c mice. Molecular docking was used to confirm interactions between key EECP components and core targets. Results: Network pharmacology identified 36 potential targets, primarily involved in inflammatory and immune pathways such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT), and interleukin (IL)-17 pathways. In vivo experiments demonstrated that EECP significantly alleviated LPS-induced histopathological damage, reduced neutrophil infiltration, and decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL1β, and IL6). Furthermore, EECP restored the expression and distribution of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin), thereby preserving blood–milk barrier integrity. Transcriptomic analysis confirmed that EECP reversed LPS-induced gene expression changes and downregulated key inflammation-related pathways, including TNF, NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and IL-17. Integrated analysis identified TNF, IL6, IL1B, interferon gamma (IFNG), STAT3, and CXCL8 as core targets. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding interactions between characteristic propolis polyphenols (e.g., chrysin, CAPE, and galangin) and these core targets. Conclusions: EECP exerts protective effects against LPS-induced mastitis through the synergistic actions of multiple components. This study lays the preclinical foundation for considering poplar-type propolis as a candidate for the prevention or alleviation of mastitis, meriting further evaluation. Full article

The assessment of donor corneas is currently based solely on central endothelial cell (EC) density, which potentially overlooks the transition zone (TZ) regenerative potential. Therefore, the present study characterizes TZ using multimodal imaging techniques to understand its regenerative potential and refine the assessment of donor tissue. Ex vivo donor corneas (n = 41) were examined using phase-contrast microscopy for EC counting and reflectance confocal microscopy (HRTII/RCM) for non-invasive visualization of the TZ. A subset of eight of these corneas underwent ultrastructural analysis using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunostaining analysis using confocal microscopy. We observed a significant decrease in central EC density (p < 0.001) with increasing storage duration and donor age, while TZ width and TZ surface cell count remained stable. HRTII/RCM and SEM revealed distinct morphological differences (small, polygonal cells, irregular arrangement) in the TZ compared to the peripheral endothelium (PE). Immunostaining revealed elevated expression of progenitor markers (Nestin, ABCG2, SOX2, Lgr5, Vimentin) and reduced expression of endothelial markers (ZO1 and Na/K-ATPase) in the TZ compared to the PE, indicating the presence of a stem cell-like population. These findings suggest that TZ may contribute to endothelial cell regeneration, and HRTII/RCM could serve as a novel tool for TZ evaluation in low EC count donor corneas. Full article