Search Results (1,608)

The human gut microbiota represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms that play a fundamental role in maintaining physiological homeostasis, regulating metabolism, and modulating the immune system. This narrative review explores the biochemical intricacies of the gut microbiome, focusing on the dominant phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Fusobacteria) and their specific contributions to host health. A critical emphasis is placed on the metabolic outputs of these microorganisms, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which serve as vital energy sources and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules. Conversely, the review examines how dysbiosis, the disruption of microbial balance, is mechanistically linked to the pathogenesis of diverse conditions, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gout. Furthermore, it highlights the profound impact of dietary interventions on microbial architecture, notably, how non-digestible carbohydrates promote beneficial taxa and eubiosis, while high-fat and high-sugar diets drive metabolic endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. By synthesizing current knowledge on microbial biotransformations of proteins and polyphenols, this work underscores the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and the microbiome. Ultimately, understanding these biochemical interactions is essential for developing targeted probiotic, prebiotic, and nutritional strategies to prevent and manage chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Full article

Punica granatum L. is a nutritionally relevant fruit with a complex phytochemical profile that varies across its anatomical fractions, including peel, arils, juice, seeds, and seed oil. Although pomegranate is widely recognized for its health-promoting potential, the nutritional significance of its matrix-dependent composition, bioavailability, and gut microbiota-mediated metabolism remains insufficiently integrated. This review aimed to critically evaluate the phytochemical diversity of pomegranate and its nutrition-related multi-target biological functions, with particular emphasis on food matrices, bioaccessibility, and translational relevance. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies indexed in major scientific databases from 2000 to January 2026 was conducted. Eligible reports included analytical, preclinical, and clinical studies addressing the composition of pomegranate-derived materials and their biological effects, with attention to extraction matrix, processing, bioavailability, microbial biotransformation, and mechanisms of action. Pomegranate exhibits marked matrix-specific phytochemical diversity. Peel is particularly rich in ellagitannins, especially punicalagin and punicalin; arils and juices are enriched in anthocyanins and flavonols; and seed oil contains high levels of punicic acid. Reported biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, metabolic, anti-aging, and anticancer effects. These actions appear to result from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds rather than from a single dominant constituent. Importantly, gut microbiota-driven conversion of ellagitannins and ellagic acid into urolithins is a major determinant of systemic bioactivity and may contribute to interindividual variability in response. The health effects of pomegranate should be interpreted within a nutrition-focused, matrix-dependent framework integrating composition, processing, bioavailability, and microbiota-derived metabolism. Full article

Jet-cutting—the most powerful immobilization technique—was utilized for the entrapment of recombinant E. coli cells expressing a cascade of enzymes, including alcohol dehydrogenase, enoate reductase, and cyclohexanone monooxygenase, within mechanically reinforced barium–calcium alginate beads. Cost-effective alginate beads with entrapped cells were applied in a model process for the production of the industrially relevant ε-caprolactone under bioreactor-controlled conditions, enabling parallel repeated biotransformations. Immobilization resulted in a reduced rate of cell deactivation over four biotransformation cycles, leading to overall ε-caprolactone yield increases of 36% using 0.55 mm beads and 22% using 0.9 mm beads compared to the use of free cells. Additionally, the model bioprocess was employed to investigate the metabolic adaptation of cells to immobilization and repeated biotransformations using viability assays and spectrally resolved confocal microscopy. These measurements, conducted for the first time throughout the entire cellular life cycle, clearly demonstrated that the cells retained high viability during cultivation, immobilization, and repeated use in biotransformations. Moreover, based on characteristic spectral shifts, advanced analysis via spectrally resolved confocal microscopy revealed distinct mechanisms of metabolic adaptation in entrapped cells versus free cells during repeated cascade reactions in parallel bioreactors. Full article

Two phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenases, originating from Escherichia coli K-12 (FeaB-K-12) and Sphingopyxis fribergensis Kp5.2 (FeaB-Kp5.2), were immobilized on powdery silica carrier with various functionalization. First, the suitability of these carriers for application in combination with phenylacetaldehydes and phenylacetic acids was studied. Out of two carriers functionalized differently, mesoporous cellular foam, whose surface was modified with 3-glycidyloxypropyl groups (MCF-G), showed promising results. Hence, this carrier was further tested at 17 different immobilization conditions. Despite both enzymes showing high immobilization efficiency, the initial activities were relatively low compared to the free enzymes. Interestingly, the immobilized FeaB-Kp5.2 on MCF-G-Kw showed about 80% of retained activity after two months of incubation at 0 °C, indicating that the immobilization enhances the stability of this enzyme. In contrast, no changes in the temperature stability of FeaB-Kp5.2 due to immobilization could be noted. However, relative enzyme activities towards all three substituted phenylacetaldehydes could be increased by the immobilization to approximately 130%. The most active and stable powdery immobilizate was MCF-G-Kw-FeaB-Kp5.2 at pH 8. In addition, FeaB-Kp5.2 was also immobilized and tested on monolith silica carrier for continuous catalysis to produce phenylacetic acids. Full article

Fermented foods and probiotics represent complementary yet distinct components of human nutrition. Fermented foods are shaped by biochemical transformations driven by microbial metabolism, whereas probiotics are live microorganisms that may confer health benefits to the host. In both cases, bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi mediate key metabolic activities that generate bioactive compounds and modulate host–microbiota interactions. During fermentation, microbial communities synthesize organic acids, peptides, exopolysaccharides, vitamins, and other metabolites that enhance food safety, sensory attributes, and potential health-promoting properties. Several microbial products, such as bacteriocins, reuterin, hydroxylated fatty acids, and exopolysaccharides, exhibit antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering activities. Advancing our understanding of microbial metabolism in fermented foods is essential for developing next-generation functional foods and nutraceuticals that leverage microbial biotransformations to support human health. Nonetheless, multiple challenges limit the translation of these advances into commercial products. Inadequately controlled fermentation may introduce microbiological or chemical hazards, regulatory frameworks governing microbial use in foods remain insufficiently defined, and standardized procedures for microbial strain handling and characterization are still lacking. This narrative review integrates current evidence on the nutraceutical properties of fermented foods and probiotics, while also examining the associated safety considerations and the technological factors that influence fermentation processes. Full article

Isoxanthohumol (IX) is a prenylated flavonoid derived from hop cones (Humulus lupulus) that is gaining increasing recognition for its potential biological effects. Despite numerous studies on its precursor, xanthohumol, studies on IX remain limited. Of particular interest is its metabolism, particularly its biotransformation by gut microbiota to 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), a potent phytoestrogen, which indicates the complex nature of its biological activity and potential health implications. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on IX and its derivatives, covering their microbial metabolism, their impact on the gut microbiome, and the metabolic consequences of this conversion. Furthermore, it examines the relationship between the molecular structure of IX and its derivatives and their biological activity, highlighting existing research gaps and the need for further research on the safety and therapeutic potential of these compounds Full article

Liver diseases, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, remain major global health challenges due to their disruption of metabolic homeostasis and detoxification processes. Redox imbalance plays a central role in liver disease progression by promoting inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and fibrogenesis. Although flavonoids have historically been considered direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, emerging evidence indicates that their biological effect at physiological concentrations are primarily mediated through modulation of intracellular redox signalling rather than simple radical neutralisation. This review highlights flavonoids as redox-modulating agents capable of restoring hepatic redox homeostasis through coordinated regulation of molecular pathways. Mechanistically, flavonoids activate the Nrf2-Keap1 axis to enhance endogenous antioxidant defences, including heme oxygenase-1 and glutathione biosynthesis enzyme, while suppressing NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory signalling and modulating MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. They also regulate mitochondrial redox balance, supporting mitophagy, metabolic adaptation, and cellular resilience to oxidative stress. In addition, flavonoid biotransformation by the gut microbiome improves intestinal barrier integrity, reduces endotoxin-driven hepatic inflammation, and contributes to gut–liver crosstalk. Collectively, these mechanisms position dietary flavonoids as multi-target redox modulators with promising therapeutic potential in chronic liver disease, although further studies are needed to improve their bioavailability and clinical translation. Full article

Ceramides, sphingolipids produced from fatty acids linked to sphingosine and an amide, are structural elements of cellular membranes and lipoproteins. These molecules also retain biological effects in key cellular pathways such as oxidative stress and inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis, with a role in the onset and development of many pathophysiological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that different nutrients and dietary patterns may affect ceramide levels, both negatively (e.g., fructose and the Western diet), whereas others improve the ceramide profile (e.g., ω-3 PUFAs, resveratrol, vitamin D, and the Mediterranean and the Nordic diets). Thus, ceramide nutritional modulation could represent a simple, additive, and reliable tool to improve metabolic health. This review focused on the role of ceramides in the pathophysiology of diabetes and obesity, as well as their pathogenetic mechanisms of action. Ceramides are increasingly recognized as “dynamic metabolic interfaces” linking nutrition and disease. This review aims to address a critical gap by synthesizing recent evidence on how dietary interventions, in addition to pharmacological approaches, can specifically target the enzymatic pathways involved in ceramide synthesis to enhance metabolic health. Thus, this review offers a concentrated analysis of the response of specific ceramide species, such as Cer16:0 and Cer18:0, to distinct dietary factors. Additionally, it incorporates emerging evidence on the role of gut microbiota in the biotransformation of sphingolipids, thereby adding a contemporary dimension to the established nutritional perspective. Full article

Nepetalactone (NL) is a volatile iridoid monoterpene widely used in biopesticidal and repellent applications, yet its toxicokinetic behavior and metabolic fate as a pure compound remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to provide an integrated toxicokinetic evaluation of NL by combining in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) modeling with in vitro metabolism assays using rat and human liver microsomes, supported by UHPLC–MS/MS analysis for metabolite identification. The in silico biotransformation predicted extensive phase I oxidation followed by phase II conjugation, while ADMET predictions indicated low systemic persistence and limited toxicological concern for most metabolites. The performed in vitro microsomal assays confirmed the in silico prediction by a rapid and time-dependent NL metabolism via both oxidative (86% reduction in NL concentration after 120 min) and conjugative (89% reduction in NL concentration after 120 min) pathways in rat and human systems, with comparable depletion kinetics between species. UHPLC–MS/MS enabled the identification of multiple phase I and phase II metabolites, pointing to pronounced interspecies differences in conjugative metabolism. In this sense, while oxidoreduction and hydrolysis reactions were consistent with previously reported iridoid metabolism. This study suggests the possible formation of previously unreported amino acid-related derivatives, although these require further confirmation. Overall, these findings advance the understanding of NL biotransformation, propose a new, previously unknown, metabolic pathway for iridoids, and provide relevant data to support human health and environmental risk assessment frameworks. Full article

A new series of eight novel etodolac-based 1,3,4-oxadiazoles was synthesized, characterized, and tested in silico in multidimensional routes, starting with etodolac, a well-known nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). In silico studies were performed prior to synthesis using the molecular docking technique in CCDC GOLD suite software (2025.3) to assess the interactions with two key targets involved in cancer pathogenesis: the crystal structure of the epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR tyrosine kinase domain (PDB ID: 4HJO) and the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) complex (PDB ID: 5CUH). ADME studies were performed to assess the physicochemical properties of the synthesized molecules. Importantly, biotransformation prediction also indicated that the derivatives possess high metabolic stability, with hydroxylation of the thio-ether group as the primary predicted biotransformation route. All compounds were characterized using melting point, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. In vitro and/or in vivo experiments are needed to confirm this preliminary anticancer study. Full article

Ginsenoside Rd, a protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type tetracyclic triterpenoid saponin, has emerged as a promising bioactive constituent for multitarget therapeutic interventions. However, its natural abundance in the source plant is extremely low, making direct extraction both costly and inefficient. This review systematically summarizes the latest research progress on regioselective biotransformation strategies for Rd production since 2022. Furthermore, it comprehensively reviews recent advances in the diverse pharmacological activities of Rd. Beyond its well-recognized neuroprotective effects against neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, we also highlight its antitumor activity and multitarget protective effects in liver diseases. This review provides a theoretical basis for developing Rd as a high-value nutraceutical and therapeutic candidate for systemic health. Full article

The use of biodegradable polymers for the surgical reinforcement of musculofascial structures is of considerable practical interest. Research into the applicability of biopolymers should be conducted in comparison with polypropylene, a material used in surgery. Using highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in blood and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CD34 (an endothelial marker with angiogenic properties) in tissues, we analyzed the systemic and local tissue responses to polypropylene and biodegradable polymer implantation in 42 laboratory rats over a three-month period. The study confirmed good biocompatibility of both polymers. However, the systemic and tissue responses to the biopolymer, as measured by the studied markers, were significantly less pronounced compared to polypropylene. Persistently elevated levels of hs-CRP and CD34-positive cells in the biopolymer group at three months post-implantation were attributed to ongoing biotransformation processes. The mild inflammatory response following biopolymer implantation confirms not only its bioinert properties but also its potential for practical surgical applications. Elevated levels of hs-CRP and CD34-, as well as IL-6-positive cells in the polypropylene group, warrant further investigation of long-term responses to polypropylene as potential contributors to post-implantation complications. The hs-CRP level correlated with tissue markers IL-6 and CD34, suggesting its utility as a criterion for assessing postoperative adaptation to implanted synthetic materials. Full article

Jellyfish, as representatives of the phylum Cnidaria, possess venoms characterized by structurally diverse and functionally complex toxins, rendering them a central focus in cnidarian toxin research. This article presents a systematic review of the physicochemical properties of jellyfish toxins, examines their mechanisms of action from a molecular biology perspective, investigates the patterns of toxin transformation in organisms, elucidates the structure–activity relationships between structure and toxicity, introduces advancements in research on novel jellyfish toxins, and offers an outlook on future developments in this field. By integrating modern proteomic techniques, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, this review provides comprehensive theoretical support for the foundational research and application development of jellyfish toxins, as well as a scientific basis for practical applications, including antivenom serum development and novel marine drug design. Full article