Search Results (1,748)

Background: Metabolic syndrome, a clinical condition defined by central obesity, impaired glucose regulation, elevated blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol across the lifespan, is now a major public health issue typically managed with lifestyle, behavioral, and dietary recommendations. However, “one-size-fits-all” recommendations often yield modest, heterogeneous responses and poor long-term adherence, creating a clinical need for more targeted and implementable preventive and therapeutic strategies. Objective: To synthesize evidence on how the gut microbiome can inform precision nutrition and exercise approaches for metabolic syndrome prevention and management, and to evaluate readiness for clinical translation. Key findings: The gut microbiome may influence cardiometabolic risk through microbe-derived metabolites and pathways involving short-chain fatty acids, bile acid signaling, gut barrier integrity, and low-grade systemic inflammation. Diet quality (e.g., Mediterranean-style patterns, higher fermentable fiber, or lower ultra-processed food intake) consistently relates to more favorable microbial functions, and intervention studies show that high-fiber/prebiotic strategies can improve glycemic control alongside microbiome shifts. Physical exercise can also modulate microbial diversity and metabolic outputs, although effects are typically subtle and may depend on baseline adiposity and sustained adherence. Emerging “microbiome-informed” personalization, especially algorithms predicting postprandial glycemic responses, has improved short-term glycemic outcomes compared with standard advice in controlled trials. Targeted microbiome-directed approaches (e.g., Akkermansia muciniphila-based supplementation and fecal microbiota transplantation) provide proof-of-concept signals, but durability and scalability remain key limitations. Conclusions: Microbiome-informed personalization is a promising next step beyond generic guidelines, with potential to improve adherence and durable metabolic outcomes. Clinical implementation will require standardized measurement, rigorous external validation on clinically meaningful endpoints, interpretable decision support, and equity-focused evaluation across diverse populations. Full article

Obesity is closely linked to dyslipidemia, hepatic injury, and chronic inflammation through disturbances in the gut–liver axis. Here, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of L. rhamnosus (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus) CU262 in a high-fat diet (HFD) mouse model and elucidated mechanisms using an integrated multi-omics strategy. Male C57BL/6 mice received CU262 during 12 weeks of HFD feeding. Phenotypes, serum/liver biochemistry, gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and hepatic transcriptomes (RNA-seq) were assessed. CU262 significantly attenuated weight gain and adiposity; improved serum TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C; lowered ALT/AST and FFA; and mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory imbalance (↓ IL-6/TNF-α, ↑ IL-10). CU262 restored alpha diversity, reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, enriched beneficial taxa (e.g., Akkermansia), and increased acetate and butyrate. Liver transcriptomics showed CU262 reversed HFD-induced activation of cholesterol/steroid biosynthesis and endoplasmic reticulum stress, with downregulation of key genes (Mvk, Mvd, Fdps, Nsdhl, and Dhcr7) and Pcsk9, yielding negative enrichment of steroid and terpenoid backbone pathways and enhancement of oxidative phosphorylation and glutathione metabolism. Correlation analyses linked Akkermansia and SCFAs with improved lipid/inflammatory indices and repression of cholesterol-synthetic and stress-response genes. These findings demonstrate that CU262 alleviates HFD-induced metabolic derangements via microbiota-SCFA-hepatic gene network reprogramming along the gut–liver axis, supporting its potential as a functional probiotic for obesity management. Full article

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have emerged as a critical component of diet quality, yet data on the associations between UPF and nutrient intakes remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient consumption in relation to UPF intake and adherence to international dietary guidelines for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. Methods: Data from 469 individuals aged 2–18 years enrolled in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) were analyzed. Intakes were assessed using two 24 h recalls, and foods were classified according to the NOVA system. Participants were categorized by UPF energy intake tertiles. Nutrient adequacy was assessed using Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, European Society of Cardiology guidelines for macronutrients, and the Institute of Medicine’s Estimated Average Requirements and Adequate Intake values for micronutrients. Results: Children in the highest UPF tertile had significantly higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and cholesterol, but lower intakes of protein compared to those in the lowest tertile. Fiber intake remained inadequate across all tertiles, with no significant differences. Regarding adherence to NCD prevention guidelines, children in the 3rd UPF tertile had a 2.3 times higher prevalence ratio for exceeding added sugar recommendations, while their protein intake prevalence ratio was 0.8 times lower. For micronutrients, the highest UPF tertile showed significantly elevated intakes of vitamins E, B₁, folate, calcium, iron, copper, and sodium, but lower potassium intake compared to the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Our results underscore the need for effective public health strategies to improve diet quality in children and adolescents and prevent diet-related NCDs. Full article

In today’s world, unhealthy living habits have contributed to the rise in metabolic disorders like hyperlipidemia. Recognized as a popular edible and medicinal mushroom in China and various eastern nations, Ganoderma lucidum is a promising high-value functional and medicinal food with multiple biological activities. Our earlier research has demonstrated that G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) showed distinct lipid-lowering abilities by enhancing the response to oxidative stress and inflammation, adjusting bile acid production and lipid regulation factors, and facilitating reverse cholesterol transport through Nrf2-Keap1, NF-κB, LXRα-ABCA1/ABCG1, CYP7A1-CYP27A1, and FXR-FGF15 pathways, hence we delved deeper into the effects of GLP on hyperlipidemia, focusing on its structural characterization, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolites. Our findings showed that GLP changed the composition and structure of gut microbiota, and 10 key biomarker strains screened by LEfSe analysis markedly increased the abundance of energy metabolism, and cell growth and death pathways which were found by PICRUSt2. In addition, GLP intervention significantly altered the fecal metabolites, which enriched in amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways. The results of structural characterization showed that GLP, with the molecular weight of 12.53 kDa, consisted of pyranose rings and was linked by α-type and β-type glycosidic bonds, and its overall morphology appeared as an irregular flaky structure with some flecks and holes in the surface. Collectively, our study highlighted that the protective effects of GLP were closely associated with the modification of gut microbiota and the regulation of metabolites profiles, thus ameliorating dyslipidemia. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is a significant contributor to air pollution-associated negative health effects, and cardiovascular disease patients are more susceptible to air pollution-mediated damage of the heart and vessels. The present study investigated the protective effects against PM-induced cardiovascular damage by classic cardiovascular drugs, as used for the standard therapy of cardiovascular disease patients. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to ambient PM_2.5 (<2.5 µm) for 3 days with or without treatment with the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/d) or the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril (50 mg/kg/d). Both drugs mitigated PM_2.5-induced systolic blood pressure increases and partially prevented endothelial dysfunction, as reflected by a mixed effect on endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation. Both drugs ameliorated reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and phagocytic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX-2) expression in the vasculature of PM_2.5-exposed mice. Pulmonary ROS levels showed a minor improvement by the treatments, whereas Nox2 mRNA expression was not diminished. Only captopril showed some anti-inflammatory effects in the heart and lung of PM_2.5-exposed mice, whereas both drugs failed to reduce systemic inflammation measured in plasma. These findings offer new insights into potential mitigation strategies for PM_2.5-induced cardiovascular complications, particularly for patients at higher cardiovascular risk, like those with coronary artery or ischemic heart disease or hypertension. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hypertension affects more than 27% of adults in China, and despite ongoing public health efforts, substantial gaps remain in awareness, treatment, and blood pressure control, particularly among older adults and patients with multiple comorbidities. Conventional clinic-based care often provides limited opportunity for frequent monitoring and timely treatment adjustment, which may contribute to persistent poor control in routine practice. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in blood pressure control and related clinical indicators during implementation of a mobile-enhanced remote patient monitoring (RPM)–supported care model among hypertensive patients with comorbidities, including patterns of medication adjustment, adherence, and selected cardiometabolic parameters. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, pre–post evaluation of a mobile-enhanced remote patient monitoring (RPM) program among 6874 adults with hypertension managed at six hospitals in Chongqing, China. Participants received usual care during the pre-RPM phase (April–September 2024; clinic blood pressure measured using an Omron HEM-7136 device), followed by an RPM-supported phase (October 2024–March 2025; home blood pressure measured twice daily using connected A666G monitors with automated transmission via WeChat, medication reminders, and clinician follow-up). Given the use of different devices and measurement settings, blood pressure comparisons may be influenced by device- and setting-related measurement differences. Monthly blood pressure averages were calculated from all available readings. Subgroup analyses explored patterns by sex, age, baseline BP category, and comorbidity status. Results: The cohort was 48.9% male with a mean age of 66.9 ± 13.7 years. During the RPM-supported care period, the proportion meeting the study’s blood pressure control threshold increased from 62.4% (pre-RPM) to 90.1%. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 140 mmHg at baseline to 116–118 mmHg at 6 months during the more frequent monitoring and active treatment adjustment period supported by RPM (p < 0.001), alongside modest reductions in fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol. These achieved SBP levels are below commonly recommended office targets for many older adults (typically <140 mmHg for ages 65–79, with individualized lower targets only if well tolerated; and less stringent targets for adults ≥80 years) and therefore warrant cautious interpretation and safety contextualization. Medication adherence improved, and antihypertensive regimen intensity increased during follow-up, suggesting that more frequent monitoring and active treatment adjustment contributed to the early blood pressure decline. Subgroup patterns were broadly similar across age and baseline BP categories; observed differences by sex and comorbidity groups were exploratory. Conclusions: In this large multicenter pre–post study, implementation of an RPM-supported hypertension care model was associated with substantial improvements in blood pressure control and concurrent intensification of guideline-concordant therapy. Given the absence of a concurrent control group, clinic-to-home measurement differences, and concurrent medication changes, findings should be interpreted as associations observed during an intensified monitoring and treatment period rather than definitive causal effects of RPM technology alone. Pragmatic randomized evaluations with standardized measurement protocols, longer follow-up, and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted. Full article

This study investigated the effects of amylose/amylopectin (AM/AP) ratios in low-protein (LP) diets on the growth performance, fat deposition, and nutrient utilization in goslings. A total of 288 healthy, 35-day-old male Jiangnan White Geese were randomly divided into four treatment groups: one group fed a normal protein diet (16%) with an AM/AP ratio of 0.34 (NPR_0.34), and three groups fed low protein diets (14%) with different AM/AP ratios (LPR_0.26, LPR_0.34, LPR_0.44). Each group consisted of six replicates, with 12 geese per replicate, and they were fed for 28 days. The results showed that the body weight at 63 days and average daily gain (ADG) of the LPR_0.44 group geese were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.01), while the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) was lower (p < 0.05). The abdominal and mesenteric fat contents were lower in the LPR_0.44 group than in the LPR_0.26 group (p < 0.05), whereas the breast and leg muscle yields were higher (p < 0.05). The breast muscle redness (a*) of the LPR_0.34 and LPR_0.44 groups was higher than in the NPR_0.34 group at 45 min (p < 0.05). The levels of C6:0, C8:0, C11:0, C12:0, and C13:0 in breast muscle saturated fatty acids (SFAs) of the LPR_0.44 group were higher, while that of C18:0 was lower compared with the LPR_0.26 group (p < 0.05). The serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TGs) in the LPR_0.44 group were lower than in the LPR_0.26 group (p < 0.05). Hepatic lipase (HL) activity was significantly lower in the LPR_0.44 group (p < 0.01). Regarding hepatic fatty acids, the levels of butyric acid (C4:0), lauric acid (C12:0), and nervonic acid (C24:1) were lower in the LPR_0.44 group than in the LPR_0.26 group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, or nutrient utilization among the groups. (p > 0.05). In conclusion, adjusting the AM/AP ratio to 0.44 in a low-protein diet improved growth performance, regulated lipid metabolism, and maintained intestinal function in goslings. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate whether the inclusion of curcumin as a performance enhancer in finishing cattle has positive effects on animal production, the ruminal environment, hematological and biochemical markers, as well as meat quality. Sixteen castrated Holstein steers, 8 months of age, with an average body weight of 247 ± 3.89 kg were divided into two groups: Control, consisting of animals that consumed 144 mg of monensin/animal/day (n = 8); Treatment, consisting of animals that consumed 552 mg of curcumin/animal/day (n = 8). Animals were fed a diet containing 44% roughage (corn silage) and 56% concentrate for 105 days. During this period, body weight measurements were recorded, and blood samples were collected for the determination of hematological, biochemical, and immunological variables. At the end of the experimental period, animals were slaughtered and meat samples were collected for evaluation. No differences were observed between groups for animal performance, feed intake, or feed efficiency. A lower leukocyte count (lymphocyte and granulocyte) and a higher platelet count were observed in animals that consumed curcumin. These animals also exhibited higher cholesterol levels, along with lower circulating glucose concentrations compared to the control group. In the ruminal environment, higher bacterial activity and greater protozoal counts were observed in the treatment group, but no effects on ruminal short-chain fatty acids were observed. Higher activity of the enzymes glutathione S-transferase in serum and superoxide dismutase in meat was observed, combined with lower lipid peroxidation in serum and meat. Meat from steers fed curcumin showed greater yellow color intensity, higher water-holding capacity, and a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. These results suggest that curcumin can be used as a performance enhancer, similar to monensin, when thinking about performance, but beyond that, curcumin triggered anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Full article

Background: Interindividual differences in statin efficacy and tolerability are partly determined by genetic and metabolic factors. The SLCO1B1 c.521T>C polymorphism affects hepatic statin transport, while vitamin D deficiency may influence lipid metabolism and muscular tolerance. This study aimed to assess the impact of SLCO1B1 genotype and vitamin D status on lipid-lowering response and adverse events in postmenopausal women treated with atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. Methods: A total of 145 Croatian postmenopausal women were prospectively followed for 16 weeks. Participants received atorvastatin or rosuvastatin with dose titration to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. Serum lipids, liver enzymes, and creatine kinase were monitored monthly. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were quantified by LC–MS/MS, while SLCO1B1 c.521T>C genotyping was performed using real-time PCR. Results: Rosuvastatin achieved a higher LDL-C target attainment rate compared with atorvastatin (81.1% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.02). The SLCO1B1 genotype was not associated with lipid response but was significantly associated with adverse effects. In multivariable regression analysis, patients with the T/C genotype had a significantly higher risk of developing adverse effects compared with those with the T/T genotype (OR 7.4, 95% Cl 2.1–26.7, p = 0.002). Vitamin D status showed no significant association with lipid outcomes or adverse events, although participants with severe deficiency exhibited a weaker LDL-C response. Conclusions: Rosuvastatin demonstrated superior lipid-lowering efficacy and tolerability compared with atorvastatin in postmenopausal women. The SLCO1B1 c.521T>C variant primarily affected safety rather than efficacy, while severe vitamin D deficiency might contribute to diminished statin response. Integrating pharmacogenetic and endocrine profiling could enhance individualized statin therapy and cardiovascular prevention in women. Full article

Aims: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) are associated with metabolic benefits, but their long-term effects remain uncertain, particularly in Asian populations with traditionally high carbohydrate intake. This study examined LCD patterns and their association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korean adults using nationally representative data from the 2022–2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Among 9617 adults aged ≥20 years with complete dietary and health data, LCD score was calculated from the percentage of energy derived from carbohydrates (reverse-scored), fats, and proteins, and participants were categorized into high-carbohydrate, moderate-carbohydrate, and low-carbohydrate groups. MetS was defined using an Adult Treatment Panel III and Korean criteria. Survey-weighted logistic regression was applied to assess associations between LCD score and MetS across sequentially adjusted models. Results: MetS prevalence differed significantly across LCD decile groups (LCD1: 9.6%, LCD2: 5.8%, LCD3: 9.7%; p < 0.001). In a minimally adjusted model, LCD decile 3 was associated with higher odds of MetS (OR, 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.27). However, this association was attenuated and became non-significant after further adjustment for key metabolic risk factors. Obesity, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were all strongly associated with MetS (all p < 0.001), and income-related disparities were evident, with lower-income groups showing higher carbohydrate and lower fat and protein intakes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LCD patterns are not independently associated with MetS once underlying metabolic factors are considered. Public health strategies in Korea would be emphasized by improving nutrient quality, promoting balanced macronutrient intake, and reducing socioeconomic inequalities in diet to mitigate metabolic risk among adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Immature watermelon (WM) rind contains higher levels of citrulline and potassium than mature fruit and may exert diuretic and metabolic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity and diuretic effects of WM and salt-treated watermelon rind extract (WMS) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, focusing on changes in lipid metabolism, sodium handling, and tissue-level alterations. Methods: Citrulline concentrations in WM and WMS were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 6 weeks and subsequently administered WM (380 mg/kg) or WMS (380 mg/kg) orally for an additional 6 weeks. Body weight, food intake, organ and fat-pad weights, serum biochemical markers, and sodium (Na⁺) levels were measured. Histopathological analyses of liver and epididymal adipose tissue were performed to assess non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) scores and adipocyte morphology. Results: WM and WMS contained citrulline at levels substantially higher than those reported for mature watermelons. Both treatments significantly reduced body weight, liver weight, and epididymal fat mass compared with the HFD control. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lowered in the WM- and WMS-treated groups. Serum Na⁺ concentrations increased by 43.2 ± 7.6% in WM-treated mice and 21.5 ± 6.6% in WMS-treated mice, suggesting enhanced sodium handling. Histological assessment revealed reduced NASH scores and smaller adipocyte sizes in both groups. These improvements are consistent with the known diuretic and metabolic actions of citrulline and potassium. Conclusions: WM and WMS exhibit significant anti-obesity and diuretic effects in HFD-induced obese mice. Their combined actions on sodium excretion, lipid metabolism, and adipose tissue remodeling suggest that immature watermelon rind extracts may serve as promising natural agents for preventing obesity and related metabolic dysfunction. Full article

Background/Objectives: The complexity of healthcare systems and the unclear interactions within them remain key challenges to improving quality and outcomes. The Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) is a tool that offers insight into patient interactions with healthcare services and has been used for nearly 20 years. However, its application in tertiary healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia has not been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the PAM-13 in a university Family Medicine Center and to evaluate its effect on enhancing patients’ engagement, activation, self-management, and participation in routine care. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from November 2024 to June 2025 using stratified cluster sampling from the diabetes and chronic diseases unit, care of older adults’ unit, and general family medicine unit. The estimated sample size was 65 patients. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: Baseline PAM-13 scores varied across participants, with most patients in levels 2 and 3. Following the tailored intervention, activation significantly improved in the intervention group (p = 0.004), particularly among those initially in levels 1 and 2. Activation scores in the control group declined. No significant short-term changes were observed in clinical outcomes, including blood pressure, glucose, or cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Tailored interventions based on PAM-13 enhanced patient activation in a tertiary care setting. Patients with lower baseline activation showed notable improvements in engagement and self-management. Further longitudinal, multicenter studies are needed to determine the sustainability and clinical impact of these improvements. Full article

Serving as a mineral-derived dietary buffer, the alkaline mineral complex (AMC) has the potential to influence the physiological functions of animals. Nonetheless, there is a notable scarcity of research in the field of ruminant science regarding its effects on fattening lambs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of AMC supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical parameters, and digestive function of fattening lambs. A total of 96 six-month-old male Small-Tailed Han lambs with an average body weight of 48 ± 3.85 kg were randomly assigned to four groups: the control group (CON, 0 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 1 (LAMC, 2 g/d per lamb of AMC), test group 2 (MAMC, 3 g/d per lamb of AMC), and test group 3 (HAMC, 4 g/d per lamb of AMC). Each group contained 24 lambs, with 3 pens per group and 8 lambs per pen. The trial lasted for 45 days, and the results showed that, compared with the CON group, the MAMC group demonstrated a significantly enhanced average daily gain (ADG) with a reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). The redness (a*) of the meat in the AMC-treated groups was significantly greater than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the longissimus dorsi (LD) of the MAMC group was significantly increased compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in the HAMC group were greater than those of other groups (p < 0.01), and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) content was higher in the AMC-treated groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In addition, the duodenum lipase content in the HAMC group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05), and the amylase content in the MAMC group was significantly higher than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). The HAMC group had a significantly lower jejunum lipase content than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). The LEfSe analysis showed that the MAMC group possessed significantly increased g_Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group levels. Furthermore, SOD and catalase (CAT) were both positively correlated with meat redness (a*) but were not significantly associated with ADG. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) was negatively correlated with ADG, while no significant relationship was observed for meat redness (a*). In conclusion, an appropriate supplementation of AMC (3 g/d per lamb) can improve growth performance and meat quality by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and modulating the composition of beneficial rumen bacteria. Full article

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor involved in regulating multiple physiological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that AHR exerts a multifaceted regulatory role in liver diseases by integrating metabolic and immune signaling pathways; however, the specific role of AHR in MAFLD is not clear. In our work, a rat model of MAFLD was established by feeding wild-type (WT) and AHR knockout (AHR^−/−) rats with a high-fat, high-fructose, and high-cholesterol diet (HFHFrHCD) for 10 weeks, and then the liver injury markers, lipid-related biochemical indices and liver histopathology were examined to elucidate the effect of AHR on MAFLD progression. We discovered that AHR deficiency can elevate plasma transaminase levels, increase hepatic triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), and exacerbate insulin resistance (IR) under an overnutrition environment. Subsequently, liver transcriptome and RT-qPCR were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism, which revealed that the hepatic bile acid synthesis was inhibited because of lower Cytochrome P450 Family 7 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP7A1) expression in the liver when AHR was knockout. Additionally, intestinal flora dysbiosis occurred in AHR^−/− rats fed with HFHFrHCD, which might also contribute to the hepatic cholesterol accumulation. Taken together, our results suggested that AHR might play an important role in regulating cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting bile acid synthesis and breaking the steady state of the gut microbiota during the MAFLD progression. Full article

Weaning is one of the most stressful stages in pig production, especially for Iberian piglets, which grow more slowly than other cosmopolitan breeds and therefore, have a lower weaning weight when raised in intensive systems. Stress at weaning, caused by separation from the sow, dietary change, and regrouping with unfamiliar piglets, can negatively impact welfare, immune function, and performance. Pre-weaning socialization, which allows piglets from different litters to interact before weaning, has been proposed as a strategy to reduce aggression and facilitate the adaptation to the post-weaning period. However, its physiological effects in Iberian pigs remain largely unknown. In this study, 8 Iberian sows and their litters were assigned to either a control group (CTRL) or a socialization group (SOC) where litters were mingled (socialized) two weeks before weaning. Salivary and serum biomarkers of stress, inflammation, immunity and metabolism were measured at weaning (pwD0) and 7 days post-weaning (pwD7), and growth performance was recorded until 60 days of age. Socialized piglets showed reduced salivary Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) activity at pwD0 and pwD7 and lower salivary chromogranin A (CgA) and serum Haptoglobin (Hp) levels at pwD7. In contrast, they presented higher concentrations in serum of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, glucose, and urea at pwD7 compared to controls. Attending to the sex effect, Butyryl-cholinesterase (BChE) serum concentration was higher in males and urea, and creatinine were higher in females. Growth rates were higher in socialized piglets in the first two weeks post-weaning but lower thereafter. These findings may suggest that pre-weaning socialization could reduce the stress associated with early post-weaning in Iberian piglets, thus potentially improving welfare and adaptation during this period. Full article