Search Results (268)

Six lactic acid bacteria isolated from São Jorge PDO cheese were characterised for technological, safety, antimicrobial, and probiotic properties. All isolates fermented a broad range of carbohydrates and lacked lipolytic activity, while SJC115 and SJC119 showed proteolysis. Safety profiling (γ-haemolysis, no DNase or gelatinase activity, and generally favourable antibiotic susceptibility) is promising, but tetracycline resistance warrants caution and genomic confirmation. L. paracasei and L. brevis isolates inhibited a wide range of foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus spp.) and spoilage fungi (Penicillium and Aspergillus spp.). Notably, two isolates (SJC117 and SJC120) exhibited antibacterial activity in neutralized cell-free supernatants, indicating putative bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS). The isolates survived intestinal conditions above the probiotic threshold, yet only SJC117 and SJC120 tolerated gastric acidity (pH 2.5, 1 h) with >5 log CFU/mL. Despite low hydrophobicity, strains showed good autoaggregation and pathogen coaggregation. All isolates produced exopolysaccharides (EPS) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides, whereas some exhibited moderate conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity. L. paracasei SJC117 stood out by combining BLIS/antifungal activity, superior gastric tolerance, and an exceptional bioactive profile, making it a promising candidate for biopreservation and functional food applications that warrants further in vivo validation to confirm its efficacy and safety. Full article

A2 milk has recently gained popularity, mainly due to its different beneficial effects on the human digestive system compared to popular A1 milk. Because of these structural differences, A2 milk exhibits characteristics that need to be investigated to design processes appropriately. The effects of β-casein genotype and heat treatment method (LTLT, HTST, and HTLT: a high-temperature preparatory treatment applied in fermented dairy production) on the fatty acid profile, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), composition, emulsion stability, acidification kinetics, and color parameters were investigated. Fatty acid composition was determined exclusively by milk type. A1 milk exhibited higher saturated fatty acids, higher total PUFA content, higher Σn-3 fatty acids, and a more favorable n-6/n-3 ratio, while A2 milk showed higher monounsaturated fatty acids and higher CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) in a trait-dependent manner. VOC profiling identified 29 compounds. Significant genotype × treatment interactions were observed: A1 milk was characterized by high diacetyl in fresh samples and exclusive methanethiol formation upon pasteurization, while A2 milk showed enhanced Maillard-derived volatile formation and high ester accumulation after LTLT treatment. Emulsion stability was highest after LTLT treatment regardless of milk type. A1 milk reached the coagulation threshold of pH 4.6 within 45 min, whereas A2 exhibited delayed acidification. HTLT induced the greatest color changes in both types of milk. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of altitudinal grassland systems on forage antioxidant properties and the nutritional composition of beef produced in Caraș-Severin County, Romania. We hypothesised that cattle raised at higher altitudes would produce beef with a superior nutritional profile, characterised by a more favourable lipid composition and enhanced antioxidant-related characteristics. Samples of fresh grass and hay were gathered from three representative areas: plain (Sacu, 154 m), hill (Văliug, 550 m), and mountain (Cozia, 1130 m). The beef samples were represented by two categories of commercially important muscles: Longissimus thoracis (loin) and Semimembranosus (topside), sourced from animals raised in each location. The proximate composition of forage samples indicated substantially higher levels of fatty acids, protein, and ash in mountain grasslands compared to lowland regions (p < 0.05). The total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH test) revealed a similar pattern, with the strongest antioxidant activity (lowest IC₅₀ value) recorded for Cozia hay (GHC) samples. The composition of beef was additionally influenced by the production area. Samples derived from mountainous regions exhibited elevated protein concentrations, moderate intramuscular fat levels, and enhanced mineral composition in comparison to samples from plain areas. Fatty acid analysis revealed that mountain-sourced beef had significantly reduced levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and elevated concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including the nutritionally beneficial n-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Principal component analysis distinctly classified beef samples based on production method, with mountain-origin samples indicating better lipid properties and enhanced antioxidant-related variables. The findings demonstrate that natural grasslands at higher altitudes may enhance both the bioactive quality of fodder and the nutritional value of beef. Mountain pasture systems are a sustainable approach for producing high-quality beef with enhanced lipid composition and increased market value. Full article

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is recognized as a bioactive compound with significant health-promoting properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of palm oil derivatives to enhance milk CLA levels and milk fatty acid quality in Holstein Friesian dairy cows. The study was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments and four replications: (1) Basal ration (Napier grass + concentrate); (2) Basal ration + 2.2% palm-calcium soap (PCS); (3) Basal ration + 2% palm-prilled fat (PPF); and (4) Basal ration + 2% hard palm stearin (HPS). The results showed that palm-prilled fat (PPF) supplementation in the dairy cow significantly improved (p < 0.05) milk fatty acid profile (C18:1-cis and Conjugated Linoleic Acid) and decreased (p < 0.05) ΣtFA in milk. Palm-prilled fat supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the C14:1 and C18:1 desaturase index (DI) and enhanced the health-promoting index (HPI) in milk. Based on this study, it can be concluded that supplementation with PPF was able to enhance milk quality. Furthermore, dietary fat supplementation led to an improved milk fatty acid profile, which may increase its value as a functional food and promote human health. Full article

Grape pomace is an agri-industrial by-product rich in fatty acids with the potential to be used in diets for goats and increase the nutraceutical properties of milk. This study aimed to investigate the effect of incorporating dehydrated grape pomace (DGP) into the diets of Saanen goats on the composition, fatty acid profile, nutritional indices of fatty acids, and antioxidant capacity of their milk. Eight multiparous Saanen goats, averaging approximately four years of age and weighing 41.2 ± 15.7 kg, were used in a double Latin square (4 × 4) design. Diets were formulated with increasing levels of grape pomace (0, 90, 150, and 210 g/kg Dry Matter—DM), replacing cactus. The data underwent analysis of variance using GLM procedure and regression analysis (both linear and quadratic) using REG procedure at a significant level of 5%. The concentration of C18:2 n-6 cis and C18:3 n-3 increased (+20.1 and +15.5%, respectively) with the grape pomace inclusion. There was a reduction in the atherogenic (−24.0%) and thrombogenic (−9.9%) indices of goat milk with the increase in DGP levels. There was a reduction in de novo fatty acids (−10.5%), Δ⁻⁹ desaturase of C14 (−21.8%) and C18 (−9.5%) indexes with the highest level of DGP. There was a quadratic effect for Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and a linear effect for phenolic compounds (PC), where the highest values were observed at the estimated levels of 160 g/kg and 210 g/kg DM, respectively. Supplementing dairy goats’ diets with dehydrated grape pomace up to 210 g/kg dry matter enhances the fatty acid profile and nutritional indices of fatty acids of Saanen goat milk without altering its basic composition. As grape production is prevalent in low rainfall regions, pomace may provide an alternative feed in areas with forage production constraints. Additionally, grape residue could establish a link between the wine and dairy sectors for cheese production, expanding markets for farmers. Full article

Metabolomic studies in COPD reveal systemic metabolic perturbations, yet sex is often treated as a covariate rather than a biological driver. We aimed to identify plasma metabolites differentiating COPD from controls and to define sex-specific metabolic signatures in both groups. Methods: In this controlled observational study (BIOMEPOC cohort), untargeted plasma metabolomics was performed by LC-MS/MS. Differential abundance was tested across four contrasts (COPD vs. controls; men vs. women within controls; men vs. women within COPD; sex-by-disease interaction) with a false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Because smoking history differed between COPD and controls, a post hoc ever-smokers analysis was conducted. Results: COPD differed from controls in nine metabolites (all decreased): DL-stachydrine, 3-methyl-L-histidine, fructose, pipecolinic and nipecotic acids, 5-nitro-o-toluidine, conjugated linoleic acid, aminoadipate, and creatinine. This pattern is compatible with metabolic depletion, remodeling, and/or altered flux across multiple compartments rather than simple substrate deficiency, spanning muscle-related pools, amino acid handling, carbohydrate-associated metabolism, and exposome-linked inputs. In ever-smokers, results were directionally consistent, with five metabolites remaining nominally significant. Among controls, five metabolites were higher in men after FDR correction (PABA, cis-4-hydroxy-D-proline, N-acetylasparagine, deoxycarnitine, and creatinine), consistent with physiological sex dimorphism in energy pathways, connective-tissue remodeling, and diet/microbiome-related metabolism. Within COPD, six metabolites differed by sex after FDR correction, defining three axes: creatine energy buffering (men: higher GAA/creatinine, lower creatine), purine/urate handling (men: higher urate), and conjugated bile acids (men: higher GCDCA), implicating muscle bioenergetics, redox/inflammatory tone, and gut–liver crosstalk. Conclusions: Plasma metabolomics identifies a pattern compatible with systemic remodeling in COPD and sex-associated divergences in creatine, purine/urate, and bile-acid pathways, supporting a sex-influenced view of systemic COPD heterogeneity and highlighting targets for mechanistic validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress and iron overload remodel erythrocyte membranes in β-thalassemia, but their systemic metabolic correlates are not well defined. We applied untargeted metabolomics to identify serum biomarkers reflecting these pathophysiological processes. Methods: Thirty-one adults with β-thalassemia [18 transfusion-dependent (TDT), 13 non-transfusion-dependent (NTD)] and 8 age/sex-matched healthy controls were studied. Fasting serum was profiled using untargeted UHPLC–Orbitrap MS. Multivariate modeling (SIMCA-P) and FDR-controlled univariate statistics identified discriminant features, followed by pathway enrichment analysis. Associations with clinical variables (chelation regimen, ferritin, cardiac MRI T2*, and liver iron concentration) were examined. Results: A total of 183 metabolites were detected; versus controls, 124 were decreased, 54 increased, and 5 remained unchanged in patients. Key discriminants included lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPC 18:1, 18:3), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-bearing phosphatidylcholines (PC 20:4/18:0, PC 18:0/20:4), conjugated bile acids (glycocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and glycoursodeoxycholic acid), and bilirubin. Pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment (FDR-corrected) in linoleic acid metabolism (q = 0.024, impact = 1.000) and arachidonic acid metabolism (q = 0.022, impact = 0.433), with supportive nominal signals from glycerophospholipid (impact = 0.401) and porphyrin/heme (impact = 0.242) pathways. No significant metabolic differences were observed between TD and NTD patients. Conclusions: β-thalassemia serum metabolomics reflects oxidative membrane lipid remodeling with a prominent PLA₂/LysoPC–arachidonic axis and evidence of heme turnover and altered bile-acid signaling. These data propose a practical biomarker panel-LysoPCs, arachidonic acid-enriched PCs, and conjugated bile acids-warranting targeted validation alongside conventional clinical parameters for disease monitoring and therapeutic assessment. Full article

The milk metabolite profiles of dairy cows during the dry-off and peripartum periods were investigated using ¹H NMR combined with chemometric analysis to evaluate the effects of different dry-off management strategies. Milk samples were collected 14 days before dry-off (T0) and 28 days after calving (T1) from cows receiving an internal teat sealant combined with intramammary antibiotics (CTR), an internal teat sealant alone (SIG), or an internal teat sealant associated with dietary supplementation of lyophilized Aloe arborescens (ASIG). Analysis of both aqueous and organic milk extracts revealed no significant metabolite differences among treatment groups. In contrast, a clear discrimination was detected between samples collected at T0 and T1. Aqueous extracts at T0 were characterized by higher levels of choline, butyrate, branched-chain amino acids, and N-acetylated compounds, whereas T1 samples exhibited higher levels of saccharides, citrate, phosphorylcholine, and galactose-1-phosphate. Organic extracts at T0 showed higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and caproleic acid. These findings indicated that the physiological stage of the cows had a more pronounced impact on milk metabolite composition than the dry-off treatments, with no detrimental effects on milk composition or overall metabolite balance. Full article

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is produced by bacterial biohydrogenation in the rumen of cattle, fulfills various biological functions, and is known for anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and other beneficial effects. It has numerous isomers, of which cis-9,trans-11 CLA accounts for 80% of total CLA, followed by trans-10,cis-12 CLA (t10,c12 CLA), with distinct molecular structures, oxidation efficiencies, activities, and functions. Different effects were observed, when isomers were individually supplemented in livestock nutrition. Currently, CLA is supplemented into the diets of dairy cows to improve the energy balance, and avoid negative effects of energy loss during the transition period. Furthermore, t10,c12 CLA was shown to reduce subcutaneous fat and to improve intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the carcasses of ruminants and pigs. Increasing the IMF content without increasing other fat depots and without compromising feed efficiency is an important goal in beef production. However, inconsistent and conflicting results were reported partly based on different study designs. This review aims to summarize studies on CLA supplementation in cattle, focusing on t10,c12 CLA and the effects of the dose, time, and method of supplementation on energy balance, milk yield and body composition, as well as on individual cells in vitro. This may improve our understanding of energy-saving and repartitioning effects of CLA in cattle. Full article

Dietary phytochemicals, primarily derived from grasses, legumes, and agro-industrial byproducts of plant origin, encompass distinct chemical classes such as polyphenols (including tannins, flavonoids, and other polyphenol compounds), saponins, organosulfur compounds, and essential oils (largely composed of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids). These compounds can function as rumen modifiers, antimethanogenic agents, anthelmintics, growth promoters, stress mitigators, and biopreservatives in ruminant production systems. Thus, they improve feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, and nitrogen retention while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In dairy systems specifically, phytogenic feedstuffs enhance milk yield and composition by enriching conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant compounds, leading to superior nutritional and oxidative stability. In meat production systems, they improve tenderness, flavor and shelf life through reduced oxidation and enhanced muscle metabolism. Despite these benefits, dose optimization, bio-efficacy, and species-specific responses remain critical research priorities. Use of phytogenic-based feeding strategies aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing reliance on feed additives, promoting environmentally resilient and circular food systems. This review synthesizes emerging evidence on the mechanisms, production outcomes, and functional benefits of dietary phytochemicals, providing a scientific framework for their strategic application in sustainable ruminant milk and meat production. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rising global demand for sustainable and nutritionally valuable food sources highlights the importance of exploring alternatives to conventional livestock. Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) have gained attention as an environmentally efficient species, offering high-quality eggs and meat with favorable nutritional profiles. This study aimed to characterize the fatty acid (FA) composition of quail eggs (QEs) and meat (QM), investigating breast (B) and thigh (T) muscles produced in Poland under small-scale farming conditions, with a focus on assessing their functional foods’ potential. Methods: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was applied to determine FA profiles in fresh and stored samples. Statistical evaluation included two-way ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. Results: Results demonstrated that QE contained the highest total FA levels, dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids, with notable contributions from long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and conjugated linoleic acid isomers. In contrast, QM were characterized by higher proportions of PUFA, with significant differences between breast and thigh samples. Storage influenced the levels of selected FA, particularly n-3 PUFA and the n-3/n-6 ratio. PCA and cluster analysis confirmed clear separation between eggs and muscles, regardless of storage status. Overall, both QE and QM exhibited a favorable PUFA/SFA ratio, exceeding dietary recommendations. Conclusions: These findings underscore the nutritional and functional value of quail-derived foods, supporting their consideration as sustainable alternatives to chicken products and potential candidates for the ‘superfood’ category. Full article

Medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MLFAs) are increasingly recognized not only as metabolic substrates but also as precursors of diverse bioactive metabolites generated through host and microbial transformations. Recent advances in analytical chemistry and microbiome research have revealed that gut microorganisms catalyze extensive modifications of dietary MLFAs—producing hydroxylated, conjugated, and keto-fatty acids with enhanced potency toward host receptors. These metabolites exhibit dual activity on classical metabolic receptors, including FFAR1/4 and PPARα/γ, as well as ectopically expressed chemosensory receptors such as olfactory receptors (ORs) and bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs). This expanded receptor landscape establishes a previously unrecognized chemosensory–metabolic axis that integrates dietary signals, microbial metabolism, and host physiology. Microbial MLFA derivatives such as 10-hydroxyoctadecenoic acid and conjugated linoleic acid regulate incretin secretion, adipogenesis, macrophage polarization, and intestinal barrier function through coordinated activation of FFARs and PPARs. Concurrently, dicarboxylic acids such as azelaic acid activate Olfr544 to modulate lipolysis, ketogenesis, GLP-1 release, and feeding behavior. TAS2Rs also sense oxidized lipids, linking lipid metabolism to immune regulation and enteroendocrine signaling. Collectively, these pathways highlight the microbiome as a metabolic transducer that converts dietary lipids into signaling molecules influencing endocrine, immune, and gut–brain circuits. Understanding the mechanisms governing MLFA bioconversion and receptor engagement provides new opportunities for therapeutic and nutritional intervention. Targeting ORs and TAS2Rs, engineering probiotics to enhance beneficial FA-derived metabolites, and developing receptor-selective synthetic analogs represent promising strategies. Future progress will require integrative approaches combining physiology, biochemistry, metabolomics, and microbial genomics to elucidate receptor specificity and host variability. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced mastitis poses a significant threat to animal husbandry. This condition triggers sustained mammary inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis, ultimately impairing mammary gland function and milk yield. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a long-chain fatty acid found in meat and dairy products derived from ruminants. It exhibits multiple biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative stress-alleviating effects. Thus, this study sought to determine whether CLA alleviates S. aureus-induced mastitis in Hu sheep through the PPARG-UCP2 axis. Fifteen lactating Hu sheep were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 5): control group, model group, and CLA group. The CLA group received 1 mg/mammary gland of CLA via intramammary infusion for seven days, followed by S. aureus challenge (5 × 10⁷ cells/mL, 2 mL/mammary gland) in the model and CLA groups, while the control group received saline. Venous blood and mammary tissue samples were collected at two days post-infection. The results demonstrated that S. aureus infection significantly upregulated the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB) in the mammary tissue of Hu sheep, p < 0.01. Relative to the control, the model group showed increased ROS and MDA levels, a diminished NAD+/NADH ratio, and downregulated expression of the antioxidant factors SOD, Nrf2, HO-1, and SIRT3, p < 0.01. Furthermore, the expression of p-AMPK and mitophagy-related factors (PARKIN, PINK1, and LC3b) showed a statistically significant increase in the model group than in the control group, p < 0.01. S. aureus infection also suppressed the expression of PPARG and UCP2, p < 0.01. In contrast, the CLA group showed lower levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB), ROS and MDA, while the NAD+/NADH ratio and the expression of antioxidant factors (SOD, p-Nrf2, HO-1, and SIRT3) were elevated compared with the model group, p < 0.01. Moreover, the expression of p-AMPK and mitophagy-related factors (PARKIN, PINK1, and LC3b) was reduced in the CLA group relative to the model group, p < 0.05. Concurrently, the expression of PPARG and UCP2 was higher in the CLA group than in the model group, p < 0.001. These findings demonstrated that S. aureus infection induced mastitis in Hu sheep mammary tissue, whereas CLA alleviated the infection by upregulating the PPARG-UCP2 pathway, thereby reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitophagy levels. This study offers a novel perspective on mammary tissue repair during mastitis and expands the understanding of UCP2’s biological role. Full article

This study investigated whether supplying rumen-protected lysine (RPL), alone or in combination with tannins, could modify the fatty acid (FA) profile, physicochemical characteristics, carcass traits, and sensory attributes of lamb meat. Forty Santa Inês × Dorper lambs (≈23 kg, 4 months old) were assigned to four dietary treatments for 55 days: a control diet, free lysine (0.44%), RPL microencapsulated in a carnauba-wax matrix, and RPL + tannins blend (1.34%). Feed intake, carcass weight, and quantitative carcass measurements did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). Likewise, pH, color, proximate composition, water-holding capacity, cooking losses, and shear force remained unchanged. Dietary supplementation influenced the FA composition of the meat. RPL, especially when added with tannins, increased concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2 cis–9, trans–11), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5 n–3), and docosahexaenoic acids (C22:6 n–3), improving the n–6:n–3 ratio (p < 0.05). The sum and ratio of other FA and cardiometabolic indices were not altered. Lipid oxidation was reduced in RPL treatments, indicating enhanced oxidative stability. Sensory attributes scores were not affected (p > 0.05), ranging from “liked slightly” to “liked very much”. RPL, particularly when combined with tannins, improved specific health-related FA without adversely affecting carcass characteristics or consumer acceptance. Full article

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers exhibit distinct biological activities in lipid metabolism, yet their roles in regulating mammary lipogenesis remain poorly understood. Understanding how individual CLA isomers influence lipid synthesis is essential for improving milk fat quality and developing targeted nutritional strategies. We assessed the effects of trans-10, cis-12 (t10c12-CLA) and cis-9, trans-11 (c9t11-CLA) isomers on lipid synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells and investigated fatty acid receptor involvement. t10c12-CLA significantly suppressed key lipogenic proteins (FASN, ACACA, and SREBP-1) and impaired mitochondrial activity, as evidenced by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP/ADP ratio, and PGC-1α expression. Both isomers paradoxically increased lipid droplet accumulation; for t10c12-CLA, this phenomenon resulted from compensatory metabolic shifts due to weakened mitochondrial function. Critically, GPR40 inhibition reversed the antilipogenic effects and mitochondrial impairment caused by t10c12-CLA, establishing GPR40 as the key mediator. In contrast, c9t11-CLA had milder effects and preserved mitochondrial activity, with no definitive receptor dependence established. Transcriptomic analysis confirmed isomer-specific gene expression patterns, with t10c12-CLA broadly affecting lipid metabolism and mitochondrial pathways in a GPR40-dependent manner. These findings reveal that the divergent effects of CLA isomers are dictated by differential receptor engagement, providing insights for precision nutritional strategies in dairy production. Full article