Search Results (9,939)

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a multifactorial condition, and interest in gut–brain interactions is increasing. We conducted a systematic two-step review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251083936). Step 1 mapped core OCD biology to gut-relevant pathways, including neuroimmune activation, epithelial barrier function, microbial metabolites, and stress circuitry, to clarify plausible mechanisms. Step 2 synthesized evidence from human and preclinical studies that measured or manipulated microbiota. Searches across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane (September 2025) yielded 357 biological and 20 microbiota-focused studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for human studies and SYRCLE’s tool for animal studies. Although taxonomic findings in human cohorts were heterogeneous, functional patterns converged: reduced short-chain fatty acid capacity, enrichment of pro-inflammatory pathways, and host markers of barrier disruption and inflammation correlating with OCD severity. Transferring patient microbiota to mice induced OCD-like behaviors with neuroinflammatory changes, partly rescued by metabolites or barrier-supporting strains. Mendelian randomization suggested possible causal contributions at higher taxonomic levels. Diet, especially fiber intake, and psychotropic exposure were major sources of heterogeneity. Evidence supports the microbiota as a modifiable co-factor in a subset of OCD, motivating diet-controlled, stratified clinical trials with composite host–microbe endpoints. Full article

Zeolites are ‘magic stones’ with crystalline structures and unique properties, which enable them to selectively adsorb molecules, including gases. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different types and doses of zeolites on microorganisms, nutrient digestion, and methane production in the rumen. The study was conducted on five two-year-old Jersey heifers (350 kg live weight) fistulated to the rumen in a 5 × 5 Latin square design divided into five feeding groups: control (basal diet), ZN2 (+120 g clinoptilolite/d), ZS2 (+120 g ZP-4A zeolite/d), ZN4 (+240 g clinoptilolite/d), and ZS4 (+240 g ZP-4A zeolite/d). During five periods of the experiment, the samples of the ruminal fluid and digesta were taken before and 3 h after feeding. The pH value, bacteria and methanogens populations, as well as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and methane production in the rumen were not affected after zeolite addition (p > 0.05). ZN2 diet decreased the number of total protozoa by 41.2% (p = 0.023) and Entodinium spp. by 51.1% (p = 0.021), while ZS2, ZN4, and ZS4 diets reduced Diplodinium population by 70.5% (p < 0.001) 3 h after feeding in comparison to the control diet. An increased population of Ophryoscolex spp. was noted in ZN2 and ZS4 cow 3 h after feeding (p < 0.001; 0.15 × 10⁴/mL and 0.08 × 10⁴/mL vs. 0.02 × 10⁴/mL) when compared to control animals. Furthermore, ZS4 diet increased ammonia (p = 0.007; 3.97 mM/L vs. 2.27 mM/L), tryptamine (p = 0.014; 0.009 µmol/g vs. 0.007 µmol/g) and 1.7-diaminoheptane (p < 0.001; 0.016 µmol/g vs. 0.006 µmol/g) concentrations in the rumen, while phenylethylamine level was 90.9% higher in ZN4 cows (p = 0.007), in comparison to control, depending on time. To summarise, zeolites may act in a type- and dose-dependent manner on the protozoa population and indicators of protein degradation. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary olive leaf extract (OLE) on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles, focusing on growth parameters, centesimal composition, biochemical responses, and lipid peroxidation. OLE was extracted with 60% ethanol (1:20 w/v). Five diets, containing 34% crude protein and 8% lipids, were tested: a control (0 g/kg) and four with increasing OLE levels (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg). The 46-day trial included 225 fish (0.56 ± 0.11 g) distributed in 15 tanks. Growth performance was not affected, except for a higher condition factor in OLE0.25. This dose also resulted in lower moisture and higher lipid content, while all OLE treatments increased crude protein in fish. Muscle glycogen decreased in all OLE-fed groups, and liver glycogen was reduced in OLE0.25. Plasma triglycerides decreased in OLE0.5 and OLE0.25, while total plasma protein was lower in OLE2.0. Liver triglycerides were lower in OLE0.25 and higher in OLE0.5, whereas glucose showed a glycemic peak in OLE2.0. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was reduced in OLE2.0. Overall, dietary OLE did not compromise the growth performance of Nile tilapia, and 0.25 g/kg promoted beneficial effects on centesimal composition, biochemical parameters, and lipid peroxidation, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient in aquafeeds. Full article

The primary aim of this study was to identify key factors causing high-concentrate diet (HCD)-induced rumen tympanism in goats and to assess the impact of condensed tannin (CT) supplementation (at 1%, 2%, and 3% CT content, w/v) on rumen fluid foam characteristics. Additionally, we explored the feasibility of incorporating CT into HCDs to prevent rumen tympanism. Two trials were conducted to achieve this goal. Trial 1 focused on 15 HCD-fed goats, measuring foaming production, retention, protein fractions, and total protein concentrations. A positive correlation was found between total protein concentration and foaming characteristics (p < 0.05). Protein Component 3 (P3) also correlated with foam (p < 0.05). Five tympanitic goats were further analyzed, with four treatment groups (Control, 1%, 2%, and 3% CT). CT supplementation significantly reduced foaming (p < 0.05). Trial 2 explored CT incorporation into HCDs using 18 goats and three treatment groups (Control, 1% CT, 2% CT). The 2% CT group showed significant foam reduction (p < 0.01). CT did not affect goat health, digestibility, or rumen flora. In conclusion, the addition of 2% CT to HCDs significantly reduces the occurrence of rumen tympanism in goats. Full article

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the effect of manganese (Mn) exclusion from the dietary mineral mixture and the dietary replacement of the recommended level of MnCO₃ with Mn₂O₃ nanoparticles (Mn₂O₃NPs) on the Mn biodistribution and the femur histology. Methods: The experiment was conducted on twenty seven Wistar rats divided into three groups (n = 9): a control group receiving the recommended level of Mn (65 mg/kg) in standard form (MnCO₃); a manganese deficient group (Mn deprived from dietary mineral mixture), and a group receiving diet supplemented Mn₂O₃NPs (65 mg/kg) instead of MnCO₃. During the 12-week experiment, a balance test was performed. After the experiment period, blood and femur were collected from sacrificed rats. The content of Mn in water, diet, urine, feces, plasma, and femur was measured. Results: In the Mn-deficient rats, a reduction in Mn intake and excretion, Mn retention index, and blood Mn level, but an increase in Mn digestibility index was noted. In rats supplemented with Mn₂O₃NPs, Mn intake and excretion and blood Mn levels were decreased, while Mn retention and digestibility indexes were increased. In both experimental groups, deterioration of femur morphology was noted, but these changes were more severe in the Mn-deficient group. Conclusions: The obtained research results indicate that manganese deficiency significantly disturbed the biodistribution of this element and led to the deterioration of the architecture and histological parameters of the femur, emphasizing the key role of manganese in maintaining bone homeostasis. It has also been shown that replacing MnCO₃ with Mn₂O₃NPs allows the maintenance of the correct Mn level in the femur but causes unfavorable changes in its morphology. Full article

Restrictions on adding antibiotics to animal diets have posed challenges in managing gut pathogens, emphasizing the significance of effective non-antibiotic growth promoters to maintain animal health and productivity. This study assessed the efficacy of hydroxamic acid (HA), derived from local maize varieties, as a non-antibiotic growth promoter in broilers. Among 10 different maize varieties, the Azam variety yielded the highest HA concentration (35 ± 7 μg/g of roots), as quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In vitro antimicrobial assays demonstrated the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.022 mg for Azam-derived HA against pathogenic E. coli. To further assess in vivo efficacy, 108 birds were allocated at random to six treatment groups. The treatments include birds fed a basal diet without an E. coli challenge (negative control); an antibiotic-treated group challenged with E. coli and treated with enrofloxacin at a dosage of 5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg), administered orally once daily from day 5 post-infection (dpi) for 7 consecutive days (standard); broilers challenged with E. coli and supplemented with a basal diet with HA at concentrations of 1, 10, or 100 mg/kg of feed from 5 dpi for one week (HA 1 mg, HA 10 mg, and HA 100 mg, respectively); and broilers challenged with E. coli without enrofloxacin/HA (positive control). The results demonstrated that birds fed a diet supplemented with the HA-100 mg improved the body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the positive control group. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) observed for BW and FCR observed for the broilers fed on the standard and HA 100 mg groups. The addition of HA at 100 mg improved (p < 0.05) the hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) and reduced (p < 0.05) levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to positive control group. A significantly low carcass weight (p < 0.05) was shown for positive control birds compared to other groups. Our findings indicate that maize-derived HA presents a phytogenic alternative to antibiotics by controlling enteric pathogens and improving health and performance affected by E. coli infection in broilers. Full article

This study examined the effects of alfalfa silage versus alfalfa hay in a total mixed ration (TMR) on milk yield, rumen fermentation, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows. Hydrolyzed tannins (HT) were supplemented individually to assess changes. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows (DIM: 94 ± 8 d; milk yield: 41 ± 2 kg) were assigned to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design: basal diet (alfalfa hay, H, or alfalfa silage, S) and additive (control, C, or 100 g/d HT, T). Production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites were evaluated. Compared with group H, group S had a 0.16% higher milk protein percentage and significantly higher fat-corrected milk yield, milk fat percentage, fat-to-protein ratio, total solids, and milk urea nitrogen. After feeding, the ST group had increased ruminal pH. HT supplementation significantly decreased ruminal NH₃-N levels (p < 0.05) and increased microbial crude protein (MCP) content (p < 0.05). Group H showed no significant changes, and the effects of HT were less evident in hay-fed cows than in silage-fed cows. In summary, alfalfa silage feeding increased ruminal microbial populations, while HT supplementation mitigated the post-feeding decline in ruminal pH. Considering the relatively small sample size (n = 32), the results should be viewed as indicative rather than conclusive, and future studies with larger cohorts will be valuable to confirm and extend these findings. Full article

Shrimp farming often suffers due to high mortalities and poor growth. Mycotoxins can be one of the causes but often underestimated. BIŌNTE^® QUIMITŌX^® AQUA PLUS, an anti-mycotoxin additive (AMA) was tested to assess its efficacy and determine the best dose for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Four treatments (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg of diet) were randomly allocated in 12 aquaria during larval rearing (day 1–20) and 12 fiberglass tanks during subsequent grow-out (day 21–111). Results showed positive impacts on feed conversion, protein efficiency, survival, and growth. A decreasing trend in FCR and increasing trend in PER with the increase in AMA dose. The higher the dose, the better was the immunity as indicated by the survival of shrimp against bacterial challenge. However, the survival and growth showed significant quadratic relationships indicating that the dose of 1.4 g/kg can have the highest daily weight gain (66.7 mg) and the dose of 2.5 g/kg results in the highest survival (60.3%) which is more than double the survival of the control group (27.3%). Therefore, the doses between 1.4 and 2.5 g/kg of feed are recommended for the grow-out phase to enhance growth and survival of shrimp. However, further studies should be conducted in outdoor pond conditions for varying feeding regimes, contamination levels and stocking densities. Full article

The present study examined the impact of adding methionine (Met) and its conjugated form (Met-Met) on Cornu aspersum snails. The primary focus was on the animals’ growth performance, the chemical composition of their carcass (whole body without the shell), the mineral profile, and the mechanical properties of their shells. In two experiments conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, diets supplemented with varying levels of Met addition (0.3, 0.6, 1.4 g/kg feed) were used, and the effects of free methionine, Met-Met and their mixture (1.4 g/kg feed) were compared. The study incorporated measurements of body weight, shell width, and mortality of snails. Analyses encompassing protein, fat, sulphur amino acids, glutathione levels, oxidative stress indices (DPPH, TAC, TBARS), and macro- and micronutrient content of carcass and shells were conducted. The findings demonstrated that adding 1.4 g Met/kg feed significantly enhanced the shells’ weight gain (+56% vs. Control), shell weight (+56%) and crushing force (+135%). Furthermore, an increase in the Met content of the carcass was observed (+18%), along with elevated carcass Ca (+28%) and P (+30%) and higher shell Ca (+12%) and Zn (+87%), alongside reduced carcass Fe (−38%) and Cu (−19%). In Experiment II, the Met-Met group exhibited the highest carcass weight (+16% vs. Control), the greatest carcass-to-body weight ratio, and the highest proportion of mature individuals (+27%). Moreover, Met-Met supplementation improved Cu absorption and retention in the carcass (+19%). Also, the results suggest that the conjugated form of methionine may improve Cu absorption and storage in the carcass (+19%). The study’s findings indicate that methionine addition, especially in Met-Met form, can substantially impact the efficiency of C. aspersum farming, enhancing both the productivity outcomes and the quality of the product. That is particularly important in increasing the shell’s mechanical resistance and the carcass’s nutritional value. Full article

Background: Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a high-frequency congenital disease. Besides genetic background, maternal environmental factors may be involved in its incidence. We examined the effects of unbalanced diets and the intake of dietary supplements during pregnancy on the incidence of non-syndromic CL/P (NSCLP) via a case–control study design with multiple case groups. The case group diagnosed with NSCLP included 281 patients, 217 from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) data and 64 from the Aichi Gakuin University Hospital from 2011 to 2014. The control group comprised 87,477 (excluding cases with multiple births, chromosomal abnormalities, or complications) of the 104,062 fetal records registered in JECS. Results: The results revealed a significantly increased risk of NSCLP (aOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.63–5.00) in mothers who avoided two or more food items out of the investigated five, i.e., milk and dairy products, eggs, soy, fish, and beef. No association was identified in mothers who avoided one food. Conclusions: Providing nutritional support when multiple foods are avoided in daily food habits may be effective in reducing the occurrence of NSCLP. Full article

Background/Objectives: In Japan, well-balanced meals composed of staple grains, protein-rich main dishes, and vegetable sides are recommended. However, issues such as infrequent breakfast consumption and poor vegetable intake persist. Obesity and non-communicable disease (NCD) rates from age 40 have also begun rising. Therefore, we investigated the structural associations between healthy diets and weight control for NCD prevention, including the potential associations with rice consumption and eating out/home meal replacement use in middle-aged Japanese individuals. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey based on data from 577 respondents to the 2016 Hyogo Diet Survey, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, aged 40–59 years. A healthy diet was defined as including at least two well-balanced meals daily, eating breakfast regularly, and eating five or more vegetable dishes daily. A hypothetical model included factors associated with healthy diets and maintaining a healthy weight (energy, salt, fat, and sugar intake; using nutritional fact labels; and regular exercise), and the frequencies of rice consumption and eating out/home-meal replacement. A simultaneous multi-population analysis by sex was performed. Results: Simultaneous multi-population analysis showed acceptable goodness-of-fit. Maintaining appropriate weight and eating rice were positively associated with healthy diet scores in both sexes. However, for men, using home meal replacements was negatively associated. Conclusions: Among middle-aged Japanese in Hyogo Prefecture, weight control for NCD prevention and rice consumption were linked to healthy diets. In men, using home meal replacements was associated with worse diet quality. Full article

Consumers increasingly demand dairy products with improved nutritional quality, particularly regarding their fatty acid (FA) composition, due to recognized implications for human health. This study aimed to evaluate the modification in the composition, FA profile, and sensory profile of cheeses elaborated with ewe milk, through the diet inclusion of crushed sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds and sunflower seed silage in corn silage-based diets. The study was conducted with six East-Friesian ewes in a double 3 × 3 Latin square design, including three 21-day periods. Three diets were based on ad libitum corn silage as follows: control (CTRL, without supplementation), sunflower seeds (SFS, supplemented with 86 g/kg crushed sunflower seeds), and sunflower seed silage (SFSS, supplemented with 137 g/kg sunflower seed silage). The composition and FA profile of milk and cheese, and the sensory properties of cheese, together with the sensory profile, were evaluated. Dietary feeding with SFS and SFSS did not affect milk production and milk fat percentage but increased protein percentage. SFS and/or SFSS increased C18:0, C18:1 trans-9, and C18:1 cis-9 compared to CTRL in milk and cheese. Cheeses from SFS ewes showed improved taste and total acceptability, while odor, color, and texture of cheese remained unaffected. Therefore, SFS and SFSS appeared as a viable strategy to increase the contribution of FA with beneficial effects for health in milk and cheeses. Full article

The green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, rich in natural astaxanthin, is a key feed additive for salmonid pigmentation. This study evaluated dietary micro-algal astaxanthin effects on structure, antioxidative and immune response, as well as microbiota in different gut segments of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (initial average weight: 0.67 ± 0.02 kg). Three diets contained 0 (Diet 1, control), 18.57 (Diet 2) and 31.25 mg/kg (Diet 3) micro-algal astaxanthin. After a 4-month feeding trial, dietary astaxanthin promoted the goblet cell proliferation of pyloric caeca and increased hindgut tunica muscularis thickness (p < 0.05). It also improved antioxidant capacity, characterized by the upregulation of gpx and cat expression in the midgut, accompanied by a significant decrease in MDA content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary astaxanthin could upregulate tgf-β, tor1 and pcna levels in midgut and igm in hindgut, while il1β, il6, il8 and tnfα in hindgut were significantly downregulated in Diet 2 (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary astaxanthin also enhanced the α-diversity of hindgut and altered the core microbiota (reduced Proteobacteria, increased Actinobacteria). Diet 2 increased microbic abundance associated with reducing gut inflammation and promoting nutrient absorption while decreasing that of pathogenic bacteria. Overall, dietary 18.57 mg/kg astaxanthin supplementation could promote gut structure, antioxidant and immune capacity, reduce inflammation and modulate microbiota. These findings indicate that natural astaxanthin from H. pluvialis has potential as an immunostimulant to promote gut health in salmonids. Full article

Background: Wheat or cow’s milk intake might influence the primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS) clinical manifestations. A high prevalence (20–30%) of autoimmune diseases, including pSS, has been reported in non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). This study aimed to identify the prevalence of self-reported NCWS and sensitivity/intolerance to other foods in patients with pSS, and to establish the specific clinical and immunological features of this subgroup of patients. Methods: 82 prospectively enrolled pSS patients were compared to 161 type 2 diabetes controls without rheumatological disease. The presence of a self-reported NCWS, and/or self-reported milk intolerance (SRMI), and/or multiple food sensitivity (MFS) was assessed by a validated questionnaire. Clinical and immunological features of pSS subjects, stratified according to the presence/absence of self-reported NCWS, were analyzed. Results: pSS patients had a higher frequency of self-reported NCWS (47.6% vs. 18.6%, p < 0.0001), SRMI (29.3% vs. 5.6%, p < 0.0001) and MFS (30.5% vs. 9.3% p < 0.0003) compared to controls. After the intake of wheat-containing products, 18 (21.9%) pSS patients reported the worsening of disease-specific symptoms, whereas 11 (13.4%) reported a significative clinical improvement after wheat-free diet (WFD) introduction. Moreover, 47.6% of pSS subjects complained of wheat-related gastrointestinal/extraintestinal disorders. No clinical/immunological feature differentiates pSS patients with and without self-reported NCWS, excluding a higher frequency of SRMI (39.5% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.01) and MFS (65.7% vs. 23.8%; p = 0.0004) in the former. Conclusions: This study shows a clear association between pSS and NCWS, confirming that wheat intake could be a common trigger of symptoms of both these conditions. WFD adoption seems to reduce both gastrointestinal/extraintestinal and pSS-specific symptoms in a subgroup of pSS patients, opening new possibilities for their clinical management. Full article

(1) Background: The present study investigated the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs), derived from adipose tissue stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), on atherosclerosis-associated cardiac hypertrophy. (2) Methodology: The experiments were performed on hamsters divided into the following groups: control (C) fed with a standard diet; hypertensive–hyperlipidemic (HH) generated by combining a diet enriched with 3% cholesterol, 15% butter, and by gavage with 8% NaCl on a daily basis; HH groups injected with EVs (ADSCs) or EVs (BMMSCs), either transfected with Smad2/3 siRNAs or not (HH-EVs (ADSCs), HH-EVs (BMMSCs), HH-EVs (ADSCs) + Smad2/3siRNA, HH-EVs (BMMSCs) + Smad2/3siRNA); and HH group injected with Smad2/3 siRNAs (HH-Smad2/3siRNA). (3) Results: In comparison with the HH group, the findings demonstrated that treatment using EVs (ADSCs or BMMSCs), either with or without Smad2/3 siRNAs, resulted in several significant improvements in the following aspects: the plasma levels of cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, TGF-β1, and Ang II were decreased; the left ventricular structure and function were recovered; inflammatory markers, ROS, COL1A, α-SMA, Cx43, MIF, ANF, and M1/M2 macrophages, were reduced; the level of key protein NF-κB p50 was diminished. (4) Conclusions: These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in atherosclerosis-associated cardiac hypertrophy. Full article