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21 pages, 3437 KB  
Review
Advancing Egg Freshness Evaluation with Integrated AI and Spectroscopy
by Ziye Xu, Dachen Wang, Zhihui Zhu, Yushan Jiang, Huang Dai, Yingli Wang and Qiaohua Wang
Foods 2026, 15(13), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15132259 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
As hen eggs are a primary source of high-quality dietary protein, egg freshness is fundamentally linked to biochemical alterations during storage, including moisture redistribution, protein degradation, and fluctuating chemical profiles. Accurate assessment of these internal changes is paramount for quality control; nonetheless, conventional [...] Read more.
As hen eggs are a primary source of high-quality dietary protein, egg freshness is fundamentally linked to biochemical alterations during storage, including moisture redistribution, protein degradation, and fluctuating chemical profiles. Accurate assessment of these internal changes is paramount for quality control; nonetheless, conventional analytical techniques remain predominantly destructive, rendering them impractical for high-throughput industrial monitoring. While existing literature has explored individual spectroscopic methods, the synergistic potential of multi-sensor integration and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms remains insufficiently synthesized. This review systematically evaluates recent breakthroughs in integrating AI with diverse spectroscopic modalities for non-destructive freshness quantification, including Visible-Near-Infrared (VIS-NIR), Raman, Fluorescence, and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI). We elucidate the underlying mechanisms of spectral response to internal quality degradation and discuss the evolution of data-driven modeling from traditional chemometrics to sophisticated deep learning architectures. Furthermore, this work identifies critical bottlenecks in real-time industrial implementation and proposes future research trajectories toward intelligent multi-sensor fusion platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
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22 pages, 1566 KB  
Article
Monolaurin in the Diet of Feedlot Finishing Cattle: Effects on Performance, Metabolism, Ruminal Environment, and Meat Fatty Acid Profile
by Julivan Junior Magri, Andrei Lucas Rebelatto Brunetto, Matheus Wroblescki Silva, Thiago Marangoni, Renato Santos de Jesus, Miklos Maximiliano Bajay, Luiz Eduardo Lobo e Silva, Roger Wagner, Gilnei Bruno da Silva, Daiane Manica, Margarete Dulce Bagatini and Aleksandro Schafer da Silva
Fermentation 2026, 12(6), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12060295 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2026
Viewed by 252
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of monolaurin intake per finishing feedlot cattle on growth performance, metabolic status, ruminal environment, and meat fatty acid profile. Twenty-four castrated Holstein males (379 ± 8.5 kg; 12 months old) were randomly assigned to two treatments: basal diet [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of monolaurin intake per finishing feedlot cattle on growth performance, metabolic status, ruminal environment, and meat fatty acid profile. Twenty-four castrated Holstein males (379 ± 8.5 kg; 12 months old) were randomly assigned to two treatments: basal diet (control) or basal diet with α-monolaurin (treated: 0.762 g/kg dry matter intake; ≈6.63 g/animal/day) for 79 days. Feed intake, body weight, and feed efficiency were recorded, and blood and ruminal samples were collected during the trial. Ruminal fermentation parameters, protozoa counts, hematological and biochemical variables, oxidative status biomarkers, ruminal microbiota composition (16S rRNA sequencing), and Longissimus dorsi fatty acid profile were analyzed. Monolaurin feed did not affect dry matter intake or final body weight, but increased total weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency (p ≤ 0.05), indicating improved nutrient utilization. Hematological and serum biochemical variables were largely unchanged, although total leukocyte counts were lower in treated cattle. Animals receiving monolaurin showed reduced reactive oxygen species and lower superoxide dismutase activity, suggesting improved oxidative balance without changes in lipid peroxidation. During the adaptation phase (day 14), treated cattle exhibited lower acetate, propionate, valerate, and total volatile fatty acid concentrations and higher protozoa counts, but these differences disappeared by day 79, indicating ruminal adaptation. Microbiota diversity was not altered overall, although specific genera differed in relative abundance between treatments. In meat, monolaurin increased lauric, linoleic, and arachidonic acids, reduced palmitic and heptadecanoic acids, decreased total saturated fatty acids, and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, dietary monolaurin improved feed efficiency, modulated oxidative status, induced transient ruminal microbial adjustments, and enhanced the nutritional quality of beef lipids without compromising metabolic health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal and Feed Fermentation)
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26 pages, 1472 KB  
Review
Nutritional Monitoring During Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: Body Composition and Metabolic Implications
by Martina Tosi, Fabrizia Lisso, Francesco Maruca, Carmelo Pujia, Taira Monge, Ersilia Troiano and Elisa Mazza
Nutrients 2026, 18(12), 1967; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18121967 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 817
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is associated with clinically relevant changes in body composition, energy metabolism, and functional capacity in transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The nutritional implications of these adaptations remain insufficiently characterized, and current assessment models, largely derived from cisgender populations, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is associated with clinically relevant changes in body composition, energy metabolism, and functional capacity in transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The nutritional implications of these adaptations remain insufficiently characterized, and current assessment models, largely derived from cisgender populations, may not fully capture hormone-related body composition and metabolic changes. This narrative review aims to synthesize the metabolic and body composition effects of GAHT, evaluate methodological limitations in assessing nutritional status, and propose an integrated framework for clinical nutritional management. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted through searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, complemented by screening of relevant guidelines and reference lists. Priority was given to longitudinal studies, mechanistic studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidance addressing GAHT-related changes in body composition, metabolism, nutritional status, and functional outcomes. Results: Available evidence suggests that GAHT is associated with sex steroid-related, tissue-specific changes in body composition and metabolism. In transgender men, testosterone is generally associated with increases in lean body mass (LBM), reductions in fat mass, and potential increases in visceral adiposity, alongside possible increases in energy expenditure and altered cardiometabolic profiles. In transgender women, estrogen therapy, combined with androgen suppression, is generally associated with reductions in LBM and redistribution of subcutaneous fat, with heterogeneous metabolic and functional responses. Across both groups, changes in body composition are not consistently reflected by the Body Mass Index or functional outcomes, suggesting a possible dissociation between structural and functional adaptation. Common assessment tools show limitations, including reliance on cisgender-derived reference standards and inability to capture dynamic hormonal transitions. Conclusions: Current evidence supports the need for a longitudinal and individualized interpretation of nutritional and body composition changes during GAHT. A shift toward longitudinal, multimodal nutritional assessment, integrating body composition, functional measures, biochemical markers, dietary intake, and clinical context, may improve clinical monitoring and reduce misclassification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sex, Gender and Nutrition)
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27 pages, 7474 KB  
Systematic Review
Gut Microbiome Responses to Nutritional and Lifestyle Interventions in Pediatric Obesity: A Systematic Review Toward Precision Nutrition
by Iuliana Margasoiu, Alin Constantin Pînzariu, Lorena Mihaela Manole, Elena-Lia Spoială, Gabriela Păduraru, Gabriela Ghiga, Irene Paula Popa, Dragomir Nicolae Șerban, Ionela Lăcrămioara Șerban and Laura Mihaela Trandafir
Children 2026, 13(6), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13060828 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is increasingly associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis. This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD420251131354) evaluates evidence from studies published between 2020 and 2026 assessing how nutritional and lifestyle interventions influence gut microbiota in children with obesity. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, [...] Read more.
Background: Childhood obesity is increasingly associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis. This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD420251131354) evaluates evidence from studies published between 2020 and 2026 assessing how nutritional and lifestyle interventions influence gut microbiota in children with obesity. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and EBSCO identified 21 interventional studies involving children aged 5–18 years with obesity, with the last search conducted in April 2026. Interventions comprised prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, high-fiber diets, calorie-restricted dietary approaches, and lifestyle modifications such as physical activity. Microbiome outcomes were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), or metagenomics. Risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I (version 2) tools. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design, participant characteristics, intervention types, and analytical methods, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Results: Across 21 studies, nutritional interventions included measurable but heterogeneous alterations in gut microbiome composition. Inulin supplementation was associated with a significant increase in alpha diversity and with higher relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Megasphaera, Subdoligranulum, and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes. Synbiotic supplementation increased Prevotella and Dialister and reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. High-fiber dietary interventions increased Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium, while reducing Bacteroides, and were associated with shifts in metabolic pathways related to carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism. Calorie-restricted diets and combined diet–exercise interventions increased beneficial taxa such as Akkermansia muciniphila, improved microbial diversity, and correlated with favorable metabolic and anthropometric outcomes. Overall, nutritional and lifestyle interventions in pediatric obesity were associated with taxon-specific and context-dependent microbiome changes, rather than uniform restructuring. Conclusions: Nutritional interventions can modulate gut microbiota diversity, composition, and predicted function in pediatric obesity; however, the observed effects vary substantially across studies. The limited number of trials, small sample sizes, and methodological heterogeneity underscore the need for larger, standardized studies to better define clinical and therapeutic implications. Full article
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19 pages, 880 KB  
Article
Effects of Partial Replacement of Wheat Bran with Poplar Wood Composite Fiber on Growth Performance, Nutrient Apparent Digestibility, Immune Function, and Gut Microbiota in Growing Pigs
by Yuyang Fan, Ge Gao, Xinyue Jiang, Dongxu Ming, Yanpin Li, Wenjuan Sun, Xilong Li and Yu Pi
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(6), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13060588 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 222
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of partially replacing wheat bran with poplar wood composite fiber (PWCF) on growth performance, immune status, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and gut microbial composition in growing pigs. A total of 140 healthy [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of partially replacing wheat bran with poplar wood composite fiber (PWCF) on growth performance, immune status, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and gut microbial composition in growing pigs. A total of 140 healthy crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) growing pigs with an initial body weight of 47.25 ± 0.49 kg were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, with five replicates per treatment and fourteen pigs per replicate. The control (CT) group was fed a corn–soybean meal-based diet containing wheat bran and rice bran meal, whereas the experimental group received the same diet in which 2% wheat bran was replaced by PWCF. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Compared with the CT group, replacing wheat bran with PWCF did not affect body weight, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or average daily gain on days 30 or 60 (p > 0.05). In addition, no negative effects were observed on ATTD of nutrients and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and IgM levels at either time point, indicating that PWCF can serve as a suitable partial substitute for wheat bran in growing pig diets. However, it could regulate nitrogen metabolism by reducing blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and the BUN/creatinine ratio, as well as decreasing total free amino acids in serum (p < 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant capacity can be transiently improved by increasing catalase activity. Gut microbiota analysis showed that the replacement significantly increased the relative abundances of Treponema, the Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 (p < 0.05). These changes suggest that PWCF modulates gut microbiota and enriches fiber-degrading bacterial populations. Overall, substituting wheat bran with PWCF did not impair growth performance, immunity, or digestibility, while altering microbial community composition. These findings support the potential application of PWCF as an alternative fiber source, contributing to greater diversity in feed formulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals—2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 7416 KB  
Article
Natto May Alleviate Retinoic Acid-Induced Osteoporosis by Activating Gut Microbiota–Bile Acid Axis and OPG/RANKL Signaling Pathway
by Bimi Zhang, Mubai Sun, Yongfu Liu, Tong Pan, Xuecong Zhang, Yuguang He, Xuetong Gan, Da Li, Xinyu Miao, Zhengyang Luo, Honghong Niu, Mei Hua and Jinghui Wang
Nutrients 2026, 18(12), 1927; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18121927 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Background: Natto, a well-known fermented soybean product beneficial for bone health, remains unclear in its mechanism. Methods: This study investigated its effect on secondary osteoporosis (OP) in mice. Results: Natto significantly inhibited weight loss, bone quality deterioration, and bone morphological damage, and regulated [...] Read more.
Background: Natto, a well-known fermented soybean product beneficial for bone health, remains unclear in its mechanism. Methods: This study investigated its effect on secondary osteoporosis (OP) in mice. Results: Natto significantly inhibited weight loss, bone quality deterioration, and bone morphological damage, and regulated OPG/RANKL pathway protein expression (p < 0.05) in OP mice. Analysis of 16S rRNA revealed that natto increased gut microbiota α-diversity and the abundance of Sutterella, Roseburia, and Coprococcus, while reducing harmful bacteria such as Streptococcus, Shigella, and Helicobacter. These microbial changes positively correlated with body weight, bone size, and serum osteogenic metabolism in OP mice. Serum metabolomics showed differential metabolites of the natto group enriched in PPAR signaling and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Verification by mRNA and ELISA indicated that the upregulated liver and circulating PPARα by natto may regulate downstream bile acid pathways, linking gut microbiota to multi-organ metabolic functions. Conclusions: In summary, natto may act on gut microbiota to alleviate bone loss via the “gut microbiota–bile acid–OPG/RANKL” network, targeting multiple organs including gut, liver, and bone. This provides a theoretical basis for natto dietary intervention in osteoporosis prevention through the gut–bone axis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease)
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17 pages, 614 KB  
Systematic Review
Are School-Based Programs Effective in Tackling Childhood Obesity in Europe? A Systematic Review
by Cíntia Carneiro Gomes, Christos Triantafyllou and Joao Breda
Nutrients 2026, 18(12), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18121916 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity remains a major public health challenge worldwide, with increasing prevalence across Europe. Schools represent an important setting for promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activity and nutrition-related interventions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based interventions promoting physical [...] Read more.
Background: Childhood obesity remains a major public health challenge worldwide, with increasing prevalence across Europe. Schools represent an important setting for promoting healthy lifestyles through physical activity and nutrition-related interventions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based interventions promoting physical activity and healthy eating behaviours among children and adolescents aged 6–18 years in European countries. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus. Studies were eligible if they were conducted in school settings, targeted children and adolescents aged 6–18 years, were implemented in European countries, had a minimum duration of nine months, and assessed anthropometric and/or behavioural outcomes related to obesity prevention. Methodological quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool. Results: Sixteen studies conducted across nine European countries met the inclusion criteria. Intervention duration ranged from nine months to five years, and most studies employed multicomponent approaches combining physical activity promotion, nutrition education, environmental modifications, and parental involvement. Seven studies were rated as strong quality, six as moderate quality, and three as weak quality. Among the fourteen studies assessing BMI or other anthropometric outcomes, eleven (78.6%) reported statistically significant improvements in at least one obesity-related measure, including BMI, BMI z-score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, or overweight/obesity prevalence. Evidence regarding physical activity and nutrition-related outcomes was more heterogeneous, although several studies reported improvements in dietary behaviours, nutrition knowledge, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity levels. Positive anthropometric effects were more commonly observed in interventions lasting at least one academic year and in multicomponent programmes. Some studies also reported differential effects according to sex and parental educational background. Conclusions: The findings of this review suggest that long-term, multicomponent school-based interventions can contribute to improving obesity-related anthropometric outcomes among children and adolescents in European countries. However, evidence regarding sustained changes in physical activity and dietary behaviours remains less consistent. Future research should focus on identifying the most effective intervention components and strategies for achieving long-term behavioural change across diverse populations and educational contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies in Pediatric Obesity and Metabolic Health)
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22 pages, 1602 KB  
Article
Faecal Bacterial and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Profiles in Response to 48 h FODMAP Intervention Prior to Endurance Exercise
by Rachel Scrivin, Isabel Martinez, Kayla Henningsen, Gary Slater, Rebekah Henry, Dovile Anderson and Ricardo J. S. Costa
Nutrients 2026, 18(12), 1886; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18121886 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 521
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Short-term low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets can reduce exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS); however, their effects on the gut microbiome, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gastrointestinal biomarkers remain unclear. This study explored the effects of 48 h dietary [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Short-term low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diets can reduce exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS); however, their effects on the gut microbiome, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gastrointestinal biomarkers remain unclear. This study explored the effects of 48 h dietary FODMAP manipulation within a high-carbohydrate diet on faecal bacterial and SCFA profiles, and their relationships with exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome (EIGS) biomarkers, Ex-GIS, and performance. Methods: Twelve endurance athletes experiencing Ex-GIS were randomly allocated to a 48 h high-carbohydrate (mean ± SD: 12.1 ± 1.8 g∙d−1)–high-FODMAP (HC-HFOD) (54.8 ± 10.5 g∙d−1) and a 48 h high-carbohydrate–low-FODMAP (HC-LFOD) (3.0 ± 0.2 g∙d−1) diet before 2 h of running at 60% V˙O2max, followed by a 1 h distance test (22.9 ± 1.2 °C, 46 ± 8% RH). Baseline faecal samples were collected before exercise trials to determine faecal bacterial and SCFA profiles. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise to determine plasma I-FABP, sCD14, and CRP concentrations. Ex-GIS were recorded every 15 min throughout exercise. Results: Faecal bacterial α-diversity and relative abundance (RA%) at the phylum level were unchanged following both diets, while several family- and genus-level taxa RA% values were changed (p < 0.05), with greater shifts after HC-HFOD. HC-HFOD significantly increased faecal total-SCFA (p = 0.004), acetic (p = 0.002), and butyric (p = 0.028) acid concentrations. Strong positive and negative correlations between bacterial RA% and EIGS biomarkers and Ex-GIS were observed. Strong negative correlations with bacterial RA% and performance were observed. Conclusions: The 48 h HC-HFOD resulted in greater increases in bacterial RA% and SCFA concentrations compared with baseline. Bacterial RA% correlated bidirectionally with EIGS biomarkers and Ex-GIS, alongside strong negative associations with performance. Full article
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13 pages, 407 KB  
Article
Impact of Anti-Discoloration System (ADS) on the Optical Stability of Alkasite and Composite Resins: A Comparative Study on the Synergistic Staining Effect of Chlorhexidine and Coffee
by Tutku Baytok Kavcı, Münevver Söğüt Çetin, Hayal Boyacıoğlu, Lezize Şebnem Türkün and Murat Türkün
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122506 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 130
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of conventional chlorhexidine (CHX) and anti-discoloration system (ADS)-containing CHX mouthrinses on the color stability of diverse dental polymers, both alone and in combination with coffee. Specimens (n = 180) were prepared from a nanohybrid composite (Charisma Diamond; [...] Read more.
This study investigated the impact of conventional chlorhexidine (CHX) and anti-discoloration system (ADS)-containing CHX mouthrinses on the color stability of diverse dental polymers, both alone and in combination with coffee. Specimens (n = 180) were prepared from a nanohybrid composite (Charisma Diamond; Kulzer GmbH, Hanau, Germany), a monochromatic composite (Vittra Unique APS; FGM Dental Group, Joinville, Brazil), and a dual-cure alkasite (Cention Forte; Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein). Following a 14-day cycle of mouthrinse immersion (2 min/daily) and coffee exposure (15 min/daily at 85 °C), color changes (ΔE00) were analyzed using the CIEDE2000 system. All materials exhibited significant discoloration across all protocols (p < 0.001). Cention Forte showed the highest susceptibility to staining, particularly in the CHX + coffee group (ΔE00 = 21.10), while Charisma Diamond remained the most stable (0.95–8.60). Conventional CHX (Kloroben; Drogsan Pharmaceuticals, Ankara, Turkey) induced significantly higher staining than ADS-CHX (Curasept ADS; Curasept S.p.A., Saronno, Italy) across all materials (p < 0.05). Notably, ADS technology significantly inhibited coffee-induced pigmentation in Cention Forte (p = 0.003) and Charisma Diamond (p = 0.046), effectively reducing the synergistic staining layer. In conclusion, while coffee consumption dramatically increases discoloration following CHX use, ADS technology serves as a protective barrier, reducing pigment adhesion. For patients with high dietary pigment intake, ADS-containing mouthrinses offer a significant clinical advantage in preserving the aesthetic longevity of polymeric restorations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
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17 pages, 1224 KB  
Article
Dietary Gloiopeltis tenax Is Associated with Shifts in Fecal Microbiome and Serum Metabolome Profiles in Healthy Adult Dogs
by Won Yong Jung, Seyeon Chang, Han Tae Bang, Kyoung-Min So, Min Young Lee, Sang-Yeob Lee, Woo-Do Lee, Hyun-Woo Cho, Il Ki Hwang and Ju Lan Chun
Animals 2026, 16(12), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16121786 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Gloiopeltis tenax is a red seaweed containing diverse polysaccharides and bioactive compounds with potential functional applications in animal nutrition. However, information regarding its physiological and microbiome-associated effects in companion animals remains limited. The present study was designed as an exploratory nutritional intervention to [...] Read more.
Gloiopeltis tenax is a red seaweed containing diverse polysaccharides and bioactive compounds with potential functional applications in animal nutrition. However, information regarding its physiological and microbiome-associated effects in companion animals remains limited. The present study was designed as an exploratory nutritional intervention to evaluate physiological responses associated with dietary G. tenax supplementation in healthy adult dogs using an integrated framework including nutrient digestibility, glycan-degrading enzyme activity, fecal microbiome profiling, and serum metabolomics. Ten healthy adult dogs were assigned to two dietary groups receiving nutritionally balanced diets containing either Ulva sp. (CON) or G. tenax (GT) at 1% inclusion for 16 weeks under standardized feeding and housing conditions. Nutrient digestibility, fecal glycan-degrading enzyme activities, fecal microbiome composition, predicted microbial functional profiles, and serum metabolomic responses were evaluated. No significant differences were observed in nutrient digestibility, fecal score, or general health-related parameters between groups, suggesting acceptable tolerability of dietary G. tenax under the present experimental conditions. Relative abundances of several bacterial taxa differed between groups, and glycan-degrading enzyme activities showed directional changes associated with dietary treatment. PICRUSt2-based analyses suggested potential differences in predicted carbohydrate- and glycan-associated microbial functional tendencies between groups. Serum metabolomic analysis additionally revealed alterations in several amino acid- and carbohydrate-related metabolites associated with dietary intervention. Collectively, these findings provide preliminary insight into microbiome- and metabolome-associated responses to dietary G. tenax supplementation in dogs. Although limited by the exploratory nature and relatively small sample size of the present study, the integrated multi-omics approach applied here may contribute to the development of functional evaluation frameworks for companion animal dietary ingredients. Further studies with larger cohorts and expanded functional analyses are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Physiology and Metabolism of Companion Animals)
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13 pages, 4601 KB  
Review
Effects of Semaglutide on Lipid Metabolism and C-Reactive Protein in Obesity: A Review of STEP Trials
by Clemilson Berto-Junior, Gabriel Gallo Ribas Blanco, Lucas Varella Marcello, Gabriella Terra Rangel, Natália da Conceição dos Santos Marques, Leonardo Paes Cinelli and Edezio Ferreira da Cunha-Junior
Drugs Drug Candidates 2026, 5(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/ddc5020035 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 377
Abstract
Obesity is a growing public health concern linked to poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and metabolic disturbances, which can be evaluated using complementary laboratory tests. Among pharmacological interventions, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise by acting on the central nervous system [...] Read more.
Obesity is a growing public health concern linked to poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and metabolic disturbances, which can be evaluated using complementary laboratory tests. Among pharmacological interventions, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise by acting on the central nervous system to reduce appetite and stimulate insulin secretion, thereby improving the lipid profile and reducing inflammation biomarkers. This review focused on changes in lipid parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in overweight or obese individuals treated with semaglutide, based on phase 3 studies from the STEP program (“Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity”). The STEP clinical trial program was conducted across 36 countries, reflecting a broad and diverse geographic representation. Key findings include significant reductions between placebo vs. semaglutide in body weight (−1.3 vs. −13.0 Kg), body mass index (−0.69 vs. −4.72 kg/m2), and waist circumference (−2.79 × −11.81 cm). Additionally, there were notable decreases in triglycerides (−0.67 vs. −20.89%), VLDL-C (−0.99 vs. 20.82%), and CRP levels (−15.45 vs. −55.55%). These changes reflect improvements in both inflammatory and metabolic markers. The observed benefits suggest that semaglutide may contribute to reducing comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome and to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Current evidence also supports its potential role in individualized treatment strategies based on patients’ clinical and biochemical profiles. However, despite these promising findings, further long-term studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of semaglutide across diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marketed Drugs)
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19 pages, 1066 KB  
Review
Evolutionary Genomics of Human Gut Bacteria: Ecological Plasticity Across the Mutualism–Pathogenicity Spectrum
by Yasmin N. Ramadan, Salwa Q. Bukhari, Zinab Alatawi, Ghaleb Oriquat, Noura H. Abd Ellah, Eltayib Hassan Ahmad Mohamedosman, Rehab Ahmed and Helal F. Hetta
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 5009; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27115009 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 294
Abstract
The human gut microbiome comprises a diverse community of bacteria whose interactions with the host range from beneficial mutualism to opportunistic pathogenicity. These interactions are shaped by genomic plasticity and ecological pressures that influence whether microbes support host health, remain conditionally harmless, or [...] Read more.
The human gut microbiome comprises a diverse community of bacteria whose interactions with the host range from beneficial mutualism to opportunistic pathogenicity. These interactions are shaped by genomic plasticity and ecological pressures that influence whether microbes support host health, remain conditionally harmless, or contribute to disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these shifts is essential for clarifying the balance between cooperation and pathogenicity within the gut ecosystem. This review explores the genomic and evolutionary mechanisms that shape microbial adaptation across the mutualism–pathogenicity spectrum in the human gut. Key processes, including horizontal gene transfer (HGT), host-mediated selection, and niche specialization, enable microbes to acquire, regulate, or retain traits that influence colonization, metabolic function, and virulence. These adaptive mechanisms allow gut bacteria to respond dynamically to ecological pressures such as inflammation, antibiotic exposure, and dietary change, resulting in context-dependent microbial behaviors. The review also considers how concepts from insect endosymbiosis may provide insight into gut microbial adaptation. While both systems exhibit host specialization, major differences in transmission mode, ecological flexibility, and genome evolution limit direct comparisons. Rather than following a fixed progression toward parasitism, gut microbes exhibit flexible adaptive strategies shaped by host and environmental conditions. By integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives, this review presents a balanced framework for understanding how genomic adaptation influences microbial behavior in the gut. This perspective improves our understanding of dysbiosis and microbial pathogenesis and may support the development of microbiome-informed therapeutic strategies for maintaining host health. Full article
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21 pages, 352 KB  
Article
The Influence of Bovine Colostrum and Sodium Butyrate Supplementation on Gut Microbiota and the Intestinal–Liver Axis in Weaned Piglets
by Marek Pieszka, Kinga Szczepanik, Adam Lepczyński, Marta Marynowska, Maria Oczkowicz, Małgorzata Ożgo, Igor Łoniewski, Sylwia Orczewska-Dudek, Michalina Adaszyńska-Skwirzyńska, Bogdan Śliwinski and Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka
Nutrients 2026, 18(11), 1784; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18111784 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 459
Abstract
Dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate or bovine colostrum modulates the gut–liver axis in weaned piglets. Sodium butyrate exerted beneficial effects on liver function and lipid parameters, while also inhibiting inflammation and promoting the maintenance of the intestinal barrier. A particularly pronounced effect was [...] Read more.
Dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate or bovine colostrum modulates the gut–liver axis in weaned piglets. Sodium butyrate exerted beneficial effects on liver function and lipid parameters, while also inhibiting inflammation and promoting the maintenance of the intestinal barrier. A particularly pronounced effect was observed with bovine colostrum supplementation, which significantly increased average daily weight gain (p < 0.001). In addition, piglets receiving colostrum consumed more feed and exhibited a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (p = 0.002). Metabolic changes induced by sodium butyrate and bovine colostrum supplementation resulted in alterations in the hepatic fatty acid profile, including a reduction in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease in collagen fiber content in the liver (p = 0.03). The nutritional interventions did not significantly affect microbial diversity indices; however, marked changes in volatile fatty acid concentrations were observed in the large intestine. These changes indicate enhanced microbial fermentation and increased nutrient absorption in the experimental groups. Significant increases were detected in acetic acid (p = 0.003) as well as in butyric, isobutyric, and valeric acids (p = 0.014, p = 0.024, and p = 0.038, respectively). Supplementation with sodium butyrate and dried bovine colostrum also led to increased hepatic concentrations of macro- and microelements in piglets from the experimental groups. Genomic analyses suggest that sodium butyrate modulates hepatic metabolic and inflammatory pathways by downregulating PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) and SIRT3 (sirtuin 3) expression and reducing TNF (tumor necrosis factor) gene expression, highlighting its potential role in regulating lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in a porcine model. Overall, the results indicate that both supplements may contribute to the modulation of gut microbial activity and liver metabolism in weaned piglets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)
60 pages, 7688 KB  
Systematic Review
Polyphenol-Mediated Modulation of Oxidative Stress Pathways in Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review
by Alan Ho, Harini Adivikolanu, Dilan Patel, Xinyue Wang, Rahul Mittal and Khemraj Hirani
Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060693 - 30 May 2026
Viewed by 491
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a central component of type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathophysiology, contributing to pancreatic β-cell vulnerability and the development of chronic complications. Current therapeutic strategies are primarily focused on glycemic control and do not directly address underlying redox imbalance. Dietary polyphenols, a [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress is a central component of type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathophysiology, contributing to pancreatic β-cell vulnerability and the development of chronic complications. Current therapeutic strategies are primarily focused on glycemic control and do not directly address underlying redox imbalance. Dietary polyphenols, a structurally diverse class of plant-derived compounds, have been investigated for their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, yet their role in T1D has not been systematically defined. This systematic review evaluates the effects of polyphenols on oxidative stress and glycemic parameters in preclinical models of T1D. Across studies, polyphenols were consistently associated with attenuation of oxidative stress, as evidenced by reductions in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, along with restoration of endogenous antioxidant defenses, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. These effects were frequently linked to modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways, particularly Nrf2-dependent mechanisms. In contrast, glycemic outcomes were heterogeneous and influenced by compound-specific and experimental factors. Modulation of oxidative stress markers was often observed independently of changes in glycemic parameters, suggesting a primary redox-mediated mode of action. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for prioritizing oxidative-stress-focused endpoints in future translational studies and support the evaluation of polyphenols as adjunctive strategies targeting redox imbalance in T1D. Full article
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28 pages, 16095 KB  
Article
Chlorogenic Acid Improves Intestinal Health in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) by Enhancing Antioxidant Defense, Reducing Inflammatory Responses, and Modulating the Gut Microbiota
by Qin Zhang, Lan Li, Dehong Lan, Miao Zhou, Ziyang Yuan, Tong Tong, Yongqiang Liu, Zhichang He, Zhongbao Guo and Weiguang Kong
Animals 2026, 16(11), 1668; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16111668 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 334
Abstract
Intestinal oxidative imbalance, inflammatory activation, and microbial dysbiosis are increasingly recognized as major factors affecting the health status of intensively cultured largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound that is well known for its antioxidant and [...] Read more.
Intestinal oxidative imbalance, inflammatory activation, and microbial dysbiosis are increasingly recognized as major factors affecting the health status of intensively cultured largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound that is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although its inclusion as a dietary supplement in aquafeeds has garnered increasing interest, its effects on intestinal health in largemouth bass under normal rearing conditions remain largely unknown. Hence, the present investigation was designed to elucidate how incrementally elevated dietary CGA concentrations modulate oxidative capacity, inflammatory gene expression, mucosal histological features, and enteric microbiota structure in juvenile largemouth bass. In this study, largemouth bass were fed diets containing 0, 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg CGA for 70 days, and we evaluated intestinal antioxidant capacity, inflammation-related transcriptional responses, histomorphology, and gut microbiota were assessed. The results demonstrated that CGA supplementation significantly raised intestinal total antioxidant capacity as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, while substantially decreasing malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). The transcription levels of cat, gsh-px, gst, sod, nrf2, and ucp2 were markedly upregulated, whereas keap1 expression was downregulated (p < 0.05). CGA supplementation also reduced the transcription levels of several proinflammatory genes, including il-1β, il-6, il-8, tnf-α, nf-κb, p50, map3k, jak2, as well as stat3, while significantly elevating il-10 expression, in the 200 and 400 mg/kg groups, tgf-β expression was also lowered (p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed that CGA supplementation influenced intestinal morphology in a dose-dependent manner; the most consistent improvements in villus length, villus width, and muscularis thickness occurred at the 400 mg/kg level, whereas the 600 mg/kg level showed weaker effects in several parameters compared with the control. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that CGA altered microbial diversity, community structure, and predicted functional profiles in the intestine. In summary, dietary CGA supplementation was associated with enhanced intestinal antioxidant capacity, modified inflammation-related transcriptional responses, changes in intestinal morphology, and shifts in the gut microbial community of largemouth bass. Within the tested dose range, the 400 mg/kg group exhibited relatively favorable responses in several measured indicators under the present experimental conditions. Full article
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