Search Results (7,639)

To develop sustainable strategies for mitigating ruminal methanogenesis and improving nitrogen efficiency in dairy systems, this study investigated how low-dose tannic acid (T), tea polyphenols (TP), and their combination (T+TP; 50:50) modulate rumen microbiota and function. A sample of Holstein cows were given four dietary treatments: (1) control (basal diet); (2) T (basal diet + 0.4% DM tannic acid); (3) TP (basal diet + 0.4% DM tea polyphenols); and (4) T+TP (basal diet + 0.2% DM tannic acid + 0.2% DM tea polyphenols). We comprehensively analyzed rumen fermentation, methane production, nutrient digestibility, milk parameters, and microbiota dynamics. Compared with the control group, all diets supplemented with additives significantly reduced enteric methane production (13.68% for T, 11.40% for TP, and 10.89% for T+TP) and significantly increased milk protein yield. The crude protein digestibility significantly increased in the T group versus control. The results did not impair rumen health or fiber digestion. Critically, microbiota analysis revealed treatment-specific modulation: the T group showed decreased Ruminococcus flavefaciens abundance, while all tannin treatments reduced abundances of Ruminococcus albus and total methanogens. These microbial shifts corresponded with functional outcomes—most notably, the T+TP synergy drove the largest reductions in rumen ammonia-N (34.5%) and milk urea nitrogen (21.1%). Supplementation at 0.4% DM, particularly the T+TP combination, effectively enhances nitrogen efficiency and milk protein synthesis while reducing methane emissions through targeted modulation of key rumen microbiota populations, suggesting potential sustainability benefits linked to altered rumen fermentation. Full article

This study aimed to assess whether dietary supplementation with probiotics could alleviate intestinal injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets. Healthy weaned piglets were randomly allocated to four individual groups (n = 6): (1) a control group; (2) an LPS group; (3) an LPS + Lactobacillus group; and (4) an LPS + Bacillus group. The control and LPS groups received a basal diet, while the probiotic groups were provided with the same basal diet supplemented with 6 × 10⁶ cfu/g of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) or a combination of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) at a dosage of 3 × 10⁶ cfu/g, respectively. On day 31 of the trial, overnight-fasted piglets were killed following the administration of either LPS or 0.9% NaCl solution. Blood samples and intestinal tissues were obtained for further analysis several hours later. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with probiotics significantly exhibited health-promoting effects compared with the control group and effectively reduced LPS-induced histomorphological damage to the small intestine, impairments in barrier function, and dysregulated immune responses via modulation of enzyme activity and the expression of relevant genes, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), claudin-1, nuclear-associatedantigenki-67 (Ki-67), and β-defensins-1 (pBD-1). Collectively, these results suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics could alleviate LPS-induced intestinal injury by enhancing the immunity and anti-inflammatory responses in piglets. Our research provides a theoretical basis for the rational application of probiotics in the future. Full article

Ginger powder (GP) has antioxidant properties and can be a suitable alternative to antibiotics in laying hen diets; however, research on its effects remains limited. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary GP supplementation on production performance during the pre-peak production stage. A total of 270 hens, 18 weeks old and averaging 1.83 ± 0.03 kg, were divided into three groups: control (CN, basal diet), CN + 5 g/kg GP (T1), and CN + 10 g/kg GP (T2), with six replicates of 15 hens each, in a 10-week feeding trial. Dietary GP had no significant effect on feed intake (p > 0.05), but it dose-dependently improved laying rate, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Egg quality parameters, including albumen height, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and strength, were also linearly improved with GP supplementation (p < 0.05). Dietary GP linearly enhanced the antioxidant status of hens (p < 0.01) and reduced malondialdehyde activity (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 10 g/kg GP supplementation slightly improved gizzard index and liver morphology, and it linearly enhanced intestinal morphology (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that 10 g/kg GP supplementation can improve the productivity and health of laying hens. Full article

(1) Background: The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether the supplementation with a multi-species probiotic in the diet of laying hens can change the microbiota and health status of the oviduct. (2) Methods: A total of 60 cages housing lightweight laying hens (36 weeks old) were randomly assigned to the following two different treatments: a control group fed a diet without probiotic, and a treatment group receiving diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial lasted for 26 weeks, after which five layers were slaughtered per treatment for oviduct (magnum) assessment, focusing on microbiome composition, oxidant and antioxidant status, and morphological analyses. Additionally, intestinal (jejunum) samples were collected to determine oxidant and antioxidant status. (3) Results: Probiotic supplementation resulted in lower counts of organisms from the RB41 order (p = 0.039) and Burkholderia genus (p = 0.017), and a total reduction in Bacillus and Corynebacterium (p = 0.050) compared to the control treatment. Genera Burkholderia (p = 0.017), Corynebacterium (p = 0.050), and Bacillus (p = 0.050) were also lower with the probiotic supplementation in relation to the control. Genera Epulopiscium (p = 0.089), Flavobacterium (p = 0.100), Ruminococcus (p = 0.089), and Staphylococcus (p = 0.100) tended to be lower in the probiotic group compared to the control. No significant differences were found between treatments for oviduct lesions. Probiotic treatment resulted in a higher protein thiol level in the intestine compared to the control (p < 0.001). However, the use of probiotics tended to reduce glutathione S-transferase levels in the oviduct compared to the control (p = 0.068). (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics can modulate the oviduct microbiota and improve the antioxidant status of laying hens, without causing tissue damage. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of these changes on reproductive performance and egg quality. Full article

A novel centrifuge-less cloud point extraction (CL-CPE) method was developed for the spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) using 4-nitrocatechol (4NC) as the chelating agent. The extraction system utilizes a mixed micellar phase composed of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 and the ionic liquid (IL) Aliquat^® 336 (A336). The extracted ternary ion-association complex, identified as (A336⁺)₂[Cu(4NC)₂], exhibits a maximum absorbance at 451 nm, with a molar absorption coefficient of 8.9 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ and a Sandell’s sensitivity of 0.71 ng cm⁻². The method demonstrates a linear response in the copper(II) concentration range of 32–763 ng mL⁻¹ and a limit of detection of 9.7 ng mL⁻¹. The logarithmic extraction constant (log K_ex) was determined to be 7.9, indicating efficient extraction. Method performance, evaluated by the Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI) and the Click Analytical Chemistry Index (CACI), confirmed its feasibility, practicality, simplicity, convenience, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and analytical competitiveness. The proposed IL-CL-CPE method was successfully applied to the analysis of a dietary supplement, a solution for infusion, and synthetic mixtures simulating various copper alloys. Full article

Growing freshwater fish in saline environments is being explored as a potential solution to the freshwater shortage. However, growing these organisms in suboptimal salinity conditions leads to chronic stress that can be challenging to manage. To address this goal, it is crucial to improve the health of fish through the use of dietary supplements. This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of arginine supplementation on the growth, health status, and expression of stress-related molecular markers in juveniles of Nile tilapia exposed to chronic salinity stress. The tilapia were fed four experimental diets supplemented with 0, 1, 2, and 3% of L-arginine (T0, T1, T2, and T3). After an acclimatization period, the tilapias were exposed to a salinity level of 20‰ for 57 days in a recirculating aquaculture system. Our findings revealed that overall performance parameters were significantly influenced by L-arginine supplementation, except for the condition factor, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index. Additionally, intermediate levels of L-arginine supplementation positively influenced various blood parameters, including hematological profiles (hemoglobin and leukocytes), blood chemistry (total protein, albumin, globulin, and triglycerides), and the frequency of certain nuclear abnormalities. Furthermore, L-arginine supplementation appeared to regulate the expression of molecular markers related to stress and the immune system. In conclusion, this study indicates that L-arginine supplementation can help alleviate the chronic stress caused by salinity in juvenile Nile tilapia. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element critical for animal growth and immune function. This study investigated the dietary selenium requirement of juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) through an 8-week feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated by supplementing a basal diet with selenium polysaccharides (Se-PS) at 0, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/kg, resulting in analyzed Se concentrations of 0.35, 0.54, 0.71, 0.93, and 1.11 mg/kg, respectively. The results demonstrated that growth performance and feed efficiency improved with increasing dietary selenium, peaking at 0.93 mg/kg before declining at higher levels. Antioxidant enzyme activities—superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)—in serum and liver tissues exhibited a dose-dependent increase, reaching maximal levels at 1.11 mg/kg. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, progressively decreased in both serum and liver, attaining its lowest concentration at 1.11 mg/kg, though this did not differ significantly from the 0.93 mg/kg group (p = 0.056). Tissue selenium accumulation was highest at these optimal dietary levels. Based on the growth performance, oxidative stress response, and tissue selenium retention, the recommended dietary selenium requirement for juvenile large yellow croaker is 0.93 mg/kg. These findings highlight the importance of optimal Se supplementation in aquafeeds to enhance growth and physiological health in farmed fish. Full article

This study investigated the effects of reducing organic trace minerals below commercial inclusion levels and compared them with both low-dose and commercial levels of inorganic trace minerals, focusing on growth performance, carcass traits, tibia characteristics, oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]), and immune response (serum IgG) in broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) commercial-level inorganic trace minerals (ILI; Zn 100 ppm; Cu 15 ppm; Fe 100 ppm; Mn 80 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm); (2) low-level organic trace minerals (LLO; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.225 ppm; I 3 ppm), and (3) low-level inorganic trace minerals (LLI; Zn 30 ppm; Cu 4 ppm; Fe 11 ppm; Mn 30 ppm; Se 0.2 ppm; I 3 ppm). Each treatment consisted of eight replicates with 16 birds per replicate, and diets were provided in two phases: starter (days 1–21) and grower (days 22–35). The results showed that the LLO group demonstrated a significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the starter phase, 2.4% better than that of the ILI and LLI groups (p = 0.02). Additionally, filet and thigh muscle yields in the LLO group were higher by 11.9% (p = 0.03) and 13.9% (p = 0.02), respectively, compared to the ILI group. Other carcass traits, as well as pH and drip loss, were not significantly affected. However, tibia breaking strength at day 35 was 15.1% lower in the LLO group compared to the ILI group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in oxidative stress markers or IgG levels among groups. This study demonstrated that reducing the inclusion level of inorganic trace minerals did not negatively affect broiler growth performance, whereas supplementation with low levels of organic trace minerals improved both growth performance and carcass quality. Full article

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of α-amylase (6 and 10 ppm), xylanase (70 and 120 ppm), and cellulase (35 and 60 ppm) on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of Chinese steamed buns (CSBs) supplemented with 15% buckwheat flour. The addition of individual enzymes did not significantly affect the volume or texture of the buckwheat-enriched CSBs, although it increased the crumb moisture content and porosity. In contrast, enzyme combinations can improve specific volume and reduce hardness. The enzyme combination (α-amylase 6 ppm, xylanase 70 ppm, and cellulase 60 ppm) yielded the highest specific volume (2.50 mL/g) and the lowest hardness (271.46 g). Regarding chemical properties, individual enzymes had minimal impact, while the combined treatment (6, 70, 60 ppm) decreased starch and dietary fiber content. For nutritional properties, the glycemic response of the CSBs varied depending on the concentration of the enzyme combination used. Full article

The deterioration of uterine calcium transport capacity induced by aging is a common problem for late-laying period hens, causing decline in eggshell quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of dietary puerarin (PU) on calcium transport and eggshell quality in aged hens. Two hundred eighty-eight Hubbard Efficiency Plus broiler breeder hens (50-week-old) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments containing 0, 40, or 200 mg/kg puerarin (PU), with 8 replicates of 12 birds each, for an 8-week trial. The results demonstrated that dietary PU ameliorated the eggshell thickness and strength, which in turn reduced the broken egg rate (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that PU improved uterus morphology and increased epithelium height in the uterus (p < 0.05). Antioxidative capacity was significantly improved via upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX1 mRNA expression in the uterus (p < 0.05), along with enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, and decreased levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, PU treatment reduced the apoptotic index of the uterus, followed by a significant decrease in expression of pro-apoptotic genes Caspase3 and BAX and the rate of BAX/BCL-2. Additionally, calcium content in serum and uterus, as well as the activity of Ca²⁺-ATPase in the duodenum and uterus, were increased by dietary PU (p < 0.05). The genes involved in calcium transport including ERα, KCNA1, CABP-28K, and OPN in the uterus were upregulated by PU supplementation (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary PU supplementation could reverse the age-related decline in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota within the uterus (p < 0.05). Overall, dietary PU can improve eggshell quality and calcium transport through enhanced antioxidative defenses and mitigation of age-related uterine degeneration. Full article

This study compares the nutritional and metabolic properties of unconventional cold-pressed vegetable oils available on the Polish market. Twelve oils—milk thistle, evening primrose, flaxseed, camelina sativa, black cumin, pumpkin seed, sesame, mustard seed, sea buckthorn, blue poppy seed, borage, and safflower—were examined. The chosen oils were investigated based on their fatty acids profiles, total phenolic compounds (TPC), tocopherols, and pigment contents. Despite the high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content raising concerns about oxidative stability, the significant tocopherol levels and polyphenols content contribute to antioxidative protection. These oils’ favorable hypocholesterolemic, antiatherogenic, and antithrombogenic properties were highlighted by key nutritional indices, showing potential benefits for cardiovascular health. These results suggest that these oils are a promising dietary supplement for promoting both cardiovascular health and sustainability, owing to their rich content of essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds. Moreover, high correlations were found between theoretical and experimental established oxidative stability of the tested oils at the ending stage of the thermostat test. Full article

Honey is a natural product of honeybees that has been consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits. Recent scientific research has focused on its antioxidant capacity, which is linked to a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, enzymes (e.g., glucose oxidase, catalase), flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, amino acids, and proteins. Together, these components work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, regulate antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduce oxidative stress. This review decisively outlines the antioxidant effects of honey and presents compelling clinical and experimental evidence supporting its critical role in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress. Honey stands out for its extensive health benefits, which include robust protection against cardiovascular issues, notable anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced glycemic control in diabetes, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and effective wound healing. As a recognized functional food and dietary supplement, honey is essential for the prevention and adjunct treatment of chronic diseases. However, it faces challenges due to variations in composition linked to climatic conditions, geographical and floral sources, as well as hive management practices. The limited number of large-scale clinical trials further underscores the need for more research. Future studies must focus on elucidating honey’s antioxidant mechanisms, standardizing its bioactive compounds, and examining its synergistic effects with other natural antioxidants to fully harness its potential. Full article

Background and Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If left untreated, the accumulation of excess hepatic fat can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately liver failure. Capsaicin (CAP), the primary pungent compound in chili peppers, has previously been shown to prevent weight gain in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity models. In this study, we investigated the potential of dietary CAP to prevent HFD-induced MASLD. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD (60% kcal from fat) with or without 0.01% CAP supplementation for 26 weeks. We evaluated CAP’s effects on hepatic fat accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial function to determine its role in preventing MASLD. Results: CAP acts as a potent and selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. We confirmed TRPV1 expression in the liver and demonstrated that CAP activates hepatic TRPV1, thereby preventing steatosis, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. These beneficial effects were observed in wild-type but not in TRPV1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, CAP-induced TRPV1 activation promotes calcium influx and activates AMPK, which leads to SIRT1-dependent upregulation of PPARα and PGC-1α, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dietary CAP prevents MASLD through TRPV1 activation. TRPV1 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and management of MASLD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Full article

Understanding the components of the diet, food groups, and nutritional strategies that help prevent MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) is essential for identifying dietary behaviors that can stop the progression of this condition, which currently affects over one-quarter of the global population. This review highlights the importance of including antioxidant nutrients in the diet, such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and polyphenolic compounds. It also emphasizes substances that support lipid metabolism, including choline, alpha-lipoic acid, and berberine. Among food groups, it is crucial to choose those that help prevent metabolic disturbances. Among carbohydrate-rich foods, vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber products are recommended. For protein sources, eggs, fish, and white meat are preferred. Among fat sources, plant oils and fatty fish are advised due to their content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Various dietary strategies aimed at preventing MASLD should include elements of the Mediterranean diet or be personalized to provide anti-inflammatory compounds and substances that inhibit fat accumulation in liver cells. Other recommended dietary models include the DASH diet, the flexitarian diet, intermittent fasting, and diets that limit fructose and simple sugars. Additionally, supplementing the diet with spirulina or chlorella, berberine, probiotics, or omega-3 fatty acids, as well as drinking several cups of coffee per day, may be beneficial. Full article

A dietary supplement, trans-resveratrol and hesperetin (tRES+HESP)—also known as GlucoRegulate—induces increased expression of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) by activation of transcription factor Nrf2, countering accumulation of the reactive dicarbonyl glycating agent, methylglyoxal. tRES+HESP corrected insulin resistance and decreased fasting and postprandial plasma glucose and low-grade inflammation in overweight and obese subjects in a clinical trial. The aim of this study was to explore, for the first time, health-beneficial gene expression other than Glo1 induced by tRES+HESP in human endothelial cells and fibroblasts in primary culture and HepG2 hepatoma cell line and activity of cis-resveratrol (cRES) as a Glo1 inducer. We measured antioxidant response element-linked gene expression in these cells in response to 5 µM tRES+HESP by the NanoString method. tRES+HESP increases gene expression linked to the prevention of dicarbonyl stress, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, proteotoxicity and hyperglycemia-linked glycolytic overload. Downstream benefits were improved regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and decreased inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling and senescence markers. The median effective concentration of tRES was ninefold lower than cRES in the Glo1 inducer luciferase reporter assay. The GlucoRegulate supplement provides a new treatment option for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease and supports healthy aging. Full article