Search Results (11,806)

This study evaluated the effects of dietary starch characteristics on intestinal energy metabolism and microbial profiles in Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-supplemented broiler chickens. A total of 300 Arbor Acres male broilers were assigned to five dietary treatments consisting of a corn–soybean basal diet (NC), EGCG supplementation (500 mg/kg) (PC), or diets in which 20% corn was substituted with purified corn (CS), cassava (TS), or pea starch (PS) in the presence of EGCG (500 mg/kg). Growth performance, starch digestion, intestinal energy status, cecal microbiota, and metabolomic profiles were evaluated. The results showed that broilers fed the corn starch-containing diet under EGCG supplementation showed improved average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). This treatment also increased intestinal ATP and cAMP concentrations while reducing AMP and the AMP/ATP ratio, accompanied by enhanced activities of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, citrate synthase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase. Cecal microbiota analysis showed that Lactobacillus abundance was increased in the CS group, whereas Barnesiella was enriched in the PS group. Differential metabolites associated with energy metabolism, including lipoic acid, palmitoylcarnitine, and crotonic acid, were significantly changed among treatments. In conclusion, dietary starch characteristics influenced intestinal energy metabolism-related indicators, microbial profiles, and metabolite patterns in broilers receiving EGCG supplementation. Full article

Microalgal growth-promoting bacteria (MGPBs) represent a promising strategy to enhance biomass productivity, yet the mechanistic basis of these mutualistic interactions remains poorly understood. Here, we isolated a new MGPB, Cupriavidus oxalaticus MEYA8, and characterized its mutualistic interaction with the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Co-cultivation at an optimal MEYA8: Chlamydomonas ratio greatly enhanced microalgal cell density and chlorophyll content, which reached 2.1-fold and 1.6-fold those of the control, respectively, with markedly improved photosynthetic efficiency across both photosystems. Transwell assays confirmed that this promotion is mediated by diffusible metabolites rather than direct cell contact. Metabolites and multi-omics analyses revealed that MEYA8 can produce compounds similar to indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and is adapted to the microalgal phycosphere by preferentially utilizing organic acids and amino acid derivatives. In response, Chlamydomonas upregulated proteins involved in photosynthetic electron transport, energy metabolism, and nitrogen assimilation, consistent with the observed enhancement in photosynthetic performance. These findings suggest a metabolically reciprocal interaction model: MEYA8 supplies diffusible growth-promoting factors such as IAA-like compounds to enhance Chlamydomonas photosynthesis and growth, while Chlamydomonas provides organic substrates that sustain bacterial proliferation. Our work provides new insights into algal–bacterial mutualism and may provide a new microbial resource for engineering microalgal and beneficial bacterial consortia. Full article

Microprocessor-controlled knee prostheses (MPKs) face limited accessibility in resource-constrained environments due to high implementation costs and excessive power consumption associated with complex actuators. This study examines the technical feasibility of a low-cost electronically controlled pneumatic knee (ECPK) that combines structural mechanics with minimal electronic control. A functional decoupling strategy was implemented: stance-phase stability is provided by passive kinematic locking of a four-bar linkage over the near-extended stance range, while a lightweight feedforward controller driven by a single joint-axis Hall sensor segments the gait cycle continuously, updates its speed estimate once per step, and adjusts the valve only for swing-phase damping. From the stance duration of the preceding steps, this controller presets the pneumatic valve orifice to compensate for mechanical response delays, so that link rotation speed is regulated semi-actively without powered actuation. System integration and control viability were evaluated in a single-case feasibility study (N = 1), in which the ECPK was compared within subject with a commercial mechanical prosthesis after a 4-week adaptation period. Despite a 400 g distal mass penalty, the semi-active control algorithm was associated with a smaller increase in step-length asymmetry at the highest speed tested. Furthermore, net oxygen cost was lower with the ECPK during high-speed walking. Because the conditions were compared at unmatched self-selected speeds and the ECPK condition reached a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of 1.13, this observation is hypothesis-generating. Coupling passive four-bar stance stability with minimal electronic swing regulation is therefore a viable engineering basis for accessible prostheses, and the present study establishes its technical feasibility rather than its clinical effectiveness. Full article

Cognitive impairment and memory decline represent major health concerns affecting older adults worldwide, and systemic metabolic dysfunction plays a critical role in their progression. Black lychee is produced from Litchi chinensis Sonn. through postharvest thermal processing. It contains polyphenolic compounds known for their neuroprotective properties. This study investigated the cognitive-enhancing effects of black lychee in a rat model of scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment. Male rats (n = 8 per group) received scopolamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or in combination with black lychee at 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg/day for 20 days. Untargeted blood metabolites and the phytochemical composition of black lychee were identified using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Cognitive performance was assessed using the passive avoidance test. Phytochemical analysis confirmed that black lychee is rich in polyphenols. All black lychee-treated groups showed a significant increase in step-through latency compared with the scopolamine group. Blood metabolomic analysis revealed alterations in 26 metabolic pathways associated with oxidative stress and energy metabolism. These findings suggest that polyphenols in black lychee attenuate scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment by reducing oxidative stress and restoring key metabolites involved in energy metabolism. These results support the potential of black lychee as a functional food for mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Full article

Background/Objectives: Quiescent leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are self-renewing, pluripotent cells that present a major obstacle to the successful curative treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). LSCs function independently of BCR::ABL1 signaling and persist following tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. The mechanisms enabling LSC survival are a central focus of current CML research. This review details the complex relationship between signaling pathways and discusses recent advancements in energy metabolism research within the pathogenesis of CML. Discussion: Energy metabolism is critical to the biology of CML LSCs. These cells depend on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial homeostasis, utilizing fatty acid oxidation as their primary ATP source. Research highlights significant alterations in signaling networks, marked by a dynamic interplay among dominant pathways within the CML clone. While TGF-β-FOXO signaling maintains the self-renewal capacity of quiescent LSCs, proliferating mature CML cells rely heavily on glycolysis and the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, unique metabolic traits of LSCs underscore the impact of leukemic cell–microenvironment interactions in fostering a permissive niche. Conclusions: Fatty acid oxidation is critical to the survival and self-renewal of CML LSCs. This adaptation of mitochondrial function is closely linked to signaling alterations and entails an adjustment of mitochondrial respiration alongside stimulated OXPHOS. Emerging research unveils many potential targets within metabolic signaling that can be exploited to overcome these survival mechanisms, highlighting the disruption of mitochondrial energy support as a promising strategy to selectively eradicate CML LSCs. Full article

Precious metal nanoparticles (PMNPs), particularly silver, gold, palladium, and platinum nanoparticles, have attracted considerable attention owing to their unique physicochemical properties and broad applications in catalysis, environmental remediation, and biomedicine. Conventional physical and chemical synthesis methods often require substantial energy input, harsh reaction conditions, and generate large volumes of metal-containing wastewater, raising concerns regarding sustainability and environmental impact. Microbial synthesis provides a sustainable alternative by using microorganisms as natural biofactories to convert toxic precious metal ions into valuable nanoparticles under mild conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in the microbial synthesis of PMNPs (Bio-PMNPs), focusing on biosynthetic mechanisms in bacteria, algae, and fungi. Bio-PMNPs formation involves both extracellular and intracellular reduction processes, coupled with electron transfer mediated by reductases and other redox-active biomolecules. Functional groups present on microbial cell walls, as well as proteins, polysaccharides, enzymes, and other metabolites, play important roles in the adsorption, reduction, stabilization, and growth of nanoparticles. We further highlight the applications of Bio-PMNPs in antimicrobial activity, cancer therapy, pollutant degradation, heavy-metal removal, and catalytic enhancement of organic synthesis. Despite substantial progress, challenges remain in controlling nanoparticle size and morphology, elucidating biosynthetic mechanisms, and achieving large-scale production. Future integration of synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and process optimization is expected to improve the controllability, stability, scalability, and biosafety of Bio-PMNPs production. Full article

Phosphate accounts for about 0.6% of body weight at birth and about 1% of body weight in adults. This anion is essential for the performance of many essential human cellular processes, including energy metabolism and cell signaling; it is also a key component of the phospholipid bilayer and nucleic acids structure. In addition, phosphate is responsible for maintaining acid-base balance within the cells, functioning of the nervous system and preserving bone integrity. Normal serum phosphate levels change throughout life, varying from the neonatal period, through adolescence, and stabilizing at adult values by the end of puberty. Serum phosphate homeostasis is maintained through dietary intake, intra- and intercellular shifts, and excretion/absorption/reabsorption processes mediated by Fibroblast Growth Factor 23, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-(OH)₂D₃. Within this homeostatic network, dietary sources and current population-based intake data highlight a widespread oversupply in modern diets that can influence chronic disease outcomes. Ultimately, alterations in serum phosphate concentrations lead to numerous pathological conditions, both congenital and acquired. These conditions may involve either hypo- or hyperphosphatemia, each characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, some of which primarily affect the musculoskeletal system. Starting from this evidence, the primary purpose of this review is to examine the phosphate-related pathological conditions from biological-molecular and clinical perspectives, while also considering targeted nutritional and clinical strategies for managing phosphate balance. Algorithms for management and differential diagnosis are also considered, thus providing a recent overview of a medical field that is becoming increasingly important for clinicians. Full article

Climate change and increasing instability in coastal marine environments have intensified stressors such as elevated temperature, hypoxia, salinity variation, and pollutant exposure, posing major challenges to the survival, health, and culture performance of bivalves. As economically important aquaculture species and key components of coastal ecosystems, bivalves are highly sensitive to environmental fluctuations, making their metabolic responses highly relevant to both physiological adaptation and aquaculture sustainability. Increasing evidence indicates that metabolic remodeling is an important adaptive strategy supporting bivalve tolerance to environmental stress, with amino acid metabolic remodeling emerging as one of its most sensitive and functionally important components. This review summarizes the major response patterns, key pathways, and potential regulatory mechanisms of amino acid metabolism in bivalves under different stress conditions. Different environmental stressors induce distinct yet integrated shifts in amino acid metabolism, including enhanced catabolism, carbon–nitrogen redistribution, osmotic regulation, and antioxidant defense, thereby supporting energy homeostasis and physiological stress tolerance in bivalves. By highlighting amino acid metabolic remodeling as a central mechanism of bivalve adaptation to environmental stress, this review provides insights into adaptive responses, metabolite-based indicators for monitoring aquaculture environments and bivalve health, and management strategies for improving resilience in bivalve aquaculture. Full article

The Cretaceous shallow oil sands in the Dagang area, located on the western slope of the Songliao Basin, are characterized by a burial depth of ≤182 m, an average reservoir temperature of 11.8 °C, an extremely high crude oil viscosity of 1,750,000 mPa·s at 15 °C, and water-bearing layers in both the roof and floor. Conventional thermal recovery methods such as SAGD and CSS are geologically unsuitable for this deposit and suffer from high energy consumption and carbon emissions. As microbial oil recovery is a technically advanced enhanced oil recovery technology that leverages microbial growth, reproduction and metabolism in the reservoir to alter the properties of oil, rock, gas and water through interaction with these components, and petroleum biotechnology research confirms that microorganisms can degrade high-molecular-weight petroleum hydrocarbons to reduce crude oil viscosity and improve its fluidity, this study explores the technical feasibility of microbial cold recovery for in situ extraction of such low-temperature, high-viscosity oil sands. The study adopts a five-well pilot pattern (one injector and four producers) with an integrated approach combining reservoir unblocking, microbial viscosity reduction, and vibration-assisted production. Systematic screening identified Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Citrobacter as the most efficient indigenous microbial strains. Pseudomonas exhibited a crude oil degradation rate of 32.17%, reducing asphaltene content from 7.47% to 3.56%, and achieved large-scale proliferation (2.5 × 10⁸ cfu/mL) at 15 °C. It also achieved a 40.8% reduction in crude oil viscosity and a desulfurization rate, alongside 56.6% denitrification. With the optimal activator No. 3, the viscosity reduction rate reached 45.18%, and the viable cell count exceeded 9.45 × 10⁸ cfu/mL. The synergistic action of Pseudomonas and an A-type nano-microemulsion surfactant reduced the oil–water interfacial tension from 49.56 to 1.25 mN/m (a 97.48% reduction) and lowered the crude oil viscosity at 25 °C from 302,000 to 11,023 mPa·s (a 96.35% reduction). Core flooding tests demonstrated an incremental oil recovery of 7.38% compared with the water-flooded control, with interfacial tension dropping from 48.21 to 1.18 mN/m. In the field trial, composite perforation (32 shots/m, 1610 mm penetration) and two cycles of oil-based fermentation fluid huff-n-puff reduced injection pressure from 2.0 to 2.5 MPa to 1.0–1.8 MPa. A total of 1489 m³ of microbial agent was injected into five wells, followed by a 125-day shut-in period. Nano-microemulsion single-well huff-n-puff (579 m³ over 87 days) further decreased injection pressure to 0 MPa. A downhole harmonic vibration source (≤20 Hz) was also applied during the trial. During the production phase, Pseudomonas was found to dominate the produced fluid, with its peak relative abundance exceeding 70%. Cumulative fluid production reached 4114 m³, yielding 21 m³ of oil sand oil. Wells with vibration assistance showed significantly higher oil content and better emulsification performance than wells without vibration assistance. Full article

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent and debilitating disorder, with increasing evidence implicating the gut microbiota–brain axis. However, integrated alterations in gut microbiota and circulating metabolites in PPD remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: Fecal and serum samples were collected from patients with PPD and healthy controls (HC). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17). Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and serum metabolites were profiled using untargeted LC–MS-based metabolomics. Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Results: A total of 63 participants (42 PPD, 21 HC) were included. Significant alterations in gut microbial composition were observed in PPD, including decreased Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia and increased Ralstonia and Fusobacterium. Candidate differential serum metabolic features, including LPE-related and energy-metabolism-related features, were identified. Exploratory correlation analyses suggested distinct microbiota–metabolite association patterns, and several microbial taxa and serum metabolic features were associated with HAMD-17 scores. ROC analysis showed that several taxa and metabolic features exhibited preliminary discriminative performance with this cohort, although further validation is required. Conclusions: PPD was associated with alterations in gut microbiota composition and exploratory circulating metabolite profiles, potentially involving lipid dysregulation, neuroinflammation, steroid-related metabolism, and neurotoxicity-related pathways. The identified taxa and putatively annotated metabolites should be regarded as exploratory PPD-associated candidates rather than validated biomarkers or mechanistic mediators. Further validation in larger, independent cohorts is warranted. These findings may also inform future microbiota- and nutrition-oriented strategies for postpartum mental health management. Full article

The facultative endosymbiont Serratia symbiotica significantly influences the ecological fitness of its aphid host. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Serratia affects the host’s symbiotic organ, the bacteriocyte, remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of bacteriocytes from Serratia− and Serratia+ pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) strains. Our analysis revealed that Serratia colonization extensively modulates gene expression within bacteriocytes. Key metabolic pathways were significantly altered: genes involved in ribosomal biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation were upregulated, while those in fatty acid biosynthesis were downregulated. Furthermore, we observed a complex reshaping of the immune profile, characterized by a broad downregulation of immune recognition and signaling components alongside an upregulation of specific effector genes and antioxidant enzymes. These findings suggest that Serratia induces a state of enhanced anabolic capacity and energy production in bacteriocytes, coupled with strategic reallocation of resources and a finely tuned immune response that balances symbiont tolerance with control. Our RT-qPCR validation confirmed the RNA-seq results, further supporting these results. This study provides the first bacteriocyte-specific transcriptomic resource for the aphid–Serratia interaction system, offering novel insights into the molecular integration of a facultative symbiont into host physiology. Full article

Exposure to stressful low temperatures during development can cause chilling injury, leading to impaired physiological performance. In insects, chilling injury is often associated with metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress and disruption of energy homeostasis, which can collectively compromise survival and growth. Because Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) is a tomato pest adapted to warm environments, we hypothesized that low-temperature exposure would induce chilling injury by disrupting metabolism and cellular function. We investigated the responses of T. absoluta larvae to three thermal regimes (25, 15 and 5 °C) over a 7-day period, using integrated physiological, metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis. Low-temperature stress reduced survival and feeding performance, accompanied by suppressed digestive enzyme activities (α-amylase, lipase and trypsin) and depletion of glycogen reserves, indicating impaired energy acquisition. In contrast, increased trehalose and proline accumulation suggested a shift toward protective metabolism. Importantly, low temperature induced a pronounced decoupling of energy metabolism and redox homeostasis, characterized by reduced antioxidant capacity (peroxidase; POD and superoxide dismutase; SOD) and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of stressed larvae revealed alterations in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, showing differential regulation of the genes involved in energy production, oxidative stress responses and growth. Integrative analysis demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming and transcriptional regulation are tightly linked under low-temperature conditions, revealing a resource allocation trade-off between growth and stress defense. Together, these findings identify metabolic and redox imbalances as mechanisms underlying cold-induced physiological decline, providing new insight into how low temperature constrains insect performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity both in the short and in the long term. The identification of novel reliable biomarkers is essential in order to improve early diagnosis and allow for accurate prognostication of short- and long-term outcomes. The aim of the current study was to identify serum metabolites substantially affected by PA and resuscitation, using an experimental model in neonate piglets. Methods: A prospective, randomized experimental pilot animal study was conducted in 33 neonate Landrace/Large White female piglets, 1–4 days old. Following initial preparation and stabilization, the animals were allocated to three groups. Group A served as the control group while Group B and Group C piglets underwent asphyxia until severe bradycardia or hypotension occurred. Group C animals were subsequently resuscitated, and after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), they were stabilized and remained under further monitoring for 30 min. Blood samples for metabolic profiling were obtained at predefined timepoints as defined below. “Baseline” samples were taken from all animals after the initial stabilization; “asphyxia” sampling was performed at the time of hemodynamic compromise, while “final” sampling was performed 1 h after baseline in Group A animals and 30 min post-ROSC in Group C animals. The serum samples obtained were further analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Results: Distinct metabolic phenotypes were observed between the “baseline” state and asphyxia. Post-resuscitation and post-ROSC, the metabolic phenotype appeared to partially shift back to the “baseline” cluster but remained distinct from both of the other groups. The results were further processed using a structured biomarker discovery pipeline. Key metabolites that were found to significantly differentiate “baseline” and “asphyxia” states were lactate, succinate, lysine, fumarate, hypoxanthine and isoleucine (decrease) (p < 0.001). As far as the “baseline” against stabilization post-ROSC comparison is concerned, lactate, lysine, fumarate, hypoxanthine, succinate, acetate, alanine, glutamine, glutamate and choline differed significantly (p < 0.001). No metabolite survived False Discovery Rate correction and reached statistical significance in the direct “Asphyxia” versus “Resuscitation” comparison. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that severe asphyxia in neonatal piglets is associated with a distinct serum metabolic signature, and several abnormalities remain detectable 30 min after ROSC, suggesting incomplete early metabolic recovery. The findings support the candidacy of lactate, succinate, fumarate, hypoxanthine and related metabolites for further assessment and validation as markers of acute hypoxic injury. Further investigation focused on these metabolites could also contribute to the elucidation of the involved pathophysiological mechanisms of PA and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Full article

Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, oral healthcare, and personal care industries because of its low caloric value, low glycaemic index, and non-cariogenic properties. Industrial production is mainly based on catalytic hydrogenation of xylose, which provides high conversion efficiency but requires intensive energy input, costly catalysts, and complex purification processes. Microbial fermentation has emerged as a sustainable alternative for producing xylitol from renewable lignocellulosic biomass. This review summarizes recent advances in xylitol production, with a particular focus on microbial biomanufacturing. Key developments in lignocellulosic biomass utilization, metabolic engineering, cofactor balancing, oxygen regulation, and fermentation optimization are discussed. Chemical and biological production routes are critically compared in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and industrial applicability. Recent progress in downstream purification and biorefinery integration is also highlighted. Despite substantial advances, challenges including inhibitor toxicity, limited microbial robustness, low fermentation productivity, and high purification costs continue to hinder large-scale commercialization. Future research should focus on feedstock valorization, systems metabolic engineering, process intensification, and sustainable separation technologies to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of bio-based xylitol production. Full article

Tacrolimus (TAC) nephropathy is a major complication of immunosuppressive therapy and contributes to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression through ischemia, metabolic dysfunction, and oxidative stress; however, its protein-level basis remains unclear. This study sought to identify characteristic molecular alterations in renal cortices of TAC-treated mice, so as to clarify the link between replication stress responses and metabolic dysfunction. A previously generated proteomic dataset from a TAC-induced chronic nephrotoxicity mouse model was analyzed using a protein-centered analytical strategy, including statistical, Gene Ontology, pathway, upstream regulator, and disease-enrichment analyses. A total of 7466 proteins were quantified. Upregulated proteins included KAT6A and NCKAP1, whereas downregulated proteins included NDUFC2, HSD17B12, and TECR. Coordinated impairment of CoQ₁₀-dependent and glutathione-dependent antioxidant defenses was identified, reflected by reductions in AIFM2 (FSP1) and GSTA4/GSTT2. Enrichment analyses indicated activation of MCM- and ATR-associated replication stress responses in the upregulated group, and impaired lipid metabolism, CoA biosynthesis, mitochondrial function, and redox regulation in the downregulated group. TAC nephropathy is characterized by two major molecular signatures: central disruption of antioxidant defense systems, spanning FSP1-mediated CoQ₁₀ regeneration and GST- associated antioxidant systems, together with suppression of lipid and energy metabolism and activation of replication stress responses. These findings provide a protein-level molecular framework linking coordinated impairment of antioxidant defense systems, suppression of lipid and energy metabolism, and activation of replication stress responses in TAC-induced chronic nephrotoxicity. These findings also suggest the FSP1 pathway, GST-associated antioxidant systems, and CoA-dependent metabolism as potential therapeutic targets for CKD progression. Full article