Search Results (244)

The activation mechanism of the reproductive axis in Kazakh ewes during the non-breeding season was explored by supplementation with glycerol complex (7% glycerol + tyrosine + vitamin B9). The experiment divided 50 ewes into five groups (n = 10). After 90 days of intervention, it was found that significant changes in serum DL-carnitine, N-methyl-lysine and other differential metabolites were observed in the GLY-Tyr-B9 group (p < 0.05, “p < 0.05” means significant difference, “p < 0.01” means “highly significant difference”). The bile acid metabolic pathway was specifically activated (p < 0.01). The group had a 50% estrus rate, ovaries contained 3–5 immature follicles, and HE staining showed intact granulosa cell structure. Serum E2/P4 fluctuated cyclically (p < 0.01), FSH/LH pulse frequency increased (p < 0.01), peak Glu/INS appeared on day 60 (p < 0.05), and LEP was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (p < 0.01). Molecular mechanisms revealed: upregulation of hypothalamic kiss-1/GPR54 expression (p < 0.01) drove GnRH pulses; ovarian CYP11A1/LHR/VEGF synergistically promoted follicular development (p < 0.05); the HSL of subcutaneous fat was significantly increased (p < 0.05), suggesting involvement of lipolytic supply. Glycerol activates the reproductive axis through a dual pathway—L-carnitine-mediated elevation of mitochondrial β-oxidation efficacy synergizes with kisspeptin/GPR54 signalling enhancement to re-establish HPO axis rhythms. This study reveals the central role of metabolic reprogramming in regulating seasonal reproduction in ruminants. Full article

(1) Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by liver damage similar to alcoholic fatty liver disease, including triglyceride infiltration of hepatocytes, regardless of alcohol consumption. It leads to progressive liver damage, such as loss of liver function, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, and the response rate of drugs under clinical research is less than 50%. There is an urgent need for biomarkers to evaluate the efficacy of these drugs. (2) Methods: MASLD was induced in mice using a High-Fat diet (HF), Western diet (WD), and Methionine/Choline-Deficient diet (MCD) for 20 weeks (4 weeks for MCD). Liver tissue biopsies were performed, and the treatment effects of saponin and non-saponin feeds were evaluated. Fat accumulation and hepatic inflammation were measured, and mRNA sequencing analysis was conducted. The therapeutic effects were validated using patient-derived liver organoids. (3) Results: The NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) significantly increased in all MASLD models compared with controls. Saponin treatment decreased NAS in the HF and WD groups but not in the MCD group. RNA sequencing and PCA analysis showed that the HF saponin response samples were similar to normal controls. DAVID analysis revealed significant changes in lipid, triglyceride, and fatty acid metabolic processes. qRT-PCR confirmed decreased fibrosis markers in the HF saponin response group, and GSEA analysis showed reduced HAMP1 gene expression. (4) Conclusions: Among the diets, red ginseng was most effective in the HF diet, with significant effects in the saponin-treated group. The therapeutic efficacy was better when HAMP1 expression was increased. Therefore, we propose HAMP1 as a potential exploratory biomarker to assess the saponin response in a preclinical setting. In addition, the reduction of inflammation and hepatic iron accumulation suggests that saponins may exert antioxidant effects through modulation of oxidative stress. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in fat utilization associated with transitioning from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy, physically active men during a ramp exercise test. Methods: In a controlled crossover design, fourteen healthy, physically active men followed a traditional Mediterranean diet for three weeks (baseline). Then, participants transitioned to a four-week isocaloric vegan version of the Mediterranean diet, matched for macronutrient distribution but excluding all animal foods. Immediately after each dietary intervention, participants completed an incremental exercise test (from 30% to 70% of VO_2peak) on a cycle ergometer in a fasted state to determine peak fat oxidation (PFO) and its associated exercise intensity (Fatmax). Exercise heart rate and the rating of perceived exertion were also recorded at each exercise intensity. Results: The traditional and vegan Mediterranean diets provided comparable amounts of energy (2599.6 ± 180.8 and 2634.9 ± 148.3 kcal/day, p = 0.140) and total fat (97.0 ± 17.8 and 99.0 ± 13.2 g/day; p = 0.620). However, the vegan Mediterranean diet contained a lower proportion of saturated fat (25.2 ± 6.8 vs. 13.6 ± 4.4% of total fat, p < 0.010). Still, the dietary transition was not associated with modifications in PFO (0.323 ± 0.153 and 0.347 ± 0.147 g/min; p = 0.678) or Fatmax (40.51 ± 7.30 and 40.51 ± 10.71%VO_2peak; p = 1.000) during exercise. Moreover, the dietary transition did not significantly change the response curves across exercise intensities for fat oxidation (p = 0.553), heart rate (p = 0.280), or the rating of perceived exertion (p = 0.433). Conclusions: Switching from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet did not affect fat oxidation, exercise intensity at peak fat oxidation, or perceptual responses during exercise in healthy, active men. These findings suggest that physically active individuals can adopt a vegan version of the Mediterranean diet without compromising fat utilization during submaximal aerobic exercise. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT06008886. Date of registration: 28 July 2023. Full article

Endometriosis is a chronic, hormone-dependent disorder characterized by an inflammatory response. The disease affects approximately 10% of the general female population, with prevalence rates reaching 30–40% in women with dysmenorrhea and 50–60% in those experiencing infertility. In addition to pelvic pain and reproductive issues, gastrointestinal symptoms, such as acute abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits, are frequently reported and can be highly disabling. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary patterns may modulate the inflammatory environment associated with endometriosis, potentially influencing symptom severity by affecting oxidative stress, estrogen metabolism, and levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Diets rich in antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and vitamins D, C, and E—alongside the avoidance of processed foods, red meat, and animal fats—may offer beneficial effects. This narrative review explores the relationship between nutrition and endometriosis, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of dietary interventions as a complementary strategy. Notably, dietary approaches may serve not only to alleviate pain and improve fertility outcomes but also to reduce lesion growth and recurrence, particularly in patients seeking pregnancy or those unable to undergo hormonal therapy due to contraindications. Furthermore, nutritional strategies may enhance postoperative recovery and act as a viable first-line therapy when conventional treatments are not applicable. A total of 250 studies were initially identified through PubMed and Scopus. After removing duplicates and non-relevant articles, 174 were included in this review. Our findings underscore the urgent need for further studies to develop evidence-based, personalized nutritional interventions for managing endometriosis-related symptoms. Full article

Bullfrog skin, as a by-product of bullfrog processing, is an ideal source of high-quality collagen due to its high protein content and low-fat characteristics. However, its comprehensive utilization is relatively low, and the discarded skins cause resource waste and environmental pollution. In this study, a citric acid extraction process for frog skin collagen was established through single-factor optimization. A multifunctional double-network hydrogel was developed by combining the prepared high-purity type I collagen with oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA). Due to the network structure design of Schiff base bonds and Zn²⁺ coordination bonds, the mechanical strength of the hydrogel based on collagen and OHA compositing Zn²⁺ (Gel–CO@Zn) enhanced significantly. It was found that the Gel–CO@Zn hydrogel had strong tissue adhesion (16.58 kPa shear strength), rapid self-healing (<6 h), and low hemolysis (<5%). Furthermore, the Gel–CO@Zn hydrogel could reduce the survival rate of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to 1.06% and 6.73%, respectively, showing good antibacterial properties. Through the treatment of Gel–CO@Zn, the clotting time was shortened from 433 s to 160 s and greatly reduced the blood loss (>60%) in the liver injury model of male Kunming mice. This research not only presents a novel approach for the high-value utilization of aquaculture by-products but also establishes a new paradigm for developing cost-effective, multifunctional biomedical materials, demonstrating the transformation of waste into high-value resources. Full article

Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the effects of 6 months of unsupervised training, walking at maximal fat oxidation (FATmax), on body composition and cardiovascular function at rest and exercise, in middle aged obese subjects. Methods and results: A single group with pre-test/post-test study design was conducted. Eighteen obese subjects (11 males and 7 females) over 45 were engaged in a non-supervised walking training for 6 months, 40 min, 3 times per week, at the targeted HR corresponding to FATmax (5.5 ± 0.6 km·h⁻¹). This training modality led to a reduction in obesity-related indicators among participants, including weight (−3.7 ± 3.4 kg), BMI (−1.4 ± 1.3 kg/m²), waist circumference (−5.6 ± 4.7 cm), and body fat percentage (−2.1 ± 2.7%). However, we observed a great variability in this response to training according to individuals. Furthermore, heart rate and rate of pressure product (RPP) at rest significantly decreased (6% and 11% respectively) as well as the cardiac load during exercise (RPP −11% and cardiac cost −8%) after training. In conclusion, walking at FATmax is an efficient non-supervised training modality, allowing improvement in both body parameters and cardiovascular markers at rest and during exercise in middle age obese subjects. Even if body parameter changes were modest, the cardiac load decrease is an important factor for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in this population. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the optimization of dietary energy supply on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, energy metabolism, nutrient oxidation, slaughter performance, and meat quality of growing and fattening pigs under a low-temperature environment. In this study, forty-eight 60-day-old growing barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) with an initial body weight of 31.24 ± 3.56 kg were completely randomized into two treatment groups, with four replicates in each treatment group and six pigs in each replicate. The two groups were fed diets with equal protein levels and different energy levels (a conventional diet and an energy-optimized diet); the dietary energy level was increased by 8% by adding 6% fat, and the two groups were kept at the same ambient temperature (10 ± 1 °C) all day. After 5 d of prefeeding, the final weight reached approximately 110.00 kg prior to slaughter (99 days of age), and four pigs with a body weight of about 80.00 kg were selected in the two groups for digestion, metabolism, and respiratory calorimetry. The results showed that the average daily feed intake of the TES group (energy-optimized diet group, high fat and energy) was lower than that of the CON group (conventional diet group, normal fat and energy) (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the feed-to-gain ratio was lower in the TES group during the fattening period (60–110 kg) (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, fat and energy digestibility in the TES group were higher (p < 0.05), fecal nitrogen and urine nitrogen were lower (p < 0.05), the nitrogen deposition rate increased (p < 0.05), and fat oxidation and the sedimentation energy rate also increased (p < 0.05). The serum triglyceride concentration in the TES group was higher than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, the carcass weight, body fat content, backfat thickness, and eye muscle area in the TES group increased (p < 0.05); the L* value of flesh color also increased (p < 0.05); and the shear force was lower (p < 0.05). The dietary energy should be optimized under a low-temperature environment, and the feed conversion efficiency of fattening pigs could be improved by improving dietary energy levels by adding fat, increasing the fat oxidation proportion, promoting nitrogen deposition and sedimentation energy, and improving slaughter performance and meat quality. Full article

In dairy cow, the peripartum metabolic stage is critical as may affect post-partum metabolic and reproductive recovery, colostrum quality, and overall reproductive fitness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying doses of α-ketoglutarate (AKG) on lactation performance, reproductive performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in periparturient dairy cows. A total of 180 periparturient dairy cows were randomly assigned to four groups, with each cow receiving 1 g, 5 g, or 10 g of AKG in their prepartum diets. Results indicated that feeding 5 g and 10 g of AKG significantly increased the colostrum fat and protein content, reduced somatic cell counts, and improved daily milk yield. Regarding reproduction, AKG supplementation regulated reproductive hormones, increased postpartum estrogen levels, improved conception rates, and shortened the interval between breeding periods. For immune and antioxidant functions, AKG significantly increased serum IL-10 levels while reducing TNF-α and interleukins 1β and 6. It also significantly elevated glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels, reducing oxidative stress and demonstrating anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, cows receiving medium-to-high doses of AKG had a significantly lower incidence of postpartum diseases such as mastitis. In conclusion, appropriate AKG supplementation can improve lactation performance, reproductive performance, immune function, and overall health in periparturient dairy cows, providing a theoretical basis for its use in dairy cow nutrition management. Full article

The production of soybean meal (SBM) can be linked to various issues related to the environment (e.g., deforestation, water waste, and transportation costs), and reducing its inclusion in pig diets by using alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, is an important challenge for nutritionists. This study aimed to compare the productive performance, dietary digestible energy (DE), nutrient digestibility, and some blood indices of growing Danube White pigs fed graded levels of Black Soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae meal (BSFLM) at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg of diets, in replacement of SBM for 38 days, from 119 to 157 d old. Each diet was fed to eight pigs in individual boxes following randomization. Pigs grew according to breeders’ recommendations and did not have any clinical health problems. Replacing SBM did not change (p > 0.05) the pigs’ growth performance and DE, as only dietary fat digestibility increased in a linear fashion (p < 0.001), possibly due to the high BSFLM, i.e., the high-fat inclusion rate. There was a simultaneous rise in some oxidative damage indicators and an increase in antioxidant status, thus suggesting that further research involving longer feeding periods is needed to identify a potential time sequence of events. Overall, BSFLM is a promising ingredient in pig nutrition. Full article

Background: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, isoleucine, leucine, and valine) are commonly applied to promote muscle protein synthesis. However, the effects of BCAAs on exercise-induced substrate metabolism, performance and post-exercise fatigue during endurance exercise remain unclear. Methods: In a double-blind cross-over design, eleven active males completed 1 h of constant load exercise (CLE) at 60% VO₂max power followed by a time to exhaustion (TTE) test at 80% VO₂max power after supplementation with BCAAs or placebo on consecutive three days. During exercise, indirect calorimetry was used to measure the carbohydrate (CHO) and fat oxidation rate, as well as the cycling efficiency. In addition, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were obtained at interval times during the whole period. Fingertips and venous blood (n = 8) were collected for the measurement of metabolic responses at different time points during exercise. Results: Compared to the placebo group, the fat oxidation rate was significantly higher after 20 and 30 min of CLE (p < 0.05). The CHO oxidation rates showed a significant increase in the BCAA group during TTE (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the cycling efficiency during TTE was significantly improved (p < 0.05). Interestingly, VAS significantly decreased post-exercise in the BCAA group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of blood insulin between the two groups were significantly higher in the post-exercise period compared to the pre-exercise periods (p < 0.001), while insulin levels were significantly lower in the post-exercise period with supplemental BCAAs compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). BCAAs also enhanced the levels of blood ammonia in the post-exercise period compared to the fasting and pre-exercise periods (BCAA: p < 0.01; Placebo: p < 0.001). However, in the post-exercise period, blood ammonia levels were significantly lower in the BCAA group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows the critical role of BCAAs during exercise in active males and finds that BCAA supplementation enhanced fat oxidation during the CLE, increased carbohydrate oxidation and exercise efficiency during the TTE, and reduced immediate post-exercise fatigue. Full article

Atherosclerosis, which has important effects on the development of cardiovascular diseases, is a widespread health problem with the highest mortality rate globally. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of water and ethanolic extracts of propolis on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) in the progression of the atherosclerotic process, which is characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia. In our study, apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE^−/−) and C57BL/6J mice were used as study groups. Water (WEP) and ethanolic extracts (EEP) of propolis were administered intraperitoneally to ApoE^−/− and C57BL/6J mice modeled with a high-fat diet. Under anesthesia, the animals were euthanized by decapitation, and serum, along with aortic tissues, was collected. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), OxLDL and LOX-1 levels, OxLDL levels in aortic tissue homogenate, and subendothelial lipid accumulation levels by histological staining were determined in mice and statistical analyses were performed. WEP and EEP supplementation significantly decreased serum TC, TG, OxLDL, LOX-1, and tissue OxLDL levels and reduced plaque burden in the aortic root, with statistically significant differences observed. Those results suggest that propolis extracts have a potential treatment option for atherosclerosis, as a food supplement or a complementary medical/functional food. However, further research is needed to elucidate their molecular mechanisms, evaluate clinical efficacy and safety, and explore possible synergistic effects with existing atherosclerosis treatments. Full article

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan T. cruzi, is a serious public health issue with high morbidity and mortality rates. Approximately 7 million people are infected, mostly in Latin America. The pathogenesis is multifactorial and poorly elucidated, particularly regarding the role of adipose tissue (AT). This review aims to explore the complex relationship between T. cruzi and AT, focusing on the possible role of this tissue in CD, as well as to explore the impact of diet on the progression of the disease. T. cruzi infects adipocytes, affecting their function. Chronic infection alters adipose physiology, contributing to systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances. Adipokines are dysregulated, while markers of inflammation and oxidative stress increase within AT during CD. Additionally, the immune response and clinical aspects of CD may be influenced by the host’s diet. High-fat diets (HFDs) impact parasite burden and cardiac pathology in murine models. The complex interaction among T. cruzi infection, AT dysfunction, and dietary factors underscore the complexity of CD pathogenesis. Despite accumulating evidence suggesting the role of AT in CD, further research is needed to elucidate its clinical implications. Understanding the bidirectional relationship between AT and T. cruzi infection may offer insights into disease progression and potential therapeutic targets, highlighting the importance of considering adipose physiology in CD management strategies. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of partially or fully replacing poultry fat with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) fat on faecal parameters, blood biochemistry, immune responses, nutrient digestibility, food preference, and lipid oxidation in dogs. A total of 18 adult Golden Retriever dogs (6 dogs per diet group) were subjected to a digestibility trial for 30 days. Three experimental diets were formulated: a control diet (6% poultry fat), BSF3 (3% poultry fat +3% BSF larvae fat), and BSF6 (6% BSF larvae fat). Serum biochemical parameters, including blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, AST, ALT, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and immunoglobulin levels (IgE and IgG), were analysed from blood samples collected from all dogs. Faecal consistency scores were recorded over 5 days, and faecal pH, ammonia nitrogen (ammonia-N), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) concentrations were determined during the final three days of the digestibility trial. Seven days after the digestibility trial, a modified two-bowl preference test was conducted over four days using 20 dogs to assess the palatability of the control and BSF6 diets. Lipid oxidation in the diets was evaluated by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs, mg MDA/kg) at baseline (day 0) and after 2, 4, 7, and 10 months of storage at ambient temperature (23–25 °C). BSF6 exhibited the lowest dry matter and organic matter digestibility percentages (p < 0.05). Protein digestibility was reduced in both BSF3 and BSF6, while ether extract digestibility was significantly lower in BSF6 compared to the control diet (p < 0.05). The replacement of poultry fat with BSF larvae fat had no significant effect on serum biochemical parameters or IgE and IgG levels (p > 0.05). Faecal acetic acid concentrations were higher in the control group compared to BSF3 and BSF6, whereas faecal valeric acid concentrations were lower in the control group than in the BSF3 and BSF6 groups (p < 0.05). Although faecal pH and consistency scores were not significantly influenced by the dietary fat source, the total SCFA concentrations in faeces decreased with the substitution of BSF larvae fat (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the dogs demonstrated a higher preference rate for the control diet over the BSF6 diet (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of BSF larvae fat in dry dog food formulations reduced nutrient digestibility and palatability but had no adverse effects on the health status of the dogs. Full article

High-fat diets (HFDs) have become increasingly prevalent in modern societies, driving rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Concurrently, radiation exposure from medical treatments and environmental sources poses health risks shaped by both biological and environmental factors. This review explores the intersection between HFDs and radiation sensitivity/susceptibility, focusing on how diet-induced metabolic alterations influence the body’s response to radiation. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates that HFDs significantly alter metabolism, leading to increased oxidative stress and immune system dysregulation. These metabolic changes can exacerbate radiation-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage, potentially increasing radiation sensitivity in normal tissues. Conversely, obesity and HFD-induced metabolic disruptions may activate cellular pathways involved in DNA repair, cell survival, and inflammatory responses, fostering tumor resistance and modifying the tumor microenvironment, which may impair the efficacy of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. Understanding the interplay between diet and radiation exposure is critical for optimizing public health guidelines and improving therapeutic outcomes. These findings underscore the need for further research into dietary interventions that may mitigate radiation-associated risks. Full article

The aim of this experiment is to investigate the effects of optimizing the dietary energy supply of Songliao Black growing and fattening pigs on their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, energy metabolism and oxidation energy supply, slaughter performance, and meat quality at a low ambient temperature. Forty-eight 75-day-old Songliao Black growing barrows with an initial weight of 33.38 ± 1.29 kg were randomized into two groups, with four replicates in each group and six pigs in each replicate. Two groups (CON group: low fat, normal energy; TES group: high fat, high energy) were fed isonitrogenous diets with different energy levels and fat contents. The experimental animals were raised at the same ambient temperature (10 ± 1 °C) all day. After 5 days of pre-feeding, the formal experiment began. Four Songliao Black barrows weighing approximately 80 kg were selected from each group for a five-day experimental period for digestibility and metabolism and respiratory calorimetry tests. All pigs (185 days of age) were slaughtered simultaneously at the end of the 110-day experimental period when their average body weight reached approximately 110 kg. The results showed that the average daily feed intake of the TES group was lower than that of the CON group (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the feed-to-gain ratio was lower in the TES group during the fattening period (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the crude fat digestibility, deposition energy, energy deposition rate, deposition energy of fat, and fat oxidation were higher (p < 0.05), and the intake and urinary nitrogen, carbohydrate oxidation, urinary energy, and protein oxidation were lower in the TES group (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the serum high-density lipoprotein concentration, low-density lipoprotein concentration, and triglyceride concentration were higher in the TES group (p < 0.05), while alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations were lower in the TES group (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the backfat thickness was higher in the TES group (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the weight gain/digestible protein and live lean meat mass/digestible protein were higher in the TES group (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the yellowness (b*_45min) value of the longissimus thoracis was higher in the TES group (p < 0.05), and the shear force was lower (p < 0.05). Therefore, at a low ambient temperature, appropriately increasing the levels of dietary fat and energy was beneficial for improving the production performance and energy utilization efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions and protein oxidation, saving protein resources of Songliao Black pigs. Full article