Search Results (7,111)

Glioblastoma (GBM) exhibits profound metabolic reprogramming, among which the balance between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids (UFA/SFA) emerges as a critical determinant of tumor behavior and treatment response. Recent studies have shown that fatty acid metabolic reprogramming is a key mechanism driving GBM progression. Abnormalities in fatty acid uptake, synthesis, desaturation, and oxidation collectively reshape the lipid composition of tumor cells, particularly by altering the unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio. Monounsaturated fatty acids mainly promote tumor cell proliferation and membrane biosynthesis, polyunsaturated fatty acids can induce lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis under specific stress conditions, whereas excessive saturated fatty acids can cause lipotoxicity when desaturation is limited. Key enzymes in fatty acid metabolism constitute a regulatory network and provide potential therapeutic targets for GBM. In addition, fatty acid metabolism can remodel the tumor immune microenvironment, especially by affecting the functional state of tumor-associated macrophages. Rather than targeting a single lipid species or isolated metabolic enzyme, therapeutic strategies that recalibrate the UFA/SFA ratio may provide a more integrated approach to restraining GBM progression and improving treatment sensitivity. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary sea buckthorn flavonoid (SF) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indices, rumen fermentation, and ruminal bacterial composition in Hu sheep fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty 6-month-old fattening Hu sheep were randomly assigned to a high-concentrate control diet (HC) or the same diet supplemented with 0.30% SF (HT; n = 15 per group) for 45 days. Compared with the HC group, SF supplementation increased average daily gain (p = 0.04) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (p = 0.01) without affecting average daily feed intake. Serum total protein, alanine aminotransferase, total antioxidant capacity, IgA, IgG, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-1β were increased in the HT group (p ≤ 0.05). Ruminal acetate and valerate concentrations increased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively), and total volatile fatty acid concentration showed an increasing tendency (p = 0.06), whereas rumen pH was unaffected. The relative abundances of Succiniclasticum and Acidaminococcus increased in the HT group (p < 0.05), indicating modulation of specific ruminal bacterial taxa. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.30% SF improved growth efficiency, antioxidant status, selected immune indices, and specific rumen fermentation and bacterial responses in Hu sheep fed a high-concentrate diet. However, the isolated increase in serum alanine aminotransferase may indicate hepatic metabolic adaptation or mild liver stress. Dose–response and time-course studies incorporating liver-specific biomarkers and histopathological evaluation are required to clarify the hepatic safety of sea buckthorn flavonoid supplementation. Full article

Small pelagic fishes play a crucial role in structuring marine food webs, yet their trophic flexibility and feeding interactions remain poorly understood in highly dynamic, nutrient-rich systems such as upwelling regions. This study combines bulk stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N), compound-specific nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA-AA), and fatty acid (FA) profiles to assess feeding patterns and trophic overlap among four planktivorous species in the North Iberian shelf (Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea). The combined trophic indicators reveal clear niche partitioning between clupeids (sardine and anchovy) and scombrids (mackerel and chub mackerel), with the latter exhibiting higher CSIA-AA-derived trophic positions and distinct FA composition. Our analysis further shows that fatty acid biomarkers are essential for resolving finer-scale differences within each group, driven by variable contributions of phytoplankton and zooplankton to species diets. Although all species shared resources within the same food web, isotopic baselines indicate a decoupling between carbon and nitrogen pathways. For sardine, we compared neutral and polar lipid fractions with the total lipid extract in terms of FA composition and key dietary markers. Our results suggest that separating lipid fractions can improve dietary resolution, especially when lipid content is low. Overall, our findings highlight the value of integrating classical and emerging biochemical tracers to better resolve trophic dynamics in coexisting planktivorous fishes. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) plays a key role in the circular bioeconomy by converting organic waste into renewable energy and facilitating the sustainable utilisation of waste materials. Agricultural and agro-industrial by-products are increasingly recognised as valuable AD feedstocks due to their widespread availability and significant bioenergy potential. However, many of these substrates contain plant-derived bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and terpenes, which can influence microbial communities and process performance. Depending on their concentration and chemical characteristics, these compounds may inhibit microbial activity, impair process stability, and ultimately decrease methane production. This review critically synthesises current knowledge on the occurrence, bioavailability and biological activity of plant-derived bioactive compounds in agricultural feedstocks used for anaerobic digestion, with particular emphasis on their implications for process performance and reactor stability. The principal mechanisms through which phytochemicals influence anaerobic digestion include enzyme inhibition, membrane disruption, interference with syntrophic interactions and trace metal chelation. The available evidence demonstrates a pronounced dose-dependent response, whereby low concentrations may exert neutral or selective modulatory effects. In contrast, elevated concentrations disrupt microbial activity, leading to volatile fatty acid accumulation, prolonged lag phases and reduced methane production. Current mitigation strategies include substrate pretreatment, co-digestion, microbial adaptation, adsorbent-assisted detoxification and the use of DIET-promoting materials. An integrated evidence matrix is proposed to link phytochemical composition with reactor configuration, operational parameters and mitigation strategies, thereby providing a practical framework for feedstock-specific process optimisation. Overall, the available evidence demonstrates that reliable evaluation of agricultural feedstocks should extend beyond conventional biochemical methane potential assessment to incorporate phytochemical composition, microbial functional responses and key operational parameters. Such an integrated approach can improve the prediction of methane recovery and support evidence-based optimisation of anaerobic digestion within circular bioeconomy systems. Full article

Argan oil (Argania spinosa L.) is a culturally and economically significant product in North Africa, yet little is known about how extraction practices shape its nutritional and sensory qualities. The present study compares mechanical cold pressing with solvent extraction (diethyl ether and petroleum ether) on roasted and unroasted kernels from Algerian argan trees. The comparison focused on lipid recovery, fatty acid composition, sterol profile, and volatile compounds as nutritional, functional, and sensory-related quality indicators. Diethyl ether extraction achieved the highest lipid recovery and was associated with higher relative proportions of oleic acid and β-sitosterol, which may be relevant for oxidative-stability-related and compositional quality considerations. In contrast, mechanical pressing preserved the authentic sterolic profile, dominated by schottenol (44.1%) and spinasterol (32.6%), characteristic of traditional argan oil. Roasting intensified Maillard-derived volatiles, notably pyrazines and furans, defining the roasted–nutty aroma of culinary-grade oils. The originality of this study lies in the integrated evaluation of extraction efficiency, fatty acid composition, sterol authenticity markers, and aroma-related volatile compounds in argan oil produced from Mostaganem kernels under roasted and unroasted conditions. These results reveal that extraction and pre-treatment are decisive levers for tailoring argan oil’s nutritional, functional, and sensory attributes, providing practical guidance for selecting processing conditions according to the intended food, culinary, cosmetic, or neutral-aroma application. The findings also support process standardization, product differentiation, authenticity preservation, and the sustainable valorization of Algerian argan oil in global food systems. Full article

Fermented liquid feeding (FLF) has been proposed as a nutritional intervention with the potential to influence pork quality, yet its effects on intramuscular fat deposition and muscle lipid composition remain unclear. In this study, pigs were fed a basal dry feed, liquid feed, or FLF regimen for 173 days, and porcine muscle samples were subsequently evaluated for carcass traits, meat quality, lipid composition, and molecular changes associated with lipid deposition. Compared with CON, FLF reduced average backfat thickness, while intramuscular fat and triglyceride contents in the longissimus thoracis muscle were greater than those in CON and LF (p < 0.05). Fatty-acid profiling showed that FLF increased several major fatty acids, including palmitic acid. Metabolomic analysis identified contrast-specific changes in phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine species. Proteomic analysis, together with Western blotting and RT-qPCR, showed higher abundances of PPARγ, FASN, and downstream lipogenic transcripts in the FLF group. These findings demonstrate that FLF modulates lipid deposition and lipid composition in porcine muscle and provide mechanistic insight into the nutritional regulation of pork quality formation. Full article

Pastures are the dietary basis of grazing systems in regions such as southern Chile, and their botanical composition and management can influence ruminal fermentation and associated by-products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pasture type and defoliation frequency (DF) on in vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics and methane and ammonia production. Four pasture types were evaluated: Bromus valdivianus Phil. monoculture (Bv), Lolium perenne monoculture (Lp), a binary mixture of both species (LpBv), and a multispecies pasture (Msp). All pastures were managed under two defoliation frequencies (150 and 300 growing degree days [GDDs]) and sampled across four seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring). Samples were dried at 60 °C, ground, and incubated for 48 h at 39 °C using the ANKOM RF automated gas production system, with ruminal inoculum collected from rumen-cannulated cows. Total gas production, methane production, and concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and ammonia (NH₃) were evaluated. The CH₄ proportion was affected by the DF × season interaction, and CH₄ intensity was affected by the pasture type × DF interaction. Total gas production was greater for Lp than for Bv and Msp and was greater at 300 than at 150 GDD. Total VFAs showed a pasture type × DF × season interaction. Across pasture types, NH₃ concentration was lower at 300 than at 150 GDD. Overall, no treatment consistently reduced methane output. Extending the defoliation interval may reduce ruminal NH₃, but its environmental benefit should be evaluated together with seasonal methane responses and potential trade-offs in forage nutritive value and animal performance. Full article

Raw and fermented Astragalus membranaceus (AM) serve promising herbal additives for small ruminants, yet their integrated regulatory functions across lactating ewes and suckling lambs are insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to elucidate how dietary supplementation with raw and fermented Astragalus membranaceus modulates ruminal microbial communities, circulating metabolites, redox homeostasis, and lactation performance in postpartum Turpan black ewes, and to characterize the consequent effects on immune development and body weight gain in their offspring. The findings are intended to inform evidence-based strategies for herbal supplementation in sheep production. Forty-five postpartum Turpan black ewes were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 15): control (basal diet), AM and FAM groups. Ewe plasma, rumen fluid, milk yield, milk composition and serum antioxidant indices were sampled periodically. Lamb body weight, plasma antioxidants, immunoglobulins, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were measured every 15 days. Rumen 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted plasma metabolomics were performed on day 45 post-partum. The group of FAM significantly increased milk yield (p < 0.05) and markedly improved total antioxidant capacity in ewes (p < 0.01). In the AM group, metabolites such as linoleic acid were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05), with enrichment in the linoleic acid metabolism pathway, while flavonoid metabolites, including quercetin 4′-isobutyrate, were strongly upregulated (p < 0.01). In the FAM group, tetradecanoic acid, palmitoleic acid, and related metabolites were significantly reduced (p < 0.05), and these differential metabolites showed significant enrichment in fatty acid biosynthesis (p < 0.05). Flavonoid compounds represented by melilotocarpan E were also significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). Rumen microbial diversity was significantly higher in the FAM group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the FAM group showed enrichment of fiber-degrading bacteria, including Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, unclassified_Muribaculaceae, and unclassified_F082. In newborn lambs, plasma GH and IGF-1 levels increased markedly in both the FAM and AM groups (p < 0.01). In the FAM group, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were also markedly elevated (p < 0.01). In addition, lambs in the FAM group exhibited substantially higher plasma catalase (CAT) activity and nitric oxide (NO) concentration (p < 0.01), whereas plasma total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower (p < 0.01). In conclusion, AM and FAM supplementation increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, regulated fatty acid synthesis through modulation of plasma metabolites, enhanced antioxidant capacity in ewes, increased milk fat percentage, and improved immune function, antioxidant status, and growth performance in lambs. To provide a theoretical basis and data support for its application in ewes after lambing and for improving the growth and development of lambs. Overall, FAM produced superior effect. Full article

The gut–lung axis is one of the bidirectional mucosal communication networks linking intestinal microbiota, microbial metabolites, immune regulation, and respiratory inflammation. This narrative review summarizes mechanistic and translational evidence identified through a structured but non-systematic search. This review focuses on gut-to-lung mechanisms, including immune cell trafficking, epithelial barrier regulation, and the role of gut microbiota and its metabolites. Among these metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are key mediators of interorgan communication and are mainly produced through microbial fermentation of dietary fibers and polysaccharides. Unlike previous reviews, reverse lung-to-gut mechanisms are also discussed, whereby respiratory infection, smoking, and lung injury may disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, alter gut microbiota composition, and promote intestinal immune dysregulation. Among plant-derived interventions, dietary fibers, polysaccharides, and polyphenols appear promising, mainly through SCFA-dependent immune modulation, enrichment of metabolite-producing bacteria, and subsequent suppression of inflammatory pathways. Some compounds may also act through microbiota-independent mechanisms, including direct antioxidant effects, epithelial barrier protection, and inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways. Overall, SCFA-mediated immune regulation is the best-supported mechanism, whereas lung-to-gut signaling remains less established. Most evidence remains preclinical, highlighting the need for standardized human studies evaluating dose, safety, and clinically meaningful respiratory outcomes. Full article

Field high-temperature and high-humidity (HTH) stress causes soybean seed deterioration, including shrinkage, moldiness, browning, and reduced germination rate, thereby decreasing seed vigor, emergence performance, and commercial value. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of seed vigor formation under HTH stress is critical for identifying key genes and improving spring soybean seed quality. Plant homeodomain (PHD) proteins are conserved zinc-finger transcription factors involved in chromatin remodeling and stress responses. GmPHD3, a soybean PHD family member, has only been studied via heterologous expression in Arabidopsis; its authentic function in soybean remains unclear. In this study, we functionally characterized GmPHD3 in soybean. GmPHD3 is a nuclear-localized transcription factor containing Alfin and PHD domains, and is evolutionarily conserved across legumes and other plant species. Expression analysis showed that GmPHD3 was strongly induced by HTH stress, with rapid induction at 6 h in the tolerant cultivar Xiangdou No. 3 but delayed induction at 48 h in the sensitive Ningzhen No. 1. The GmPHD3 promoter harbors abscisic acid (ABA) and stress-responsive elements, and GUS assays confirmed its response to ABA and HTH. Overexpression of GmPHD3 in soybean significantly enhanced seed vigor under artificial accelerated aging by increasing the germination speed and activities of SOD, POD, while reducing TBARS content. Meanwhile, GmPHD3 negatively regulated seed longitudinal elongation, leading to a short and round seed shape without changing single-seed weight. It also significantly decreased the proportion of palmitic acid, a major saturated fatty acid. These results demonstrate that GmPHD3 positively regulates soybean seed vigor and stress resistance under HTH stress by modulating the antioxidant system and modifying seed morphology and fatty acid composition, providing a valuable target for soybean molecular breeding. Full article

The chemical composition of donkey and sheep milk showed significant differences, with donkey milk containing less fat and protein and a higher level of lactose, while sheep milk had more dry matter and a higher proportion of casein and saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This study investigated the biological effects of in vitro-digested donkey and sheep milk, and their blends at different ratios, on differentiated human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Gene expression analysis showed that treatment with digested donkey milk (100%) significantly altered the expression of the autophagy-related gene (SQSTM1), tight junction (CLDN4), and innate defense genes (DEFB1, MUC2, and MUC5), showing a non-cytotoxic response and a profile consistent with a barrier-related transcriptional response. In contrast, sheep milk (100%) and certain milk blends (70% and 50% sheep’s milk) down-regulated genes involved in the autophagy process (ULK1, AMBRA, BECN1, ATG5, GABARAP, and SQSTM1), tight junction genes (OCLN and CDH1), and innate defense genes (DEFB1 and MUC2), suggesting a distinct epithelial response that warrants further confirmation. Metabolomic profiling revealed clear compositional and functional distinctions among the digested milks, identifying 166 metabolites that were differentially regulated (136 compounds were down-regulated and 30 up-regulated). Donkey milk digestion yielded a metabolite profile enriched in polar peptides and compounds with reported antioxidant associations, whereas sheep milk digestion showed a different pattern dominated by hydrophobic peptides and lipid-related metabolites. These findings indicate that, under the tested in vitro conditions, donkey milk digestion is associated with gene expression and metabolomic patterns consistent with epithelial barrier support. Full article

Background: Phytosterols are natural compounds that provide health benefits by lowering LDL cholesterol levels, but they are susceptible to thermo-oxidative degradation during food storage and processing. Encapsulating them in liposomes could increase their stability and bioavailability. The aim of this study was to examine the stability of phytosterols encapsulated in liposomes during heating of mayonnaise at temperatures simulating storage and frying conditions. Methods: Mayonnaise containing 2, 4, 6, and 8% liposomes encapsulating stigmasterol oleate was prepared and heated at 60 °C for 8 h and at 180 °C for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. The fat content, percentage composition of fatty acids and levels of oleic acid and stigmasterol were determined in each tested mayonnaise. Results: The fat content of mayonnaise with liposomes heated at 60 °C for 8 h was 97–98%. During heating at 180 °C for 60 min, it reached 100%, and after 120 min, it decreased to 75%. The oleic acid content of liposome-enriched mayonnaise remained stable during heating. The greatest loss of stigmasterol was observed in the control sample without liposomes, in which the sterol content decreased 79%. After heating mayonnaise with liposomes, the decrease in stigmasterol ranged from 3 to 25% at 60 °C for 8 h and from 90% to 100% at 180 °C for 90 and 120 min. Conclusions: Enriching mayonnaise with phytosterol esters encapsulated in liposomes can effectively improve the thermal-oxidative stability of plant sterols during short-term heating, but does not protect the product from the loss of these sterols during prolonged, intense heating. Full article

Asthma prevalence in school-age children varies widely by geography, from below 5% in some regions to above 20% in others, averaging 10–12% across industrialized countries, but genetic factors account for less than 40% of disease liability. Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a critical intermediary between early-life dietary exposure and immunological trajectories that determine asthma susceptibility. Through the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate, propionate, and acetate, commensal bacteria regulate dendritic cell function, promote T-regulatory (Treg) cell differentiation, and attenuate Th2-polarized airway inflammation via the gut–lung axis. Epidemiological cohorts including CHILD, WHEALS, and PASTURE associate early-life dysbiosis and reduced Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii with increased asthma risk, while dietary patterns rich in fermentable fibre, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and diverse plant-based foods are associated with preserved microbial diversity and, in preclinical models, attenuated type-2 inflammatory signalling. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic and epidemiological evidence on how nutritional exposures shape gut microbiota composition and influences asthma onset and severity in paediatric populations, including the distinct obesity-related asthma phenotype. Critical gaps, insufficient dietary intervention trials with microbiome endpoints, methodological heterogeneity across cohorts, and the paucity of data from non-Western populations are discussed, with implications for preventive nutritional counselling in paediatric allergology practice. Full article

The study evaluated the effects of dietary compound enzyme preparations (CEPs) supplementation on antioxidant capacity, immune response, and intestinal health of pigeons. A total of 288 White King parent pigeons were randomly assigned to four treatments, with six replications of 12 pigeons each. The control (CK) group received a basal diet, whereas the CEP groups were fed a basal diet with 0.25 g/kg (low compound enzyme preparation group, LCEP), 0.5 g/kg (middle compound enzyme preparation group, MCEP), and 1.0 g/kg (high compound enzyme preparation group, HCEP) CEPs. Results showed that supplementation with 0.25 g/kg of CEPs significantly increased duodenal crypt depth (CD), as well as jejunal villus height (VH) and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (VCR) (p < 0.05). It also increased the immunoglobulins of serum, such as IgA, IgG, and IgM, as well as enhanced antioxidant capacity by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities of serum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found that CEPs altered ileum content microbiota composition, increasing the relative abundance of p_Bacteroidota and g_Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05). In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis identified 92 upregulated and 95 downregulated metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis of these differential metabolites revealed that CEP supplementation altered the metabolomic profile of the ileum contents, with differential metabolites mainly enriched in alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. These results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with CEPs at different doses improved antioxidant capacity to varying degrees and maintained intestinal immune balance by modulating microbiota, which provides a theoretical basis for the rational application of compound enzyme preparations in breeding pigeon feed. Moreover, this study provides mechanistic evidence that CEPs can improve intestinal health, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. It also fills a key knowledge gap in pigeon nutrition by linking enzyme use with gut microbiota and metabolic regulation. Full article

Continuous monoculture alters rhizosphere soil conditions and microbial community structure, but the integrated soil biochemical, microbial, and metabolomic responses of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) rhizosphere soils remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we compared uncropped/non-continuously cropped pepper soil (Y0) with soil under 10 years of pepper monoculture (Y10) using soil physicochemical assays, enzyme measurements, 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing, untargeted UHPLC-Q Exactive HFX metabolomics, and predictive functional profiling. Long-term monoculture markedly separated Y10 from Y0 in multivariate analyses. Y10 soils showed higher organic matter, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and electrical conductivity in soil-water extracts, whereas microbial biomass carbon and pH were lower. Soil enzyme profiles also differed between treatments. Microbial alpha diversity declined under Y10, and bacterial and fungal community structures were clearly separated between treatments. At the taxonomic level, Acidobacteriota and several oligotrophic bacterial taxa were relatively enriched in Y0, whereas Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, Bacillota, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and several fungal genus-level taxa increased in Y10. Untargeted metabolomics revealed extensive remodeling of rhizosphere metabolites, with 413 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated differential metabolites in Y10. Differential metabolites were mainly associated with carboxylic acids and derivatives, benzene and substituted derivatives, fatty acyls, aromatic-compound transformation, sulfur metabolism, alkaloid biosynthesis, and microbial metabolism. Correlation analyses further linked key microbial taxa with soil pH, microbial biomass carbon, available nutrients, electrical conductivity, and enzyme activities. These results indicate that long-term pepper monoculture is associated with coordinated shifts in soil chemical status, microbial community composition, and metabolite profiles. The study provides an integrated basis for understanding rhizosphere changes under pepper continuous-cropping systems while recognizing that functional predictions and metabolite annotations require experimental validation. Full article