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Search Results (928)

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Keywords = fatty-acid β-oxidation

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25 pages, 5649 KB  
Review
Tuberculosis and Cellular Metabolism: Insights into the Crosstalk Between Macrophage Immunometabolism and Muscle Dysregulation
by Mohammed J. A. Haider, Halemah AlSaeed and Fatema Al-Rashed
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 6062; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27136062 - 6 Jul 2026
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, and its outcome is shaped not only by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) itself, but also by the host’s metabolic state. This review synthesises current understanding of how Mtb reprograms [...] Read more.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, and its outcome is shaped not only by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) itself, but also by the host’s metabolic state. This review synthesises current understanding of how Mtb reprograms macrophage immunometabolism and how this reprogramming propagates to a systemic level, culminating in skeletal muscle dysregulation and TB-associated cachexia. We describe the molecular mechanisms by which Mtb subverts phagosomal maturation, the glycolytic (Warburg-like) switch governed by HIF-1α and accumulation of immunomodulatory tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and the M1/M2 polarisation balance that dictates bacterial containment versus persistence. We then trace the cytokine- and metabolite-mediated circuits (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, lactate, ketone bodies, free fatty acids) that link infected macrophages to ubiquitin–proteasome and autophagy–lysosome-driven muscle proteolysis, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Building on these mechanisms, we propose an immunometabolic and muscle-derived biomarker framework that, although still requiring clinical validation, may offer value for diagnosis, host-response stratification and treatment monitoring, and we discuss host-directed therapeutic strategies that target macrophage metabolism and muscle preservation. By integrating immunity, metabolism and systemic pathology at the molecular level, this work highlights translational opportunities relevant to the host immunity, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tuberculosis: Host Immunity, Diagnosis and Treatment)
14 pages, 5443 KB  
Article
Comparative Study of Young and Mature Dendropanax morbifera Leaves: Superior Neuroprotective Efficacy of Young Leaves Through Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory and Metabolic Modulation
by Da-un Jung, Ahreum Lee, Dalnim Kim and Hyun-Jeong Yang
Plants 2026, 15(13), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15132056 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 135
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, driven by microglial activation and oxidative stress, is a key pathological feature of various neurodegenerative diseases. Dendropanax morbifera Léveille (DM) is a medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological activities; however, the influence of leaf developmental stage on its neuroprotective potential remains [...] Read more.
Neuroinflammation, driven by microglial activation and oxidative stress, is a key pathological feature of various neurodegenerative diseases. Dendropanax morbifera Léveille (DM) is a medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological activities; however, the influence of leaf developmental stage on its neuroprotective potential remains poorly understood. In this study, we compared the phytochemical profiles of young DM (YDM) and mature DM leaves and evaluated their effects on neuronal metabolism and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. HPLC analysis revealed that YDM contained approximately 2.4-fold higher levels of chlorogenic acid than DM, while DM exhibited higher quercetin content. In differentiated N2A neuronal cells, YDM treatment significantly upregulated the expression of key metabolic and mitochondrial regulators, including PGC-1α, PPARγ, and CPT2, suggesting enhanced mitochondrial and metabolic regulatory signaling related to biogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation. Under inflammatory conditions, YDM more potently suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia compared to DM. Furthermore, in N2A cells treated with BV2-conditioned medium, both extracts effectively mitigated reactive oxygen species production and restored brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. These findings demonstrate that leaf age is a critical determinant of the phytochemical composition and biological activity of DM. Our results suggest that chlorogenic acid-rich YDM preparations may offer superior therapeutic advantages in targeting neuroinflammatory and metabolic dysregulation in the central nervous system. Full article
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18 pages, 3784 KB  
Article
Kinetic and Spectroscopic Evaluation of β-Carotene and α-Tocopherol Degradation in Fatty Acid Methyl Esters
by Paweł Grabowski, Angelika Szwarczyńska and Szymon Skorupski
Molecules 2026, 31(13), 2298; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31132298 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 146
Abstract
The limited oxidative stability of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) constrains their use as biofuels. This study presents a direct, side-by-side comparison of β-carotene and α-tocopherol as natural antioxidant additives in FAME produced from refined rapeseed oil, evaluated under identical thermo-oxidative conditions (100–140 [...] Read more.
The limited oxidative stability of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) constrains their use as biofuels. This study presents a direct, side-by-side comparison of β-carotene and α-tocopherol as natural antioxidant additives in FAME produced from refined rapeseed oil, evaluated under identical thermo-oxidative conditions (100–140 °C). We combine kinetic modelling (first-order and zero-order fits, Arrhenius analysis) with spectroscopic monitoring (UV–Vis for β-carotene; FT-IR for α-tocopherol) and standard oxidation indices (PV, AnV) to link antioxidant depletion to fuel oxidation. Key findings are: (1) β-carotene effectively delays hydroperoxide formation at lower temperatures but degrades rapidly above 120 °C (Ea 6–23 kJ·mol−1), producing secondary products that increase AnV; (2) α-tocopherol shows greater thermal resistance and predictable, dose-dependent protection across the tested range (optimal at 556 µg·mL−1), with higher doses exhibiting potential pro-oxidant effects; (3) activation energies and kinetic orders differ between antioxidants, indicating distinct degradation pathways in the FAME matrix. These results demonstrate that reintroducing natural antioxidants removed during refining can improve biodiesel durability, and that antioxidant selection and dosing must be tailored to expected thermal exposure. The combined kinetic–spectroscopic approach provides a practical framework for optimizing natural additive strategies in biodiesel formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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37 pages, 2053 KB  
Review
Mushroom-Derived Phenolic Compounds as Emerging Prebiotic-like Modulators of Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Health, and Metabolism
by Juliana Garcia, Eva Olo-Fontinha, Jani Silva, Rui Dias-Costa, Maria José Alves and Irene Gouvinhas
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(7), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19071014 - 30 Jun 2026
Viewed by 269
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mushroom-derived phenolic compounds are gaining attention as bioactive molecules with potential roles in gut microbiota modulation, intestinal health, and metabolic regulation. Although mushroom polysaccharides are well established as fermentable substrates, the contribution of fungal phenolics to microbiota–host interactions remains less defined. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Mushroom-derived phenolic compounds are gaining attention as bioactive molecules with potential roles in gut microbiota modulation, intestinal health, and metabolic regulation. Although mushroom polysaccharides are well established as fermentable substrates, the contribution of fungal phenolics to microbiota–host interactions remains less defined. This review aimed to critically analyse the evidence supporting mushroom-derived phenolic compounds as emerging prebiotic-like modulators of gut microbiota, intestinal function, and host metabolism. Methods: A narrative critical review was conducted using scientific literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies addressing phenolic profiling in edible and medicinal mushrooms, gastrointestinal digestion, colonic fermentation, microbial biotransformation, gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier function, inflammation, and metabolic outcomes were considered. Particular attention was given to chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based studies, in vitro digestion/fermentation models, mechanistic studies, animal experiments, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results: Current evidence shows that mushrooms contain diverse phenolic compounds, mainly phenolic acids such as gallic, protocatechuic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, vanillic, syringic, and cinnamic acids. Due to limited small intestine absorption, a substantial fraction of these compounds may reach the colon, where they undergo microbial biotransformation into smaller phenolic metabolites. These metabolites may influence microbial ecology, support beneficial taxa, modulate short-chain fatty acid production indirectly, attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, and contribute to intestinal barrier integrity. However, most evidence derives from in vitro and preclinical studies, while human data remain limited and are mainly based on whole-mushroom interventions. Conclusions: Mushroom-derived phenolic compounds are promising prebiotic-like modulators within the microbiota–metabolite–host axis. Nevertheless, their specific contribution cannot yet be quantitatively distinguished from that of other mushroom constituents, particularly β-glucans, chitin, and other fungal polysaccharides, because most available evidence derives from whole-mushroom matrices, crude extracts, or polysaccharide-rich preparations rather than isolated phenolic fractions. Future studies should compare whole mushroom preparations, polysaccharide-rich fractions, and standardized phenolic-rich extracts, integrating metabolomics, microbiome profiling, and well-designed clinical trials to clarify the relative mechanistic and therapeutic relevance of mushroom phenolics. Future studies should use standardized phenolic-rich extracts, metabolomics, microbiome analysis, and well-designed clinical trials to clarify their mechanistic relevance, clinical significance, and translational potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Activity and Application of Polyphenolic Compounds)
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20 pages, 15749 KB  
Article
Lactobacillus murinus Mediates Multi-Target Protection to Alleviate Cyclophosphamide-Induced Intestinal Injury and Immune Suppression Through the Gut–Metabolism–Immune Axis
by Jingna Wu, Nan Pan, Xiaoting Chen, Lexuan Qi, Hui Huang, Xiaoya Qu and Zhiyu Liu
Biomolecules 2026, 16(7), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16070957 - 29 Jun 2026
Viewed by 245
Abstract
The protective effects of Lactobacillus murinus on chemotherapy-related intestinal injury and immune imbalances were explored by establishing a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. CTX treatment led to intestinal barrier destruction, exacerbated local inflammation, and significantly reduced short-chain fatty acid levels (especially butyrate), [...] Read more.
The protective effects of Lactobacillus murinus on chemotherapy-related intestinal injury and immune imbalances were explored by establishing a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mouse model of immunosuppression. CTX treatment led to intestinal barrier destruction, exacerbated local inflammation, and significantly reduced short-chain fatty acid levels (especially butyrate), accompanied by systemic immune suppression. Lactobacillus murinus intervention, especially at medium and high doses, dose-dependently repaired the intestinal barrier, inhibited inflammatory responses, restored levels of metabolites such as butyrate, and systematically regulated splenic immune cell proportions, restoring the CD4+/CD8+ balance. Metabolomic analysis further revealed that, at different doses, this regulation affected distinct metabolic pathways: low doses enhanced glutathione and purine metabolism, medium doses restored folate and steroid hormone metabolism, and high doses promoted fatty acid β-oxidation and galactose metabolism, forming a multi-level metabolic protective network. This suggests that L. murinus can alleviate chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis and mitigate systemic immune suppression through a dual local anti-inflammatory and systemic immune-regulatory effect, with potential mechanisms related to butyrate-mediated regulation of the “metabolism–immune axis,” providing evidence for probiotic-assisted chemotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
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26 pages, 7002 KB  
Article
Proteomics and Metabolomics Reveal Novel Impacts of Choline Supply on Calf Hepatocytes Experiencing Accumulation During a Fatty Acid Challenge
by Yaqi Chang, Bin Jia, Yaran Si, Zexin Zhang, Jiachen Liu, Yue Gao, Junhao Wang, Yanhui Wang, Juan J. Loor, Bingbing Zhang and Wei Yang
Metabolites 2026, 16(7), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16070451 - 26 Jun 2026
Viewed by 248
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Exposure to high and sustained levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the peripartal period is the main cause of fatty liver disease in dairy cows. Rumen-protected choline is often fed as part of the nutritional management of peripartal cows, with in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Exposure to high and sustained levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the peripartal period is the main cause of fatty liver disease in dairy cows. Rumen-protected choline is often fed as part of the nutritional management of peripartal cows, with in vivo and in vitro data indicating positive effects of this nutrient on alleviating liver lipid accumulation. Although hepatic molecular mechanisms associated with choline supply have been studied using a target gene, protein, or metabolite approach, application of high-throughput technologies could vastly enhance fundamental knowledge on the functional role of choline. The main objective was to challenge isolated hepatocytes with a mixture of NEFA and determine proteome- and metabolome-wide effects in response to choline supply. Methods: Three healthy female calves (1 d old, 30–45 kg) were sacrificed to harvest hepatocytes. During a 12 h incubation, isolated hepatocytes were challenged without NEFA (control), 1.2 mM NEFA (c9-18:1, 18:2, 16:0, 18:0, and c9-16:1 at 43.5%, 4.9%, 31.9%, 14.4%, and 5.3% of total NEFA, respectively), or NEFA for 6 h followed by 10 μM choline chloride for another 6 h (NEFA + Chol). iTRAQ labeling-based protein profiling and GC/MS-based metabolomics profiling were used to determine changes in proteins and metabolites. Differentially abundant proteins for each group comparison were determined at a threshold of 1.4-fold change. Differences in metabolite profiles were assessed via pairwise comparisons. A subset of differentially abundant proteins was validated via qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: Compared with the control, there were 90 proteins and 22 metabolites in the NEFA group, and 83 proteins and 29 metabolites in the NEFA + Chol. Compared with NEFA, there were 49 proteins and 17 metabolites in the NEFA + Chol group. Greater abundance of hexokinase-1 (HK1), fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (ALDOA), mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1), and increased concentrations of lactate with high NEFA treatment alone suggested greater glycolytic and TCA cycle activity. Accumulation of triacylglycerol in the NEFA group was associated with lipotoxicity and markers of inflammation, such as greater abundance of prostaglandin reductase 1 (PTGR1), serious cell autophagy processes, such as greater abundance of cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), and NFκB-related proteins. Choline supplementation reduced TAG partly due to greater VLDL secretion driven by greater abundance of diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1), perilipin 3 (PLIN3), and apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3). In addition, a greater abundance of carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1b (CPT1B) with choline suggested enhanced mitochondrial β-oxidation. Activation of the CDC42/JNK pathway and ROS/NFκB axis-related proteins, along with depressed PI3K/AKT/RAC-related proteins, indicated enhanced mitochondrial autophagy in response to NEFA. Conclusions: Overall, data confirmed published effects of choline on TAG accumulation, VLDL secretion, and fatty acid oxidation, while highlighting negative effects of NEFA on the respiratory electron transport chain, autophagy, and inflammatory processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Research in Dairy Cattle Health)
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17 pages, 1507 KB  
Article
Separation of the Lipid Fraction from Cocoa Bean Husks Using Ethyl Acetate as Solvent in Ultrasound-Assisted Process
by Lauana Fernandes Silva, Stenio Cristaldo Heck, Vitor Augusto dos Santos Garcia and Camila da Silva
Foods 2026, 15(13), 2275; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15132275 - 25 Jun 2026
Viewed by 191
Abstract
This study aimed to obtain the lipid fraction from cocoa bean husks by applying ethyl acetate as an extraction solvent in an ultrasound-assisted extraction process. The effects of temperature (T), time (t), and solvent:husk ratio (R) on the lipid fraction (LF) yield were [...] Read more.
This study aimed to obtain the lipid fraction from cocoa bean husks by applying ethyl acetate as an extraction solvent in an ultrasound-assisted extraction process. The effects of temperature (T), time (t), and solvent:husk ratio (R) on the lipid fraction (LF) yield were evaluated. The removal of minor compounds (phytosterols and tocopherols) and total phenolics was evaluated under selected conditions, as well as the value of conjugated dienes (CDs). Extraction with n-hexane was performed for comparative purposes. The prediction of the solubility of the main compounds identified in the solvents used was conducted. The influence of the variables on LF removal was T > t > R, which provided the highest result (13.54 ± 0.47 wt%) at the highest levels adopted (70 °C, 60 min, 12 g/mL), a value 23% higher than that obtained using n-hexane. Under these conditions, there is also greater recovery of minor compounds from the peels, especially β-sitosterol, which was quantified at 43 to 50% of the concentration of these compounds. The use of ethyl acetate provided greater removal of minor compounds and total phenolics, resulting in lower primary lipid oxidation products (CD value). The relationship between these properties was evidenced by the Pearson correlation matrix, especially for stigmasterol, campesterol, total phenolics, and total minor compounds. The thermodynamic modeling reveals regimes ranging from full miscibility of liquid solutes to limited solubility of phytosterols and gallic acid; however, the contrast with experimental data indicates that real extraction is limited by kinetic barriers and plant matrix effects. The solvent extractor did not influence the fatty acid profile of the LF obtained, consisting mainly of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic). Full article
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37 pages, 2627 KB  
Review
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Alzheimer’s Disease: Toward a New Understanding of Neuroprotective Mechanisms and Intervention Strategies
by Giacoma Galizzi
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(7), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24070224 - 25 Jun 2026
Viewed by 597
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances, current therapies offer little benefit, and AD remains a significant challenge. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Despite recent advances, current therapies offer little benefit, and AD remains a significant challenge. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have attracted attention for their neuroprotective effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but also for their ability to influence membrane fluidity and neuronal function. DHA is the predominant omega-3 PUFA in nerve cell membranes and is critical for synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Some evidence has demonstrated that marine omega-3 supplementation reduces Aβ deposition, modulates microglial activation, and prevents cognitive decline in animal models. Even with heterogeneous results, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that long-term DHA/EPA supplementation can improve cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and reduce neuroinflammation markers. However, individual variability and brain bioavailability pose significant challenges. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge on the importance of PUFAs for human health, exploring novel mechanistic hypotheses, such as the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on brain iron homeostasis, the microbiota–gut–brain axis, the glymphatic system, and miRNAs. Furthermore, it focuses on the therapeutic potential of PUFAs in the treatment of AD and proposes future directions for translational research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine-Derived Novel Drugs in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease)
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11 pages, 350 KB  
Article
Preliminary Study on Nutritional Value and Biologically Active Components of Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria L.)
by Olga Teneva, Zhana Petkova, Ginka Antova, Maria Angelova-Romova, Elis Yusein, Tsvetelina Mladenova, Donika Gyuzeleva, Anelia Bivolarska, Rumen Mladenov, Krasimir Todorov and Plamen Stoyanov
Plants 2026, 15(13), 1954; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15131954 - 25 Jun 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
The aim of the current study is to determine the nutritional value and the content of the biologically active components in kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria L.). It is established that the dry biomass contains substantial amounts of proteins and carbohydrates, primarily dietary [...] Read more.
The aim of the current study is to determine the nutritional value and the content of the biologically active components in kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria L.). It is established that the dry biomass contains substantial amounts of proteins and carbohydrates, primarily dietary fiber, while the total oil content is relatively low (below 3.0%). The isolated glyceride oil represents the complete lipid fraction derived from all plant parts (leaves, stems, and flowers). The glyceride oil of A. vulneraria is notable for its high levels of biologically active constituents, particularly sterols, tocopherols, and phospholipids. Palmitic (30.3%) and oleic (11.5%) acids dominate the fatty acid profile; β-sitosterol, α-tocotrienol, and α-tocopherol are the major sterol and tocopherol components, respectively. On the other hand, phosphatidylinositol, together with phosphatidic acids, prevails within the phospholipid fraction. Based on the obtained fatty acid composition, several important ratios were calculated—unsaturated fatty acids (UFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA), saturated fatty acids/monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/saturated fatty acids, and n-6/n-3, providing an integrated assessment of the lipid quality. The PUFA/SFA value (0.24) suggests relatively high oxidative stability. In contrast, the n-6/n-3 ratio (0.86) shows a balanced distribution of essential fatty acids, which is associated with favorable nutritional properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)
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16 pages, 3170 KB  
Article
Integrated Multi-Omics Links Bisphenol AF (BPAF) Exposure to Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disruption via Succinate Dehydrogenase Dysfunction and Mitochondrial Impairment
by Ning Wang, Jing Xu, Jing Leng, Jia-Le Xu, Da-Sheng Lu, Fan Zhang, Dong-Sheng Yu, Ke-Lei Qian, Gong-Hua Tao, Ping Xiao and Xin-Yu Hong
Metabolites 2026, 16(7), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16070440 - 24 Jun 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Background/Objective: Bisphenol AF (BPAF), a fluorinated analogue of bisphenol A, is an environmental contaminant associated with hepatotoxicity and metabolic disruption. However, the systematic molecular mechanisms linking early transcriptional events to metabolic dysfunction in the liver remain poorly defined. The aim of this study [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Bisphenol AF (BPAF), a fluorinated analogue of bisphenol A, is an environmental contaminant associated with hepatotoxicity and metabolic disruption. However, the systematic molecular mechanisms linking early transcriptional events to metabolic dysfunction in the liver remain poorly defined. The aim of this study is to elucidate the association between BPAF exposure and hepatic lipid accumulation by integrating transcriptomics, cellular metabolomics, and targeted phenotypic assays. Methods: We performed RNA-sequencing on livers from mice exposed to BPAF (0.1–10 mg/kg/day, 28 days), and performed non-targeted metabolomics on AML12 murine hepatocytes co-cultured with RAW264.7 macrophages in a Transwell system (0–2500 nM BPAF, 48 h). Key metabolic pathways were identified through integrated bioinformatics and validated using enzymatic assays, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and phenotypic staining (lipid droplets, ROS). Results: Multi-omics integration revealed significant disruption of PPAR signaling and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. A striking dose-dependent accumulation of succinate was observed in exposed cells, concomitant with a significant inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity (52% reduction at 2500 nM, p < 0.001). Transcriptomic data confirmed the downregulation of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation genes. Phenotypic validation indicated that BPAF exposure is associated with oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6), and pronounced intracellular lipid droplet accumulation in hepatocytes. Conclusions: This study suggests that BPAF exposure is associated with SDH dysfunction, TCA cycle arrest, and lipid dysregulation. Whether BPAF directly inhibits SDH or acts through upstream mitochondrial targets warrants further structural and kinetic investigation. Full article
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23 pages, 1464 KB  
Review
Ketogenic Diet in Obesity and Diabetes: A Narrative Review
by Yousun An, Nicholas Norris, Donglai Li and Jenny E. Gunton
Nutrients 2026, 18(12), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18122004 - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 364
Abstract
A ketogenic diet (KD) is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat dietary approach. Beyond treating neurologic disorders, KDs have attracted significant media attention for their potential to improve obesity and diabetes. The diet induces a metabolic shift from glucose toward fatty acid oxidation and ketone body [...] Read more.
A ketogenic diet (KD) is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat dietary approach. Beyond treating neurologic disorders, KDs have attracted significant media attention for their potential to improve obesity and diabetes. The diet induces a metabolic shift from glucose toward fatty acid oxidation and ketone body production. This shift leads to ketosis, which may reduce hunger, partly through the anorexigenic effects of ketone bodies, thereby contributing to weight loss and improved metabolic parameters, including glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity. In particular, the positive effects of KDs lower insulin demand and may thereby improve β-cell function. However, the long-term efficacy, safety, and sustainability of KDs, especially for diabetes, remain debated. This review offers current insights into the effects of ketogenesis and ketosis, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying them. We explore the metabolic effects of KDs in obesity and diabetes, drawing on preclinical and clinical studies, and suggest that combining KDs with antidiabetic agents may provide synergistic benefits. However, combining KDs with these pharmacotherapies, particularly SGLT-2 inhibitors, requires careful clinical supervision because of potential risks, including euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis. We explore how a KD alters the composition of the gut microbiota, thereby affecting host health. We conclude by highlighting challenges and future directions for optimising KD-based therapies and by outlining the limitations of the current review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Ketogenic Diet on Human Health)
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18 pages, 22421 KB  
Article
Alginate Oligosaccharide Alleviates Severe Acute Pancreatitis in Mice via Suppression of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Modulation of Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Integrity
by Xianglong Ou, Yi Dai, Xiangyue Hu, Yuan Liu, Shibin Yuan, Le Wang, Bangyuan Wu and Tingting Fang
Biomolecules 2026, 16(6), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16060917 - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 304
Abstract
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a life-threatening inflammatory disorder characterized by high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS), a marine-derived bioactive polysaccharide, exhibits prebiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are effective against various inflammatory diseases. In this study, a mouse model [...] Read more.
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a life-threatening inflammatory disorder characterized by high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS), a marine-derived bioactive polysaccharide, exhibits prebiotic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are effective against various inflammatory diseases. In this study, a mouse model of SAP was established by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (100 μg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (5 mg/kg), and the mice were pretreated with AOS (200 mg/kg) by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks to explore the potential protective efficacy and underlying mechanisms. The results shown that AOS attenuated the severity of SAP, as evidenced by reduced serum amylase and lipase levels, as well as alleviated histopathological injury in both pancreatic and ileal tissues. AOS suppressed the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in serum, pancreas, and ileum at protein or mRNA levels. Moreover, AOS effectively diminished pancreatic and ileal inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress in SAP mice, accompanied by inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis. Furthermore, AOS restored intestinal barrier integrity, as manifested by upregulated expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1), reduced serum diamine oxidase, and decreased bacterial translocation from the gut to the pancreas. It was revealed by 16S rRNA sequencing that AOS ameliorated SAP-induced gut dysbiosis by restoring microbial diversity, normalizing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, enriching beneficial genera (Lactobacillus, Blautia), and enhancing cecal short-chain fatty acid (acetic, propionic, butyric acid) production. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that AOS exerts comprehensive protective effects against SAP through suppression of inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress, as well as restoring gut homeostasis. These results suggest that AOS may serve as a promising prebiotic-based nutritional strategy for the management of SAP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Bio-derived Molecules)
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27 pages, 41048 KB  
Article
Schisandrin B Attenuates Renal Fibrotic Remodeling in Association with Restoration of a PPARα-Related Tubular Fatty-Acid Oxidation Program
by Yun Deng, Changhong Xu, Jiaxuan Ma, Rui Yan, Yalong Zhang, Hao Wang, Kangyu Wang, Jiangwei Man and Li Yang
Biomedicines 2026, 14(6), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14061351 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 271
Abstract
Background: Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and contributes to delayed graft function and progression toward chronic kidney disease. In addition to oxidative stress and inflammation, RIRI induces profound metabolic derangements, particularly suppression of tubular fatty-acid [...] Read more.
Background: Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and contributes to delayed graft function and progression toward chronic kidney disease. In addition to oxidative stress and inflammation, RIRI induces profound metabolic derangements, particularly suppression of tubular fatty-acid β-oxidation (FAO), leading to energetic stress, lipid accumulation, and maladaptive repair. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α (PPARα) is a key regulator of tubular FAO, but whether Schisandrin B (Sch B) mitigates RIRI through restoration of a PPARα-associated metabolic program remains unclear. Objective: To determine whether Sch B alleviates RIRI in association with restoration of tubular FAO and attenuation of lipid accumulation and fibrotic remodeling. Methods: A unilateral murine renal I/R model and an HK-2 hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model were used. Mice received Sch B (20 or 40 mg/kg/day) before I/R, and a subset was co-treated with the PPARα antagonist GW6471. Renal function, tubular injury, fibrosis, lipid accumulation, and FAO-related proteins were assessed by serum biochemistry, histopathology, Oil Red O staining, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Bulk RNA-seq and public single-cell RNA-seq datasets were integrated to characterize metabolic pathway remodeling and cell-type-associated PPARα changes. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the potential interaction between Sch B and PPARα. Results: Sch B significantly improved renal function, reduced tubular injury, and attenuated interstitial collagen deposition after I/R. Sch B also reduced lipid droplet accumulation, preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure, and restored the expression of FAO-related proteins, including CPT1A, CPT2, and ACADM. In vivo and in vitro, Sch B decreased α-SMA, COL1A1, and vimentin expression, indicating attenuation of EMT-associated/profibrotic remodeling. Integrated transcriptomic analyses supported marked metabolic reprogramming after I/R, with enrichment of FAO- and PPAR-related pathways and reduced PPARα expression predominantly in tubular compartments. Sch B was associated with restoration of tubular PPARα expression, while docking and molecular dynamics analyses supported a plausible Sch B–PPARα interaction in silico. GW6471 blunted the beneficial effects of Sch B on fibrosis-related and FAO-related readouts. Conclusions: Sch B alleviates RIRI and limits subsequent fibrotic remodeling in association with restoration of a PPARα-related tubular FAO program, reduced lipid accumulation, and preservation of tubular metabolic homeostasis. These findings identify metabolic reprogramming as an important component of Sch B-mediated renoprotection, although the precise mode by which Sch B regulates PPARα requires further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Pathogenesis to Therapies: Innovations in Kidney Disease)
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18 pages, 2059 KB  
Article
Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Chronic Cisplatin Exposure Is Associated with Metabolic Rewiring Toward Glutathione Metabolism to Support Redox Adaptation in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
by Ashlyn Conant, Kayla Sanchez, Shreya Patil, Ethan Nyein, Tise Suzuki, Gary Yu, Marlon Maus, Salvador Soriano, Christian Hurtz and Juli J. Unternaehrer
Cancers 2026, 18(12), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18121945 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 419
Abstract
Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy is the frontline treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC); however, the development of therapy resistance greatly limits clinical response. Increasing evidence suggests that platinum agent-driven metabolic programming, particularly within redox-associated pathways, may contribute to chemoresistance. Methods: A syngeneic pair [...] Read more.
Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy is the frontline treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC); however, the development of therapy resistance greatly limits clinical response. Increasing evidence suggests that platinum agent-driven metabolic programming, particularly within redox-associated pathways, may contribute to chemoresistance. Methods: A syngeneic pair of patient-derived HGSOC cell lines representing cisplatin-sensitive (SE) and cisplatin-resistant (CR) states were evaluated using a multi-omics approach. Differential metabolite abundance and gene expression were assessed, followed by gene set and pathway enrichment analyses to identify coordinated metabolic shifts. In silico analysis of an additional sensitive and resistant HGSOC cell line validated the glutathione pathway upregulation seen in the patient-derived model. The functional contribution of the glutathione pathway on cisplatin resistance was evaluated following glutathione inhibition. Results: Chronic cisplatin exposure induced extensive metabolic rewiring in CR cells, characterized by enrichment of glutathione metabolism at both the metabolite and gene levels. Increased reduced glutathione was observed alongside upregulation of key enzymes involved in its de novo biosynthesis, recycling, and utilization, consistent with enhanced detoxification capacity relating to cisplatin-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, taurine was highly enriched, further highlighting a metabolic shift towards enhanced antioxidant mechanisms. CR cells also demonstrated an increase in NADPH-generating pathways, including amino acid metabolism and fatty acid β oxidation, to support redox balance and biosynthetic demands of increased glutathione metabolism. Transcriptional remodeling of the γ-glutamyl cycle further indicated a shift toward increased glutathione turnover, suggesting that the coordinated changes seen may define a metabolic state enhanced in oxidative stress tolerance and therapeutic resistance. These transcriptional changes were also seen in another model of platinum sensitivity/resistance, indicating a conserved response associated with platinum-induced resistance. Finally, concurrent cisplatin treatment and glutathione inhibition significantly increased sensitivity within the CR cells. Conclusions: These findings suggest that cisplatin-resistant cells, previously exposed to a platinum-based agent, may undergo distinct metabolic rewiring towards antioxidant pathways to survive chronic chemotherapeutic stress. Targeting components of these systems may represent a viable strategy to overcome platinum resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment-Induced Metabolic and Inflammatory Responses in Cancer)
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23 pages, 5594 KB  
Article
Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Attenuates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Reprograms Lipid Metabolism in Heat-Stressed Laying Hens: Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses
by Dan Wang, Haiqiu Tan, Lin Peng, Xuanfu Wu, Jiang Gao and Wenqiang Ma
Biology 2026, 15(12), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15120917 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 331
Abstract
Heat stress leads to excessive hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative imbalance in laying hens, especially during peak laying period. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a dietary polyphenol with antioxidant and lipid-modulating properties, may improve hepatic lipid homeostasis, yet its effects under heat-stress conditions remain unclear. [...] Read more.
Heat stress leads to excessive hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative imbalance in laying hens, especially during peak laying period. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a dietary polyphenol with antioxidant and lipid-modulating properties, may improve hepatic lipid homeostasis, yet its effects under heat-stress conditions remain unclear. In this study, 240 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 36 weeks of age were randomly assigned to one of two treatments (120 hens per treatment, with six replicates of 20 hens each): a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg CGA and subjected to heat-stress conditions for 8 weeks. CGA supplementation significantly reduced liver weight (25.3%), liver index (14.4%), hepatic triglyceride content (29.1%), and serum triglyceride level (61.7%) (p < 0.05). Histological assessment revealed lower steatosis and inflammation scores, alongside increased hepatic SOD activity (13.6%) and decreased MDA content (58.7%) (p < 0.05). RNA-seq analysis identified 420 differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in PPAR signaling and fatty acid β-oxidation pathways. CGA upregulated fatty acid oxidation-related genes (ACSL1, CPT1A, ACOX1, ACAA1) and downregulated lipogenic markers (FASN, ACACA). Serum metabolomics revealed coordinated changes in lipid and carbon metabolism. These results indicate that dietary CGA alleviates hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in heat-stressed peak-laying hens, potentially via PPARα-mediated enhancement of fatty acid oxidation and inhibition of de novo lipogenesis. Full article
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