Search Results (148)

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) can be produced from the metabolism of foods containing sulfur in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). At low doses, H₂S regulates the gut microbial community and supports GIT health, but depending on dose, age, and individual health conditions, it may also contribute to inflammatory responses and gut barrier dysfunction. Controlling H₂S production in the GIT is important for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. However, research on this subject is limited due to the gaseous nature of the chemical and the difficulty of accessing the GIT in situ. In the present ex vivo experiment, we used a single-dose sodium sulfide preparation (SSP) as a H₂S precursor to test the effect of H₂S on the human gut microbiome across different age groups, including breastfed infants, toddlers, adults, and older adults. Metagenomic sequencing and metabolite measurements revealed that the development of the gut microbial community and the production of short-chain fatty-acids (SCFAs) were age-dependent; that the infant and the older adult groups were more sensitive to SSP exposure; that exogeneous SSP suppressed SCFA production across all age groups, except for butyrate in the older adult group, suggesting that H₂S selectively favors specific gut microbial processes. Full article

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal is a promising sustainable protein for pet food, yet its effect on nutrient balance and granule texture is incompletely defined. Five dry dog food formulas containing 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45% of T. molitor meal were extruded and analyzed for proximate composition, fatty-acid and amino-acid profiles, and compressive mechanical properties. Crude-protein concentration remained stable, whereas fat and ash increased (p < 0.01) and carbohydrates decreased as the inclusion level rose. Tenebrio molitor meal enriches granules in oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids, improving the ω-6:ω-3 ratio from 8.0 to 5.4. Essential amino acid levels were conserved, although lysine and methionine fell modestly (≤11%). Mechanical testing showed a linear decline in hardness (331 → 300 N) and stiffness (46 → 41 N mm⁻¹), indicating softer, more deformable granules at higher inclusion levels. The inclusion of up to 45% T. molitor meal can be incorporated without compromising protein quality while enhancing unsaturated fat content. Minor lysine/methionine dilution can be offset by targeted supplementation. These data support wider adoption of insect protein in hypoallergenic and eco-friendly canine diets. Full article

The present work aimed to obtain and characterize sunflower seed oil (SO) enriched with compounds from turmeric rhizome (TR). For this purpose, the enriched oil was obtained from two strategies: extraction of the compounds from TR using SO as solvent (ESO) and simultaneous extraction of SO and TR compounds using ethyl acetate as solvent (ESOS). In these strategies, the effect of time (15 and 30 min) and temperature (60 and 70 °C) on the enrichment in relation to the curcuminoids content was determined. Evaluation of phytochemicals such as total phenolic compounds (TPCs), phenolic compound profile and fatty-acid profile and bioactivity by antioxidant potential (AP) was carriedoutin the enriched oils and in the SO;mean while, oxidative stability and cytotoxicity were evaluated using HaCaT (human immortalized keratinocyte) cells. From the results obtained, higher contents of curcuminoids (510 mg/100 g oil) were observed in the oil obtained from simultaneous extraction (ESOS) in a shorter time and lower temperature (15 min and 60 °C), and similar behavior was found for the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential. The profile of phenolic compounds revealed the presence of phenolic acids, curcuminoids and terpenes in the composition of the enriched oils, which increased oxidative stability. The oils obtained did not show any cytotoxic effect against the cells tested, confirmed by the high survival rate (>88%) after 48 h of exposure. Full article

The development of BPD in preterm neonates is increased by poor growth and nutritional deficits. The involvement of the fatty acid DHA in the development of BPD has been a focus for over a decade. However, recent clinical trials show that isolated DHA supplementation may increase BPD in subgroups of preterm neonates. One explanation for poor lung outcomes in DHA-supplemented neonates is a disruption of global fatty acid profiles and increased expression of a dominant-negative splice variant of a key driver of lung development, PPARγ. We previously developed a rat model of postnatal growth restriction (PGR) in which pups have impaired lung function and altered PPARγ activity. Here, we use our PGR rat model to assess the effects of DHA supplementation on lung outcomes. We hypothesize that the PPARγ splice variant, PPARγΔ5, will be expressed in the rat lung, and that DHA supplementation of PGR rat pups will alter circulating lipid profiles, lung mechanics, and PPARγ variant expression. Our findings demonstrate that PPARγΔ5 is expressed in the developing rat lung and that DHA supplementation of PGR rat pups alters global circulating fatty-acid profiles and does not normalize PGR-induced impaired lung mechanics or PPARγ activity. Full article

Recent interest in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) as an ecologically-sustainable and climate-conscious aquaculture system has resulted in testing different species partnerships and configurations in anticipation of industrialization. Deposit feeders like the California sea cucumber (Apostichopus californicus) have been suggested as ideal partners for IMTA with finfish, due to their ability to consume fish waste as well as their passive nature. However, the nutritional impacts of feeding on fish waste in IMTA have not yet been established for this species. The present study tested the effect of 3 months of inclusion in IMTA with Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) on the fatty-acid and nitrogenous-metabolite profiles of California sea cucumbers. The fatty-acid profiles of IMTA sea cucumbers showed significant changes from wild reference individuals, while few differences were detected in amino acids and other nitrogenous metabolites. Sea cucumbers housed directly in cages with salmon showed distinct shifts in their fatty-acid profiles toward higher levels of MUFAs and lower levels of SFAs, while PUFA concentrations remained the same. Sea cucumbers included in IMTA with finfish may be even more healthful for humans due to the accumulation of certain unsaturated fatty acids in their tissues not seen in wild reference individuals. Full article

Functional foods, thanks to their basic nutritional properties, can have physiological benefits and can alleviate the symptoms of many chronic diseases. They contain active components deriving either from plant or animal sources, and they show anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, and antioxidant pharmacological activities that could be useful in preventing oxidative damage and inflammatory processes in a variety of disorders. There is evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical observational studies that some compounds have significant effects in modulating the muscular dystrophy phenotype, which is characterized by fibrosis, myofiber necrotic cell death, inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysfunctional mitochondria. This review involves collecting data from the main medical databases and detailing the key features involved in muscular dystrophy progression and the relevance of fatty-acid compounds as diet supplements in the management of the disease. Omega fatty acids improve the dystrophic phenotype in terms of fibrosis and inflammation reduction, stimulating mitochondrial activity and antioxidant systems. Omega fatty acids could play a crucial role as food supplementation to delay dystrophy progression. This overview appears extremely relevant for researchers who are studying these molecules as valid alternatives to glucocorticoids, that today remain the only recognized pharmacological cure for dystrophic patients. Full article

Background and aims: Aframomum melegueta (A. melegueta) from the ginger family is appreciated for its pungent seeds widely used in African ethno-medicine. Among the several biological activities associated with the seed’s preparations, some preclinical studies suggest a set of neuroactive properties that have not been tested in humans to date. We performed a clinical trial to investigate the effects of A. melegueta seed extracts on anxiety, stress, mood, and sleep in healthy subjects with moderate anxiety levels. In vitro pharmacological assays targeting the endocannabinoid, serotoninergic, and GABAergic systems were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. Methods: A. melegueta standardized to 10% total vanilloids (primarily 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and 6-paradol) was obtained after hydroalcoholic extraction and the spray-drying microencapsulation process. Subjects consumed 50, 100, or 150 mg of the extract daily for three days. A set of validated psychometric test questionnaires was collected before and 48 h after the first intake. A. melegueta extract interaction with canonical endocannabinoid receptors (hCB1R and hCB2R), the serotonin receptor (5HT1AR) and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAA1R) was evaluated by the radioligand binding assay. Additionally, receptor functional assays and enzyme inhibition assays were conducted to test the extract’s functional activity on the non-canonical endocannabinoid receptor (TRPV1) and the cannabinoid fatty-acid amide hydrolase enzyme (FAAH), respectively. Results: In vitro pharmacological tests showed that the A. melegueta extract activated TRPV1, modulated both hCB2R and 5HT1AR and inhibited FAAH, which is the enzyme primarily responsible for hydrolyzing endogenous anandamide. After a 48 h intake period, the extract significantly reduced anxiety and tension related to stress, improved overall mood, and enhanced sleep quality in the participants at doses ranging from 50 to 150 mg, with no reported side effects. Conclusions: This study supports the potential of the A. melegueta extract for anxiety reduction, mood improvement, stress mitigation, and sleep enhancement. The in vitro tests suggest that the extract’s primary mechanism of action may involve the inhibition of FAAH, which is a key target in anxiety management. Full article

Background: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one of the most important systems modulating functions in the body. The ECS, via cannabinoid (CB: CB1 and CB2) receptors, endocannabinoids occurring in the brain (e.g., anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)) and enzymes degrading endocannabinoids in the brain (fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)), plays a key role in the regulation of mood and anxiety. However, the effects of cannabinoid compounds on anxiety-related responses are complex and yield mixed results depending on the type of pharmacological manipulation (direct or indirect) of functions of the ECS, as well as the kinds of cannabinoids, dosage and procedure. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the influence of the direct (via CB receptors ligands) and indirect (via inhibition of enzymes degrading endocannabinoids in the brain) pharmacological modulation of ECS function on anxiety-like responses in mice in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. For this purpose, in the first step of the experiments, we used selected ligands of CB1, CB1/CB2 and CB2 receptors to assess which types of CB receptors are involved in anxiety-related responses in mice. Next, we used inhibitors of FAAH (which breaks down AEA) or MAGL (which breaks down 2-AG) to assess which endocannabinoid is more responsible for anxiety-related behavior in mice. Results: The results of our presented research showed that an acute administration of CB1 receptor agonist oleamide (5–20 mg/kg) had no influence on anxiety-related responses and CB1 receptor antagonist AM 251 (0.25–3 mg/kg) had anxiogenic effects in the EPM test in mice. In turn, an acute administration of mixed CB1/CB2 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 used at a dose of 1 mg/kg had an anxiolytic effect observed in mice in the EPM test. What is of interest is that both the acute administration of a CB2 receptor agonist (JWH 133 at the doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg) and antagonist (AM 630 at the doses of 0.5–2 mg/kg) had anxiogenic effects in this procedure. Moreover, we revealed that an acute administration of only FAAH inhibitor URB 597 (0.3 mg/kg) had an anxiolytic effect, while MAGL inhibitor JZL 184 (at any used doses (2–40 mg/kg)) after an acute injection had no influence on anxiety behavior in mice, as observed in the EPM test. Conclusions: In our experiments, we confirmed the clearly significant involvement of the ECS in anxiety-related responses. In particular, the pharmacological indirect manipulation of ECS functions is able to elicit promising anxiolytic effects. Therefore, the ECS could be a potential target for novel anxiolytic drugs; however, further studies are needed. Full article

Background: Recent research highlights the potential role of sex-specific variations in cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiome has been shown to differ between the sexes in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to analyze the differences between women and men in the relationship between gut microbiota and measures of arterial stiffness. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Spain, selecting 180 subjects (122 women, 58 men) aged between 45 and 74. Subjects with arterial stiffness were identified by the presence of at least one of the following: carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) above 12 mm/s, cardio–ankle vascular index (CAVI) above nine, or brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) above 17.5 m/s. All other cases were considered subjects without arterial stiffness. The composition of the gut microbiome in fecal samples was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: We found that women have a more diverse microbiome than men (Shannon, p < 0.05). There is also a significant difference in gut microbiota composition between sexes (Bray–Curtis, p < 0.01). Dorea, Roseburia, and Agathobacter, all of them short-chain fatty-acid producers, were more abundant in women’s microbiota (log values > 1, p-value and FDR < 0.05). Additionally, Blautia was more abundant in women when only the subjects with arterial stiffness were considered. According to logistic regression, Roseburia was negatively associated with arterial stiffness in men, while Bifidobacterium and Subdoligranulum were positively related to arterial stiffness. Conclusions: In the Spanish population under study, women had higher microbiome diversity and potentially protective genera. The host’s gender determines the influence of the same bacteria on arterial stiffness. Trial Registration Number: NCT03900338. Full article

Endocannabinoids have attracted great interest for their ability to counteract the neuroinflammation underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our study aimed at evaluating whether this activity was also due to a rebalance of autophagic mechanisms in cellular and animal models of AD. We supplied URB597, an inhibitor of Fatty-Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), the degradation enzyme of anandamide, to microglial cultures treated with Aβ_25-35, and to Tg2576 transgenic mice, thus increasing the endocannabinoid tone. The addition of URB597 did not alter cell viability and induced microglia polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, as shown by the modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as M1 and M2 markers; moreover microglia, after URB597 treatment released higher levels of Bdnf and Nrf2, confirming the protective role underlying endocannabinoids increase, as shown by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence experiments. We assessed the number and area of amyloid plaques in animals administered with URB597 compared to untreated animals and the expression of autophagy key markers in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex from both groups of mice, via immunohistochemistry and ELISA. After URB597 supply, we detected a reduction in the number and areas of amyloid plaques, as detected by Congo Red staining and a reshaping of microglia activation as shown by M1 and M2 markers’ modulation. URB597 administration restored autophagy in Tg2576 mice via an increase in BECN1 (Beclin1), ATG7 (Autophagy Related 7), LC3 (light chain 3) and SQSTM1/p62 (sequestrome 1) as well as via the activation of the ULK1 (Unc-51 Like Autophagy Activating Kinase 1) signaling pathway, suggesting that it targets mTOR/ULK1-dependent autophagy pathway. The potential of endocannabinoids to rebalance autophagy machinery may be considered as a new perspective for therapeutic intervention in AD. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, the differences in protein and fat bioactive components between the milk from purebred Polish Holstein Friesian (PHF) cows and PHF cows crossbred with Swedish Red (SRB) were investigated. The objective was to assess the impact of genetic variation on the nutritional quality of their milk. Methods: This study was conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences’ (WULS) experimental dairy farm in Warsaw, Poland, and involved 60 primiparous cows divided into two groups: 30 PHF×SRB crossbred cows and 30 purebred PHF cows. All cows were housed in a free-stall system with an average lactation yield exceeding 10,000 kg/lactation. The milk composition analyses included total protein, casein, whey protein, fatty acid profiles, and vitamin content. Results: Milk from the PHF×SRB hybrids showed a significantly greater total protein content (3.53%) compared to that from the purebred PHF cows (3.28%). The casein content was higher in the hybrids’ milk (2.90%) than the purebreds’ milk (2.78%), while the whey protein levels were lower in the purebred milk (0.50%) than in the hybrid milk (0.63%). The hybrids exhibited higher concentrations of certain saturated fatty acids in their milk, while the purebreds’ milk contained greater amounts of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins—E, D, and K. Conclusions: These results indicate that genetic selection through crossbreeding can enhance the nutritional quality of milk. The differences observed in protein, fatty-acid, and vitamin content underscore the role of the genotype in milk composition, suggesting that breeding strategies can optimize dairy products’ health benefits. Full article

The impact of caffeine and glucose supplementation in a hypoxic environment on endurance exercise performance remains inconclusive. The current study examined the effect of pre-exercise carbohydrate and caffeine supplementation on endurance exercise performance in an acute hypoxic environment. Eight healthy active young males participated in this double-blind, within-subjects crossover study. Participants ingested the test drink 60 min before exercising at 50% Wmax for 90 min on a cycle ergometer (fatiguing preload); there followed an endurance performance test at 85% Wmax until exhaustion in a hypoxic chamber (~15%O₂). Participants completed four experimental trials in a randomized order: caffeine (6 mg·kg⁻¹; Caff), glucose (1 g·kg⁻¹; CHO), caffeine (6 mg·kg⁻¹) + glucose (1 g·kg⁻¹; Caff−CHO), and taste- and color-matched placebo with no caffeine or CHO (PLA). Blood samples were collected during fasting, pre-exercise, every 30 min throughout the exercise, and immediately after exhaustion. The caffeine and glucose trials significantly enhanced endurance capacity in hypoxic conditions by Caff, 44% (68.8–31.5%, 95% confidence interval), CHO, 31% (44.7–15.6%), and Caff−CHO, 46% (79.1–13.2%). Plasma-free fatty-acid and glycerol concentrations were higher in Caff and PLA than in CHO and Caff−CHO (p < 0.05). The estimated rate of fat oxidation was higher in Caff and PLA than in CHO and Caff−CHO (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in ratings of perceived exertion between trials. In conclusion, the ingestion of caffeine, glucose, or caffeine + glucose one hour before exercising in hypoxic conditions significantly improved 85% Wmax endurance performance after prolonged exercise. Full article

At present, some ingredients called “novel foods”, such as seaweed, are being incorporated into meat products. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the use of Durvillaea antarctica meal as an extender of traditional beef burgers and its effect on quality, fatty-acid profile, and general acceptability. Prototypes including 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 3.0% Durvillaea antarctica meal were developed and measured for color, pH, water-holding capacity, fatty acids, and cholesterol profile. A trained sensory panel evaluated the organoleptic properties. The results show that as the amount of Durvillaea antarctica meal increases, the pH decreases less sharply compared to the control, while the water-holding capacity was similar to, but not better than, the control when including 3.0% of seaweed. On the other hand, the redness significantly decreased, affecting the sensory attributes of the product. The lipid profile was partially altered by the inclusion of the meal; it was observed that the percentage of saturated fats was reduced, and the levels of some omega3 fatty acids increased. Beef burgers made with 0.5% Durvillaea antarctica meal showed better acceptability and flavor. The use of seaweed, such as Durvillaea antarctica, could be a new alternative for the transformation of traditional meat products into new-generation foods. The evaluation of the functional and microbiological properties of the meat matrix, as well as nutraceutical properties and cost effectiveness, will be addressed in a future study. Full article

The fermentation process has a significant impact on the aromatic profile of wines, particularly in relation to the difference in fermentation matrix caused by grape varieties. This study investigates the leaching and evolution patterns of aroma compounds in Vitis vinifera L. Marselan and Merlot during an industrial-scale vinification process, including the stages of cold soak, alcohol fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and one-year bottle storage. The emphasis is on the differences between the two varieties. The results indicated that most alcohols were rapidly leached during the cold soak stage. Certain C6 alcohols, terpenes, and norisoprenoids showed faster leaching rates in ‘Marselan’, compared to ‘Merlot’. Some branched chain fatty-acid esters, such as ethyl 3-methylbutyrate, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, and ethyl lactate, consistently increased during the fermentation and bottling stages, with faster accumulation observed in ‘Marselan’. The study combines the Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) model based on odor activity values to elucidate the accumulation of these ethyl esters during bottle storage, compensating for the reduction in fruity aroma resulting from decreased levels of (E)-β-damascenone. The ‘Marselan’ wine exhibited a more pronounced floral aroma due to its higher level of linalool, compared to the ‘Merlot’ wine. The study unveils the distinctive variation patterns of aroma compounds from grapes to wine across grape varieties. This provides a theoretical framework for the precise regulation of wine aroma and flavor, and holds significant production value. Full article

The productivity of many tree crops is limited by low yield, partly due to high rates of fruitlet abscission during early fruit development. Early studies suggested that cross-pollinated fruitlets may be selectively retained during fruit development, although paternity testing of fruitlets to test this hypothesis was technically challenging. We used MassARRAY genotyping to determine the effects of pollen parentage on fruitlet retention and fruit quality of Hass avocado. We identified the paternity of abscised and retained fruitlets at 6 and 10 weeks, and mature fruit at 36 weeks, after peak anthesis. We measured the embryo mass, pericarp mass, total mass and nutrient concentrations of fruitlets, and the seed mass, flesh mass, total mass, diameter, length, nutrient concentrations and fatty-acid composition of mature fruit. The percentages of progeny on the tree that were cross-fertilised increased from 4.6% at 6 weeks after peak anthesis to 10.7% at fruit maturity. Only 1.0% of freshly abscised fruitlets on the ground at 10 weeks after peak anthesis were cross-pollinated even though 6.5% of retained fruitlets on the tree were cross-pollinated. At this stage, cross-pollinated fruitlets had similar nutrient concentrations to self-pollinated fruitlets, but they had higher total contents of P, K, Al, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn due to having greater fruitlet mass. At maturity, cross-pollinated fruit were 6% heavier and had 2% greater diameter than self-pollinated fruit, without significant differences in flesh nutrient concentrations or fatty acid composition. The results demonstrate that Hass avocado trees selectively retain cross-pollinated fruitlets, which are larger than self-pollinated fruitlets and ultimately produce larger mature fruit. Avocado growers can increase fruit size and yield by improving the opportunities for cross-pollination, possibly by closely interplanting type A and type B cultivars and introducing more beehives into orchards. Full article