Search Results (149)

Background: Citrus components potentially suppress adipogenic differentiation and lipid accumulation, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We hypothesized that the bioactive compounds in Citrus junos Sieb ex Tanaka (yuzu) fruit peel can alter the systemic metabolism and productivity of beef cattle. Methods: Japanese Brown (JBR) steers were fed with a diet supplemented with 2.5% yuzu peel during the last month of the finishing period. To investigate the effect of dietary yuzu supplementation (DYS) on beef and liver metabolism, we explored the metabolomic profiles of longissimus thoracis (LT, loin) muscle at 14 d postmortem using capillary electrophoresis (CE-TOF/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF/MS). Results: The DYS treatment enhanced the beef fat score compared to that recorded in beef in the no-DYS (None) group (p = 0.050); however, the other carcass quality traits were not significantly different between the DYS and None groups. CE-TOF/MS and LC-TOF/MS revealed 242 and 107 annotated peaks, respectively, for the LT muscle. DYS significantly increased 9(S)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE, a beef flavor precursor), cyclo(-Leu-Pro), spermidine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and 7α-hydroxycholesterol levels and reduced 2-ethylhydracrylic acid (2-EHAA), γ-tocopherol, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), sphingomyelin(d18:1/16:0), Cys-Gly, Tyr-Arg, and palmitoylcarnitine levels in postmortem LT muscle (p < 0.050). Concomitantly, in the fresh liver, DYS increased acetyl-CoA, 6-phosphogluconic acid, S-methylglutathione, ATP, ribulose 5-phosphate, and ADP levels and suppressed the content of thiamine, Ala-Ala, riboflavin, and ascorbate 2-sulfate (p < 0.050). Conclusion: Collectively, yuzu ingredients activated ATP production in the liver through the elevation of hepatic energy metabolism primarily in the citrate cycle and β-oxidation, and potentially altered muscle metabolism, including linoleic acid oxidation, FAD-mediated electron transport chain, and isoleucine catabolism, as demonstrated in the reduced accumulation of 2-EHAA and CoQ10 in DYS beef. Moreover, DYS likely affects the gut microbiome by enhancing the production of cyclo(-Leu-Pro), an antimicrobial dipeptide. Full article

Background/Objectives: The ketogenic diet (KD) induces profound metabolic shifts, yet the sex-specific long-term effects on skeletal muscle metabolism and sterol homeostasis across tissues remain insufficiently characterized. This study tested the hypothesis that a prolonged KD would elicit distinct, sex-dependent metabolic and sterol adaptations in mice. Methods: We examined how a 12-week KD, compared with a standard diet, affected body mass, the skeletal muscle metabolome, hepatic lipid and collagen content, and sterol profiles in the skeletal muscle, liver, spleen, and serum in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Three-month-old mice of both sexes were randomized to a KD or standard diet and evaluated using the histological quantification of hepatic steatosis and collagen deposition, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF IMS) of skeletal muscle, and LC-MS/MS-based sterol profiling. Results: The KD induced rapid body mass gain in males and delayed weight gain in females, promoted hepatic steatosis in both sexes, and generated clearly segregated, sex- and diet-specific skeletal muscle metabolomic signatures. These signatures included reduced tricarboxylic acid cycle precursors and a marked decrease in S-adenosylmethionine in KD-fed females. Across tissues, the KD consistently suppressed precursor sterols, including 7-dehydrocholesterol and desmosterol in the skeletal muscle, liver, and spleen, while elevating serum cholesterol and desmosterol (male-biased), with changes generally more pronounced in males. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that a long-term KD drives sex- and organ-specific metabolic remodeling, with evidence of greater metabolic flexibility but a shared risk of hepatic steatosis in females. These results underscore the importance of personalized, sex-stratified approaches when considering long-term ketogenic interventions. Full article

Elateridae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) are renowned for their clicking mechanism. However, several lineages exhibit body softening that compromises this mechanism, particularly within Plastocerini, Drilini, and Omalisinae. It remains unclear how this body softening is anatomically achieved and which specific structures are degraded in relation to the loss of clicking function. To elucidate the internal morphological adaptations and distinguish them from hard-bodied clicking elateroids, we employed micro-CT to scan Plastocerus thoracicus and reconstruct its thoracic morphology in 3D and quantified key muscle ratios (e.g., M2/M60, M4/M60). Based on our study of P. thoracicus, a detailed comparison was made with previously reported data on Campsosternus auratus (Elateridae) and Cerophytum lii (Cerophytidae). Three-dimensional reconstructions revealed significant structural divergences in P. thoracicus: (1) the clicking-related muscles M4 are markedly weaker than those in Ca. auratus and Ce. Lii. (2) the prosternal process (PP) is extremely narrow. The posterior part of the pronotum exhibits underdeveloped regions, including the posterodorsal evagination (PdE) and the posteromedial process (PmPr). (3) the mesonotum (i.e., the “biological spring” identified in previous studies) is greatly flattened and weakened. (4) the flight muscles (M60, M64) and walking muscles (M74, M75) exhibited significantly bigger volume than Ca. auratus and Ce. lii. These findings provide critical data for understanding the morphological evolution of Elateridae and offer insights into the functional adaptations of the clicking mechanism through comparative anatomy. Full article

Calophyllum spp. infusions are used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and hypertension. However, the chemical composition and mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and vascular effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Calophyllum longifolium. Phytochemical profiling was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). Extract effects on rat aortic rings and aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were evaluated using wire myography and photometric measurement of intracellular Ca²⁺, respectively. UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS revealed the presence of coumarins, xanthones, flavonoids, triterpenes, and phenolic acids. Coumarin–resveratrol hybrids, such as gut-70 derivatives, were also abundant. In aortic rings from normotensive rats, C. longifolium induced a biphasic vascular response whereby low concentrations (1 μg/mL) produced significant vascular relaxation, whereas high concentrations (100 μg/mL) produced contraction. Blockade of ATP-sensitive (K_ATP) or voltage-gated (K_V) potassium channels attenuated these effects. Furthermore, effects were not observed in preparations preincubated with L-NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or in endothelium-denuded rings. In aortic VSMCs, extracts (1 µg/mL) rapidly reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ content. This study provides the first UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS chemical profile of C. longifolium, revealing diverse bioactive metabolites. It is also the first to demonstrate that C. longifolium exerts an endothelium-dependent, nitric oxide- and Ca²⁺-mediated biphasic effect on vascular function. Taken together, these findings highlight C. longifolium as a potential novel source of vasculotropic phytopharmaceuticals. Full article

Insect wing base sclerites are crucial to wing function and evolution, yet their diversity beyond order-level comparisons remains poorly understood. We examine variation in wing base sclerites across Vespidae, focusing on the axillary sclerites (1Ax, 2Ax, and 3Ax), the shoulder sclerite, and associated structures. The first axillary sclerite shows distinct regional differentiation and bears a well-sclerotized knob that influences wing articulation. Additionally, 2Ax in Vespidae is a single, triangular structure with three attachment points, distinct from the two-part composition in some other wasps, which facilitates high-frequency wing vibrations. Our findings also highlight variable fusion patterns in 3Ax and its interaction with 2Ax, contributing to wing flexibility. The basiradial bridge, connecting the subcostal and radial veins, reinforces wing stability and articulation. Phylogenetic analysis based on wing-base morphology does not support the monophyly of Vespidae and differs from molecular hypotheses, but it refines previous morphological interpretations. The well-supported subfamily relationships confirm Vespinae as a monophyletic group and reveal a close association among Polistinae, Stenogastrinae, and Eumeninae, as represented by Polistes, Eustenogaster, and Oreumenes, respectively, suggesting evolutionary transitions in social behavior within the family Vespidae. The absence of a fourth axillary sclerite challenges earlier hypotheses, providing new insights into Hymenopteran wing base evolution. Two articulation models are proposed for forewings and hindwings, supported by three-dimensional reconstructions of axillary sclerites, indirect and direct flight muscles, and their attachment sites. These results refine interpretations of wasp wing mechanics, evolution, and morphological diversification across taxa. Full article

The quality and flavor of chicken meat are fundamentally determined by muscle metabolite composition, which reflects the regulatory effects of genetic background on metabolic pathways and muscle development. In this study, we profiled the meat quality of breast muscle across 3 crossbreeding combinations (D×HD, HD×D, and D×LD) between the Yunong D line and Houdan chickens to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms underlying flavor variation. Eighteen representative breast muscle samples were analyzed using common physicochemical indexes, untargeted metabolomics based on Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole Exactive Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Differential metabolites were identified through Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). Multivariate analysis revealed distinct metabolic signatures among crossbreeding combinations, with HD×D exhibiting the most favorable tenderness, color, and water-holding capacity. A total of nine differential metabolites (5 upregulated and 4 downregulated) were identified between D×HD and HD×D, and thirty-eight metabolites (18 upregulated and 27 downregulated) between D×HD and D×LD. The identified metabolites were predominantly associated with amino acid metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, nucleotide turnover, and energy metabolism. Among these, arachidonic acid, taurine, L-alanine, and citric acid exhibited marked intergroup differences. Enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated significant involvement of pathways such as amino acid biosynthesis, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and ABC transporters in flavor formation. Hierarchical clustering and Pearson correlation analyses further delineated synergistic or antagonistic interactions among key metabolites, suggesting the existence of intricate regulatory mechanisms. These findings reveal critical metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with flavor attributes, offering both a theoretical framework and potential molecular targets for enhancing poultry meat quality through breeding strategies. Full article

Sex-related differences in lower-limb biomechanics and neuromuscular strategies during rope jumping remain underexplored, particularly in combat-sport athletes. This study investigated leg stiffness and muscle activation in ten female (22.8 ± 0.8 years) and ten male (22.9 ± 1.4 years) Muay Thai athletes. Participants performed rope skipping under three conditions: dominant leg, non-dominant leg, and double leg at 2.2 Hz. Ground reaction forces were recorded at 1000 Hz, center of mass displacement at 200 Hz, and electromyographic activity of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius at 3000 Hz. Vertical stiffness (K_vert) was calculated as the ratio of peak vertical force to displacement. Results showed no significant sex differences in peak ground reaction force (e.g., dominant leg: females 2.83 ± 0.42 vs. males 3.22 ± 0.57 kN; double leg: females 4.04 ± 0.83 vs. males 4.35 ± 0.73 kN; p > 0.05), vertical stiffness (females 17.02 ± 3.66 vs. males 16.21 ± 4.09 kN/m; p > 0.05), contact time (females 0.280 ± 0.03 vs. males 0.275 ± 0.05 s; p > 0.05), or flight time (females 0.205 ± 0.03 vs. males 0.245 ± 0.05 s; p > 0.05). In contrast, females exhibited significantly higher co-activation ratios during unilateral skipping, including BF/VL (0.76 ± 0.18 vs. 0.63 ± 0.10; p < 0.05) and TA/MG (0.38 ± 0.11 vs. 0.29 ± 0.07; p < 0.05), suggesting a neuromuscular strategy to enhance joint stability. These findings highlight rope jumping as a practical drill that can promote neuromuscular control and stability in Muay Thai training. Full article

The thorax, which serves as the primary center of locomotion for insects, consists of a highly intricate skeletomuscular system. The thoracic morphological transformations during the pupal stage reveal the developmental formation of locomotor systems. Asiophrida xanthospilota is not only capable of flight but is also an exceptional jumper. In this study, we employed micro-CT and 3D reconstruction to document the thoracic internal anatomy of this species on pupal days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, with the goal of achieving a more comprehensive understanding of their locomotion mechanisms. In A. xanthospilota, a membrane connecting the occiput and metaphragma is present from pupal days 2 to 8, serving as the attachment site for the notal muscles. Morphological changes in some endoskeletal structures during development result in corresponding shifts in the origins or insertions of associated muscles. On the first day, most muscles are present in the pro- and mesothorax, while the metathorax contains comparatively few, a pattern likely linked to the primary reliance on jumping locomotion of the species. Some muscles that appear only during the early and middle pupal stages might function in structural support. Muscular morphology undergoes diverse changes that are difficult to generalize. On day 4, the muscles show a comparatively small relative volume, which might reflect experimental error or other underlying factors. In addition, the gut and nerve remain largely unchanged. It should be noted that the stroma within the thoracic cavity might have hindered the precise identification of muscles. Full article

Among mammals, bats are the only species capable of powered flight, which is made possible by their highly evolved wings. The wings of bats are highly specialized, composed of skin membranes that extend from their forelimbs, hindlimbs, and elongated finger bones, forming the structural foundation for flight. Previous research has extensively examined bat wings from various perspectives, including tissue embryology, structural morphology, and aerodynamics. These studies have focused on the origins of bat wings, their embryonic development, as well as the muscles and skeletal structures involved in flight, laying a crucial theoretical foundation for understanding the development and evolution of bat flight. In addition to structural aspects, physiological processes like the high metabolic rate, energy supply, and oxidative stress responses required for sustained bat flight have also been investigated. This review aims to explore various factors influencing the development of bat flight capabilities, with particular attention to the relationship between wing morphology and flight behavior, highlighting the importance of investigating bat flight capabilities within the context of echolocation calls development. From the perspective of bat wings, this review proposes an integrated analysis of related factors affecting the unique and intricate characteristics of bat flight capabilities, offering new perspectives and approaches for future studies in developmental and evolutionary biology. Full article

Long-term spaceflight induces multisystem stress, including cardiovascular deconditioning, skeletal muscle atrophy, immune suppression, and neuro-ocular syndromes. Current countermeasures reduce symptoms but cannot replicate the synergistic resilience needed for extended missions or critical illness. Hibernating animals, specifically brown bears (Ursus arctos), survive prolonged immobility, starvation, and bradycardia without resultant pathology. This review incorporates adaptations observed in bears and certain torpid species, including reversible insulin resistance, suppression of muscle atrophy genes MuRF1 and Atrogin-1, and maintenance of the heart despite seasonal production decline. The thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) maintain retinal structure and synaptic stability throughout torpor, avoiding neuro-ocular complications despite prolonged inactivity. Mechanisms span from RBM3-dependent synaptic maintenance, titin isoform remodeling under the control of RBM20, mTOR and FOXO pathway regulation, remodeled hydrogen sulfide metabolism, and microbiome-mediated nitrogen salvage. These adaptations are different from human adaptation to microgravity and disuse and offer translational candidates for synthetic torpor, probiotic engineering, neuroprotection, and protein-sparing therapy. Hibernators are not passive stress subjects; they perform coordinated anticipatory responses in multiple organs. Comparing these systems in large and small hibernators, we aim to uncover a biologically realistic path to human resilience. These findings guide a shift from reactive, pharmacological measures for preserving human health during space flight, intensive care, and extreme environments towards proactive, biologically initiated measures. Full article

Objectives: This study analysed the recovery process after an official soccer match by monitoring changes in markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress, and endocrine, neuromuscular, and perceptual responses. Methods: This repeated-measures observational study included thirteen male amateur soccer players. Blood biomarkers, neuromuscular performance in countermovement jump, and perceived wellness were measured at four time-points: the morning of the match-day, immediately post-, and 24 h and 48 h post-match. Results: Except for CK, which remained elevated at 48 h post-match, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, uric acid, testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone to cortisol ratio returned to baseline between 24 h and 48 h post-match (p < 0.05). Jump height was significantly decreased at 24 h and 48 h post-match, while peak rate of force development and other countermovement jump time-based metrics (i.e., time to take off, time to peak force, reactive strength index modified, flight time to contraction time ratio) were impaired immediately after the match and recovered earlier (p < 0.05). Peak values for perceived fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness were observed immediately post- and at 24 h post-match, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: While certain physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual changes may return to baseline levels within 24 h or 48 h post-match, amateur soccer players still manifest exercise-induced muscle damage symptoms and can be considered fatigued after a 48 h recovery period. Full article

Background: The Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) is an extensive database containing gene expression information from samples collected during the short-duration Inspiration4 spaceflight mission in 2021. Given our prior understanding of the genetic basis for cardiovascular diseases in spaceflight, including orthostatic intolerance and cardiac deconditioning, we aimed to characterize changes in differential gene expression among astronauts using SOMA-derived data and curated cardiovascular pathways. Methods: Using the KEGG 2021 database, we curated a list of genes related to cardiovascular adaptations in spaceflight, focusing on pathways such as fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, lipid metabolism, arrhythmogenic ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac muscle contraction. Genes were cross-matched to spaceflight-relevant datasets from the Open Science Data Repository (OSDR). Differential expression analysis was performed using DESeq2 (v1.40.2, R) with normalization by median-of-ratios, paired pre-/post-flight covariates, and log2 fold change shrinkage using apeglm. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined as |log2FC| ≥ 1 and FDR < 0.05 (Benjamini–Hochberg correction). Module score analyses were conducted across SOMA cell types to confirm conserved cardiac adaptation genes. Results: A total of 185 spaceflight-relevant genes were analyzed. Statistically significant changes were observed in immune-related cardiovascular pathways, particularly within monocytes and T cells. Persistent upregulation of arrhythmogenic genes such as GJA1 was noted at post-flight day 82. WikiPathways enrichment revealed additional pathways, including focal adhesion, insulin signaling, and heart development. Conclusions: Short-duration spaceflight induces significant gene expression changes that are relevant to cardiovascular disease risk. These changes are mediated largely through immune signaling and transcriptional regulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Findings highlight the need for tailored countermeasures and longitudinal monitoring in future long-duration missions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eupatorium lindleyanum DC (Eup), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is widely used for treating inflammation-mediated diseases, including pneumonia. However, its potential therapeutic effects on inflammation-driven liver fibrosis remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Eup on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Methods: The chemical constituents of Eup were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-LC/MS). A CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis murine model and LX-2 cells were used in study. Serum biochemical assays, histological analysis, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot were used to assess Eup’s anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to identify potential mechanisms, with validation by Western blot. Results: 89 and 49 compounds were identified in Eup under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. In vivo, Eup treatment decreased collagen deposition and expression levels of fibrosis-related genes, including collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin. Additionally, Eup alleviated hepatic inflammation. In vitro, Eup inhibited FBS-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicated that Eup significantly downregulated the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) signaling pathway, which was further validated in both CCl₄-induced fibrotic livers and PDGF-BB-activated HSCs using western blot. Conclusions: Eup attenuated liver fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation and suppressing HSCs activation via downregulating PDGF/PDGFR-β signaling pathway. Full article

Skeletal muscle regeneration depends on muscle stem cells, which give rise to myoblasts that drive muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. In bats—the only mammals capable of powered flight—these processes must also sustain contractile performance under extreme mechanical and metabolic stress. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying bat muscle physiology remain largely unknown. To enable mechanistic investigation of these traits, we established the first myoblast cell lines from the pectoralis muscle of Pteronotus mesoamericanus, a highly maneuverable aerial insectivore. Using both spontaneous immortalization and exogenous hTERT/CDK4 gene overexpression, we generated two stable cell lines that retain proliferative capacity and differentiate into contractile myotubes. These cells exhibit frequent spontaneous contractions, suggesting robust functional integrity at the neuromuscular junction. In parallel, we performed transcriptomic and metabolic profiling of native pectoralis tissue in the closely related Pteronotus parnellii to define molecular programs supporting muscle specialization. Gene expression analyses revealed enriched pathways for muscle metabolism, development, and regeneration, highlighting supporting roles in tissue maintenance and repair. Consistent with this profile, the flight muscle is triglyceride-rich, which serves as an important fuel source for energetically demanding processes, including muscle contraction and cellular recovery. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolic data identified three key metabolic modules—glucose utilization, lipid handling, and nutrient signaling—that likely coordinate ATP production and support metabolic flexibility. Together, these complementary tools and datasets provide the first in vitro platform for investigating bat muscle research, enabling direct exploration of muscle regeneration, metabolic resilience, and evolutionary physiology. Full article

Background/Objectives: To investigate associations between Follistatin (FST) gene polymorphisms (SNPs) and baseline musculoskeletal traits, and their interactions with 16-week exercise interventions. Methods: A cohort of 470 untrained Northern Han Chinese adults (208 males, 262 females), sourced from the “Research on Key Technologies for an Exercise and Fitness Expert Guidance System” project, was analyzed. These participants were previously randomly assigned to one of four exercise groups (Hill, Running, Cycling, Combined) or a non-exercising Control group, and completed their respective 16-week protocols. Body composition, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and serum follistatin levels were all assessed pre- and post-intervention. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was utilized for the body composition, BMC, and BMD measurements. FST SNPs (rs3797296, rs3797297) were genotyped using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) or microarrays. To elucidate the biological mechanisms, we performed in silico functional analyses for rs3797296 and rs3797297. Results: Baseline: In females only, the rs3797297 T allele was associated with higher muscle mass (β = 1.159, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.202–2.116, P_{_adj} = 0.034) and BMC (β = 0.127, 95% CI: 0.039–0.215, P_{_adj} = 0.009), with the BMC effect significantly mediated by muscle mass. Exercise Response: Interventions improved body composition, particularly in females. Gene-Exercise Interaction: A significant interaction occurred exclusively in women undertaking hill climbing: the rs3797296 G allele was associated with attenuated muscle mass gains (β = −1.126 kg, 95% CI: −1.767 to −0.485, P_{_adj} = 0.034). Baseline follistatin correlated with body composition (stronger in males) and increased post-exercise (primarily in males, Hill/Running groups) but did not mediate SNP effects on exercise adaptation. Functional annotation revealed that rs3797297 is a likely causal variant, acting as a skeletal muscle eQTL for the mitochondrial gene NDUFS4, suggesting a mechanism involving muscle bioenergetics. Conclusions: Findings indicate that FST polymorphisms associate with musculoskeletal traits in Northern Han Chinese. Mechanistic insights from functional annotation reveal potential pathways for these associations, highlighting the potential utility of these genetic markers for optimizing training program design. Full article