Search Results (3,503)

High semen quality is vital for reproductive success in the swine industry; however, seasonal fluctuations often compromise this quality. The molecular mechanism underlying these seasonal effects on semen quality remains largely unclear. This study employed untargeted metabolomic profiling of boar seminal plasma (SP) to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with semen quality during the summer and winter months. Semen samples were collected from mature Duroc boars at a commercial boar stud and classified as Passed or Failed based on motility and morphology. SP from five samples per group was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). In total, 373 metabolites were detected in positive ion mode and 478 in negative ion mode. Several differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, including ergothioneine, indole-3-methyl acetate, and avocadyne in the summer, as well as LysoPC, dopamine, and betaine in the winter. These metabolites are associated with key sperm functions, including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and capacitation. KEGG pathway analysis indicated enrichment in starch and sucrose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and amino acid metabolism across the seasons. Overall, the results reveal that SP metabolomic profiles vary with the season, thereby influencing semen quality. The identified metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for assessing semen quality and enhancing reproductive efficiency in swine production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rest–activity rhythm (RAR) disturbances can contribute to aging and dementia via metabolic dysregulation. Hydroxycholesterol (OH) is thought to mediate the link between hypercholesterolemia and neurodegeneration. This study compared sleep and RAR parameters between amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients and normal controls (NCs), and examined their associations with plasma 27-OH levels, reflecting peripheral cholesterol metabolism. Methods In total, 18 aMCI patients (76.6 ± 6.1 years) and 21 NCs (70.4 ± 6.7 years) underwent five-day actigraphy and dim light melatonin onset assessment. Plasma 27-OH levels were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to analyze the relationships between sleep, RAR, and 27-OH levels. Results: The aMCI group had significantly lower 27-OH levels and 27-OH/total cholesterol ratios (p < 0.05). GLM revealed that longer sleep onset latency (SOL) was associated with higher 27-OH levels in aMCI, distinguishing them from NCs. Additionally, in aMCI, longer SOL, lower sleep efficiency (SE), and higher fragmentation index (FI) were associated with an increased 27-OH/total cholesterol ratio (p < 0.05). Higher relative amplitude of RAR was linked to lower 27-OH levels across groups (p < 0.01), but RAR parameters showed no significant association with the 27-OH/total cholesterol ratio. Sleep disturbances, including prolonged SOL, reduced SE, and increased FI, were associated with altered peripheral cholesterol oxygenation in aMCI. Conclusions: Greater RAR amplitude correlated with lower 27-OH levels, regardless of cognitive status. These findings suggest that peripheral cholesterol oxygenation in aMCI is related to both sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm dysregulation, highlighting their role in cholesterol metabolism and neurodegeneration. Full article

Tianshanhong (TSH), black tea products originating from the Ningde Tianshan Mountain, has gained significant recognition in the market. However, the chemical characteristics contributing to the flavor of TSH have not yet been reported. To systematically investigate the non-volatile and volatile compounds in TSH, four grades of TSH were evaluated using national standard sensory methods, revealing that overall quality improved with higher grades. Based on the detection of ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), the content of ester-type catechins was relatively high and decreased with lower grades. A total of 19 amino acids (AAs) were clustered, among them, three amino acids, L-Theanine (L-Thea), Arg, and GABA, showed highly significant correlations with the refreshing taste of TSH. Notably, the content of Arg had the highest correlation with TSH grade, with a coefficient of 0.976 (p < 0.01). According to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, a total of 861 kinds of volatile compounds were detected, with 282 identified and aroma-active compounds across grades selected using the PLS model. Methyl salicylate and geraniol were particularly notable, showing strong correlations with TSH grades at 0.975 and 0.987 (p < 0.01), respectively. Our findings show that non-volatile and volatile compounds can rationally grade TSH and help understand its flavor quality. Full article

A comprehensive metabolic profiling of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don was performed using tandem mass spectrometry, along with an evaluation of the biological activities of its various solvent extracts. Among these, the methanolic leaf extract exhibited mild radical scavenging activity, low to moderate antimicrobial activity, and limited cytotoxicity in both the brine shrimp lethality assay and MTT assay against HeLa and A549 cell lines. High-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS) analysis led to the annotation of 34 metabolites, primarily alkaloids. These included 23 indole alkaloids, two fatty acids, two pentacyclic triterpenoids, one amino acid, four porphyrin derivatives, one glyceride, and one chlorin derivative. Notably, two metabolites—2,3-dihydroxypropyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate and (10S)-hydroxypheophorbide A—were identified for the first time in C. roseus. Furthermore, Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) analysis revealed 18 additional metabolites, including epoxypheophorbide A, 11,12-dehydroursolic acid lactone, and 20-isocatharanthine. These findings highlight the diverse secondary metabolite profile of C. roseus and support its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic development. Full article

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a nutrient-rich legume beneficial to human health, is valued for its high L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and phenolic content. This study investigated phytochemical diversity and bioactivity across 29 Chinese faba bean varieties. Phenolics were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), along with α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Twenty-five phenolics were identified, including L-DOPA (11.96–17.93 mg/g, >70% of total content), seven phenolic acids, and seventeen flavonoids. L-DOPA showed potent enzyme inhibition (IC₅₀ values of 22.45 μM for α-amylase and 16.66 μM for α-glucosidase) but demonstrated limited antioxidant effects. Lincan 13 (Gansu) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH, 16.32 μmol trolox/g; ABTS, 5.85 μmol trolox/g; FRAP, 21.38 mmol Fe²⁺/g), which correlated with it having the highest flavonoid content (40.51 mg rutin/g), while Yican 4 (Yunnan) showed the strongest α-amylase inhibition (43.33%). Correlation analysis confirmed flavonoids as the primary antioxidants, and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed geographical trends (e.g., Jiangsu varieties were particularly phenolic-rich). These findings highlight faba beans’ potential as functional foods and guide genotype selection in targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing health benefits. Full article

Plant genetics and chemotaxonomic analysis are considered key parameters in understanding evolution, plant diversity and adaptation. Korean Peninsula has a unique biogeographical landscape that supports various aromatic plant species, each with considerable ecological, ethnobotanical, and pharmacological significance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemotaxonomic traits, biological activities, phylogenetic relationships and potential applications of Korean aromatic plants, highlighting their significance in more accurate identification. Chemotaxonomic investigations employing techniques such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have enabled the identification of essential oils and specialized metabolites that serve as valuable taxonomic and diagnostic markers. These chemical traits play essential roles in species delimitation and in clarifying interspecific variation. The biological activities of selected taxa are reviewed, with emphasis on antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects, supported by bioassay-guided fractionation and compound isolation. In parallel, recent advances in phylogenetic reconstruction employing DNA barcoding, internal transcribed spacer regions, and chloroplast genes such as rbcL and matK are examined for their role in clarifying taxonomic uncertainties and inferring evolutionary lineages. Overall, the search period was from year 2001 to 2025 and total of 268 records were included in the study. By integrating phytochemical profiling, pharmacological evidence, and molecular systematics, this review highlights the multifaceted significance of Korean endemic aromatic plants. The conclusion highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches including metabolomics and phylogenomics in advancing our understanding of species diversity, evolutionary adaptation, and potential applications. Future research directions are proposed to support conservation efforts. Full article

The olive oil industry, a key component of Southern Europe’s agricultural sector, generates large amounts of by-products during processing, including olive leaves, branches, stones, and seeds. In the context of growing environmental concerns and limited natural resources—particularly in the Mediterranean regions—there is increasing interest in circular economy approaches that promote the valorization of agricultural residues. These by-products are rich in bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of by-products from three olive cultivars using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS). The leaves and seeds, particularly from the “Cobrança” and a non-identified variety, presented the highest antioxidant activity, as well as the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, demonstrating once again the direct relationship between these two parameters. The identification of the compounds present demonstrated that the leaves and branches have a high diversity of phenolic compounds, particularly secoiridoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenylethanoids, and lignans. An inverse relationship was observed between the chlorophyll and carotenoid content and the antioxidant activity, suggesting that phenolic compounds, rather than pigments, are the major contributors to antioxidant properties. Therefore, the by-products of the olive oil industry are a valuable source of sustainable bioactive compounds for distinct industrial sectors, such as the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, aligning with the European strategies for resource efficiency and waste reduction in the agri-food industries. Full article

Birch (Betula sp.) bark is a well-known natural source of betulin (Bet) and betulinic acid (BAc), both of which have several bioactive properties. The evaluation of the extraction performance, relative to these lupane-type triterpenoids, provided by different biosolvents requires the development of a high-resolution and high-sensitivity liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach that is also compatible with challenging extractants such as natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs). In this work, an LC-MS method was developed and analytically characterized prior to its application for the quantitation of Bet and BAc in birch bark extracts obtained using conventional solvents (methanol and acetone) and biosolvents (limonene and NADESs). High precision (RSD < 3.3%), sensitivity (LOD: 23 ng mL⁻¹ and 29 ng mL⁻¹ for Bet and BAc, respectively), and accuracy (95–102% recovery) were found for this optimized method, using an acidulated water–methanol mixture as the mobile phase and sodium acetate as an additive. Extraction experiments conducted at 55 °C revealed that the NADESs, particularly thymol:1-octanol (1:1 molar ratio), outperformed the other solvents and were highly effective for the recovery of both triterpenoids (17.50 mg g⁻¹ and 0.92 mg g⁻¹ of Bet and BAc, respectively). This method can also be applied to similar extracts obtained from other biomasses. Full article

In response to the European Union’s revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which mandates enhanced monitoring and advanced treatment of micropollutants, this study was conducted. It took place within the Coastal Landscape Park (CLP), a Natura 2000 protected area in northern Poland. The focus was on the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Jastrzębia Góra, located in a region exposed to seasonal tourist pressure and discharging effluent into the Czarna Wda River. A total of 90 wastewater samples were collected during five monitoring campaigns (July, September 2021; February, May, July 2022) and analysed for 13 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The monitoring included both untreated (UTWW) and treated wastewater (TWW) to assess the PPCP removal efficiency and persistence. The highest concentrations in the treated wastewater were observed for metoprolol (up to 472.9 ng/L), diclofenac (up to 3030 ng/L), trimethoprim (up to 603.6 ng/L) and carbamazepine (up to 2221 ng/L). A risk quotient (RQ) analysis identified diclofenac and LI-CBZ as priority substances for monitoring. Multivariate analyses (PCA, HCA) revealed co-occurrence patterns and seasonal trends. The results underline the need for advanced treatment solutions and targeted monitoring, especially in sensitive coastal catchments with variable micropollutant presence. Full article

Apples are one of the most popular fruits in Germany, valued for their regional availability and health benefits. When deciding which apple to buy, several characteristics are important to consumers, including the taxonomic variety, organic cultivation and regional production. To verify that these characteristics are correctly declared, powerful analytical methods are required. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS) is applied in combination with random forest to 193 apple samples for the analysis of various authentication issues. Accuracies of 93.3, 85.5, 85.6 and 90% were achieved for distinguishing between German and non-German, North and South German, organic and conventional apples and for six different taxonomic varieties. Since the classification models largely use different parts of the data, which is shown by variable selection, this method is very well suited to answer different authentication issues with one analytical approach. Full article

Mauritia flexuosa, commonly known as “canangucha,” holds significant nutritional and economic value in the Amazon region. While its pulp is widely utilized in local food products, the seed or kernel is largely underutilized. This study investigated the proximal and phytochemical composition of M. flexuosa, alongside its biological properties, specifically focusing on the hypoglycemic activity of an ethanolic extract from M. flexuosa seeds (MFSs). Proximal analysis revealed that MFSs are a notable source of crude fiber (28.4%) and a moderate source of protein (9.1%). Phytochemical screening indicated a high total polyphenol content (123.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mg dry weight) and substantial antiradical capacity against the ABTS radical (IC₅₀ = 171.86 µg/mL). Notably, MFS ethanolic extracts exhibited significant in vitro antihyperglycemic activity via inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, demonstrating comparable inhibition to acarbose at higher concentrations. This hypoglycemic effect was further corroborated in an in vivo rat model with induced diabetes, where the administration of 100 mg/kg of MFS ethanolic extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). A moderate antihypertensive effect was observed at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, correlating with ACE inhibition. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS) analysis of the seed extract identified phenolic compounds including ellagic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and epicatechin. This study provides the first evidence of the hypoglycemic activity of MFSs, offering valuable insights into their phytochemistry and potential therapeutic applications. Full article

Extensive research on amphibians has focused on areas such as morphological and molecular taxonomy, ecology, embryology, and molecular phylogeny. However, the structure and biotechnological potential of egg jelly—which plays a protective and nutritive role for embryos—have remained largely unexplored. This study presents, for the first time, a detailed physicochemical analysis of the egg jelly of Pelophylax ridibundus, an amphibian species, using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analyzer, X-ray Diffraction, and elemental analysis. The carbohydrate content was determined via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis, and the protein content was identified using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry analysis. Additionally, it was revealed that this jelly exhibits a significant cytotoxic effect on melanoma cells (viability < 30%) while showing no cytotoxicity on healthy dermal fibroblast cells (viability > 70%). Consequently, this non-toxic, biologically derived, and cultivable material is proposed as a promising candidate for cancer applications, paving the way for further research in the field. Full article

Domoic acid (DA) is a potent neurotoxin that poses public health concerns, especially for children and adolescents during critical neurodevelopmental periods. In the present study, urinary DA concentrations in 216 children and adolescents at the age of 6 to 18 in southern China were determined using a novel dansyl-chloride (DNS-Cl) derivatization high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method with ultrahigh sensitivity (LOQ: 0.087 ng/mL). The median urinary DA concentration was 2.17 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 0.87–4.08 ng/mL). When analyzed by age group, the medians were 1.40 ng/mL (6–9 years; IQR: 0.55–3.49 ng/mL), 2.16 ng/mL (10–13 years; IQR: 0.94–4.07 ng/mL), and 2.93 ng/mL (14–18 years; IQR: 1.06–5.06 ng/mL). Our findings revealed that urinary DA concentrations increased with age and varied significantly across different body mass index groups (p < 0.05), while no significant gender differences were observed. The estimated daily intake (1.73–374 ng/kg/day) remained below established safety thresholds. This study represents the first systematic biomonitoring of urinary DA exposure in children and adolescents from southern China’s coastal communities, addressing critical knowledge gaps and establishing baseline data amid rising harmful algal bloom frequency. Full article

Background: Blackberry seed oil (BSO), obtained from Rubus spp. Xavante cultivar via supercritical CO₂ extraction, contains bioactive lipids and antioxidants, but its cosmetic application is limited by poor solubility and stability. Nanoencapsulation with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can overcome these limitations. Methods: BSO was characterized by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and incorporated into PCL nanocapsules (NCBSO) using the preformed polymer deposition method. Physicochemical properties, stability (at 4 °C, room temperature, and 37 °C for 90 days), cytotoxicity, and collagen production were assessed in human fibroblasts. Additionally, a predictive in silico analysis using PASS Online, Molinspiration, and SEA platforms was performed to identify the bioactivities of major BSO compounds related to collagen synthesis, antioxidant potential, and anti-aging effects. Results: NCBSO showed a nanometric size of ~267 nm, low polydispersity (PDI < 0.2), negative zeta potential (−28 mV), and spherical morphology confirmed by FE-SEM. The dispersion remained stable across all tested temperatures, preserving pH and colloidal properties. In particular, BSO and NCBSO at 100 µg.mL⁻¹ significantly enhanced in vitro collagen production by 170% and 200%, respectively, compared to untreated cells (p < 0.01). Superior bioactivity was observed for NCBSO. The in silico results support the role of key compounds in promoting collagen biosynthesis and protecting skin structure. No cytotoxic effects were achieved. Conclusions: The nanoencapsulation of BSO into PCL nanocapsules ensured formulation stability and potentiated collagen production. These findings support the potential of NCBSO as a promising candidate for future development as a collagen-boosting cosmeceutical. Full article

Marek’s disease (MD), induced by the highly contagious Marek’s disease virus (MDV), remains a significant challenge to global poultry health despite extensive vaccination efforts. This study employed integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to investigate liver responses in naturally MDV-infected Wenchang chickens during late infection stages. RNA sequencing identified 959 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the infected and uninfected groups. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these DEGs were primarily associated with canonical pathways related to metabolism and cellular processes, including lipid, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism, as well as the p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) detected 561 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), showing near-significant enrichment (p = 0.069) in phenylalanine metabolism. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics data highlighted that critical gene–metabolite pairs such as SGPL1-palmitaldehyde–sphinganine-1-phosphate and ME1-NADP+–malic acid potentially mediate functional crosstalk between sphingolipid metabolism and cellular redox homeostasis during viral oncogenesis. This comprehensive mapping of regulatory networks provides insights into host–virus interactions during MDV pathogenesis, offering potential applications in immunomodulation approaches, targeted therapeutic strategies, and vaccine adjuvant development. Full article