Search Results (401)

Objectives: Emotional tears are generated in a distinct neurophysiological context from reflex tears, but their metabolic composition remains poorly understood. Methods: This exploratory paired targeted-metabolomics study compared emotional and reflex tears collected from 22 healthy volunteers using a 600-multiple-reaction-monitoring platform. Among 412 detected metabolites, 344 were retained after data preprocessing. Paired statistical analysis prioritized 23 candidate metabolites based on the combined criteria of unadjusted p-value, fold change, and consistency of within-subject change. Results: Seven candidates were lower, and 16 were higher in emotional tears. Salicylic acid was retained in the descriptive candidate set but excluded from the primary machine-learning analysis because a contribution from the reflex-tear induction procedure could not be ruled out. Among the remaining 22 candidates, 4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzoic acid, vanillic acid, cytidine-5′-monophosphate, and hydroxyphenyllactic acid were consistently ranked among the leading features. A fixed four-metabolite combination achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.864 (95% CI, 0.756–0.957) under ordinary leave-one-subject-out cross-validation. When candidate screening, feature selection, and model fitting were repeated within each training fold, the best nested pipeline achieved an area under the curve of 0.725 (95% CI, 0.603–0.843). Pathway mapping further linked the candidate metabolites to histidine, tyrosine, fatty-acid, ether-lipid, and ubiquinone-related metabolism. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate measurable within-subject metabolic differences between emotional and reflex tears and identify a focused set of candidate metabolites for future validation. Because no individual metabolite remained significant after false discovery rate correction and no independent validation cohort was available, the candidate signals and discrimination models should be confirmed in larger, independently collected cohorts. Full article

Flammulina velutipes roots, abundant edible mushroom by-products, have potential for value-added utilization. This study evaluated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Lab. bulgaricus) fermentation on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, flavor characteristics, sensory characteristics, and metabolite profiles of F. velutipes roots. Fermentation significantly increased soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from 1.537 to 1.722 g/100 g and DPPH radical scavenging activity from 27.88% to 59.92% in Lpb. plantarum-treated samples. GC-IMS analysis showed that fermentation increased several flavor-active aldehydes, esters, alcohols, organic acids, and ketones, thereby improving aroma complexity. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics revealed that amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, organic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid-related pathways were closely associated with flavor formation and antioxidant enhancement. Both Lpb. Plantarum and Lab. bulgaricus fermentation enhanced the accumulation of organic acids, sugar alcohols, and aromatic precursors, supporting improved antioxidant activity. Notably, Lpb. plantarum elicited broader metabolic shifts involving hydroxy fatty acids, esters, while Lab. bulgaricus more strongly promoted organic acid and aromatic metabolite accumulation, contributing to a more acidic and malty flavor profile. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis further confirmed that fermentation enhanced aroma and palatability, while increasing sourness and reducing bitterness and astringency. These results suggest that starter-culture-dependent lactic acid bacteria fermentation is an effective strategy for improving the functional and sensory characteristics of F. velutipes root by-products. Full article

Asian local chickens are often perceived as more palatable than commercial broilers, with stronger taste and longer aftertaste, but the biochemical basis of this eating quality remains unclear. Using Japanese local chicken meat as the main example and other Asian local chicken studies as context, this hypothesis-generating review develops a hypothesis centered on arachidonic acid. The core hypothesis is that higher arachidonic acid content may partly explain why local chicken meat is perceived as more palatable. Available Japanese data show that local chicken meats generally contain higher arachidonic acid proportions than commercial broiler meat. However, higher arachidonic acid content alone cannot explain why the meat is perceived as more palatable. A previously proposed hypothesis links lipid-derived volatile aldehydes to kokumi through activation of the calcium-sensing receptor. This route is treated cautiously here, because volatile aldehydes may be lost during cooking and have not yet been shown to remain in cooked chicken meat at concentrations that influence eating quality. Instead, this review proposes a second validation route. Arachidonic-acid-rich lipid pools generate 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and related compounds that are less volatile and more likely to remain in edible fractions than short-chain aldehydes. These compounds are introduced here only as plausible downstream oxidation products that may help connect meat lipid composition with kokumi-related or aftertaste-related perception. This review emphasizes production context, meat-quality traits, and sensory evaluation as the primary basis for interpreting fatty-acid differences, with chemical hypotheses presented only as exploratory routes for future validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major global health challenge, highlighting the need for safe and effective bioactive compounds for prevention and treatment. Although 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA)—a distinctive bioactive fatty component of royal jelly—has demonstrated anticancer activity in several malignancies, its efficacy and underlying mechanisms in GC remain poorly understood. In the present study, the anticancer activity of 10-HDA was systematically investigated in human GC MKN-45 cells. Methods: MKN-45 cells were treated with 10-HDA across a concentration range of 0.09–1.50 mM. Cell viability, proliferation, and clonogenic growth were evaluated using MTT, scratch wound assay, and colony formation assays. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and Western blotting. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, transcriptome analysis was conducted, and the results were further validated using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Results: Treatment with 10-HDA significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, and clonogenic growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 1.24 ± 0.15 mM, 0.96 ± 0.08 mM, and 0.42 ± 0.06 mM at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that apoptosis was markedly induced, with the apoptotic rate increasing from 21.3% in control cells to 78.1% following treatment with 1.50 mM 10-HDA. This was accompanied by upregulation of BAX, downregulation of Bcl-2, and increased activation of caspase-3. Transcriptomic profiling identified significant alterations in DNA replication- and cell cycle-related pathways. Consistently, experimental validation demonstrated that 10-HDA induced pronounced G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest; downregulation of CDK2 and cyclin D1; reduced retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation; and upregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that 10-HDA suppresses the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer cells by coordinated activation of apoptosis and cell cycle blockade. Although further in vivo studies and pharmacological experiments are required to evaluate its bioavailability and therapeutic potential, this study provides preliminary mechanistic insights into the effects of 10-HDA on gastric cancer cells. Full article

To investigate sex-specific differences in gonad quality and flavor characteristics of the sea urchin Heliocidaris crassispina, female and male gonads were compared using proximate composition, colorimetry, E-tongue, E-nose, LC-MS, and HS-SPME-GC-MS. No significant sex differences were observed in wet weight, test diameter, gonadosomatic index, moisture, or crude fat, whereas female gonads showed higher crude protein content, lightness, and yellowness. E-tongue and E-nose analyses revealed distinct sex-dependent taste and odor fingerprints. Metabolomics identified 366 differential non-volatile metabolites and 53 differential volatile metabolites, mainly involving lipids, organic acids and derivatives, dipeptides, nucleotide-related compounds, hydrocarbons, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. Female gonads were enriched in phospholipids, lysophospholipids, dipeptides, and nucleotide precursors, whereas male gonads contained higher levels of acylcarnitines, hydroxy fatty acids, 3-carene, and hydrocarbons. These findings provide metabolomic evidence for sex-dependent flavor differences and support quality evaluation of sea urchin products. Full article

Identifying physiological changes during the transition period is essential for improving the health and productivity of dairy goats. This study evaluated hematological, biochemical, hormonal, oxidative stress, and molecular alterations in Shami goats during the pre-pregnancy, late pregnancy, and early lactation periods. Eighty clinically healthy goats were examined, and blood samples were analyzed for hematological indices, metabolic and hormonal profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, and relative expression of genes associated with energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, inflammation, and autophagy. Late pregnancy was characterized by significant (p < 0.05) increases in red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), neutrophils, albumin, globulin, urea, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), and malondialdehyde (MDA), accompanied by decreased glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), antioxidant markers, total leukocyte count, packed cell volume, and monocytes. Early lactation was associated with higher non-esterified fatty acid, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels. Genes involved in lipid mobilization and oxidation, ketogenesis, inflammation, cellular stress, and autophagy; sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1A), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme a synthase 2 (HMGCS2), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), lipase E (LIPE), protein kinase amp-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1 (PRKAA1), solute carrier family 2 member 1 (SLC2A1), haptoglobin (HP), interleukin 6 (IL6), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), beclin 1 (BECN1), and autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) were significantly upregulated, whereas antioxidant- and glucose transport-related genes nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), catalase (CAT), thioredoxin (TXN), and solute carrier family 2 member 4 (SLC2A4) were downregulated during the transition period. The results indicate well-orchestrated metabolic and molecular adaptations that can be employed as biological indicators to track the physiological status of Shami goats. These findings fulfilled the study objective and identified potential biomarkers of the transition period in Shami goats. Full article

Structurally unusual fatty acids (FAs) are biomolecules that connect lipid metabolism, membrane adaptation, and cellular communication. Evidence indicates that FA structural features, including double-bond position, stereochemical configuration, and methyl branches, influence physicochemical properties, metabolic fate, and biological functions. However, these mechanisms have not been systematically integrated. This review summarizes the structural characteristics and biological functions of epoxy, hydroxy, cyclopropane, acetylenic, and conjugated fatty acids. Among these, we focus particularly on structure–function relationships, metabolism of FAs with double bonds in uncommon positions and methyl branches, as these characteristics affect their recognition by metabolic enzymes and metabolic stability. We discuss the metabolic features and biological roles of structurally unusual FAs, with particular emphasis on how structural features regulate unsaturated FA β-oxidation. We clarify how double bonds affect isomerases and reductases through spatial configuration and how methyl branches may alter enzymatic recognition and slow degradation through steric effects. In diffusible signal factor (DSF)-family quorum-sensing signals, double bonds and methyl branches may contribute to the stability and effective concentration of signaling molecules by influencing β-oxidation-related turnover, potentially affecting signal intensity and duration. Overall, this review highlights the role of FA structures in linking metabolism with signal transduction. Future studies integrating biochemical assays, genetic analyses, and multi-omics approaches are needed to elucidate these mechanisms and expand applications. Full article

Royal jelly (RJ) is a highly valued bee-derived functional food and natural health product, in which 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) represents the most characteristic lipid component. As a unique fatty acid found exclusively in RJ, 10-HDA serves not only as a key marker for product authenticity, freshness, and quality evaluation but also as a major contributor to the biological activities of RJ, including immunomodulatory, metabolic regulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and dermatological effects. Given its nutritional and quality-related importance, and because most previous reviews have focused primarily on the biological activities or compositional characteristics of 10-HDA, current knowledge regarding its biosynthesis, secretion, and regulatory mechanisms in worker mandibular glands has not yet been systematically organized and summarized. Understanding these processes is essential for explaining the biological origin of 10-HDA accumulation in RJ and for developing strategies to improve 10-HDA yield, royal jelly quality, and production standardization. This review summarizes current knowledge on the physicochemical properties and health-related functions of 10-HDA and further integrates recent advances in its endogenous biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms. Particular emphasis is placed on the proposed three-step biosynthetic pathway, beginning with stearic acid and proceeding through cytochrome P450-mediated ω-hydroxylation, successive β-oxidation, and terminal dehydrogenation. We also discuss how 10-HDA production is shaped by worker developmental stage, glandular maturation, genetic background, dietary nutrients, botanical origin, endocrine signals, and apicultural management practices. By linking the biological origin of 10-HDA with its functional properties and quality-determining role in RJ, this review provides an integrated framework for understanding the formation of 10-HDA-rich royal jelly. By linking the biological origin, functional properties, and quality-determining role of 10-HDA in RJ, this review provides an integrated framework for understanding 10-HDA-rich royal jelly. It also identifies key gaps in biosynthetic validation, secretion mechanisms, and regulatory networks, offering guidance for RJ quality standardization, production optimization, and functional food development. Full article

Organic residues were extracted from ten amphorae recovered during excavations at the Late Roman Villa del Tellaro (Noto, Sicily). The samples were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer (LC-MS). Biomarkers of plant oils, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic) and the oxidation product azelaic acid, were identified in eight samples. Wine-compatible biomarkers (syringic acid, L-proline, malic acid), albeit in the absence of tartaric acid, were detected in two samples alongside the oil markers, a pattern that would be consistent with, though not in itself proof of, amphora reuse. Two further samples yielded a more saturated, degraded fatty-acid profile most parsimoniously interpreted as a strongly degraded plant oil, although a contribution of animal or fish fat (possibly garum) cannot be excluded on the fatty-acid data alone. Diterpenoid resin acids diagnostic of Pinaceae spp. pitch (dehydroabietic acid, 7-oxo-DHA, 15-hydroxy-7-oxo-DHA) were identified in all ten samples, confirming the systematic application of pine resin coatings. The assemblage comprises mainly North African types (Tripolitana II, Tripolitana III, Keay 35A/B, Keay 62Q) alongside one Eastern Mediterranean amphora (LRA8) and unidentified forms. The results offer the first archaeometric evidence for the contents of transport amphorae from the Villa del Tellaro, contributing new data on Late Antique trade between North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and southeastern Sicily. Full article

Modulation of cholesterol metabolism and reduction in serum cholesterol are key strategies for preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Functional foods enriched with dietary fiber and phytochemicals have attracted increasing attention for their potential health benefits. In this study, milk tablets containing kale and carrot (KC) were developed and preliminarily evaluated for their cholesterol-lowering potential. KC milk tablets were rich in dietary fiber, contained gallic acid, and exhibited antioxidant properties. They also supported the growth of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum in vitro, accompanied by increased SCFA production. In an open-label, pre–post exploratory study in hypercholesterolemic subjects, daily consumption for 6 weeks was associated with significantly increased HDL-C and reduced LDL-C levels. In addition, circulating ApoB100 and HMGCR levels were reduced, whereas ApoE and TNF-α remained unchanged. Therefore, these preliminary findings suggest that KC milk tablets may accomplish beneficial changes in lipid profiles and support the potential of dietary fiber–phenolic interactions with enhanced SCFA production which might modulate cholesterol metabolism. However, in further studies, randomized controlled trials are required to understand the precise underlying mechanism. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the chemical composition and the biological properties of Reseda alba L., commonly known as white mignonette. Extracts obtained from leaves (L), flowers (F), stems (S), and immature fruits (Fr) by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were assessed for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and growth-inhibitory activity, and chemically characterized by an analytical approach based on liquid chromatography/electrospray/high-resolution tandem–mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMS/MS). The resulting chromatographic profile revealed 30 major constituents belonging to the flavonoids, glucosinolates, phenolic acids, and polar lipids, as well as hydroxy fatty acid classes. Naringenin-di-C-glucoside, isorhamnetin-O-deoxyhexosyl-hexoside, kaempferol-O-dideoxyhexosyl-hexoside, and isorhamnetin O-dideoxyhexoside are reported here for the first time in the genus Reseda. The Fr extract exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory and radical scavenging properties, likely due to its higher flavonoid content compared to the other extracts. On the other hand, the F extract significantly reduced the viability of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CaCo-2) and hepatocarcinoma (HepG-2) cells. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay showed that the treatments with R. alba did not induce the release of the marker enzyme in CaCo-2 and HepG-2 cells, suggesting the involvement of a different cell death pathway. Overall, the bioactivities observed among the different plant organs highlight the beneficial potential of R. alba and provide a rationale for future bioactivity-guided isolation studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated sarcopenia is characterized by impaired insulin signaling, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and progressive muscle loss. Although liraglutide improves glucose control and reduces lipid burden, its ability to preserve muscle integrity under diabetic lipotoxic conditions remains limited. This study investigated whether β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) could enhance liraglutide-mediated protection against high-glucose plus free fatty acid (HG+FFA)-induced injury in skeletal muscle cells. Methods: Differentiated C2C12 myotubes were exposed to HG+FFA to establish a sublethal lipotoxic model and treated with liraglutide, HMB, or their combination. Cell viability, lipid accumulation, myotube morphology, insulin signaling, glucose uptake, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant gene expression, and atrophy-related signaling were assessed. Results: HG+FFA induced marked lipid droplet accumulation, impaired insulin signaling, reduced glucose uptake, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ROS production, suppressed antioxidant gene expression, and promoted an atrophic phenotype characterized by increased atrogin-1 and MuRF1 and reduced myogenic markers. Liraglutide alone reduced large lipid droplets and partially improved insulin signaling but showed limited efficacy in preserving the myotube phenotype. HMB alone exerted modest effects on lipid accumulation but preserved myotube area. Notably, combined HMB and liraglutide treatment more effectively reduced lipid burden, restored insulin signaling and glucose uptake, attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, restored antioxidant gene expression, and preserved MyHC-positive area and myotube diameter while suppressing atrogin-1/MuRF1 activation. These protective effects were largely attenuated by rapamycin, indicating at least partial dependence on mTOR-associated signaling. Conclusions: Overall, HMB and liraglutide exert complementary protective effects against diabetic lipotoxic and atrophic stress, supporting the potential utility of this combination strategy for T2D-associated sarcopenia. Full article

Qualitative liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) and NMR analysis of the diethyl ether extract of the aerial part of Eryngium dichotomum plant belonging to the Apiaceae family led to the putative identification of phenolic acids, flavonoid glycosides, triterpenoid saponins, fatty acids, and oxylipins. The tentative identification of several secondary metabolites by UHPLC–MS analysis was further confirmed by compound isolation and comprehensive spectroscopic characterization using 2D NMR and mass spectrometry, leading to the elucidation of seven compounds, a mixture of two hydroxy fatty acids, namely (Z,E)-13-hydroxyoctadeca-9,11-dienoic acid (1) and (E)-13-hydroxyoctadec-11-enoic acid (2); two C17 polyacetylenes, (E)-heptadeca-1,10-dien-4,6-diyne-3,8,9-triol (3), and falcarinol ((Z)-1,9-heptadeca-1,9-dien-4,6-diyn-3-ol) (4); glycerol monopalmitate (5) and two flavonoid glycosides, kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (6), and quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (7). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the n-butanol and the diethyl ether extracts of the species were evaluated using the DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. In addition, the anticancer activity of the major falcarinol-type polyacetylene was assessed against A375 human melanoma cells. Full article

Helleborus sp. are small, perennial herbs with a wide distribution across central and southern Europe and Asia. Historically, extracts of these plants have been used in remedies exhibiting cathartic and anthelmintic effects; however, their adverse and toxic potential have also been reported. As such, Helleborus extracts have been trialled as alternative approaches to cancer treatment in rare cases. In this study, a detailed phytochemical characterisation of root extracts from Helleborus odorus subsp. cyclophyllus was performed in parallel with an in vitro assessment of their cytotoxicity and effect on cell phenotype. GC/EI/MS metabolite profiling revealed the complexity of the extract, which exhibited a high relative content of fatty acids (17.98%), with the most abundant group being the unsaturated fatty acids, followed by saturated and hydroxy fatty acids. Bioassays indicated the extract had antioxidant capabilities, while in vitro analysis demonstrated the extract induced a pro-oxidant phenotype that reduced cell viability, inhibited growth in bacterial (E. coli) and mammalian (human aortic endothelial cells) cell types, and exacerbated pro-inflammatory indices. Helleborus odorus subsp. cyclophyllus contains bioactive molecules that elicit a number of cellular responses, and the therapeutic potential of these molecules warrants further investigation. Full article

Background/Objectives: GLP-1-based obesity pharmacotherapy has shifted clinical attention from the magnitude of weight loss to the quality of weight loss. This review evaluates whether body composition changes during treatment with GLP-1-based agents represent clinically meaningful muscle loss and identifies nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and monitoring strategies that may help preserve lean mass, function, bone health, and nutritional adequacy. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was performed using focused searches of PubMed, publisher-hosted journal platforms, and reference lists of key primary studies and recent evidence syntheses through March and May 2026. Evidence was organized around body composition, muscle quality and function, dietary protein and micronutrient adequacy, exercise, supplementation, bioelectrical impedance analysis, imaging, and emerging biomarkers. Results: Semaglutide and tirzepatide preferentially reduce fat mass, including visceral and ectopic adiposity, while producing smaller but consistent reductions in lean mass or lean soft tissue. However, DXA-derived lean mass and BIA-derived fat-free mass are not equivalent to skeletal muscle, and lean tissue loss does not necessarily indicate impaired strength or physical performance. The most defensible supportive care model combines food-first nutritional counseling, adequate protein intake, structured resistance exercise, management of gastrointestinal adverse effects, and risk-based monitoring of micronutrient inadequacy. Protein supplementation and nutritionally complete meal replacements may be useful when intake is insufficient, whereas creatine, essential amino acids or leucine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate, fiber, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and multi-ingredient products remain adjunctive options supported mainly by indirect or phenotype-specific evidence. Conclusions: Future GLP-1 trials and clinical care should move beyond body weight and total lean mass toward integrated assessment of muscle quantity, muscle quality, function, bone, and nutritional adequacy, and standardized BIA-based clinical monitoring where advanced imaging is not feasible. Full article