Search Results (4,136)

Morbid obesity is a chronic condition characterized by metabolic disorders and low-grade chronic inflammation, both of which are closely linked to insulin resistance and adipokine dysregulation. In addition to its systemic effects, obesity also leads to structural and functional changes in the skin, supporting its role as an active metabolic and immunological organ. This study analyzed skin lesions occurring in individuals with morbid obesity and explored their potential relevance in the context of metabolic risk and treatment response rather than establishing clinically validated tools. The focus was on how excess adipose tissue affects the skin through metabolic, hormonal and mechanical mechanisms. Although this review focuses on morbid obesity, many of the included studies examine general obesity without separating its severity. Therefore, the findings may not fully reflect patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² and should be interpreted with caution. Three main areas were considered: the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity-related skin lesions, selected dermatological manifestations as potential markers associated with metabolic risk, and changes in these manifestations during pharmacological, surgical, and lifestyle interventions. Available studies show that acanthosis nigricans and multiple acrochordons are consistently associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. An increase in BMI is also associated with impairment of the epidermal barrier, changes in the composition of skin lipids, and modifications of the skin microbiome, while biomechanical factors promote the development of chronic inflammation in the intertriginous areas. It has been shown that normalization of metabolic parameters achieved through GLP-1-based pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, or lifestyle changes can improve some skin manifestations, especially acanthosis nigricans. However, it should be emphasized that most available data are based on cross-sectional or observational studies, and validated composite dermatological indices are still unavailable. Skin changes in patients with morbid obesity often reflect underlying metabolic and hormonal disturbances. They may have potential as additional, non-invasive clinical clues, but they should not be treated as independent tools for risk assessment or treatment monitoring. At present, most evidence shows associations only, and it is unclear whether these findings add meaningful predictive value beyond standard metabolic markers. More prospective studies are needed to confirm their clinical usefulness and to define their role in assessing metabolic risk and monitoring treatment over time. Full article

Background/Objectives: Work stress (WS), occupational fatigue (OF), and Burnout syndrome (BS) among administrative workers are associated with negative psychosocial and metabolic effects. Although antioxidant-rich nutritional strategies have been proposed to help manage stress, evidence from real-world occupational settings is still limited. This study evaluated the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of a multi-antioxidant dietary supplement 2.0 (DS2.0; apple polyphenols, [APP], astaxanthin [AXT], and fucoxanthin [FXT]; 387:12:1 ratio) and explored its association with metabolic parameters, OF, psychosocial outcomes, and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in administrative workers with and without obesity. Methods: A quasi-experimental pilot study was conducted among 22 workers, who received DS2.0 (52.13 mg/day, n = 17) or a placebo (n = 5) for 30 days. TAC was analytically assessed using standardized assays. Metabolic outcomes (lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose), psychosocial variables (SOFI-SM, CESQT/SBI, and IMSS tests), and HCC (competitive immunoassay) were evaluated before and after supplementation. Statistical analyses included within-group pre–post comparisons, independent-sample tests, and effect size estimation. Results: DS2.0 demonstrated high TAC. Supplementation was associated with reductions in total lipids, total cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol, as well as decreases in OF, BS, and WS scores. HCC decreased in the overall sample (217.19 vs. 31.64 pg/mg; p = 0.000) and among workers with obesity (276.80 vs. 34.13 pg/mg; p = 0.002). Stress-related symptoms, including sleep deprivation, exhaustion, appetite changes, difficulty waking, and palpitations, also improved (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: An antioxidant-rich DS2.0 supplement may be associated with psychosocial and stress-related biomarkers; however, these exploratory findings require confirmation in larger randomized controlled trials. Trial registration: ISRCTN 12762846. Full article

Limosilactobacillus fermentum SHY0006 was isolated from Miao sour soup, a traditional fermented food from Guizhou, China, and systematically evaluated for its safety, metabolic functionality, and stress adaptability using phenotypic assays combined with whole-genome sequencing. SHY0006 exhibited no hemolytic activity and harbored no detectable virulence-associated or acquired antibiotic resistance genes, supporting its safety profile. Functionally, SHY0006 improved lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in both cell and animal models. In hyperlipidemic mice, hepatic triglyceride accumulation was markedly reduced, accompanied by favorable modulation of serum lipid parameters, including LDL-C, HDL-C, and free fatty acids. In diabetic mice, the strain improved insulin tolerance test (ITT) performance, indicating enhanced systemic insulin sensitivity. Whole-genome analysis revealed complete biosynthetic pathways for riboflavin and folate, along with extensive carbohydrate utilization capacity, highlighting its metabolic versatility. In addition, SHY0006 exhibited strong tolerance to environmental stress, supporting its potential viability in food matrices and gastrointestinal conditions. Collectively, these findings suggest that SHY0006 is a safe and metabolically versatile probiotic candidate with potential applications in functional foods targeting metabolic health. Full article

Variations in the particle size of cereal flour could influence its techno-functional properties and affect the quality of the end products. In this study, common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) seeds were milled and then sieved into five fractions (≥200, 150–200, 100–150, 80–100, and 60–80 mesh). Proximate analysis showed that the protein and ash contents of buckwheat flour decreased with decreased particle size, whereas the starch content increased. Reducing the particle size did not change the A-type crystalline structure and the short-range ordered structure of buckwheat starch, whereas the buckwheat batter flowability, foaming properties and foam stability of the batter supernatant increased. The steamed buckwheat cakes made from ≥100-mesh flour showed a desirable appearance, cross-sectional structure, color, flavor, and texture. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the starch content and relative crystallinity of buckwheat flour were significantly positively correlated with its pasting parameters and the textural properties (springiness, cohesiveness, resilience) and overall acceptability of steamed buckwheat cake, whereas the protein, lipid, and β-sheet content of buckwheat flour showed the opposite trend. This study demonstrated that differential sieving caused a difference in particle size and chemical composition, which were key variables governing the processing performance of buckwheat flour and important to the quality of its end products. Full article

The global rise in obesity and metabolic disorders has intensified interest in dietary bioactives capable of improving glycemic control and metabolic health. Inositols, particularly D-pinitol, have emerged as insulin-sensitizing cyclitols with potential metabolic relevance. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), one of the richest natural sources of D-pinitol, represents a promising nutritional matrix for metabolic regulation. This narrative review critically evaluates current evidence on the role of D-pinitol in glucose homeostasis and energy balance, integrating data from chemical characterization studies, mechanistic research, preclinical models, and human clinical trials assessing purified D-pinitol and D-pinitol–rich preparations, particularly from carob-derived sources. Available evidence suggests that D-pinitol may enhance insulin signaling efficiency, primarily through PI3K/Akt-dependent pathways, modulate hepatic metabolic flexibility, and influence endocrine balance without acting as a classical hypoglycemic agent. Preclinical models consistently report improvements in insulin sensitivity, lipid handling, oxidative stress parameters, and tissue-specific metabolic adaptations. In contrast, clinical trials in healthy, prediabetic, and type 2 diabetic individuals show more heterogeneous outcomes, including attenuation of postprandial glycemia, reductions in circulating insulin and HOMA-IR, and modest improvements in lipid and inflammatory markers. Overall, carob-derived D-pinitol appears to act as a potential insulin-sensitizing metabolic modulator with context-dependent effects influenced by metabolic phenotype and food matrix composition. However, available data remains limited and heterogeneous, with most data derived from preclinical studies and relatively small clinical trials. These findings should therefore be interpreted with caution. Larger, longer-term randomized controlled trials using standardized preparations are required to establish clinical relevance and translational applicability. Notably, the contribution of other bioactive components within the carob matrix cannot be excluded. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with goji berries (Lycium barbarum) on the nutritional profile, oxidative stability, and shelf life of rabbit meat. Thirty-two rabbits were assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (CN) and the same diet supplemented with 3% dried goji berries (GJ). Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle were determined at dissection, whereas physical, microbiological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated during refrigerated storage (4 °C; 1, 4, and 10 days) and frozen storage (−20 °C; 60 and 120 days). Dietary supplementation significantly modified the lipid profile of the meat, reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. During refrigerated storage, lipid peroxidation increased in both groups; however, meat from the GJ group showed significantly lower TBARS values after 10 days (0.22 vs. 0.33 mg MDA/kg; p < 0.001), indicating improved oxidative stability. Lower accumulation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), reduced formation of biogenic amines, and slower growth of spoilage-related microbial populations, particularly Pseudomonas spp., were also observed in GJ samples. Overall, the GJ diet improved fatty acid composition and delayed degradative processes during storage, suggesting its potential as a functional feed ingredient to enhance rabbit meat quality and shelf life. Full article

Oxidation and related quality deterioration remain a significant challenge for the food industry. Antioxidants are widely used to address these issues, and natural antioxidants are explored as alternatives to synthetic counterparts due to health concerns. This study investigated the impact of cherry powder (CP) on the oxidative stability and quality of ready-to-eat meat products. Beef patties were made and processed by sous vide cooking, then stored at 22 °C to simulate shelf-stable conditions, divided into six treatments: a negative and a positive control, and four CP concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%). The antioxidant activities (TPC, FRAP, and DPPH), lipid oxidation, and microbial activity were measured over a 7-day storage period, along with the impact of processing on these parameters. CP significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced oxidative stability, reducing lipid oxidation compared to controls. Antioxidant activity was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by processing and decreased post-processing and storage, except for DPPH radical scavenging, which remained stable. CP showed no significant antimicrobial effect, as microbial counts in all treatments exceeded 10⁴ cfu/g by day 1, indicating elevated microbial levels and a decline in product quality, although they remained below the level generally considered unsatisfactory for ready-to-eat meat products. Colour analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) variations in L*, a*, and b* values post-processing and during storage. Overall, the CP addition improves the colour and oxidative stability and could be a potential source of antioxidants to maintain the quality of meat products. Full article

Microbial lipids have emerged as a promising sustainable alternative to plant- and petroleum-derived oils, with applications spanning biofuels, oleochemicals, nutraceuticals, and specialty materials. Significant advances in metabolic engineering and strain development have increased lipid production capacity across diverse microorganisms. Numerous reviews have summarized the biological and metabolic advances in this field, highlighting significant progress in metabolic engineering and strain development that has increased lipid production capacity across diverse microorganisms. However, translating these gains into economically viable industrial processes remains a major challenge. This review examines process engineering strategies for microbial lipid production across the full bioprocessing pipeline, from laboratory-scale strain evolution to industrial-scale operation. We discuss recent developments in adaptive laboratory evolution, systems-guided strain optimization, and robustness engineering, emphasizing their implications for process performance. Key bioprocess parameters—including substrate selection, nutrient limitation strategies, reactor design, oxygen transfer, and process control—are critically evaluated for their impact on lipid yield, productivity, and scalability. Furthermore, downstream processing considerations and techno-economic constraints are analyzed in the context of large-scale implementation. By integrating strain-level innovations with process engineering principles, this review highlights current bottlenecks, emerging solutions, and future directions for achieving efficient and scalable microbial lipid biomanufacturing. Full article

The utilization of immunomodulatory nanomaterials, i.e., leveraging their unique properties to enhance immune responses, represents a transformative approach for the treatment of various diseases. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the design of nanomaterials capable of delivering immunomodulatory agents in a targeted manner, such as cytokines, antibodies, and nucleic acids, to specific cells or tissues involved in immune regulation. These nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, liposomes, nanogels, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, MXenes and extracellular vesicles, have been increasingly tailored to modulate immune responses with precision and efficacy. This targeted approach not only enhances therapeutic outcomes but also reduces off-target effects, minimizing systemic toxicity. In this review, an overview of immunomodulatory nanomaterials and their biomedical applications are highlighted. Herein, we have discussed different types of nanomaterials and their design strategies, interactions with different immune system components (macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, T lymphocytes (CD4⁺ helper T-cells, CD8⁺ cytotoxic T-cells, regulatory T-cells/Tregs, and memory T-cells), and B lymphocytes), and immunomodulation mechanisms. Furthermore, nanomaterial-based immunomodulation strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy, wound healing, and bone regeneration and the treatment of infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and allergy and are discussed in detail. In addition to therapeutic applications, selected nanomaterial platforms demonstrate significant potential in pharmaceutical formulations by improving drug stability, controlled release, and bioavailability, as well as in cosmetology through skin-targeted delivery, anti-inflammatory activity, immune protection, and enhanced tissue regeneration. Finally, clinical trial updates, challenges and future prospects are outlined. Key findings indicate that lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic nanoparticles and dendrimers provide complementary advantages for immunomodulation, including efficient delivery, controlled release, multifunctionality, and precise immune targeting. Despite safety, regulatory, and scalability challenges, these systems show strong potential for advancing precision and personalized medicine. Taken together, these innovations hold great promise for personalized medicine approaches, wherein nanomaterials can be tailored to individual patient profiles for more effective and precise disease treatment and prevention strategies. This review focuses primarily on the mechanistic interactions between immunomodulatory nanomaterials and immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, rather than providing an exhaustive treatment of physicochemical optimization parameters such as particle size or surface modification chemistry, which fall outside the defined scope of this work. Full article

Lignocellulosic biomass represents an abundant and renewable carbon source, and its valorization through microalgal cultivation offers a sustainable route to resource-efficient bioprocessing. This study examined the effects of various carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth and lipid metabolism of Desmodesmus subspicatus, with a focus on ryegrass enzymatic hydrolysates as an alternative carbon source. Cultures were supplied with glucose, xylose, or arabinose at different concentrations, along with sodium nitrate or yeast extract, under different carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. Additionally, the impacts of alkaline- and acid-pretreated enzymatic ryegrass hydrolysates were evaluated. Growth was assessed by optical density and gravimetric analysis, and fatty acid profiles by gas chromatography. Glucose supplementation enhanced lipid accumulation, yielding fatty acid profiles dominated by C16 and C18 fatty acids, which are favorable for the quality of the produced biodiesel. Nitrogen limitation further promoted lipid accumulation; cultures supplied with sodium nitrate achieved higher total lipid content, while yeast extract favored greater proportions of PUFAs. Alkaline-pretreated ryegrass hydrolysate supported dose-dependent biomass formation reaching approximately 12 g L⁻¹ at 50%, whereas the acid-pretreated hydrolysate exhibited inhibitory effects at the same concentration. Scale-up in a 1 L photobioreactor yielded lower biomass but higher lipid content with a fatty acid profile shifted to SFA. These results support ryegrass as a viable alternative carbon source and highlight cultivation parameters that influence growth and lipid quality relevant for biofuel applications. Full article

This study elucidates the critical role of pulse repetition frequency (PRF) in optimizing laser inhibition of Microcystis aeruginosa. Using a 355 nm laser (20 ns pulse width, 5 W average power) at 20–65 kHz, 50 kHz is identified as the optimal parameter, achieving 70.6% growth suppression by day 6 (p < 0.001) and reducing cell viability to 28.0 ± 1.6% by day 5 (p < 0.001). Photosynthetic analysis reveals severe PSII dysfunction with Fᵥ/Fₘ of 0.028, representing 91% inhibition (p < 0.001). Biochemical assays demonstrate peak reactive oxygen species generation at 1.59 (p < 0.001) and progressive lipid peroxidation with MDA of 45 nmol/L protein. Transmission electron microscopy and Evans Blue staining corroborate the complete thylakoid disintegration in abundant cells after laser treatment at 50 kHz. These findings establish PRF-dependent photothermal–photomechanical synergy as a deterministic mechanism for efficient, chemical-free algal control. Full article

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus coagulans DSM 32016 on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters, and nitrogen metabolism in weaned Danube White pigs reared under standard production conditions. While supplementation did not result in statistically significant changes in average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), hematological indices, or serum lipid profile, numerical trends indicated slightly higher ADG, improved FCR, and subtle stabilization of hematological parameters in the probiotic supplemented group. Notably, serum urea concentration was significantly reduced (3.78 vs. 3.21 mmol/L; p = 0.017; Cohen’s d = 1.01), suggesting a potential positive effect on nitrogen metabolism and protein utilization efficiency. These findings are consistent with previous reports that probiotics may exert beneficial physiological effects even in the absence of statistically significant systemic changes. The observed trends highlight the potential of Bacillus coagulans to support growth performance and metabolic efficiency in Danube White pigs, emphasizing the importance of breed and age-specific responses in probiotic supplementation. Full article

Edible insects have emerged as a sustainable source of high-quality proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates (including chitin), as well as micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins, and diverse bioactive compounds, thereby making them promising ingredients for functional food applications. Their favourable nutritional profile and low environmental footprint make them attractive ingredients for next-generation food systems. However, processing and preservation remain critical challenges, particularly with respect to the stability of bioactive compounds, lipid oxidation, and protein functional properties such as solubility, emulsifying capacity, and water-holding capacity. This review critically examines recent advances in food processing technologies applied to edible insects, including drying, extraction, fermentation, and microencapsulation, with emphasis on their effects on bioactive compound retention and functional performance. The role of processing strategies in enhancing oxidative stability, protein solubility, emulsifying properties, and overall technological applicability is discussed, alongside safety, regulatory, and consumer acceptance considerations. Overall, this review highlights key technological pathways for the effective valorisation of insect-derived ingredients and outlines future directions for their integration into sustainable and functional food products. In contrast to previous reviews, this work provides a comparative and mechanism-oriented analysis of processing methods, highlighting inconsistencies across studies and identifying key technological trade-offs. Particular attention is given to the relationship between processing parameters and the stability of bioactive compounds. Full article

Background: Osteocalcin is a bone-derived protein traditionally regarded as a marker of bone formation, but experimental and clinical studies have suggested potential endocrine effects on energy and glucose metabolism. In pediatric populations, particularly in the context of obesity, the relationships between circulating osteocalcin, adiposity, and metabolic health remain inconsistent and poorly defined. Objective: To investigate associations between serum total osteocalcin and anthropometric, metabolic, biochemical, and body composition parameters in children and adolescents with obesity, with particular emphasis on adiposity and mineral metabolism. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 155 children and adolescents aged 4–18 years with obesity. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory parameters, and body composition assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were extracted from medical records. Associations between osteocalcin z-scores and clinical variables were evaluated using linear regression models. Multivariable and extended regression models were applied to assess independent associations. Results: Osteocalcin was positively associated with markers of mineral metabolism, including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (β = 0.19, p = 0.012), serum calcium (β = 0.19, p = 0.015), and free triiodothyronine (β = 0.32, p < 0.001) in multivariable analyses. No independent associations were observed between osteocalcin and measures of adiposity, including body mass index, visceral adipose tissue index, leptin, or markers of glucose and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: In children and adolescents with obesity, circulating osteocalcin is primarily associated with mineral metabolism rather than adiposity or metabolic health. These findings support the interpretation of total osteocalcin as a clinically accessible marker of bone turnover and mineral homeostasis rather than a robust surrogate of metabolic dysfunction in pediatric obesity. Full article

Growing evidence implicates neuroinflammation, gut-derived endotoxemia, and dysregulated lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the relationships among circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS-handling proteins, systemic inflammatory activation, and lipid fractions remain insufficiently characterized. The aim of this study was to compare LPS levels, LPS-related inflammatory mediators, and plasma lipid parameters between PD patients and matched controls, and to explore correlations among these biomarkers. Twenty PD patients and twenty matched controls underwent fasting venous sampling. Circulating LPS, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) were quantified via LAL assay and ELISAs. Serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), phospholipids (PLs), HDL-PLs and triacylglycerols (TAGs) were assessed using validated biochemical techniques. LPS concentrations did not differ between groups. However, PD patients showed elevated sCD14 and hsCRP levels, reduced LBP, and increased PLTP. Lipid profiling revealed lower total cholesterol and reduced HDL-associated cholesterol and phospholipids in PD, while TAG levels remained unchanged. Correlation analyses indicated coordinated associations between inflammatory markers and lipid fractions, with distinct interaction patterns in PD compared with controls. These findings support a mechanistic interplay among endotoxemia, innate immune activation, and lipid dysregulation in the pathophysiology of PD. Full article