Search Results (834)

This study aimed to develop a functional powder using whey and milk matrices, leveraging the protective capacity of chia–alginate hydrogels and the advantages of electrohydrodynamic spraying (EHDA), a non-thermal technique suitable for encapsulating probiotic cells under stress conditions commonly encountered in food processing. A hydrogel matrix composed of chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate was used to form a biopolymeric network that protected probiotic cells during processing. The encapsulation efficiency reached 99.0 ± 0.01%, and bacterial viability remained above 9.9 log₁₀ CFU/mL after lyophilization, demonstrating the excellent protective capacity of the hydrogel matrix. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed well-retained cell morphology and homogeneous distribution within the hydrogel matrix while, in contrast, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical, porous microcapsules with distinct surface characteristics influenced by the encapsulation method. Encapsulates were incorporated into beverages flavored with red fruits and pear and subsequently freeze-dried. The resulting powders were analyzed for moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, and color determinations. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and response surface methodology, highlighting the impact of ingredient ratios on nutritional composition. Raman spectroscopy identified molecular features associated with casein, lactose, pectins, anthocyanins, and other functional compounds, confirming the contribution of both matrix and encapsulants maintaining the structural characteristics of the product. The presence of antioxidant bands supported the functional potential of the powder formulations. Chia–alginate hydrogels effectively encapsulated L. reuteri, maintaining cell viability and enabling their incorporation into freeze-dried beverage powders. This approach offers a promising strategy for the development of next-generation functional food gels with enhanced probiotic stability, nutritional properties, and potential application in health-promoting dairy systems. Full article

Background: The metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents an escalating global health concern, with effective treatments still lacking. Given its complex pathogenesis, multi-targeted strategies are highly desirable. Methods: This study reports the isolation of four flavone C-glycosides (FCGs) from Dianthus superbus L. and explores their potential in treating MASLD. The bioactivity and underlying mechanisms of FCGs were systematically evaluated by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and zebrafish model validation. Results: Network pharmacology analysis revealed that FCGs may modulate multiple MASLD-related pathways, including lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis. Molecular docking further confirmed strong binding affinities between FCGs and key protein targets involved in these pathways. In the zebrafish model of MASLD induced by egg yolk powder, FCGs administration markedly attenuated obesity, hepatic lipid accumulation, and liver tissue damage. Furthermore, FCGs improved lipid metabolism and restored locomotor function. Molecular analyses confirmed that FCGs upregulated PPARγ expression to promote lipid metabolism, restored insulin signaling by enhancing INSR, PI3K, and AKT expression, and suppressed inflammation by downregulating TNF, IL-6 and NF-κB. Additionally, FCGs inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis by elevating the BCL-2/BAX ratio. Conclusions: These findings highlight the multi-pathway regulatory effects of FCGs in MASLD, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic candidate for further preclinical development. Full article

Background: Studies on ketogenic diets with a higher percentage of fat composition have revealed conflicting results regarding the modulation of lipid metabolism and tissue inflammation. Furthermore, studies on soy protein consumption in ketogenic diets remain limited. In this study, the effects of ketogenic diets on hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation and of soy protein replacement in ketogenic diets were investigated. Methods: Mice were randomly assigned to a control diet (C), ketogenic diet (KD), or ketogenic with soy protein (KS) groups for an 18-week experiment. Both ketogenic diet groups were fed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet during the first 12 weeks and a ketogenic diet during the last 6 weeks of the experiment. The KS group was fed the same diet as the KD group, but soy protein was substituted for casein during the last 6 weeks. Results: The KD and KS groups exhibited higher plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels; a higher incidence of hyperlipidemia; and lower blood glucose, mesenteric fat mass, adipose tissue TNF-α, IL-1β levels, and NLRP3 protein expression compared with the C group. In the gut microbiota analysis, the KD group had a higher F-B ratio than the C group. Greater A. muciniphila abundance and a lower F-B ratio were noted in the KS group compared with the KD group. Conclusions: Although ketogenic diets decreased mesenteric fat mass and adipose tissue inflammation and modulated NLRP3 expression, they were associated with hepatic inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Soy protein consumption in a ketogenic diet did not differ from casein consumption regarding diet-induced tissue inflammation, but it may have altered the gut microbiota. Full article

The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) supports one of the most valuable small-scale fisheries in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region, with substantial socioeconomic implications. This species holds significant potential for human consumption due to its low lipid content, favorable fatty acid profile, high-quality protein, and essential microelements. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of octopus specimens landed in two key Algarve fishing areas—Barlavento/Windward (Alvor Harbour) and Sotavento/Leeward (Fuzeta Harbour). We assessed their nutritional value, focusing on protein quality, lipid indexes, trace minerals, and essential vitamins, as well as overall safety and quality. All regulated contaminants and additional potential risks were also evaluated, yielding fully satisfactory safety results. The research was conducted within the framework of the European Sea2See project, which aims to enhance consumer trust and acceptance of sustainably harvested or farmed seafood in Europe. Our findings demonstrate that Algarve octopus is a nutritionally rich seafood product, promoting cardiovascular health and general well-being. Full article

A high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol from processed meats is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. This study aimed to develop a nutritionally enhanced Bologna-type sausage by partially replacing the beef content with a structured emulsion gel (EG) formulated from pine nut oil, inulin, carrageenan, and whey protein concentrate. The objective was to improve its lipid quality and functional performance while maintaining product integrity and consumer acceptability. Three sausage formulations were prepared: a control and two variants with 7% and 10% EG, which substituted for the beef content. The emulsion gel was characterized regarding its physical and thermal stability. Sausages were evaluated for their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol content, pH, cooking yield, water-holding capacity, emulsion stability, instrumental texture, microstructure (via SEM), oxidative stability (TBARSs), and sensory attributes. Data were analyzed using a one-way and two-way ANOVA with Duncan’s test (p < 0.05). The EG’s inclusion significantly reduced the total and saturated fat and cholesterol, while increasing protein and unsaturated fatty acids. The 10% EG sample achieved a PUFA/SFA ratio of 1.00 and an over 80% reduction in atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. Functional improvements were observed in emulsion stability, cooking yield, and water retention. Textural and visual characteristics remained within acceptable sensory thresholds. SEM images showed more homogenous matrix structures in the EG samples. TBARS values increased slightly over 18 days of refrigeration but remained below rancidity thresholds. This period was considered a pilot-scale evaluation of oxidative trends. Sensory testing confirmed that product acceptability was not negatively affected. The partial substitution of beef content with pine nut oil-based emulsion gel offers a clean-label strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of Bologna-type sausages while preserving functional and sensory performance. This approach may support the development of health-conscious processed meat products aligned with consumer and regulatory demands. Full article

Due to the health-driven demand for fat replacers in meat products, Lycopene (Lyc)-loaded yeast protein (YP) high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) were explored as fat replacers for 3D-printed meat products. HIPPEs with varying Lyc concentrations were formulated, and their encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) were evaluated. The encapsulation efficiency of Lyc exceeded 90% for all samples. Microscopic analysis revealed significant droplet enlargement in emulsions containing Lyc concentrations of 1.25 mg/mL and 1.50 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity peaked at a Lyc concentration of 1.00 mg/mL. Three-dimensional-printed meat products with different fat replacement ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) were prepared using both Lyc-loaded and non-loaded emulsions, and their printing precision, cooking loss, color, pH, texture, and lipid oxidation were assessed. The replacement ratio had no significant impact on printing precision, while cooking yield improved with higher fat replacement levels. Lyc emulsions notably influenced meat color, resulting in lower lightness and higher redness and yellowness. pH values remained stable across formulations. Lipid oxidation decreased with increasing fat replacement levels. The results indicate that Lyc-loaded YP Pickering emulsions have great potential as effective fat replacers for 3D-printed meat products, enhancing antioxidant performance while preserving product quality. Full article

Lymphoma continues to pose a significant global health burden, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in microbiome research have identified gut-microbiota-derived metabolites, or postbiotics, as promising candidates in cancer therapy. This study investigates the antiproliferative and mechanistic effects of two postbiotics, Nisin (N) and Urolithin B (UB), individually and in combination, against the human lymphoma cell line HKB-11. Moreover, this study evaluated cytotoxic efficacy and underlying molecular pathways using a comprehensive experimental approach, including the Alamar Blue assay, combination index (CI) analysis, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, and bottom-up proteomics. N and UB displayed notable antiproliferative effects, with IC₅₀ values of 1467 µM and 87.56 µM, respectively. Importantly, their combination at a 4:6 ratio demonstrated strong synergy (CI = 0.09 at IC₉₅), significantly enhancing apoptosis (p ≤ 0.0001) and modulating oxidative stress. Proteomic profiling revealed significant regulation of key proteins related to lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, cell cycle control, and apoptosis, including upregulation of COX6C (Log₂FC = 2.07) and downregulation of CDK4 (Log₂FC = −1.26). These findings provide mechanistic insights and underscore the translational potential of postbiotics in lymphoma treatment. Further preclinical and clinical investigations are warranted to explore their role in therapeutic regimens. Full article

Background/Objectives: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is metabolically active and is in dynamic crosstalk with the surrounding cardiomyocytes, modulating their function and metabolism. Oxidative stress is a key contributor to cell death and cardiac remodeling, is a hallmark of diabetes (DM) and cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known about these processes in EAT from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study investigates changes in mitochondrial dynamics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antioxidant defense levels in EAT compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with a focus on the impact of DM and CAD. Methods: Adipose tissue biopsies were collected from 128 patients undergoing surgical cardiac intervention. Mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results: EAT exhibited increased expression of mitochondrial fusion markers [mitofusin 1 (p ≤ 0.001), mitofusin 2 (p = 0.038), and optic atrophy 1 (p ≤ 0.001)], as well as fission markers [fission 1 (p ≤ 0.001) and dynamin-related protein 1 (p ≤ 0.001)] relative to SAT. Additionally, ROS levels (dihydroethidium, p = 0.004) were elevated, while lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, p ≤ 0.001) was reduced in EAT compared to SAT. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels (p ≤ 0.001) and the redox buffer ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG, p ≤ 0.001) were significantly increased in EAT. Interestingly, glutathione peroxidase activity (p ≤ 0.001) and the antioxidant defense markers catalase (p ≤ 0.001) and superoxide dismutase 2 (p = 0.001) were significantly reduced in EAT compared to SAT. Conclusions: The findings provide a unique molecular insight into the mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress profiles of EAT, highlighting potential avenues for a novel diagnostic method and therapeutic strategies for cardiac disease. Full article

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary yeast culture (YC) supplementation on growth performance, digestive function, intestinal inflammatory response, and microbiota composition of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (LMB). Six diets were formulated with graded levels of YC (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg), referred to as CON, YC5, YC10, YC15, YC20, and YC30, respectively. Each diet was assigned to four replicate tanks of LMB juveniles (initial body weight 8.11 ± 0.05 g) with twenty fish per tank. After an 8-week feeding trial, final body weight and specific growth rate showed an increasing trend with 5~20 g/kg YC and reached a maximum at 15 g/kg YC. Feeding ratio decreased, but feed efficiency ratio (FER) improved in response to dietary YC inclusion, and FER was higher in the YC10 fish than in the YC5, YC20, and YC30 fish. Proximate composition (moisture, protein, and lipid) of the whole fish was not affected by dietary YC levels. The activities of intestinal lipase and trypsin were higher in the YC10 fish, while the relative expression of interleukin-8 (il-8) and il-1β was downregulated in the hindgut of the YC15 fish compared with the CON fish. Histological examination showed that the villus height of the midgut, together with goblet cell density of the foregut and midgut, was higher in the YC10 and YC30 fish than in the CON fish. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes dominated the intestinal microbiota in LMB. The decrease in harmful Mycoplasma accounted for the dramatic change in Firmicutes abundance, while the increase in Cetobacterium (specifically C. somerae) accounted for the change in Fusobacteria abundance in the gut of the YC10 and YC30 fish compared with the CON fish. The increase in the beneficial Endozoicomonas was the main reason for the change in Proteobacteria abundance in the intestine of the YC30 fish as compared with the CON fish. Taken together, the alteration of intestinal microbiota composition contributed to the improved digestive function and feed utilization in LMB fed YC-supplemented diets. Based on growth performance, the optimal YC level in the diet for LMB was 15 g/kg. Full article

The progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is shaped by a multifaceted interplay among genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, alongside gut dysbiosis. Cinnamon, being abundant in polyphenols and flavonoids, shows significant antioxidant effects. Studies have substantiated that cinnamon contributes to the management of glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the anti-diabetic efficacy of cinnamon is not completely understood. The objective of this research was to clarify the anti-diabetic mechanism associated with cinnamon extract through a combination of chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and in vivo investigations. The results indicated that 32 chemical ingredients, including quercetin, were identified through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology revealed that 471 targets related to 14 compounds were screened. The analysis of GO enrichment revealed that the primary pathways were notably enhanced in the metabolism of insulin and glucose. In vivo analyses showed that cinnamon could effectively alleviate hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and lipid metabolism abnormalities via increased relative abundance of Akkermansia and Ligilactobacillus at the genus level and a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio at the phylum level. Moreover, cinnamon reduced the serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and significantly increased the colon Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin protein levels. It was also observed that cinnamon improved the fecal SCFA levels (acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric and caproic acid), while also modifying the bile acid (BA) profile and increasing the conjugated-to-unconjugated BA ratio. The Western blotting analysis further demonstrated that cinnamon activated intestinal FXR/FGF15 and hepatic PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In summary, the finding confirmed that cinnamon ameliorated glucose and lipid metabolism disorders by safeguarding the intestinal barrier and modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites, thereby activating intestinal FXR/FGF15 and hepatic PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Full article

Bestrophinopathies are a group of inherited retinal diseases caused by mutations in the BEST1 gene. The protein encoded by this gene, bestorphin-1 (hBest1), is a calcium-dependent transmembrane channel localized on the basolateral membrane of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. We have already demonstrated the surface behavior and organization of recombinant hBest1 and its interactions with membrane lipids such as 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol (Chol) in models of biological membranes, which affect the hBest1 structure–function relationship. The main aim of our current investigation is to integrate pure hBest1 protein into lipid bilayer nanostructures. We synthesized and characterized various hBest1-containing nanostructures based on 1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), SM, glycerol monooleate (GMO) and Chol in different ratios and determined their cytotoxicity and incorporation into cell membranes and/or cells by immunofluorescence staining. Our results show that these newly designed nanoparticles are not cytotoxic and that their incorporation into MDCK II cell membranes (used as a model system) may provide a mechanism that could be applied to RPE cells expressing mutated hBest1 in order to restore their ion transport functions, affected by mutated and malfunctioning hBest1 molecules. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth performance, hematological health, and muscle composition of juvenile Arapaima gigas. We tested five isonitrogenous diets (451.7 g kg⁻¹ of crude protein) with increasing lipid levels (6%, 10%, 14%, 18%, and 22%). A total of 600 juvenile A. gigas (80.0 ± 10.5 g; 21.8 ± 1.0 cm) were distributed into 20 tanks (500 L; n = 4; 30 fish per tank) in an indoor open system. The fish were fed to apparent satiety four times daily for 60 days. As dietary lipid levels increased, all growth parameters and lipid content in both the whole body and muscle declined. The diet containing 6% lipids resulted in the maximum final weight, weight gain, feed intake, and the lowest feed conversion rate. However, a maximum lipid level of up to 10.26%, with a gross energy-to-protein ratio of 10.15 kcal g⁻¹ in the diet, as determined through polynomial regression analysis, can be used for juvenile A. gigas without significantly affecting weight gain. Diets with high lipid content (18% and 22% lipids) resulted in the lowest survival rates, highest feed conversion rates, lowest condition factor, visible skeletal protrusions, scale depigmentation, and impaired blood biochemistry. The content of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, n-3, and the n-3:n-6 ratio increased in the muscle lipid fraction (mg g⁻¹ of total lipids) in response to higher dietary lipid levels; however, this does not represent an overall improvement in the meat quality, since the total lipid content in the muscle (g of lipid per 100 g of muscle) was reduced due to impaired growth in fish fed high-lipid diets. Notably, the experimental diets also differed in fatty acid composition, which may have influenced some of the physiological and compositional responses observed. Diets with 6% lipids are recommended to provide optimal growth performance, and a maximum dietary lipid level of up to 10.26% is advised to ensure successful A. gigas farming without impairing weight gain. Full article

Anthocyanins (ACNs), characterized by their polyhydroxy structures, exhibit high susceptibility to external environmental factors, which significantly limits their application in the food and industrial sectors. To enhance the stability of anthocyanins, anthocyanin nanoliposomes (ACN-NLs) were developed, with encapsulation efficiency, particle size and zeta potential serving as key evaluation parameters. Furthermore, through layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrostatic interactions, ACN-NLs were modified using synanthrin (SY) and pea protein isolate (PPI). Consequently, PPI-modified ACN-NLs (PPI-ACN-NLs) and SY-PPI-modified ACN-NLs (SY-PPI-ACN-NLs) were successfully synthesized. In this study, the structural characteristics of liposomes were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), their in vitro digestibility was evaluated, and their stability under different temperatures, light conditions, and simulated food system conditions was assessed. The results demonstrated that when the mass ratio of soybean lecithin to cholesterol, soybean lecithin to anhydrous ethanol, and drug-to-lipid ratio were set at 5:1, 3:100, and 3:10, respectively, with an ACN concentration of 4 mg/mL, a pea protein solution with pH 3.0, a PPI concentration of 10 mg/mL, and an SY concentration of 8 mg/mL, the prepared ACN-NLs, PPI-ACN-NLs, and SY-PPI-ACN-NLs exhibited optimal performance. Their respective encapsulation efficiencies were 52.59 ± 0.24%, 83.80 ± 0.43%, and 90.38 ± 0.24%; average particle sizes were 134.60 ± 0.76 nm, 213.20 ± 0.41 nm, and 246.60 ± 0.24 nm zeta potentials were −32.4 ± 0.75 mV, −27.46 ± 0.69 mV, and −16.93 ± 0.31 mV. The changes in peak shape observed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), in vitro digestion profiles, and alterations in anthocyanin release rates under different conditions collectively indicated that the modification of ACN-NLs using SY and PPI enhanced the protective effect on the ACNs, improving their biological activity, and providing a robust foundation for the practical application of ACNs. Full article

This study first examines the potential of using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to extract molecular and organizational markers from human oral mucosa. These indicators are then examined in relation to age and pathophysiological conditions. Oral mucosa biopsies were collected from 38 patients during surgical procedures and analyzed using FTIR and DSC-validated protocols. The patients were divided into two age groups, namely 20–40 and 70–90 years. Vibrational markers of the lamina propria and epithelium, including lipid-to-protein and collagen-to-protein ratios and lipid order, were extracted from the FTIR spectra of both layers. Hydration levels and collagen thermal stability were determined from DSC thermograms of the entire biopsy. The preliminary findings of this study, which will require further validation in a larger patient cohort, indicate a significant decrease in bound water content and collagen denaturation temperature in the older population. This suggests that oral mucosa undergoes structural dehydration and collagen destabilization with age. Further comparisons within the older group revealed links between biophysical markers of the oral mucosa and chronic or local pathologies. Patients with cardiovascular diseases exhibit altered collagen organization, while patients with diabetes display differences in the lipid-to-protein ratio and the order of lipid chains in the epithelium. Gingivitis is associated with variations in the collagen-to-protein ratio, which supports the role of inflammation in extracellular matrix remodeling. Full article

Physico-chemical analyses, fatty acid profiles, microbiological analyses and sensory characteristics (assessed by trained judges and by consumers) were carried out on four types of goat cheese produced in artisanal cheese factories using raw milk from different autochthonous Spanish goat breeds (Malagueña, Florida, Murciano-Granadina and Cabra del Guadarrama). The cheeses studied were different in fat, protein, salt, pH, moisture, acidity and color due to the different production technologies and the properties of the milk of each breed. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were the predominant fatty acids in all the goat milk cheeses studied. Cabra del Guadarrama Cheese (CGC) and Malagueña Cheese (MC) showed an n-6/n-3 ratio < 4, and MC was found to have the lowest atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. CGC had a lower fat content than the rest of the cheeses studied. The fatty acid profile of CGC was more similar to MC than to Florida Cheese (FC) and Murciano-Granadina Cheese (MGC). MGC had a higher atherogenic and thrombogenic index, a higher PUFA n-6/n-3 ratio than the rest of the cheeses studied and a higher fat content. Therefore, CGC, MC and FC had a healthier lipid profile than MGC. The texture properties of CGC and FC were more similar to each other than to those of MC and MGC (harder cheeses). Sensory analyses performed with trained judges were in accordance with instrumental texture parameters. Consumer acceptability was similar for all the cheeses under blind conditions and only under informed conditions did consumers score FC significantly higher than MGC. In a rank test FC was chosen as the better cheese for a greater number of consumers both in blind and in informed conditions. The provision of information improved the overall liking of Cabra del Guadarrama Cheese and worsened that of Murciano-Granadina Cheese. The high quality of the cheeses confirms the need to raise consumer awareness of autochthonous goat breeds to increase the consumption of these products in order to contribute to the preservation of these breeds. Full article