Search Results (327)

Pastırma is a traditional dry-cured meat product made from whole pieces of cattle or water buffalo carcasses. Sixteen or more types of pastırma can be produced from different parts of the carcass. This study investigated the effect of low salt processing (3% NaCl) on the lipolytic enzyme activity, volatile profile, color, lipid oxidation, and microbiological properties of commonly produced types of pastırma (kuşgömü, sırt, bohça, and şekerpare). In the study, 5% NaCl level was used as the control group. For all pastırma types, the pH changed between 5.5 and 6.0. The a_w value was less than 0.90 for the pastırma types. The L* value increased when the salt level decreased from 5% to 3% (p < 0.05); however, the salt level did not affect the a* and b* values (p > 0.05). Reducing the salt level increased the neutral lipase activity and decreased the TBARS. As the salt level increased, the acid lipase activity increased in the bohça pastırma, and the phospholipase activity increased in the kuşgömü and sırt pastırma (p < 0.05). Furthermore, while Micrococcus/Staphylococcus constituted the dominant microbiota in pastırma types, a 5% salt level led to a decrease in the number of lactic acid bacteria. The volatile compounds were more affected by salt level than by pastırma type. The correlation analysis showed that there are some differences between 3% and 5% salt levels and the use of a 3% salt level increases the abundance of the compounds. The correlation analysis also revealed that there are differences between the pastırma types in terms of the volatile compounds and that kuşgömü pastırma differs from other pastırma types. Full article

In modern society, obesity and its associated complications have emerged as serious public health concerns, primarily stemming from sedentary lifestyles and carbohydrate-rich diets. Due to the severe side effects often associated with pharmacological anti-obesity agents, emerging global efforts focus on preventive strategies, e.g., dietary modifications and weight gain-suppressing functional foods. In this context, plant-derived metabolites are extensively investigated for their beneficial anti-obesity effects. In this study, we evaluated how Rosa rugosa Thunb. flower bud extract affects fat metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. The extract significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and intracellular triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, enhanced lipolysis, suppressed lipogenesis, and promoted energy metabolism in differentiated adipocytes. In vivo, it reduced body and organ weights and fat mass in high-fat diet-induced obese rats, along with marked adipocyte size and hepatic lipid accumulation reductions. In the epididymal adipose tissue, the extract similarly enhanced lipolytic activity, suppressed lipogenic enzyme expression, and stimulated energy expenditure. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential of R. rugosa Thunb. flower bud extract in reducing fat accumulation through lipid metabolism modulation both in cellular and animal models. Further studies are warranted to identify the active constituents and evaluate the safety and efficacy of the extract in clinical applications. Full article

Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem but also an important comorbidity in metabolic syndrome and other types of pathologies. Currently discussed adjuvants are turmeric and curcumin, used as food supplements. Starting from synthesis in turmeric plant up to the use of turmeric as a spice, a significant amount of turmeric and its derivatives are lost during the processing procedure. In oral administration, the reduced bioavailability of these compounds must be taken into account, an aspect that can be improved by using different combinations and dosages. As for their pharmacodynamic effects, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin improves mitochondrial function and promotes the browning of white adipose tissue. Another mechanism of action of curcumin in weight loss is enzymatic modulation, leading to a decrease in the activity of key enzymes involved in lipogenesis and an increase in the activity of lipolytic enzymes. These properties are enhanced by the synergistic action of the other polyphenols present in turmeric, especially calebin A, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Summarizing these effects, curcumin is a promising food supplement, opening new directions for further research to discover possibilities to improve or even eliminate the calamity of obesity that is currently wreaking havoc. Full article

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in individuals with overweight/obesity and this can be largely attributed to the entrapment of VitD in adipose tissue due to impaired lipolytic stimulation. Considering the well-described role of exercise in stimulating lipolysis, the present study investigated the efficacy of multicomponent-type high-intensity interval training (m-HIIT) in increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in males with overweight/obesity. Twenty middle-aged males (43.5 ± 5 years, BMI: 30.7 ± 3.3 kg/m²) participated in three weekly supervised m-HIIT sessions over a 12-week period and underwent assessments at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were total body fat mass, android fat, hepatorenal index, and serum 25(OH)D. Participants’ daily physical activity and dietary intake habits remained unaltered throughout the 12-week training period. The m-HIIT intervention reduced fat mass (by 3% at 12 weeks), android fat (by 3.7% at 6 weeks and 4.4% at 12 weeks), and hepatorenal index (by 8% at 12 weeks). Serum 25(OH)D levels increased by ~14% (+3.21 ng/mL, p = 0.002) and ~31% (+7.24 ng/mL, p < 0.001) at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The elevation of 25(OH)D levels at 12 weeks was inversely related to fat mass loss (R = 0.53, p = 0.016). Plasma SGPT, SGOT, ALP, γ-GT, fetuin-A, and calcium levels remained unaltered after the 12-week training period. In conclusion, m-HIIT may be useful as a non-pharmacological intervention to increase circulating VitD levels in adults with overweight/obesity. Full article

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B22 exhibits a high esterase/lipase activity, but the genomic and probiotic potential remains unclear. We employed an integrated approach combining whole-genome sequencing, molecular docking studies, and phenotypic assays to dissect the genomic and functional basis underlying the high lipolytic activity and probiotic traits of L.plantarum B22. This strain exhibited a robust lipase activity (3.45 ± 0.13 U/mL), with whole-genome analysis revealing that the complete genome of this strain spans 2,027,325 bp, encoding 2005 genes with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 35.06%. Notably, 13 esterase/lipase genes were identified, 4 of which (gene3060, gene3059, gene2553, gene0798) harbor conserved catalytic triads (Ser-His-Gly/Ala), essential for lipase function. Molecular docking studies confirmed strong binding affinity to tributyrin (ΔG ≤ –5.52 kcal/mol) and elucidated the interaction mechanisms, involving hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between the esterase/lipase enzymes and tributyrin. Phenotypic and genomic analyses further demonstrated that L. plantarum B22 possesses excellent tolerance to simulated human gastrointestinal tract conditions, along with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, highlighting its strong probiotic potential. Genomic annotation also identified 68 genes associated with lipid metabolism and an intact fatty acid synthesis pathway. Importantly, the analysis of phenotypes and genes involved in virulence factors, and the production of harmful metabolites suggests that L. plantarum B22 is safe. Collectively, this study offers novel insights into the genome-guided functional characterization of L. plantarum B22, providing a robust foundation for its development as a functional probiotic strain. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D₃ is predominantly sequestered in adipose tissue, where it is slowly mobilized under conditions of deficiency in vivo. However, the kinetics of its uptake, release, and interaction with its major metabolites, 25(OH)D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃, remain poorly understood. Given the close relationship between obesity, low-grade chronic inflammation, and disrupted vitamin D metabolism, a clearer understanding of these dynamics in adipocytes is essential. Thus, we sought to characterize time-dependent uptake and metabolites in differentiated human adipocytes. Methods: Human pre-adipocytes were differentiated in vitro and exposed to either vitamin D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ or the combination of vitamin D₃, 25(OH)D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃. Intracellular concentrations were quantified through HPLC at various time points. A separate efflux experiment assessed vitamin D₃ release under basal and isoproterenol-stimulated conditions using ³H-vitamin D₃ and scintillation counting. Results: Vitamin D₃ uptake showed a gradual and sustained increase over 96 h, suggesting ongoing accumulation within lipid-rich compartments. In contrast, 25(OH)D₃ and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ peaked rapidly within the first hour and declined sharply. Isoproterenol stimulation significantly enhanced vitamin D₃ release into the extracellular medium from the adipocytes, indicating increased efflux during lipolytic activation. Conclusions: Adipocytes selectively retain vitamin D₃ while rapidly clearing its hydroxylated forms. These findings highlight the distinct intracellular handling of vitamin D metabolites and suggest that tailored supplementation strategies—particularly in individuals with excess adiposity—may improve bioavailability and metabolic efficacy. Full article

Radiotherapy is commonly used for treating various types of cancer. In addition, adipose tissue is not routinely spared during typical radiation treatment. Although radiation is known to induce metabolic effects in patients, the effects of radiation therapy on adipose tissue have not been elucidated. Currently, few studies have investigated the impact of radiation exposure on adipose tissue, and these have primarily involved whole-body irradiation. This study aimed to understand the acutely persistent damage caused by clinically relevant radiation doses in adipocytes. Specifically, in vitro and in vivo, irradiated adipocytes increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels and elevated lipolytic activity compared to unirradiated adipocytes. RNA sequencing also revealed the upregulation of senescence and inflammation pathways. We observed an increase in macrophage and T-cell accumulation at both 1 and 6 months after radiation exposure using in vivo models. Many of the changes observed in irradiated adipose tissue, including oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and senescence, are consistent with those observed in adipose tissue from obese patients, in which obesity is a known driver of many cancers. As adipose tissue damage is maintained chronically, protecting adipose tissue from the harmful effects of radiation exposure may improve radiation-induced toxicity and reduce cancer recurrence and progression. Full article

Our previous study demonstrated that an Escherichia coli heterologous secretion expression system, mediated by superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) mutants, significantly enhances recombinant lipase yield and reduces large-scale production costs. In this study, we identified mScarlet3, a fast-folding fluorescent protein, as another effective mediator of secretion expression in E. coli. A novel lipolytic enzyme, named LipHu6, was identified through sequence alignment. Secretion expression of LipHu6 was achieved by fusing mScarlet3 to either its N- or C-terminus. The specific activity of mScarlet3-LipHu6 reached 669,151.75 U/mmol, slightly surpassing that of LipHu6 alone (646,682.69 U/mmol) and markedly exceeding that of sfGFP_(-15)-LipHu6 (492,432.39 U/mmol). Notably, N-terminal mScarlet3 fusion had no impact on LipHu6 hydrolytic activity toward short-chain p-nitrophenyl fatty acyl esters (C2–C8). In contrast, mScarlet3-LipHu6 exhibited approximately 1.5- and 1.7-fold increases in hydrolytic activity toward p-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP, C16) and p-nitrophenyl stearate (p-NPS, C18), respectively. In conclusion, this study establishes a novel E. coli heterologous secretion expression system mediated by mScarlet3, offering a highly efficient and cost-effective strategy for the large-scale production of lipolytic enzymes. Full article

Essential fatty acids are extremely important nutrients in the diet of fish, and the balance between arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is crucial for the healthy growth of fish. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic basal diets were given to 540 juvenile fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) (31.4 ± 1.5 g) for 8 weeks to investigate the effects of dietary ARA/EPA ratio on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism-related genes of juvenile H. otakii. The control group (A) had 7% fish oil added as the main fat source, while the experimental groups had 4% fish oil as the basic fat source, with varying proportions of ARA and EPA concentrates added to formulate five diets with varying ARA/EPA ratios (B 2.66; C 1.34; D 1.01; E 0.47; F 0.19). The experimental results revealed that adding ARA and EPA to the diet increased the percent weight gain (PWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of juvenile H. otakii, and the PWG and FCR were greatest under Group E dietary conditions. The specific activities (U/mg protein) of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver, as well as serum SOD and CAT were significantly higher in Groups D and E than those in other groups (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA, nmol/g protein) content in the liver and serum was significantly lower in Group E than that in other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, groups D and E exhibited significant increases in the specific activities (U/mg protein) of intestinal trypsin, lipase, and amylase, as well as in the intestinal villus length (p < 0.05). The incorporation of ARA and EPA into the feed reduced the expression levels of fat synthesis genes such as fas, scd1, accα, and srebp1, as well as the expression of lipolysis genes atgl and hsl. However, it also increased the expression of the lipolytic genes cpt1 and ppara. The ARA/EPA ratios in the dietary were 0.47 and 1.01, respectively, which are appropriate for enhancing growth efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activity, intestinal digestive enzyme activity and lipid metabolism regulation. Full article

Adipocyte hypertrophy in individuals with obesity is connected to alterations in adipocyte function. These pathophysiological changes are studied using animal models and adipose tissue engineering. However, knockdown, overexpression, and stimulation studies would benefit from an easily applicable cell model. Although several models (free fatty acids, glucose restriction, and long-term incubation) have previously been described, our evaluation demonstrated that they lack important features described for hypertrophic adipocytes found in obesity. Therefore, we aimed to develop a cell model depicting the pathophysiological state of adipocytes in obesity by applying novel approaches (insulin, macrophage supernatant, and Tnfα) using 3T3-L1 cells. To analyze changes in adipocyte phenotype and function, we detected the cell size, lipid accumulation, insulin sensitivity, cytokine/adipokine secretion, and expression of lipolytic enzymes. Combining long-term incubation with insulin and Tnfα co-stimulation, we found significantly increased cell size and lipid accumulation compared to 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiated with standard protocols. Furthermore, these adipocytes showed significantly reduced insulin sensitivity, adiponectin secretion, and lipolytic enzyme expression, accompanied by increased IL6 and leptin secretion. In summary, the described cell model depicts pathophysiologically hypertrophic 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This model can be used for knockdown, overexpression, and stimulation studies, thereby serving as an alternative to primary cells isolated from DIO mice. Full article

Obesity is a growing global health concern, contributing to diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by abnormal adipokine secretion and chronic inflammation, plays a key role in these conditions. Adipose-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) have emerged as critical mediators in obesity-related diseases. However, the study of mature adipocyte-derived EVs (mAdipo-EVs) is limited due to the short lifespan of mature adipocytes in culture, low EV yields, and the low abundance of these EV subpopulations in the circulation. Additionally, most studies rely on rodent models, which have differences in adipose tissue biology compared to humans. To overcome these challenges, we developed a standardized approach for differentiating human preadipocytes (preAdipos) into mature differentiated adipocytes (difAdipos), which produce high-yield, human adipocyte EVs (Adipo-EVs). Using visceral adipose tissue from bariatric surgical patients, we isolated the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and differentiated preAdipos into difAdipos. Brightfield microscopy revealed that difAdipos exhibited morphological characteristics comparable to mature adipocytes (mAdipos) directly isolated from visceral adipose tissue, confirming their structural similarity. Additionally, qPCR analysis demonstrated decreased preadipocyte markers and increased mature adipocyte markers, further validating successful differentiation. Functionally, difAdipos exhibited lipolytic activity comparable to mAdipos, supporting their functional resemblance to native adipocytes. We then isolated preAdipo-EVs and difAdipo-EVs using tangential flow filtration and characterized them using bulk and single EV analysis. DifAdipo-EVs displayed classical EV and adipocyte-specific markers, with significant differences in biomarker expression compared to preAdipo-EVs. These findings demonstrate that difAdipos serve as a reliable surrogate for mature adipocytes, offering a consistent and scalable source of adipocyte-derived EVs for studying obesity and its associated disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: The amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and acts as an autocrine and/or paracrine signaling molecule in various types of non-neuronal cells. On the other hand, GABA is a nutrient found in a variety of foods and is marketed as a health supplement based on a growing number of studies reporting health benefits in humans and recuperations in animal models of diseases. The present study sought to examine whether supplementation of GABA to young mice regulates their growth as well as glucose and lipid metabolism during physiological adolescence. Methods: Mice were supplemented with GABA over a 16-week period with subsequent anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine measurements. Results: Results showed that 16-week oral supplementation of GABA increased food consumption and body length while attenuating weight gain in male mice but not females. In addition, GABA treatment lowered the index of body fat (Lee index) and increased the expression of lipolytic enzymes in adipose and liver tissues of male mice without affecting blood glucose levels. Remarkably, supplementation of GABA significantly increased the protein expression of growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary gland of both male and female mice. However, it only substantially increased GH levels in the sera of male mice but not females. Moreover, GABA significantly increased the expression of the GH secretagogue peptide ghrelin in the stomachs of male mice only. Conclusions: Together these novel findings suggest that long-term GABA supplementation fundamentally influences the growth and lipid metabolism of males during adolescent development by stimulating ghrelin–GH production and secretion. The mechanisms of GABA-induced sex-dependent upregulations of ghrelin and GH, as well as lipid metabolism in adolescence, await further studies. Full article

Obesity is a metabolic condition of epidemic scale. Previously, we showed that antioxidant extracts from Ribes nigrum had antioxidant and anti-adipogenic effects in mature adipocytes (AD). Here, we evaluated an aqueous extract from Peumus boldus (Boldo) in AD and studied its effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid production. We analyzed the antioxidant activity (AA) of the Boldo extract using the DPPH technique and polyphenol (Pph) content via Folin’s reagent. In AD, we evaluated ROS production, catalase (CAT) activity, intracellular triglyceride (Tg) and cholesterol (Chol) contents, nitric oxide (NO) production via Griess reagent, and the levels of glycerol (Gly) and TNF-α released in the culture medium. We showed that the Boldo extract has high AA. In vitro, Boldo treatment decreased ROS intracellular production and CAT activity. In addition, the Boldo extract was effective in reducing Tg and Chol levels and NO production. We did not identify significant differences in Gly released or TNF-α secreted. We suggest that the Boldo extract has antioxidant and anti-adipogenic effects, but we did not observe lipolytic effects. Boldo did not modify inflammatory markers. Full article

Nitrite and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are common environmental substances in intensive aquaculture ponds. However, the effects and mechanisms of their combined exposure on aquatic animals remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/L CO₂ in the presence of 2 mg/L nitrite on hematological, blood gas parameters, and liver physiological and pathological changes in zebrafish (Danio rerio) over 14 days and 28 days. Our results demonstrated a reduced nitrite uptake and accumulation in the gills and liver of zebrafish exposed to nitrite and varying levels of CO₂. Increased CO₂ levels also led to a decrease in the expression of gill ae1, whereas the transcriptional levels of nhe1 and nhe3b, nkcc and nbc1 were notably upregulated. Moreover, there was a decrease in Cl⁻ and Na⁺ concentrations, along with an increase in K⁺ concentrations. These changes suggested that zebrafish responded to increased CO₂ stress by reducing their absorption of chloride-dependent nitrite, excreting H⁺ and maintaining their internal pH. Exposure to higher CO₂ levels in the presence of nitrite resulted in lower blood MetHb levels and liver oxidative stress compared to the nitrite single-exposure treatment. Furthermore, co-treatment with CO₂ and nitrite attenuated the nitrite-induced damage to genes related to mitochondrial respiratory chain function (ndufs1, mtnd5, mtycb, atp5f1b, mtatp8), leading to elevated ATP levels. Exposure to nitrite alone increased the expression of lipolytic genes (hsla, cpt1aa, atgl) and decreased the expression of lipid synthesis genes (fasn, acaca), resulting in a decrease in TG and TC content in zebrafish liver. However, co-treatment with CO₂ and nitrite prevented the nitrite-induced disruption of lipid metabolism, as evidenced by the improvement in TG and TC levels, as well as transcriptional levels of lipid metabolism-related genes. In conclusion, our study suggests that in the presence of 2 mg/L nitrite, increased CO₂ (2.5–10 mg/L) may modulate ion transporter genes to reduce the chloride-dependent nitrite uptake and maintain pH homeostasis, concurrently alleviating oxidative stress, restoring mitochondrial respiratory function, and improving lipid metabolism in a dose-dependent manner. These changes may be related to the increase in the concentration of bicarbonate ions in the water as the CO₂ level rises. These findings shed light on the potential protective effects of CO₂ in mitigating the harmful effects of nitrite exposure in aquatic animals. Full article

Reducing abdominal subcutaneous fat is a common concern among women, with evidence suggesting that combining aerobic exercise with external shock waves or radiofrequency may enhance fat reduction. This study aimed to assess the effects of six sessions of external shock wave therapy or radiofrequency combined with an aerobic exercise program on abdominal subcutaneous fat and lipid mobilization, compared to the effects of an aerobic exercise program alone. Thirty-one women (aged 18–60) were randomly assigned to three groups: EG1 (shockwave therapy + aerobic exercise), EG2 (radiofrequency + aerobic exercise), and CG (aerobic exercise only). Body composition measures, mean temperature, adipose tissue thickness, lipid profile, and glycerol and interleukin-6 levels were assessed before and after intervention. A significant decrease in the EG groups compared to the CG was observed in the subcutaneous abdominal thickness (p < 0.001, effect size of η²p = 0.446) and waist–hip ratio (p ≤ 0.001, effect size of η²p = 0.408). No significant changes were verified in the levels of lipolytic activity, lipid profile, and interleukine-6. Six sessions of shockwave or radiofrequency therapy combined with aerobic exercise reduced subcutaneous fat thickness and improved hip–waist ratio more effectively than aerobic exercise alone, without affecting lipid mobilization by changes in lipid profile, lipolytic activity, or interleukin-6 levels. Full article