Search Results (2,268)

Background/Objective: An obesogenic diet triggers intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to epithelial barrier dysfunction and increased risk of metabolic disorders. This study investigated the mechanisms by which quercetin protects intestinal integrity in high-fat diet (HFD)–fed mice. Methods: Mice were fed an HFD or a low-fat diet (LFD) with or without 1% quercetin, intestinal gene and protein expression, microRNA levels, permeability, and circulating intestinal biomarkers were assessed. Results: Mice fed an HFD with quercetin (HFDQ) showed a 17% improvement in intestinal barrier integrity with increased expression of tight junction and mucin genes and proteins. The nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit in the ileum decreased by 34%, whereas its acetylation was reduced by 50–57% throughout the intestine, with downregulation of NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory genes and proteins. Quercetin increased the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) by ~ 25% across intestinal segments and upregulated antioxidant enzyme genes. It suppressed toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by 50% and restored AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 to levels comparable to those in LFD mice. Altered microRNAs (miRNA-16, 200b, 122, 34a, and 21) supported these molecular changes. Quercetin also restored short-chain fatty acid receptors and serotonin transporters that were affected by HFD. Plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cluster of differentiation 14, LPS-binding protein, and myeloperoxidase activity decreased by 36, 31, 42, and 37%, while glucagon-like peptide-1 increased by 23%. Conclusions: Quercetin protects epithelial barrier integrity against HFD-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress via the AMPK-mediated NF-κB and NRF2 signaling pathways. Full article

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae can convert low-value organic residues into insect biomass, but their performance depends on substrate composition and feeding strategy. We evaluated vegetable wastes, okara–wheat–bran diets and kitchen waste–wheat–bran mixtures under a dynamic feeding regime. Ingredient and proximate compositions were determined, and larval growth, fresh-weight-based waste reduction (WR), bioconversion rate (BCR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE), pupal output, nutritional composition and heavy metal contents were assessed. Among vegetable wastes, potato showed the highest numerical WR (95.18 ± 0.73%) and relatively high BCR and FCE, whereas pumpkin produced the most pupae (109.00 ± 8.62 per replicate). Cabbage showed reduced biomass conversion and pupal output. In the okara trial, 40% okara showed the highest numerical WR (75.88 ± 0.39%), 10% okara maximized FCE (15.83 ± 0.38%) and 20% okara produced the greatest pupal output. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated treatment-specific conversion and developmental patterns, but was interpreted as an exploratory association analysis rather than a causal model. Kitchen waste mixtures increased the relative fat proportion and reduced the relative protein proportion of larvae; the 3:2 mixture increased crude fat to 37.90 ± 0.22% while retaining 57.39 ± 0.40% crude protein. Higher kitchen waste inclusion was associated with greater larval arsenic (As) content, reaching 0.803 ± 0.001 mg/kg in the 5:2 treatment. Substrate composition should therefore be optimized together with conversion efficiency, product quality and safety screening. Full article

Background/Objectives: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols improved outcomes in colorectal surgery, but global implementation remains heterogeneous. In centers without structured ERAS programs, the lack of standardized discharge criteria could lead to conservative decisions and prolonged hospital stays. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of early discharge (ED) on postoperative day (POD) 3 using the five Tavernier’s criteria in a real-world setting without formal ERAS pathways. Methods: This retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database included all consecutive adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection between February 2025 and February 2026 at a high-volume tertiary center. Patients were stratified into the EARLY group (discharged on POD 3 upon fulfilling all five Tavernier criteria: C-reactive protein < 150 mg/L, temperature < 38 °C, passage of flatus, Visual Analogue Scale score < 5, and oral diet tolerance) and the STANDARD group (discharged after POD 3). The primary endpoint was the safety and negative predictive value (NPV) of the five-criteria bundle regarding 30-day complications. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included (EARLY: n = 44; STANDARD: n = 33). In the STANDARD group, the primary barriers to discharge were prolonged intravenous analgesic requirements (81.8%) and delayed bowel function (36.4%). The five-criteria bundle demonstrated an NPV of 84.1%, a sensitivity of 68.2%, and a specificity of 67.3% for identifying patients at low risk of complications. The overall 30-day complication rate was significantly lower in the EARLY group compared to the STANDARD group (15.9% vs. 45.5%; p = 0.010). No major complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ III) occurred in the EARLY group compared to 6.1% in the STANDARD group. Conclusions: This exploratory feasibility analysis suggests that early discharge on POD 3 guided by the five Tavernier criteria is potentially safe and feasible in a real-world clinical setting without formal ERAS pathways. However, given the small sample size and inherent methodological biases, these findings remain preliminary, and larger prospective multi-center trials are strictly required to validate the safety and formal impact of this strategy. Full article

This study investigated choline’s effects on endogenous phospholipid synthesis in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Chinese mitten crabs (0.40 g ± 0.03 g) were fed diets supplemented with 0%, 0.2% or 0.4% choline with low phospholipids (low-PL) or normal phospholipids (normal-PL) for eight weeks. Feeding the Chinese mitten crab with 0.4% choline in low-PL diets up-regulated significantly the relative mRNA expressions of neuropathy target enzyme 1 (nte1), phospholipase A2 (pla2) and phospholipase B (plb). Moreover, the crabs fed the 0.4% diet at low-PL diets enhanced hepatopancreatic fatty acid binding protein 3 (fabp3), fatty acid transporter protein 4 (fatp4), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (cpt-2), carnitine acetyltransferase (caat), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1a (cpt-1a) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1b (cpt-1b). However, feeding the mitten crabs 0.2% choline in the normal-PL diets diets up-regulated significantly the relative mRNA expressions of nte1, pla2 and plb. These results indicate that 0.4% choline up-regulates the expressions of genes involving in phospholipids synthesis of Chinese mitten crab fed with low-PL diets, while 0.2% choline improved the genes involved in phospholipid decomposition in normal-PL conditions. Full article

Curcumin (Cur), a polyphenol with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is widely used in aquaculture. However, its low water solubility limits bioavailability. This study first investigated the effects of a highly water-soluble and bioavailable valine-curcumin (Val-Cur) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory factor expression and gut microbiota in juvenile largemouth bass. A total of 450 healthy largemouth bass (initial weight 12.00 ± 0.45 g per fish) were randomly divided into six groups: the basal diet group (CK), the group supplemented with 60 mg/kg of curcumin (Cur), and groups that were fed with 15, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg of Val-Cur. Each group had three replicates (25 fish per replicate). After 8 weeks, compared with both the CK and Cur groups, 30–60 mg/kg Val-Cur displayed significantly increased growth rates, specific growth rates, and protein conversion efficiency, and significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio. Quadratic regression analysis indicated that the optimal supplementation level was approximately 51.62 mg/kg Val-Cur. The Cur and Val-Cur between 30 and 60 mg/kg groups also displayed significantly improved serum biochemical indicators (↑HDL-C, ALB, LZM, CAT and SOD, and ↓MDA). These groups also promoted the expression of intestinal anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β1 and IL-10) and physical barrier genes (Claudin1, Occludin and Claudin4). In terms of regulating the intestinal microbiota, both Cur and Val-Cur significantly reduced the bacterial diversity (↓Sobs, Chao1 and PD indices) and increased the evenness of bacterial distribution (↑Simpson, Shannon and Pielou indices). In addition, the abundance of some potential pathogens (e.g., Plesiomonas, Plesiomonas shigelloides, and Pseudomonas fluorescens) significantly decreased, while the abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Faecalibaculum, Faecalibaculum rodentium and Lactobacillus murinus) significantly increased. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that the increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria was positively correlated with improvement in growth performance, serum biochemical and antioxidant capacity indicators. In summary, Val-Cur exerted superior biological effects at lower dietary inclusion levels than Cur. This study laid a theoretical foundation for elucidating the mechanism of Val-Cur in improving fish immunity and promoting the application of water-soluble curcumin in aquaculture. Full article

Two growth trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM), low-oligosaccharide soybean meal (LO-SBM), and enzyme-treated soybean meal (ET-SBM) on the growth performance, feed utilization, and gut microbiome of the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Nine diets were tested, including a basal diet using solvent-extracted soybean meal as the main protein source. The solvent-extracted soybean meal was then replaced with LO-SBM or ET-SBM at 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% on an isonitrogenous and isolipidic basis. In the 8-week outdoor green water trial, all growth metrics, FCR and apparent net protein retention (ANPR) showed no significant differences among diets (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant effect of LO-SBM on phosphorus retention. In the clear water trial, intermediate inclusion levels of LO-SBM (60–80%) slightly improved growth metrics and phosphorus retention (p < 0.05) without affecting protein utilization, while 100% LO-SBM did not provide additional benefits. Diets with ET-SBM showed similar performance; however, phosphorus retention was reduced. Diets did not affect whole-body composition (p > 0.05), except for phosphorus and moisture. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that shrimp fed 100% ET-SBM had notably higher alpha diversity (Shannon index = 5.45, observed species = 326.41) compared to those fed 100% LO-SBM (Shannon index = 4.59, observed species = 242.69), indicating improved microbial stability with ET-SBM. Nonetheless, there were no significant differences in beta diversity or taxonomic composition between treatments (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that incorporating 60–80% LO-SBM into the diet improves shrimp growth and nutrient utilization. Additionally, ET-SBM may also support shrimp growth, nutrient efficiency, and microbial diversity, suggesting that both LO-SBM and ET-SBM can be beneficial for shrimp nutrition. Full article

Background: Shifting toward more plant-based diets is promoted for health, environmental, and ethical reasons. However, the nutritional consequences of reducing animal-based foods, particularly across age groups with specific dietary needs, remain insufficiently understood. Methods: In this simulation study, we used dietary intake data from 3570 participants in the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2019–2021) to evaluate how replacing animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives affects the intake of protein, essential amino acids (EAAs), vitamins, and minerals across different age groups. Two substitution scenarios were modeled: a nutritionally conscious and a less conscious plant-based dietary pattern. Results: Total protein intake decreased in both scenarios, with the strongest reductions observed in elderly individuals (71–79 years). Vitamin intake, particularly B vitamins and vitamin A, declined in most age groups, and vitamin D remained chronically low. Mineral intake also decreased, notably for calcium, iron, iodine, selenium, and zinc, especially among women and adolescents. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of dietary planning and targeted fortification when promoting plant-based eating patterns. Future research should refine bioavailability estimates and evaluate the long-term health effects of such dietary transitions across life stages. Full article

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by excessive adiposity, chronic low-grade inflammation, and dysregulated incretin and energy-sensing pathways, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Methods: This in vitro and in vivo study evaluated the potential of select phytochemical candidates and botanical formulations to stimulate GLP-1 secretion and activate AMPK signaling. Results: Fourteen phytochemicals and six combinations were screened in human NCI-H716 enteroendocrine cells at 10–20 µg/mL to assess cytotoxicity and GLP-1 secretion. In human adipocytes, selected combinations reduced lipid accumulation and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion. Among the tested formulations, combination #4, consisting of ginseng root extract, curcumin, white kidney bean extract, fenugreek extract, capsaicin, and bitter melon extract, significantly increased phosphorylated AMPK levels in vitro. In high-fat diet-induced obese mice, oral administration of combination 4 reduced body weight gain and white adipose tissue mass, improved metabolic biochemical parameters, restored leptin and MCP-1 levels toward normal values, increased GLP-1 level, and normalized GLP-1 receptor expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Conclusions: These preclinical findings demonstrate that this multi-component botanical formulation modulates GLP-1 secretion, AMPK phosphorylation, lipid accumulation, and inflammatory markers in cellular and murine models. These data provide a foundational rationale for its further evaluation as a non-toxic candidate for metabolic management. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) levels and protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and fecal score in weaned piglets. A total of 200 crossbred weaned piglets (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]), with an initial body weight (BW) of 6.01 ± 1.14 kg, were used in a 31-day feeding trial. Piglets were assigned to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 10 replicates per treatment and five piglets per pen. The treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; TRT1, low-protein diet with CP reduced by 1%; TRT2, low-protein diet with CP reduced by 2%; and TRT3, TRT2 supplemented with 0.1 g/kg protease. Piglets fed TRT2 had lower BW on days 7, 19, and 31 (p < 0.05) and lower average daily gain (ADG) during each growth phase and the overall period compared with CON (p < 0.05). Protease supplementation partially restored BW and ADG. However, average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), and energy (E), and fecal score were not affected by dietary treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, reducing dietary CP by 2% impaired growth performance in weaned piglets, whereas protease supplementation partially alleviated this negative effect without significantly altering nutrient digestibility or fecal score. Full article

This study focuses on 91 human individuals from the Western Zhou period excavated from the Jucun cemetery in Jiang County, southern Shanxi Province, and examines their dietary structure and its changes within the context of population movements in early China. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis was employed, combined with archaeological phase divisions, to compare dietary patterns across different periods. The results show that the Jucun population exhibits a diet dominated by C₄ resources, with a mean δ¹³C value of −8.0 ± 0.7‰ and a mean δ¹⁵N value of 8.6 ± 0.9‰, indicating a relatively low level of animal protein intake. Diachronic analysis indicates that δ¹³C values remain generally stable throughout the Western Zhou period, whereas δ¹⁵N values show a decreasing trend. Regional comparison further shows that populations of different origins all fall within the isotopic range characterized by millet-based agriculture in southern Shanxi. Overall, the dietary structure of this population exhibits a convergence toward an agriculture-based pattern centered on millet. This study provides bioarchaeological evidence for subsistence transformation and cultural integration among mobile populations in the Central Plains during the Western Zhou period. Full article

Feed intake and diet quality are key factors influencing enteric methane (CH₄) emissions in ruminants. Low-quality C₄ grasses typically limit intake and are associated with high CH₄ yield. Nitrogen supplementation may improve rumen function and reduce CH₄ emissions per unit of feed intake, although responses under low-quality forage conditions remain insufficiently characterized. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen supplementation (urea- or nitrate-containing supplements) on the utilization of low-quality weeping lovegrass hay (Eragrostis curvula) and CH₄ yield in beef steers. Twenty-four Aberdeen Angus steers (326 ± 27 kg body weight) were assigned to three treatments: (1) weeping lovegrass hay alone; (2) weeping lovegrass hay + sunflower expeller + urea; and (3) weeping lovegrass hay + sunflower expeller + potassium nitrate (KNO₃). The proportion of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; urea and KNO₃) included in the supplements was set according to the maximum tolerated threshold. Methane emissions were measured using the SF₆ tracer technique. Compared with the hay-only treatment, supplemented animals increased dry matter intake (DMI) by 35% and 38% in the urea and nitrate treatments, respectively (p < 0.01). Total CH₄ emissions (g/d) were not affected by treatment (p = 0.16). However, CH₄ yield (g CH₄/kg DMI) decreased by 27% and 38% in the urea and nitrate treatments, respectively (p < 0.01). The methane conversion factor (Ym) was also reduced in supplemented animals. Under the conditions of this study, supplementation of low-quality weeping lovegrass hay with nitrogen-containing supplements increased feed intake and reduced CH₄ yield without affecting total CH₄ emissions. These findings highlight the importance of considering CH₄ emission intensity, in addition to absolute emissions, when evaluating mitigation opportunities in forage-based beef production systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. This study evaluated the effects of two beetroot cultivars (Boldor and Wodan) on blood serum parameters, body composition, and organ weights in male WKY rats fed a low-protein diet (LPD, 8.8% protein). Methods: Five-week-old male rats were maintained on an LPD for 8 weeks and subsequently continued on the LPD diet supplemented with 4% dried beetroot for 45 days. The experimental diets included beetroot from the Boldor and Wodan cultivars, either treated or untreated with a plant growth stimulator during cultivation. Results: Foliar application of the selenium-based plant growth stimulator did not significantly increase selenium or other element concentrations in beet roots. Elemental analysis showed higher levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, As, Cd, and Sb in the Wodan group, while Boldor increased Cr, Pb, and As; Ni and Se remained unchanged. Beetroot supplementation significantly affected 14 of the 30 measured biochemical parameters, including biomarkers of liver function (ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein), renal function (uric acid), pancreatic activity (amylase and lipase), electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, and chloride), mineral metabolism (calcium), inflammatory status (CRP), and nutritional metabolism (iron). Conversely, no significant effects were observed on lipid profile parameters or biomarkers of cardiac and skeletal muscle injury. Among the beetroot cultivars evaluated, Wodan exerted distinct effects relative to Boldor, resulting in higher circulating total bilirubin and potassium concentrations, alongside reduced uric acid and lipase levels in treated rats. Boldor supplementation significantly increased body weight gain and fat mass, with a trend toward higher lean mass, and increased kidney weight. Wodan did not significantly affect body weight but increased kidney and spleen mass. Feed intake was similar across groups. No changes in cardiovascular function were observed ex vivo. Conclusions: Beetroot supplementation modulated multiple metabolic and physiological biomarkers in rats fed a low-protein diet, with distinct cultivar-specific effects, underscoring the importance of cultivar selection for optimizing functional dietary interventions. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine levels and amylose to amylopectin ratios on the intestinal health of broilers fed an 18.5% crude protein diet from 22 to 42 days of age. A total of 540 healthy male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to nine treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial design consisting of three SID lysine levels (1.00%, 1.20%, and 1.40%) and three AM/AP ratios (0.19, 0.29, and 0.41), with six replicates of 10 birds each. Ileal morphology, intestinal barrier function and inflammation-related gene expression, and the composition of cecal microbiota were evaluated. Significant interactions between lysine level and AM/AP ratio were observed for Occludin, ZO-1, Claudin-1, and TNF-α expression, with the highest expression in the 1.40% lysine + 0.41 AM/AP group and the lowest in the 1.00% lysine + 0.19 AM/AP group. The VH/CD ratio showed a significant interaction, with the highest value in the 1.20% lysine + 0.19 AM/AP group and the lowest in the 1.40% lysine + 0.41 AM/AP group. IL-18 and IL-10 were primarily affected by the main effects of lysine and AM/AP ratio. The expression levels of both IL-10 and IL-18 increased with increasing lysine level and increasing starch AM/AP ratio. Dietary SID lysine level and AM/AP ratio interactively regulate the expression of barrier-related genes, inflammatory status, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota, potentially contributing to enhanced intestinal health in broilers. However, because microbial metabolites were not measured, the functional significance of the observed microbiota alterations remains speculative. In broilers fed an 18.5% CP diet, a combination of 1.20% SID lysine with an AM/AP ratio of 0.19 was identified as the optimal strategy for maintaining intestinal morphology from 22 to 42 days of age. Full article

South Asians appear to be particularly susceptible to diabetes. India hosts 18 percent of the world’s population but more than 25 percent of the world’s diabetics, and individuals of South Asian descent carry this presumed increased risk for diabetes when they emigrate to other parts of the world. One conundrum is that the epidemic of diabetes began around Calcutta (modern day Kolkata) in east India well before it appeared in the United States and Europe, and this emergence occurred despite the frequent occurrence of famines and starvation in India. Here we review the history of diabetes in India and the possible significance of high carbohydrate in low-protein diet contexts. We suggest that the circumstantial relationship between diet and a spectrum that includes diabetes associated with obesity at one end, and impaired glucose tolerance and protein malnutrition (kwashiorkor) at the other, could be significant. If the cause of type 2 diabetes in South Asians is primarily nutritional, and, as suggested by others, aggravated by starvation and famine that increased the risk for low birth weight as an additional risk factor for diabetes, these insights may together help explain an enhanced susceptibility of South Asians to diabetes. Full article

Insulin resistance (IR) is traditionally viewed within the context of type 2 diabetes. However, it increasingly appears to represent a broader systemic metabolic risk state with potential relevance for carcinogenesis. Chronic hyperinsulinemia can activate insulin-like growth factor-1-dependent pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, promoting cellular proliferation while limiting apoptosis. At the same time, IR is closely linked to oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and epigenetic alterations, together shaping a tumor-promoting microenvironment. Epidemiological studies report consistent associations between IR and increased cancer risk, particularly for endometrial, liver, and colorectal cancers. Yet causality remains uncertain and likely varies by tumor type. Notably, metabolic dysfunction may also occur in individuals with normal body mass index (BMI), underscoring the limitations of BMI-based risk assessment. Unlike previous reviews that primarily focused on individual mechanisms or epidemiological associations, this review examines IR as a systemic metabolic risk state by integrating molecular, epidemiological, biomarker-based, and prevention-oriented perspectives. Particular emphasis is placed on strategies for earlier risk identification using integrated biomarker approaches, including fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Emerging tools such as continuous glucose monitoring and hepatokine profiling may further refine risk detection. Sustained lifestyle modification—diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress regulation—remains central to prevention. Pharmacological therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin agents, offer additional metabolic benefits, although their long-term impact on cancer risk is still unclear. Therefore, IR is best understood not as an isolated risk factor, but as a systemic metabolic risk state that may influence cancer development, with implications for prevention and early risk stratification. Full article