Search Results (89)

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is thought to result from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, with different studies highlighting a potential role for the gut microbiota and its metabolites in modulating immune responses and disease development. We hypothesized that patients with T1D exhibited altered levels of circulating bacterial metabolites compared with healthy controls (HC), and that these metabolite profiles were associated with key demographic, clinical, and analytical features of the disease. A total of 91 T1D patients and 58 HC were recruited. Plasma samples were collected and analyzed with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for the detection of the metabolites: short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs: acetate [AA], propionate [PA], isobutyrate [IBA], butyrate [BA], isovalerate [IVA], valerate [VA], and methyl valerate [MVA]), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs: hexanoate [HxA] and heptanoate [HpA]) and para-cresol (p-cresol). We also calculated the ratios between the different SCFAs with AA. T1D patients showed significantly higher circulating AA levels than HC, along with reduced PA/AA and IBA/AA ratios, indicating an altered SCFA profile. SCFA diversity was lower in T1D patients, with reduced detection of BA, and total SCFA levels were increased mainly due to elevated AA. AA levels were higher and SCFA ratios lower in women with T1D compared with healthy women, while p-cresol levels were higher in men with T1D than in healthy men. In T1D patients, AA levels positively correlated with HbA1c, whereas PA/AA, IBA/AA, and BA/AA ratios showed negative correlations, particularly in women. MV/AA and non-AA/AA ratios were inversely associated with glucose levels, again, mainly in women. p-cresol levels correlated positively with age and ferritin and were higher in T1D patients with liver dysfunction or hypertension. Therefore, we can conclude that T1D is associated with a marked alteration in circulating gut-derived metabolites, characterized by increased AA levels, particularly in women, and an imbalance in SCFA ratios that correlates with glycemic control. These findings, together with the associations observed for p-cresol and metabolic comorbidities, support a role for the gut microbiota–host metabolic axis in T1D. Full article

Background: Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), defined as systemic infection occurring within the first 72 hours of life, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Increasing evidence indicates that the gut may play an active role in systemic inflammation, yet the temporal behavior of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during EONS has not been characterized. SCFAs and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) are key microbial metabolites involved in epithelial maturation and immune regulation and may provide a non-invasive window into early inflammatory vulnerability. Methods: This pilot prospective longitudinal cohort study enrolled 49 preterm infants (≤32 weeks’ gestation) originally identified as at high risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and subsequently stratified into EONS and non-sepsis groups. Serial stool samples were collected at predefined timepoints (TPs; TP1 ≈ 3 days of life [DoL], TP2 ≈ 7 DoL, TP3 ≈ 14 DoL, TP4 ≈ 21 DoL, and TP5 ≈ 28 DoL). Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to quantify a panel of 12 SCFAs, including BCFAs and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Both absolute concentrations and relative fractions were evaluated, with emphasis on ratio-based metrics (e.g., acetic/propionic acid ratio) and timepoint-specific group contrasts, complemented by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS–DA). Results: At the earliest sampling window (TP1), infants with EONS exhibited distinct early changes in SCFA composition, including a significantly lower median relative fraction of acetic acid (86.6% vs. 94.5% in non-sepsis), while several non-acetate components—including propionic, valeric, and branched-chain acids—were relatively enriched. Acetate-to-non-acetate ratios were markedly reduced in EONS (e.g., acetic/propionic and acetic/isobutyric ratios), indicating an early shift away from acetate dominance. PLS–DA at TP1 demonstrated partial separation between groups, with acetic-acid depletion and non-acetate enrichment among the strongest contributors to discrimination. By later TPs, these early differences narrowed to a small subset of BCFA-related ratios and largely attenuated by the end of the first month. Conclusions: In this pilot cohort of preterm infants, EONS was associated with early, structured alterations in fecal SCFA profiles, characterized by reduced acetic-acid dominance and relative enrichment of non-acetate acids. Dynamic, ratio-based assessment proved more informative than absolute concentrations alone, revealing transient intestinal metabolic signatures accompanying systemic infection. These findings provide the first longitudinal evidence of gut metabolic involvement in EONS and lay the groundwork for larger, multi-center studies integrating SCFA trajectories with microbiome and immune profiling to refine early risk stratification for systemic infection in high-risk neonatal populations. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a disorder of cerebral energy metabolism, where impaired glucose utilization contributes to disease pathology. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), such as decanoic acid (C10), have emerged as promising metabolic substrates due to their ability to bypass glycolytic deficits and support mitochondrial function. In this study, we investigated the metabolic impact of C10 in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD and in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived astrocytes carrying familial AD mutations. Utilizing stable ¹³C-labeled metabolic tracers, we demonstrated that while [U-¹³C]glucose metabolism was largely preserved in cortical slices of 6-month-old 5xFAD female mice, [1,2-¹³C]acetate uptake was significantly reduced, suggesting impaired astrocytic metabolism. [U-¹³C]C10 was efficiently metabolized in both WT and 5xFAD brain slices, particularly in astrocytes, as indicated by high labeling of glutamine and citrate. Furthermore, C10 competitively inhibited glucose and acetate metabolism, suggesting its potential as an auxiliary energy substrate. In hiPSC-derived astrocytes, AD-specific metabolic responses to C10 varied by mutation, with only partial alterations in oxidative glucose metabolism observed in APP and PSEN1 variants, highlighting genotype-dependent metabolic alterations. While AD-related mutations in the hiPSC models did not lead to robust deficits, the in vivo environment in the 5xFAD model is associated with measurable metabolic changes in astrocytes. These findings underscore astrocytic metabolic dysfunction in AD and suggest that C10 supplementation may restore brain energy by supporting astrocytic oxidative metabolism. Full article

Impacts of including medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) products in cattle diets on dry matter digestibility (DMD), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and ruminal gas production were assessed in vitro. Two MCFAs—caproic acid (C6) and caprylic acid (C8)—were produced by a novel bioprocess using agriculture and food waste and microencapsulated with maltodextrin for fast release (FR) and gum arabic for slow release (SR) in addition to C6 and C8 salts. The MCFAs were tested alone and in combination at 1% of dietary dry matter, resulting in eighteen treatments, including a control without MCFA. No treatment reduced DMD%, CH₄%, or CH₄ yield compared to the control. All treatments except T3 (C8 FR) decreased (p ≤ 0.05) CO₂% compared to the control. Certain combinations of MCFA products reduced (p < 0.001) total gas yield and CO₂ yield compared to the control, with T17 (C6 FR, C6 SR, C8 FR, C8 SR) having the strongest effect: a total gas yield reduction of 13.9% and a CO₂ yield reduction of 29.8%. There was a treatment effect (p ≤ 0.05) on all VFA molar proportions, excluding valerate (p = 0.24). Overall, the MCFA products affected several ruminal fermentation parameters and substantially reduced CO₂ production. Full article

Caproate is a valuable medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) that is found to be extensively used in biofuel production, food preservation, and the pharmaceutical industries. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from waste streams can be upgraded sustainably through their biological synthesis via anaerobic chain elongation. However, caproate production is frequently limited in real-world systems due to low carbon conversion efficiency and a lack of electron donors. In this study, we developed a two-stage fermentation strategy employing yellow water—a high-strength organic wastewater from liquor manufacturing—as a novel substrate. During primary fermentation, Lactobacillus provided endogenous electron donors by converting the residual carbohydrates in the yellow water into lactic acid. Nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) was introduced to the secondary fermentation to enhance power reduction and electron flow, further promoting caproate biosynthesis. The caproate production increased significantly due to the synergistic action of lactic acid and NZVI, reaching a maximum concentration of 20.41 g·L⁻¹ and a conversion efficiency of 69.50%. This strategy enhances carbon recovery and electron transport kinetics while lowering dependency on expensive external donors like hydrogen or ethanol. Microbial community analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed enrichment of chain-elongating bacteria such as Clostridium kluyveri. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of employing an integrated fermentation–electron management technique to valorize industrial yellow water into compounds with added value. This study offers a scalable and environmentally sound pathway for MCFA production from waste-derived resources. Full article

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), with carbon chain length of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, have received substantial attention in metabolism and applications in health, agriculture and industry. They have shown promising therapeutic effects for metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and neuro-triglycerides (MTGs) enriched in fatty acids. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most widely used starchy crops around the world. New varieties have a lower level of starch and include lipid profiles that could make rice oil possess better nutritional quality and generate novel possibilities in biofuel production. With the help of new genetic and breeding techniques, the expression of genes that involve fatty acid biosynthesis can be altered. CRISPR/Cas9 and marker-assisted selection (MAS) are currently enhancing the fatty acid content in rice varieties without affecting the yield and various agronomic traits. This review presents the progress on the knowledge of rice MCFA biosynthetic pathways, genetic determinants of MCFA biosynthesis, and breeding technologies for enhancing MCFA production in rice. It also addresses wider implications of this research, including possible enhancement in human nutritional quality and development of sustainable agriculture. Full article

This study deals with the influence of various oenological preparations on malolactic fermentation. The influence of chitosan, fumaric acid, a tannin-based (Estaan) oenological preparation and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) was investigated, along with a new preparation based on a combination of selected hydroxycinnamic acids and MCFAs. Growth curves were obtained using Oenococcus oeni, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria. Experimental work was also carried out on microsamples of wine, where individual inhibitors were added to wine inoculated with O. oeni culture and an HPLC analysis was performed to measure malic acid levels. Fumaric acid had the strongest inhibitory effect on L. plantarum at a dose of 2.5 g∙L⁻¹, while chitosan had the strongest effect on O. oeni at a dose of 2.5 mg∙L⁻¹. P-coumaric acid in combination with MCFAs (0.4 g∙L⁻¹ of p-coumaric acid + 10 mg∙L⁻¹ MCFAs) and Mix (0.4 g∙L⁻¹ of p-coumaric acid + 0.4 g∙L⁻¹ of ferulic acid + 10 mg∙L⁻¹ MCFA) had the strongest inhibitory effects on O. oeni and L. brevis. Finally, MCFAs had the strongest inhibitory effect on L. brevis at a dose of 1000 mg∙L⁻¹, and Estaan had the strongest effect on L. plantarum at a dose of 25 g∙L⁻¹. Full article

Fungal infections pose a significant yet under-recognised global health burden, affecting over one billion individuals annually and contributing to approximately 2.5 million direct deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently reemphasised this issue through the publication of its Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL) and its 2025 report evaluating current antifungal diagnostics and therapeutics. Among the most prevalent fungal pathogens is Trichophyton rubrum, an anthropophilic dermatophyte responsible for up to 70% of superficial fungal infections, including onychomycosis. The emergence of antifungal resistance further complicates management, necessitating the development of novel, effective, and sustainable treatment alternatives. Natural compounds are increasingly being explored for their antifungal potential due to their broad-spectrum activity and lower toxicity. Coconut oil has gained particular attention for its therapeutic properties attributed to medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), especially lauric acid. The aim of this study was to understand how innate and modified coconut oils can alter the rheological properties of Pluronic hydrogels while retaining antifungal activity for downstream application in treating fungal infections. Results identified hydrophobic interactions by FTIR and DSC between the hydrocarbon chains of the coconut triglycerides and the hydrophobic core of the Pluronic micelles, leading to gel stabilisation as identified by rheological analysis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), abundant in coconut oil, have attracted considerable attention in recent years owing to their potential impact on muscle atrophy. However, the mechanisms underlying their effects remain inadequately understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of coconut-oil-derived MCFAs on skeletal muscle in a mouse model administered a high-fat diet. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a normal diet, lard diet, or coconut oil diet and maintained for a duration of 12 weeks. A glucose tolerance test was conducted, and biochemical parameters, muscle histological analysis, and gene expression in muscle tissue were assessed. MCFA concentrations in serum and muscle were quantified utilizing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. An in vitro experiment was conducted by treating mouse C2C12 myotube cells with lauric acid and palmitic acid, followed by a gene expression evaluation. Results: Mice fed a coconut-oil-based diet exhibited reduced body weight gain and lower blood glucose and total cholesterol levels compared to those fed a lard-based diet. The coconut-oil-fed group showed increased concentrations of MCFAs in both serum and muscle tissue, along with an improvement in relative grip strength. The expression levels of proteins and genes associated with muscle atrophy were reduced in muscle tissue. These findings were corroborated in vitro using C2C12 myotube cells. Conclusions: Coconut oil may preserve muscle strength by increasing MCFA concentrations in serum and muscle tissue, while suppressing the expression of muscle-atrophy-related proteins and genes. These findings suggest that coconut oil may be beneficial in preventing muscle atrophy induced by long-chain fatty acids. Full article

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are regarded as an important ingredient for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel oil (CCSKO) contains more than 95% medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which is a significantly higher level than palm kernel oil (62%) and coconut oil (55%). However, the safety assessment of CCSKO, as the only natural MCT oil rich in capric acid and lauric acid found so far in the world, has not been fully verified. The study aimed to investigate the 90-day sub-chronic oral toxicity and teratogenicity of CCSKO. In the sub-chronic oral toxicity study, no clinically significant adverse events occurred in male or female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats with CCSKO daily administration for 13 weeks. Moreover, there were no dose–response relationships between CCSKO and body-weight gain, food intake and food utilization in male or female SD rats. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the hematological properties or organ weights between the male and female SD rats. In the teratogenicity test, no toxicological signs were observed in either Wister pregnant rats or fetuses. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of CCSKO was determined to be more than 4 mL/kg body weight. These results suggested that CCSKO may be an excellent edible oil with high oral safety. Full article

Background: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are human metabolites which are involved in various biochemical processes and can offer valuable insights and information on various pathological and metabolic issues of patients. Accurate, precise, high-performance bioanalytical methods are important tools in both research and diagnostics of many pathologies, with LC-MS being the most frequently used methodology in modern metabolomics studies. Methods: The current paper describes a complete LC-MS/MS methodology for the accurate quantification of total plasmatic SCFA concentrations in humans using high-resolution QTOF mass spectrometric detection, including sample cleanup, preparation, and derivatization. Results and Conclusions: The method was validated with regard to all relevant parameters (selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, linearity, recovery, carryover, and reproducibility of sample preparation) according to the current applicable guidelines and tested in an in vivo study to quantify peripheral SCFAs in human patients as biomarkers for gut–brain axis disruption. Full article

Milk lipids are fundamental to the nutritional quality, functional properties, and processing behavior of dairy products. In this study, we employed an untargeted lipidomics approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to systematically characterize the lipid profiles of ten milk types from eight animal species, including camel, mare, donkey, goat, buffalo, yak, Jersey, and Holstein. A total of 640 lipid species were identified, spanning triglycerides (TGs), phospholipids (PLs), sphingolipids (SPs), ceramides (Cer), wax esters (WEs), and other subclasses. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences in lipid types and abundances among the milk samples. Camel milk exhibited the highest lipid diversity, with notable enrichment in phospholipids and sphingolipids, conferring superior emulsifying properties and stability. Mare milk was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, making it ideal for developing health-focused dairy products. Despite having the lowest total lipid content, donkey milk was enriched in cholesterol esters and PUFA, suitable for low-fat functional dairy products. Goat milk featured a balanced lipid composition with higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), promoting digestibility. Buffalo milk was characterized by high TG and wax ester (WE) levels, offering high energy density and suitability for rich dairy products. Yak milk contained higher levels of ceramides (Cer) and saturated fatty acids, reflecting adaptations to high-altitude environments. Jersey milk and Holstein milk displayed similar lipid profiles, with stable compositions suitable for versatile dairy product development. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and volcano plot analyses further confirmed species-specific lipidomic signatures and revealed several potential lipid biomarkers, such as LPC (O-16:0) in Hongyuan yak milk, suggesting applications in geographical indication (GI) traceability. This study offers a comprehensive lipidomic landscape across diverse milk sources, providing molecular insights to guide the development of tailored, functional, and regionally branded dairy products. Full article

Leachate management remains a major environmental challenge, especially in rapidly urbanizing cities of developing countries. Traditionally considered toxic and useless, it is a sustainable organic resource with the potential for high-value biochemical production through bioprocessing. This study investigated the characteristics of fresh leachates from three solid waste transfer stations (SWTS) in the Abidjan district, Côte d’Ivoire, and assessed their potential as substrates for medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) production via microbial chain elongation. The MCFA synthesis was carried out in anaerobic bioreactors operated under methanogenesis inhibition conditions. The leachates from Bingerville, Abobo-Dokui, and Yopougon exhibited acidic and high organic content, particularly volatile fatty acids (VFAs), key precursors for MCFA synthesis. High concentrations of microbial communities associated with chain elongation were observed, including Clostridium (sulphite-reducing), Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas (greater than 5 log10 CFU/mL). MCFA production ranged from 5 to 10 g/L, mainly C6, C7, and C8, with compositional variation depending on the SWTS. Notably, leachates from higher-income areas demonstrated higher MCFA productivity compared to those from lower-income areas. These findings highlight the potential of fresh SWTS leachates in the Abidjan district for sustainable MCFA production, paving the way for industrial applications. Full article

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with an increased dietary fat intake and reduced physical activity, posing significant health risks, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diminished quality of life. This study investigated the anti-obesity potential of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) derived from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL-MCFAs) in male C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Lauric acid (>50% of total BSFL lipids) was the predominant fatty acid. Mice supplemented with BSFL-MCFAs exhibited significantly lower weight gain and food efficiency ratios (FERs) than HFD-fed mice, despite similar food intake. Medium-chain fatty acids derived from BSFL supplementation also attenuated HFD-induced increases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels while improving cardiac risk indices. Furthermore, BSFL-MCFAs reduced serum glucose and leptin levels, mitigated hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress marker expression, and decreased serum alanine transaminase levels, indicating protective effects against obesity-related metabolic dysregulation. These findings suggest that BSFL-MCFAs enhance energy expenditure and thermogenesis, thereby contributing to effective weight management and obesity prevention. As a sustainable and functional lipid source, BSFL-MCFAs hold promise as a feed additive for animals and as a dietary ingredient for preventing pet obesity, offering an innovative approach to combat obesity and its associated health risks. Full article

While conventional sericulture has developed effective disinfection methods, the increasing demand for silk and pupae is driving mechanization, potentially altering or introducing silkworm pathogens. New disinfection strategies are essential for sustainable sericulture production. This study first investigated the bacterial community differences between conventional and mechanized silkworm-rearing environments. Then, under the mechanized environment, we evaluated three commercially available disinfectants with different mechanisms: hypochlorous acid (HClO), nano platinum-polyhexamethylene guanide (Pt-PHMG), and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). Our results indicated significant bacterial differences between the two environments, with potential pathogenic bacteria present in both environments. Moreover, the bacterial communities remained relatively stable, while conventional disinfection methods were less effective in mechanized conditions. In contrast, regardless of whether they were applied before or after silkworm rearing, all three disinfectants demonstrated significant efficacy, with the total environmental bacterial load reduced by approximately 0.5 to 1 order of magnitude after application. Among them, Pt-PHMG exhibited the best performance by inhibiting pathogens such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus, followed by MCFA and HClO. The results also suggested a need for stronger disinfection strategies after silkworm rearing. These findings not only provide important hygiene practices to ensure mechanized silkworm rearing, but also offer valuable insights for the future development of disinfection strategies in modern sericulture. Full article