Search Results (6,016)

Vespa velutina (V. velutina) is a globally widespread predator of honeybees, posing a serious threat to them. Apis cerana (A. cerana) has acquired the ability to partially thwart the predation of the wasps, but the molecular mechanism by which it responds to V. velutina attacks is unknown. Here, both transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were integrated to decipher what happened in the brain tissues of A. cerana exposed to V. velutina attacks. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 296 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were significantly enriched in neural signaling pathways (particularly serotonin and dopamine transmission), the cAMP signaling pathway, and energy metabolism. Metabolomic results showed that V. velutina attacks affected 38 metabolic pathways involving 86 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), primarily including amino acids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates. Several metabolites, such as isocitrate, xanthine, and adenosine, were upregulated in response to the hornet presence. Combined pathway analysis indicated an upregulation of the purine and tyrosine metabolism pathways, highlighting their critical role in A. cerana against invasive hornets. The results of this study will help to understand the molecular mechanisms of A. cerana in response to V. velutina attacks and provide valuable insights for enhancing collective defensive behavior against V. velutina in honeybees. Full article

In order to find the biochemical effects of Aeromonas hydrophila and its therapeutic chemical, enrofloxacin (ENR), on American shad (Alosa sapidissima A. Wilson), four groups were set up: a control group (C), an A. hydrophila group (A), an A. hydrophila + 70 mg·L⁻¹ enrofloxacin (ENR) group (E1), and an A. hydrophila + 140 mg·L⁻¹ ENR group (E2). Histological, enzymatic activities, transcriptome, and proteomics have been performed. MDA, PPO, AKP, TNF-α, and AMPK were significantly increased, while AhR and EROD were decreased in the liver of American shad after treatment with A. hydrophila. AhR and EROD showed a significant decrease in E1 group; MDA, PPO, AKP, and AMPK were significantly increased, while AhR and EROD decreased in E2 group. A. hydrophila significantly increased ferroptosis, TGF-β signaling pathway, etc. Ferroptosis, pyrimidine metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism significantly increased in E1 group, while protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum significantly increased in E2 group. A total of 126 shared metabolites were found in the comparisons of A vs. C and E2 vs. C, and the main enriched pathway were organic oxygen compounds, lipids, and lipid-like molecules. Except for fluorobenzoate degradation, the pathways of ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism significantly increased in A and E2 groups, which further resulted in vacuolization, cell shedding, and necrosis in the liver. A. hydrophila led to a significant decrease in lipid metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and energy expenditure. The addition of ENR in aquaculture significantly enhanced liver metabolic abnormalities caused by A. hydrophila. Excessive use of ENR leads to oxidative stress in American shad, affecting its immune system as well as lipid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism. Full article

Refrigeration has become a common practice for preserving Dendrobium officinale products. The molecular mechanisms underlying chilling stress responses, particularly those linking physiological adaptation to flavor-related metabolite changes, remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the transcriptional and metabolic changes in D. officinale leaves during cold treatment and to identify key stress-responsive metabolites underlying flavor modulation and their roles in cold adaptation. Transcriptional clustering analysis revealed distinct expression profiles under varying temperatures, indicating that chilling temperatures affect pathways related to RNA processing, oxidative stress, and secondary metabolism. Metabolomics profiling demonstrated significant metabolite shifts over time, with lipids, organic acids, and phenylpropanoids being prominently altered. Notably, flavonoids like rutin and sugars like trehalose varied in their accumulation depending on the duration of cold exposure. Proteomic analysis indicated that proteins involved in amino acid metabolism and the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle were significantly impacted by prolonged chilling, with amino acids (key osmoprotectants and flavor contributors) accumulating over time, linking cold stress adaptation to sensory quality enhancement. These findings suggest that a chilling temperature primarily affects metabolic flow at different time points, which could help control the quality of D. officinale leaves during cold storage. Full article

Background: Shancigu is a traditional Chinese medicine which is effective at clearing heat, detoxifying, dissipating masses, and resolving nodules. It consists of the dried pseudobulbs of orchids such as Cremastra appendiculata, or Pleione yunnanensis. To deeply understand the differences in the compositional and pharmacological active compounds in Shancigu, this study employed widely targeted metabolomics to analyze differential metabolites between two Shancigu species, C. appendiculata and P. yunnanensis. Methods: In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to qualitatively, quantitatively, and differentially analyze the metabolites of C. appendiculata and P. yunnanensis. Results: Metabolite profiling identified 2890 compounds across 13 classes. Within these, 687 metabolites showed significant differential abundance (23.76% total), including 331 upregulated and 356 downregulated compounds. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed these differential metabolites primarily concentrated in stilbenoid biosynthesis (types I and II) and flavonoid aglycone biosynthesis. The most highly expressed metabolites in the Cremastra group were L-tyrosine, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde-xylose-glucoside, while in the Pleione group, the most abundant metabolites were 3,5-dihydroxy-2’-methoxy-4-methylbibenzyl, Shancigusin F and aloifol I. C. appendiculata preferentially accumulates flavonoids and phenolic acids whereas P. yunnanensis favors terpenoid and nucleotide derivative production. Conclusions: This study identifies key differential metabolites in C. appendiculata and P. yunnanensis, providing basic data for the overall evaluation and breeding of Shancigu, laying a foundation for further quality control and precise medication of Shancigu. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease continues to pose substantial therapeutic challenges in modern gastroenterology. This study systematically evaluated the anti-colitis efficacy of Cucumaria frondosa tentacles hydrolysates (CFTHs) using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model. Characterized by enhanced stability and solubility with molecular weights below 1000 Da, administration of CFTHs demonstrated a significant mitigation in colitis pathology. Therapeutic outcomes included an improved splenic index, attenuated colonic mucosal damage, and substantial decreases in serum pro-inflammatory cytokines. Relative to the DSS group, the MPO value in the CFTHs-H group decreased by 27.6%, and the IL-6 value exhibited a reduction of 33%. Metagenomic profiling revealed that CFTHs mediated gut microbiota modulation, particularly the enrichment of beneficial Bacteroidetes and suppression of pro-inflammatory Proteobacteria. Metabolomic analysis identified elevated colonic concentrations of anti-inflammatory metabolites such as gamma-linolenic acid and prostaglandin I2, suggesting a microbiome–metabolome crosstalk in the therapeutic mechanism. These multi-omics findings in a murine model suggest that CFTHs may represent a promising candidate for future studies as a nutraceutical intervention for inflammatory bowel disorder. This intervention may operate through mechanisms that include simultaneous immunomodulation, microbiota restoration, and metabolic reprogramming. Full article

Aphis gossypii is a major pest that harms crops like industrial tomatoes in Panama. Recent resistance to synthetic insecticides has prompted interest in using plant secondary metabolites as eco-friendly alternatives. While some plants with insecticidal properties are well-known, others remain unexplored but could offer effective solutions. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of Eschweilera jefensis against nymphs and adults of Aphis gossypii. Extracts were tested at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 µg/L), with mortality assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h post-application. The LC₅₀ values for the stem extract were 66.5, 36.8, and 31.0 μg/L, and for the leaf extract, they were 37.3, 28.4, and <25 μg/L at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. An advanced metabolomic analysis was conducted to identify the active compounds in each extract. This analysis uncovered several pentacyclic triterpenes, which, known for their insecticidal properties, are likely the key bioactive components responsible for the observed effects. Advanced metabolic analyses also revealed that the leaf extract, displaying the strongest insecticidal activity, is primarily composed of friedelene, while the stem extract contains betulin as their key active compounds. Furthermore, 29 known compounds were identified across both extracts, representing the first comprehensive report on the metabolic composition of E. jefensis, which underscores the significance of these findings. Together, these results suggest that E. jefensis extracts could serve as a promising natural alternative to synthetic insecticides for the management and control of A. gossypii. Full article

Background and Objectives: Avian influenza poses a continuous public health threat, particularly to individuals with occupational exposure to poultry such as farm workers, live animal market employees, and processing plant staff. This study aimed to investigate the systemic metabolic effects of such exposure and to identify potential biomarkers for early detection and health risk assessment. Materials and Methods: An untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze serum samples from occupationally exposed individuals and healthy controls. Multivariate statistical analysis, pathway enrichment, and topology analysis were performed to identify significantly altered metabolites and metabolic pathways. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was employed to select key metabolites. Results: Multivariate statistical analysis revealed a clear separation between the exposure group and control, suggesting distinct metabolic profiles between the two populations. Pathway analysis indicated significant alterations in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as tryptophan metabolism, which are closely linked to immune regulation, energy metabolism, and host–pathogen interactions. LASSO feature selection and subsequent manual verification identified 17 key metabolites with strong discriminative power. Furthermore, lipidomic profiling revealed a pronounced increase in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels and a concurrent decrease in phosphatidylcholine (PC) species in exposed individuals. Conclusions: This study reveals metabolic disruptions associated with occupational avian influenza exposure and identifies potential serum biomarkers related to immune and lipid metabolism. These findings provide novel insights into host responses to avian influenza exposure and may support early detection and health risk assessment in high-risk occupational populations. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.), as a globally significant cereal crop, exhibits high sensitivity to salt stress during early seedling stages. Although melatonin (MT) has demonstrated potential in mitigating abiotic stresses, the specific mechanisms underlying MT-mediated alleviation of salt stress in maize seedlings remain unclear. In this study, we established four treatment groups: control (CK), melatonin treatment (MT), salt stress (NaCl), and combined treatment (NaCl_MT). Metabolomic and proteomic analyses were performed, supplemented by photosynthesis-related experiments as well as antioxidant-related experiments. Metabolomic analysis identified key metabolites in MT-mediated salt stress mitigation. Both metabolomic and proteomic analyses underscored the critical roles of photosynthetic and antioxidant pathways. Salt stress significantly decreased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) by 67.7%, disrupted chloroplast ultrastructure, and reduced chlorophyll content by 41.6%. Conversely, MT treatment notably mitigated these detrimental effects. Moreover, MT enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes by approximately 10–20% and reduced the accumulation of oxidative stress markers by around 10–25% in maize seedlings under salt stress. In conclusion, this study conducted a systematic and multidimensional investigation into the mitigation of salt stress in maize seedlings by MT. Our results revealed that MT enhances antioxidant systems, increases chlorophyll content, and alleviates damage to chloroplast ultrastructure, thereby improving photosystem II performance and strengthening photosynthesis. This ultimately manifests as improved seedling phenotypes under salt stress. These findings provide a meaningful entry point for breeding salt-tolerant maize varieties and mitigating the adverse effects of salinized soil on maize growth and yield. Full article

Sugarcane smut, caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, is a devastating fungal disease of sugarcane. Sexual mating/filamentation of opposite mating types is a key step in the infection and pathogenicity of S. scitamineum, yet its regulation remains unclear. In this study, we identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme-encoding gene, SsCYP64, which plays an important role in oxidative stress and maintaining cell membrane stability in S. scitamineum. Further investigations revealed that deletion of SsCYP64 leads to a decrease in the transcriptional level of SsPRF1, a key transcription factor regulating the sexual mating of S. scitamineum. Subsequently, the constitutive expression of SsPRF1 restored the defect in sexual mating/filamentation of the SsCYP64 deletion mutant, indicating that SsCyp64 regulates the sexual reproduction of S. scitamineum by mediating the transcriptional level of SsPRF1. In addition, metabolomic analysis revealed that the fatty alcohol metabolite γ-linolenyl alcohol significantly decreased in the SsCYP64 deletion mutant, whereas exogenous supplementation with γ-linolenyl alcohol increased the transcriptional level of SsPRF1 and partially restored the sexual mating/filamentation of the SsCYP64 deletion mutant. In conclusion, our results indicated that SsCyp64 mediated the transcription of SsPRF1 by modulating γ-linolenyl alcohol levels, thereby regulating the formation of dikaryotic hyphae in S. scitamineum. These findings provide new insights into the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the pathogenic process of plant pathogenic fungi. Full article

Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR, Oryza rufipogon Griff.), the northernmost known wild rice species, exhibits exceptional tolerance to combined low-temperature and anaerobic stress during seed germination, providing a unique model for understanding plant adaptation to complex environmental constraints. Here, we employed an integrated multi-omics approach combining genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses to unravel the synergistic regulatory mechanisms underlying this tolerance. Genomic comparative analysis categorized DXWR genes into three evolutionary groups: 18,480 core genes, 15,880 accessory genes, and 6822 unique genes. Transcriptomic profiling identified 10,593 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) relative to the control, with combined stress triggering the most profound changes, specifically inducing the upregulation of 5573 genes and downregulation of 5809 genes. Functional characterization revealed that core genes, including DREB transcription factors, coordinate energy metabolism and antioxidant pathways; accessory genes, such as glycoside hydrolase GH18 family members, optimize energy supply via adaptive evolution; and unique genes, including specific UDP-glycosyltransferases (UDPGTs), confer specialized stress resilience. Widely targeted metabolomics identified 889 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), highlighting significant accumulations of oligosaccharides (e.g., raffinose) to support glycolytic energy production and a marked increase in flavonoids (153 compounds identified, e.g., procyanidins) enhancing antioxidant defense. Hormonal signals, including jasmonic acid and auxin, were reconfigured to balance growth and defense responses. We propose a multi-level regulatory network based on a “core-unique-adaptive” genetic framework, centered on ERF family transcriptional hubs and coordinated through a metabolic adaptation strategy of “energy optimization, redox homeostasis, and growth inhibition relief”. These findings offer innovative strategies for improving rice stress tolerance, particularly for enhancing germination of direct-seeded rice under early spring low-temperature and anaerobic conditions, by utilizing key genes such as GH18s and UDPGTs, thereby providing crucial theoretical and technological support for addressing food security challenges under climate change. Full article

Background/Objectives: The prebiotic effect of resistant potato starch (RPS) has been demonstrated, but the antioxidant properties associated with this ingredient have not been explored. Methods: We performed post hoc analysis of serum metabolomic data from a clinical trial evaluating 3.5 g RPS per day consumption (n = 24) versus a placebo (n = 24) for 4 weeks in a randomized clinical trial (NCT05242913). Results: Levels of the exogenous antioxidants all-trans retinol and α-tocopherol increased in the RPS-consuming group. Among endogenous antioxidants, the concentration of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) increased in both treatment groups, while uric acid was unaffected. Hippuric acid, a marker of polyphenol metabolism, was unaffected by treatment, as was the abundance of the tryptophan metabolites kynurenine and 3-hydroxyanthranillic acid. However, levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine were decreased in both treatment groups. Levels of the advanced glycation end products NƐ-(1-carboxymethyl)-L-lysine and NƐ-(1-carboxyethyl)-L-lysine, markers of chronically elevated oxidative stress, were unaffected by treatment. Notably, increases in serum all-trans retinol were correlated with increases in Akkermansia. Conclusions: RPS enhances the absorption of antioxidants all-trans retinol and α-tocopherol from the diet and also influences CoQ10 levels and tryptophan metabolism. Future studies assessing the physiological consequences of enhanced antioxidant absorption in people consuming RPS over a longer duration are warranted. Full article

The ban on antibiotic growth promoters in livestock has intensified the search for effective probiotic alternatives. This study assessed the impact of a novel probiotic cocktail—comprising Lactobacillus plantarum AMT14 and AMT4, L. rhamnosus AMT15, and Bifidobacterium animalis AMT30—on the serum metabolome of lambs using an untargeted GC/MS approach. Sixteen Kamieniec lambs were divided into control and probiotic groups, with serum collected on days 0, 15, and 30. Metabolomic profiling revealed significant alterations in lipid and amino acid metabolism in the probiotic group. By day 15, 38 metabolites were upregulated, including 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, arachidonic acid, and cholesterol. On day 30, key increases included D-glucose, oleic acid, glycine, decanoic acid, and L-leucine. Multivariate analyses (PCA, PLS-DA) demonstrated clear separation between groups, and ROC analysis identified strong biomarkers with high predictive accuracy. These results suggest that probiotic supplementation can beneficially modulate host metabolism, potentially enhancing immune and physiological function in lambs. This highlights the value of multi-strain LAB-Bifidobacterium probiotics as a promising strategy for improving health and reducing antibiotic reliance in ruminant production systems. Full article

Background: Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) is a key probiotic trait, as it facilitates both host metabolism and bacterial survival into the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), through bile acid (BA) deconjugation, keeping intestinal homeostasis. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the viability of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VB4 strain and its effects on bile acid deconjugation during the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) passage, under a fed condition, using the in vitro SHIME^® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) model. Methods: Gastric, small intestinal and colonic fractions were monitored and a fecal slurry from a healthy donor was inoculated into the colonic compartment to establish the intestinal microbiota. Samples were collected at the end of stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum phases, and colon after 0, 16 and 24 h. Strain survival was assessed by culturing method, and bsh gene expression was revealed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). In addition, UHPLC/HR-MS was performed to reveal the hypothetical changes in BAs profile after strain administration. Results: Good survivability of the VB4 strain in the upper GIT was revealed. Furthermore, VB4-inculated sample showed sustained expression of bsh in both the stomach/small intestine and colon fractions at all sampling times. Analysis of the BAs profile shown that the VB4 strain reduced the levels of the main conjugated BAs in the small intestine under fed condition and improved the deconjugation efficiency during colonic transit compared with the control. Conclusions: These findings highlight the survivability of L. rhamnosus VB4 strain inside the gut and its potential as biotherapeutic BAs-mediator candidate, demonstrating that transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches coupled to a dynamic in vitro gut model represent a robust tool for selection of a BSH-positive probiotic candidate. Full article

Postbiotics, as a novel class of functional components, have garnered considerable scholarly and industrial interest due to their distinctive advantages in food processing applications and their positive impact on human health. Although postbiotics have demonstrated potential in alleviating constipation, their specific mechanism of action and bioactive components remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects and potential mechanisms of postbiotics derived from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL-99 (BL-99) on FC using both in vivo and in vitro models. The findings revealed that both BL-99 and its postbiotics significantly mitigated FC symptoms, as evidenced by enhanced intestinal motility, and elevated fecal water content. Additionally, treatment with BL-99 postbiotics was associated with an increase in the thickness of the intestinal muscular layer and a reduction in apoptosis of intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Mechanistically, BL-99 postbiotics were found to enhance the contractile response and promote the proliferation of intestinal SMCs. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis identified two key bioactive peptides, Glu-Val and Glu-Leu, as the active components in BL-99 responsible for regulating SMC function. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of BL-99 postbiotics as a promising functional food ingredient for alleviating FC, providing a novel and effective strategy for the developing dietary interventions targeting this condition. Full article

Recently, we reported the efficacy of organic nutrient solutions in supporting the hydroponic cultivation of Diplotaxis muralis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of standard and enhanced vermitea formulations, compared to the conventional Hoagland solution, on phytochemical and metabolomic changes in D. muralis. Using NMR-based metabolomics and multivariate analysis, we observed significant metabolite variation among treatments. Both vermitea formulations increased the levels of acetate, alanine, and 2-oxoglutarate, and boosted the biosynthesis of key secondary metabolites, including methoxy flavonoids and glucosinolates. The standard vermitea treatment further resulted in a higher accumulation of leucine and citrate, while the Hoagland solution induced higher glucose concentrations. Enhanced vermitea improved copper and zinc uptake, positively correlating with methoxy flavonoid production. In contrast, the higher phosphorus and potassium content of the Hoagland solution correlated with increased glucose levels in D. muralis. Metabolite profiling coupled with multivariate analysis identified the enhanced vermitea as the best alternative to chemical nutrient solution for improving the nutritional and phytochemical quality of D. muralis leaves. Full article