Search Results (4,514)

Background: Early molecular changes on the facial skin surface during early adulthood remain insufficiently characterized. We integrated biophysical readouts with untargeted skin surface lipid (SSL) profiling to identify region-dependent, age-associated features in women with combination skin. Methods: Eighty healthy Chinese women were stratified into 22–28 years (n = 40) and 29–35 years (n = 40). Sebum was measured on the cheek and forehead; cheek elasticity, hydration (CM), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, and tone indices were assessed under standardized conditions. SSLs from both regions were profiled by UPLC–QTOF–MS. Differential features were prioritized using OPLS-DA (VIP > 1) with univariate screening (p < 0.05; fold change > 2 or <0.5). Results: TEWL, CM, and pH were comparable between age groups, whereas the older group showed lower cheek elasticity and reduced sebum. Lipidomics revealed clearer remodeling on the cheek than the forehead: 30 and 59 differential SSL features were identified in the cheek and forehead, respectively. Cheek changes in the older group were characterized by lower ceramides (including acylceramides), TG/DG and long-chain fatty acids, alongside relatively higher cholesteryl esters. Conclusions: Conventional barrier indices remained largely stable across this age window, while cheek SSL profiles captured earlier molecular shifts, providing candidates for targeted validation and longitudinal follow-up. Full article

The gut microbiota has emerged as a central regulator of the gut–brain axis, profoundly influencing neural, immune, and metabolic homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that disturbances in microbial composition and function contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) through mechanisms involving neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired neurotransmission. Gut dysbiosis is characterized by a loss of microbial diversity, a reduction in beneficial commensals, and an enrichment of pro-inflammatory taxa. These shifts alter intestinal permeability and systemic immune tone, allowing microbial metabolites and immune mediators to affect central nervous system (CNS) integrity. Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), tryptophan derivatives, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) modulate blood–brain barrier (BBB) function, microglial activation, and neurotransmitter synthesis, linking intestinal imbalance to neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline. Disruption of this gut–brain communication network promotes chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, key features of neurodegenerative pathology. SCFA-producing and tryptophan-metabolizing bacteria appear to exert neuroprotective effects by modulating immune responses, epigenetic regulation, and neuronal resilience. The aim of this work was to comprehensively explore the current evidence on the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the CNS, with a focus on identifying the principal molecular, immune, and metabolic mechanisms supported by the strongest and most consistent data. By integrating findings from recent human studies, this review sought to clarify how microbial composition and function influence neurochemical balance, immune activation, and BBB integrity, ultimately contributing to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative processes. Collectively, these findings position the gut microbiota as a dynamic interface between the enteric and CNS, capable of influencing neurodegenerative processes through immune and metabolic signaling. Full article

Marine by-products represent an important source of bioactive lipids with potential applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods. This study provides a biochemical and lipidomic characterization of oils derived from sardine, monkfish, grey mullet roe, squid, and anchovy by-products, assessing how the extraction method influences their lipid and antioxidant profiles. Fatty acids were quantified by GC-FID, antioxidant compounds by HPLC-DAD, and untargeted lipidomics by TIMS-HRMS. A total of 228 lipid species were identified, predominantly triglycerides (TGs) and diglycerides (DGs), accounting for approximately 69% of the annotated lipidome. Grey mullet roe oils exhibited the highest levels of long-chain PUFAs (EPA, DHA) and antioxidants (α-tocopherol 205–469 mg/Kg, lutein 10–125 mg/Kg, and squalene 1004–6049 mg/Kg), whereas squid oils showed high n-3/n-6 proportions. The extraction method strongly affected lipid integrity. Supercritical CO₂ extraction with ethanol (SFE–SE) preserved the greatest proportion of PUFA-rich TGs, yielding ~27–28 g EPA + DHA per 100 g oil, while wet reduction and mechanical pressing produced lower PUFA levels (~22 g/100 g) and increased hydrolysis/oxidation-associated lipids. PCA and PLS-DA revealed clear clustering driven by species and extraction class, with PUFA-containing TGs and DGs identified as major discriminating lipids. These results highlight the critical role of extraction conditions in determining the nutritional and functional value of marine oils and support the valorization of marine by-products in high-value applications. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis and its associated chronic inflammation of the arterial wall disrupt fatty acid metabolism, leading to changes in plasma fatty acid composition. These alterations can be used to improve disease diagnosis and risk stratification by the development and application of specific lipidomic indices. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to evaluate the performance of conventional fatty acid indices and enhance diagnostic efficiency in atherosclerosis by introducing novel index based on plasma PUFA n-6 and n-3 content (Omega-6/3 Balance Index, O6/3-BI), as well as the perspective SFA/MUFA ratio (stearic/oleic acid ratio, C18:0/C18:1n-9) and a logit function combining PUFA and SFA/MUFA biomarkers. Methods: Plasma fatty acids were quantified by LC-MS/MS in healthy controls (n = 50) and patients with carotid atherosclerosis (n = 52), stratified by atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, or no statin therapy. The conventional indices (the Omega-3 Status (EPA + DHA), AA/EPA, and the omega-6/omega-3 ratio), and pathway ratios (C18:0/C18:1n-9; and C20:4n-6/C22:4n-6), as well as the newly introduced PUFA index and combined PUFA-SFA/MUFA logit function, were calculated. Their diagnostic performance for distinguishing atherosclerosis was assessed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with the cross-validation and calculation of Cliff’s Δ effect size. Results: The conventional parameters demonstrated a poor to low discrimination ability of the atherosclerosis patients’ groups from healthy controls (area under the ROC curve, AUC 0.548–0.711). In statin-treated patients, these conventional markers lost significance. The newly introduced PUFA index and SFA/MUFA ratio demonstrated improved patients’ discrimination with AUC 0.734–0.780 for the former and strong predictive power with AUC 0.831–0.858 for the latter marker and maintained their diagnostic value under statin therapy. The most significant positive effect size was observed for the SFA/MUFA ratio with Cliff’s Δ = 0.67–0.71. The combined PUFA-SFA/MUFA logit function also demonstrated a strong predictive power with AUC= 0.880 (Cliff’s Δ = −0.76), outperforming any single index. Conclusions: The newly introduced lipidomic index based on the PUFA content, SFA/MUFA ratio, and a logit function combining PUFA-SFA/MUFA biomarkers demonstrated a substantially better discrimination of atherosclerosis-related fatty acid metabolic disturbances than conventional fatty acid biomarkers. Full article

Heat stress during summer significantly impairs seminal quality in swine production. As a key genetic resource for enhancing indigenous Chinese fatty pig breeds, Ningxiang boars require effective nutritional strategies to maintain reproductive performance under thermal challenge. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined antioxidant dietary supplement on seminal quality, antioxidant status, and gut microbiota in heat-stressed Ningxiang boars. Ten Ningxiang boars were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 5 per group). The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group was fed the same basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg vitamin E, 5 g/kg yeast-derived zinc, 250 mg/kg yeast-derived selenium, and 800 mg/kg N-carbamylglutamate (NCG). Results demonstrated that sperm and seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly elevated in the supplemented group compared to the control (p < 0.05), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary supplementation combined antioxidant markedly altered gut microbiota composition: the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, particularly members of the Muribaculaceae family, increased significantly (p < 0.05), while opportunistic pathogens within the Acholeplasmataceae family were reduced (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with this antioxidant combination improves seminal quality in Ningxiang boars, potentially by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses and modulating gut microbial balance. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and central obesity, and is strongly influenced by lifestyle factors. Growing evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a key mediator linking diet and physical exercise to cardiometabolic health. Objective: This narrative review aims to qualitatively synthesize current evidence on the effects of physical exercise and major dietary patterns including the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and ketogenic/very-low-calorie ketogenic diets (KD/VLCKD) on gut microbiota composition and function, and their implications for metabolic health in MetS. Methods: A qualitative narrative synthesis of experimental, observational, and interventional human and animal studies was performed. The reviewed literature examined associations between structured physical exercise or dietary interventions and changes in gut microbiota diversity, key bacterial taxa, microbial metabolites, and cardiometabolic outcomes. Considerable heterogeneity across studies was noted, including differences in populations, intervention duration and intensity, dietary composition, and microbiota assessment methodologies. Results: Across human interventional studies, moderate-intensity physical exercise was most consistently associated with increased gut microbial diversity and enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa, contributing to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation. MedDiet and DASH were generally linked to favorable microbiota profiles, including increased abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium, alongside reductions in pro-inflammatory metabolites such as lipopolysaccharides and trimethylamine N-oxide. In contrast, KD and VLCKD were associated with rapid weight loss and glycemic improvements but frequently accompanied by reductions in SCFA-producing bacteria, depletion of Bifidobacterium, and markers of impaired gut barrier integrity, raising concerns regarding long-term microbiota resilience. Conclusions: Lifestyle-based interventions exert diet- and exercise-specific effects on the gut microbiota–metabolism axis. While MedDiet, DASH, and regular moderate physical activity appear to promote sustainable microbiota-mediated cardiometabolic benefits, ketogenic approaches require careful personalization, limited duration, and medical supervision. These findings support the integration of dietary quality, exercise prescription, and individual microbiota responsiveness into translational lifestyle strategies for MetS prevention and management. Full article

Background: Gut barrier dysfunction and altered gut microbial metabolism are emerging signatures of chronic gut disorders. Considering growing interest in combining structurally and mechanistically distinct bioactives, we investigated the individual and combined effects of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (SBI) and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) on the gut microbiome and barrier integrity. Methods: The validated ex vivo SIFR^® (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology, using microbiota from healthy adults (n = 6), was combined with a co-culture of epithelial/immune (Caco-2/THP-1) cells. Results: While SBI and NAG already significantly improved gut barrier integrity (TEER, transepithelial electrical resistance, +21% and +29%, respectively), the strongest effect was observed for SBI_NAG (+36%). This potent combined effect related to the observation that SBI and NAG each induced distinct, complementary shifts in microbial composition and metabolite output. SBI most selectively increased propionate (~Bacteroidota families) and health-associated indole derivatives (e.g., indole-3-propionic acid), while NAG most specifically boosted acetate and butyrate (~Bifidobacteriaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae). The combination of SBI_NAG displayed effects of the individual ingredients, thus, for instance, enhancing all three short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and elevating microbial diversity (CMS, community modulation score). Conclusions: Overall, SBI and NAG exert complementary, metabolically balanced effects on the gut microbiota, supporting combined use, particularly in individuals with gut barrier impairment or dysbiosis linked to lifestyle or early-stage gastrointestinal disorders. Full article

In this study, we examined the influence of dietary PFS powder supplementation on production performance, egg quality, and yolk fatty acid profile in laying hens. A total of 192 Hy-Line^® Brown hens, 30 weeks of age, were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments containing 0, 30, 60, and 90 g/kg of PFS powder, administered over a 12-week period. No significant differences were observed in egg weight, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio among the treatment groups (p > 0.05). However, supplementation with 60 and 90 g/kg PFS significantly enhanced egg production and total egg mass (p < 0.05), particularly during weeks 41–44. Egg quality parameters—including albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color, shell thickness, and shell strength—remained unaffected across treatments (p > 0.05). Serum analyses revealed that PFS supplementation significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and yolk total cholesterol compared with the control diet (p < 0.05). Moreover, yolk fatty acid composition was notably altered: total PUFAs and n-3 PUFAs increased (p < 0.05), whereas total monounsaturated fatty acids and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased (p < 0.05) with rising PFS inclusion. In conclusion, dietary PFS powder improved laying performance and favorably modulated yolk fatty acid composition, without compromising egg quality in laying hens. Full article

This study investigates the growth performance, gut content composition, and biochemical profiles of the fairy shrimp Streptocephalus sirindhornae cultured with natural diets under low and high stocking densities (20 and 40 ind. L⁻¹). Fairy shrimp were reared for 15 days in 1 m³ floating cages placed in earthen ponds. On day 15, individuals in the low-density treatment exhibited significantly greater body weight (0.074 ± 0.013 g) and total length (20.97 ± 0.90 mm) than those in the high-density group. A total of 54 food taxa were identified in the gut contents, with phytoplankton comprising the dominant fraction (91%). In contrast, 105 food taxa were recorded in the culture ponds, including 54 phytoplankton and 51 zooplankton taxa; chlorophytes (27 taxa, 50%) and rotifers (33 species, 63.46%) were the most diverse groups. Fairy shrimp feeding on natural pond foods exhibited high levels of essential amino acids, with monounsaturated fatty acids dominating and linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) representing the principal polyunsaturated fatty acid. Overall, the results indicate that low-density rearing enhances fairy shrimp growth, while the high diversity of natural food organisms contributes to the favorable nutritional composition of S. sirindhornae. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate whether the inclusion of curcumin as a performance enhancer in finishing cattle has positive effects on animal production, the ruminal environment, hematological and biochemical markers, as well as meat quality. Sixteen castrated Holstein steers, 8 months of age, with an average body weight of 247 ± 3.89 kg were divided into two groups: Control, consisting of animals that consumed 144 mg of monensin/animal/day (n = 8); Treatment, consisting of animals that consumed 552 mg of curcumin/animal/day (n = 8). Animals were fed a diet containing 44% roughage (corn silage) and 56% concentrate for 105 days. During this period, body weight measurements were recorded, and blood samples were collected for the determination of hematological, biochemical, and immunological variables. At the end of the experimental period, animals were slaughtered and meat samples were collected for evaluation. No differences were observed between groups for animal performance, feed intake, or feed efficiency. A lower leukocyte count (lymphocyte and granulocyte) and a higher platelet count were observed in animals that consumed curcumin. These animals also exhibited higher cholesterol levels, along with lower circulating glucose concentrations compared to the control group. In the ruminal environment, higher bacterial activity and greater protozoal counts were observed in the treatment group, but no effects on ruminal short-chain fatty acids were observed. Higher activity of the enzymes glutathione S-transferase in serum and superoxide dismutase in meat was observed, combined with lower lipid peroxidation in serum and meat. Meat from steers fed curcumin showed greater yellow color intensity, higher water-holding capacity, and a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. These results suggest that curcumin can be used as a performance enhancer, similar to monensin, when thinking about performance, but beyond that, curcumin triggered anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Full article

Regular exercise enhances heart function and metabolism. The N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA modification is related to myocardial homeostasis, with the demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) crucial for myocardial remodeling. However, its role in exercise-induced heart protection is unclear. We analyzed m⁶A levels and methylation enzymes to evaluate FTO changes in transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mice hearts after six weeks of treadmill exercise. Further in vivo experiments explored the effect of FTO. High-throughput sequencing identified the target gene enoyl-CoA delta isomerase 1 (Eci1). Cardiac-specific Eci1 knockout mice were used to assess the role of Eci1. The influence of FTO on Eci1 expression was explored by eliminating demethylase activity. The results showed that exercise increased FTO expression in TAC mice hearts. Reducing FTO in the heart diminishes exercise benefits. The differential m⁶A-modified genes in TAC mice hearts were enriched in fatty acid metabolism, with increased methylation of Eci1 m⁶A and decreased protein levels, leading to abnormal lipid accumulation. Exercise could reverse these effects. Eci1 knockout partially weakened exercise benefits. FTO regulated Eci1 expression via m⁶A modification, and inhibiting FTO demethylase activity blunted its protective effects on hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Thus, FTO modulates Eci1 expression through m⁶A-dependent mechanisms, facilitates fatty acid metabolism and mitigates pressure overload-induced heart failure during exercise. Full article

Sunflower meal (SM) is an economically important, inexpensive, and locally abundant alternative protein source in the Eurozone. The study aimed at investigating the effects of feeding two forms of SM on the production traits, carcass composition, nutrient digestibility, and some gut parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 600-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were fed five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets. Besides the control diet (C), the high- and low-fibre SMs (HFSM and LFSM) were fed at 20% (HFSM20 and LFSM20) and 30% (HFSM30 and LFSM30). Compared to the C, feeding the SM-containing diets did not affect the feed intake (FI) of birds. In the finisher phase, the HFSM30 treatment resulted in significantly higher, while the LFSM30 diet in significantly lower body weight gain. All SM treatments impaired FCR, but the difference was significant only in the grower phase. In comparison with the C, the SM treatments failed to modify carcass composition. The fat digestibility and the AMEn content increased, while the starch digestibility decreased when SM was fed. Except the LFSM30 treatment in the grower phase, the Nitrogen retention of birds was not affected. The SM-containing diets reduced the urinary N excretion, and the total N excretion of growers. Furthermore, the HFSM30 reduced the jejunal viscosity during the grower and finisher phases. The treatments did not modify the short-chain fatty acid contents of the caeca. In conclusion, SM can be used even at 20 and 30% in the nutrition of broiler chickens. However, the responses are affected by the age and the fibre content of SM. Full article

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of extensive husbandry on slaughter characteristics and turkey meat quality in two utility types. The experiment was divided into two stages: for the first 6 weeks, 200 medium-heavy (MH) and heavy (H) turkey females were kept in intensive rearing conditions and then divided into a control (MHC/HC) and an extensive group (MHE/HE), with five replications in each group (10 birds per replication) for 10 weeks. In E groups, the balanced mixtures were gradually replaced with wheat at 30, 50, and 70% in subsequent feeding periods. Additionally, birds received green fodder (nettles, clover, and alfalfa) and steamed potatoes. After 16 weeks of rearing, birds were slaughtered, their carcasses were dissected, and the meat was assessed for technological traits (pH, L*a*b*, WHC, and tenderness), chemical composition (protein, ash, and fat), fatty acid profile, and sensory analysis. A higher proportion of liver and gizzard and a lower proportion of abdominal fat were found in the E groups, which resulted from more intensive mobility. Meat from these birds was less tender than that from females in the C groups, but it also contained considerably more protein and less fat. Lower values of fatty acid indices such as PI and AI, as well as a higher content of MUFA and a narrower n-6:n-3 ratio in meat from MH birds, indicate a stronger response of these birds to the extensive rearing system and confirm the health-promoting properties of their meat. The sensory evaluation of the meat meets the expectations of modern consumers regarding both the origin and taste of poultry meat. Full article

This experiment evaluated whether a high-forage, low-starch, and high-oil diet (experimental) could improve lamb meat fatty acid composition without compromising growth performance or overall meat quality, compared with a high-cereal diet typically used in intensive fattening systems (control). Ninety lambs were randomly assigned to six pens (fifteen animals/pen), with each diet provided to three pens for 32 days. Feed intake was monitored daily, and animal weight was monitored weekly. The feeding cost was also assessed. Four lambs per pen were slaughtered to assess carcass and meat traits. Average daily gain was unaffected by diet, but the experimental diet increased the feed conversion ratio. Kidney knob channel fat was higher in the experimental diet, while other carcass traits were unchanged. Meat sensory attributes and most physicochemical properties, including colour and lipid stability during storage, did not differ between diets. However, the experimental diet reduced meat pH and increased the proportions of t11–18:1, c9,t11–18:2, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3 in intramuscular fat, while t10–18:1 remained unchanged, and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA ratio increased. A low-starch, high-forage, high-oil diet can be effectively used in lamb feedlots to enhance the intramuscular fat content of healthy fatty acids without compromising animal growth or meat characteristics, although it results in higher feeding costs. Full article

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a relatively neglected tuber crop with notable nutritional, functional, and ecological value. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the biological properties and selected nutritional parameters of tiger nut tubers and oil, including antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), fatty acid (FA) profile, health-related lipid indices, and mineral composition. Methods: Natural and peeled tiger nut tubers, as well as commercially available tiger nut oil (yellow variety, Valencia, Spain), were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was measured spectrophotometrically using the DPPH method. The content of TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection, and these data were used to calculate the PUFA/SFA (P/S) ratio, atherogenicity (AI), thrombogenicity (TI) index, and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio. Macro- and microelement contents were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total THQ (TTHQ) were calculated to assess potential health risks. Results: Natural tiger nut tubers exhibited substantially higher antioxidant activity and TPC compared to peeled tubers, suggesting that the peel is the primary reservoir of phenolic compounds. Strong antioxidant activity was observed in tiger nut oil (64.82 ± 2.59 mg TEAC/L). Oleic acid (C18:1cis n-9) was identified as the predominant FA across all samples, thus contributing positively to favorable health lipid indices (P/S > 0.50, low AI and TI, high h/H ratio). Potassium was the most abundant macroelement in natural and peeled tiger nut tubers. The overall trend of microelement levels in these samples was as follows: Al > Fe > Zn > Cu > Sr > Mn > Li > Ba > Se > As > Cr. All THQ and TTHQ values were below 1, indicating no appreciable health risk associated with consumption. Conclusions: These findings support the use of tiger nuts as a functionally valuable ingredient in health-oriented food products. Full article