Search Results (348)

Vernonia amygdalina Del. (bitter leaf) is a nutrient-rich indigenous leafy vegetable, but most research has examined raw material or laboratory extracts rather than the vegetable as consumed. This structured narrative review evaluates how household and food-processing methods affect nutrient retention, anti-nutritional factors, and bioaccessibility and distinguishes measured species-specific findings from extrapolated evidence. Boiling and aqueous debittering can reduce heat-sensitive nutrients, minerals, and anti-nutritional factors, but the heterogeneous primary studies do not permit a single quantitative estimate of these effects. Lactic acid fermentation is a potential research strategy: proposed reductions in anti-nutritional factors and bitterness are extrapolated from other fermented plant foods because no species-specific fermentation study was identified. Similarly, proposed gut-microbiome effects are inferred from general dietary-fibre and isolated-polyphenol literature, not from V. amygdalina feeding studies. No human study has directly measured nutrient absorption, systemic bioavailability, or clinical effects after consumption of processed bitter leaf. Hence, phytate-to-mineral ratios are interpreted only as indicators of predicted absorption, and proposed food formats and development pathways are identified as author-generated concepts rather than validated products. The review identifies priorities for species-specific processing studies, standardised in vitro digestion, product safety and acceptability testing, and ultimately human absorption and efficacy research. Full article

In this study, targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics were applied for the first time to compare fatty acid contents, vitamin levels, and gene expression profiles between Stage II and Stage IV ovaries of LBG. The data revealed a rise in total SFA and PUFA as the ovary progressed from Stage II to Stage IV. The marked increase in n-3 PUFA from 11.5% in Stage II to 26.8% in Stage IV ovaries was primarily attributed to DHA. Despite a reduction in n-6 PUFA, ARA and its metabolism-related fatty acids all increased, suggesting indispensable roles for both ARA and DHA in the vitellogenesis of LBG. Consistent with the changes in fatty acid profiles during ovarian maturation, transcriptome analysis revealed that many upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed significant enrichment in fatty acid biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and steroid hormone synthesis pathways. The concentrations of VC and VE increased, whereas VA declined during ovarian development from Stage II to Stage IV. Accordingly, many upregulated DEGs exhibited significant enrichment in ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, as well as vitamin digestion and absorption pathways. In addition to VC and VE, our transcriptome data also highlighted the importance of several B vitamins in oocyte development of LBG, warranting further investigation. Overall, these findings suggest that DHA, ARA, VC, and VE are key nutrients governing oocyte maturation in LBG. This study provides a solid theoretical basis for developing broodstock nutritional enhancement strategies in the artificial propagation of LBG. Full article

Poly(3-hydroxypropionate) (P3HP) is a biodegradable member of the polyhydroxyalkanoate family that can be degraded into 3-hydroxypropionic acid, a three-carbon organic acid with potential biological activity. Although P3HP has attracted considerable interest for its microbial production and industrial applications, its potential as a feed ingredient in monogastric animals remains largely unexplored. Therefore, we aim to assess the effects of dietary P3HP supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal N retention and apparent N absorption, selected culturable fecal bacterial counts, and in vitro fecal fermentation in growing pigs. A total of 100 [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs; initial body weight 25.03 ± 1.70 kg] were assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% P3HP for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, dietary P3HP supplementation did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect final body weight, average daily gain, dry matter digestibility, nitrogen digestibility, apparent nitrogen absorption variables, or in vitro fecal fermentation in growing pigs but exhibited linear or quadratic trends (p < 0.1), with the most favorable numerical responses observed at the 0.2% inclusion level. In summary, although dietary P3HP supplementation did not significantly affect the principal measured outcomes, the favorable trends observed support further investigation of its potential as a novel feed additive for growing pigs. Full article

Yeast hydrolysate (YH) is a yeast-derived functional feed ingredient containing bioactive peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, β-glucans, and mannan oligosaccharides, which may exert prebiotic-like effects by regulating nutrient metabolism, host health, and intestinal microbial homeostasis. However, its effects on lactating Dezhou jennies remain largely unclear. This study investigated the effects of dietary YH supplementation on body weight change, serum biochemical parameters, serum metabolomic profiles, and fecal microbiota composition in lactating Dezhou jennies. Sixteen healthy lactating Dezhou jennies were randomly assigned to a control group fed a basal diet (MCON, n = 8) or a YH supplementation group fed the basal diet supplemented with YH (MYE, n = 8) for 60 days. Compared with the MCON group, the MYE group showed numerically higher final body weight and body weight change. Serum biochemical analysis showed that YH supplementation significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and increased triglyceride (TG) concentrations, while all measured biochemical parameters remained within physiological reference ranges. Serum metabolomic profiling identified 193 differential metabolites between the two groups, including 55 upregulated and 138 downregulated metabolites in the MYE group. These metabolites were mainly associated with amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, mineral absorption, ABC transporters, and protein digestion and absorption, indicating that YH supplementation reshaped nutrient-related metabolic pathways in lactating Dezhou jennies. Fecal microbiota analysis showed no significant changes in α-diversity or overall community structure; however, the MYE group displayed numerically higher microbial richness indices, more unique ASVs and genera, a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidota, and a higher relative abundance of Bacillota. LEfSe analysis further revealed enrichment of specific bacterial taxa in the MYE group, including Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Anaerovorax, and UCG-related taxa. Collectively, these preliminary findings suggest that dietary YH supplementation may alter selected serum biochemical indices and circulating metabolites and may selectively affect the relative abundance of certain fecal bacterial taxa in lactating Dezhou jennies. However, given the limited sample size, these results should be interpreted cautiously, and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm their reproducibility and practical significance. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by substantial interindividual variability in postprandial glucose responses, yet continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived glucose patterns are commonly described using quantitative metrics without sufficient consideration of the physiological mechanisms that generate them. Objective: To develop a physiology-based framework for interpreting CGM-derived glycemic phenotypes in relation to dietary exposures and individual metabolic characteristics, thereby supporting precision nutrition in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A structured narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed to identify studies examining CGM, postprandial glucose regulation, dietary exposures, metabolic physiology, and precision nutrition. Evidence was synthesized within a predefined conceptual framework linking dietary exposures, underlying physiology, individual metabolic characteristics, CGM-derived glycemic phenotypes, and their clinical interpretation. Results: Postprandial glucose responses reflect coordinated interactions among nutrient digestion and absorption, hormonal regulation, hepatic glucose production, peripheral glucose disposal, and individual metabolic characteristics rather than dietary carbohydrate exposure alone. The proposed framework interprets recurring CGM-derived glucose patterns as physiologically meaningful glycemic phenotypes, including characteristic patterns of postprandial excursion, recovery, baseline glycemia, and glycemic variability. This framework provides a structured approach for physiology-informed interpretation of CGM observations and individualized nutritional assessment. Although direct evidence supporting phenotype-guided nutritional interventions and long-term clinical benefit remains limited, emerging computational approaches may further strengthen this interpretive process by integrating CGM with complementary biological and behavioral data. Conclusions: Rather than viewing CGM solely as a technology for measuring glucose, the proposed framework positions it as a physiological lens through which dietary exposures, metabolic regulation, and individual metabolic characteristics can be integrated to support precision nutrition in type 2 diabetes. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary protein levels and arginine supplementation on growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, serum biochemical indices, inflammatory markers, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolomic profiles in growing beagles. Sixty healthy beagles were assigned to six dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial design: two crude protein levels (normal, 22%; low, 18%) and three arginine supplementation levels (0%, 0.266%, 0.532%) over 45 days. Growth performance and nutrient digestibility were not significantly affected by diet. Low-protein diets reduced nitrogen intake and excretion while increasing biological value, indicating improved nitrogen utilization. Serum total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were influenced by protein and arginine levels, and inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-6 were modulated by their interaction. Gut microbiota composition was altered at the taxonomic level but not at the level of the overall structure; arginine supplementation increased microbial richness under normal protein conditions. Fecal metabolomic analysis showed that arginine mainly affected amino acid metabolism, mineral absorption, and bile acid pathways, whereas protein reduction impacted lipid metabolism, bile secretion, and energy-related pathways. Overall, reducing dietary protein to 18% improved nitrogen utilization without impairing growth. Among the six dietary treatments, the normal-protein diet supplemented with moderate arginine (22% CP + 0.266% L-arginine, 1.10% total arginine) was associated with the most balanced overall physiological response. Metabolomic findings from the four selected dietary groups provided additional evidence that dietary protein and arginine modulated distinct metabolic pathways, although these findings should be interpreted within the scope of the selected-group comparison. These results provide a practical basis for optimizing amino acid balance and nitrogen utilization in growing dogs and may contribute to the development of more precise and sustainable pet food formulations. Full article

Allopolyploidy can generate rapid phenotypic change, yet its early transcriptomic consequences in a newly generated triploid hybrid remain poorly understood in animals. Here, we establish a sterile triploid hybrid between grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and yellowcheek (Elopichthys bambusa), designated CCE, using an optimized hydrostatic pressure protocol that achieved 100% triploidy with high embryonic viability. Whole-genome resequencing supported an approximately 2:1 maternal-to-paternal genomic dosage. Transcriptomes from seven tissues revealed that maternal expression-level dominance (ELD-Ci) was the predominant expression-inheritance pattern (63.7–84.2%), consistent with a passive, dosage-dependent mode of regulation. Paternal expression-level dominance (ELD-Eb) was detected in all tissues but with marked tissue specificity: most ELD-Eb genes in the liver and muscle showed expression levels similar to those of the paternal yellowcheek parent before hybridization (96.2% and 72.8%, respectively), whereas the brain and hypothalamus contained more ELD-Eb genes not directly explained by parental differences. Finally, in the gut, CCE had shorter villi than both parents, a thicker muscularis layer than both parents, and fewer goblet cells than Eb. Genes related to digestion, absorption, and nutrient transport were more highly expressed in Eb and retained an Eb-like expression pattern in CCE. By contrast, several smooth muscle-related genes, including myh14 and smtnl1, showed non-additive upregulation beyond the parental range, in parallel with the thickened muscularis layer. Together, these findings provide new insights into how parental genome dosage and tissue-specific regulation shape gene expression divergence in newly formed animal allopolyploids. Full article

Functional meals are emerging, encompassing complete meal systems designed to deliver physiological benefits through food synergy, interactions with the food matrix, and optimized release of bioactive compounds. This narrative review examines the role of bioactive compounds in functional meals, with particular emphasis on bioavailability, food matrix effects, technological approaches, and health implications. Bioactive compounds can contribute to cardiometabolic, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and neuroprotective effects. However, their biological efficacy depends not only on their concentration in foods but also on their release from the food matrix, stability during processing and digestion, intestinal absorption, microbiota-mediated transformation, and post-absorptive metabolism. Therefore, functional meals represent complex systems in which food structure, culinary preparation, processing intensity, co-ingested nutrients, and host-related factors determine the final physiological response. Emerging technologies, including microencapsulation and nanoencapsulation, offer promising strategies to improve the stability, bioaccessibility, targeted release, and sensory acceptability of bioactives. Future research should prioritize well-designed human studies, standardized methodologies, clinically relevant outcomes, personalized nutritional approaches, and sustainable food system integration to support the development of effective, evidence-based functional meal strategies. Full article

Microbial inulinases are enzymes produced by bacteria, yeasts, and fungi that can hydrolyze inulin into fructose and fructooligosaccharides (FOSs). The article discusses the various types of inulinases (exo- and endo-inulinases), microbial sources, biochemical properties, and optimal activity conditions, which are critical for their use in biotechnological and food processes. Special emphasis is placed on inulin degradation products, particularly FOSs, which are known for their prebiotic properties. They promote the growth of beneficial intestinal microbiota, helping to maintain digestive health and improve nutrient absorption. Compounds produced by inulinases may play an important role in the prevention of metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemias by modulating the microbiota and regulating energy metabolism. In conclusion, microbial inulinases are a promising biotechnological tool for developing nutritional strategies to prevent metabolic diseases and improve overall health. Recent evidence demonstrates that advances in recombinant expression systems, enzyme engineering, immobilization technologies, and microbiome research have substantially expanded the industrial and biomedical potential of microbial inulinases. This review highlights emerging trends toward sustainable enzyme production, precision nutrition, and microbiome-targeted functional foods while identifying current limitations and future research priorities. Full article

The transition toward sustainable and nutrient-dense food systems requires novel plant-based ingredients and multifunctional formulations. In this study, gluten-free pasta was developed from millet (Panicum miliaceum) and psyllium husk (Plantago ovata), enriched with duckweed (Lemna minor) flour at 0–20% inclusion levels, with and without egg addition. The study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of duckweed incorporation and processing (drying, cooking, and in vitro digestion) on nutritional quality, bioactive compound stability, and volatile aroma composition. Duckweed enrichment (5–10–12–50% based on millet flour) contributed to strengthening the protein content, total polyphenol levels, and antioxidant capacity across all formulations. Processing steps markedly influenced compound stability and bioaccessibility: thermal treatments reduced extractable antioxidant activity, whereas simulated gastrointestinal digestion enhanced the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds. Technological properties were moderately affected, with increasing duckweed levels resulting in longer cooking times and higher water absorption capacity. GC–MS–olfactometry analysis revealed that duckweed flour is characterized by a complex volatile profile dominated by hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, and sulphur-containing compounds, contributing primarily green, fatty, and herbaceous odor notes. During pasta processing, a substantial shift in aroma composition was observed, with ketones and alcohols becoming dominant, while key duckweed-derived odor-active compounds (e.g., carotenoid degradation products and green leaf volatiles) were partially retained in the final products. Olfactometric evaluation confirmed that although processing reduces aroma intensity, duckweed-related volatile markers remain detectable at higher incorporation levels. Overall, millet–psyllium–duckweed pasta represents a promising gluten-free functional food system combining improved nutritional value with plant-based protein enrichment and antioxidant potential. However, aroma modification during processing remains a critical factor for sensory optimization and consumer acceptance. The results highlight the importance of integrating nutritional, technological, and GC–MS–olfactometry approaches in the development of next-generation sustainable cereal-based foods. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of toosendanin (TSN) on the growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775), especially in terms of feeding preference, larval growth and development, nutritional indices, and enzyme activities. The feeding preference of S. litura, larval growth and development, and nutritional indices were evaluated using the diet incorporation method. The activities of three detoxification, three digestive, and three antioxidant enzymes were determined using spectrophotometric, micro-assay, and microplate methods. The feeding preference of S. litura exposed to TSN indicated that the larvae had a significant preference for the untreated (control) feed compared with the TSN-supplemented feed. The growth and development results showed a prolongation of the larval developmental period by approximately one instar in S. litura larvae fed TSN-supplemented feed. At the highest concentration (100 μg/g), larval weight was 0.76 times that of the control group, with a 27.34% reduction in the pupation rate and a 23.58% reduction in the emergence rate. All differences were statistically significant compared with the control group. In addition, the pupal and adult deformity rates were significantly higher than those in the control group, being 14.68 and 5.67 times higher, respectively, at this concentration. Growth inhibition increased with increasing TSN concentration. In terms of nutritional efficiency, TSN treatment reduced food intake and decreased food conversion rate, thereby inhibiting the relative growth rate of the 4th instar larvae. Further, TSN treatment significantly increased the activities of trypsin, α-amylase, glutathione S-transferase, carboxylesterase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, and had no significant effect on lipase activity, and significantly reduced cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. TSN can significantly inhibit the digestion and absorption of nutrients in S. litura larvae, slow down their growth and development, and increase the pupal and adult deformity rates, thereby protecting plants against infestation by S. litura. Full article

Helicoverpa armigera is one of the most destructive polyphagous pests, yet the transcriptional organization underlying its digestive capacity remains poorly resolved. Here, we compiled 579 publicly available RNA-seq libraries representing 54 independent experiments and quantified transcript abundance across tissues and developmental stages. This complete dataset was used to support broader tissue-level expression profiling. After metadata harmonization and quality filtering, a subset of 130 biologically comparable libraries from five tissue/developmental categories was retained for weighted gene co-expression network analysis. WGCNA identified four biologically informative modules, among which the turquoise module was positively associated with fourth- and fifth-instar larval midgut samples. Independent expression profiling revealed strong midgut-biased expression of several trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like serine proteases, although only a subset of these genes was assigned to the turquoise module. Descriptive functional annotation of this module identified 202 co-expressed loci, including digestive enzymes, nutrient transporters, detoxification-related proteins, epithelial components and putative transcriptional or signaling-associated genes. Phylogenetic analyses and manual inspection of genomic locations further showed that several digestive protease genes occur in local clusters and have closely related counterparts in H. zea, suggesting partial conservation of local genomic organization. Collectively, these results describe a midgut-associated co-expression module containing genes associated with digestive, absorptive and protective functions and provide candidate genes for future functional studies. Full article

The intestine, particularly the gut microbiota, and the liver play key roles in digestion, nutrient transformation, and immune regulation in fish. However, limited information is available regarding how different ornamental fish species regulate these systems under identical aquaculture conditions. Therefore, this study systematically compared gut microbiota diversity, structural variation, and predicted ecological functions among eight ornamental fish species reared in the same environment, using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing combined with digestive enzyme indices and histological analysis of intestinal and liver tissues. The results showed that goldfish (Carassius auratus) and crucian carp exhibited efficient digestive and absorptive capacities, supported by a thickened muscularis and prominent mucosal layers (p < 0.001). High goblet cell density was observed in red swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) and Mickey Mouse platy (Xiphophorus hellerii × X. maculatus) (p < 0.001). Larger hepatocyte perimeter and area were observed in red swordtail (p = 0.022, p = 0.015), whereas platinum mini parrot cichlid and sapphire mini parrot cichlid showed significant hepatocyte vacuolization. Microbial analysis showed that the eight fish species had similar α diversity indices, while the gut microbial profiles of Mickey Mouse platy and golden crucian carp differed the most. At the genus level, beneficial taxa such as Lactococcus, Paracoccus, and Cetobacterium were significantly enriched in red swordtail, sailfin molly, and goldfish, respectively, whereas opportunistic pathogens, including Edwardsiella, Aeromonas, and Acinetobacter, were enriched in Mickey Mouse platy, sapphire mini parrot cichlid, and golden crucian carp, respectively (p < 0.05). Functional prediction based on KEGG pathways indicated that sailfin molly and Mickey Mouse platy exhibited the broadest functional enrichment, primarily involving amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and antibiotic biosynthesis. Crucian carp and golden crucian carp showed higher activity in amino acid biosynthesis and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. The two parrot cichlid species were characterized by enrichment in biofilm formation pathways of pathogenic bacteria and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways. Goldfish and red swordtail were mainly associated with quorum sensing and ABC transporter pathways. These results provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing aquaculture conditions for ornamental fish and improving fish health and production efficiency. Full article

Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in terrestrial plant feeds constrain efficient herbivore production, an issue intensified by rising feed costs and growing demand for animal products. Unlike previous reviews that focus on single ANFs or feed types, this review provides an integrated, cross-species framework linking ANF chemistry, rumen microbial interactions, and mitigation strategies. It examines major ANF classes—tannins, phytates, saponins, oxalates, protease inhibitors, lectins, glucosinolates, and gossypol—and their distribution and biochemical modes of action. Mechanistic pathways are grouped into digestive effects (reduced palatability and enzyme inhibition), microbial effects (altered rumen microbiota and fermentation), metabolic effects (impaired absorption), and mineral interactions (nutrient complexation and chelation). Species-specific responses are evaluated, emphasizing the partial detoxification capacity of the rumen microbiome and the dose-dependent nature of ANF effects. Mitigation strategies—physical, chemical, microbial, enzymatic, probiotic, and genetic—are critically assessed for efficacy, scalability, and sustainability. Emerging metabolomic and metagenomic evidence shows that certain ANFs confer functional benefits at controlled doses; for example, tannins improve nitrogen retention, saponins reduce methane, and phytic acid scavenges free radicals. This synthesis supports strategic management rather than complete elimination, informing safe and sustainable use of terrestrial feeds under evolving food-security and environmental challenges. Full article

Heat and Cd²⁺ stress are major environmental challenges for marine benthic invertebrates. This study examined their combined effects on growth, physiology, and transcriptomic responses in the peanut worm (Sipunculus nudus). After 30 days, Cd²⁺ reduced survival at 26 °C without significantly affecting growth, whereas at 32 °C, both survival and growth declined with increasing Cd²⁺ concentration, indicating that heat stress exacerbates Cd²⁺ toxicity. Cd accumulation increased with exposure concentration but was not affected by temperature. Heat stress increased immune (AKP) and antioxidant (SOD, CAT) enzyme activities, although significant increases in SOD and CAT were observed only under Cd²⁺ exposure. AKP activity rose at low Cd²⁺ concentrations and fell at high Cd²⁺ concentrations at 26 °C, whereas no significant difference occurred at 32 °C between 0 and 0.25 mg/L Cd²⁺. At the same temperature, SOD and CAT activities were significantly higher under high Cd²⁺ exposure than under low Cd²⁺ exposure. Transcriptome analysis showed that Cd²⁺ exposure activated longevity-related pathways, protein processing, and translation initiation. Heat stress activated Jak-STAT signaling and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing while inhibiting the ribosome pathway. Under combined stress, pathways related to xenobiotic metabolism, nutrient digestion and absorption, and amino acid derivative metabolism were broadly suppressed. These results highlight that heat stress exacerbates Cd²⁺ toxicity, affecting growth, enzyme activity, and transcriptomic responses, and provide insights into the adaptive strategies of marine benthic organisms under the combined pressures of climate change and heavy metal pollution. Full article