Search Results (1,070)

This study aimed to illustrate the effects of plant-based yogurts made from bio-fermentative green rice milk yogurt (GRMY), enhanced with Wolffia globosa powder (WGP) and infused with Thai green tea. Different formulations (F1 to F4) were analyzed to assess the impact of varying weight ratios of WGP, ranging from 0% to 15%. The goal was to improve nutritional values and bioactive components. The F4 formulation of plant-based yogurt demonstrated enhanced nutritional values, including higher levels of dietary fiber, starch, protein, and fat contents, which were 42.45, 26.55, 22.48, and 2.29% DW, respectively. It was increased by bioactive compounds such as total phenolic content (52.99 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (60.45 mg QUE/g), and β-carotene (1.81 mg/g). Additionally, the F4 formulation exhibited the highest antioxidants in terms of DPPH activity (5.48 mg TROE/g), ABTS activity (424.15 mg TROE/g), and FRAP reducing capacity (106.35 mg TROE/g) and antidiabetic activity of α–glucosidase inhibition in IC₅₀ at 1.41 mg/mL. The yogurts were evaluated through metabolomic network analysis as a complex bioactive food system, wherein fermentation-derived metabolites synergistically interact with tea polyphenols, amino acids, phytosterols, and carotenoids. The prevailing metabolic profiles indicate an increase in antioxidant capacity, a reduction in inflammatory burden, enhanced glucose metabolism, alterations in gut microbiota, cardiovascular protection, and neuroprotective potential. These findings suggest that the product represents a promising plant-based functional food, offering numerous health benefits. This assertion is supported by a diverse metabolite network identified through UPLC–MS/MS metabolomic research. Full article

The intestinal epithelium is a dynamic tissue renewed by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) within the crypt niche. ISC behavior is regulated not only by intrinsic genetic programs but also by dietary composition, nutrient availability, microbial metabolites, and feeding rhythms. This narrative review synthesizes mechanisms through which diet influences ISC self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, metabolic programming, and regenerative capacity. Dietary patterns exert context-dependent effects: caloric restriction, fasting, and structured feeding–fasting cycles may enhance epithelial regeneration through nutrient-sensing pathways, mitochondrial adaptation, and circadian regulation, whereas Western-type and high-fat diets may promote niche remodeling, inflammation, metabolic reprogramming, and tumorigenic risk. Macronutrients regulate ISC fate through carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid sensing, fatty acid oxidation, and lipid-derived signaling molecules. Micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, and B and minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium, and magnesium, contribute to epithelial differentiation, redox balance, and barrier integrity. Phytochemicals may modulate ISC function through Wnt/β-catenin, Nrf2, SIRT1, and epigenetic pathways or by stabilizing the epithelial microenvironment. The gut microbiota mediates diet–ISC interactions via short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, indole derivatives, and other metabolites. However, human evidence remains limited, and studies integrating human organoids, single-cell analyses, metabolomics, and chrononutrition are needed to inform personalized nutritional strategies for intestinal health. Full article

Corn stover serves as a key roughage for ruminants, but poor preservation limits its nutritional value. This study evaluates whether E. faecalis YMA3, an epiphytic strain from the rice phyllosphere, can improve corn stover silage preservation compared with a commercial E. faecalis strain F and an untreated control. We inoculated chopped corn stover with YMA3, strain F, or sterile water, and ensiled the mixtures in vacuum bags for 1, 7, 15, and 45 days. At each time point, we measured fermentation parameters, chemical composition, microbial counts, and aerobic stability and performed untargeted metabolomics on day 45. Both inoculants enhanced preservation relative to the control, as evidenced by higher crude protein content and lactic acid bacteria counts, as well as lower pH, NH₃-N, and aerobic bacteria counts. Notably, YMA3 outperformed strain F in reducing aerobic bacteria and NH₃-N levels. Metabolomic analysis identified 309 differential metabolites between YMA3-treated and control silage, including elevated phosphatidylcholine, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid, along with enriched glycerophospholipid, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism pathways—changes that may underpin improved preservation. In conclusion, E. faecalis YMA3 acts as an effective microbial inoculant for corn stover silage, outperforming commercial strain F in protein preservation and aerobic stability by modulating bacterial microbiota and metabolic characteristics. Given the limitation that we tentatively annotated metabolites based on spectral matching rather than authentic standards, follow-up research needs to validate key differential metabolites and evaluate their feeding effects in animal trials. This work provides a preliminary foundation for developing novel microbial feed additives in ruminant production. 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

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic disease characterized by excessive and/or aberrant adiposity that requires interventions beyond conventional calorie-restriction models. Current clinical guidelines converge on behavioral modification, encompassing nutritional therapy, physical activity, stress reduction, and sleep improvement, as the cornerstone of obesity management, with psychological therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric procedures as adjunctive or escalating options. While traditional “one-size-fits-all” dietary approaches frequently yield suboptimal long-term outcomes, precision nutrition has emerged as a promising strategy for individualized obesity care. This review critically appraises the evidence underlying each pillar of precision nutrition: genetic profiling shows clear utility in monogenic obesity but variable benefit when diet is matched to common polygenic variants; microbiome-targeted studies reveal that the Bacillota to Bacteroidota ratio shows inconsistent associations with obesity across studies, with genus-level and functional alterations offering more reproducible targets; and metabolomic profiling of postprandial glycemic responses has progressed from foundational predictive algorithms to large-scale clinical validation. It also highlights chrono-nutrition, the alignment of food timing with individual chronotype, as an emerging pillar of personalization. Beyond dietary composition, the review addresses how personalized nutrition can mitigate the adverse effects of incretin-based pharmacotherapy and discusses how artificial intelligence can integrate multi-omics and behavioral data into real-time dietary guidance. Future clinical implementation will require overcoming challenges related to data integration, predictive accuracy, and accessibility, paving the way for more effective, evidence-based obesity management. Full article

To investigate the differences in pulp metabolites among four varieties of Pouteria caimito fruit (JZL1, JZL3, JZL5, and JZL6), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was employed for the separation and identification of metabolites. A total of 1285 metabolites were identified, including 648 in positive ion mode and 637 in negative ion mode. At the class level, carboxylic acids and derivatives (14.32%) and organooxygen compounds (11.83%) accounted for the highest proportions; at the subclass level, amino acids, peptides, and analogues (12.53%) as well as carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates (9.49%) were the main categories. PLS-DA analysis revealed significant differences in metabolite profiles among the four varieties, with numerous up-regulated and down-regulated metabolites in each comparison group, and some metabolites showed fold changes > 10 or <0.1. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis further indicated that differential metabolites were primarily enriched in pathways such as ABC transporters, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), starch and sucrose metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism. This study provides an important metabolomic basis for variety identification, nutritional quality evaluation, and functional component development of Pouteria caimito fruit. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, affects over 20% of older adults in Taiwan and contributes to frailty and functional decline. Nutritional supplementation offers a promising strategy for those unable to engage in structured exercise, yet multi-ingredient MCT–leucine–creatine-based interventions remain understudied in clinically defined sarcopenic populations. Methods: We conducted an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at National Taiwan University Hospital (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06376266). Seventy-three older adults (mean age 77.3 ± 7.7 years) meeting AWGS 2019 sarcopenia criteria were randomized to TLN-01 (a multi-ingredient supplement containing whey protein, branched-chain amino acids, medium-chain triglycerides, creatine, resveratrol, and vitamin D₃, n = 34) or isocaloric placebo (n = 39). Primary outcomes were changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) assessed by DXA and handgrip strength. Targeted plasma amino acid metabolomics (LC-MS) was performed as an exploratory endpoint. Results: ASM increased significantly in the TLN-01 group (+0.42 kg, +3.2%; p < 0.001) but remained unchanged in controls (p = 0.785), with a significant between-group difference (ANCOVA p < 0.01); this absolute change was below the commonly cited minimal clinically important difference. Handgrip strength did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.32); within-group analysis showed a significant decline in the placebo group (−7.0%; p < 0.001) that was not observed in the intervention group (p = 0.537). Metabolomic analysis revealed reductions in plasma taurine and 1-methylhistidine and an increase in kynurenine; given the absence of clear separation on PCA/PLS-DA, these findings are considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory evidence of altered amino acid utilization or proteolysis. No clinically significant adverse metabolic or renal events occurred. Conclusions: Eight weeks of this multi-ingredient MCT–leucine–creatine-based supplement induced a modest increase in muscle mass and attenuated the decline in handgrip strength observed in the placebo group among sarcopenic older adults without a structured exercise program, supporting further investigation as a safe and practical nutritional adjunct in geriatric care. Full article

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained increasing attention as a dietary strategy to improve metabolic health and prevent cardiometabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota may represent one of the mechanisms underlying the physiological benefits of IF. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms by which IF modulates gut microbial ecology and how these changes influence host metabolic and immune functions. We examine the effects of IF on gut microbiota diversity and composition, highlighting shifts in key microbial taxa associated with metabolic regulation. In addition, we discuss how fasting-induced microbial remodeling affects microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, which play central roles in energy homeostasis, intestinal barrier integrity, and inflammatory signaling. Increasing evidence indicates that IF interacts with circadian rhythms, influencing both microbial oscillations and host metabolic pathways that coordinate nutrient sensing and energy metabolism. Furthermore, we explore the bidirectional crosstalk between the gut microbiota and the intestinal immune system, emphasizing that fasting-driven microbial changes may modulate inflammatory responses, epithelial barrier function, and immune cell activity. Finally, we discuss nutritional strategies that may enhance the beneficial effects of IF, including the incorporation of prebiotics, dietary fiber, and probiotic supplementation, to promote microbial diversity and functional resilience. Collectively, these findings support a model in which IF acts as a key modulator of the gut microbiota–immune–metabolic axis. Future integrative studies combining gut microbiome, metabolomic, and immunological approaches are needed to better understand these interactions and optimize microbiota-targeted dietary interventions. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with elusive etiology and limited therapeutic options, accompanied by potential side effects. In this study, to investigate the therapeutic potential of Antarctic krill oil (AKO) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitis model, animal experiments, molecular assays, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were conducted. Our results revealed that supplementation of AKO significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, such as weight loss, and inflammatory responses. Moreover, multi-omics analyses demonstrated that AKO inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, remodeled beneficial gut microbiota, and reshaped metabolite profiles associated with glycerolphospholipid metabolism. Remarkably, AKO alleviated DSS-induced colitis, accompanied by coordinated changes in the gut microbiota, metabolites, and transcriptome, which were associated with suppression of key inflammatory pathways. These findings present experimental evidence for the potential of AKO as a marine-based nutritional intervention for UC, and offer novel perspectives on microbiota-targeted therapies for inflammatory diseases. Full article

Livestock production in Africa occurs across highly heterogeneous agroecological and management environments, ranging from extensive pastoral and mixed crop–livestock systems to intensive enterprises. These systems are characterized by seasonal and spatial variation in feed resources, reliance on locally available forage and agricultural by-products, climatic stress, endemic diseases, and the use of indigenous and locally adapted breeds. Such conditions create distinctive microbiome–host interactions that remain poorly represented in global livestock omics research. Although the gut microbiome is central to nutrient utilization, immune function, metabolic homeostasis, and resilience, the functional mechanisms linking microbial communities, diet, host physiology, and productivity in African livestock remain insufficiently characterized. African systems are particularly underrepresented in integrated microbiome–metabolomics datasets, longitudinal studies, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled predictive models, limiting the development of context-specific precision nutrition strategies. This review examines the integration of metabolomics and AI with microbiome and host data to advance precision livestock nutrition within an African and One Health context. It identifies both substantial constraints and strategic opportunities. Limited research infrastructure, high-quality regional datasets, computational capacity, and specialized expertise remain major barriers. Conversely, Africa’s diversity of livestock breeds, feed resources, agroecological conditions, and naturally occurring resilience phenotypes provides an important opportunity to identify microbiome–metabolite signatures associated with feed efficiency, disease resilience, climate adaptation, and product quality. Emerging metabolomics and computational capacity, particularly in South Africa, could support regional research networks and continental data infrastructures. Furthermore, the review proposes an Africa-specific approach that develops locally grounded, scalable, and resource-sensitive precision nutrition strategies, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship, animal health, food safety, climate resilience, sustainable livestock production, and broader One Health objectives. Full article

Fruit firmness is a pivotal agronomic and commercial trait that determines the storability, transport tolerance and edible quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Fruit softening severely restricts postharvest performance and economic benefits of tomato products worldwide. This review summarizes the latest research progress on factors and regulatory mechanisms governing tomato fruit firmness. Multiple environmental factors including temperature, light, moisture and atmospheric composition jointly affect cell wall structure and metabolism, thereby altering fruit firmness. Mineral nutrition, postharvest handling and pathogen infection also exert profound impacts on texture characteristics by modulating physiological activities and cell wall integrity. Phytohormones such as gibberellin, ethylene, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid form complex signaling crosstalk to mediate fruit softening processes. Furthermore, we elaborate on the functions of transcription factors, quantitative trait loci, and key functional genes, as well as research advances in transcriptomics and metabolomics, including transcriptome analyses identifying differentially expressed genes related to cell wall remodeling, and metabolomic profiling revealing hydroxyproline and galacturonic acid as firmness-associated markers. Cell wall metabolism is confirmed as the core pathway controlling fruit softening. Finally, future research directions are proposed, focusing on single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to map softening regulatory networks, AI-driven predictive modeling for softening kinetics and shelf-life optimization, and CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing for precise trait improvement. Full article

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plays a vital agronomic and nutritional role in arid regions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where sustainable crop improvement is essential. Among the many cultivars, Sukkary, Mejhoul, and Khlass stand out for their commercial importance, adaptability, and distinctive fruit characteristics. This study investigated their metabolomic profiles during fruit development, focusing on sugars, amino acids, polyphenols, and organic acids. Distinct biochemical signatures were identified among cultivars. Mejhoul exhibited the highest Brix (~79), reflecting elevated glucose and fructose, while Sukkary and Khlass (~72) showed sucrose predominance. Sugar profiles revealed cultivar-specific patterns: Sukkary accumulated more sucrose, whereas Mejhoul and Khlass had higher invert sugars, with inositol uniquely abundant in Khlass. Amino acid analysis showed Sukkary enriched in glutamine, valine, and GABA—metabolites linked to nitrogen metabolism and stress tolerance. Mejhoul contained more tyrosine and glutamine, and Khlass was rich in methionine and urea. Organic acid profiling highlighted Sukkary’s dominance in TCA intermediates (fumaric, succinic, and malic acids), Khlass in citric and citraconic acids, and lower organic acid levels in Mejhoul. Sukkary also exhibited the highest polyphenol content, consistent with elevated phenylalanine and activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. These metabolomic distinctions reflect cultivar-specific physiological and nutritional traits: Mejhoul suits fresh consumption and fermentation, Sukkary favors functional food and storage potential, and Khlass offers balanced sugar-acid and inositol profiles. The findings provide a biochemical basis for cultivar-specific breeding, postharvest optimization, and enhanced nutritional value under climate stress. Full article

Dietary crude protein (CP) level is a critical nutritional factor influencing growth and intestinal health in weaned piglets. This study investigated the effects of graded dietary CP levels on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, serum immune indices, and metabolic profiles in weaned piglets. Five dietary CP levels (14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, and 18%) were tested, and growth performance and diarrhea incidence were recorded during a 14-day trial. Representative piglets from the 14%, 16%, and 18% CP groups were subsequently selected for serum biochemical and immunological analyses, as well as LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics. The results showed that average daily gain (ADG) increased linearly (p = 0.004) and the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) decreased linearly (p = 0.001) with increasing dietary CP level. However, diarrhea rate exhibited a quadratic trend in response to dietary CP level, with the lowest value observed for the 16% CP group, indicating a potential optimal intestinal-health response at this CP level. Serum total protein (TP) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) were significantly higher in the 18% CP group than in the 14% CP group (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed clear separation among the 14% (n = 5), 16% (n = 4), and 18% (n = 4) CP groups in the PLS-DA model. Differential metabolites were mainly enriched in lipid and amino acid metabolic pathways, with amino acid metabolism being most strongly affected, involving several dipeptides and amino acid derivatives (e.g., Tyr-Pro, His-Leu, and Phe-Trp). Collectively, increasing dietary CP linearly improved growth performance and humoral immunity, whereas diarrhea incidence showed a quadratic numerical trend with the lowest value at 16% CP. These findings provide new metabolic insights for optimizing dietary CP formulation in weaned piglets. Full article

Background: Tryptophan (Trp) is critical to mothers and their conceptuses, and this amino acid is the precursor to serotonin (5-HT). 5-HT modulates placenta function and fetal neurodevelopment. It is not clear if the placenta directly synthesizes 5-HT or uses the serotonin transporter (SERT/Slc6a4) to accrue 5-HT from the dam. The hypothesis tested herein is that reduction in maternal Trp leads to reductions in maternal Trp, 5-HT, and 5-hydroxy-3-indoleacetic acid (5-HIAA, metabolite of serotonin) and reductions in these metabolites within the placenta and fetal brain of female and male conceptuses. Methods: Female mice were placed on a reduced tryptophan (Trp) diet (0.1%) or control diet (0.2%). Diets were provided for two weeks prior to breeding (periconception period) until conceptuses were collected at approximately 12.5 days post-coitus (dpc). Results: While no reductions in maternal Trp and 5-HT were observed, both metabolites were significantly reduced in the placenta and fetal brain of male and female conceptuses (p < 0.05). Female conceptuses were susceptible to reductions in maternal Trp with 549 and 29 transcripts altered in the female placenta and fetal brain, respectively, of reduced Trp dams compared to control dams. Transcriptomic changes, such as reduced expression in Slc6a4 and Slc6a19 (transporter for Trp), in placenta of female conceptuses correlated with reductions in Trp and 5-HT amounts. Conclusions: Findings might have clinical importance to pregnant women as they reveal even subtle reductions in one amino acid profoundly influence conceptus development and might lead to sexual disparity in risk for later diseases, including neurobehavioral disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely linked to Western dietary patterns. Yet, preclinical studies rely on continuous high-fat feeding, overlooking the intermittent nature of human eating. Whether dietary periodicity itself influences the gut–liver axis and MASLD pathogenesis remains unknown. We compared continuous and intermittent high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diets in guinea pigs, a model that mirrors human lipoprotein metabolism, hepatic cholesterol handling, and hindgut fermentation. Methods: Integrated multi-omics analyses (serum metabolomics, fecal 16S rRNA sequencing, and liver transcriptomics) were employed in a guinea pig model, stratified into normal diet (ND), intermittent HFHC diet (IHD), and IHD with flaxseed lignan supplementation, to compare the effects of dietary regimens and the therapeutic efficacy of lignan on hepatic pathology. Results: Both diets induced hallmark hepatic features of MASLD; however, the intermittent regimen provoked significantly more severe hepatic steatosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis identified the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as the most significantly enriched pathway in the IHD group. Mechanistically, this aggravated liver injury was linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis and a marked depletion of the microbial metabolite enterolactone. Fecal microbiota transplantation confirmed that the dysbiotic microbiota directly transmits the aggravated liver injury phenotype. Supplementation with flaxseed lignan, the dietary precursor of enterolactone, restored enterolactone production, corrected the dysregulated gut microbiota–enterolactone axis, and largely normalized the expression of PI3K-Akt downstream targets, thereby alleviating hepatic pathology. Conclusions: These findings suggest that alterations in the gut microbiota–enterolactone axis may contribute to diet-periodicity-driven liver injury and highlight its potential involvement in disease progression. Modulating this axis through dietary interventions, such as flaxseed lignan supplementation, may represent a promising nutritional strategy for mitigating MASLD associated with cyclical dietary exposure. Full article