Search Results (11,211)

Chromium (Cr) contamination poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity and food safety, yet effective strategies for mitigating Cr toxicity under practical cultivation conditions remain limited. In this study, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), prepared from banana peel extract (average particle size: 112.9 nm), were evaluated against conventional sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) for alleviating Cr(VI) toxicity in Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. grown in a dynamic cyclic hydroponic system. Plants were exposed to 20 mg L⁻¹ Cr(VI) and treated with SeNPs or Na₂SeO₃ at 1 and 10 mg L⁻¹, respectively, for a duration of one week. Green-synthesized SeNPs exhibited excellent colloidal stability (zeta potential: −35.5 mV) and an amorphous spherical morphology. Relative to the Cr-only treatment, 10 mg L⁻¹ SeNPs almost completely restored plant biomass and root growth, decreased shoot Cr accumulation by 62.2%, and recovered total chlorophyll content to 94.8% of the control level. By comparison, 10 mg L⁻¹ Na₂SeO₃ restored total chlorophyll to 74.2% of the control and reduced shoot Cr accumulation by 50.6%. SeNPs also elicited a stronger antioxidant response, markedly increasing SOD, POD, and CAT activities while significantly lowering H₂O₂, MDA, and proline levels, demonstrating a greater capacity than selenite to alleviate Cr-induced oxidative damage. SeNPs also restored the uptake of essential mineral nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), improved soluble sugar and protein contents, and promoted selenium biofortification in edible shoots. Although both selenium forms alleviated Cr-induced growth inhibition and oxidative damage, SeNPs consistently outperformed Na₂SeO₃ owing to their higher bioavailability and sustained physiological activity. Overall, this study demonstrates that green-synthesized SeNPs provide an efficient and sustainable strategy for reducing Cr accumulation while simultaneously improving crop growth, antioxidant capacity, and nutritional quality under agriculturally relevant hydroponic conditions, highlighting their potential for safer food production and agricultural waste valorization. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the extraction and purification of TSG-enriched Polygonum multiflorum extract and evaluate its therapeutic potential against androgenetic alopecia. P. multiflorum Thunb. has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote hair growth and preserve hair pigmentation. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was optimized to obtain a 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG)-enriched P. multiflorum extract (PME). The crude extract was further purified by medium-pressure liquid chromatography and semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC demonstrated a 3.75-fold increase in TSG content, from 22,770.0 ± 815 ppm to 85,387.5 ± 192 ppm, and the identity of the enriched TSG was confirmed by LC–MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. PME exhibited potent dose-dependent inhibition of 5α-reductase activity, reaching 92.7% inhibition at 1 μg/mL, comparable to that of finasteride. In a testosterone (TES)-induced androgenetic alopecia (AGA) mouse model, PME markedly accelerated hair regrowth and increased both the number and size of hair follicles. Mechanistically, PME suppressed the conversion of TES to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through 5α-reductase inhibition and promoted GSK3β inactivation, β-catenin stabilization, and nuclear translocation, indicating activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Consequently, the expression of hair growth-related proteins, including Ki67 (1.98-fold), epidermal growth factor (EGF, 1.54-fold), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, 1.21-fold), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 1.34-fold), was significantly upregulated. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that TSG-enriched PME obtained through optimized MAE and chromatographic purification promotes hair regeneration through a dual mechanism involving 5α-reductase inhibition and Wnt/β-catenin activation, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for androgenetic alopecia. Full article

The increasing interest in natural versus synthetic additives is a driving force for food industry innovation to develop alternative solutions for food safety and quality. Brown algae, described as containing potential antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, are promising alternative sources. However, optimized food-grade extracts require preserving their bioactivity. In this study, the effects of seasonality and interannual variation, together with non-thermal high-hydrostatic-pressure (HHP) pretreatment, on the extraction of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from the macroalga Ericaria selaginoides, collected from the northwest of Spain between November 2021 and September 2023, were assessed. The HHP pretreatment of fresh algae did not significantly change the yield of the crude extracts and only slightly improved the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and B. cereus, without significantly diminishing the antioxidant activity until 600 MPa for 5 min, the total polyphenol content (TPC), and the chlorophyll A content. Interannual and seasonal variations significantly influenced pigments and protein, carbohydrate and polyphenol contents, together with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, of the extracts. By NMR, phloroglucinol was identified as the major secondary metabolite, together with mannitol, alanine and a mixture of meroditerpenoids, which may contribute to the reported activities. The overall results demonstrated the role of environmental factors in driving seasonal and interannual changes in macroalgal metabolism, significantly influencing the bioactive properties of extracts, while the effect of HHP pretreatment was minimal. Full article

Background and Purpose: Ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) development, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism, but its role in this association remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether FGF21 mediates the UPF-MASLD relationship in a population-based cohort and whether berry extract (BE) protects against UPF-related liver injury through FGF21 signaling. Methods: This study included 29,386 participants with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and iron-corrected T1 (cT1) from the UK Biobank. UPF intake was classified according to the NOVA system. Log-binomial and generalized linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of UPF with MASLD, PDFF, and cT1, respectively. In vivo, nine-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a baked Western diet (BWD) with bilberry extract (BE, 200 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 16 weeks. In vitro, the role of FGF21 was examined by knockdown experiments in AML12 hepatocytes. Results: UPF consumption was linearly associated with a higher risk of MASLD, with per 10% increment associated with 9% higher risk of MASLD (RR 1.09 [95% CI 1.07–1.10]), as well as dose-dependent increases in PDFF and cT1. Among the 283 plasma proteins associated with PDFF, FGF21 showed the strongest association with UPF intake and accounted for the largest proportion of mediation in the UPF-PDFF association. A significant interaction between UPF and berry intake was observed in MASLD risk (p for interaction = 0.018). In the animal model, BE supplementation for 16 weeks alleviated BWD-induced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and glucose intolerance, while upregulating hepatic FGF21, FGFR1c, and β-Klotho expression and improving mitochondrial function. FGF21 knockdown abrogated BE’s protective effect against lipid accumulation in vitro. Conclusions: FGF21 emerged as a potential mediator of the association between UPF consumption and liver fat accumulation. Anthocyanin-rich dietary interventions may offer a promising strategy to prevent MASLD progression. Full article

Ancient wheat materials are increasingly used in cereal-based products because of their perceived nutritional advantages and distinctive protein composition. However, their protein quality and IgE-binding properties after processing remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated total protein content, essential amino acid composition, ELISA-detectable gliadin content, and IgE-binding patterns in flours and corresponding pasta products prepared from eight industry-sourced ancient and modern wheat materials, including einkorn, emmer, Kamut, spelt, round grain wheat, wheat 2Ab, common wheat, and durum wheat. Protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method, amino acid composition by UHPLC, gliadin content by direct ELISA, and IgE-binding properties by slot blot analysis using sera from allergic individuals. The analysed wheat materials differed markedly in protein content, amino acid profile, gliadin detectability, and IgE-binding capacity. Spelt and Kamut showed the highest total protein contents, while selected ancient wheat materials, particularly emmer, Kamut, and einkorn, exhibited more favourable scores for some essential amino acids than common wheat and durum wheat. Nevertheless, none of the analysed materials fully met the FAO/WHO reference pattern for all evaluated essential amino acids, with lysine and histidine remaining the main limiting amino acids. Einkorn flour showed the highest ELISA-detectable gliadin content, consistent with its distinctive gluten protein composition. Processing into pasta reduced ELISA-detectable gliadin levels in all analysed materials, indicating processing-related changes in protein extractability and epitope accessibility. Despite reduced gliadin detectability after processing, IgE-reactive components remained detectable in both flour and pasta extracts. IgE-binding patterns were strongly dependent on wheat material, product form, and individual serum profile. Kamut pasta repeatedly showed one of the strongest IgE-binding responses across different sera, indicating that processing did not eliminate IgE-reactive components in this material. These findings demonstrate that selected ancient wheat materials may offer favourable protein-related nutritional characteristics, but these features should not be interpreted as evidence of reduced IgE-binding capacity. Integrated assessment of protein quality, gliadin detectability, and IgE-binding properties is therefore necessary for a more complete evaluation of ancient and modern wheat-based products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia involves a gradual decline in skeletal muscle mass that may occur during aging or in association with chronic pathological conditions. It markedly reduces muscle strength and mobility, thereby impairing quality of life. Because sarcopenia’s severity directly correlates with frailty, it represents an important predictor of prognosis and disease risk. Current preventive and therapeutic strategies rely mainly on physical activity, which is not feasible for all patients. This study investigated the biological effects of two independently prepared Tuber borchii (T. borchii) extracts in an in vitro model of sarcopenic stress. Methods: The activity of T. borchii extracts was investigated in a cell-based model of sarcopenia, following previous observations that these preparations influence proliferation-related pathways, including ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Specifically, differentiated myotubes were exposed to D-galactose to reproduce atrophy-associated cellular changes, and the impact of T. borchii extracts on protein synthesis, turnover, and cell morphology was assessed. Results: T. borchii extracts enhanced protein synthesis and turnover in myotubes. Furthermore, the treatment significantly reduced the expression of key galactose-induced sarcopenia and atrophy markers, such as MuRF1. Morphological analysis confirmed this protective effect, showing that treated myotubes maintained greater thickness and exhibited a larger cross-sectional area despite exposure to the sarcopenic stimulus. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. borchii extracts can attenuate selected cellular alterations associated with muscle aging. Future identification of the most active components may support their development as nutraceutical supplements. Full article

This study aimed to screen for optimal Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combinations and subsequently optimize their extraction processes for developing antibacterial dressings by preparing aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Herba Centellae asiaticae, Flos Calendulae, Folium Aloe, Cortex Betulae and Rhizoma Curcumae longae and evaluating their inhibitory activity against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, and T-Salmonella using an agar diffusion assay. Synergistic combinations were identified through a grid screening method, with extraction processes optimized via single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken response surface design. The results demonstrated that the Folium Aloe and Cortex Betulae formulation exhibited the strongest synergistic antibacterial activity, with the inhibition zone expanding from 11.1/12.8 mm for individual components to 17 mm after combination, representing an increase of 21–36%. Single-factor and response surface optimization identified optimal process parameters as a ratio of 1.53:1, a hydroethanolic concentration of 79.5%, and an extraction time of 2.6 h, with a model R² value ranging from 0.9265 to 0.9783; the MIC values were reduced by 25–68.75%. The UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis of the optimized extract identified nine major constituents, including anthraquinones, chromones, and triterpenoids, providing the phytochemical basis for the observed bioactivities. Mechanistic studies via UV-Vis spectrophotometry and propidium iodide (PI) staining confirmed membrane disruption through nucleic acid and protein leakage. Cytocompatibility evaluation using L929 fibroblasts demonstrated >90% cell viability even at 1000 μg/mL. Additionally, the optimized extract exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, achieving a DPPH scavenging rate of 90% at 1.0 mg/mL, whereas its ABTS scavenging rate was comparable to that of ascorbic acid. The Folium Aloe and Cortex Betulae pair demonstrates dual antibacterial and antioxidant activities, providing an experimental basis for developing functional wound dressings and green antibacterial biomaterials. Full article

Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the COVID-19 pandemic is still considered a complex challenge, with manifestations not only of respiratory issues, but also conditions related to chronic cerebrovascular damage. Endothelial biomarkers, neuropathological and neuroimaging findings indicate endothelial dysfunction, microthrombosis, and disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are central mechanisms for acute and chronic ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebral events. Understanding these mechanisms is vital to reducing their impact on population health, whether through treatment or prevention of adverse outcomes. The objective of this study is to perform a review of the scientific literature on the post-infection effects of SARS-CoV-2 affecting the cerebral endothelium and the BBB, correlating them with potential clinical outcomes. Material and Methods: Analysis of studies extracted from the PubMed database using the following terms: Long-COVID “AND” SARS-CoV-2 “AND” blood–brain barrier. Inclusion criteria: keywords, publications related to the topic, and primary studies published after peer review. Exclusion criteria: preprint studies, publication outside of the timeframe 2020–2025, study design not compatible with this research, and full text not available. Results: An initial 121 studies were identified, of which 105 were excluded due to not meeting all inclusion criteria and 6 studies were inaccessible due to not being in the English language and full-text access limitations. Fifteen articles were included in the analysis, for topics as expression of viral receptors in the endothelium, markers of their activation, cerebral microvascular injury and coagulopathies. To clarify the pathogenic cascade, the evidence was stratified by biological model where in vitro evidence demonstrates that the Spike protein induces direct endothelial toxicity and platelet aggregation, establishing the primary molecular insult. Animal models confirm the translation of this insult into structural degradation of the BBB and pericyte loss. Clinically, infection-phase findings, characterized by multifocal microthrombosis and permeability spikes, act as the determining event that predisposes to the persistent neuroinflammatory environment. Biomarkers of BBB disruption and neuronal damage were consistently reported, with persistence of BBB dysfunction modifying risk stratification and rehabilitation efforts. Reported cases of Long-COVID demonstrated normalization of BBB markers without correlation with long-term symptoms, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in Long-COVID. Conclusion: Cerebral endotheliopathies and BBB dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 continue to impact the health of the population. The scientific literature indicates that SARS-CoV-2 induces cerebral endothelial injury, BBB disruption, and an increased risk of vascular events related to endotheliopathy, inflammation, and hypercoagulability. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 pathology on the population and developing prospective studies is essential to quantify the prevalence and mechanisms of brain injury. The identification of molecular targets and infection pathways are promising toward defining both preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in the Long-COVID population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Morinda lucida Benth is widely distributed throughout Central and West Africa. It has traditionally been used to treat and manage various diseases. However, scientific research on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties remains scarce. This study investigated the phytochemical profiles, antioxidant activities, α-glucosidase inhibitors, and cytotoxic effects of compounds derived from various parts of M. lucida. Methods: Seventy-seven natural compounds were putatively annotated using ¹H-NMR, UHPLC–Q Exactive Orbitrap MS, and molecular networking techniques. The antioxidant activities of the crude extracts were assessed in vitro using DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power assays, whereas the in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition activity and toxicity of the crude extracts were evaluated using the α-glucosidase inhibition and MTT assays. Molecular docking was used to assess the interactions between the identified glycosides and the α-glucosidase protein. Results: The root extract exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging (IC₅₀ = 7.7550 ± 6.9142 μg/mL) and reducing power capacity (IC_0.5 = 0.0052 ± 0.0025 μg/mL). In contrast, the stem bark extract demonstrated significant inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 79.9 ± 16.1 µg/mL). Sophoricoside, formononetin 7-O-glucoside, and epicatechin identified in the stem bark extract showed notable in silico interactions with the α-glucosidase protein. The stem bark and leaf extracts were more toxic than the root extract at different concentrations. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the therapeutic potential of M. lucida and provide information on its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. Full article

Bumped kinase inhibitors are safe with promising efficacy against apicomplexan parasites. The 5-aminopyrazole-4-carboxamide BKI-1708 effectively inhibited vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and significantly reduced the cerebral parasite loads in experimentally infected pregnant mice. In vitro experiments revealed that exposure of T. gondii tachyzoites to BKI-1708 induces the formation of intracellular multinucleated complexes called “baryzoites”, exhibiting increased expression of bradyzoite-stage proteins while still displaying classical tachyzoite markers. Differential affinity chromatography of T. gondii extracts identified numerous BKI-1708-binding proteins involved in invasion/egress, redox homeostasis, and RNA processing. To understand the transcriptional implications of BKI-1708 treatment on T. gondii tachyzoites and human foreskin fibroblast host cells, T. gondii-infected host cells, either treated with BKI-1708 or untreated, were subjected to dual RNA-seq analysis. BKI-1708 induced a significant transcriptional remodeling in the parasite, with an enrichment in pathways related to translation, RNA metabolism, and stress responses. In contrast, host–cell transcriptional changes were more limited, with transcripts related to metabolic and detoxification programs upregulated in uninfected fibroblasts, and increased transcription of immune, lysosomal, and glycan degradation pathways in infected fibroblasts. These findings suggest that BKI-1708 modulates the transcriptome in a predominantly parasite-specific manner, disrupting essential biological processes in T. gondii while largely preserving host cell function. Full article

Obesity is a global metabolic disease closely associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and chronic oxidative stress. Cydonia oblonga Miller (COM, Quince) from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China is a traditional medicinal and edible plant rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and other bioactive constituents. Our previous studies suggested that total polyphenols of Cydonia oblonga Miller (TPCOM) may exert promising anti-obesity effects. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of TPCOM on high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice and to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms related to glycolipid metabolism. Methods: TPCOM was extracted and purified from Xinjiang Cydonia oblonga fruits, and its total polyphenol content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. C57 mice were randomly divided into normal diet, model, and TPCOM intervention groups. After 12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding and 6 weeks of TPCOM treatment, body weight was monitored continuously. Serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were measured using commercial kits. Hepatic pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. Bioinformatics analyses including GO and KEGG were performed to predict key targets and pathways related to lipid metabolism. The protein expression levels of PPARGC1A, FFAR1, KLF15, Adipolin, GLUT4, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK in liver tissues were detected by Western blotting. Results: TPCOM intervention significantly reduced body weight gain in obese mice in a dose-dependent manner. Serum biochemical assays showed that TPCOM decreased TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, increased HDL-C levels, and markedly enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that PPARG and FFAR1 were highly expressed in liver tissue and may participate in glucose and lipid metabolism regulation. Western blot results confirmed that TPCOM significantly upregulated the expression of PPARGC1A, FFAR1, KLF15, Adipolin, GLUT4, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK in the liver of obese mice. Conclusions: TPCOM effectively ameliorates obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of glycolipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, and antioxidant signaling via activating the FFAR1–PPARG–p38 MAPK axis and downstream targets including PPARGC1A, KLF15, Adipolin, and GLUT4. This study provides a scientific basis and theoretical support for the development and application of TPCOM as a natural functional ingredient in the prevention and adjuvant treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article

Oxidative stress is known to disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, whereas certain polysaccharides have demonstrated protective effects on intestinal function. This study aimed to isolate a polysaccharide from processed Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis pomace (remaining after oil and juice extraction) and evaluate its protective effect against H₂O₂-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cell monolayers. A polysaccharide fraction, designated SPP-0.2b, with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 42.405 kDa, was successfully isolated by hot water extraction and purified using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 gel chromatography. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that SPP-0.2b was mainly composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, mannose, and galacturonic acid. Compared with the H₂O₂-treated group, SPP-0.2b (500 μg/mL) increased the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) by 76.67% and reduced basolateral FITC-dextran fluorescence intensity by 34.63% in Caco-2 monolayers. In addition, SPP-0.2b significantly increased the protein expression levels of Occludin and Zonula Occludens-1 by 79.49% and 66.75%, respectively. SPP-0.2b also reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels while enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Collectively, these findings suggest that the protective effect of SPP-0.2b against H₂O₂-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction is associated with the maintenance of tight junction proteins and attenuation of oxidative stress. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the further investigation of SPP-0.2b as a potential functional food ingredient for intestinal health. Full article

In this paper, we reported a wild strain Z68, isolated from Tibet, was identified as Flammulina yunnanensis based on ITS sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Optimal condition for its mycelial growth (maltose, yeast extract, magnesium sulfate, 20 °C and pH 7.0–8.0) and fruiting ability was confirmed. Its fruiting bodies contained 25.1 g/100 g protein and 19.80 g/100 g of 16 amino acids, with iron, potassium and zinc, contents significantly higher than these in the controls F. fennae and F. velutipes. Significantly, whole-genome sequencing and comparative analysis of iron-metabolism gene families were performed between F. yunnanensis, F. fennae and F. velutipes to elucidate the basis of its notably elevated iron content, revealing most single copied and conserved iron-related gene families and two-fold expanded iron permease FTR1 in F. yunnanensi, which is the iron–sulfur cluster assembly protein family. Sequence, topology (DeepTMHMM), and structural-confidence (ColabFold/AlphaFold2) analyses of FTR1 identified six species-specified physicochemical substitutions, of which a charge reverse at the intracellular channel (Glu→Lys) and a polar-to-nonpolar change in the TM3 pore (Ser→Ala) were predicted to enhance iron transport efficiency. These suggested a possible two-tier mechanism underlying the elevated iron content of F. yunnanensis, combining gene-family expansion and predicted functional fine-tuning of the FTR1 permease. This study provided insight for biological characterization, domestication, and the molecular basis of iron enrichment in a F. yunnanensis Z68. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable protein sources is driving the development of marine by-product utilization. Mussel byssus, which is currently discarded during mussel processing, could be used to produce collagen-derived biomaterials. This study tested the hypothesis that ultrasound-assisted extraction could improve collagen recovery by comparing its efficiency with that of conventional pepsin-assisted extraction. The latter is time-consuming and inefficient. While conventional pepsin-assisted extraction achieved a higher collagen-derived material recovery yield (10.7%) than ultrasound-assisted extraction (5.1%), ultrasound reduced the extraction time from 72 h to just two hours. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the characteristic amide bands were preserved in the collagen-derived material extracted using both methods. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed thermal transitions at 59 °C for pepsin-assisted extracts and 57 °C for ultrasound-assisted extracts, indicating comparable thermal stability. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed predominantly low-molecular-weight protein fragments (<20 kDa), suggesting the presence of collagen-derived peptides rather than intact native collagen. Overall, ultrasound-assisted extraction preserved the structural and thermal characteristics of the extracted material while drastically reducing processing time. This highlights its potential as a rapid, environmentally friendly and sustainable technology for the valorization of mussel byssus within a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Background and Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. While these agents provide substantial metabolic benefits, concerns have emerged regarding their effects on nutritional status and potential implications for perioperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A structured literature search was conducted from 2 May 2026 to 8 June 2026 examining GLP-1RA therapy, nutritional status, body composition and surgical outcomes. Eligible studies included investigations of postoperative outcomes associated with GLP-1RA use, nutritional and body composition effects of GLP-1RAs, associations between nutritional abnormalities and surgical outcomes, and perioperative nutritional optimisation strategies. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively. Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes were identified: (1) nutritional and body composition changes associated with GLP-1RA therapy, (2) effects of malnutrition, sarcopenia, myosteatosis and micronutrient deficiencies on surgical outcomes, (3) postoperative outcomes associated with GLP-1RA use, and (4) perioperative nutritional assessment and optimisation strategies. GLP-1RA therapy was consistently associated with reduced energy intake, inadequate protein intake, micronutrient deficiencies and loss of lean body mass. These abnormalities overlap with recognised risk factors for adverse postoperative outcomes. Despite this, clinical studies generally reported neutral or favourable postoperative outcomes among GLP-1RA users, particularly in arthroplasty and hand surgery populations, although increased wound-healing complications were reported in selected plastic surgery cohorts. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that GLP-1RAs do not consistently worsen postoperative outcomes; however, their use is associated with nutritional and body composition changes that may influence perioperative recovery. Nutritional assessment and optimisation may therefore represent an important component of perioperative care in patients receiving GLP-1RA therapy. Full article