Search Results (945)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Herba Epimedii Folium (HEF) supplementation on semen quality, reproductive hormones, immune parameters, gut microbiota, and seminal plasma metabolites in aged boars, and to evaluate its potential for extending their reproductive lifespan. A total of 18 Bama boars (approximately 3 years of age) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6 per group). The control group received a basal diet, while the treatment groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 3 g/kg or 5 g/kg of HEF for 8 weeks. The results showed that adding HEF to the diet of aged boars increased the motility and concentration of their sperm and reduced the proportion of abnormal sperm. Treatment with 3 g/kg HEF increased serum LH and IgG levels, whereas the 5 g/kg dose elevated IgA levels in both serum and seminal plasma, as well as IgG levels in seminal plasma. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that dietary HEF supplementation reduced the relative abundance of Streptococcus and Oscillospiraceae UCG-002 in the gut of aged boars. PICRUSt2 analysis predicted that pathways involved in lysine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and amino acid-related enzymes were enriched in the HEF treatment group. Semen metabolite profiling showed that the HEF treatment enriched several key metabolites, including 5-hydroxytryptophan, acetylcarnitine, tretinoin, methyltestosterone, prostaglandin A3, and prostaglandin B2. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative association between Streptococcus abundance and sperm motility, whereas acetylcarnitine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and prostaglandin A3 were positively associated with motility. Furthermore, 5-hydroxytryptophan levels were positively linked to both sperm concentration and serum LH. In summary, our study demonstrates that Epimedii Folium may enhance the semen quality of aged Bama boars by improving the intestinal microbiota and the metabolic profile of seminal plasma. These findings may offer a theoretical basis for optimizing reproduction and conserving germplasm resources in aged Bama miniature pigs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Clozapine is the sole antipsychotic approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but it is a double-edged therapeutic option due to various lethal adverse reactions. This study aimed to assess the risk of long-term clozapine medication-induced cardiotoxicity, which has not yet been fully elucidated. Methods: This study is a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with schizophrenia in Japan and China who received clozapine monotherapy. Cases for which serum NT-proBNP concentration and LVEF derived from echocardiography were available in 2025 were included. In addition, blood examinations, including those administered by the Japanese Clozaril Patient Monitoring Service, were statistically analyzed as independent variables. Results: Among a total of 315 cases, including 99 Japanese (clozapine exposure duration: 57.5 ± 4.0 months) and 216 Chinese (208.1 ± 11.0 months) cases, were enrolled. In both Japan and China, age-standardized prevalence of heart failure among patients with prescribed clozapine were higher compared to general population, with odds ratios of 3.2 (95%CI: 1.4–6.4) and 6.9 (95%CI: 3.6–12.0), respectively. The risk factors for stage-B heart failure associated with clozapine were prolonged exposure duration, higher plasma levels of clozapine, and increasing monocytes. Unexpectedly, over 70% of cases with stage-B heart failure associated with clozapine identified in this study did not have metabolic complications. Other than those with cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, ileus, or chronic renal failure, no cases with ejection fraction < 50% were observed, suggesting that stage-B heart failure associated with clozapine is speculated to be likely suggestive of HFpEF. Conclusions: Traditionally, psychiatry has focused on myocarditis and cardiomyopathy developing several weeks and months after initiation of clozapine medication; however, this study revealed asymptomatic heart failure as a third cardiac adverse reaction of clozapine that develops years later. Therefore, regular monitoring of NT-proBNP contributes to improving long-term prognosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia with prescribed clozapine. Full article

Primary mitochondrial diseases (PMD) are rare disorders with limited therapeutic options. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation is widely used, although formulation differences can affect absorption and efficacy. This open-label pilot feasibility trial evaluated a food for special medical purposes (FSMP) containing high-dose CoQ10 (250 mg per capsule) in patients with PMD. Ten patients (mean age: 55.5 ± 8.6 years) were enrolled. Serum/plasma biomarkers, including CoQ10, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total sulfhydryl groups (t-SH), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), were assessed at baseline (T0, after ≥30 days of conventional ubidecarenone) and after 30 days of FSMP administration (T1). Fatigue severity scale (FSS) and 5-times sit-to-stand test (5xSST) were evaluated at both timepoints. FSMP was administered at 250 or 500 mg/day. Twenty sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included for CoQ10 comparison. Absolute CoQ10 concentrations remained stable overall at T1, with all patients maintaining levels above 390 ng/mL (100% vs. 60% at T0), although concentrations remained lower than in healthy controls (p < 0.01). Dose-normalized CoQ10 exposure was significantly higher with FSMP versus conventional ubidecarenone (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 7.31). FGF21, GDF15, AOPP, and t-SH remained unchanged, whereas FRAP increased at T1 (p < 0.01). No significant changes were observed in 5xSST and FSS. Exploratory analyses indicated inter-individual variability in functional responses. FSMP was associated with higher dose-normalized systemic CoQ10 exposure, more consistent circulating CoQ10, and increased FRAP levels. Its simplified dosing regimen may support long-term adherence. Larger studies are warranted to validate these preliminary findings. Full article

Polyurethane (PU) is widely used in medical products due to its biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Electrospinning (ES) was employed to produce PU-based scaffolds intended for cardiovascular devices (CVD) from blends of Carbothane (Carb) with human serum albumin (HSA), dimethylacetamide (DMA), and drugs. Sirolimus (SRL)—an immunosuppressive/anti-proliferative drug—and diclofenac (DF)—a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug—were introduced into ES blends to produce drug-enriched scaffolds that prevent inflammation and cell overgrowth. The biocompatibility, stability, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds and SRL release were studied. The scaffolds possessed good mechanical properties and were stable in PBS and blood plasma (BP) for 120 days. The minimal SRL release rate was observed for the scaffold 3%Carb/10%HSA/DMA/SRL. A study of scaffold interaction with blood demonstrated good hemocompatibility of most scaffolds. A study of human gingival fibroblasts, endothelial cells (HUVEC and EA.hy926), and vascular smooth muscle cell interaction with scaffolds in vitro demonstrated variability in cell viability and pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-6 secretion, depending on both the scaffold composition and the cell type. The incorporation of DF into scaffolds decreased the concentration of IL-6 in the culture medium. The scaffold 3%Carb/10%HSA/DMA/SRL is the best choice for CVD in terms of hemocompatibility, endothelialization, and the induction of minimal inflammation. Full article

Background: Postoperative rehabilitation following Total Knee or Hip arthroplasty (TKA, THA respectively) for end-stage osteoarthritis is frequently characterized by oxidative stress and chronic-inflammation-induced muscle atrophy. This study investigated the efficacy of a milk protein concentrate supplement (MCPS) on oxidative stress, inflammation markers, and functional regains in patients undergoing TKA or THA. Methods: 88 participants (aged 55–80 years) were allocated to either an Intervention Group (IG, n = 44), receiving the MPCS, or a Control Group (CG, n = 44), following conventional nutrition for 15 weeks. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and functionality through handgrip strength, gait speed, and static balance. 8-Isoprostane levels were quantified in plasma samples using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA) method. C Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in serum specimens were measured. Data analysis was conducted, with adjustments made for age, gender, and comorbidities. Results: The IG demonstrated a significant increase in ASMM (Adj. mean change, Δ = +2.34 kg, 95% CI: 1.99 to 2.69, p < 0.001) and ASMM Index (Δ = +0.82 kg/m², 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.00, p < 0.001) compared to the CG. Functional measurements also showed significant improvements in the IG, including Handgrip Strength (Δ = +4.40 kg, p < 0.001), Gait Speed (Δ = +0.23 m/s, p < 0.001), and the 2-Minute Walk Test (Δ = +12.02 m, p = 0.026). Regarding biochemical markers, the IG showed a significant reduction in plasma F2-isoprostane levels (Δ = −29.19, p < 0.001), CRP levels (Δ = −0.69 mg/L, p = 0.004), and PTH levels (Δ = −27.41 pg/mL, p < 0.001). A negative association between lipid peroxidation (8-isoprostanes) and ASMM was confirmed. Conclusions: Structural nutritional intervention can effectively mitigate catabolic stress triggered by surgical treatment. Implementing such strategies into orthopedic care offers a practical approach to treat challenges often associated with postoperative muscle loss. Full article

Background: Lipid homeostasis is essential for sperm membrane integrity, capacitation, and fertilizing competence. However, whether lipid alterations associated with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) reflect systemic dyslipidemia or a disturbance localized to the seminal compartment remains unclear. This study investigated serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions and seminal lipid concentrations in men with OAT. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 99 men were included: 49 men clinically classified as having OAT and 50 men with normozoospermia. Conventional semen analysis was performed according to the WHO 2021 manual. Serum HDL subfractions were analyzed using the Lipoprint HDL system, which classifies HDL into 10 subfractions and 3 major groups (large, intermediate, and small HDL). Seminal plasma total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured using enzymatic colorimetric and fluorometric assays, respectively. Correlations between lipid parameters and semen quality indices were assessed using Spearman’s rank analysis. Results: Baseline demographic and systemic metabolic characteristics were comparable between groups. Men with OAT had significantly higher FSH and estradiol levels and markedly impaired semen parameters, including sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motile sperm count, motility, and morphology. No significant differences were observed in serum HDL subfractions 1–10 or in large, intermediate, and small HDL concentrations between groups. In contrast, seminal total cholesterol was significantly lower in the OAT group (p = 0.048), and seminal HDL-C was markedly reduced (p < 0.001). Seminal HDL-C showed weak-to-moderate positive correlations with sperm concentration (ρ = 0.407), rapid progressive motility (ρ = 0.417), slow progressive motility (ρ = 0.418), total motile sperm count (ρ = 0.379), and normal morphology (ρ = 0.344) (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: OAT is characterized by a compartmentalized lipid alteration marked by preserved systemic HDL subfraction profiles but depleted seminal HDL-C. These findings suggest that local seminal lipid homeostasis may be more closely related to sperm quality than circulating HDL-related measures and support seminal HDL-C as a candidate local metabolic indicator in male infertility. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals with substantial bioaccumulation potential, but their distribution between blood and urine in humans remains poorly characterized. In this review, we assessed the urine-to-blood concentration ratio (UtBCR) as a potential indicator of PFAS bioaccumulation by integrating evidence from human biomonitoring studies and protein-binding data. We summarized PFAS concentrations in human serum and urine across general and highly exposed populations and identified clear compound-specific differences in blood–urine partitioning. We further examined the associations of UtBCR with carbon chain length, biological half-life, and binding-related parameters for human serum albumin (HSA), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), and several renal transporters. Pairwise correlation analysis and partial least squares regression indicated that UtBCR was closely associated with major toxicokinetic determinants, particularly protein-binding affinity, carbon chain length, and biological half-life. Parameters related to FABP, HSA, urate transporter 1 (URAT1), and organic anion transporter 4 (OAT4) showed more consistent associations with UtBCR than those related to organic anion transporters 1(OAT1) and organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), suggesting that plasma/tissue binding and tubular reabsorption may contribute more than active tubular secretion to PFAS blood–urine partitioning. Overall, UtBCR appears to be a useful toxicokinetic metric for comparing the relative bioaccumulation potential of PFAS. Full article

Background: Inflammation in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contributes to cardiovascular disease through the local production of pro-inflammatory cytokines affecting the adjacent myocardium. Selenium (Se) is essential for selenoprotein-mediated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. We investigated associations between Se status and inflammatory markers in EAT and in the circulation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Patients with CAD undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 52) and valve disease patients receiving valve replacement serving as controls (n = 22) were included from the ATICH study. EAT biopsies were obtained during open-chest chest surgery. Serum Se was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Associations between Se and EAT mRNA expression of Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components and cytokines, as well as circulating inflammatory markers, were assessed using Spearman’s rho and group comparisons based on median Se levels. Results: Se concentrations were lower in CAD patients than controls (0.9 vs. 1.1 µmol/L, p = 0.025). In CAD patients, Se levels correlated with EAT expression of CASP1 and IL18, and with circulating IL-6. Se levels above the median were associated with lower EAT expression of CASP1 and NLRP3 and reduced IL-6 levels (p < 0.05, all). Our analysis of publicly available RNA seq data demonstrated selenoprotein’s presence in EAT. Conclusion: Lower Se status in CAD was associated with increased systemic and EAT inflammation, suggesting a role for selenoprotein-dependent antioxidant mechanisms in regulating cardiac adipose tissue inflammation. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have attracted growing attention for their diagnostic and prognostic potential as they carry molecular cargo such as DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids derived from their cells of origin. While EV research has traditionally focused on blood, this study explicitly explored saliva as a promising, non-invasive sample matrix for EV isolation and biomarker discovery. Six different EV isolation methods were compared for their ability to recover salivary small EVs suitable for downstream DNA and microRNA analysis. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) revealed variation in vesicle sizes, concentrations and surface charges across all tested EV isolation approaches. In addition to being the fastest and simplest isolation method, the miRCURY Exosome Isolation kit—serum and plasma from Qiagen (ExiQ) also resulted in the highest EV yields with average particle sizes of ~130 nm. Western blot analysis further verified the presence of EV-specific markers (CD9, Alix) and no detectable signal for ApoA1 as an indicator for lipoprotein contamination, underscoring the purity of ExiQ-isolated vesicles. Always applying the same protocol for parallel DNA and RNA isolation on vesicles extracted by various methods, differences in DNA and RNA yields were observed across the evaluated isolation kits. ExiQ-isolated EVs showed the best recovery for both nucleic acid types. Notably, nuclease treatment of isolated EVs revealed that substantial amounts of DNA were present on the EV surface, whereas microRNA was predominantly localized within the vesicles. The present study, extensively comparing different EV isolation methods, demonstrates that salivary EVs are a viable source for non-invasive diagnostics and suggests the miRCURY Exosome Isolation kit—serum and plasma from Qiagen (ExiQ) to be a good choice for integration in future salivary EV-based diagnostic assays given its simplicity, speed and excellent performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases and the limited availability of convenient, metabolically safe, high-protein foods represent a pressing public health challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four composite animal-derived high-protein ingredients based on collagen enzymatic hydrolysates on physical endurance, feeding behaviour, carbohydrate metabolism, renal function, and behavioural parameters in rats. Methods: Four lyophilised collagen hydrolysate-based ingredients were developed using enzymatic biotransformation of bovine and porcine raw materials, combined with bovine whey protein concentrate, bovine meat trim hydrolysate, porcine blood plasma proteins, and an api-component (Samples 1–4; protein content 87–89%). Ninety male Wistar rats were randomised into one control group and four experimental groups (n = 20 per experimental group, n = 10 controls) and received test samples by intragastric gavage at 3000 mg/kg/day for 40 days. Physical endurance was assessed via a weighted forced swimming test (days 0, 30, and 40); behavioural status by open field, adhesive removal, and marble burying tests; and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, serum urea, creatinine, urinary protein, and GFR) at days 0 and 40. Results: All experimental groups demonstrated a significant reduction in standard chow consumption (19–24%, p < 0.01) without affecting body weight gain. Physical endurance improved significantly in all groups relative to baseline, with the most pronounced effect in the Sample 3 group (+39% at day 40, p < 0.05). Blood glucose levels were significantly reduced across all groups (9–16%, p < 0.05). No adverse behavioural effects were observed. Biochemical markers indicated an adaptive rather than pathological renal response, with elevated GFR in three of four experimental groups (p < 0.05) and reduced proteinuria in the Sample 1 and Sample 3 groups. Conclusions: Forty-day administration of collagen hydrolysate-based protein complexes improved physical endurance and glucose metabolism, reduced food intake without compromising body weight, and did not impair renal function or behavioural status in healthy adult rats. These findings support the potential of such ingredients as functional food components, pending confirmation of long-term safety in extended studies. Full article

Ketosis is one of the most economically significant metabolic disorders affecting periparturient dairy cows, causing production losses and predisposing animals to secondary complications. Current blood-based diagnostics are invasive and provide limited insight into the underlying metabolic perturbations. This study employed an integrated three-platform metabolomics approach to characterize milk metabolite alterations in ketotic Holstein dairy cows and to evaluate milk-based biomarker panels for early ketosis detection. Milk samples from 20 healthy control (CON) cows and 6 ketotic cows were collected at 2 weeks postpartum and analyzed by direct injection/liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (DI/LC-MS/MS), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Ketosis was confirmed by serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations ≥ 1400 μmol/L. Principal component analysis, partial least squares-discriminant analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were applied. All three platforms discriminated ketotic cows from healthy cows, with clear cluster separation validated by 2000 permutation tests (p < 0.05). DI/LC-MS/MS identified 16 significantly altered metabolites (p < 0.05), with butyrylcarnitine (C4), phosphatidylcholine 30:0 (PC 30:0), ether-linked phosphatidylcholine O-38:3 (PC O-38:3), and citrulline identified as the top discriminatory biomarkers (AUC = 0.920; 95% CI: 0.85–0.98; sensitivity = 91.7%; specificity = 93.3%). ICP-MS revealed significantly reduced selenium (Se, p = 0.017), manganese (Mn, p = 0.045), and chromium (Cr, p = 0.037), as well as elevated cobalt (Co, p = 0.014) in ketotic milk (AUC = 0.870). ¹H-NMR detected no individually significant metabolites; however, multivariate analysis distinguished groups (AUC = 0.890), with succinate (numerical fold change: +5.77×; p = 0.059), methanol (−1.94×; not significant), and acetate (+2.88×; not significant) as top VIP contributors. The combined multi-platform biomarker panel (joint classification using top VIP features from all three platforms, without formal data fusion) achieved superior diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.970; 95% CI: 0.93–1.00; sensitivity = 95.0%; specificity = 96.7%). These findings identify coordinated perturbations in glycerophospholipid metabolism, acylcarnitine profiles, amino acid homeostasis, antioxidant mineral status, and energy metabolism during early ketosis, and suggest that milk metabolomics is a promising non-invasive approach for precision dairy health monitoring, pending validation in independent cohorts. We acknowledge the small ketotic group size (n = 6) as a limitation; therefore, these findings should be considered discovery cohort observations requiring prospective validation before clinical translation. Full article

In this paper, we review the literature regarding metformin’s action on blood lipid concentrations in metformin-treated diabetic patients. Published data indicate that metformin reduces serum total cholesterol (T-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations and raises serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations in diabetic patients. The beneficial effect of metformin on serum lipid profiles in diabetic patients can result from (a) its action on AMP-activated protein kinase, which inhibits lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis and stimulates fatty acid oxidation; (b) decreased plasma TAG concentrations, via promoting VLDL-TAG clearance by brown adipose tissue; (c) the inhibition of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) gene expression, affecting lipid profile in diabetic patients; (d) the inhibition of the expression of genes encoding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) and lipogenic enzymes; (e) the downregulation of carbohydrate-response element-binding protein (ChREBP), which affects liver TAG and cholesterol synthesis from acetate formed by gut microbiota; (f) the inhibition of angiopoietin-like 3 protein (ANGPTL3) gene expression, and consequent effects on plasma TAG concentrations; (g) the activation of AMPK, which inhibits LXRα activity; and (h) reverse cholesterol transport. In conclusion, one can assume that beyond its primary antihyperglycemic effect, metformin exerts pleiotropic effects that modulate lipid metabolism and blood lipid profile in T2D patients. These beneficial effects of metformin on blood lipid profile may play a role in the reduction in cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. Full article

Zn-CS chelate has shown beneficial effects on gut health and growth in piglets, but its impact on weaned foals remains largely unknown. This study evaluated the effects of dietary Zn-CS supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological status, and fecal microbiota in weaned Ili foals. Thirty-two six-month-old foals were randomly assigned to four treatment groups receiving 0, 2, 4, or 6 mg Zn-CS/kg body weight per day for 90 days. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemical parameters, liver function enzymes, serum hormones, antioxidant indices, fecal pH, volatile fatty acids, and fecal microbial composition were measured. Dietary Zn-CS supplementation significantly increased final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain (p < 0.05), while linearly improving body size indicators. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and acid detergent fiber was markedly enhanced (p < 0.05). Zn-CS supplementation also effectively regulated plasma albumin and total cholesterol levels and hepatic enzyme activities, and strongly enhanced antioxidant function by increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities, and total antioxidant capacity, while reducing malondialdehyde content (p < 0.01). Additionally, Zn-CS upregulated plasma growth hormone, insulin, and triiodothyronine concentrations, decreased somatostatin secretion (p < 0.05), reduced fecal pH, and increased VFA contents. Notably, Zn-CS reshaped the fecal microbial structure by increasing beneficial bacteria and inhibiting potential pathogens. In conclusion, dietary Zn-CS supplementation effectively promotes growth and health in weaned Ili foals, with 6 mg/kg BW/day being the optimal supplemental dose under experimental conditions. Full article

Goose blood has anticancer properties and was recorded in ancient China, but the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this effect still require further exploration. In this study, SW1990 cells were treated with goose serum or plasma, and transcriptome analysis was performed to explore the function of goose blood on cancer cells. Metabolomic profiling was also performed on goose serum, goose plasma, chicken serum, and chicken plasma to identify the bioactive substances responsible for the anticancer effect. The study examined the effects of goose plasma and serum on SW1990 cells and compared the metabolites between goose and chicken blood. Wound scratch, CCK-8, and Annexin V-PI assays showed that goose plasma and serum inhibited SW1990 cell proliferation at 24 and 48 h. Both treatments reduced cell viability, with serum inducing early and late apoptosis and plasma inducing late apoptosis. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) identified 2259 (1418 upregulated, 841 downregulated) and 2731 (1844 upregulated, 887 downregulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the plasma and serum groups versus the negative control (NC), respectively, and 689 DEGs between the plasma and serum groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the DEGs were enriched in processes such as lipid metabolism, JAK-STAT, and IL-17 pathways. Untargeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis identified distinct metabolites in goose and chicken blood, with unique metabolites and differential ones between groups. In SW1990 cells, four metabolite subclusters matched the plasma and serum effects. In summary, goose blood can suppress cancer cells by regulating gene expression to affect the key signaling pathways involved in cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy. Certain metabolites present at high concentrations in goose blood, such as cucurbitacin D and Oleoyl-L-carnitine, may also contribute to the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and migration. These findings suggest that goose blood holds broad application prospects as a future auxiliary drug for cancer treatment, and this study provides a theoretical basis for the further application of goose products. Full article

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent organic pollutant linked in epidemiological studies to increased coronary artery disease (CAD) risk, higher LDL-cholesterol, hypertension, and other adverse outcomes. However, the mechanisms by which PFOS affects cardiovascular physiology, particularly coagulation, remain insufficiently understood. We evaluated the ex vivo effects of PFOS on fibrin clot structure and thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and citrated whole blood from ten healthy volunteers (five women, aged 27–32 years; mean serum PFOS: 2.63 ± 0.85 μg/L). PPP samples were incubated with PFOS at 50, 200, and 400 μg/L. Assays included calibrated automated thrombogram, clot permeability (Ks), clot lysis time (CLT), thromboelastography (400 μg/L), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PFOS did not significantly modify endogenous thrombin potential or peak thrombin. In contrast, it reduced Ks and prolonged CLT at 200 and 400 μg/L, indicating impaired fibrinolysis. SEM images confirmed the formation of thinner, tightly packed fibrin fibers with reduced pore size at higher PFOS concentrations. These findings were consistent across dilution models, with only minimal changes observed in low-dilution protocols. Overall, PFOS appears to disrupt fibrin polymerization, generating denser and more fibrinolysis-resistant clots without major effects on thrombin generation. Such alterations may promote a prothrombotic state and predispose exposed individuals to clinically relevant thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Further studies are required to define the clinical consequences of PFOS-related coagulation abnormalities in exposed populations. Full article