Search Results (2,482)

Background/Objectives: Metabolism is fundamental to all living organisms. It comprises a highly complex network of fine-tuned chemical reactions that sustain life but also generate by-products that damage cellular biomolecules, including DNA, thereby contributing to aging and disease. As metabolism can be largely modified by dietary alterations, it has the potential to positively or negatively affect health and disease. Interestingly, many aging-associated illnesses known to be influenced by diet also show a causal relation with DNA damage. As DNA keeps all instructions for life, and DNA lesions, if unrepaired, interfere with vital processes such as DNA replication and transcription, DNA damage may be an important mediator of the impact of nutrition on health and aging. Methods: Here, we discuss the genome-protective effects of various oral interventions in mice, aiming to elucidate which nutritional alterations lower DNA damage and promote overall health. Results: Our analysis covers a wide range of interventions with reported positive impacts on genomic stability, including modified diets (e.g., dietary restriction, probiotics, micronutrients, fatty acids, and hormones), NAD+ precursors (e.g., nicotinamide riboside), plant derivatives, and synthetic drugs. Among these, caloric and dietary restriction emerge as the most potent, generic modulators of DNA damage and repair processes, enhancing aspects of repair efficiency through metabolic recalibration and improved cellular resilience. Other interventions, like NAD+ precursors, activate partly similar pathways without necessitating reduced food intake. Conclusions: While many interventions show promise, their effects are often less pronounced or are process-specific compared to caloric or dietary restriction. Additionally, many substances lack comprehensive exploration of their genome-protective effects in mice, with often only a small number of studies examining their impact on genome stability. Moreover, the heterogeneity between studies limits direct comparison. However, the observed overlap in mechanistic effects between treatments lends credibility to their potential efficacy. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for translating these findings into, e.g., combination treatments to promote healthy aging in humans. Full article

Background: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) in children is a rare but clinically significant disorder associated with recurrent acute pancreatitis and substantial morbidity. Early identification and prompt management are essential to prevent pancreatic and systemic complications. Methods: We report the case of an 11-year-old female with a history of xanthogranulomatous pancreatitis who presented with extreme hypertriglyceridemia, with fasting triglyceride levels exceeding 4000 mg/dL. Results: The patient was treated acutely with continuous intravenous aspart insulin (0.1 U/kg/hour) and adjusted 10% glucose infusion, with hourly glucose and potassium monitoring, leading to a rapid and marked reduction in triglyceride levels—55% reduction within the first 24 h, 76% at 48 h, and 82% after 96 h of treatment. No hypoglycemia or other adverse effects were observed. Nutritional management included a low–long-chain triglyceride (LCT) diet enriched with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and omega-3 fatty acids, providing essential calories while minimizing chylomicron production. Over a 12-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, with sustained lipid normalization and no recurrence of pancreatitis. Conclusions: This case underscores the therapeutic value of combining pharmacologic and dietary strategies in pediatric SHTG. Evidence from pediatric and adult studies supports the role of insulin infusion for acute triglyceride lowering and MCT-based nutritional therapy for long-term control. Our findings highlight the need for early, individualized, and multidisciplinary management and emphasize the potential future role of emerging targeted therapies in addressing refractory pediatric hypertriglyceridemia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intermittent fasting and ketogenic dietary approaches are increasingly investigated for their potential metabolic benefits in obesity. However, their long-term neuroendocrine effects—particularly those involving Orexin-A, a peptide implicated in energy regulation—remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to compare the long-term metabolic, inflammatory, and orexinergic responses to different dietary strategies in adults with obesity. Methods: In this 12-month randomized, three-arm trial, 30 adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to a hypocaloric ketogenic diet (KD), a 16:8 time-restricted eating regimen (TRF16:8), or a 5:2 intermittent fasting protocol (ADF5:2). Anthropometric parameters, body composition, fasting glucose, lipid profile, inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10), and plasma Orexin-A levels were assessed at baseline and every 3 months. Dietary adherence was monitored through structured logs and monthly assessments. Statistical analyses included repeated-measures models with sensitivity analyses adjusted for age and sex. Results: All participants completed the intervention. The ketogenic diet produced the largest sustained reductions in BMI, fat mass, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol over 12 months. TRF16:8 elicited more rapid early metabolic improvements and showed the most consistent longitudinal increase in Orexin-A levels. The ADF5:2 protocol resulted in moderate improvements across outcomes. In all groups, increases in Orexin-A were associated with markers of improved metabolic flexibility and reduced inflammation; however, mediation analyses were exploratory and non-causal. Between-group differences remained significant for fat mass, glucose, and Orexin-A trajectories after correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: The ketogenic diet was associated with the most pronounced long-term metabolic improvements, whereas 16:8 time-restricted eating yielded faster early responses and the most stable enhancement in Orexin-A levels. These findings indicate distinct metabolic and neuroendocrine adaptation profiles across dietary strategies. Given the small sample size, results should be interpreted cautiously, and larger trials are warranted to clarify the role of Orexin-A as a potential biomarker of dietary response in obesity. Full article

Chronic low-grade inflammation, or “inflammaging,” represents a central mechanism linking dietary patterns, gut microbiome composition, and biological aging. Evidence from Blue Zone populations and Mediterranean diet studies demonstrates that specific nutritional interventions are associated with up to 23% lower all-cause mortality, with analyses suggesting that part of this association may be mediated by measurable improvements in inflammatory biomarkers. This paper synthesizes published evidence from Mediterranean diet trials, centenarian microbiome studies, and digital health platforms to propose a comprehensive digital health framework that integrates quarterly inflammation and microbiome monitoring with continuous lifestyle tracking to deliver personalized longevity interventions. This paper introduces the Longevity-Inflammation Index (L-II), a composite score combining high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and microbiome-derived markers, with scoring algorithms derived from centenarian population studies. The proposed platform leverages artificial intelligence to generate evidence-based recommendations adapted from centenarian and Mediterranean dietary patterns. Published evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrates that Mediterranean dietary interventions reduce hs-CRP by 18–32%, increase microbiome diversity by 6–28%, and improve metabolic markers including HOMA-IR and TG/HDL ratios. Digital health platforms demonstrate sustained engagement rates of 58–84% at 12 months, with dietary logging frequencies of 4–6 days per week. Cost-effectiveness analyses of dietary interventions show incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of USD 2100–4800 per quality-adjusted life year gained. This inflammation-centered digital health framework offers a scalable approach for translating longevity research into practical interventions for healthy aging, with validation studies needed to confirm the integrated platform’s efficacy and real-world implementation feasibility. Full article

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, driven by energy imbalance and limited capacity for adaptive thermogenesis. Brown (BAT) and beige adipose tissues dissipate energy through non-shivering thermogenesis (NST), primarily via uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1), making them attractive targets for increasing energy expenditure (EE). The canonical β-adrenergic pathway robustly activates NST in rodents through β3 adrenoceptors; however, translational success in humans has been limited by low β3 expression, off-target cardiovascular effects, and the emerging dominance of β2-mediated signaling in human BAT. Consequently, attention has shifted to non-adrenergic and UCP1-independent mechanisms that offer greater tissue distribution and improved safety profiles. This review examines a broad spectrum of alternative receptors and pathways—including GPRs, TRP channels, TGR5, GLP-1R, thyroid hormone receptors, estrogen receptors, growth hormone, BMPs, sirtuins, PPARs, and interleukin signaling—as well as futile substrate cycles (Ca²⁺, creatine, and glycerol-3-phosphate) that sustain thermogenesis in beige adipocytes and skeletal muscle. Pharmacological agents (natural compounds, peptides, and small molecules) and non-pharmacological interventions (cold exposure, exercise, diet, and time shift) targeting these pathways are critically evaluated. We highlight the translational gaps between rodent and human studies, the promise of multimodal therapies combining low-dose adrenergic agents with non-adrenergic activators, and emerging strategies such as sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase protein (SERCA) modulators and tissue-specific delivery. Ultimately, integrating adrenergic and non-adrenergic approaches holds the greatest potential for safe, effective, and sustainable obesity management. Full article

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

Background: Hermetia illucens larvae provide a sustainable bioconversion pathway that transforms agro-industrial residues into protein- and nutrient-dense biomass and frass, suitable for animal feed and soil amendment, respectively. Nevertheless, the potential spread of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes and pathogenic microorganisms poses biosafety concerns. This study examined the impact of four residue-based diet formulations; peas and chickpea (D1), peas and wheat (D2), onion and wheat (D3), and wheat with digestate (D4), on microbial safety during the bioconversion process. Methods: Enterococcus spp. (viable counts), Salmonella spp. (presence/absence), and 13 AR genes associated with resistance to tetracyclines, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, β-lactams, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides were quantified in single substrates, diets, larvae, and frass using qPCR. Results: Principal component analysis revealed diet-driven AR gene profiles. D1 lowered the levels of the greatest number of tested AR genes, particularly erm(B), tetracycline, and β-lactam genes in frass, as well as tet(O) and vanB in mature larvae. In contrast, D2 increased the AR gene levels in frass. All diets except D4 eliminated Salmonella spp. Enterococcus spp. loads varied by diet and larval stage, with D2 reducing counts in frass. Conclusions: Diet composition directly shapes microbial dynamics and AR gene dissemination, indicating that legume-based substrates may enhance biosafety in bioconversion systems. Full article

The growing pet economy boosts demand for fiber-enriched functional foods to improve canine gut motility and metabolic health. However, low-bioavailability commercial fibers often falter in high-energy diets. Whole lamb omasum—from grass-fed sheep omasum and gastric contents—repurposes a discarded byproduct for waste reduction and sustainable livestock production. This study evaluated the short-term effects of WLO supplementation on gut health and metabolism in healthy adult Shiba Inu dogs. Twelve dogs were randomly assigned to control or WLO groups in a randomized controlled trial. WLO supplementation significantly reduced fecal scores by 8.91% (p < 0.05), increased apparent crude fat and fiber digestibility by 3.70% and 11.55% (p < 0.05), and elevated serum IgA by 35.79–36.15% and T-AOC by 30.53–35.71% (p < 0.05). Serum metabolome revealed 13 between-group and 8 within-subject differences related to lipid and endocrine modulation. Fecal microbiota analysis indicated enrichment of the Bacillota phylum and Blautia genus (p < 0.05). These findings support WLO as a functional food that enhances gut and metabolic health in small-breed dogs. Full article

Background: University students are often exposed to environments that encourage unhealthy eating, but universities can promote better health and sustainability by making sustainable food options more accessible. Methods: Temporal changes in dietary patterns and environmental footprints of 1684 students at the University of Rijeka, Croatia, over a 16-year period (2009–2025) were retrospectively analyzed using data from 3 cross-sectional studies. Results: A significant transition toward less sustainable diets, increased consumption of animal-based foods, and proinflammatory eating habits was observed (both p < 0.001). Adherence to the Mediterranean and Planetary Health Diet declined over time (p < 0.001), followed by increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. Three dietary patterns were identified: high fruit and vegetable intake, consistently high milk and dairy consumption, and lower-to-moderate intake of all other food groups with temporal variation. Consumption of most food groups increased, leading to higher water and ecological footprints. Only the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish declined, which corresponded with reduced carbon footprints for these and a few other food groups, while the environmental impact of other foods significantly increased (all p < 0.001). Gender, diet quality, and a proinflammatory diet were significant predictors of dietary environmental footprints. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for systemic changes and addressing barriers at the university level to support sustainable eating behaviors. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers, which aim to help students become health-conscious and environmentally responsible consumers. Further research is needed to explore the broader factors influencing dietary choices and the long-term impact of future institutional interventions. Full article

Amid the intensifying global mandate for sustainable aquafeed strategies, this study investigates the functional efficacy and biochemical implications of black soldier fly larvae oil (BLO), extracted via recently approved patent method depending on cold-aqueous process, as a substitute for conventional fish oil (FO) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) diets. The refined extraction technique, representing an advancement over traditional aqueous methodologies, was engineered to selectively preserve bioactive lipid fractions while minimizing environmental footprint and processing residues. Over a 28-day feeding period, adult zebrafish were allocated into triplicate groups and fed diets comprising 0%, 50%, and 100% substitution of FO with BLO and growth, lipid composition, and dietary fatty acid profiles of both diets and flesh were rigorously evaluated. Zebrafish fed the BLO₁₀₀ diet exhibited the most pronounced somatic growth (2.47 ± 0.01 g), significantly elevated specific growth rates (3.88 ± 0.82% day⁻¹), and the most efficient feed conversion, without compromising survival. Flesh lipid analysis revealed a substantial enrichment in saturated fatty acids—most notably lauric acid (C12:0)—corresponding to increasing dietary BLO levels. Although dietary EPA and DHA levels were reduced, DHA concentrations in fish tissues remained comparable to those of the control group, indicating a compensatory capacity mediated by endogenous elongation and desaturation pathways. These findings substantiate the dual potential of BLO as both a nutritionally viable lipid source and a vector for enhancing aquafeed sustainability. The cold-aqueous extraction method demonstrated here underscores a pivotal advancement in green lipid processing, aligning oil quality with ecological stewardship. This integrative approach not only reinforces BLO’s candidacy as a strategic fish oil substitute but also delineates a pathway toward scalable, species-adapted feed innovation. Future investigations should prioritize the modulation of fatty acid profiles through dietary and extraction optimization to fully realize the translational potential of insect-derived lipids in aquaculture. Full article

Lupin (Lupinus spp.), a legume known for its high protein content, holds great promise as a sustainable protein source to meet future global demands. Despite its nutritional benefits, including substantial dietary fibre and bioactive compounds, lupin remains underutilised in human diets due to several techno-functional and sensory limitations. This review delves into the techno-functional limitations of lupin, which include poor foaming capacity, low water and oil absorption, inadequate emulsification properties, and poor solubility. Lupin’s techno-functional limits are tied to the compact, heat-stable nature of its conglutin storage proteins and high insoluble fibre content. While research has been conducted on fermenting other legumes such as soybeans, chickpeas, peas, and lentils with Exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing bacteria, its application to lupin remains largely unexplored. Crucially, this work is one of the first reviews to exclusively link lupin’s unique protein and fibre structure with the specific polymer chemistry of bacterial EPS as a targeted modification strategy. Current research findings suggest that EPS-producing Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) fermentation can significantly improve the techno-functional properties of legumes, indicating strong potential for similar benefits with lupin. The analysis highlights various studies demonstrating the ability of EPS-producing LAB to improve water retention, emulsification, and overall palatability of legume-based products. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for continued research in the realm of fermentation with EPS-producing bacteria to enhance the utilisation of lupin in food applications. By addressing these challenges, fermented lupin could become a more appealing and nutritious option, contributing significantly to global food security and nutrition. Full article

The widespread cultivation of transgenic Bt cotton has elevated Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) to a major pest in cotton agroecosystems. Its rapidly developing resistance to insecticides poses a serious challenge to sustainable agriculture. In this study, we assessed the susceptibility of a field-collected population from Anyang, Henan Province, in relation to a laboratory-susceptible strain, to elucidate the present status and molecular basis of resistance to beta-cypermethrin. First, the toxicity of beta-cypermethrin to A. lucorum was assessed through a diet-incorporation method. Subsequently, the enzymatic activities of carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were measured, and the expression levels of CarE1 and GST1 were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Finally, the function of candidate genes was confirmed using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. The bioassays results indicated that the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for the laboratory and Anyang field strain were 343.34 mg/L and 700.45 mg/L, respectively. Following 48 h of exposure to the LC₃₀ of the susceptible strain, the mortality rate of the field population (20.00%) was significantly lower than that of the laboratory population (33.33%), suggesting an increase in resistance. The field population of A. lucorum exhibited significantly higher activities of CarE (1.61-fold) and GST (1.71-fold) compared to the laboratory strain, accompanied by 3.63- and 4.23-fold overexpression of the corresponding genes CarE1 and GST1. Spatiotemporal expression profiling revealed that CarE1 expression was highest in 4th–5th instar nymphs and adults, with predominant localization in the midgut, while GST1 expression peaked in 4th–5th instar nymphs and was abundant in the midgut and fat body. RNAi-mediated knockdown of CarE1 and GST1 significantly enhanced susceptibility to beta-cypermethrin in field populations, resulting in elevated mortality 48 h post-treatment compared to controls. In conclusion, the field population of A. lucorum has developed considerable resistance to beta-cypermethrin, strongly correlated with overexpression of CarE1 and GST1. These results deepen our understanding of metabolic resistance mechanisms and offer valuable insights for developing targeted pest control strategies. Full article

The annual nitrogen loss from the livestock production sector poses a significant threat to the global natural environment. Therefore, it is urgent to focus on improving the nutrient utilization efficiency of ruminants and promoting the sustainable development of livestock production. Twelve 60-day-old Ganxi goats with similar body weights were selected and randomly assigned to two dietary treatment groups. The control group was fed only a basal diet, while the treatment group was supplemented with 32 mg/d of Swollenin. The experiment lasted for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the goats were euthanized, and their intestinal contents were collected, rapidly frozen, and stored at −80 °C for subsequent metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. In the Swollenin group, we observed changes in gut microbiota structure and significantly enhanced feed conversion efficiency compared to the control group. Notably, genera such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium exhibited significantly higher abundance. Following Swollenin supplementation, the gene abundance associated with the secondary bile acid biosynthesis pathway in the intestinal tract of young goats was significantly higher. The levels of primary bile acids (BAs), including taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid, were significantly lower, while the concentrations of secondary BAs such as ursodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were significantly higher. The abundance of nitrogen-fixing and nitrogen-assimilating genes in the gut of young goats in the Swollenin group was significantly higher. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis revealed a strong correlation between bile acid metabolism and nitrogen metabolism pathways. These results suggest that nutritional regulation may serve as a preventive strategy to optimize the symbiotic development of animals and their gut microbiota, ultimately improving nitrogen utilization. Full article

Functional feed additives offer a viable strategy for producing sustainable and healthful poultry. Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), a non-antibiotic growth stimulant, has attracted significant interest from both investors in the poultry sector and researchers due to its distinct biological properties and multiple potential applications. GAA facilitates creatine synthesis, accelerates metabolism, and boosts poultry growth. Consequently, GAA can be considered a safe and beneficial creatine substitute, as it is the sole natural precursor of creatine. GAA meets the livestock industry’s demand for safe and effective therapies because it is non-toxic, readily degradable, and leaves no residues. Additionally, GAA is more stable and economical than creatine, making it a superior feed additive. In broiler chicks, GAA can replace arginine in practical diets containing either adequate or deficient levels of arginine. Supplementation with GAA offers promising opportunities to optimize broiler production and general health by promoting energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Commercially available feed-grade GAA has a high potential for inclusion in broiler diets. Supplementing broiler chickens with GAA may be an effective approach to improve performance parameters such as body weight and feed conversion ratio. In conclusion, dietary GAA supplementation (approximately 0.6–1.2 g/kg of diet, depending on desired impacts) can improve the productive performance of poultry. This review updates current knowledge on the impacts of GAA on productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, digestibility, antioxidant indices, and gut health in poultry. Full article

Global food security and dietary diversity depend on identifying novel and sustainable food sources. Wild edible plants (WEPs) traditionally used in Mediterranean regions offer considerable potential due to their rich history of use. Here, ethnobotanical knowledge was systematically compiled for the fruits and cones of five taxa (Arbutus unedo, Prunus spinosa, Quercus spp., Pinus spp. and Rosa spp.), documenting alimentary uses, preparation and conservation methods across diverse food categories. Analysis of over 2800 traditional use reports identified 54 distinct alimentary uses from 16 categories, with raw consumption and sweet preserves being the most prevalent. Rosa spp. exhibited the highest diversity of uses (36), whereas the family Pinaceae showed the lowest (19). Statistically significant associations between individual fruits and specific food preparations were also observed, offering guidance for innovative product development. Information on processing methods that preserve nutritional components, along with documentation of potential harmful effects and the methods to mitigate them, was collected, providing essential guidance for developing safe and functional alimentary products. Together, traditional knowledge, regulatory adherence, and sustainable practices create new opportunities to develop innovative, safe, culturally grounded, and sustainable food products that enrich diets and preserve cultural and ecological heritage. Full article