Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health

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34 pages, 4660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Mycobiome Alterations in Children with Phenylketonuria: Associations with Dietary Intake and Metabolic Context—A Pilot Study

by Małgorzata Ostrowska, Elwira Komoń-Janczara, Bożena Mikołuć, Katarzyna Iłowiecka, Justyna Jarczak, Justyna Zagórska, Paulina Zambrzycka, Silvia Turroni and Hubert Szczerba

Nutrients 2026, 18(11), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18111764 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026

Abstract

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder requiring a strict low-phenylalanine diet. Oral health impairment, including bacteriome dysbiosis, is common in PKU, yet the mycobiome remains poorly defined. This pilot study aimed to characterise the salivary oral mycobiome of children with PKU compared with controls and to explore associations with dietary intake. Methods: Saliva samples from 18 children, including 8 patients with PKU and 10 age-matched controls, were profiled using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing. Alpha/beta diversity, taxonomic composition, diet–fungi correlations, discriminative taxa and LEfSe were analysed. Results: Alpha diversity did not differ significantly between groups after correction for multiple comparisons, although exploratory subgroup analyses suggested lower evenness in PKU children aged <10 years compared with older controls. Beta diversity differed by diagnosis (PERMANOVA: F = 1.7251, p = 0.0062) and in the age–diagnosis model (F = 1.8502, p = 0.0004). Taxonomic analyses identified nominal differences in several fungal taxa, including Candida (p = 0.011), Saccharomycetales_fam_Incertae_sedis (p = 0.011), Naganishia (p = 0.020), and Aspergillaceae (p = 0.036) in PKU samples; however, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory because many did not remain significant after FDR correction. Diet–mycobiome analyses identified selected FDR-supported associations, including an inverse relationship between phenylalanine intake and Naganishia in PKU. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests preliminary compositional differences in the oral mycobiome of children with PKU that may be related to dietary therapy and metabolic context. These exploratory findings require validation in larger cohorts with detailed oral health assessment and control of confounders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

21 pages, 4525 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Chemical Profiling of Lonicera japonica Flos During the Maceration and Decoction Processes Integrating UPLC-MS and Molecular Networking

by Hui Ding, Chenglong Sun, Chuanzhi Kang, Yuemeng Liu, Xiao Wang and Lili Li

Foods 2026, 15(8), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081421 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 430

Abstract

Lonicera japonica Flos (LJF) is widely used in pharmaceuticals and functional foods, with its bioactive constituents significantly influenced by processing methods. This study characterized the dynamic changes in chemical components in LJF under different maceration and decoction durations. Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and molecular networking, a total of 260 metabolites were unambiguously identified or tentatively characterized, including 66 iridoids, 42 flavonoids and 49 phenolic acids. Among these, 11 phenolic acids and 3 flavonoids were absent in the macerated samples. Twenty-two representative compounds were quantified using calibration curves. Most secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic acids, exhibited lower levels in the macerated samples than the decocted samples (e.g., 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid: 65.67–106.41 μg/g during maceration vs. 32,783.05–55,754.68 μg/g during decoction). The decoction process significantly enhances the extraction of active constituents. Notably, certain iridoids (e.g., 7-O-methyl morroniside: 92.91–354.59 μg/g during maceration vs. 50.43–171.40 μg/g during decoction) were better preserved under maceration, highlighting its advantage for retaining heat-sensitive bioactive components. During the decoction process, 5-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acids tended to transform into 3- and 4-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acid isomers. Most di-hydroxycinnamoylquinic acids and flavonoids significantly decreased after 30 min. Nitrogen-containing seco-iridoids declined rapidly after 15 min. To balance extraction efficiency with the preservation of heat-sensitive bioactive components, a decoction time of 15–30 min is recommended. The study systematically elucidates the dynamic changes in bioactive components under two preparation methods, offering critical insights and a scientific foundation for the precision utilization of LJF in pharmaceutical and functional food industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

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19 pages, 2038 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Phytochemical Characterization to Energy Metabolism-Driven Molecular Responses: The Anticancer Potential of Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray in Breast Cancer Cells

by Levent Gülüm, Emrah Güler, Emir Çapkınoğlu, Ayşe Büşranur Çelik and Yusuf Tutar

Nutrients 2026, 18(6), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18061008 - 23 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 775

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and anticancer potential of methanol and ethanol extracts of Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, focusing on their effects on energy metabolism and related molecular mechanisms. Methods: In L. deliciosus samples, total antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were determined spectrophotometrically, while individual phenolics were classified by HPLC and volatile aromatic compounds (VOCs) were determined by GC-MS. The anticancer effects of L. deliciosus in MCF-7 breast cancer were determined using RT-qPCR with 46 different genes. Results: Phytochemical profiling via HPLC and GC–MS revealed a rich diversity of bioactive compounds, including significant levels of gallic acid (298.89 µg/g), vanillic acid (191.98 µg/g), and succinic acid (724.73 µg/g). The extracts exhibited robust antioxidant activity and dose-dependent cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability to as low as 5.60% after 72 h. Molecular analysis through Reactome pathway enrichment and expression profiling of 46 genes demonstrated that L. deliciosus drives cancer cells into a metabolic impasse by reversing the Warburg effect. Key findings include the significant downregulation of glycolytic genes like SLC2A1/GLUT1 (−12.34) and HK2 (−1.71), alongside the repression of mitochondrial TCA cycle regulators such as IDH1 (−17.81) and OGDH (−2.54). This metabolic collapse triggered G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis. Conlusions: These results align with international benchmarks for Lactarius species while providing novel insights into the metabolic reprogramming mechanism. The results obtained in this study highlight that L. deliciosus emerges as a promising natural agent for therapeutic strategies targeting cancer bioenergetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

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17 pages, 6103 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Certified Reference Material of L-Thyroxine by Using Mass Balance and Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

by Qiang Zhao, Weifei Zhang, Dan Song, Xirui Zhou, Xianjiang Li, Huan Yao, Wenjing Xing, Hongmei Li, Jian Ma and Peng Xiao

Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2840; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132840 - 2 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1410

Abstract

L-thyroxine (T4) is an important hormone for diagnosing and evaluating thyroid function disorders. As outlined in ISO17511, having a certified reference material (CRM) is crucial for ensuring that the results of clinical tests are traceable to the SI-unit. This study employed two principal methods to evaluate the purity of T4, mass balance (MB) and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR), both of which are SI-traceable (International System of Units) approaches. The MB method involved a detailed analysis of impurities, including water, structurally related compounds, and volatile and non-volatile substances. A variety of techniques were employed to characterize T4 and its impurities, including liquid-phase tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, infrared spectroscopy, and both ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR. Additionally, impurities were quantified using Karl Fischer coulometric titration, ion chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. In qNMR, ethylparaben was used as the internal standard for direct value assignment. The results showed T4 purities of 94.92% and 94.88% for the MB and qNMR methods, respectively. The water content was determined to be 3.563% (n = 6), representing the highest impurity content. Ten structurally related organic impurities were successfully separated, and five of them were quantified. Ultimately, a purity of 94.90% was assigned to T4 CRM, with an expanded uncertainty of 0.34% (k = 2). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

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25 pages, 31841 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Tea to Functional Foods: Exploring Caryopteris mongolica Bunge for Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis and Unraveling Its Potential Mechanisms

by Xin Dong, Zhi Wang, Yao Fu, Yuxin Tian, Peifeng Xue, Yuewu Wang, Feiyun Yang, Guojing Li and Ruigang Wang

Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4311; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244311 - 13 Dec 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2178

Abstract

Background: Caryopteris mongolica Bunge (CM) shows promising potential for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and digestive disorders, attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Despite its common use in herbal tea, the specific mechanisms underlying CM’s anti-inflammatory and joint-protective effects remain unclear, limiting its development as a functional food. This study investigated the effects of aqueous CM extract on RA in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 8): normal control, CIA model, methotrexate (MTX), and CM high-, middle-, and low-dose groups. Anti-inflammatory and joint-protective effects were evaluated using biochemical and histological analyses. To elucidate the mechanisms, we applied metabolomics, network pharmacology, and transcriptomics approaches. Results: The results demonstrated that CM extract effectively suppressed synovial inflammation in CIA rats, reducing joint degradation. CM’s anti-inflammatory effects were mediated through the TNF signaling pathway, modulating glycerophospholipid and amino acid metabolism, including reduced levels of tryptophan, LysoPC, and asparagine. Molecular docking identified scutellarin and apigenin as key bioactive compounds. Additionally, immunofluorescence analysis revealed CM’s therapeutic effects via TNF signaling inhibition and suppression of M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of CM for RA and support its development as a functional food or pharmaceutical product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

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13 pages, 2161 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Accurate and Exclusive Quantification of Somatic Cells in Raw Milk with an OPD-Cu²⁺ System-Based Colorimetric Method

by Menghui Xie, Meng Wang, Siyuan Liu, Yingying Liu, Ziquan Wang, Guoping Zhou and Zhiwei Sui

Foods 2024, 13(18), 2890; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182890 - 12 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3899

Abstract

The somatic cell count (SCC) refers to the number of somatic cells present in each milliliter of raw milk and serves as a crucial indicator of dairy cow udder health and raw milk quality. Traditional SCC detection methods are often time-consuming, expensive, and susceptible to bacterial interference, rendering them unsuitable for the rapid and unbiased assessment of raw milk quality. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a low-cost, accurate, and user-friendly SCC quantification method. Here, a method based on an OPD-Cu²⁺ system for SCC quantification was developed. It was found that OPD oxidation signals exhibited a linear correlation with SCC. Following optimization, the detection system was established with a Cu²⁺ concentration of 25 μM, an OPD concentration of 2 mM, and an incubation time of 15 min. Furthermore, the method demonstrated significant resistance to bacterial interference, though it produced weaker signals in response to bacteria. The somatic cell recovery rate in milk after pretreatment was 88.9%, and SCC was quantified accurately within 45 min, with a linear range of 10⁴–10⁶ cells/mL. In summary, the method developed is cost-effective, straightforward, and facilitates precise somatic cell quantification, offering significant practical value and a new approach for SCC detection in raw milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

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18 pages, 3939 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Characterization and Abundance of Sialylated Milk Oligosaccharides in Holstein Cows during Early Lactation

by Lisa Isernhagen, Christina E. Galuska, Andreas Vernunft and Sebastian P. Galuska

Foods 2024, 13(16), 2484; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13162484 - 7 Aug 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2317

Abstract

Among other bioactive molecules, milk contains high amounts of sialylated milk oligosaccharides (MOs) that influence numerous processes in the offspring. For instance, sialylated MOs inhibit the invasion of pathogens and positively influence the gut microbiome to support the optimal development of the offspring. For these reasons, sialylated MOs are also used in infant formula as well as food supplements and are potential therapeutic substances for humans and animals. Because of the high interest in sialylated bovine MOs (bMOs), we used several analytical approaches, such as gas and liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry, to investigate in detail the profile of sialylated bMOs in the milk of Holstein Friesian cows during early lactation. Most of the 40 MOs identified in this study were sialylated, and a rapid decrease in all detected sialylated bMOs took place during the first day of lactation. Remarkably, we observed a high variance within the sialylation level during the first two days after calving. Therefore, our results suggest that the content of sialylated MOs might be an additional quality marker for the bioactivity of colostrum and transitional milk to ensure its optimized application for the production of milk replacer and food supplements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

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20 pages, 9899 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Type II Diabetic Effects of Coix Seed Prolamin Hydrolysates: Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses

by Guifang Zhang, Zhiming Li, Shu Zhang, Lu Bai, Hangqing Zhou and Dongjie Zhang

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142203 - 12 Jul 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3872

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that enzymatically prepared coix seed prolamin hydrolysates (CHPs) contain several bioactive peptides that efficiently inhibit the activity of target enzymes (α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl kinase-IV) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the anti-T2DM effects and potential mechanisms of CHPs as a whole in vivo have not yet been systematically explored. Therefore, we evaluated the preventive, therapeutic, and modifying effects of CHPs on T2DM by combining physiological and liver transcriptomics with a T2DM mouse model. The results showed that sustained high-fructose intake led to prediabetic symptoms in mice, with abnormal fluctuations in blood glucose and blood lipid levels. Intervention with CPHs effectively prevented weight loss; regulated abnormal changes in blood glucose; improved impaired glucose tolerance; inhibited the abnormal expression of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins; alleviated insulin resistance; and restored pancreatic islet tissue function in mice fed a high-fructose diet. In addition, we found that CHPs also play a palliative role in the loss of liver function and protect various organ tissues (including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and heart), and are effective in preventing damage to the liver and pancreatic islet cells. We also found that the intake of CHPs reversed the abnormally altered hepatic gene profile in model mice and identified 381 differentially expressed genes that could serve as key genes for preventing the development of T2DM, which are highly correlated with multiple glycolipid metabolic pathways. We demonstrated that CHPs play a positive role in the normal functioning of the insulin signalling pathway dominated by the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT (insulin receptor substrates-1/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) pathway. In summary, CHPs can be used as effective food-borne glucose-modifying components of healthy foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)

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Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Foods foods	5.1	8.7	2012	15 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Metabolites metabolites	3.7	6.9	2011	16.7 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Nutrients nutrients	5.0	9.1	2009	15 Days	CHF 2900	Submit

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