Food Science & Nutrition最新文献

Exercise-induced fatigue (EIF) is closely associated with impaired glycometabolism in skeletal muscle. This study investigated the protective effects of Ganoderic acid A (GAA) on glycometabolism in EIF mice and explored its underlying mechanisms. 60 KM mice were divided into five groups: a blank control (BC), a model control (MC), and three GAA-treated groups (20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/d). After a 7-week intervention, exhaustive treadmill tests and biochemical analyses were conducted to assess fatigue resistance, metabolic parameters, and molecular pathways. GAA administration significantly prolonged the exhaustive running time (p < 0.01), reduced serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lactate (LD) (p < 0.05), and increased glycogen content in the liver and gastrocnemius muscle. Mechanistically, GAA increased AMPK phosphorylation, suggesting activation of the AMPK pathway, upregulated PGC-1α and GLUT4 expression, and enhanced succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase activities. The results demonstrate that GAA alleviates EIF by enhancing energy metabolism through the AMPK/PGC-1α/GLUT4 pathway. These findings highlight GAA as a promising natural supplement for combating exercise-induced fatigue by improving glycometabolism.

The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate whether L-citrulline supplementation can counteract the adverse effects of cold environments on individual blood pressure (BP), providing scientific evidence for the clinical development and application of L-citrulline as a cardiovascular protective nutritional supplement. A comprehensive search was conducted across four electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science. The search period was limited from database inception to May 28, 2025. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and JADAD scoring scale were used to assess risk of bias and literature quality of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Statistical analysis of BP data was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software, employing both random-effects and fixed-effects models for data analysis, and forest plots were generated. The overall intervention effect was evaluated using the weighted mean difference (WMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 6 RCTs investigating the effects of L-citrulline intake on BP in cold environments were included, involving 162 participants (intervention group: 87; control group: 75). Results indicate that L-citrulline intake significantly reduced cold-induced SBP (-9.28 mmHg [95% CI: -10.66 to -7.90], p < 0.001) and DBP (-5.33 mmHg [95% CI: -9.38 to -1.27], p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed significant reductions in brachial SBP (-8.74 mmHg [95% CI: -10.61 to -6.88], p < 0.001), aortic SBP (-9.93 mmHg [95% CI: -11.98 to -7.88], p < 0.001), and aortic DBP (-5.60 mmHg [95% CI: -9.56 to -1.64], p < 0.001). However, brachial DBP reduction did not reach statistical significance but showed a trend toward decrease (-5.10 mmHg [95% CI: -11.71 to 1.52], p = 0.13). Meta-analysis results indicate that L-citrulline supplementation can significantly improve cold exposure-induced BP elevation, providing scientific evidence for the clinical development and application of cardiovascular protective nutritional supplements.

Gut microbiota disruption has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Although Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) exert neuroprotective effects and modulate gut microbial composition, the precise mechanisms underlying these actions remain unknown. This research sought to clarify how APS modulates the gut microbiota during AD progression. Triple-transgenic (3xTg) AD mice received daily oral APS for 4 weeks. Cognitive performance was evaluated with the Morris water maze (MWM). Immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting measured β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and microglial and astrocyte markers. IHC also evaluated intestinal tight-junction proteins (zonula occludens-1 and occludin). Inflammatory markers in the brain, blood, and intestine were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gut microbiota was analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing. Treatment with APS significantly improved learning and memory performance in 3xTg mice. APS administration reduced cerebral Aβ deposition, decreased phosphorylated tau, presenilin-1, and β-secretase 1 levels, and elevated ADAM10 expression. APS significantly altered gut microbiota, notably increasing Akkermansia and decreasing Alistipes. At the intestinal level, APS enhanced expression of tight-junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin and reversed AD-associated structural alterations in the intestinal lining. Furthermore, APS reduced inflammatory cytokine levels in intestinal tissue, peripheral blood, and brain tissue, as reflected by modulated IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expressions. The attenuation of neuroinflammation may be attributed to the inhibitory effect of APS on microglial and astrocyte activation. APS reduces neuroinflammation in AD by modulating gut microbiota, contributing to cognitive and pathological improvements, thus indicating its therapeutic potential for AD.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CP), derived from the peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties, is widely used and has substantial commercial value. However, notable differences in origin, quality, and price are observed among various CP cultivars. To ensure effective quality control and safe clinical use, a reliable and efficient method for distinguishing these cultivars is urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile differences among seven CP cultivars and to establish a rapid and accurate multi-component quantitative method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) for their differentiation. Multivariate statistical analyses, including PCA, OPLS-DA, and HCA, were employed to distinguish the seven cultivars. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 53 compounds, including 48 flavonoids, and nine representative flavonoids were selected for quantitative determination. The developed UPLC-based method exhibited high specificity, linearity, precision, repeatability, stability, and accuracy. PCA revealed that C. reticulata "Chachi" (GCP), C. reticulata "Succosa" (BDZ), C. reticulata "Tankan" (JG), and C. reticulata "Unshiu" (WZMG) formed distinct clusters, indicating substantial differences in flavonoid composition. In contrast, C. reticulata "Kinokuni" (NFMJ), C. reticulata "Ponkan" (PG), and C. reticulata "Dahongpao" (DHP) grouped together but were further differentiated by PCA and OPLS-DA, consistent with the HCA results. Hesperetin was quantified exclusively in GCP, suggesting its potential as a cultivar-specific marker. Although the overall chemical profiles of the seven CP cultivars were similar, their flavonoid contents varied significantly. The combined UPLC quantification and multivariate analyses provide an effective approach for distinguishing major CP cultivars and offer new insights for quality control and future research.

Sorghum polyphenols have been shown to inhibit gastrointestinal cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and other pathways such as chronic inflammation. However, the impact of sorghum polyphenols on the most frequently mutated genes in the genome including mutation and instability and dysregulated cellular metabolism pathways is unknown. This study evaluated the gene and protein expression levels regulated by raw and fermented-cooked (processed) sorghum phenolic extracts (BlackSs, BlackSb, and RedBu₂) on HT-29 and hypoxia-induced CCD 841 CoN cells. Cancer cell viability was measured by Resazurin cytotoxicity assay and the gene and protein expression of APC, KRAS, TTN, HIF-1α, HIF-1β, and GLUT-1 were measured using rtPCR and ELISA. Pigmented sorghum extracts showed a significant reduction in cancer cell viability at 500 and 2000 μg/mL after 12 and 24 h for raw samples but only after 24 h for processed. Treatment of HT-29 cells with 500 μg/mL BlackSs sorghum extracts demonstrated a significant upregulation of APC at both 12 and 24 h time points, followed by TTN at the highest concentration and the KRAS gene after 24 h when compared to the control. BlackSb showed an increase in APC and TTN after 12 h of treatment. Furthermore, 500 μg/mL BlackSs significantly downregulated the expression of GLUT-1 and decreased the expression of HIF-1α, HIF-1β at 2000 μg/mL. Interestingly, processed RedBu₂ significantly upregulated TTN gene expression. Overall, the results from this study showed that sorghum polyphenols modulate key cancer development pathway-associated genes in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting a potential chemopreventive role in inhibiting tumorigenesis.

Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PBLs) are edible insects traditionally used in oriental medicine to manage various liver diseases, including hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatic cancer. However, the effects of PBL water extract (PBLE) on alcohol-induced liver disease remain unexplored. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of PBLE using a chronic-plus-single-binge ethanol feeding model. PBLE (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) was orally administered in combination with an ethanol diet. Mice were euthanised 9 h post-binge, and serum and liver tissues were collected for histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Six components (adenine, adenosine, hypoxanthine, inosine, benzoic acid, and uridine) were isolated from PBLE by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. PBLE treatment alleviated hepatic morphological changes, such as lipid droplet accumulation and hepatocytic ballooning, and reduced the elevated liver enzymes and triglyceride levels in the serum. Moreover, PBLE attenuated against the altered expression of alcohol metabolism-related enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P450 2E1) in the liver. PBLE also exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by normalizing the hepatic expression of p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, haem oxygenase 1, glutathione peroxidase 3, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. In conclusion, PBLE may exert therapeutic effects on alcohol-induced liver injury by improving alcohol metabolism and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings indicate that the edible beetle PBLs may serve as a hepatoprotective functional food ingredient.

This manuscript presents original research on Salvadora persica fruit, investigating its antioxidant and metabolic properties using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches in high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemic rat models. Nutritional profiling, phytochemical analysis (TPC, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS), and GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds. The antioxidant tests revealed high activity of the methanolic extract, with TPC (62.1 mg GAE/g), DPPH (67.8%), FRAP (335.4 μmol Fe²⁺/g), and ABTS (540.2 μmol Trolox/g) assays. GC-MS analysis revealed oleic acid as the predominant compound (56.64%), followed by (9E,11E)-octadecadienoic acid (18.10%) and n-hexadecanoic acid (10.92%). Molecular docking studies confirmed strong binding affinities with HMG-CoA reductase. Furthermore, in vivo studies in male Wistar albino rats (n = 5 per group) confirmed that S. persica significantly restored antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, Catalase, and GSH) and reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO) in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Lipid parameters (TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL) in animals treated with S. persica were significantly reduced, and liver and kidney markers, including AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea, were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Additionally, glucose levels in hyperlipidemic rats treated with S. persica methanolic extract were lower than those in the negative control (p < 0.05). These results underscore the promising antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of S. persica.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent joint inflammation and progressive joint destruction, leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Interleukin-6 is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by activating downstream inflammatory signaling pathways. Dysregulation of the interleukin-6-mediated signaling cascade, particularly the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway, contributes to sustained inflammation and disease progression, highlighting this axis as an important therapeutic target. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation and destruction, with interleukin-6 (IL-6) playing a central role in its pathogenesis by driving inflammatory responses. Targeting the IL-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for RA. This study investigates the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of N-trans-hibiscusamide (NHA) and its derivative 4-O-(E)-feruloyl-N-(E)-hibiscusamide (HAD) on the IL-6/STAT3 signaling axis. Using a phosphorylated STAT3 luciferase reporter assay, NHA and HAD significantly reduced IL-6-induced luciferase activity. They also downregulated IL-6-induced gene expression, inhibited STAT3 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of signaling molecules, and suppressed IL-6/interleukin-6 receptor binding. In a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model, both compounds alleviated arthritis symptoms, decreased serum levels of anti-type II collagen immunoglobulin G and interleukin-17A, and downregulated T helper 17-specific genes in the spleen. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that NHA and HAD inhibited the differentiation of naïve CD4-positive T cells into T helper 17 cells. These findings suggest that NHA and HAD effectively modulate interleukin-6-mediated inflammatory signaling and may serve as potential therapeutic candidates for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Several studies have confirmed that chlorogenic acid (CGA) has beneficial effects on intestinal health. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of CGA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injured mice. Histological analysis of duodenal epithelial morphology and tight junction-related gene expression indicated that CGA helps preserve intestinal barrier integrity. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that CGA suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory factors including interferon-γ (Ifn-γ), interleukin-7 (Il-7), tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnf-α), and upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (Il-10) in LPS-induced enteritis mice. Furthermore, compared to LPS-treatment mice, CGA supplementation sustained intestinal stem cell (ISCs) activity, including proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, CGA inhibited LPS-induced activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, as evidenced by a reduction in the expression of Jak2, Jak3, and Stat1. This effect was comparable to that of Tofacitinib, a known JAK/STAT pathway inhibitor. Collectively, these findings suggest that CGA protects intestinal epithelial integrity and alleviates intestinal injury by suppressing inflammatory responses and preserving ISC activity via inhibition of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

Under nutrition is the main cause of child death in developing countries. The Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) combines all three forms of anthropometric failures to assess the nutrition status of children. Thus, the objective of this was to identify factors associated with CIAF of under-five children in Lesotho. A secondary analysis of the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey 2023-24 was conducted, using the data for 1089 children under the age of 5 years. The CIAF was used to classify children based on stunting, wasting, and underweight. Descriptive summary statistics were computed. A binary logistic regression model was employed to identify predictors of CIAF for under-five children. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was estimated. The prevalence of CIAF in Lesotho was 34.68% (95% CI: 31.76-37.73). Female child 0.54 (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.375, 0.776), age group 24-59 months 2.42 (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.149, 5.109), rich households 0.29 (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.151, 0.554), multiple births 12.02 (AOR = 12.02; 95% CI: 1.199, 120.426), rural residence (AOR = 0.56: 95% CI: 0.335, 0.946), living children 3 to 4 were 2.54 (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.522, 4.226), and larger size at birth were 0.38 (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.211, 0.683) were found to be significantly associated with CIAF. The prevalence of CIAF among children under five in Lesotho was high. Child's age, child's sex, child's type of birth, wealth tercile, residence, number of living children, and child's birth size were found to be significantly associated with CIAF. We suggest that the government adapt CIAF as a metric for assessing children's nutritional status in order to estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition and strengthening adequate nutrition intervention programs in rural areas. Furthermore, highlighting the factors influencing child CIAF will help inform future policies and programs designed to approach this major problem in Lesotho.