Frontiers in Nutrition最新文献

In this study, the effects of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) as a non-thermal sterilization method on the quality of different muscle tissues parts in Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) during refrigerated storage were systematically investigated. The results of this study demonstrate that atmospheric cold plasma treatment (ACP, 40 kV, 90 s) significantly inhibited the accumulation of TVB-N and TBARS (p < 0.05) in fish samples while effectively mitigating the decline in water-holding capacity. Compared with the control group, the total sulfhydryl content in dorsal and ventral muscles increased significantly by 20 and 45%, respectively, and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was also significantly enhanced by 14 and 20% (p < 0.05) after treatment. Furthermore, ACP treatment significantly maintained the color parameters (L, a, b*) and textural properties (hardness, elasticity, etc.) of fish meat (p < 0.05). ACP has an inhibitory effect on post-oxidation. GC-MS analysis detected 60 volatile compounds, with significantly reduced aldehyde levels in the treated group, demonstrating effective inhibition of undesirable flavor formation. These findings collectively indicate that ACP treatment effectively delays quality deterioration in fish during refrigerated storage through multiple synergistic mechanisms.

Background: Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is a growing public health challenge, with limited practical biomarkers available for early detection. Given the established relationship between impaired lipid as well as glucose homeostasis and CMM, this study aims to examine the association between the cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose (CHG) index and CMM risk.

Methods: A nationwide prospective cohort (CHARLS, 2011-2018; n = 8,425) and a multi-community cross-sectional cohort (Beijing, 2021; n = 1,734) were analyzed. In the CHARLS cohort, Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between the CHG index and incident CMM. In both cohorts, logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to examine the cross-sectional association between CHG and CMM. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated predictive performance in CHARLS cohort, while conventional ROC analysis was used in the multi-community cohort. Subgroup analyses, interaction tests, and sensitivity analyses further evaluated result reliability.

Results: In the CHARLS cohort, 491 (5.8%) individuals developed incident CMM over 7 years of follow-up. CHG levels were significantly elevated in patients with CMM (p < 0.001). Overall, the CHG index was associated with incident CMM (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.53-2.53; HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.45-2.27). A nonlinear positive association was found in both cohorts. The CHG index demonstrated stable predictive accuracy over time (AUCs: 0.67 at 3 years, 0.64 at 5 years, 0.63 at 7 years). These findings were robustly validated in the multi-community cohort, where the CHG index was also significantly associated with prevalent CMM (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 2.04-3.90). Subgroup analyses confirmed robustness across populations, especially among those without baseline cardiometabolic disease.

Conclusion: An elevated CHG index is independently associated with an increased risk of CMM across both prospective and cross-sectional studies. It serves as a robust and reproducible predictor for the early identification of CMM in diverse Chinese populations.

Introduction: Immunocompetence reflects the immune system's capacity to mount effective responses against antigens. Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a chemotherapeutic and experimental immunosuppressive agent, disrupts T-helper (Th)1/Th2 balance and compromises immune organ integrity. Bioactive peptides derived from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, which is rich in type I collagen, have shown emerging immunomodulatory potential.

Methods: A collagenase-derived sea cucumber protein hydrolysate (SCPH) was prepared using Clostridium collagenase-I and characterized for amino acid composition and peptide profiles. BALB/c mice were administered CYP (80 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce immunosuppression, followed by oral SCPH treatment. Body weight, spleen and thymus indices, leukocyte counts, Th1/Th2-associated gene expression (IFNG, TBX21, IL4, GATA3), serum cytokines and immunoglobulins, and splenic histology and immunohistochemistry were evaluated.

Results: CYP treatment induced body weight loss, reduced immune organ indices, altered leukocyte profiles, and disrupted Th1/Th2-associated markers. SCPH administration partially reversed these changes by restoring spleen and thymus indices, normalizing circulating immune cell levels, upregulating Th1-associated genes (IFNG, TBX21), and downregulating Th2-associated genes (IL4, GATA3). SCPH also increased serum Th1 mediators (IFNG, IgG, IgM) while reducing Th2-associated markers (IL-4, IL-10, IgA, sIgA). Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed improved splenic architecture with elevated T-bet and reduced GATA3 expression.

Discussion/conclusion: These findings indicate that SCPH promotes Th1-biased immune rebalancing in CYP-induced immunosuppressed mice, suggesting its potential as a marine-derived immunonutritional agent. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to explore its therapeutic and translational applications.

Objective: Chronic inflammation is prevalent in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, however, the potential impact of diet-related inflammation on PD patients has not been fully investigated. We aimed to explore the association between the Energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and malnutrition status in PD patients.

Methods: A total of 147 PD patients from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. E-DII were calculated from the dietary data collected using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Malnutrition was determined according to the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was carried out to screen the key nutrients associated with the risk of malnutrition. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the association between the key nutrients, E-DII and malnutrition.

Results: The mean E-DII score was -0.367, ranging from -2.958 to 2.379. The mean duration of PD was 47.9 months. The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 48.3%. The key dietary nutrient associated with malnutrition was total fiber. In fully adjusted model, higher total fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of malnutrition in PD patients (OR_tertile 3 vs. 1 = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10-0.80, p = 0.018). Conversely, a higher E-DII score was associated with a higher risk of malnutrition (OR_tertile 3 vs. 1 = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.25-10.64, p = 0.018).

Conclusion: Diets high in total fiber were associated with a reduced risk of malnutrition in PD patients. On the other hand, pro-inflammatory diets are associated with an increased risk of malnutrition in PD patients. Further studies are needed to validate and develop strategies to reduce the dietary inflammatory burden in PD patients.

Purpose: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a naturally occurring bile acid with established hepatoprotective properties, has garnered attention for its potential role in metabolic health. This study provides scientific validation for these traditional uses by demonstrating UDCA's protective mechanisms against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through gut microbiota modulation and metabolic regulation. This study elucidates the therapeutic mechanisms of UDCA against high-fat diet-induced NAFLD through integrated microbiota-metabolomics analysis.

Methods: Using a 12-week murine NAFLD model, oral UDCA (15 mg/kg/day and 30 mg/kg/day) was administered to evaluate its hepatoprotective effects. Hepatic steatosis and injury were assessed via serum ALT/AST levels, lipid profiles, and histopathology. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) quantified bile acid metabolites, while 16S rRNA sequencing analyzed gut microbiota composition. Serum metabolomics and network pharmacology were employed to identify metabolic pathways and mechanistic targets, respectively. Molecular analyses (qPCR/Western blot) assessed PPARγ/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling.

Results: UDCA treatment significantly ameliorated high-fat diet-induced NAFLD, as demonstrated by improved serum ALT/AST levels, attenuated hepatic steatosis, and reduced histopathological damage. UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed a marked reorganization of bile acid metabolism, characterized by elevated non-12α-hydroxylated bile acids (UDCA, TUDCA) and enhanced alternative synthesis via CYP27A1 upregulation. 16S rRNA sequencing identified UDCA-driven restructuring of the gut microbiota, with specific enrichment of short-chain fatty acid-producing Muribaculum spp. and suppression of pro-inflammatory Prevotella (CAG-485). Serum metabolomics further confirmed these benefits, showing increased eicosapentaenoic acid (anti-inflammatory) and decreased long-chain acylcarnitines (lipid peroxidation markers). At the molecular level, UDCA activated PPARγ/Nrf2 antioxidative signaling while inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation, and network pharmacology analysis identified 225 potential targets (including TNF-α, IL6, and NF-κB) within lipid/atherosclerosis pathways, collectively underscoring UDCA's multimodal protective mechanisms against NAFLD.

Conclusion: These findings validate UDCA's multifaceted hepatoprotection via microbiota-bile acid crosstalk and metabolic-inflammatory modulation. The study provides a mechanistic basis for UDCA's traditional use in hepatobiliary disorders by integrating microbial, metabolic, and molecular evidence.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Guiling Prescription (GP)-a medicinal food homologous formula-in hyperuricemic rats, its effects on uric acid excretion and renal function, and to clarify the metabolic mechanisms involved in GP's alleviation of hyperuricemia.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of hyperuricemia was established using potassium oxonate (200 mg/kg, PO) and adenine (100 mg/kg) to assess the therapeutic effects of Guiling Prescription (GP). We measured body weight, serum levels of uric acid and creatinine, as well as xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, alongside histopathological parameters. Serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined using ELISA kits. The expression of renal uric acid transporters was evaluated through Western blotting. Network pharmacology was utilized to predict the key drug-disease targets, and a non-targeted metabolomic assay was applied to identify the key metabolites and metabolic pathways, and validated these targets through molecular docking and western blot analyses.

Results: GP showed an improvement effect on hyperuricemia model rats, with decreased levels of serum uric acid (UA), serum urea nitrogen, and creatinine, and serum ALT, AST. Furthermore, H&E staining results showed to improve renal injury in the hyperuricemic rat, and serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-αwere improve the body's inflammatory response after administration of GP. In addition, GP could regulate multiple serum metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, citric acid cycle. On one side, GP decreased the synthesis of uric acid by inhibiting hepatic xanthine oxidase activities and adenosine deaminase activity. On the other side, GP increased the excretion of uric acid with the upregulation of UA excretion genes ABCG2, OAT1, and OAT3 and downregulation of UA resorption genes URAT1 and GLUT9.

Conclusion: GP orchestrates uric acid metabolism through multi-target and multi-pathway regulation, highlighting its potential not only as a novel therapeutic strategy but also as a promising dietary supplement for the management of hyperuricemia.

Background: Plant-based diets may lower breast cancer risk, but their impact on breast cancer-related mortality is unclear. We explored associations of plant-based dietary patterns (Healthful Plant-Based Diet Index [HPDI/PDI]) and micronutrient intake with breast cancer incidence and all-cause mortality in patients.

Methods: Using data of UK Biobank (UKB; 67,045 cancer-free participants; 3,397 breast cancer patients) and Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), we analyzed dietary scores and micronutrient intake via multivariate Cox regression, restricted cubic splines, and predictive models (concordance index, Random Forest, and time-dependent ROC).

Results: Among 67,045 breast cancer-free participants, the highest HPDI tertile was associated with 11% lower breast cancer risk (HR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.82-0.98) vs. lowest tertile (4% reduction per SD increase, HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93-1.00). Among 3,397 breast cancer patients, the highest HPDI tertile showed 28% lower mortality (HR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.55-0.95) vs. lowest (11% reduction per SD, HR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.79-1.00). Individuals with high PDI scores exhibited a 39% lower risk of cancer compared to those with low scores in CLHLS (HR = 0.61, 95%CI: 0.41-0.92). Higher intakes of vitamins B2 and C, calcium, and magnesium were inversely associated with risk and mortality, while each SD increase in sodium raised mortality risk by 15% (HR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.32). Predictive models showed optimal 5-year performance overall; micronutrients alone best predicted breast cancer risk across timepoints, while HPDI peaked for 5-year mortality prediction (AUC = 0.625). The combined model achieved superior 10-year prognosis.

Conclusions: High adherence to a healthful plant-based diet, together with sufficient intake of key micronutrients and reduced sodium consumption, may contribute to breast cancer prevention and improved survival outcomes.

Background: While sleep quality and chronotype are critical to wellbeing, the role of dietary diversity remains scarcely investigated, particularly among young and middle-aged adults. This study aimed to examine the associations of dietary diversity with sleep quality and chronotype, and to explore whether depression mediates these relationships.

Methods: Data were derived from the 2024-2025 China Nutrition and Sleep Survey (CNSS), including 4,128 adults aged 20-59 years. Dietary diversity indices, including total dietary diversity scores (DDS), plant-based DDS, animal-based DDS, anti-inflammatory diet diversity index (AIDDI) and protein-enriched diet diversity index (PEDDI), were calculated from food frequency questionnaires. Sleep quality, chronotype, and depression were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire-5 (MEQ-5), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed, with propensity score matching (PSM) applied to reduce confounding. Mediation and interaction analyses were further conducted.

Results: Higher dietary diversity indices were significantly associated with lower PSQI scores and higher MEQ-5 scores, both before and after PSM. Depression might be partially involved in the observed associations with sleep quality and chronotype. The associations between dietary diversity and sleep quality were stronger among females, older adults, non-drinkers, and those with regular exercise or depressive symptoms, whereas associations with chronotype were generally consistent across subgroups.

Conclusions: Greater dietary diversity is associated with better sleep quality and earlier chronotype, with depressive symptoms potentially playing a role in explaining these associations.

Background: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regulates cellular defense mechanisms and has been proposed as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Preclinical studies suggest that long-term oral administration of glucoraphanin (GLR), a natural Nrf2 activator, mitigates age-related cognitive decline in animal models.

Objective: This study evaluated the long-term efficacy of GLR supplementation on cognitive function in older adults at an elevated risk for AD, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: In a 42-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 26 participants aged 63-90 years with memory impairment were randomly assigned to receive either 30 mg/day of GLR (n = 13) or placebo (n = 12). The primary outcome was the change in Memory Performance Index (MPI) scores from the MCI Screen. Secondary outcomes included conversion/reversion rates between normal cognition and MCI.

Results: Ten participants in the GLR group and nine participants in the placebo group completed the trial. Analysis using a Linear Mixed Model (LMM) across the entire study period revealed a significant group by time-point interaction for MPI scores, with the GLR group showing a significantly greater improvement in MPI scores compared to the placebo (p = 0.012). No significant group difference was observed in the initial 6 months, but a marginal difference in favor of GLR appeared in the later phase (30 and 42 months), including the 42-month endpoint (p = 0.079). Conversion/reversion rates were not significantly different. The GLR group demonstrated superior performance on immediate recall and delayed free recall tests (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). MCI participants showed a greater MPI improvement with GLR (p = 0.029). No severe adverse events related to the intervention were reported.

Conclusion: Long-term GLR supplementation may help preserve cognitive function in individuals at elevated risk for AD, particularly those with MCI. Larger trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and clarify underlying mechanisms.