Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107179
Gwang-Pyo Ko , Hyejun Jo , Jungman Kim , Minseong Park , Mingun Kim , Kyung-Hwan Boo , Chang Sook Kim
The gut microbiota and intestinal barrier are essential for intestinal homeostasis, and their disruption contributes to ulcerative colitis (UC). This study evaluated the protective effects of red beetroot extract (RE) and its major pigment, betanin (BN), against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Male C57BL/6 J mice were assigned to Health, DSS, DSS + low-dose RE (LRE, 300 mg/kg), DSS + high-dose RE (HRE, 900 mg/kg), and DSS + BN (50 mg/kg) groups. LRE showed no meaningful protective effects, whereas HRE significantly alleviated DSS-induced body weight loss, colon shortening, mucus layer disruption, and tight junction damage (occludin and claudin-1). BN also improved these outcomes, exhibiting efficacy comparable to HRE, although HRE showed slightly greater improvements across several colitis-related symptoms. Both HRE and BN inhibited NF-κB activation, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved microbial balance by enhancing α-diversity, enriching short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)–producing bacteria, and suppressing pathogens. Functional prediction (PICRUSt2) indicated recovery of inflammation-related pathways. Overall, HRE and BN mitigated colitis by reinforcing the gut barrier, suppressing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota.
{"title":"Beta vulgaris L. extract and betanin alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by enhancing the intestinal barrier and regulating the gut microbiota to suppress inflammation","authors":"Gwang-Pyo Ko , Hyejun Jo , Jungman Kim , Minseong Park , Mingun Kim , Kyung-Hwan Boo , Chang Sook Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gut microbiota and intestinal barrier are essential for intestinal homeostasis, and their disruption contributes to ulcerative colitis (UC). This study evaluated the protective effects of red beetroot extract (RE) and its major pigment, betanin (BN), against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Male C57BL/6 J mice were assigned to Health, DSS, DSS + low-dose RE (LRE, 300 mg/kg), DSS + high-dose RE (HRE, 900 mg/kg), and DSS + BN (50 mg/kg) groups. LRE showed no meaningful protective effects, whereas HRE significantly alleviated DSS-induced body weight loss, colon shortening, mucus layer disruption, and tight junction damage (occludin and claudin-1). BN also improved these outcomes, exhibiting efficacy comparable to HRE, although HRE showed slightly greater improvements across several colitis-related symptoms. Both HRE and BN inhibited NF-κB activation, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved microbial balance by enhancing α-diversity, enriching short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)–producing bacteria, and suppressing pathogens. Functional prediction (PICRUSt2) indicated recovery of inflammation-related pathways. Overall, HRE and BN mitigated colitis by reinforcing the gut barrier, suppressing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107179"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Plant-based proteins are promising alternatives to animal proteins for supporting muscle synthesis and preventing sarcopenia. This study examined whether protein digestates (PDs) from pea and fava bean isolates modulate intestinal Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19), a hormone central to energy and muscle mass regulation. Human HT29 cells were exposed to PDs, GW4064 (FXR agonist), or rosiglitazone (PPARγ agonist). FGF19 secretion was assessed by ELISA, gene expression by RT-qPCR, and FXR protein by Western-blot. At 6 h, PDs alone had no effect on FGF19 expression but potentiated GW4064 activity by lowering its EC₅₀. At 24 h, PDs modestly increased FGF19 and continued to potentiate GW4064 activity. Rosiglitazone + GW4064 markedly increased FGF19 and FXR expression, an effect abolished by GW9662 (PPARγ inhibitor), confirming PPARγ involvement. GW9662 also suppressed FGF19 induction by PDs + GW4064. Thus, PPARγ may regulate the FXR–FGF19 axis in enterocytes. Both PDs and rosiglitazone enhance FXR-mediated FGF19, with PDs partly acting through PPARγ. Pea and fava bean proteins may offer nutritional strategies for metabolic health and sarcopenia prevention.
{"title":"Digestates of pea and fava bean proteins induce FGF19 in human intestinal HT29 cells: Evidence for a potential role of PPARγ","authors":"Bérengère Benoit , Clémence Defois-Fraysse , Audrey Jalabert , Sandra Pesenti , Lexane Brunet , Alice Beau , Emmanuelle Loizon , Claudie Pinteur , Nadia Bendridi , Margaux Nawrot , Murielle Godet , Jennifer Rieusset , Marie-Caroline Michalski , Fabrice Desailly , Quentin Bailleul , Caroline Perreau , Catherine Lefranc-Millot , Hubert Vidal","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant-based proteins are promising alternatives to animal proteins for supporting muscle synthesis and preventing sarcopenia. This study examined whether protein digestates (PDs) from pea and fava bean isolates modulate intestinal Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19), a hormone central to energy and muscle mass regulation. Human HT29 cells were exposed to PDs, GW4064 (FXR agonist), or rosiglitazone (PPARγ agonist). FGF19 secretion was assessed by ELISA, gene expression by RT-qPCR, and FXR protein by Western-blot. At 6 h, PDs alone had no effect on <em>FGF19</em> expression but potentiated GW4064 activity by lowering its EC₅₀. At 24 h, PDs modestly increased <em>FGF19</em> and continued to potentiate GW4064 activity. Rosiglitazone + GW4064 markedly increased FGF19 and FXR expression, an effect abolished by GW9662 (PPARγ inhibitor), confirming PPARγ involvement. GW9662 also suppressed FGF19 induction by PDs + GW4064. Thus, PPARγ may regulate the FXR–FGF19 axis in enterocytes. Both PDs and rosiglitazone enhance FXR-mediated FGF19, with PDs partly acting through PPARγ. Pea and fava bean proteins may offer nutritional strategies for metabolic health and sarcopenia prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107175"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107178
Hak Yong Lee , Young Mi Park , Dong Yeop Shin , Hai Min Hwang , Sung Hak Chun , Sang Jin Lim , Myung-Sunny Kim , Min-Jung Kim , Hye-Jeong Yang , Yong Hee Jung , Jun Sang Bae , Jae Gon Kim
Obesity, which can develop owing to a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle, may increase the risk of developing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, management through exercise and dietary control is essential. However, supplementation may be necessary if exercise and dietary management are difficult. This study aimed to evaluate materials that could potentially prevent obesity. The research investigated whether the intake of rice bran fermented by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MJM60392 (FRBL) would affect body fat reduction in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. During the intake period, a reduction in body weight was observed in FRBL fed- compared with that in only HFD fed-obese mice. After autopsy, a decrease in liver and visceral fat weights was noted, along with a reduction in levels of ALP and leptin, which were elevated in the obesity model. Histological analysis revealed a reduction in fat accumulation in the liver due to FRBL and a decrease in adipocyte size in the epididymal fat tissue. Finally, the expression of genes related to fat synthesis and differentiation was also found to be reduced. In conclusion, FRBL intake was found to help reduce body fat by inhibiting fat synthesis and differentiation, thereby suppressing the accumulation.
{"title":"Rice bran fermented by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis MJM60392 reduces fat accumulation and adipose tissue on high-fat diet induced obese mice","authors":"Hak Yong Lee , Young Mi Park , Dong Yeop Shin , Hai Min Hwang , Sung Hak Chun , Sang Jin Lim , Myung-Sunny Kim , Min-Jung Kim , Hye-Jeong Yang , Yong Hee Jung , Jun Sang Bae , Jae Gon Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obesity, which can develop owing to a high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle, may increase the risk of developing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, management through exercise and dietary control is essential. However, supplementation may be necessary if exercise and dietary management are difficult. This study aimed to evaluate materials that could potentially prevent obesity. The research investigated whether the intake of rice bran fermented by <em>Lactococcus lactis</em> subsp. <em>lactis</em> MJM60392 (FRBL) would affect body fat reduction in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model. During the intake period, a reduction in body weight was observed in FRBL fed- compared with that in only HFD fed-obese mice. After autopsy, a decrease in liver and visceral fat weights was noted, along with a reduction in levels of ALP and leptin, which were elevated in the obesity model. Histological analysis revealed a reduction in fat accumulation in the liver due to FRBL and a decrease in adipocyte size in the epididymal fat tissue. Finally, the expression of genes related to fat synthesis and differentiation was also found to be reduced. In conclusion, FRBL intake was found to help reduce body fat by inhibiting fat synthesis and differentiation, thereby suppressing the accumulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107178"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Isoorientin, a C-glycosyl flavonoid belonging to the class of polyphenolic compounds, has recently gained attention for its superior pharmacological profile compared to other polyphenols in anticancer research. Unlike many flavonoids, such as quercetin or luteolin, isoorientin exhibits higher stability, stronger antioxidant capacity, and improved water solubility, which contribute to its enhanced bioefficacy and lower cytotoxicity toward normal cells. Present study examines the anticancer efficacy of the flavonoid isoorientin in gastrointestinal malignancies, elucidating its mechanisms of action and the advantages of nanoformulations for enhanced therapeutic administration. Isoorientin has strong anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic properties in many digestive cancer models, including colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. These effects are facilitated by the control of dysregulated signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK. Isoorientin also increases the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation, thereby enhancing total therapeutic effectiveness. Nano-formulation strategies, including liposome and micelle-based systems, have effectively addressed issues of solubility, bioavailability, and systemic toxicity, facilitating targeted administration, increased stability, and greater accumulation at tumour locations. Given its distinctive structural stability, multifaceted anticancer mechanisms, and compatibility with advanced delivery systems, isoorientin stands out as a promising adjunct or alternative therapeutic candidate for digestive cancers. Combining isoorientin with advanced drug delivery systems could improve current treatment outcomes. Further preclinical and clinical research is required to establish its therapeutic viability.
{"title":"Unveiling the anticancer potential of isoorientin in digestive system cancers: mechanistic insights and nanoformulation strategies","authors":"Diwakar Aggarwal , Sachin Kumar Mandotra , Jagjit Kaur , Vasudha Datta , Hardeep Singh Tuli , Satish Kumar , Damandeep Kaur , Ritu Chauhan , Shafiul Haque , Pallvi Mishra","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Isoorientin, a C-glycosyl flavonoid belonging to the class of polyphenolic compounds, has recently gained attention for its superior pharmacological profile compared to other polyphenols in anticancer research. Unlike many flavonoids, such as quercetin or luteolin, isoorientin exhibits higher stability, stronger antioxidant capacity, and improved water solubility, which contribute to its enhanced bioefficacy and lower cytotoxicity toward normal cells. Present study <em>examines</em> the anticancer efficacy of the flavonoid isoorientin in gastrointestinal malignancies, elucidating its mechanisms of action and the advantages of nanoformulations for enhanced therapeutic administration. Isoorientin has strong anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic properties in many digestive cancer models, including colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers. These effects are facilitated by the control of dysregulated signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK. Isoorientin also increases the susceptibility of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation, thereby enhancing total therapeutic effectiveness. Nano-formulation strategies, including liposome and micelle-based systems, have effectively addressed issues of solubility, bioavailability, and systemic toxicity, facilitating targeted administration, increased stability, and greater accumulation at tumour locations. Given its distinctive structural stability, multifaceted anticancer mechanisms, and compatibility with advanced delivery systems, isoorientin stands out as a promising adjunct or alternative therapeutic candidate for digestive cancers. Combining isoorientin with advanced drug delivery systems could improve current treatment outcomes. Further preclinical and clinical research is required to establish its therapeutic viability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107181"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107162
Jieya Yang , Ruipeng Yang , Ruijun Su , Lihua Wu , Wenjing Zhao , Shuhua Shan , Runzhi Ren , Jincheng Xu
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract, and previous studies demonstrated that soluble dietary fiber from foxtail millet (FMB-SDF) exhibits significant anti-colorectal cancer effects both in vivo and in vitro. However, the metabolic changes of FMB-SDF in colorectal cancer models remain incompletely understood. This study focused on FMB-SDF. Using AOM/DSS to induce CRC in C57BL/6 J mice, an in vivo colorectal cancer model was established. LC-MS untargeted metabolomics technology was used to detect fecal metabolites in each group of mice to find out the potential biomarkers of CRC, to screen the potential metabolic pathways of FMB-SDF to intervene in CRC, and then to explore the mechanism of action of the anti-cancer effect of FMB-SDF based on the metabolic pathways. This study found that FMB-SDF can regulate some microbial metabolites in the intestine, enhance oxidative stress in colon cancer cell line HCT116, inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors, and exert anti colorectal cancer effects. From the perspective of sphingolipid metabolism, after treatment with Myriocin, the recovery effect of FMB-SDF on weight loss, colon shortening, and intestinal barrier damage in colon cancer mice decreased, confirming that the anti colon cancer effect of FMB-SDF is closely related to the regulation of sphingolipid metabolic pathway. This provides new insights into FMB-SDF as a functional food for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
{"title":"Metabolomic study on the inhibitory effect of soluble dietary fiber from foxtail millet on colorectal cancer","authors":"Jieya Yang , Ruipeng Yang , Ruijun Su , Lihua Wu , Wenjing Zhao , Shuhua Shan , Runzhi Ren , Jincheng Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract, and previous studies demonstrated that soluble dietary fiber from foxtail millet (FMB-SDF) exhibits significant anti-colorectal cancer effects both in <em>vivo</em> and in <em>vitro.</em> However, the metabolic changes of FMB-SDF in colorectal cancer models remain incompletely understood. This study focused on FMB-SDF. Using AOM/DSS to induce CRC in C57BL/6 J mice, an in <em>vivo</em> colorectal cancer model was established. LC-MS untargeted metabolomics technology was used to detect fecal metabolites in each group of mice to find out the potential biomarkers of CRC, to screen the potential metabolic pathways of FMB-SDF to intervene in CRC, and then to explore the mechanism of action of the anti-cancer effect of FMB-SDF based on the metabolic pathways. This study found that FMB-SDF can regulate some microbial metabolites in the intestine, enhance oxidative stress in colon cancer cell line HCT116, inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors, and exert anti colorectal cancer effects. From the perspective of sphingolipid metabolism, after treatment with Myriocin, the recovery effect of FMB-SDF on weight loss, colon shortening, and intestinal barrier damage in colon cancer mice decreased, confirming that the anti colon cancer effect of FMB-SDF is closely related to the regulation of sphingolipid metabolic pathway. This provides new insights into FMB-SDF as a functional food for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107162"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107180
Yu-Hong Yang , Qing-Yan Zou , Cheng-Yu Yang , Hui Li , Zi-Jian Wu , Shi-Xiang Wu , Yan Guan , Ya-Ru Li , Kazuo Miyashita , Chang-Sheng Zhao , Lei Du
Acute liver injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) represents a critical clinical challenge due to its high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine-derived xanthophyll carotenoid, exerts hepatoprotective potential owing to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its protective role against LPS-induced ALI remains poorly understood. This study elucidated the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Fx against LPS-induced ALI in both a mouse model and a hepatocyte-macrophage co-culture system. Oral administration of 50 or 200 mg/kg body weight Fx once daily for 7 consecutive days notably attenuated LPS-induced increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and improved pathological changes in mouse livers. In the co-culture system of AML12 hepatocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages, Fx treatment dose-dependently alleviated LPS-induced damage to AML12 cells, as evidenced by reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and maintained cell viability. Mechanistically, Fx significantly suppressed macrophage overactivation-mediated hepatic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress induced by LPS. Specifically, Fx downregulated pro-inflammatory molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. These effects collectively suppressed excessive hepatocyte apoptosis via blocking the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway and inhibited massive hepatocyte pyroptosis through inactivating the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/ gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis pathway. Collectively, these findings suggest that Fx may serve as a promising functional ingredient for preventing ALI.
脂多糖（LPS）引起的急性肝损伤（ALI）由于其高死亡率和有限的治疗选择而成为一个关键的临床挑战。岩藻黄素（Fx）是一种源自海洋的类黄素类胡萝卜素，由于其强大的抗炎和抗氧化特性，具有保护肝脏的潜力。然而，其对lps诱导的ALI的保护作用仍然知之甚少。本研究在小鼠模型和肝细胞-巨噬细胞共培养系统中阐明了Fx对lps诱导的ALI的保护作用及其机制。口服Fx 50或200 mg/kg体重，每天1次，连续7天，可显著降低lps诱导的血清谷丙转氨酶（ALT）和天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）水平升高，改善小鼠肝脏病理变化。在AML12肝细胞和RAW264.7巨噬细胞共培养系统中，Fx剂量依赖性地减轻了lps诱导的AML12细胞损伤，表现为乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）释放减少，维持了细胞活力。机制上，Fx显著抑制巨噬细胞过度激活介导的肝脏炎症反应和LPS诱导的氧化应激。具体而言，Fx下调促炎分子，如肿瘤坏死因子-α (TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β (IL-1β)、IL-6、IL-18和诱导型一氧化氮合酶（iNOS），并抑制细胞内活性氧（ROS）的产生。这些作用通过阻断固有的凋亡信号通路共同抑制过量的肝细胞凋亡，并通过失活nod样受体家族pyrin结构域3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/ gasdermin D （GSDMD）介导的焦亡途径抑制大量肝细胞焦亡。总的来说，这些发现表明Fx可能是预防ALI的有希望的功能成分。
{"title":"Fucoxanthin mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis and pyroptosis","authors":"Yu-Hong Yang , Qing-Yan Zou , Cheng-Yu Yang , Hui Li , Zi-Jian Wu , Shi-Xiang Wu , Yan Guan , Ya-Ru Li , Kazuo Miyashita , Chang-Sheng Zhao , Lei Du","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acute liver injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) represents a critical clinical challenge due to its high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine-derived xanthophyll carotenoid, exerts hepatoprotective potential owing to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its protective role against LPS-induced ALI remains poorly understood. This study elucidated the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Fx against LPS-induced ALI in both a mouse model and a hepatocyte-macrophage co-culture system. Oral administration of 50 or 200 mg/kg body weight Fx once daily for 7 consecutive days notably attenuated LPS-induced increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and improved pathological changes in mouse livers. In the co-culture system of AML12 hepatocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages, Fx treatment dose-dependently alleviated LPS-induced damage to AML12 cells, as evidenced by reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and maintained cell viability. Mechanistically, Fx significantly suppressed macrophage overactivation-mediated hepatic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress induced by LPS. Specifically, Fx downregulated pro-inflammatory molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-<em>α</em>), interleukin-1beta (IL-1<em>β</em>), IL-6, IL-18, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. These effects collectively suppressed excessive hepatocyte apoptosis <em>via</em> blocking the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway and inhibited massive hepatocyte pyroptosis through inactivating the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/ gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis pathway. Collectively, these findings suggest that Fx may serve as a promising functional ingredient for preventing ALI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107180"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107172
Min Ho Han , Min Ho Kang , Youn Seon Hwang , Seung Won Nam , Chang Soo Lee , Jin Woo Kim
Research on selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is ongoing, yet effective natural compounds with fewer side effects are still needed. This study investigated the anticancer potential of Chlorella sorokiniana extract (CSE) in hepatoma cells. CSE showed high TPC (4.49 mg GAE/g DM) and TFC (0.86 mg QE/g DM) with strong ROS scavenging activity (9.0–45.0%). LC–MS/MS analysis suggested lutein, liquiritigenin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol as key metabolites responsible for apoptotic effects. CSE suppressed Hep3B cell viability by 22.1% without cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and induced apoptosis via upregulation of Bax, AMPK-α, and caspase-3 (28.9–83.5%) and downregulation of Bcl-2 and VEGF (33.0–43.9%). Notably, apoptosis was enhanced (25.7%) in p53-deficient Hep3B cells, implying heightened susceptibility to CSE. These findings suggest C. sorokiniana has the potential to serve as a natural compound capable of selectively inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells, indicating its potential as a foundational material for drug development.
{"title":"Anticancer effects of Chlorella sorokiniana Shihira and R. W. Krauss extract via Bcl-2/Bax modulation and AMPK-α activation in hepatoma cells","authors":"Min Ho Han , Min Ho Kang , Youn Seon Hwang , Seung Won Nam , Chang Soo Lee , Jin Woo Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107172","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research on selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is ongoing, yet effective natural compounds with fewer side effects are still needed. This study investigated the anticancer potential of <em>Chlorella sorokiniana</em> extract (CSE) in hepatoma cells. CSE showed high TPC (4.49 mg GAE/g DM) and TFC (0.86 mg QE/g DM) with strong ROS scavenging activity (9.0–45.0%). LC–MS/MS analysis suggested lutein, liquiritigenin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol as key metabolites responsible for apoptotic effects. CSE suppressed Hep3B cell viability by 22.1% without cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and induced apoptosis via upregulation of Bax, AMPK-α, and caspase-3 (28.9–83.5%) and downregulation of Bcl-2 and VEGF (33.0–43.9%). Notably, apoptosis was enhanced (25.7%) in p53-deficient Hep3B cells, implying heightened susceptibility to CSE. These findings suggest <em>C. sorokiniana</em> has the potential to serve as a natural compound capable of selectively inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells, indicating its potential as a foundational material for drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107172"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107183
Ye Li Lee , Kyoung-min Rheu , Sang Yeoup Lee
Stress is a growing public health concern, and nutritional approaches have gained increasing attention for improving mental well-being. Fermentation enhances the bioactive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of agric ultural materials. This 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel GABA-enriched rice germ extract (RG30), produced by Lactobacillus brevis BJ20 fermentation, in 80 adults with mild-to-moderate perceived stress. Participants received 500 mg/day RG30 (120 mg GABA) or placebo. RG30 supplementation significantly reduced Stress Response Inventory scores compared with placebo (adjusted mean difference: −5.39; 95% CI: −10.25, −0.54; p = 0.035) and improved quality of life (EuroQol VAS, p ≤ 0.002) after 8 weeks. Among secondary outcomes, plasma serotonin levels showed relative preservation in the RG30 group with placebo (p = 0.036). No serious adverse events occurred. RG30 represents a safe, fermented, plant-derived functional ingredient that alleviates stress symptoms and enhances quality of life.
压力是一个日益严重的公共卫生问题，营养方法因改善心理健康而受到越来越多的关注。发酵提高了农产品中生物活性γ-氨基丁酸（GABA）的含量。这项为期8周的随机、双盲、安慰剂对照试验评估了一种由短乳杆菌BJ20发酵生产的新型富含gaba的水稻胚芽提取物（RG30）在80名轻度至中度感知应激的成年人中的疗效和安全性。参与者每天服用500毫克RG30（120毫克GABA）或安慰剂。与安慰剂相比，补充RG30显著降低了应激反应量表评分（校正平均差：- 5.39;95% CI: - 10.25, - 0.54; p = 0.035），并在8周后改善了生活质量（EuroQol VAS, p≤0.002）。在次要结果中，安慰剂组血浆血清素水平相对保持（p = 0.036）。未发生严重不良事件。RG30是一种安全、发酵的植物性功能性成分，可缓解应激症状，提高生活质量。
{"title":"Effects of GABA-enriched rice germ extract fermented by Lactobacillus brevis BJ20 on stress symptoms and related biomarkers in adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial","authors":"Ye Li Lee , Kyoung-min Rheu , Sang Yeoup Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107183","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107183","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stress is a growing public health concern, and nutritional approaches have gained increasing attention for improving mental well-being. Fermentation enhances the bioactive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of agric ultural materials. This 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel GABA-enriched rice germ extract (RG30), produced by <em>Lactobacillus brevis</em> BJ20 fermentation, in 80 adults with mild-to-moderate perceived stress. Participants received 500 mg/day RG30 (120 mg GABA) or placebo. RG30 supplementation significantly reduced Stress Response Inventory scores compared with placebo (adjusted mean difference: −5.39; 95% CI: −10.25, −0.54; <em>p</em> = 0.035) and improved quality of life (EuroQol VAS, <em>p</em> ≤ 0.002) after 8 weeks. Among secondary outcomes, plasma serotonin levels showed relative preservation in the RG30 group with placebo (<em>p</em> = 0.036). No serious adverse events occurred. RG30 represents a safe, fermented, plant-derived functional ingredient that alleviates stress symptoms and enhances quality of life.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 107183"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107170
Yuan-yu Yang , Li-guo Li , Shang Li , Ya Su , Li-ming Liu , Quan Tang , Rui Qiu , Yong-Biao Li , Yong Cheng , Hui Zhou
This study investigates the antidepressant effects of Sweet Mogrosides (SMG) derived from Siraitia grosvenorii (SG), focusing on the outcomes of its oral administration and its novel dual-axis modulation of the neuroinflammation-pyroptosis pathway in an LPS-induced depression model. Behaviorally, oral SMG treatment significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in mice. Mechanistically, our results demonstrate that orally administered SMG not only rebalanced hippocampal pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (suppressing TNF-α while upregulating IL-10) but also significantly inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptotic pathway, as evidenced by reduced IL-1β expression and decreased expression of GSDMD and microglial activation markers (CD68/CD86). Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that oral SMG suppressed IBA1+ microglial activation and attenuated pro-inflammatory phenotypic shifts. By systematically elucidating that oral SMG can concurrently target both neuroinflammatory and pyroptosis cascades, this study highlights a novel mechanism of action and provides strong evidence for developing SMG as a dietary-based or orally active neuroprotective agent for inflammation-related depression.
{"title":"Siraitia grosvenorii extract (Sweet Mogrosides) alleviates LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors through modulating neuroinflammation-pyroptosis axis","authors":"Yuan-yu Yang , Li-guo Li , Shang Li , Ya Su , Li-ming Liu , Quan Tang , Rui Qiu , Yong-Biao Li , Yong Cheng , Hui Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the antidepressant effects of Sweet Mogrosides (SMG) derived from <em>Siraitia grosvenorii</em> (SG), focusing on the outcomes of its oral administration and its novel dual-axis modulation of the neuroinflammation-pyroptosis pathway in an LPS-induced depression model. Behaviorally, oral SMG treatment significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in mice. Mechanistically, our results demonstrate that orally administered SMG not only rebalanced hippocampal pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (suppressing TNF-α while upregulating IL-10) but also significantly inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptotic pathway, as evidenced by reduced IL-1β expression and decreased expression of GSDMD and microglial activation markers (CD68/CD86). Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that oral SMG suppressed IBA1+ microglial activation and attenuated pro-inflammatory phenotypic shifts. By systematically elucidating that oral SMG can concurrently target both neuroinflammatory and pyroptosis cascades, this study highlights a novel mechanism of action and provides strong evidence for developing SMG as a dietary-based or orally active neuroprotective agent for inflammation-related depression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 107170"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146057408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107159
Sophia Ogechi Ekeuku , Siti Liyana Saud Gany , Jen Kit Tan , Nur Fathiah Abdul Sani , Nur Fatin Nabilah Mohd Sahardi , Mariam Firdhaus Mad Nordin , Suzana Makpol
Lipid metabolism undergoes significant alterations with age, contributing to the onset of age-related diseases. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on hepatic lipid profiles during ageing remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate age-related lipidomic changes in the liver and evaluate the modulatory effects of ginger extract using untargeted lipidomics. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into young (3 months), adult (9 months), and old (21 months) groups. Each age group was further subdivided into control and treatment groups (n = 10) receiving either distilled water or ginger extract (200 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for 3 months. Liver function tests (LFTs) and untargeted lipidomic profiling using UHPLC-MS/MS were performed. Statistical analysis included mixed-design ANOVA, oPLS-DA, and pathway enrichment using LION/web. Ageing increased serum albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), globulin (Glo), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, particularly in adult rats. Lipidomic analysis identified 985 lipid species, with glycerophospholipids (GP), glycerolipids (GL), sphingolipids (SP), and fatty acyls (FA) being most affected by ageing and ginger treatment. Ageing was associated with increased DG in adults, a decline in ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelins (SM) in old rats, and an age-dependent change in triacylglycerols (TG), which increased in adults but declined in old rats. Phosphatidylcholines (PE) decreased significantly only in old rats. Ginger supplementation increased FA in adults and modulated TG levels in an age-dependent manner, reducing TG in adults while increasing it in young rats. Correlation analysis revealed weak to moderate associations between specific lipids and LFT markers. These findings support the potential of ginger as a natural intervention to preserve liver health and counteract lipid dysregulation during ageing.
{"title":"Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) extract alleviates age-induced hepatic lipid profile change in rats during ageing","authors":"Sophia Ogechi Ekeuku , Siti Liyana Saud Gany , Jen Kit Tan , Nur Fathiah Abdul Sani , Nur Fatin Nabilah Mohd Sahardi , Mariam Firdhaus Mad Nordin , Suzana Makpol","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107159","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lipid metabolism undergoes significant alterations with age, contributing to the onset of age-related diseases. Ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em> Roscoe) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on hepatic lipid profiles during ageing remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate age-related lipidomic changes in the liver and evaluate the modulatory effects of ginger extract using untargeted lipidomics. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into young (3 months), adult (9 months), and old (21 months) groups. Each age group was further subdivided into control and treatment groups (<em>n</em> = 10) receiving either distilled water or ginger extract (200 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for 3 months. Liver function tests (LFTs) and untargeted lipidomic profiling using UHPLC-MS/MS were performed. Statistical analysis included mixed-design ANOVA, oPLS-DA, and pathway enrichment using LION/web. Ageing increased serum albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), globulin (Glo), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, particularly in adult rats. Lipidomic analysis identified 985 lipid species, with glycerophospholipids (GP), glycerolipids (GL), sphingolipids (SP), and fatty acyls (FA) being most affected by ageing and ginger treatment. Ageing was associated with increased DG in adults, a decline in ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelins (SM) in old rats, and an age-dependent change in triacylglycerols (TG), which increased in adults but declined in old rats. Phosphatidylcholines (PE) decreased significantly only in old rats. Ginger supplementation increased FA in adults and modulated TG levels in an age-dependent manner, reducing TG in adults while increasing it in young rats. Correlation analysis revealed weak to moderate associations between specific lipids and LFT markers. These findings support the potential of ginger as a natural intervention to preserve liver health and counteract lipid dysregulation during ageing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107159"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号