Pub Date : 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107156
Tao Feng , Hong Chen , Yinjun Luo , Zhiyi Zhou , Biao Li , Xiaoyan Fang , Jinhua Wang , Lingling Huang , Suchan Liao
Aging-induced cardiac hypertrophy is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The gut-heart axis, gut microbiota, and their metabolite short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—which regulate cardiac function—have attracted significant attention. Hemp seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which can be fermented by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs. However, whether hemp seed fiber alleviates cardiac hypertrophy in aging mice by improving gut microbiota composition and increasing SCFA levels remains unclear. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups: adult control group (5-month-old, standard diet), old control group (18-month-old, standard diet), and three old mice groups supplemented with low, medium, and high-dose hemp seed fiber group, with a 12-week intervention. Cardiac hypertrophy (thicker ventricular walls, larger cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area) was observed in old mice. Hemp seed fiber significantly improved this phenotype, reduced hypertrophy markers (myh7, bnp), increased SCFA-related microbiota abundance, and elevated serum SCFAs. The mechanism may involve upregulating GPR41, inhibiting excessive Akt phosphorylation, and promoting mitophagy.
{"title":"Hemp seed fiber supplementation alleviates myocardial hypertrophy in aging mice through activation of mitophagy","authors":"Tao Feng , Hong Chen , Yinjun Luo , Zhiyi Zhou , Biao Li , Xiaoyan Fang , Jinhua Wang , Lingling Huang , Suchan Liao","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107156","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107156","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging-induced cardiac hypertrophy is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The gut-heart axis, gut microbiota, and their metabolite short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—which regulate cardiac function—have attracted significant attention. Hemp seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which can be fermented by gut microbiota to produce SCFAs. However, whether hemp seed fiber alleviates cardiac hypertrophy in aging mice by improving gut microbiota composition and increasing SCFA levels remains unclear. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 5 groups: adult control group (5-month-old, standard diet), old control group (18-month-old, standard diet), and three old mice groups supplemented with low, medium, and high-dose hemp seed fiber group, with a 12-week intervention. Cardiac hypertrophy (thicker ventricular walls, larger cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area) was observed in old mice. Hemp seed fiber significantly improved this phenotype, reduced hypertrophy markers (myh7, bnp), increased SCFA-related microbiota abundance, and elevated serum SCFAs. The mechanism may involve upregulating GPR41, inhibiting excessive Akt phosphorylation, and promoting mitophagy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107156"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974511","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}
Tempeh, a traditional fermented soybean product, is valued for its nutritional and functional properties. Its health benefits can be enhanced through fortification. The diverse anticancer activities of microalgae pose a promising option for tempeh fortification. This study investigated the anticancer potential of tempeh and algae-fortified tempeh against BT-474 luminal B breast cancer cells. Phytochemical analysis of the 96% ethanol extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and high phenolic content. Algae-fortified tempeh reduced the cell viability by up to 60%, surpassing conventional tempeh. Mechanistically, all extracts suppressed EGFR expression, elevated HIF-1α gene, induced S-phase arrest, and reprogrammed PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Spirulina fortification demonstrated a relative predominance of EGFR suppression and PI3K/AKT modulation, potentially influenced by its pinocembrin content, while Euglena fortification uniquely amplified HIF-1α-mediated metabolic stress through compound triad targeting FABP4, AHCY, and BACE1. Flow cytometry confirmed a strong cytostatic effect in a non-lethal manner. These findings highlight algae fortification as a food-biotechnology strategy for pathway-targeted cancer prevention and complementary health applications.
{"title":"Tempeh and microalgae-fortified tempeh exhibit anticancer potential through S-phase arrest and EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway modulation in BT-474 breast cancer cells","authors":"Hesti Lina Wiraswati , Nur Akmalia Hidayati , Ilma Fauziah Ma'ruf , Julia Ramadhanti , Enny Rohmawaty , Vira Putri Yarlina , Ardimas Andi Purwita , Kengo Suzuki , Keiichi Mochida","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tempeh, a traditional fermented soybean product, is valued for its nutritional and functional properties. Its health benefits can be enhanced through fortification. The diverse anticancer activities of microalgae pose a promising option for tempeh fortification. This study investigated the anticancer potential of tempeh and algae-fortified tempeh against BT-474 luminal B breast cancer cells. Phytochemical analysis of the 96% ethanol extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and high phenolic content. Algae-fortified tempeh reduced the cell viability by up to 60%, surpassing conventional tempeh. Mechanistically, all extracts suppressed EGFR expression, elevated <em>HIF-1α</em> gene, induced S-phase arrest, and reprogrammed PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. <em>Spirulina</em> fortification demonstrated a relative predominance of EGFR suppression and <em>PI3K/AKT</em> modulation, potentially influenced by its pinocembrin content, while <em>Euglena</em> fortification uniquely amplified HIF-1α-mediated metabolic stress through compound triad targeting FABP4, AHCY, and BACE1. Flow cytometry confirmed a strong cytostatic effect in a non-lethal manner. These findings highlight algae fortification as a food-biotechnology strategy for pathway-targeted cancer prevention and complementary health applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107158"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974512","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}
Fucoidans (FUs) are sulfated glycans primarily found in marine algae and exhibit various bioactivities. Mekabu FU, from the edible brown alga Undaria pinnatifida, enhances innate and adaptive immunity and exerts protective effects in virus-infected mice, although its mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the fate of mekabu FU after oral administration in mice by monitoring the uptake of fluorescence-labeled FU (FL-FU) into Peyer's patches (PPs) through M cells in the intestine and conducting DNA microarray analysis of PPs. FL-FU was observed in M cells 30 min after oral administration in mice. DNA microarray analysis of gene expression in PPs revealed that FU administration altered the expression of genes involved in immune regulation. Orally administered FL-FU was not metabolized into small fragments upon excretion from the mouse intestine, suggesting that mekabu FU suppresses viral infections by modulating intestinal immunity after incorporation into PPs through M cells.
{"title":"A natural sulfated polysaccharide of high molecular weight, a fucoidan isolated from Undaria pinnatifida, is incorporated into Peyer's patches of mice via M cells and induces innate immune responses","authors":"Kyoko Hayashi , Jung-Bum Lee , Kohei Sasaki , Satomi Asai","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107147","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107147","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fucoidans (FUs) are sulfated glycans primarily found in marine algae and exhibit various bioactivities. Mekabu FU, from the edible brown alga <em>Undaria pinnatifida,</em> enhances innate and adaptive immunity and exerts protective effects in virus-infected mice, although its mechanisms remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the fate of mekabu FU after oral administration in mice by monitoring the uptake of fluorescence-labeled FU (FL-FU) into Peyer's patches (PPs) through M cells in the intestine and conducting DNA microarray analysis of PPs. FL-FU was observed in M cells 30 min after oral administration in mice. DNA microarray analysis of gene expression in PPs revealed that FU administration altered the expression of genes involved in immune regulation. Orally administered FL-FU was not metabolized into small fragments upon excretion from the mouse intestine, suggesting that mekabu FU suppresses viral infections by modulating intestinal immunity after incorporation into PPs through M cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107147"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974514","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107157
Haohong Zheng , Jialiang Xin , Xiaofang Yan , Jiali Wang , Yunjiang Liu , Cao Deng , Zhijun Zhong , Haifeng Liu , Ziyao Zhou , Guangneng Peng
Global warming increases the risk of heat-related renal impairment, while higher ambient temperatures may increase overall fluid and beverage consumption to meet hydration demands. As erythritol is widely used as a dietary sweetener in food and beverage products and is primarily excreted via the kidneys, concerns have been raised regarding its renal effects, particularly under conditions of heat stress. Here, we used integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to explore erythritol's role in heat-induced renal injury in mice. Erythritol supplementation modulated oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism, with metabolomics showing recovery of redox-related metabolites and transcriptomics revealing downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes (e.g., Cxcl9, Serpina3g) and stress chaperones, alongside upregulation of antioxidative genes (e.g., Gbp6, Tgtp1). Multi-omics highlighted PPAR and AMPK pathways as key targets. Animal experiments confirmed improved renal histology, reduced creatinine, and decreased oxidative and inflammatory markers. These findings indicate that erythritol protects against heat-induced renal damage, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient for thermally stressful conditions.
{"title":"Erythritol as a functional food ingredient mitigates heat-induced renal injury in mice via integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis","authors":"Haohong Zheng , Jialiang Xin , Xiaofang Yan , Jiali Wang , Yunjiang Liu , Cao Deng , Zhijun Zhong , Haifeng Liu , Ziyao Zhou , Guangneng Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global warming increases the risk of heat-related renal impairment, while higher ambient temperatures may increase overall fluid and beverage consumption to meet hydration demands. As erythritol is widely used as a dietary sweetener in food and beverage products and is primarily excreted via the kidneys, concerns have been raised regarding its renal effects, particularly under conditions of heat stress. Here, we used integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to explore erythritol's role in heat-induced renal injury in mice. Erythritol supplementation modulated oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism, with metabolomics showing recovery of redox-related metabolites and transcriptomics revealing downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes (e.g., <em>Cxcl9</em>, <em>Serpina3g</em>) and stress chaperones, alongside upregulation of antioxidative genes (e.g., <em>Gbp6</em>, <em>Tgtp1</em>). Multi-omics highlighted PPAR and AMPK pathways as key targets. Animal experiments confirmed improved renal histology, reduced creatinine, and decreased oxidative and inflammatory markers. These findings indicate that erythritol protects against heat-induced renal damage, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient for thermally stressful conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107157"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974515","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107152
Long Li , Izhar Ahmed , Amal Alotaibi , Luqman Shah , Lin Yang , Muhammad Zahoor , Majid Khan
Garlic, a widely consumed culinary and medicinal plant, has garnered significant scientific interest due to its broad-spectrum health benefits, particularly in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer. The anticancer and cardiovascular protective effects of garlic are closely linked through its capacity to modulate common physiological and pathological pathways, particularly those related to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This review compiles evidence on garlic's dual cardioprotective and anticancer effects, which stem from its ability to simultaneously reduce cholesterol, improve vascular stiffness, and disrupt oncogenic processes such as tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Additionally, the review examines garlic's safety profile, the stability of its various processed forms (raw and aged), as well as its efficacy and regulatory status as a functional food. Finally, to fully elucidate garlic's therapeutic potential within the framework of precision medicine, biomarker-driven clinical trials are essential for the development of standardized formulations. Moreover, to enhance its therapeutic efficacy the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with garlic-based nanomedicine presents a promising frontier and advancing personalized treatment strategies.
{"title":"Garlic as a functional food: a dual therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases and cancer via shared molecular pathways","authors":"Long Li , Izhar Ahmed , Amal Alotaibi , Luqman Shah , Lin Yang , Muhammad Zahoor , Majid Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107152","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107152","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Garlic, a widely consumed culinary and medicinal plant, has garnered significant scientific interest due to its broad-spectrum health benefits, particularly in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer. The anticancer and cardiovascular protective effects of garlic are closely linked through its capacity to modulate common physiological and pathological pathways, particularly those related to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. This review compiles evidence on garlic's dual cardioprotective and anticancer effects, which stem from its ability to simultaneously reduce cholesterol, improve vascular stiffness, and disrupt oncogenic processes such as tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Additionally, the review examines garlic's safety profile, the stability of its various processed forms (raw and aged), as well as its efficacy and regulatory status as a functional food. Finally, to fully elucidate garlic's therapeutic potential within the framework of precision medicine, biomarker-driven clinical trials are essential for the development of standardized formulations. Moreover, to enhance its therapeutic efficacy the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with garlic-based nanomedicine presents a promising frontier and advancing personalized treatment strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107152"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974516","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}
The immunomodulatory effects of yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 and Streptococcus thermophilus OLS3059 were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 140 healthy males and females. The participants ingested test yogurt or placebo daily for eight weeks. The yogurt group exhibited significantly increased CD86+ and CD80+ conventional dendritic cell (cDC) populations, CD40+ plasmacytoid DC (pDC) populations upon viral antigen stimulation, CD69 expression on CD4+ T cells, and salivary s-IgA levels compared to those in the placebo group. The onset of local (nausea) and systemic (fatigue, general malaise, and feeling somewhat unwell) cold-like symptoms was significantly reduced in the yogurt group compared to that in the placebo group. These results suggest that intake of yogurt fermented with OLL1073R-1 and OLS3059 enhances cDC and pDC activities and subsequently promotes CD4+ T cell activation and salivary s-IgA production, thereby contributing to health maintenance.
{"title":"Yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 and Streptococcus thermophilus OLS3059 enhances dendritic cell activity and reduces cold-like symptoms in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Shuyi Tang , Takehiro Yokoo , Takayuki Toshimitsu , Toshihiro Sashihara , Yoshitaka Iwama , Satoshi Hachimura , Kenichi Hojo","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107154","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107154","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The immunomodulatory effects of yogurt fermented with <em>Lactobacillus delbrueckii</em> ssp. <em>bulgaricus</em> OLL1073R-1 and <em>Streptococcus thermophilus</em> OLS3059 were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 140 healthy males and females. The participants ingested test yogurt or placebo daily for eight weeks. The yogurt group exhibited significantly increased CD86<sup>+</sup> and CD80<sup>+</sup> conventional dendritic cell (cDC) populations, CD40<sup>+</sup> plasmacytoid DC (pDC) populations upon viral antigen stimulation, CD69 expression on CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells, and salivary s-IgA levels compared to those in the placebo group. The onset of local (nausea) and systemic (fatigue, general malaise, and feeling somewhat unwell) cold-like symptoms was significantly reduced in the yogurt group compared to that in the placebo group. These results suggest that intake of yogurt fermented with OLL1073R-1 and OLS3059 enhances cDC and pDC activities and subsequently promotes CD4<sup>+</sup> T cell activation and salivary s-IgA production, thereby contributing to health maintenance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107154"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923606","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 : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107131
Tongxiao Luan , Song Hu , Weihong Nie , Jia Liu , Li Jia , Wei Yang , Shan Wang , Nina An , Zhenyu Liao , Xinru Wangqu , Yufei Li , Qiuxia Ji , Jing Zhou , Yongjun Mao
This study found that agarononaose (A9) exhibits the most significant anti-senescence effect on HL-1 cardiomyocytes among agarose-derived oligosaccharides. Meanwhile, we found that this feature appears to be associated with the mechanism of nutritional intervention dysregulation. Further investigation revealed that A9 improved a series of mitochondrial mechanisms, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial dynamics. Importantly, through mitochondrial transplantation experiments and OXPHOS inhibition, it was demonstrated that the enhancement of OXPHOS is a primary mechanism through which A9 ameliorates cellular senescence. Moreover, this bioactivity could be transferred to recipient cells via mitochondrial transplantation. This study identifies a natural marine oligosaccharide as a potential functional food and pharmaceutical agent for ameliorating cardiac cell senescence, and elucidates its key mechanisms. Furthermore, we propose a novel research approach based on mitochondrial transplantation for investigating drug interventions targeting mitochondrial function.
{"title":"Agarononaose from red algae delays cardiomyocyte aging by improving mitochondrial function via enhanced oxidative phosphorylation: A mitochondrial transplantation perspective","authors":"Tongxiao Luan , Song Hu , Weihong Nie , Jia Liu , Li Jia , Wei Yang , Shan Wang , Nina An , Zhenyu Liao , Xinru Wangqu , Yufei Li , Qiuxia Ji , Jing Zhou , Yongjun Mao","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study found that agarononaose (A9) exhibits the most significant anti-senescence effect on HL-1 cardiomyocytes among agarose-derived oligosaccharides. Meanwhile, we found that this feature appears to be associated with the mechanism of nutritional intervention dysregulation. Further investigation revealed that A9 improved a series of mitochondrial mechanisms, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR<sup>mt</sup>), mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial dynamics. Importantly, through mitochondrial transplantation experiments and OXPHOS inhibition, it was demonstrated that the enhancement of OXPHOS is a primary mechanism through which A9 ameliorates cellular senescence. Moreover, this bioactivity could be transferred to recipient cells via mitochondrial transplantation. This study identifies a natural marine oligosaccharide as a potential functional food and pharmaceutical agent for ameliorating cardiac cell senescence, and elucidates its key mechanisms. Furthermore, we propose a novel research approach based on mitochondrial transplantation for investigating drug interventions targeting mitochondrial function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107131"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923605","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 : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107141
Jing Wu , Yimin Shi , Yanyan Ke , Yaping Xu , Ta-Hui Lin , Jie Wang , Huaxiu Sui , Xue Yi
Silicosis remains a significant occupational health threat worldwide, affecting millions of workers in various industries. To better understand its underlying mechanisms and identify new intervention targets, the current study explores the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis. Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) has been found to be an important marker for SiO2-induced activation and phenotypic transformation of alveolar type II epithelial cells(ACE2). Moreover, the interaction between OC-STAMP and Moesin is important for regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recently, it has been found that a high-salt diet (HSD) may enhance antitumor immune responses and inhibit tumor EMT, achieving antitumor effects. To investigate the role of an HSD in silicosis fibrosis, we intervened with a diet containing 4 % NaCl in a rat model of silicosis to study its effects. The experimental results showed that the HSD slowed the progression of silicosis fibrosis. It was able to downregulate the expression of OC-STAMP, thereby inhibiting the ferroptosis of ACE2, which contributed to the attenuation of lung fibrosis. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, SiO2 induced ACE2 to produce excessive ROS, Fe2+, MDA, and HYP, which could be corrected by a HSD. In a SiO2-induced fibrosis model, high salt reverses ferroptosis and the fibrosis phenotype. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we screened for the OC-STAMP potential interacting protein Moesin, which acts together with OC-STAMP to regulate downstream ferroptosis. High salt downregulates OC-STAMP levels to inhibit fibrosis, which is involved in ferroptosis. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that high salt inhibits ferroptosis in epithelial cells and delays lung fibrosis by regulating OC-STAMP/Moesin interactions, offering insights into the pathogenesis of silicosis.
{"title":"The role of a high-salt diet in the modulation of silicosis","authors":"Jing Wu , Yimin Shi , Yanyan Ke , Yaping Xu , Ta-Hui Lin , Jie Wang , Huaxiu Sui , Xue Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Silicosis remains a significant occupational health threat worldwide, affecting millions of workers in various industries. To better understand its underlying mechanisms and identify new intervention targets, the current study explores the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis. Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) has been found to be an important marker for SiO<sub>2</sub>-induced activation and phenotypic transformation of alveolar type II epithelial cells(ACE2). Moreover, the interaction between OC-STAMP and Moesin is important for regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recently, it has been found that a high-salt diet (HSD) may enhance antitumor immune responses and inhibit tumor EMT, achieving antitumor effects. To investigate the role of an HSD in silicosis fibrosis, we intervened with a diet containing 4 % NaCl in a rat model of silicosis to study its effects. The experimental results showed that the HSD slowed the progression of silicosis fibrosis. It was able to downregulate the expression of OC-STAMP, thereby inhibiting the ferroptosis of ACE2, which contributed to the attenuation of lung fibrosis. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, SiO<sub>2</sub> induced ACE2 to produce excessive ROS, Fe<sup>2+</sup>, MDA, and HYP, which could be corrected by a HSD. In a SiO<sub>2</sub>-induced fibrosis model, high salt reverses ferroptosis and the fibrosis phenotype. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we screened for the OC-STAMP potential interacting protein Moesin, which acts together with OC-STAMP to regulate downstream ferroptosis. High salt downregulates OC-STAMP levels to inhibit fibrosis, which is involved in ferroptosis. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that high salt inhibits ferroptosis in epithelial cells and delays lung fibrosis by regulating OC-STAMP/Moesin interactions, offering insights into the pathogenesis of silicosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107141"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923593","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 : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2026.107153
Yutong Chen , Lijie Wang , Weichen Xia , Yiwen Tao , Shuangfeng Xiong , Xinge Lan , Yuxin He , Ling Li , Gang Fan
The genus Asparagus, comprising numerous species, holds significant value as a source of food, medicinal compounds and ornamental plants. Among the plants within this genus, Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. and Asparagus officinalis L., as classic species within the genus Asparagus, have been extensively studied for their nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. It is well known that these plants contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds, among which polysaccharides have emerged as high-value functional constituents due to their well-documented immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects. The current state of research on Asparagus polysaccharides has led to the establishment of standardized extraction methods, including hot-water, ultrasound-assisted, and enzyme-assisted techniques. However, there is currently a lack of systematic summary and comparison of the extraction methods for Asparagus polysaccharides. This deficiency likely hinders a deep understanding of their structure-activity relationships and further impedes the elucidation of the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive survey of research progress in Asparagus polysaccharides, encompassing extraction and purification methods, structural feature analysis, biological activity evaluation, and application development. The integration of extant preparation techniques, structural data, and pharmacology datasets facilitates the systematic exploration of structure-activity relationships, thereby supporting their therapeutic applications.
{"title":"Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of Asparagus polysaccharides","authors":"Yutong Chen , Lijie Wang , Weichen Xia , Yiwen Tao , Shuangfeng Xiong , Xinge Lan , Yuxin He , Ling Li , Gang Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Asparagus</em>, comprising numerous species, holds significant value as a source of food, medicinal compounds and ornamental plants. Among the plants within this genus<em>, Asparagus cochinchinensis</em> (Lour.) Merr. and <em>Asparagus officinalis</em> L., as classic species within the genus <em>Asparagus</em>, have been extensively studied for their nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. It is well known that these plants contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds, among which polysaccharides have emerged as high-value functional constituents due to their well-documented immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects. The current state of research on <em>Asparagus</em> polysaccharides has led to the establishment of standardized extraction methods, including hot-water, ultrasound-assisted, and enzyme-assisted techniques. However, there is currently a lack of systematic summary and comparison of the extraction methods for <em>Asparagus</em> polysaccharides<em>.</em> This deficiency likely hinders a deep understanding of their structure-activity relationships and further impedes the elucidation of the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive survey of research progress in <em>Asparagus</em> polysaccharides, encompassing extraction and purification methods, structural feature analysis, biological activity evaluation, and application development. The integration of extant preparation techniques, structural data, and pharmacology datasets facilitates the systematic exploration of structure-activity relationships, thereby supporting their therapeutic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107153"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923591","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}
Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes contributes to oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in liver injury. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of egg white protein hydrolysate (EWH) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats, diabetic and non-diabetic, received oral water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or EWH (300, 600, or 1200 mg/kg) for four weeks. STZ-induced diabetes significantly increased serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), while decreasing the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)). EWH treatment, particularly at 600 mg/kg, significantly decreased liver enzymes and MDA levels and restored antioxidant enzyme activities. Histological analysis revealed that EWH markedly improved liver architecture by reducing hepatocellular degeneration, inflammation, and bile duct proliferation. These results suggest that EWH has hepatoprotective effects, likely due to its antioxidant bioactive peptides, and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent against liver damage in diabetes.
{"title":"Protective role of egg white protein hydrolysate against streptozotocin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats","authors":"Rungrudee Srisawat , Naiyana Nontamart , Kusuma Ruamthum , Pongsak Cherngkhuntod , Parin Suwannaprapha , Ratsa Sripirom , Supawadee Khamphuech , Suphaket Seanthaweesuk , Nuntiya Somparn , Jirawat Yongsawatdigul , Atcharaporn Thaeomor","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107151","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107151","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes contributes to oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in liver injury. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of egg white protein hydrolysate (EWH) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats, diabetic and non-diabetic, received oral water, metformin (200 mg/kg), or EWH (300, 600, or 1200 mg/kg) for four weeks. STZ-induced diabetes significantly increased serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), while decreasing the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)). EWH treatment, particularly at 600 mg/kg, significantly decreased liver enzymes and MDA levels and restored antioxidant enzyme activities. Histological analysis revealed that EWH markedly improved liver architecture by reducing hepatocellular degeneration, inflammation, and bile duct proliferation. These results suggest that EWH has hepatoprotective effects, likely due to its antioxidant bioactive peptides, and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent against liver damage in diabetes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107151"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923592","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}
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