Foods resistant to upper gastrointestinal digestion may undergo fermentation by microbial populations within the large intestine, which can induce alterations in the microbial ecology and metabolites, and consequently have implications for host health. Synbiotics are dietary-driven approaches of targeting the microbiota to improve immune health. Here, we review the potential of seaweeds, and bacteria able to ferment them, to play a role in the development of next generation synbiotics. Brown seaweed bioactives, particularly polysaccharides, are fermented by the microbiota and may have prebiotic potential, although needs greater confirmation in vivo. Alginate, laminarin, and in some cases fucoidan, have shown to modify the microbiota, its metabolites, and immune system function in in vitro research. Selected species of Bacteroides ferment these polysaccharides and have been shown to exert immunomodulatory effects in animal models. Further research is now required in humans to determine whether combinations of these could offer synergistic benefits for health.
{"title":"Seaweed-derived bioactives: Gut microbiota targeted interventions for immune function","authors":"Holly Sedgwick , Glenn Gibson , Jessica Adams , Anisha Wijeyesekera","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106696","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106696","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Foods resistant to upper gastrointestinal digestion may undergo fermentation by microbial populations within the large intestine, which can induce alterations in the microbial ecology and metabolites, and consequently have implications for host health. Synbiotics are dietary-driven approaches of targeting the microbiota to improve immune health. Here, we review the potential of seaweeds, and bacteria able to ferment them, to play a role in the development of next generation synbiotics. Brown seaweed bioactives, particularly polysaccharides, are fermented by the microbiota and may have prebiotic potential, although needs greater confirmation <em>in vivo</em>. Alginate, laminarin, and in some cases fucoidan, have shown to modify the microbiota, its metabolites, and immune system function in <em>in vitro</em> research. Selected species of <em>Bacteroides</em> ferment these polysaccharides and have been shown to exert immunomodulatory effects in animal models. Further research is now required in humans to determine whether combinations of these could offer synergistic benefits for health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 106696"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.106662
Juqing Huang , Xiaohui Cai , Xiaoyan Liu , Gongti Lai , Xuefang Guan , Bingyan Chen , Qi Wang
This study evaluated the effects of L. fermentum B153 (derived from human colostrum) on intestinal immunity and gut microbiota in a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model. The results indicate that treatment with L. fermentum B153 significantly decreased the perirenal adipose index and increased the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) ratio in both the ileum and jejunum of obese mice. Intestinal inflammation induced by the high-fat diet was alleviated by L. fermentum B153, as evidenced by the upregulation of E-cadherin and IL-6 mRNA expression, alongside the downregulation of TNF-α mRNA expression. Furthermore, L. fermentum B153 significantly altered the gut microbiome composition of obese mice, characterized by a substantial increase in the relative abundance of the potentially beneficial genus Akkermansia and a notable decrease in the richness of potentially harmful bacteria (e.g., Lachnoclostridium, Romboutsia and Dubosiella). In conclusion, L. fermentum B153 positively modulated intestinal immunity and gut microbiota in obese mice.
{"title":"Lactobacillus fermentum B153 from human colostrum modulates intestinal immunity and gut microbiota in obese mice model","authors":"Juqing Huang , Xiaohui Cai , Xiaoyan Liu , Gongti Lai , Xuefang Guan , Bingyan Chen , Qi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effects of <em>L</em>. <em>fermentum</em> B153 (derived from human colostrum) on intestinal immunity and gut microbiota in a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model. The results indicate that treatment with <em>L</em>. <em>fermentum</em> B153 significantly decreased the perirenal adipose index and increased the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) ratio in both the ileum and jejunum of obese mice. Intestinal inflammation induced by the high-fat diet was alleviated by <em>L</em>. <em>fermentum</em> B153, as evidenced by the upregulation of E-cadherin and IL-6 mRNA expression, alongside the downregulation of TNF-α mRNA expression. Furthermore, <em>L. fermentum</em> B153 significantly altered the gut microbiome composition of obese mice, characterized by a substantial increase in the relative abundance of the potentially beneficial genus <em>Akkermansia</em> and a notable decrease in the richness of potentially harmful bacteria (e.g., <em>Lachnoclostridium</em>, <em>Romboutsia</em> and <em>Dubosiella</em>). In conclusion, <em>L. fermentum</em> B153 positively modulated intestinal immunity and gut microbiota in obese mice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 106662"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.106699
Sabrina Burattini , Federico Gianfanti , Francesco Onesimo , Sabrina Donati Zeppa , Barbara Canonico , Mariele Montanari , Giovanna Panza , Daniele Lopez , Giosuè Annibalini , Fabiana Fanelli , Roberta Saltarelli , Michele Mari , Michele Retini , Riham Osman , Aghna Mariam , Matteo Micucci , Giovanni Caprioli , Agnese Santanatoglia , Deborah Agostini , Michela Battistelli
Aging is a complex biological process influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise. This process not only leads to visible signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and elasticity loss, but also predisposes individuals to a spectrum of age-related diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key events driving this phenomenon. This study aims to delve into the antioxidative and protective potential of a rhizome extract from Curcuma caesia Roxb., a less explored species within the turmeric family, focusing on its effects on HaCaT cells subjected to UV radiation. Curcuma caesia Roxb. rhizome was extracted for a phytocomplex (CCRE). Through HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, the chemical analysis identified key phenolic compounds, including (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin B2, and p-coumaric acid. Human immortalized keratinocyte cell lines (HaCaT) were treated with CCRE in healthy and UVB-induced conditions to assess their impact on oxidative stress and aging. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in mitochondrial superoxide anion levels without affecting mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating enhanced cellular resilience to oxidative stress. Additionally, CCRE decreased UVB-induced IL-6 expression and IKK phosphorylation, which play a crucial role in inflammaging. Notably, CCRE treatment also improved cell viability upon UVB exposure and mitigated UVB-induced cell apoptosis, further underscoring its potential to preserve cellular integrity and function in relation to environmental stressors. CCRE chemical composition and biological effects position it as a potential ingredient for formulations and functional foods to combat the signs of skin aging and enhance overall skin health.
{"title":"Blue elixir of youth and wellness: The multicomponent-multitarget paradigm of Curcuma caesia Roxb","authors":"Sabrina Burattini , Federico Gianfanti , Francesco Onesimo , Sabrina Donati Zeppa , Barbara Canonico , Mariele Montanari , Giovanna Panza , Daniele Lopez , Giosuè Annibalini , Fabiana Fanelli , Roberta Saltarelli , Michele Mari , Michele Retini , Riham Osman , Aghna Mariam , Matteo Micucci , Giovanni Caprioli , Agnese Santanatoglia , Deborah Agostini , Michela Battistelli","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aging is a complex biological process influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise. This process not only leads to visible signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and elasticity loss, but also predisposes individuals to a spectrum of age-related diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key events driving this phenomenon. This study aims to delve into the antioxidative and protective potential of a rhizome extract from <em>Curcuma caesia</em> Roxb., a less explored species within the turmeric family, focusing on its effects on HaCaT cells subjected to UV radiation. <em>Curcuma caesia</em> Roxb. rhizome was extracted for a phytocomplex (CCRE). Through HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, the chemical analysis identified key phenolic compounds, including (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin B2, and p-coumaric acid. Human immortalized keratinocyte cell lines (HaCaT) were treated with CCRE in healthy and UVB-induced conditions to assess their impact on oxidative stress and aging. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in mitochondrial superoxide anion levels without affecting mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating enhanced cellular resilience to oxidative stress. Additionally, CCRE decreased UVB-induced IL-6 expression and IKK phosphorylation, which play a crucial role in inflammaging. Notably, CCRE treatment also improved cell viability upon UVB exposure and mitigated UVB-induced cell apoptosis, further underscoring its potential to preserve cellular integrity and function in relation to environmental stressors. CCRE chemical composition and biological effects position it as a potential ingredient for formulations and functional foods to combat the signs of skin aging and enhance overall skin health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 106699"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143182964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and peanuts, is known for diverse biological activities, yet its effects on dermal hyperpigmentation (so-called dark spots) remain unexplored. We investigated resveratrol's ability to enhance melanosomal degradation in human dermal fibroblasts. At concentrations of 25–50 μM, resveratrol increased autophagy as measured by microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I ratio and enhanced lysosomal activity as assessed by a lysosomal activity reporter system. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of lysosomal and autophagy-related genes, including cathepsins. Furthermore, reporter assays showed resveratrol's activation of antioxidant response via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-mediated, leading to upregulation of transcription factor EB/transcription factor E3 (TFEB/TFE3), master regulators of lysosomal function. In fibroblasts pre-loaded with melanosomes, resveratrol reduced melanosome content compared to control by day 3. The findings reveal the activation of interconnected autophagy, lysosomal, and antioxidant pathways by resveratrol, suggesting potential applications in functional foods targeting dermal hyperpigmentation.
{"title":"Resveratrol, a food-derived polyphenol, promotes Melanosomal degradation in skin fibroblasts through coordinated activation of autophagy, lysosomal, and antioxidant pathways","authors":"Saki Okamoto , Saya Kakimaru , Mayuko Koreishi , Mika Sakamoto , Yoshimasa Nakamura , Hideya Ando , Yoshio Tsujino , Ayano Satoh","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and peanuts, is known for diverse biological activities, yet its effects on dermal hyperpigmentation (so-called dark spots) remain unexplored. We investigated resveratrol's ability to enhance melanosomal degradation in human dermal fibroblasts. At concentrations of 25–50 μM, resveratrol increased autophagy as measured by microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I ratio and enhanced lysosomal activity as assessed by a lysosomal activity reporter system. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of lysosomal and autophagy-related genes, including cathepsins. Furthermore, reporter assays showed resveratrol's activation of antioxidant response via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-mediated, leading to upregulation of transcription factor EB/transcription factor E3 (TFEB/TFE3), master regulators of lysosomal function. In fibroblasts pre-loaded with melanosomes, resveratrol reduced melanosome content compared to control by day 3. The findings reveal the activation of interconnected autophagy, lysosomal, and antioxidant pathways by resveratrol, suggesting potential applications in functional foods targeting dermal hyperpigmentation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 106672"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.106664
Megan E. Waller , Alyssa Gutierrez , Taylor D. Ticer , Janiece S. Glover , John E. Baatz , Carol L. Wagner , Melinda A. Engevik , Katherine E. Chetta
Preterm infants have an immature intestinal environment featuring microbial dysbiosis. Human milk can improve the composition of the neonatal gut microbiome by supporting commensal species. Milk free fatty acids (FFAs) provide nutritional energy, participate in endogenous signaling, and exert antimicrobial effects. This study examined the growth of individual commensal and pathobiont microbes in response to unesterified unsaturated FFAs found in milk: oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acid. Select species of commensal and pathobiont genera (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, and Klebsiella) were cultured with FFAs. The growth of all commensals, except for L. johnsonii, was significantly inhibited by the highest concentration (1 %) of all FFAs. L. johnsonii was only inhibited by arachidonic acid. In contrast, suppression of pathobionts in response to FFAs was less pronounced. Higher concentrations (0.1 %, 1 %) of docosahexaenoic acid significantly inhibited the growth of five of eight pathobionts. Meanwhile, for oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acid, only two of eight pathobionts were significantly affected. Intriguingly, the effects for these FFAs were highly complex. For example, S. agalactiae growth was enhanced with 1 % oleic acid but suppressed at 0.01 %; however, the effects were directionally opposite for linoleic acid, i.e., suppressed at 1 % but enhanced at 0.01 %. Our genome analyses suggest that pathobiont survival may be related to the number of gene copies for fatty acid transporters. Overall, the effect of FFAs was dose-dependent and species-specific, where commensal growth was broadly inhibited while pathobionts were either unaffected or exhibited complex, bi-directional responses.
{"title":"Profiling the response of individual gut microbes to free fatty acids (FFAs) found in human milk","authors":"Megan E. Waller , Alyssa Gutierrez , Taylor D. Ticer , Janiece S. Glover , John E. Baatz , Carol L. Wagner , Melinda A. Engevik , Katherine E. Chetta","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Preterm infants have an immature intestinal environment featuring microbial dysbiosis. Human milk can improve the composition of the neonatal gut microbiome by supporting commensal species. Milk free fatty acids (FFAs) provide nutritional energy, participate in endogenous signaling, and exert antimicrobial effects. This study examined the growth of individual commensal and pathobiont microbes in response to unesterified unsaturated FFAs found in milk: oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acid. Select species of commensal and pathobiont genera (<em>Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus</em>, <em>Staphylococcus, Enterococcus</em>, <em>Acinetobacter</em>, <em>Pseudomonas</em>, <em>Escherichia</em>, and <em>Klebsiella)</em> were cultured with FFAs. The growth of all commensals, except for L. <em>johnsonii</em>, was significantly inhibited by the highest concentration (1 %) of all FFAs. <em>L. johnsonii</em> was only inhibited by arachidonic acid. In contrast, suppression of pathobionts in response to FFAs was less pronounced. Higher concentrations (0.1 %, 1 %) of docosahexaenoic acid significantly inhibited the growth of five of eight pathobionts. Meanwhile, for oleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acid, only two of eight pathobionts were significantly affected. Intriguingly, the effects for these FFAs were highly complex. For example, <em>S. agalactiae</em> growth was enhanced with 1 % oleic acid but suppressed at 0.01 %; however, the effects were directionally opposite for linoleic acid, <em>i.e.</em>, suppressed at 1 % but enhanced at 0.01 %. Our genome analyses suggest that pathobiont survival may be related to the number of gene copies for fatty acid transporters. Overall, the effect of FFAs was dose-dependent and species-specific, where commensal growth was broadly inhibited while pathobionts were either unaffected or exhibited complex, bi-directional responses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 106664"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.106677
Minghui Hao , Chungang Zhang
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Researchers have been investigating natural compounds as potential alternatives to traditional cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. One such compound is curcumin, which is derived from the rhizome of the turmeric plant. It possesses both edible and medicinal properties and has exhibited various biological activities that are beneficial for the treatment of gastric cancer. However, its clinical use is hindered by challenges such as poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms through which curcumin affects gastric cancer in both laboratory and animal studies, while also discussing effective strategies for enhancing its therapeutic application.
{"title":"Pre-clinical study of curcumin in the treatment of gastric Cancer","authors":"Minghui Hao , Chungang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Researchers have been investigating natural compounds as potential alternatives to traditional cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. One such compound is curcumin, which is derived from the rhizome of the turmeric plant. It possesses both edible and medicinal properties and has exhibited various biological activities that are beneficial for the treatment of gastric cancer. However, its clinical use is hindered by challenges such as poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms through which curcumin affects gastric cancer in both laboratory and animal studies, while also discussing effective strategies for enhancing its therapeutic application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"125 ","pages":"Article 106677"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143183076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2024.106644
Moxixuan Liu , Yuge Wang , Zhao Liu , Senxia Liu , Qian Yang , Bolin Li
Luteolin (Lut), a plant extract widely found in nature, has demonstrated extensive therapeutic potential across various diseases. In this study, Lut treatment mitigated dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal mucosal injury in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis (UC), which is associated with the activation of the Notch signalling pathway. Notably, colonic tissues exhibited reduced expression of Notch1, Notch2, RBPJ, MAML1, Hes1, Jagged1, and DLL4 following Lut administration. Additionally, our findings corroborate the hypothesis that miR-195-5p plays a critical role as a mediator in the negative feedback regulation of the Notch signalling pathway. In UC mice, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and decreased energy production were observed, but Lut treatment effectively enhanced the energy metabolism within colon tissues. Moreover, mitochondrial fission was elevated, and fusion was suppressed in the colons of UC mice. Lut administration significantly increased the expression of mitochondrial fusion factors MFN1 and MFN2, reduced the expression of mitochondrial fission factors Fis1 and Crmp1, and markedly improved mitochondrial morphology, change mitochondrial membrane potential. During the entire mice experiment, a dosage of 100 mg/kg/d of Lut demonstrated significant advantages over 50 mg/kg/d of Lut in the treatment of UC. Furthermore, in Caco-2 cells, Lut attenuated LPS-induced activation of the Notch signalling pathway, evidenced by the downregulation of Notch1, MAML1, Hes1, Jagged1, and DLL4. The inhibitory role of miR-195-5p on the Notch signalling pathway was further substantiated by miR-195-5p overexpression in Caco-2 cells. LPS treatment also induced increased mitochondrial fission and decreased fusion in Caco-2 cells, while Lut effectively restored the levels of mitochondrial fusion factors MFN1 and MFN2, lowered the levels of mitochondrial fission factors Fis1 and Crmp1, and improved mitochondrial viability. These results indicate that Lut may exert an inhibitory effect on the Notch signalling pathway via miR-195-5p, while its impact on mitochondrial dynamics and the preservation of mitochondrial morphology and function offers protection against UC-associated colonic damage and LPS-induced injury in Caco-2 cells.
{"title":"Luteolin improves mitochondrial dynamics and function in ulcerative colitis via the miR-195-5p/Notch signalling pathway","authors":"Moxixuan Liu , Yuge Wang , Zhao Liu , Senxia Liu , Qian Yang , Bolin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2024.106644","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2024.106644","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Luteolin (Lut), a plant extract widely found in nature, has demonstrated extensive therapeutic potential across various diseases. In this study, Lut treatment mitigated dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal mucosal injury in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis (UC), which is associated with the activation of the Notch signalling pathway. Notably, colonic tissues exhibited reduced expression of Notch1, Notch2, RBPJ, MAML1, Hes1, Jagged1, and DLL4 following Lut administration. Additionally, our findings corroborate the hypothesis that miR-195-5p plays a critical role as a mediator in the negative feedback regulation of the Notch signalling pathway. In UC mice, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and decreased energy production were observed, but Lut treatment effectively enhanced the energy metabolism within colon tissues. Moreover, mitochondrial fission was elevated, and fusion was suppressed in the colons of UC mice. Lut administration significantly increased the expression of mitochondrial fusion factors MFN1 and MFN2, reduced the expression of mitochondrial fission factors Fis1 and Crmp1, and markedly improved mitochondrial morphology, change mitochondrial membrane potential. During the entire mice experiment, a dosage of 100 mg/kg/d of Lut demonstrated significant advantages over 50 mg/kg/d of Lut in the treatment of UC. Furthermore, in Caco-2 cells, Lut attenuated LPS-induced activation of the Notch signalling pathway, evidenced by the downregulation of Notch1, MAML1, Hes1, Jagged1, and DLL4. The inhibitory role of miR-195-5p on the Notch signalling pathway was further substantiated by miR-195-5p overexpression in Caco-2 cells. LPS treatment also induced increased mitochondrial fission and decreased fusion in Caco-2 cells, while Lut effectively restored the levels of mitochondrial fusion factors MFN1 and MFN2, lowered the levels of mitochondrial fission factors Fis1 and Crmp1, and improved mitochondrial viability. These results indicate that Lut may exert an inhibitory effect on the Notch signalling pathway via miR-195-5p, while its impact on mitochondrial dynamics and the preservation of mitochondrial morphology and function offers protection against UC-associated colonic damage and LPS-induced injury in Caco-2 cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 106644"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143160140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.106659
Xi Lu , Wei Sang , Lei Pan
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a leading cause of diarrhea in infants and travelers. However, antibiotic treatment is challenged by growing resistance. This study investigated the potential of Enterococcus faecalis, an early colonizer of the infant gut, as a probiotic to combat ETEC. From 125 healthy infant feces, 54 E. faecalis strains were isolated and evaluated for safety and function. E. faecalis LX25 and LX39 showed significant inhibition of ETEC growth, virulence gene (eltA and stA) expression (P < 0.05) and disrupted biofilm formation. Notably, LX39's cell-free supernatant (CFS) increased reactive oxygen species in ETEC, leading to cellular damage. HPLC revealed the three most concentrated organic acids, lactic (10.31 mg/mL), acetic (1.72 mg/mL) and citric acids (1.58 mg/mL) in LX39's CFS, which exceeding or approaching the MIC for ETEC. These findings indicate that E. faecalis LX39 could serve as effective probiotics candidates to inhibit ETEC, highlighting their potential in managing intestinal pathogen infection.
{"title":"Antimicrobial potential and mechanism of infant feces-derived Enterococcus faecalis in inhibiting Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli","authors":"Xi Lu , Wei Sang , Lei Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.106659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Enterotoxigenic <em>Escherichia coli</em> (ETEC) is a leading cause of diarrhea in infants and travelers. However, antibiotic treatment is challenged by growing resistance. This study investigated the potential of <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em>, an early colonizer of the infant gut, as a probiotic to combat ETEC. From 125 healthy infant feces, 54 <em>E. faecalis</em> strains were isolated and evaluated for safety and function. <em>E. faecalis</em> LX25 and LX39 showed significant inhibition of ETEC growth, virulence gene (<em>eltA</em> and <em>stA</em>) expression (<em>P</em> < 0.05) and disrupted biofilm formation. Notably, LX39's cell-free supernatant (CFS) increased reactive oxygen species in ETEC, leading to cellular damage. HPLC revealed the three most concentrated organic acids, lactic (10.31 mg/mL), acetic (1.72 mg/mL) and citric acids (1.58 mg/mL) in LX39's CFS, which exceeding or approaching the MIC for ETEC. These findings indicate that <em>E. faecalis</em> LX39 could serve as effective probiotics candidates to inhibit ETEC, highlighting their potential in managing intestinal pathogen infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 106659"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143160781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2024.106650
Xiaofeng Liu , Zhiyuan Zhou , Xiaoqin Lu , Hao Zhong , Rongjun He , Ziwei Feng , Rongfa Guan
Quercetin is a flavonol that is widely distributed in plants. Although quercetin has good antioxidant activity, the exact mechanism is still unclear in intestinal cell model. In this study, a 3D Caco-2 cell model was constructed. An oxidative damage model was then established. Compared with 2D cell models, 3D cell models are more similar to the in vivo microenvironment and more sensitive to external stimuli. Quercetin and its nanoliposomes significantly increased intracellular SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activity and the T-AOC, and reduced ROS, IL-8 and MDA levels to exert antioxidant effects (P < 0.05). Moreover, the antioxidant effect of the quercetin nanoliposomes was superior to that of quercetin. Quercetin nanoliposomes can regulate the oxidative genes HO-1, Keap1, and Nrf2, activating downstream antioxidant enzymes and upregulating GST, NQO1, and Keap1 protein expression. Quercetin nanoliposomes protect cells from oxidative stress through the Nrf2 pathway.
{"title":"Protective mechanism of quercetin nanoliposomes on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in 3D Caco-2 cell model","authors":"Xiaofeng Liu , Zhiyuan Zhou , Xiaoqin Lu , Hao Zhong , Rongjun He , Ziwei Feng , Rongfa Guan","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2024.106650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2024.106650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quercetin is a flavonol that is widely distributed in plants. Although quercetin has good antioxidant activity, the exact mechanism is still unclear in intestinal cell model. In this study, a 3D Caco-2 cell model was constructed. An oxidative damage model was then established. Compared with 2D cell models, 3D cell models are more similar to the <em>in vivo</em> microenvironment and more sensitive to external stimuli. Quercetin and its nanoliposomes significantly increased intracellular SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activity and the T-AOC, and reduced ROS, IL-8 and MDA levels to exert antioxidant effects (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Moreover, the antioxidant effect of the quercetin nanoliposomes was superior to that of quercetin. Quercetin nanoliposomes can regulate the oxidative genes HO-1, Keap1, and Nrf2, activating downstream antioxidant enzymes and upregulating GST, NQO1, and Keap1 protein expression. Quercetin nanoliposomes protect cells from oxidative stress through the Nrf2 pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 106650"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143160149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Resistant starches (RS) are non-digestible, low molecular weight polysaccharides that, when consumed, act as prebiotics and provide multiple physiological benefits. Colonic fermentation of RS can yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have therapeutic potential against metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, overweight, and hypertension. Underutilized fruits have shown remarkable potential as sources of RS that can be fermented into SCFAs. This review explores the possibility of various underutilized tropical fruits as sources of RS and their prospective uses in producing SCFAs. The factors influencing the yield of SCFAs and the pathways and mechanisms of colonic fermentation are also assessed. The physiological benefits of RS-derived SCFAs are also reviewed. Exploiting the under-utilized fruit starches in the production of SCFAs will add value to natural resources and offer various physiological benefits to protect consumers' health.
{"title":"Unlocking the potential of resistant starches from underutilized tropical fruits as substrates for fermentation into short-chain fatty acids","authors":"Stellamaris Kembabazi , Martin Mutambuka , Radhiah Shukri , Farooq Anwar , Norhasnida Zawawi","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2024.106630","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2024.106630","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Resistant starches (RS) are non-digestible, low molecular weight polysaccharides that, when consumed, act as prebiotics and provide multiple physiological benefits. Colonic fermentation of RS can yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have therapeutic potential against metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, overweight, and hypertension. Underutilized fruits have shown remarkable potential as sources of RS that can be fermented into SCFAs. This review explores the possibility of various underutilized tropical fruits as sources of RS and their prospective uses in producing SCFAs. The factors influencing the yield of SCFAs and the pathways and mechanisms of colonic fermentation are also assessed. The physiological benefits of RS-derived SCFAs are also reviewed. Exploiting the under-utilized fruit starches in the production of SCFAs will add value to natural resources and offer various physiological benefits to protect consumers' health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"124 ","pages":"Article 106630"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143160230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","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