Food frontiers最新文献

Protein is a versatile polymer with diverse nutritional and technological functionalities that are important for human health. Traditional protein sources are being evaluated for the sustainability of their production and the health consequences associated with their consumption. Color coding of nutrients and ingredients in foods has been in practice but limited only to those with adverse health implications. As the understanding of the proteins' sources increases, it is becoming evident that there will be a shifting trend in the demands for proteins from different conventional sources. It might be helpful to strategically harmonize and manage the terms used among consumers and the industry pertaining to protein supplies. To improve public awareness of the environmental and health impacts of traditional protein sources, it is suggested that colors are used for the major classes. It is proposed that green, red, and blue are used respectively for proteins from plants, land animals, and fisheries plus aquaculture. It is also important to capture novel proteins from nonconventional sources. It is suggested that new proteins from nontraditional sources color coded as gray until their health and environmental impacts are well understood and categorized in the other colors. Proteins with great supply potential but having concerns of either or both environmental or health impacts or limited acceptability are labeled yellow until the concerns are addressed and reclassification is made. It is believed that the proposed classification and color coding helps to increase public awareness and harmonize the market, industry, and research interests and understanding.

Acrolein (ACR) is a highly toxic agent that induces lung inflammation and causes acute lung injury (ALI). However, effective treatments for ACR-induced ALI are currently lacking. We investigated the protective effects of kaempferol (Kae) against ACR-induced ALI using in vitro (HBE and BEAS-2B cells) and in vivo murine models (male C57BL/6 mice). Molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), immunoprecipitation, and ubiquitination assays were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In vitro, Kae (30 µM) significantly reversed ACR (30 µM)-induced cytotoxicity, restoring cell viability to control levels, and reduced LDH release by 48.3% and 41.7%, respectively, in the two cell lines. Kae suppressed ACR-triggered ROS generation by approximately 66%, apoptosis from 50.96% to 18.3% in BEAS-2B cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2). In vivo, Kae pre-treatment (30 mg/kg) attenuated ACR (10 mg/kg)-induced ALI, reducing histopathological lung injury score by 62.5%, decreasing TNF-α and IL-1β levels by 54.2% and 49.7%, respectively, and inhibiting NF-κB activation. Mechanistically, Kae binds to the FHA domain of Peli2 and promotes its ubiquitination and degradation, resulting in the disruption of the Peli2-NLRP3 interaction and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our findings confirm that Peli2 is a novel therapeutic target for ALI, and Kae is a promising candidate for treating ACR-induced ALI.

Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa NZ) is a high-income country with significant environmental impacts and health consequences associated with its food system. These impacts can be partially addressed by enabling dietary transitions to healthy and sustainable diets. The EAT-Lancet Commission proposed an internationally relevant, reference diet to promote planetary health. We worked with stakeholders/contributors to identify policy actions to support transitioning New Zealanders to healthy sustainable diets. These policies were examined according to the World Cancer Research Fund, NOURISHING and High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) on Food Security and Nutrition Food System frameworks. Semi-structured interviews (13) and focus groups (6) were conducted with contributors from rural and urban tangata whenua communities, farmers, government agencies, industry, and academics. All interviews and focus groups were transcribed using Otter.ai and reviewed by the research team. Thematic analysis was used to identify policies from the transcripts. A total of 111 policies were suggested across the NOURISHING framework domains: 11 (10%) in behavior change communication, 35 (31%) in the food environment, and 65 (59%) addressing the food system. Contributors spoke of behavior change communication policies of education, awareness campaigns, and workshops such as cooking classes. Food environment policies targeted food retail, local food environments, and government standards and regulations including food taxes and subsidies. Policies in the food system area looked at food waste, supporting local food production and government structures and support. This paper identifies new policies that advocate for planetary health and a need for further research and support for existing policies in Aotearoa NZ.

Torreya grandis, an economically important nut tree, exhibits significant tissue-specific aroma profiles, yet the distribution and sensory contributions of its key aroma-active components remain unclear. This study employed a multimodal analytical approach to systematically characterize the aromatic profiles of different T. grandis tissues. GC–electric–nose analysis revealed significant tissue clustering, with arils exhibiting the most distinct profile. Quantitative GC–MS analysis identified 80 volatiles, with terpenes as major form at 86%–98.87% of total volatiles. Subsequent quantification showed that the highest concentration was detected in arils, followed by stems, leaves, kernels, and roots. GC–olfactometry coupled with odor activity value analysis identified 17, 17, 17, 12, and 5 key aroma-active compounds in arils, stems, leaves, roots, and kernels, respectively. Additionally, partial least squares and variable importance in the projection analysis screened six potential marker volatiles for tissue discrimination: myrtenol (significant positive correlations with earthy, bitter, woody, and pungent notes, root-specific), α-pinene and β-myrcene (pine-like and citrus notes), 1-octen-3-ol (dominant green attribute), (E)-β-ocimene (sweet note and stem-specific), and D-limonene (pine-like, citrus, and green notes, universally present across tissues). This study deciphered the complex relationship between aroma sensory attributes and volatile components across different tissues of T. grandis, providing scientific guidance for nut quality improvement and valorization of underutilized byproducts through targeted aroma engineering.

Heat stress, driven by rising global temperatures and intensified by climate change, impairs mammary function by triggering oxidative damage and ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death associated with lipid peroxidation. In this study, we combined in vitro HC11 mammary epithelial cell assays with an in vivo mouse model to define how heat stress activates ferroptosis and disrupts milk synthesis. Heat exposure reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and iron accumulation, and altered key ferroptosis markers, leading to suppressed lipid droplet formation, triglyceride content, and mTORC1-driven protein synthesis. Direct induction of ferroptosis with RSL3 recapitulated these defects, confirming its central role in heat-induced dysfunction. We next evaluated two dietary antioxidants, vitamin E and sodium selenite, both individually and in combination. Each nutrient individually restored redox balance, normalized ferroptosis markers, and rescued milk lipid and protein production in both models. Critically, co-administration of vitamin E with sodium selenite produced the greatest benefit, reversing oxidative stress, ferroptotic signaling, and functional impairment to near-control levels. These results highlight ferroptosis as a key mediator of heat stress-induced cellular injury in mammary tissue and demonstrate that combined vitamin E and selenium supplementation exerts a synergistic protective effect.

A novel composite fluorescent hydrogel composed of copper-doped zinc sulfide quantum dots (Cu:ZnS QDs) was embedded in sodium alginate (SA). Fluorescence sensors were constructed on the basis of fluorescent hydrogels for nondestructive visual detection and efficient removal of Pb(II) from beverages. A seamless process for Pb(II) detection and removal was established by integrating the hydrogel into a self-designed accessory device for automated cyclic operation. In each automated cycle, the Cu:ZnS QD-SA hydrogel was introduced to the sample solution using an accessory device. Upon interaction with Pb(II) ions facilitated by Ca(II), the hydrogel underwent solidification, effectively binding to Pb(II) through a combination of chemisorption and physical adsorption. The resultant hydrogel beads were subsequently removed and analyzed under ultraviolet light, where the Pb(II)-induced aggregation of the Cu:ZnS QDs led to a fluorescence quenching effect. This phenomenon enabled visual detection on the basis of the linear correlation between the fluorescence luminance ratio and Pb(II) concentration in the range of 0.1–60 mg/kg. The methodology has been validated through applications in complex real-world samples, achieving recovery rates between 92.15% and 100.28%, with a removal efficiency exceeding 99.62% after manifold cycles. The proposed approach underscores benefits, such as high efficiency, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, automation, and convenience, and presents a promising way to monitor and mitigate excessive heavy metal contamination in liquid foods.

Phytosterol (PS) esters are natural bioactive compounds with various physiological functions, such as reducing cholesterol levels and protecting cardiovascular health. In the present study, a novel method for identifying and screening phytosterol esters (PSEs) was developed by ultrahigh–performance liquid chromatography coupled with high–resolution mass spectrometry. First, the structural characteristics, mass spectrometry behaviors, and fragmentation rules of PSEs were investigated and summarized. An in–house theoretical database was then established. The database contained 1,176 PSEs, including their chemical formulas, exact molecular masses, protonated forms, accurate masses of precursor ions, and characteristic fragment ions. A nontargeted screening workflow was then developed to identify unknown PSEs and distinguish isomers with different fatty acid acyl chain lengths based on precursor ions and characteristic fragments. To validate the applicability of the method, the most effective extraction method (Matyash) for PSEs was determined, and this nontargeted screening was applied to 23 types of oilseeds and oils from China. Ultimately, 12 PSEs were identified, and their compositional characteristics in these samples were analyzed. This innovative approach not only advances the analytical techniques for PSEs in oilseeds and oils but also lays a foundation for future research on the nutritional profiling of various food substrates, potentially facilitating the development of functional foods aimed at enhancing human health.

The use of oxytetracycline (OTC) in aquaculture is crucial for fish health and disease prevention, but it might accumulate in humans through the food chain, potentially affecting neural tissues and ultimately inducing anxiety-like behaviors. This study assessed the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei (LPSP) in reversing OTC-induced anxiety-like behaviors through the gut–brain axis in zebrafish model. By novel tank diving test and the light/dark preference test, LPSP could inhibit exacerbated thigmotaxis and scototaxis behavior of zebrafish induced by OTC. Brain metabolomics revealed that LPSP supplement ameliorated the OTC-induced suppression of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism and further elevated brain neurotransmitter levels. In addition, intestinal 16S rRNA analysis showed that LPSP helped to restore the richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota reduced by OTC. It could mitigate the increase in Proteobacteria abundance induced by OTC. Besides, the LPSP supplement was beneficial for increasing the relative abundance of native Firmicutes in the intestinal microbiota of zebrafish, including Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris. According to the correlation network analysis, the increased abundance of the species was largely correlated with the restoration of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in brain tissue.

Marine algae are rich sources of essential bioactive compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. These compounds exhibit various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Their properties make algal bioactive compounds valuable for enhancing nutritional value, improving texture, and serving as natural preservatives in the food industry. These chemicals are used in farming as biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biopesticides. They enhance soil fertility and promote increased crop productivity. Integrating nanotechnology into algal applications further enhances the efficacy and delivery of these compounds. However, safety and regulatory compliance challenges—such as heavy metal contamination and potential allergic reactions—pose risks to consumer health. Additionally, the grassy taste and fishy odor associated with marine algae can limit consumer acceptance. Despite these challenges, algal biomass provides sustainable solutions for low-carbon agriculture through carbon sequestration and recycling, supporting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. This review looks at the main biomolecular compounds from marine algae and how they are used in food and agriculture. It also talks about the safety, regulatory, and consumer acceptance issues associated with these compounds, as well as possible future directions and innovations.

Our previous research has shown that maternal dietary 40 mg/kg isoflavone-S (ISO-S) improves sow reproductive and offspring growth during late gestation and lactation. However, the mechanism by which maternal ISO-S improves intestinal homeostasis in offspring remains unknown.

The results showed that maternal ISO-S reduced the depth of the jejunal crypt and increased the villous height to crypt depth ratio in both the ileum and jejunum of the offspring. Furthermore, we found that maternal ISO-S increased the levels of T-SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in the jejunum, as well as the levels of T-SOD and CAT in the ileum, and the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 mRNA in the offspring's jejunum. Metabolomics analysis identified 56 differentially expressed metabolites in colostrum, with significant changes observed in antioxidant metabolites. Further in vitro studies showed that ISO-S decreased ROS levels in PMECs under 4-HNE-induced oxidative stress. ISO-S increased the mRNA expression of VADC1 and Atg5 and the protein expression of mitophagy-related genes. Maternal ISO-S not only enhanced SIgA production and mRNA expression of SIgA-related factors in the offspring jejunum, but also affected the gut microbiota composition of the offspring piglets. The relative abundance of the Tenericutes (phylum) and the Bradymonadales (order) was significantly increased.

In conclusion, the results indicate that supplementing sows with ISO-S during late gestation and lactation helps improve offspring intestinal health, likely due to its enhancement of antioxidant enzymes, antioxidant metabolites, and immunoglobulins in colostrum. Furthermore, ISO-S alleviates 4-HNE-induced oxidative stress in mammary epithelial cells by promoting mitophagy.