Food frontiers最新文献

The association between plasma fatty acid profiles and dementia risk remains debatable, with additional complexity introduced by genetic susceptibility and serum biomarkers. Multivariable-adjusted Cox models were conducted to assess hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of dementia. The influences of APOE gene and dementia genetic risk score were investigated by nutrition–genetic interaction analyses. Mediation analyses were performed to assess the role of serum biomarkers. Among 117,884 UK Biobank participants, 1785 cases of dementia emerged after an average follow-up duration of 11.7 years. The highest quartiles of plasma concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were associated with 29% and 28% reduced risk of dementia, respectively. Plasma linolenic acid (LA) and non-docosahexaenoic acid (non-DHA) n-3 PUFAs were also found to be inversely associated with dementia risk, while plasma saturated fatty acids, non-LA n-6 PUFAs, and DHA were not. Among White ethnicity individuals, the protective role of MUFAs was more pronounced in high APOE risk individuals, whereas the influence of PUFAs was marginally stronger in low APOE risk individuals. Non-LA n-6 PUFAs were found to be associated with elevated risk of dementia among White ethnicity individuals with low dementia genetic risk score. Serum triglyceride, glucose, and HbA1c partially mediated these associations. Our research underscores the importance of improving plasma fatty acid profiles based on individual genetic background to effectively prevent dementia.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) exhibits profound metabolic dysregulation, yet the spatial organization and posttranslational control of pathogenic pathways remain poorly understood. This study integrates high-resolution MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and acetylproteomics to unveil purine-acetylation crosstalk in DN progression. Our spatial metabolomics approach revealed zonation-specific accumulation of purine metabolites in diabetic kidneys, with distinct distribution patterns across cortical and medullary regions. Parallel acetylproteomic analysis identified 65 lysine acetylation sites, with Gna13-K363 emerging as a critical regulatory node, showing marked downregulation in db/db mice. Astragaloside IV (ASIV), a bioactive compound from Astragalus membranaceus, restored Gna13 acetylation and normalized purine metabolite distributions. Multi-platform validation across human DN sera, diabetic mouse tissues, and MPC-5 cells demonstrated strong correlations between purine metabolites and clinical indicators, highlighting Gna13 acetylation status as a determinant of purine-mediated renal injury. ASIV's therapeutic efficacy was linked to Gna13-driven purine metabolic reprogramming, offering a novel metabolite-guided acetylation therapy for DN. This study provides the spatial visualization of purine metabolic zonation in DN, proposing region-specific metabolic therapy and establishing Gna13-K363 as a promising therapeutic target. Our findings bridge food-derived bioactive compounds with precision medicine, advancing dietary interventions for metabolic disorders.

Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (PCP-80%) is one of the major active ingredients in Polygonatum cyrtonema. By establishing the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model and applying multi-omics analysis, the present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of PCP-80% to alleviate T2DM in terms of the interactions between intestinal microbiota and their metabolites. The results suggested that PCP-80% effectively improve the blood glucose and lipids levels, enhance intestinal barrier function. In addition, PCP-80% restored gut microbiota disorders, increased the secretion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and enhanced bile acid (BA)-converting enzyme-rich microbiota abundance. Furthermore, PCP-80% intervention significantly ameliorated BA dysmetabolism while enhancing metabolic homeostasis in T2DM rats. These changes activated the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR), triggering fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) secretion to ameliorate T2DM-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and glucose/lipid dysregulation. Mechanistically, PCP-80% exerted therapeutic effects through a microbiota-bile acid crosstalk axis, wherein gut microbiota remodeling enhanced bile acid metabolism and amplified TGR5/FXR-FGF15 signaling, ultimately restoring metabolic homeostasis in T2DM rats.

Microplastics (MPs, 1 µm to 5 mm in length) and nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) have been ubiquitously detected across marine, terrestrial, freshwater, and atmospheric systems (Thompson et al. 2004). These MNP particles are derived from small plastic pellets manufactured for specific applications, as well as from the weathering, degradation, and fragmentation of larger plastic products within the environment (Huang et al. 2025). Under such alarming circumstances, these agents are transitioning from environmental reservoirs into the human body via ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure. Indeed, their presence has been detected in human blood, lungs, liver, placenta, breastmilk, and bone marrow. The global average weekly intake of plastic particles is about 2000 items per person, corresponding to ∼5 g (Bao et al. 2025). At present, ingestion and inhalation remain the two primary exposure pathways. Recently, it is estimated that up to 5.1 × 10³ and 4.1 × 10⁴ items are consumed by an adult from table salts and drinking water annually, along with an MP inhalation intake ranging from 0.9 × 10⁴ to 7.9 × 10⁴ items (P. F. Wu et al. 2022). In the past two decades, growing evidence suggests that MNPs are posing significant toxicological effects across a diverse array of living organisms, including plants, animals, plankton, and microorganisms.

Foodborne MNPs (0.2 mg/kg in mice, equivalent to an estimated human dose of 1.2 mg/day, once a day for 6 weeks) can potentially affect the “gut microbiota–gut–liver” axis and induce hepatoxicity, while airborne MNPs (0.03 mg/kg in mice, once every 3 days for 6 weeks) may disrupt the “airway microbiota–lung–liver” axis and elicit system toxicity (Zha et al. 2024). Injuries across different organ types, encompassing neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity can be continuously triggered by MNPs, resulting in accelerated aging, functional deficits, and systemic organ damage (Moon et al. 2024). Although 12 µg/mL MPs have been detected in human blood, cellular obstruction within the cerebral vasculature has been noted with MP concentrations as low as 5 µg/mL. Notably, these circulating MPs indirectly disrupt tissue function by regulating cellular obstruction and compromising local blood circulation, leading to reduced blood flow and neurological abnormalities (Huang et al. 2025). Even biodegradable polylactic acid plastics (200 mg/kg in mice) can be degraded by gut microbiota via the secretion of esterase FrsA and subsequently incorporated into the succinate pathway of the tricarboxylic acid cycle within gut epithelial cells. These events ultimately result in reduced food intake, impaired intestinal barrier, and increased intestinal permeability (Bao et al. 2025). Besides exposure concentration, particle size is also a

Alcoholic fermentation is an exothermic process where temperature plays a crucial role in controlling the fermentation dynamics and the quality of the final product in wineries. Temperature regimes are typically predefined, with low-temperature isothermal programs (ranging from 12°C to 18°C) being employed to produce white and rosé wines. These conditions foster the development and preservation of volatile compounds, but they also result in extended fermentation durations, an increased risk of fermentation interruption, and significant energy consumption. Thus, using non-isothermal temperature programs that promote yeast growth, shorten the fermentation duration, and do not compromise product quality is a relevant strategy to use in view of limiting electricity consumption. In this study, we explored the effects of different temperature programs on fermentation kinetics, metabolite production, and volatile compound profiles across nine commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains in synthetic media with varying sugar concentrations. We incorporated an intuition-driven, time-varying temperature profile (TVAR), initiating at an elevated temperature to accelerate fermentation and subsequently decreasing to enhance volatile compound production. Compared to static temperatures (12°C, 18°C, and 25°C), the TVAR program accelerated fermentation, particularly in low-sugar media, while maintaining or improving levels of volatile compounds. We found that the TVAR program enhanced the synthesis of acetate esters, ethyl hexanoate, and ethyl acetate while reducing acetate levels. Strain-specific responses and sugar content influenced results, highlighting the multiparametric nature of fermentation control and the need for precise temperature management in industrial applications. This work provides valuable data for developing automated tools to optimize fermentation in the wine industry.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, progressive intestinal disorder. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is strongly implicated in the onset and progression of IBD. Microbiome-based interventions offer promising therapeutic potential. Lacidophilin tablets (LP), a postbiotic formulation derived from the fermentation of Lactobacillus acidophilus in milk, effectively modulate the gut microbiota. However, the specific anti-colitis effects of LP and the mechanisms through which the gut microbiota mediates these beneficial effects remain unclear. In this study, we employed a DSS-induced colitis mouse model and utilized 16S rRNA microbiome analysis, metabolomics, and colon organoid functional assays to assess the therapeutic potential of LP. Our findings indicate that LP significantly ameliorates colitis symptoms by enhancing gut microbiota diversity and promoting the colonization of Ruminococcus. Notably, LP enhances the production of the microbial metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), which activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) in Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells, inhibiting ferroptosis and promoting epithelial regeneration. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of LP in IBD by modulating the gut microbiota and identifying 5-HIAA as a pivotal mediator in maintaining epithelial integrity. These findings provide foundational insights for the future development of microbiome-inspired treatments for IBD.

Otitis media (OM), a common infection of the middle ear, remains a leading cause of preventable hearing loss globally. Chronic inflammation underpins its pathophysiology, driving persistent mucosal damage and complications such as cholesteatoma. Key inflammatory mediators contribute to sustained neutrophilic infiltration and mucosal thickening, making them attractive therapeutic targets. Flavonoids, a diverse group of hydroxylated polyphenols with established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have shown efficacy in a range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegeneration. However, their potential role in modulating inflammation in OM has not been systematically explored. Here, we conducted a systematic review of rodent models of OM treated with flavonoids, adhering to PRISMA guidelines and searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and CINAHL Complete. Outcomes included serum and mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and VEGF, as well as neutrophil counts and mucosal thickness. Across studies, flavonoid treatment was associated with downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers, reduced neutrophilic infiltration, and attenuation of mucosal thickening. These findings highlight the potential of flavonoids as adjunctive agents in OM, warranting further investigation into their mechanistic pathways and translational relevance.

This paper assessed the feasibility of replacing palm shortening with a novel sustainable ingredient composed of rapeseed oil, linseed meal, and beta-glucan (PALM-ALT) in hard-texture bakery products (biscuit and oatcake). There is currently no palm shortening alternative that is functional, sustainable, nutritionally-balanced, and competitive. The PALM-ALT ingredient was characterized by oil droplet size distribution, rheology, confocal microscopy, and scanning-electron microscopy, whilst the biscuits and oatcakes were profiled by sensory, texturometry, colorimetry, water activity, and moisture analyses. The PALM-ALT ingredient exhibited a stable emulsion-gel structure (32 µm oil droplet size, 62 Pa.s viscosity, 40 Pa yield stress). Linseed proteins contributed to the formation and stabilization of oil droplets, whilst linseed mucilage, oat beta-glucan, and aggregates of linseed proteins and/or beta-glucan (observed in the continuous phase) further stabilized the emulsion. Three formulations were prepared with either palm shortening, rapeseed oil, or PALM-ALT. PALM-ALT biscuits and oatcakes respectively showed an 86% and 75% saturated fat reduction in comparison with their palm-based control product. PALM-ALT products displayed similar sensory and instrumental profiles to their palm-based controls, whereas rapeseed oil formulations exhibited significantly different color, odor, and texture profiles than the controls (p < 0.05). Rapeseed oil biscuits showed a lower overall sensory quality than their palm-based control, whilst PALM-ALT oatcakes displayed a higher acceptability than the control and rapeseed oil products (p < 0.05). This study showed that PALM-ALT was able to replace palm shortening in hard-texture bakery formulations with maintenance of their sensory profiles, whilst providing nutritional and sustainability benefits.

Given the growing evidence that soy may exhibit estrogenic effects in males under certain conditions, it was essential to conduct a comprehensive study to elucidate this. This dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to investigate the effects of soy and its products on male sex hormones. We systematically searched multiple databases up to September 2024. Overall estimates were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and the I-squared statistic. A one-stage dose–response meta-analysis was conducted utilizing restricted maximum likelihood estimation, taking into account the dosage of soy isoflavones. The risk of bias assessment and the certainty of evidence were evaluated using the cochrane risk of bias version 2.0 tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach, respectively. A nonlinear dose–response relationship was observed between soy isoflavones and levels of estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Estradiol levels increased by ∼6.5 pg/mL when the soy isoflavone dosage was 72.2 mg/day higher than the reference dose (0 mg/day). Additionally, SHBG levels rose to ∼9 nmol/L when the soy isoflavone dosage was 120 mg/day above the reference dose (p-nonlinearity < 0.001 for both). Subgroup analysis suggested that the study design, duration, and the use of adjuvant interventions alongside exercise may contribute to the heterogeneity observed in estradiol analyses. A nonlinear dose–response relationship was observed between soy and levels of estradiol and SHBG. The limited number of studies included may restrict the generalizability of our findings.

Background: Switching to potassium-enriched salt in food manufacturing and preparation is expected to lower blood pressure and improve stroke and cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, it is not well understood how the Australian salt supply chain would support increased use of potassium-enriched salt.

Objective: To explore food industry insights and perspectives on (1) how the salt supply chain operates in Australia and (2) technical considerations for switching to potassium-enriched salt in food manufacturing and preparation.

Methods: Twelve interviews with food industry stakeholders (including food, salt, and potassium-salt manufacturers) were conducted between March and July 2023, transcribed, and thematically analysed using a template analysis method in NVivo.

Results: The regular sodium chloride salt supply chain in Australia was described as well-established, relatively simple, and mostly local, whereas the potassium-enriched salt supply chain was less established, separate from the sodium chloride supply chain, and reliant on imported ingredients. Most stakeholders, except potassium-enriched salt manufacturers, perceived cost, taste, and functionality as barriers to increased uptake of potassium-enriched salt as a food ingredient. Potential enablers included strengthening the potassium-enriched salt supply chain in Australia to withstand international changes, research and development, and retail promotion of potassium-enriched salt.

Conclusions: Opportunities exist to strengthen food industry support for switching to potassium-enriched salt in Australia. Addressing feasibility and acceptability concerns through coordinated support from other sectors, along with incentives for industry adoption, is required. Industry uptake of potassium-enriched salt use in packaged food is essential to realising the full potential of this promising public health strategy.