Search Results (1,570)

The global expansion of tree plantations has led to extensive fragmentation of natural forests, posing significant challenges for biodiversity conservation. Understanding the diversity patterns and underlying mechanisms of ground-dwelling insects in these fragmented landscapes is critical to inform effective conservation strategies. To address this, we sampled ground-dwelling insects using pitfall traps across nine remnant natural forest fragments (“islands”) embedded within a tree plantation matrix in Guangxi, China. We examined insect family-level diversity and community composition in relation to fragment isolation (low vs. high) and size (large vs. small) and explored the mechanisms driving the observed patterns. Our results revealed no significant difference in ground-dwelling insect diversity between low-isolation and high-isolation fragments. However, diversity was significantly lower in smaller fragments compared to larger ones. This reduction was primarily driven by decreased seedling density within smaller fragments, directly reflecting the adverse effects of plantation-driven fragmentation on native seedling establishment. Furthermore, we observed noble shifts in community composition of ground-dwelling insects along both fragment isolation and size gradients. Highly isolated fragments exhibited a decline in phytophagous insects and omnivores (with detritivore-herbivore diets), but an increase in detritivores. Smaller fragments exhibited consistent declines across multiple insect taxa spanning various dietary guilds. The observed changes in ground-dwelling insect composition were driven by shifts in plant (especially seedling) community composition. Our findings reveal a clear cascading effect: plantation-driven fragmentation limits native plant regeneration, and these limitations subsequently propagate to higher trophic levels, profoundly impacting ground-dwelling insects. Effective restoration of plantation-fragmented landscapes requires strategies that both prioritize the preservation of large, continuous forest fragments and promote native seedling recruitment within existing fragments. Full article

Background: Obesity remains a major public health challenge, with central and visceral fat distribution conferring particularly high cardiometabolic risk. Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, and sleep quality, have been implicated in adiposity, yet their combined and interactive effects in working populations remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 88,343 Spanish employees (53,122 men, 35,221 women) attending occupational health examinations between 2021 and 2024. Obesity was assessed using four complementary indices: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), Clínica Universidad de Navarra–Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), and Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF). Lifestyle factors included sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), Mediterranean diet adherence (MEDAS), and physical activity (IPAQ). Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, with interaction, stratified, joint exposure, and dose–response analyses. Results: Obesity prevalence varied widely by index, ranging from 18.9% (BMI) to 55.6% (CUN-BAE). Poor sleep quality was independently associated with higher odds of obesity across all indices, particularly central obesity (WHtR OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.48–1.69), with stronger associations observed in women. Physical inactivity and non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet were robust predictors, with inactivity showing the largest effect sizes (METS-VF OR 9.92, 95% CI 8.70–11.15). Interaction analyses indicated that both Mediterranean diet adherence and regular physical activity attenuated the adverse association between poor sleep and obesity outcomes. Restricted cubic spline models revealed a progressive dose–response relationship between increasing PSQI score and central obesity. Joint exposure analyses showed nearly five-fold higher odds of central obesity among workers with concurrent poor sleep, physical inactivity, and low Mediterranean diet adherence. A graded inverse association was observed between a composite healthy lifestyle score (0–3) and obesity, with a score of 3 associated with 72–75% lower odds of BMI-obesity and WHtR-high. Conclusions: In this large occupational cohort, poor sleep quality, physical inactivity, and low Mediterranean diet adherence emerged as independent and combined determinants of general, central, and visceral obesity. Integrated workplace strategies promoting sleep hygiene, physical activity, and dietary quality—particularly among women and lower socioeconomic groups—may represent an effective approach to reducing obesity risk in working populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease in which lifestyle modification represents the cornerstone of treatment. Among dietary strategies, ketogenic diets can induce rapid weight loss, whereas the Mediterranean diet is associated with established cardiometabolic benefits but typically produces slower weight reduction. Very-low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) are effective for weight loss but are often limited by cost, reliance on meal replacements, and reduced long-term feasibility. This study aimed to evaluate whether a whole-food Mediterranean ketogenic diet with moderate caloric restriction (MedKD) could represent a feasible and effective alternative to VLCKD for weight loss and metabolic improvement in adults with obesity. Methods: This 3-month prospective, real-world study compared VLCKD and MedKD in adults with obesity attending a clinical nutrition program. The primary outcome was percentage weight loss. Secondary outcomes included changes in waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, kidney function, and treatment tolerability. Clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Group differences and time-by-group interactions were analyzed to evaluate changes over the study period. Results: Sixty-two participants were enrolled, and 55 completed the study (27 VLCKD, 28 MedKD). Baseline characteristics were generally comparable, although the MedKD group had a higher prevalence of diabetes and higher baseline insulin resistance and triglyceride levels. Both dietary interventions resulted in substantial and comparable weight loss (approximately 15% of initial body weight), accompanied by significant reductions in waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Insulin resistance improved in both groups, with a greater reduction in HOMA-IR observed in the MedKD group (time × group p = 0.031). Serum creatinine decreased in the VLCKD group and slightly increased in the MedKD group (p = 0.025). Changes in lipid profile were not significantly different between groups. No severe adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A whole-food Mediterranean ketogenic diet with moderate caloric restriction achieved weight loss and metabolic improvements comparable to those observed with VLCKD over three months. These findings suggest that MedKD may represent a feasible alternative to formula-based ketogenic programs, supporting more flexible and personalized dietary strategies in the clinical management of obesity. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating Black Soldier Fly Meal (BSFLM) into the diet of two-year-old carp on growth and health status. Four concentrations of BSFLM were tested, T1-0% (control), T2-10%, T3-20%, and T4-30%, in common carp with an initial body weight of 112.06 ± 3.86 g over a 12-week feeding period. The results showed that final weight and weight gain were 17.3% (349.15 g) and 23% (233.6 g) higher in the T4 group compared to the control (298.63 g and 189.79 g, respectively). Flesh composition showed no significant changes. Hematological variations were insignificant. Oxidative stress assessment revealed increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) alongside reduced lipid peroxidation. The counts of anaerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae in intestine increased linearly in BSFLM groups. Histological examination showed normal intestinal and hepatopancreatic morphology in the 10% and 20% BSFLM groups (T2 and T3). In contrast, the 30% inclusion level (T4) was associated with hepatocellular vacuolization and alterations in villus architecture. In two-year-old carp, dietary BSFLM induced dose-dependent responses, whereby higher inclusion levels supported weight gain but adversely affected the morphological integrity of the intestine and hepatopancreas. Full article

Nigella sativa meal (NSM) is a by-product of the oil extraction process with potential use as a functional feed ingredient in ruminant nutrition due to its rich bioactive compounds and nutrient content. Therefore, this replicated (n = 6) completely randomized design (CRD) study aimed to firstly characterize NSM for its the bioactive compounds by chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography–MS (LC–MS). The effects of its dietary inclusion at 0%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% NSM on in vitro rumen fermentation, gas production, CH₄ production, and rumen degradability were analyzed. Rumen fluid was collected orally from five sheep (body weight 20 ± 2 kg/head) and incubated with basal diets supplemented with pre-determined levels of NSM. The identified bioactive compounds identified included palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, phenolic, flavonoid, thymoquinone, and saponin. The results showed that the dietary NSM supplementation in the diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) gas production at 18 and 48 h, NH₃–N concentration, IVDMD (In vitro dry matter degradability), and IVOMD (In vitro organic matter degradability). However, there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) on gas production at 12 and 24 h, and CH₄ production, pH, acetate, propionate, iso-butyrate, butyrate, iso-valerate, valerate, the acetate-to-propionate ratio (A:P), or total VFA concentration. Rumen fermentation was optimally modulated up to 10% without adverse effects on digestibility or CH₄ production. In this context, NSM acted as a functional feed ingredient in vitro. Therefore, in vivo analyses are required to confirm the efficacy under practical feeding conditions. Full article

The effects of substituting pelleted diets manufactured from cassava, chaya, and mulberry leaves for concentrate on growth performance, feed intake, rumen fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle were evaluated. Four beef cattle (initial BW: 250 ± 50 kg) were assigned to four treatments: a control diet (T1) and diets in which 50% of the concentrate was replaced with cassava leaf pellets (T2), chaya leaf pellets (T3), or mulberry leaf pellets (T4). The data were analyzed using a 4 × 4 Latin square with animal as a period effect as appropriate. Rumen volatile fatty acids were determined by means of HPLC, and microbial protein synthesis was assessed using urinary purine derivatives. Cattle fed cassava leaf pellets (T2) showed the greatest average daily gain (0.79 kg/d) compared with the control (0.50 kg/d; p < 0.05). Compared with T1, T4 exhibited a higher ruminal propionate proportion and total VFA concentration, which was associated with a lower acetate-to-propionate pattern, suggesting reduced methanogenic potential. No adverse health effects were observed, as indicated by hematocrit and blood urea nitrogen values within normal ranges. Microbial protein production increased in the leaf-pellet treatments, with T4 showing the highest efficiency. Overall, cassava, chaya, and mulberry leaf pellets can partially replace concentrate while maintaining growth performance and improving rumen fermentation efficiency in beef cattle. Full article

In this study, Chinese medicinal herbs were evaluated as potential antibiotic substitutes for Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Forty-five herbs were initially screened for antibacterial activity against Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Shigella flexneri. Nine herbs exhibiting broad-spectrum inhibitory effects were selected and subjected to microbial fermentation, after which their antibacterial activities were reassessed and applied as dietary supplements in feeding trials. The results showed that fermentation altered the antibacterial activities of several herbs and enhanced their overall functional performance. Dietary supplementation with fermented Chinese herbal medicine did not adversely affect feed utilization but significantly improved hematological parameters, liver and kidney function indicators, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immune responses. Furthermore, turtles fed fermented herbal diets exhibited higher survival rates following bacterial challenge. Intestinal microbiota analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that fermented herbal supplementation modulated microbial community structure by reducing potential pathogens and increasing beneficial bacterial taxa associated with intestinal health. These findings suggest that microbial fermentation effectively enhances the biological efficacy of Chinese medicinal herbs. Fermented herbal feed additives represent a promising green alternative to antibiotics for soft-shelled turtle aquaculture. The global ban on prophylactic antibiotics drives the need for safe, effective feed alternatives. Microbial fermentation of Chinese herbs (FCM) is proposed to enhance efficacy and detoxification, but its comprehensive effects in aquaculture require deeper investigation. This study evaluated compound unfermented (CM) and fermented (FCM) Chinese herbal supplements on the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Initial screening showed fermentation generally enhanced the antibacterial activity of the herbs against common enteric pathogens (S. enteritidis, E. coli, S. flexneri). Results indicated that the FCM diet significantly improved physiological status, leading to higher red blood cell counts, better liver/kidney function (reduced ALT/AST, UREA), and stronger immune/antioxidant responses (increased Lysozyme and T-AOC) compared to CM or control diets. Critically, the FCM group achieved the highest survival rates across all single and combined pathogen challenges, demonstrating superior protective efficacy. Furthermore, FCM effectively modulated the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial fermentative bacteria. In conclusion, microbial fermentation significantly amplifies the health-promoting and protective benefits of Chinese herbal supplements in soft-shelled turtles, positioning FCM as a promising green alternative for disease control in aquaculture. Full article

Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine disorders worldwide and are classified as noncommunicable diseases. These disorders are associated with significant morbidity, impaired quality of life, and considerable socioeconomic burden. Like other noncommunicable diseases, thyroid disorders arise from complex interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle. Despite growing interest in lifestyle-based approaches to noncommunicable disease prevention and management, thyroid disorders have received comparatively limited attention in this context. Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, is a relevant condition for exploring dietary interventions. Current treatment strategies—anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy—have remained largely unchanged for decades. Long-term remission following drug therapy is achieved in no more than approximately 50% of patients, while all treatment modalities carry potential adverse effects. These limitations underscore the need for alternative or adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Iodine intake plays a central role in thyroid hormone synthesis. Indeed, observational studies have shown inverse associations between iodine intake and remission rates, as well as achievement of euthyroidism, medication requirements and thyroid autoantibody titers. These findings suggest that dietary iodine restriction may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce medication-related risks. Beyond its direct effects on thyroid hormone synthesis, iodine may influence Graves’ disease through indirect mechanisms involving the lipid profile and the gut–thyroid axis. Autoimmune thyroid diseases are associated with a dyslipidemic profile and with gut microbiota dysbiosis; the latter characterized by increased potentially pathogenic bacteria and reduced beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Full article

Background: Among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), lifestyle improvements can restore glycemic control, yet few studies have examined deprescribing in settings where it was necessitated by improvements in health. This study aimed to (1) identify instances of medication deprescribing among adults with T2D in a primary care setting where patients had access to lifestyle medicine (LM), (2) document lifestyle changes among deprescribed patients, (3) assess changes in body mass index (BMI), glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) following deprescribing, and (4) assess the safety of deprescribing in the context of LM-informed care by identifying adverse events. Methods: A retrospective review of electronic health records (EHR) was conducted among 650 adults with a diagnosis of T2D per ICD-10 code at two primary care practices. To be included in the study, individuals had to be seen at least two times during the study period, from 2014 to 2023. Using a previously developed deprescribing framework, records were reviewed to identify deprescribing events. Among patients who were identified as deprescribed, BMI, glucose, and HbA1c, were extracted from the EHR, and age-, sex-, and time-adjusted differences in least squares means were calculated. Mentions of lifestyle change in provider notes in the EHR were also extracted pre- vs. post-deprescribing. Results: Forty-one deprescribing events were confirmed, totaling 6.3% of the study population. The most common medication changes included metformin dose reduction 34%, metformin discontinuation 19.5%, and insulin dose reduction 19.5%. Among patients with follow-up data, mean BMI decreased by 2.25 kg/m², p = 0.0003. Mean decreases of 25% in glucose and 13% in HbA1c were also observed, p < 0.0003 and p < 0.0013, respectively. Lifestyle modifications were specifically cited in 51% of records among deprescribed patients, most frequently related to diet and exercise. No serious adverse events were identified in patients who were deprescribed. Conclusions: In a primary care setting where patients had access to lifestyle medicine, a subset of adults with T2D experienced meaningful health improvements and were able to reduce glucose-lowering medications without any serious adverse events noted in the EHR. Full article

Climate change is intensifying winters in temperate regions, posing a serious threat to Apis mellifera health. The gut microbiome, a distinct community of core bacterial species, is central to overwintering success by supporting immune function, nutrient assimilation, and pathogen resistance, but is highly sensitive to environmental stressors such as cold temperatures and dietary shifts. Stress-induced perturbations can reshape the composition and relative abundance of the gut microbiome in honey bees, leading to adverse effects on host health, physiological functions, and overwinter survival. Cold temperatures and additional stressors further destabilize the microbiome, compounding these effects. This review is the first to synthesize current knowledge on how extrinsic factors, such as diet, antibiotics, and pathogens, and intrinsic factors, including age and strain, influence the composition and function of the honey bee gut microbiota during the overwintering period. Given the increasing severity of winter conditions under climate change, a deeper understanding of microbiome–host–environment interactions is essential for improving honey bee resilience. By integrating evidence on the microbiome’s roles in nutrient utilization, immune modulation, and pathogen defense, this review outlines a framework to guide future research aimed at sustaining pollinator health and nutrition in a changing global climate. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal diet during pregnancy may influence neonatal outcomes, but dietary behaviours are socially patterned and were measured differently across cohorts. We therefore evaluated whether cohort-specific, partially harmonized maternal dietary patterns were associated with adverse birth outcomes after accounting for maternal and socioeconomic characteristics in two Italian birth cohorts. Methods: We analyzed 3234 mother–infant dyads from Piccolipiù (2011–2015) and 1564 from MAMI-MED (2020–ongoing). Maternal diet was captured by cohort-specific food questionnaires and grouped into food categories. Principal component analysis identified dietary patterns; pattern scores were categorized into tertiles and combined into five joint-adherence profiles. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) for preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks), low birth weight (LBW, ≤2500 g), macrosomia (≥4000 g), and small/large for gestational age (SGA/LGA), with progressive adjustment for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), education, employment, and (Piccolipiù) income. Results: Two comparable patterns emerged in both cohorts: Western (processed foods, fried items, snacks/sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages) and Prudent (fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains/yogurt). Western adherence was more common among younger women and those with disadvantage, whereas Prudent adherence tracked higher education, employment and income. After full adjustment, dietary profiles were not consistently associated with PTB, SGA or LGA in either cohort. In Piccolipiù, preferential Prudent adherence was associated with lower odds of LBW (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.24–0.92) and higher odds of macrosomia (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.06–2.30). Across cohorts, higher pre-pregnancy BMI predicted macrosomia/LGA, while lower education increased the probability of PTB and LBW. Conclusions: Across two Italian birth cohorts, maternal dietary patterns were socially stratified, whereas pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal education were more consistently associated with birth outcomes than dietary-pattern adherence per se. Full article

Background: Fasting-based interventions are increasingly investigated as adjuncts to cancer treatment for the potential to reduce therapy-related toxicities, improve metabolic health, and enhance quality of life. However, clinical evidence regarding their efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability remains limited and fragmented. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the current evidence on fasting-based interventions in cancer patients and survivors. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL up to 10 June 2025. Eligible interventional studies included cancer patients or survivors and evaluated fasting-based interventions, such as time-restricted eating, intermittent fasting, short-term fasting, or fasting-mimicking diets. Studies were categorized by fasting types and outcomes like fatigue, treatment toxicity, metabolic and hematologic parameters, weight, quality of life, adherence, acceptability, illness perception, and adverse events were assessed. Result: Twenty interventional studies of FMD, TRE, STF, IF, or fasting combined with altered dietary approaches conducted across 10 countries were included, comprising a total of 871 participants. Participant ages ranged from 28 to 75 years. Overall, 9 of 20 studies exclusively enrolled breast cancer patients or survivors, and chemotherapy was the most common treatment context in 11 studies. Five of six studies reported reductions in fatigue. Among the five studies assessing quality of life, one demonstrated improvement, three reported no change, and one yielded mixed results. Six of eight studies reported reductions in chemotherapy-related toxicity, and weight loss was observed in 10 of 12 studies. Reductions in IGF-1 and insulin levels were reported in six of seven and four of five studies, respectively. Hematologic changes were noted in six studies, and only one study assessed illness perceptions, reporting positive findings. Fasting-related adverse events, reported in nine studies, were generally mild and transient. High adherence and acceptability were observed across studies; however, findings were heterogeneous across intervention types and were largely derived from small or moderate-strength studies. A descriptive quality metric assessment indicated that most studies were of moderate methodological strength. More intensive fasting protocols, such as FMD and STF, appeared to demonstrate more consistent metabolic effects, whereas TRE showed higher adherence but more variable clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Fasting-based interventions have the potential to be feasible and well tolerated among cancer patients and survivors, with early evidence suggesting benefits in reducing fatigue, minimizing treatment-related toxicities, and favorable metabolic effects. Large, well-designed trials including diverse cancer populations are needed to confirm long-term outcomes and guide clinical integration. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a disorder characterised by the concomitant presence of obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and insulin resistance. An increasing body of research indicates that chronic inflammation, accompanied by oxidative stress and angiogenesis, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Spice herbs may exert a beneficial effect when consumed daily in generally accepted amounts (1–3 g), thus providing relatively small quantities of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Their potential arises from regular long-term use rather than from the amount of bioactive substances delivered in a single dose. Methods: In this narrative review, we analysed data from the international literature on the effects of spice herbs (coriander, sage, mint, basil, rosemary, oregano and thyme) consumption on inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome in women. Results: The available literature provides limited data on the impact of spice herbs in the context of anti-inflammatory effects. A total of 124 publications were analysed, including 72 original research studies (48 involving humans) and 52 review articles and meta-analyses. Among the research articles included in the review, only 20 addressed both inflammation and at least one of the seven selected herbs: five were human studies, six involved laboratory animals, and eight were conducted in vitro. Analysis of the results from human studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects (decreases in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TLR4, hs-CRP) at daily doses not exceeding 3 g of individual herbs or 6.6 g of an herbal mixture. The use of spice herbs as a nutritional strategy to prevent chronic inflammation is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. It should be emphasised that these studies are concerned with dietary support and prevention rather than with treatments that substitute for standard medical therapy. Incorporating spice herbs into the daily diet may represent a simple and safe approach to increasing the intake of anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. Conclusions: Future research should focus on the precise determination of optimal doses and combinations of spice herbs to maximise benefits while avoiding potential adverse effects resulting from excessive intake of certain compounds or inappropriate selection of spice herbs. Long-term studies conducted in larger populations of women with metabolic syndrome are required, as physiological differences, particularly those related to oestrogens, may result in sex-specific effects. This review provides up-to-date information for further basic and clinical research on herbal medicine in metabolic syndrome. Full article

The need for new feed ingredients that could reduce methane (CH₄) emissions from dairy cattle while maintaining rumen function is essential for sustainable milk production. This study aimed to evaluate the CH₄ mitigation potential of selected microalgae and macroalgae, along with an agro-industrial by-product, using two feeding strategies, and hypothesized that lipid- and polyphenol-rich materials would reduce CH₄ production in an inclusion-dependent manner. An in vitro batch culture study (24 h) was conducted to evaluate microalgae (Euglena gracilis and Aurantiochytrium spp.), macroalgae (Undaria pinnatifida), and an agro-industrial by-product (grape marc) either as feed additives (5%) or as a partial replacement of the concentrate mixture (30%, 50%, and 70%) in a basal diet consisting of 50% Klein grass hay and 50% concentrate mixture. As a feed additive, grape marc stands out for its potential to reduce CH₄ yield by about 43.3% without adversely affecting digestibility, pH, or total volatile fatty acid concentrations. When used as feed replacements, Euglena-, Aurantiochytrium-, and grape marc-based feeds reduced CH₄ yield at the highest replacement levels (50 and 70%); however, these effects were accompanied by decreased total gas production and volatile fatty acid concentrations, indicating reduced fermentation activity. Meanwhile, at a 30% replacement level, they showed promising efficiency as alternative feeds. Overall, CH₄ mitigation depends more strongly on inclusion strategy rather than feed type. Lipid-rich microalgae showed potential as concentrate replacements up to 30%, whereas grape marc was most effective as a feed additive for reducing CH₄ emissions. Full article

High-concentrate diets are widely used to enhance growth performance in fattening beef cattle; however, they often compromise rumen epithelial integrity, increasing the risk of rumenitis and systemic inflammation. Supplementation with alkaline mineral complex (AMC) has been shown to alleviate these adverse effects, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, AMC supplementation was associated with improved rumen epithelial integrity and remodeling of the rumen microbiota, characterized by a reduction in Bacteroidota and Prevotella, and an enrichment of Sarcina sp. DSM11001 and Fibrobacter spp., with the latter identified as a key microbial biomarker in the AMC group. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed activation of the tryptophan metabolism pathway and accumulation of several anti-inflammatory metabolites, including sulfinpyrazone, Thr-Leu, and 4-guanidinobutyric acid. These metabolomic changes were correlated with the upregulation of tight junction pathways and increased expression of related proteins, which in turn were associated with enhanced epithelial barrier integrity and reduced systemic inflammation in the AMC group. Collectively, these findings suggest that AMC supplementation may protect rumen epithelial integrity by modulating the microbial community and altering ruminal metabolite profiles. This study provides insights into nutritional strategies to prevent epithelial damage under high-concentrate feeding conditions and support the potential use of AMC to maintain rumen health in fattening cattle. Full article