Search Results (3,729)

This study evaluated chemical safety indicators in 38 commercial fish sauces from Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam sold in Taiwan. We quantified key nitrogenous compounds, biogenic amines, preservatives, and sodium levels, and further characterized metabolite profiles using untargeted ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy. Vietnamese fish sauces exhibited the highest total nitrogen content and lowest pH, indicating superior fermentation quality. Sodium concentrations ranged from 5037 to 12,637 mg/100 mL, and nearly 40% of products, particularly Thai and Korean, exceeded the permitted labeling tolerance (≤120%), highlighting substantial labeling inaccuracies. Preservative analysis revealed the unauthorized or excessive use of benzoates and sorbates in several samples, indicating regulatory non-compliance. Preservative analysis revealed that three of seven Taiwanese samples contained dehydroacetic acid above the regulatory limit of 1 g/kg, with sample C6 both mislabeled and showing the highest concentration (3.22 g/kg). Among the ten Vietnamese samples, two exceeded the permissible limits for combined preservative use, and samples D2–D5 contained triacetin, a non-listed food additive, in violation of current regulations. Notably, South Korean fish sauces contained histamine concentrations up to 539.85 ± 318.88 ppm, with several samples surpassing the Taiwanese regulatory limit of 400 ppm, raising significant food safety concerns. Metabolomic analysis differentiated products by country, with formic acid, acetate, branched-chain amino acids, and alanine contributing to the distinct profiles of Thai and Taiwanese fish sauces. Collectively, our results provide critical insights into the quality and safety of fish sauce products, highlighting the importance of monitoring biogenic amines and ensuring accurate labeling to comply with food safety regulations. Full article

Sea grape kombucha has been known to exhibit high antioxidant activity due to its elevated total polyphenol content. This study aims to identify and characterize the active microbial community involved in the fermentation of kombucha using sea grapes (C. racemosa) as the primary substrate. Furthermore, it evaluates the effects of different Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) starter concentrations on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of sea grape kombucha. Our results showed that the pH of the kombucha was higher after 7 days of fermentation compared to later time points. The microbial community was composed of 97.08% bacteria and 2.92% eukaryotes, divided into 10 phyla and 69 genera. The dominant genus in all samples was Komagataeibacter. Functional profiling based on 16S rRNA data revealed that metabolic functions accounted for 77.04% of predicted microbial activities during fermentation. The most enriched functional categories were carbohydrate metabolism (15.70%), cofactor and vitamin metabolism (15.54%), and amino acid metabolism (14.24%). At KEGG Level 3, amino acid-associated pathways, particularly alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism (4.24%), were predominant. The fermentation process in sea grape kombucha is primarily driven by carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, supported by energy-generating and cofactor biosynthesis pathways. Our findings indicate that different metabolic pathways lead to variations in kombucha components, and distinct fermentation stages result in different metabolic reactions. For instance, early fermentation stages (Day 7) are dominated by amino acid metabolism, whereas the late stages (Day 21) show increased activity in carbohydrate and sulfur metabolism. Metabolomic analysis revealed that increasing the SCOBY starter concentration significantly influenced pH, soluble solid content, vitamin C, tannin, and flavonoid content. These variations suggest that fermentation duration and microbial composition significantly influence the spectrum of bioactive metabolites, which synergistically provide functional benefits such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and metabolic health-promoting activities. For example, sample K1 produced more fatty acids and simple sugar alcohols, sample K2 enriched complex lipid compounds and phytosterols, while sample K3 dominated the production of polyols and terpenoid compounds. Full article

Yajiangxue cattle (XF) is three-way crossbred cattle developed specifically for producing high-quality beef in the Tibetan Plateau by introducing the bloods of Tibetan yellow cattle (HF) and Angus cattle into Tibetan yak (MF). In the present study, we mainly focused on fat deposition and metabolism changes and used RNA-seq and LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics to partially explain the meat quality improvement in Yajiangxue cattle. Differential expression analysis revealed 1762, 2949, and 2931 different expression genes in XF vs. HF, XF vs. MF, and XF vs. cattle–yak (PF), respectively, such as BMP2, WISP2, FGF1, IL1B, IL6, and WNT5B. Immune response, oxidation–reduction processes, and fatty acid metabolism were markedly enriched. Furthermore, an initial identification revealed 319 metabolites using positive ion mode and 289 metabolites using negative ion mode in bovine adipose tissue across four breeds/populations. Of these, 143 were differential metabolites in positive ion mode, while 166 were in negative ion mode. The main pathways of metabolism affected by breed/population were unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, tryptophan and tyrosine biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism, beta-alanine metabolism, etc. Similarly, both the transcriptome and the metabolome results highlighted fatty acid metabolism. These results could help elucidate the biological mechanisms involved in fat deposition and identify valuable biomarkers for specific metabolite accumulation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Weight loss is the primary therapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the proportion and factors influencing therapeutic changes in the liver condition contrary to weight loss remain unclear. Methods: This observational cohort study spanned between January 2015 and January 2024, with a 48-week lifestyle modification until January 2025. The liver fat content (LFC) determined using MRI-PDFF and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) via 2D-SWE were assessed at baseline and 48 weeks. The weight loss target (WLT) was determined as a reduction of ≥3% in body weight for lean/normal-weight patients and ≥5% for patients who were overweight/obese. Results: Overall, 397 patients with MASLD (30.5% achieving WLT) were included. For participants with WLT, 24.8% presented MRI-PDFF non-response, which was associated with moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) ≥ 150 min/week, indicating a lower likelihood of non-response. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) non-response occurred in 29.6% of patients and was linked to changes in LFC (ΔLFC, calculated as the baseline minus week 48). LSM non-response was observed in 48.2%, with high free fatty acid (FFA) levels identified as a risk factor. Among individuals without WLT, 29.0% demonstrated an MRI-PDFF response that correlated with greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; 39.4% exhibited an ALT response, which was associated with more significant reductions in LFC. The LSM response was 37.8%, also correlating with a reduction in LFC. Conclusions: Our results identified that MVPA, baseline steatosis degree, FFA, and their responses served as significant markers for treatment response contrary to weight loss in MASLD. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sex differences in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have been established in adult males; however, data on paediatric populations remain scarce. This study aimed to elucidate the sex-specific correlations of serum uric acid (SUA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels with MASLD in children with obesity. Methods: Clinical data from 262 children with obesity were retrospectively analysed. Participants were categorised by sex and MASLD status (MASLD+ vs. MASLD-). Laboratory tests, including ALT, AST, SUA, fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, and insulin levels, were compared. Comparison of significant influencing factors of obesity in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was conducted using multivariable logistic regression analysis by sex. Results: Hyperinsulinemia was significantly associated with MASLD in all children. Sex-based analyses revealed differentiated patterns. In males, elevated SUA (p = 0.008) and ALT (p < 0.05) were independently associated with MASLD; however, in females, only elevated AST (p = 0.003) was significantly associated. Conclusions: While insulin resistance is a common risk factor for MASLD in all children with obesity, this study suggests that its manifestation may differ by sex. Elevated SUA and ALT levels may serve as sex-specific indicators in males, while elevated AST levels appear more relevant in females. These findings support the potential value of sex-specific metabolic markers in early MASLD screening, although further validation is needed. Full article

Diannan small-ear pig (DSP) ham is known for exceptional flavor. However, the composition of flavor components and the mechanisms underlying flavor development remain unclear. In this study, we employed lipidomics, flavoromics, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry technologies to investigate the composition and formation mechanism of DSP ham flavor compounds. On a 10-point scale, the results demonstrated that DSP ham had good flavor qualities with sensory scores of 8.6 ± 0.52 for flavor, 7.9 ± 0.57 for taste, 8.2 ± 0.79 for texture, 8.8 ± 0.42 for color, and 8.3 ± 0.48 for acceptability. A total of 1534 lipids, 80 volatile flavor compounds, and 25 free amino acids were identified in the ham, including 14 characteristic lipids and 28 characteristic flavor compounds. Triglycerides (TG) and diacylglycerol (DG), two important lipids, are broken down into free fatty acids, which are essential building blocks for flavor formation. Non-volatile sweet amino acid L-alanine and bitter amino acid L-lysine are combined with volatile components, including 1-octene-3-ol, hexanal, benzaldehyde, and octanal, to enhance the development of DSP ham flavor. Correlation analysis indicated that key lipids, including TG, DG, and phosphatidylcholines (PC), facilitate the formation of volatile compounds in DSP ham via the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway. This study provides a theoretical reference for further research and product development of high-quality DSP ham. Full article

Endolysins, phage-derived enzymes capable of lysing bacterial cell walls, hold significant promise as novel antimicrobials against resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. In this study, we undertook an integrative approach combining extensive in silico analyses and experimental validation to characterize the novel endolysin LysPALS22. Initially, sixteen endolysin sequences were selected based on documented lytic activity and enzymatic diversity, and subjected to multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, which revealed highly conserved catalytic and binding domains, particularly localized to the N-terminal region, underscoring their functional importance. Building upon these sequence insights, we generated three-dimensional structural models using Swiss-Model, EBI-EMBL, and AlphaFold Colab, where comparative evaluation via Ramachandran plots and ERRAT scores identified the Swiss-Model prediction as the highest quality structure, featuring over 90% residues in favored conformations and superior atomic interaction profiles. Leveraging this validated model, molecular docking studies were conducted in PyRx with AutoDock Vina, performing blind docking of key peptidoglycan-derived ligands such as N-Acetylmuramic Acid-L-Alanine, which exhibited the strongest binding affinity (−7.3 kcal/mol), with stable hydrogen bonding to catalytic residues ASP46 and TYR61, indicating precise substrate recognition. Visualization of docking poses using Discovery Studio further confirmed critical hydrophobic and polar interactions stabilizing ligand binding. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations validated the stability of the LysPALS22–NAM-LA complex, showing minimal structural fluctuations, persistent hydrogen bonding, and favorable interaction energies throughout the 100 ns trajectory. Parallel to computational analyses, LysPALS22 was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris), where SDS-PAGE and bicinchoninic acid assays validated successful protein production; notably, the P. pastoris-expressed enzyme displayed an increased molecular weight (~45 kDa) consistent with glycosylation, and achieved higher volumetric yields (1.56 ± 0.31 mg/mL) compared to E. coli (1.31 ± 0.16 mg/mL), reflecting advantages of yeast expression for large-scale production. Collectively, these findings provide a robust structural and functional foundation for LysPALS22, highlighting its conserved enzymatic features, specific ligand interactions, and successful recombinant expression, thereby setting the stage for future in vivo antimicrobial efficacy studies and rational engineering efforts aimed at combating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Full article

This study evaluated the effectiveness of essential oil from Aloysia citrodora (EOAC) (48% citral and 19% limonene) for use in anesthesia and simulated transport of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) juveniles at two cargo densities (CDs). Concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µL EOAC L⁻¹ were tested for use in anesthesia induction and recovery, while 0 (control) and 20 µL EOAC L⁻¹ were tested for their effects on the ventilatory rate (VR) and during 6 h simulated transport at a low CD (LCD, 65 g L⁻¹) and standard CD (SCD, 130 g L⁻¹). Fish were anesthetized at EOAC concentrations above 50 µL L⁻¹, with the optimal anesthesia (141.83 s) and recovery times (160.00 s) at 250 µL L⁻¹. The water unionized ammonia was lowest in the EOAC-LCD group. Using 20 µL EOAC L⁻¹ during transport minimized changes in the hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, total leukocytes, and heterophils) and reduced the liver aspartate aminotransferase activity at both CDs. Transport at an SCD, regardless of EOAC use, increased the plasma glucose, hepatic glycogen, and alanine transaminase activity. The VR was higher with 20 µL EOAC L⁻¹ than in the control group. In conclusion, our findings confirm that 20 µL EOAC L⁻¹ can effectively be used to transport tambaqui for up to 6 h without impairing fish health. Full article

Most amino acids contain a chiral center and thus, can exist as L- and D-isomers. For many years, it was thought that only the L-isomers were present in mammals. However, in recent decades it has been demonstrated that D-isomers are also present. Three of these amino acids, namely D-serine, D-aspartate, and D-alanine, have been proposed to play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia via interactions with glutamate receptors. D-Serine and D-alanine act at the glycine modulatory site on the NMDA receptor, while D-aspartate acts at the glutamate site on the same receptor. D-aspartate also acts on the mGlu5 receptor and can stimulate glutamate release presynaptically. Preclinical studies have reported that manipulations to reduce brain levels of D-serine, D-aspartate, or D-alanine lead to schizophrenia-relevant behaviors, and clinical studies have reported reduced levels of these D-amino acids in the brain tissue (postmortem) and/or body fluids from schizophrenia patients compared to those noted in controls, although there are some contradictory findings. The possible use of these amino acids and/or the manipulation of their relevant enzymes in the treatment of schizophrenia are described. D-Cysteine has been identified recently in human brain tissue, with the highest values in white matter; demonstration of its involvement in brain development has led to speculation that it could be involved in the etiology of schizophrenia, identifying it as a potential therapy in combination with antipsychotics. Future directions and potential problems that should be considered in studies on D-amino acids and their relevant enzymes in schizophrenia are discussed. Full article

Background: As the growing global population continues to age, the risk of chronic metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and fatty liver disease, increases considerably. Driven largely by lifestyle factors and metabolic dysfunction, this escalating health crisis is placing mounting pressure on healthcare systems and contributing to significant economic costs. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia are major drivers of these disorders, emphasising the need for early detection and intervention. Changes in liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), commonly assessed in routine laboratory testing, can serve as biomarkers of early-stage insulin resistance, offering a potentially underutilised window for intervention and disease prevention. Correspondingly, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets have shown to be effective in reversing insulin resistance, metabolic disease, and liver disease. Objectives: We chose to explore the relationship between suppressing ketosis and changes in liver enzymes in the Ketosis Suppression and Ageing cohort. Methods: Ten lean (BMI 20.5 kg/m² ± 1.4), healthy young women (age 32.3 ± 8.9 years) who habitually followed a ketogenic diet maintaining nutritional ketosis (NK) for an average of 3.9 years (±2.3) were exposed to a higher carbohydrate diet, in line with standard healthy eating guidelines for a 21-day phase and then transitioned back to a ketogenic diet. Results: Carbohydrate challenge and suppression of ketosis increased insulin resistance score HOMA-IR by 2.13-fold (p = 0.0008), GKI by 22.28-fold (p = 0.0024), and liver markers ALT by 1.85-fold (p = 0.0010), GGT, 1.29-fold (p = 0.0087) and the ALT/AST, 1.30-fold (p = 0.0266), reflecting an adverse pattern suggestive of hepatic insulin resistance. Conclusions: These results support the clinical utility of liver markers as early and directional signs of hyperinsulinaemia. Full article

Anesthesia has emerged as a critical strategy for maintaining fish viability during transport, with natural anesthetics gaining increasing attention in recent research. The active ingredients in Laurus nobilis L. have antioxidant effects and reduce cell apoptosis. Studies have shown that they can upregulate expression of Nrf2 in mitochondrial biosynthetic factors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil on oxidative stress and apoptosis mechanisms during the live transport of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂). The addition of laurel essential oil during transport activated the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant pathway, resulting in up-regulated expression of catalase (cat) and superoxide dismutase (sod) genes. This led to increased enzymatic activity and reduced levels of oxidative stress markers. The mitigation of oxidative stress contributed to physiological stability by downregulating apoptotic gene expression (Bax, Caspase 8), reducing gill and liver tissue damage, and lowering the activity of hepatocyte damage markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Metabolomic analysis revealed several key metabolic pathways affected during transport, with the FoxO signaling pathway demonstrating the most significant impact. Within this pathway, reduced glutamate levels appeared to inhibit apoptosis, while decreased ADP and AMP levels potentially influenced antioxidant capacity. The addition of laurel essential oil to transport water proved beneficial in reducing biochemical markers of stress responses in hybrid grouper during keep live transport. Full article

Nitrite is a common environmental pollutant in aquaculture systems, where high levels can severely impair fish physiology and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of waterborne nitrite in starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus). Fish (mean weight 145.69 ± 16.06 g, mean total length 22.78 ± 0.70 cm) were exposed to nitrite concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg NO₂⁻/L for 96 h. The lethal concentration 50 (LC₅₀) of nitrite for P. stellatus was determined to be 574.47 mg NO₂⁻/L. Hematological parameters such as red blood cell counts (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) were significantly decreased by nitrite exposure. Plasma components including calcium (Ca²⁺), glucose, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly changed by nitrite exposure. The results of this study suggest that acute exposure to waterborne nitrite (>200 mg NO₂⁻/L) adversely affects survival rates, hematological parameters, and plasma components in P. stellatus. These findings provide important baseline data for nitrite toxicity assessment in P. stellatus. Full article

Tuanao, a traditional Northern Thai fermented soybean product, was profiled with an integrated multi-omics workflow to clarify how microbes and metabolites co-evolve during household fermentation. Soybeans were fermented spontaneously for three days; samples from four time points were analyzed by shotgun metagenomics alongside 1H-NMR and UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS metabolomics. Bacillus spp. (phylum Bacilliota) quickly supplanted early Enterobacterales and dominated the mature microbiome. The rise of Bacillus coincided with genes for peptide and carbohydrate utilization and with the accumulation of acetate, free amino acids (glutamine, leucine, alanine, valine) and diverse oligopeptides, whereas citrate and glucose-1-phosphate were depleted. This Bacillus-linked metabolic shift indicates that Tuanao is a promising source of probiotics and bioactive compounds. Our study provides the first system-level view of Tuanao fermentation and offers molecular markers to guide starter-culture design and quality control. Full article

Mushrooms, renowned for their nutritional value and bioactive compounds, offer potential health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Aging, characterized by cellular and tissue decline, is often associated with autophagy dysfunction, a crucial cellular cleaning process. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties of extracts from four medicinal and edible mushrooms: Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Agaricus bisporus. The protein, total phenol, and flavonoid content of mushroom extracts were determined. Aging was induced with 120 mg/kg D-galactose and treated with 500 mg/kg mushroom extracts. The study evaluated liver enzyme levels, histopathological changes in liver and brain tissues, gene expression correlated to neurodegeneration (SEPT5-SV2B-ATXN2-PARK2), telomere length, and immunomodulatory and pro-inflammatory (IL-2-IL-4-IL-6) gene expression pathways. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential of mushroom extracts was assessed against several bacteria (Lysinibacillus odyssey, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Escherichia coli) using agar well diffusion and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. By exploring these diverse aspects, this study aimed to provide a foundation for a better understanding of the potential of mushrooms as natural neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial agents and their potential applications in human health. Results indicated that all mushroom extracts effectively mitigated oxidative stress. Agaricus bisporus exhibited the highest protein and flavonoid content, and Pleurotus ostreatus displayed the highest phenolic content. Notably, Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum extracts demonstrated significant neuroprotective and hepatoprotective properties against D-galactose-induced aging, as evidenced by histopathological examination. All extracts exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in liver function (serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (GPT)) and showed immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, characterized by upregulated IL-2 and IL-4 gene expression and downregulated IL-6 gene expression. Hericium erinaceus demonstrated the most pronounced upregulation (p < 0.001) of SEPT5, SV2B, and telomere length gene expression, suggesting potential anti-aging effects. Furthermore, all mushroom extracts displayed antimicrobial activity against the tested bacterial strains, except Hericium erinaceus, which exhibited antibacterial activity solely against E. coli. Agaricus bisporus exhibited the largest inhibition zones (22 ± 0.06 mm) against Lysinibacillus odyssey, while Hericium erinaceus displayed the largest inhibition zone against E. coli. The MIC value was observed with Agaricus bisporus extract against Lysinibacillus odyssey (1.95 ± 0.16 mg/mL). Lysinibacillus fusiformis exhibited the highest resistance to the tested mushroom extracts. These findings suggest that these edible and medicinal mushrooms possess a wide range of health-promoting properties, including neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize applications. However, our results provide a strong foundation for exploring these mushrooms as potential natural agents that promote overall health and combat age-related decline. Full article

The nucleoside analogue GS-441524 is a common treatment for cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). In a previous study, 40 cats with FIP with effusion were treated with 15 mg/kg GS-441524 orally once daily for either 42 days or 84 days, and a 42-day treatment was as effective as the earlier recommended 84-day treatment. The aim of the present study was to describe unexpected clinical and laboratory observations occurring during and after treatment (within one year) in these cats and to compare them regarding the different treatment durations. Thirty-eight cats recovered rapidly during treatment, two cats had to be euthanized, and one cat was lost to follow-up. During treatment, 25 cats developed diarrhea. Lymphocytosis occurred in 26/40 cats during treatment, eosinophilia in 25/40 during treatment, increased alanine aminotransferase activity in 22/40, alkaline phosphatase activity in 7/40, and symmetric dimethylarginine levels in 25/40. These unexpected observations occurred equally in both treatment duration groups, but statistically significantly more cats developed lymphocytosis and eosinophilia when treated for 84 days. Although most of the unexpected observations during GS-441524 treatment improved or disappeared after treatment termination, these conditions have to be monitored, and treatment should not be given for longer than necessary. Full article