Search Results (5,252)

This study investigated the effects of a dietary additive composed of compounds derived from essential oils (carvacrol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde), capsaicin, and yeast metabolites on the performance, body composition, metabolism, and immune status of pigs under chronic heat stress (HS). A total of 24 crossbred gilts (50 ± 3.98 kg) were assigned to one of two diets: a control diet (CON) or the same diet supplemented with the additive blend (2.5 g/kg; BLEND). Animals were housed collectively, with individual feed intake recorded using automatic precision feeders over a 56-day period at a constant ambient temperature of 35 °C. Heat stress increased rectal temperature initially (p < 0.01), which gradually declined over time. No significant differences were found in overall performance or tissue deposition between treatments (p > 0.05), though pigs fed the BLEND diet tended to have an 18% lower fat deposition compared with the CON group (148.3 vs. 121.3 g/d, p = 0.094). The additive had no effect on inflammatory or most biochemical parameters, except for increased creatinine compared with the CON group (1.76 vs. 1.63 mg/dL; p = 0.032) and a tendency for elevated LDH (1064.87 vs. 939.17 U/L; p = 0.075). In conclusion, chronic HS impaired metabolic and immune parameters and altered body composition. The dietary blend did not enhance performance but showed a tendency to reduce lipid deposition under thermal stress conditions. Further studies are needed to elucidate the individual and combined actions of this feed additive in mitigating the impacts of HS on pigs. Full article

High-mountain microalgae exhibit remarkable adaptability to extreme environments, making them promising candidates for sustainable biorefineries. We evaluated how photoperiod (12:12, 18:6, 24:0 h) and LED spectra (cool white, full spectrum, red–blue 4:1) affect growth and metabolite formation in Chlorella sp. UFPS019 and Scenedesmus sp. UFPS021. Biomass peaked in Chlorella under red–blue 18:6 (≈1.8 g L⁻¹) and in Scenedesmus under red–blue 24:0 (≈1.7 g L⁻¹), revealing species-specific responses. Carbohydrate fractions were maximized under red–blue 12:12 in both species, and continuous light (24:0) depressed carbohydrate content—most notably under full spectrum. Protein content was highest under red–blue 18:6 in Chlorella sp. and under red–blue 12:12–18:6 in Scenedesmus sp. Lipid fractions increased with light duration, peaking under red–blue 18:6–24:0 in Chlorella and under red–blue 18:6–24:0—with Cool White 24:0 also high—in Scenedesmus sp. Although extended illumination favored lipids, intermediate photoperiods (12:12–18:6) provided better productivity-to-energy trade-offs and broader metabolic profiles. These results show that tuning spectral composition and photoperiod to species-specific physiology enables the targeted, energy-aware production of proteins, carbohydrates, or lipids; red–blue at intermediate durations is a robust, energy-efficient regime, whereas longer exposures can be used strategically when lipid enrichment is prioritized. Full article

Consumers increasingly seek clean-label meat products with improved nutrition and stability. We evaluated a collagen hydrolysate–cranberry mixture (CH-CR) as a functional additive in cooked sausages. Two formulations—control and CH-CR—were assessed for fatty acid profile; lipid and protein oxidation during storage; antioxidant capacity ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50); amino acid composition; and instrumental color. Relative to the control, CH-CR produced a more favorable lipid profile: lower saturated fatty acids (SFAs) 23.9% vs. 28.0%, higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) 53.2% vs. 49.3%, slightly higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) 23.3% vs. 22.7%, a higher PUFA/SFA ratio of 0.97 vs. 0.81, and a lower omega-6/omega-3 (n-6/n-3) ratio of 13.5 vs. 27.1, driven by higher alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) 1.6% vs. 0.8%, with trans fats <0.1%. Storage studies showed attenuated oxidation in CH-CR: lower peroxide value (PV) at day 10 8.1 ± 0.4 vs. 9.8 ± 0.5 meq/kg and lower thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) at day 6 0.042 ± 0.004 vs. 0.055 ± 0.006 mg MDA/kg and day 10 0.156 ± 0.016 vs. 0.590 ± 0.041 mg MDA/kg); the acid value at day 10 was similar. Antioxidant capacity increased with CH-CR FRAP 30.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g vs. not detected; DPPH inhibition was 29.88% vs. 10.23%; IC50 56.22 vs. 149.51 µg/mL. The amino acid profile reflected collagen incorporation—higher glycine+proline+hydroxyproline 2.37 vs. 1.38 g/100 g and a modest rise in indispensable amino acids (IAAs) 5.72 vs. 5.42 g/100 g, increasing the IAA/total amino acid (TAA) ratio to 0.411 vs. 0.380. CH-CR samples were lighter and retained redness better under light, with comparable overall color stability. Overall, CH-CR is a natural strategy to improve fatty acid quality and oxidative/color stability in sausages. Full article

Background/Objectives: The search for new bioactive molecules increasingly extends beyond conventional medicinal plants, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative botanical sources. Parasitic plants represent a promising but underexploited reservoir of pharmacologically relevant compounds. Cuscuta australis (CA), a parasitic species with a history of traditional use, remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate its phytochemical composition and evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Methods: The phytochemical profile of CA extract was characterized by LC-MS. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. In vivo hepatoprotection was evaluated in male rats subjected to CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity and treated orally with CA (30 or 60 mg/kg body weight). Biochemical, lipid, oxidative stress, and histological parameters were determined. Molecular docking was conducted to predict the binding of major identified compounds against selected protein targets. Results: CA significantly and dose-dependently improved biochemical and histological markers. At 60 mg/kg, ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin were reduced by 32%, 33%, 63%, and 51%, respectively. Lipid metabolism was improved by decreased TC, TG, and LDL-C with increased HDL-C. Antioxidant defense was enhanced through elevated CAT, SOD, and GPx activities, accompanied by reduced MDA levels. TNF-α and IL-6 decreased by 48% and 53%, respectively. Histopathology confirmed hepatoprotection and reduced fibrosis. Docking studies revealed strong binding affinities (−7.07 to −19.20 kcal/mol) for several metabolites, notably quercetin glucoside, diosmetin glucoside, caffeic acid glucoside, feruloylquinic acid, and isorhamnetin glucoside, against CYP450, IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that C. australis is a promising source of bioactive compounds with hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Full article

Sex differences are known to influence both micronutrient metabolism and cardiometabolic health outcomes. However, the extent to which these sex-specific factors interact, particularly in the relationship between micronutrient status and cardiometabolic risk, remains insufficiently understood. The present study aimed to investigate sex differences in health and micronutrient status, and their association with blood lipids, body mass index, and body weight. The final sample size included 488 Austrian adults (median age: 38 years; comprising 256 males and 232 females) who successfully met the inclusion criteria. Blood analyses were conducted to measure whole-blood micronutrients and serum levels of various cardiometabolic health biomarkers, including blood lipids. Micronutrient status (including deficiencies and excesses) was calculated using sex-specific reference ranges. There were significant differences between males and females for most (19 out of 28) blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health (p < 0.05), with females generally showing a healthier cardiometabolic profile. Significant sex differences were also observed in the adjusted values of three micronutrients: copper was higher in females, while iron and vitamin B₁₂ were higher in males (p < 0.05). Sex differences in micronutrient status indicated a higher prevalence of iron deficiency and copper excess among females (p < 0.05). Different patterns were observed between males and females in the association of blood lipids and body composition with micronutrients and demographic factors. These findings highlight the importance of individualized approaches in preventive and therapeutic health interventions based on differences between males and females. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary olive leaf extract (OLE) on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles, focusing on growth parameters, centesimal composition, biochemical responses, and lipid peroxidation. OLE was extracted with 60% ethanol (1:20 w/v). Five diets, containing 34% crude protein and 8% lipids, were tested: a control (0 g/kg) and four with increasing OLE levels (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg). The 46-day trial included 225 fish (0.56 ± 0.11 g) distributed in 15 tanks. Growth performance was not affected, except for a higher condition factor in OLE0.25. This dose also resulted in lower moisture and higher lipid content, while all OLE treatments increased crude protein in fish. Muscle glycogen decreased in all OLE-fed groups, and liver glycogen was reduced in OLE0.25. Plasma triglycerides decreased in OLE0.5 and OLE0.25, while total plasma protein was lower in OLE2.0. Liver triglycerides were lower in OLE0.25 and higher in OLE0.5, whereas glucose showed a glycemic peak in OLE2.0. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was reduced in OLE2.0. Overall, dietary OLE did not compromise the growth performance of Nile tilapia, and 0.25 g/kg promoted beneficial effects on centesimal composition, biochemical parameters, and lipid peroxidation, highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient in aquafeeds. Full article

FVPB1, a novel heteropolysaccharide, was extracted from the Flammulina velutipes fruiting body, and its structure was determined by methylation analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. FVPB1 demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting lipid accumulation in Raw264.7 cells and zebrafish, as well as in reducing weight gain and ameliorating liver injury in high-fat diet-induced mice. High concentration of FVPB1 significantly increased serum ApoA1 levels, while all tested doses (low, medium, and high) reduced serum ApoB levels in mice. Intervention with FVPB1 significantly increased the mRNA expression of Lcat and Cyp7a1 enzymes while markedly reducing the transcriptional level of Hmgcr reductase. Additionally, low concentration of FVPB1 enhanced CYP7A1 protein expression, whereas medium and high concentrations of FVPB1 promoted LCAT protein expression. Medium and high concentrations of FVPB1 significantly enhanced bile acid excretion in mice, with the high dose additionally promoting fecal sterol output. Alpha and beta diversity analyses demonstrated that a high-fat diet induced substantial dysbiosis in the gut microbiota of mice, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and richness. Intervention with FVPB1 significantly modulated the structural composition of the intestinal microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice. Therefore, FVPB1 exerts lipid-lowering effect in high-fat diet-fed mice by modulating cholesterol metabolism and ameliorating gut microbiota dysbiosis. Full article

The persistence of the synthetic plastic waste problem makes it one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Sustainable material is an alternative approach to reduce petroleum plastics. In this research, our work aims to convert two biomaterials, water hyacinth (WH) and cassava chip (CC), into value-added biopolymer composite sheets (BCS). The raw materials of both WH and CC were prepared and characterized using physical and chemical treatments. Alkali treatments and chemical modifications were applied to remove lignin, protein, lipid, and other inhibiting components. After that, the two main raw materials of the WH and CC components were varied (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40, respectively) to investigate the optimal conditions for mixing, blending, and forming processes. Finally, mechanical properties (tensile strength), physical properties (surface morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), crystalline structure by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and water solubility were also evaluated. The results obtained obviously revealed that the BCS reached an optimal ratio of 80:20 and exhibited outstanding properties. We were successful in exploring the potential use of a combination of two kinds of biopolymers under optimal conditions to produce an effective and environmentally friendly BCS in a manner that promotes a sustainable bio-circular economy and zero-waste concepts. Full article

Lipid nanoparticles are a clinically validated platform for delivering nucleic acids, but performance is constrained by multiscale physiological barriers spanning circulation, vascular interfaces, extracellular matrices, cellular uptake, and intracellular trafficking. This review links composition–structure–function relationships for ionizable lipids, helper phospholipids, cholesterol, and PEG-lipids to systemic fate, endothelial access, endosomal escape, cytoplasmic stability, and nuclear transport. We outline strategies for tissue and cell targeting, including hepatocyte ligands, immune and tumor selectivity, and selective organ targeting through compositional tuning, together with approaches that modulate escape using pH-responsive chemistries or fusion-active peptides and polymers. We further examine immunomodulatory co-formulation, route and schedule effects on biodistribution and immune programming, and manufacturing and stability levers from microfluidic mixing to lyophilization. Across these themes, we weigh trade-offs between stealth and engagement, potency and tolerability, and potency and manufacturability, noting that only a small fraction of endosomes supports productive release and that protein corona variability and repeat dosing can reshape tropism and clearance. Convergence of standardized assays for true cytosolic delivery, biomarker-guided patient selection, and robust process controls will be required to extend LNP therapeutics beyond the liver while sustaining safety, access, and scale. Full article

Industrial wastewater can serve as a low-cost nutritional source for sustainable microalgal biomass production. This study investigated the biomass of Chlorella vulgaris var. vulgaris TISTR 8261 grown in untreated wastewater collected from four food industry factories in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. Among them, wastewater from a processed food production plant (PFPP) supported the highest algal growth. Supplementation with 17.4 mM sodium acetate significantly improved algal biomass yield. Further optimization with 3.7 mM NH₄Cl, 1.0 mM KH₂PO₄, 0.2 mM MgSO₄, and a moderate concentration of trace minerals enhanced the specific growth rate and chlorophyll concentration. Scaled-up cultivation in 3.5 L culture bottles in optimized PFPP yielded a maximum biomass yield of 8.436 ± 0.378 g L⁻¹, comparable to 6.498 ± 0.436 g L⁻¹ in standard TAP medium. Biomass composition analysis after 15 days of cultivation revealed 42.70 ± 1.40% protein, 17.10 ± 1.60% carbohydrate, and 1.90 ± 0.10% lipid on a dry weight basis. These findings demonstrate that optimized PFPP wastewater can effectively support high-density cultivation of C. vulgaris var. vulgaris TISTR 8261, yielding nutritionally rich biomass, and offering a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy for industrial-scale microalgal production. Full article

RNA-based therapeutics offer transformative potential for treating devastating diseases. However, current RNA delivery technologies face significant hurdles, including inefficient tissue targeting, insufficient selectivity, and severe side effects, leading to the termination of many clinical trials. This review critically assesses the landscape of RNA-derived medicines, examining world-renowned mRNA vaccines (Spikevax, BNT162b2/Comirnaty) and RNA-based therapeutics like Miravirsen (anti-miR-122). It details the composition and clinical trial results of numerous modified short RNA drugs (e.g., siRNAs, miRNA mimetics/inhibitors) targeting various conditions. Prospects for RNA-based medicines are analysed for diseases with substantial societal impact, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases, with a focus on evolving delivery methods, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and exosomes. RNA-mediated macrophage reprogramming emerges as a promising strategy, potentially enhancing both delivery and clinical efficacy. This review highlights that while approved RNA therapies primarily target rare diseases due to delivery limitations, novel approaches in RNA modification, targeted delivery systems, and enhanced understanding of molecular mechanisms are crucial for expanding their application to prevalent diseases and unlocking their full therapeutic potential. Full article

Microviscosity and lipid order are the main parameters characterizing the phase states of the membrane. Variations in microviscosity and lipid composition in a living cell may indicate serious disturbances, including various kinds of stress. In this work, the effect of hyperosmotic stress on the microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes was investigated, using potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber mitochondria. The microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes isolated from check and stressed (9 days at 34–36 °C) tubers was estimated by determining the generalized polarization (GP) values using a Laurdan fluorescent probe in confocal microscopy studies. It was revealed that the GP distribution in mitochondria isolated from stressed tubers contained new component-characterizing membrane domains with an increased lipid order compared to the rest of the membrane. We have mapped the microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes for the first time and observed the dynamics of the membrane microviscosity of an individual mitochondrion. The hyperosmotic stress significantly influences the functional state of potato mitochondria, decreasing the substrate oxidation rate and respiratory control coefficient but increasing MitoTracker Orange fluorescence. Under hyperosmotic stress, the microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes changes, and membrane domains with increased lipid order are formed. The revealed changes open up prospects for further research on the participation of raft-like microdomains of mitochondria in plant resistance to stress factors. Full article

This study systematically analyzed the multidimensional effects of Lactobacillus fermentation on Pueraria lobata (PL) and investigated the potential mechanisms underlying its hypolipidemic activity. Results indicated that fermentation significantly increased the total acid content from 1.02 to 3.48 g·L⁻¹, representing a 2.41-fold increase. Although slight reductions were observed in total flavonoids (8.67%) and total phenolics (6.72%), the majority of bioactive components were well preserved. Other antioxidant capacities were retained at >74.71% of baseline, except hydroxyl radical scavenging. Flavor profiling showed increased sourness and astringency, accompanied by reduced bitterness, with volatile compounds such as β-pinene and trans-2-hexenyl butyrate contributing to a distinct aromatic profile. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that fermentation specifically enhanced the abundance of low-concentration isoflavone aglycones, including daidzein and genistein, suggesting a compositional shift that may improve hypolipidemic efficacy. Integrated network pharmacology and computational modeling predicted that eight key components, including genistein, could stably bind to ten core targets (e.g., AKT1 and MMP9) primarily through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, potentially regulating lipid metabolism via the PI3K-AKT, PPAR, and estrogen signaling pathways. This study reveals the role of Lactobacillus fermentation in promoting the conversion of isoflavone glycosides to aglycones in PL and constructs a multi-dimensional “components-targets-pathways-disease” network, providing both experimental evidence and a theoretical foundation for further research on the lipid-lowering mechanisms of fermented PL and the development of related functional products. Full article

Oleogels are a new trend in food technology aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of products that contain solid fats. Solid fats are rich in nutritionally unfavorable saturated fatty acids (FAs), but oleogels (lipid systems derived from oleogelator and oils) are in unsaturated FAs. The use of oils rich in oxidation-prone unsaturated FAs in pastry products requires the use of an antioxidant, such as green tea extract (GTE). However, new products with altered composition should also be acceptable to consumers. The purpose of this study was to carry out a sensory evaluation of short-dough biscuits obtained with 1% of GTE and high-oleic oleogels and to find what may influence consumers’ anticipated perception. Products with monoacylglycerols (MAG) and candelilla wax (CLX) oleogels and non-gelled high-oleic rapeseed oil (HORO) were found to have equal or better sensory quality compared to products with traditional baker’s (palm) fat (PF). In terms of sensory attributes, products with ethyl cellulose oleogels were the most distinct from the other biscuits. Their sensory qualities were significantly lower, with a more noticeable rancid odor and taste. Products with CLX and MAG oleogels were more preferred than those with PF, as consumers were more likely to purchase them based on sensory impressions. Information about the presence of GTE and HORO in the formulation was shown to affect the perception of the product. Similarly, the information about the low saturated fat content encouraged consumers to purchase such products. Based on this, it can be concluded that displaying this type of information can help educate consumers, support better decision-making, and promote the selection of more nutritious options. Full article

Background: Atherogenic dyslipidemia is defined by the coexistence of high triglyceride concentrations, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and an excess of small, dense particles of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This lipid profile is strongly associated with an increased burden of cardiovascular disease and represents a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. To better capture this risk, composite lipid ratios—including total cholesterol to HDL-C (TC/HDL-C), LDL-C to HDL-C (LDL-C/HDL-C), triglycerides to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C), and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—have emerged as robust markers of cardiometabolic health, frequently demonstrating superior predictive capacity compared with isolated lipid measures. Despite extensive evidence linking these ratios to cardiovascular disease, few large-scale studies have examined their association with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and social isolation in working populations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a large occupational cohort of Spanish workers evaluated between January 2021 and December 2024. Anthropometric, biochemical, and sociodemographic data were collected through standardized clinical protocols. Indices of atherogenic risk—namely the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—were derived from fasting lipid measurements. The assessment of lifestyle factors included tobacco use, physical activity evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern using the MEDAS questionnaire, and perceived social isolation measured by the Lubben Social Network Scale. Socioeconomic classification was established following the criteria proposed by the Spanish Society of Epidemiology. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors independently associated with moderate-to-high risk for each lipid indicator, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: A total of 117,298 workers (71,384 men and 45,914 women) were included. Men showed significantly higher odds of elevated TG/HDL-C (OR 4.22, 95% CI 3.70–4.75) and AD (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.70–3.21) compared with women, whereas LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were lower (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.89). Advancing age was positively associated with all lipid ratios, with the highest risk observed in participants aged 60–69 years. Lower social class, smoking, physical inactivity, poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and low social isolation scores were consistently linked to higher atherogenic risk. Physical inactivity showed the strongest associations across all indicators, with ORs ranging from 3.54 for TC/HDL-C to 7.12 for AD. Conclusions: Atherogenic dyslipidemia and elevated lipid ratios are strongly associated with male sex, older age, lower socioeconomic status, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, and reduced social integration among Spanish workers. These findings highlight the importance of workplace-based cardiovascular risk screening and targeted prevention strategies, particularly in high-risk subgroups. Interventions to promote physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, and social connectedness may contribute to lowering atherogenic risk in occupational settings. Full article