Search Results (1,290)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain bioactive substances and mediate a multitude of physiological functions. EVs can be found in most body fluids and are particularly abundant in semen. EVs have the potential to become a biomarker for the quality of boar semen. In this study, EVs were isolated from the semen of relatively young (10 months of age, Y-EVs) and old (30 months of age, O-EVs) duroc boars using ultracentrifugation. The isolated EVs were characterized using a transmission electron microscope, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blotting. MicroRNA (miRNA) profiles and metabolomes were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. The median particle sizes of Y-EVs and O-EVs were 151.3 nm and 162.1 nm, respectively. miR-148a-3p, miR-10b, miR-21-5p, miR-10a-5p, let-7a, etc., were identified as highly enriched miRNAs in seminal EVs of boars. Comparative analysis revealed 41 differentially expressed miRNAs and 132 differential metabolites between Y-EVs and O-EVs. Notably, 18 miRNAs were upregulated in O-EVs, such as miR-339-5p, miR-125a, miR-423-3p, and miR-29c, which were mainly enriched in endocytosis, focal adhesion, and adherens junction. KEGG pathway analysis further indicated that differential metabolites were enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism. These results provide an insight into the functional roles of seminal EVs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Individuals with childhood obesity exhibit significant metabolic heterogeneity, necessitating precise biomarkers for risk stratification and assessment. This multi-omics investigation characterizes metabolic and microbial signatures underlying divergent metabolic phenotypes in the context of pediatric obesity. Methods: We analyzed 285 Chinese children (5–7 years) stratified into five groups: wasting (WAS, n = 55), metabolically healthy/unhealthy and normal weight (MHWH, n = 54; MUWH, n = 67), and metabolically healthy/unhealthy obesity (MHO, n = 36; MUO, n = 73). Untargeted metabolomics (Orbitrap ID-X Tribrid™) and 16S rRNA sequencing were integrated with multivariate analyses (OPLS-DA with VIP > 1, FDR < 0.05; Maaslin 2 with TSS normalization and BH correction, FDR < 0.10). Results: Analysis identified 225 differential metabolites and 12 bacterial genera. The proportion of steroids and their derivatives among differential metabolites in the MUO/MHO group was significantly lower than that in the OVOB/NOR and OVOB/WAS groups (2.12% vs. 7.9–14.1%). MUO displayed elevated C17 sphinganine and LysoPC (O-18:0) levels but reduced PI (16:0/14:1) levels. In contrast, OVOB showed upregulated glycerol phospholipids (LPCs and PSs) and downregulated PE species (e.g., PE(16:0/16:0)) as well as gut microbiota dysbiosis characterized by a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio (2.07 vs. 1.24 in controls, p = 0.009) and reduced α diversity (Ace index, Chao1 index, and Shannon index values were lower in the OVOB group, Shannon index: 2.96 vs. 3.45, p = 0.03). SCFA-producing genera were negatively correlated with the OVOB group, while positively associated with PE(16:0/16:0). Internal validation showed differential metabolites had potential predictive efficacy for MUO/MHO (AUC = 0.967) and OVOB/NOR (AUC = 0.888). Conclusions: We identified distinct lipid disruptions characterizing obesity subtypes, including steroid/terpene deficits and sphingolipid/ether lipid dysregulation in the MUO/MHO groups as well as phospholipid imbalance (↑LPC/PS↓PE) in the OVOB/NOR groups. The gut microbiota exhibited a profile characterized by low diversity, an increased F/B ratio, and a reduced abundance of SCFA-producing genera. These findings suggest potential biomarkers for childhood obesity stratification, though further validation is warranted. Full article

The mortality risk in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is primarily determined by pulmonary involvement (interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary fibrosis), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and cardiac involvement. With timely and intensive treatment, the disease can be halted or even improved. Therefore, early diagnosis remains crucial. Unfortunately, biomarkers currently available cannot meet this requirement. SSc is characterized by autoimmune inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. The immunometabolic characterization of autoimmune diseases contributes to a better understanding of the underlying inflammatory processes. In this narrative review, we included 13 studies on metabolomic patterns in SSc in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines (PRISMA). Current studies indicate an altered metabolome in SSc. All documented significant differences between patients with SSc and healthy controls, although the observed metabolomic patterns in SSc were inconsistent between studies. Metabolome alterations include, in particular, energy-related metabolic pathways such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, including the synthesis and degradation of ketones, fatty acid oxidation, amino acid-related metabolic pathways, lipid metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, including pyruvate metabolism. The most frequently examined organ complications with reported significant aberrations of the metabolome were skin involvement, ILD, and PAH. Conclusion: The detailed characterization of the SSc-specific metabolome promises a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease. Furthermore, the detection of associations between specific metabolic aberrations and disease phenotypes bears hope for new biomarkers and an improved personalized approach to diagnostics, therapy, and follow-up in the management of SSc. Full article

Background: High-dose γ-ray exposure (≥7 Gy) in nuclear emergencies induces life-threatening acute radiation syndrome, characterized by rapid hematopoietic collapse (leukocytes <0.5 × 10⁹/L) and gastrointestinal barrier failure. While clinical biomarkers like leukocyte depletion guide current therapies targeting myelosuppression, the concomitant metabolic disturbances and gut microbiota dysbiosis—critical determinants of delayed mortality—remain insufficiently profiled across the 28-day injury-recovery continuum. Methods: This study investigates the effects of ⁶⁰Co γ-ray irradiation on metabolic characteristics and gut microbiota in Sprague Dawley rats using untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing. Meanwhile, body weight and complete blood counts were measured. Results: Body weight exhibited significant fluctuations, with the most pronounced deviation observed at 14 days. Blood counts revealed a rapid decline in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets post-irradiation, reaching nadirs at 7–14 days, followed by gradual recovery to near-normal levels by 28 days. Untargeted metabolomics identified 32 upregulated and 33 downregulated plasma metabolites at 14 days post-irradiation, while fecal metabolites showed 47 upregulated and 18 downregulated species at 3 days. Key metabolic pathways impacted included Glycerophospholipid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrated no significant change in α-diversity but significant β-diversity shifts (p < 0.05), indicating a marked alteration in the compositional structure of the intestinal microbial community following radiation exposure. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed distinct clustering between control and irradiated groups, with increased abundance of Bacteroidota and decreased Firmicutes in irradiated rats. These findings highlight dynamic metabolic and microbial disruptions post-irradiation, with recovery patterns suggesting a 28-day restoration cycle. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis explored associations between the top 20 fecal metabolites and 50 abundant bacterial taxa. Norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, and Bacteroides showed significant correlations with various radiation-altered metabolites, highlighting metabolite–microbiota relationships post-radiation. Conclusions: This study provides insights into potential biomarkers for radiation-induced physiological damage and underscores the interplay between systemic metabolism and gut microbiota in radiation response. Full article

Xanthii Fructus (XF) not only has medicinal function in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but also contains rich oil and protein. The aim of this research was to develop the edible value of its protein based on the investigation on the extraction, basic characteristics and functions, safety, gut microbiota, and metabolomics, especially the effect of the concocting process. The proteins from raw and concocted XF were prepared using two methods: alkaline solubilization followed by acid precipitation and ammonium sulfate salting-out, respectively. The secondary structure and physicochemical properties of the proteins were characterized through spectroscopic analysis and property determination. The effects of alkaline and the concocting process on the proteins were systematically compared. The results indicated that the salting-out method could retain the protein activity better. Both alkali treatment and the concocting process altered the folding state of proteins. The toxicological results in mice indicated that a high dose (0.35 g/kg) of raw Xanthii Fructus protein (XFP) might cause damage to the liver and small intestine, and the concocting process could significantly alleviate the damage. The 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to untangle their impact on gut microbiota in mice and the result showed that raw protein had a certain regulatory effect on Bifidobacterium, Rhodococcus, Lactococcus, and Clostridium, while the concocted protein had a smaller impact, mainly affecting Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. The untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) showed that the proteins of raw XF affected the metabolic level through cysteine and methionine metabolism, purine metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways, and the concocted protein mainly involved histidine metabolism and purine metabolism pathways. Overall, XFP had potential development prospects, but the anti-nutritional factors might have some toxicity. The concocting process could significantly improve its safety, and the concocted proteins were worth developing as a food source. In the future, the processing conditions should be further optimized and more systematic investigation should be performed to ensure the safety of XF as a food source. Full article

Dragon fruit comprises a wide variety of species that are rich in nutritional value and have great economic potential; however, numerous studies have focused on their nutritional and commercial quality. In contrast, few studies have addressed their flavor quality, particularly with respect to the regulatory networks responsible for their flavor-related substance contents. To this end, we sequenced the transcriptomes and metabolomes of red-skin/white-fleshed and red-skin/red-fleshed dragon fruit at different timepoints during fruit development. RNA-seq and metabolome data were used to divide the seven developmental stages of the dragon fruit into four categories (young fruit, expansion, maturity, and senescence). In all, 16,827 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 958 transcription factors, were identified and grouped into 10 clusters, and the pathways in each cluster were annotated. Additionally, 318 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, including 88 common metabolites. The main flavor-related substances and the key genes regulating them were determined via joint analysis via RNA-seq and metabolomics. Furthermore, 10 volatile active components related to green flavors and aromas were screened according to the relative odor activity value (ROAV), and 15 candidate genes related to key flavor compounds were screened via WGCNA, 3 of which encoded transcription factors. In conclusion, our results provide a theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of the volatile flavor compounds in dragon fruit and provide new genetic resources for the subsequent study of fruit flavor compounds. Full article

Foxtail millet attracts much attention for its rich nutrients and health benefits. However, ultra-polishing has greatly reduced its nutrition. Germination can enhance nutrition value. Nevertheless, knowledge of nutrient changes in kernels and sprouted grains under different polishing methods and at different germination stages is limited. Here, comparative metabolomics was used to detect metabolite changes in differently polished millets (Manually Polished Millet, MPM; Ultra-Polished Millet, UPM; Manually Ultra-Polished Millet, MUPM) and in sprouted grains with hot air drying (HAD) and freeze-drying (FD) at different germination times. Compared to whole grains, MPM, UPM, and MUPM had 306 to 720 down-regulated metabolites, reducing most antioxidants, essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins in whole grains. For sprouted grains, metabolic activities were comprehensively activated. The early stages accumulated basic nutrients such as free and functional amino acids, small sugars, and essential fatty acids. The 16 h stage increased secondary antioxidant metabolites like flavonoids, and the 24 h germination generated more functional components such as sulfur-containing metabolites. More basic nutrients were preserved by FD in comparison to the reduced basic nutrients and increased antioxidant accumulation associated with HAD. This work systematically characterizes the metabolite changes in polished millets and sprouted grains, providing a reference for developing functional millet products. Full article

Chrysanthemum indicum L. is characterized by a high concentration of flavonoid compounds, which exert multifaceted influences on the organoleptic properties, chromatic stability, and therapeutic efficacy of capitulum-derived extracts. These components exhibit diverse biological activities, including heat-clearing, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective properties. A novel white C. indicum variant lacking linarin was recently identified, but its metabolic and transcriptional differences from traditional yellow varieties remain unclear. This study compared flavonoid metabolism in white mutant (BHYJ) and yellow (HJ06) varieties through integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. Metabolomics identified 491 flavonoids, revealing distinct accumulation patterns: BHYJ accumulated dihydroflavones/chalcones (eriodictyol, hesperetin-8-C-glucoside-3′-O-glucoside, naringenin chalcone), while HJ06 showed higher flavones/flavonols (linarin, rhoiflolin, vitexin, rutin, nicotiflorin). Transcriptomics identified 43 differentially expressed enzyme genes, with key regulators FNSII, F3′H, and F3H showing expression patterns correlating with metabolite profiles. Integrated analysis revealed metabolic divergence at the naringenin node: BHYJ produced less naringenin than HJ06 and preferentially channeled it toward eriodictyol synthesis rather than linarin production. This metabolic shift explains the reduced linarin accumulation in BHYJ. Experimental validation confirmed the coordinated expression patterns of key enzymes. These findings provide foundational insights into transcriptional regulation of flavonoid divergence in pigmented C. indicum varieties, establishing a framework for elucidating enzymatic control of flavonoid biosynthesis in capitulum development. Full article

The characterization of volatile compounds in cheese is crucial for understanding sensory properties and consumer acceptance. Camembert cheese, a surface-ripened variety, presents a complex aroma profile shaped by biochemical and microbial interactions. Despite advances in analytical methods such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O), the metabolic pathways and microbial interactions defining Camembert’s aroma remain incompletely understood. This review explores the synergistic roles of microbial communities, enzymatic activity, and environmental conditions in volatile compound formation. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to analyze the classification of volatile compounds, biochemical pathways of aroma formation, and microbial contributions. The findings highlight the essential role of Penicillium camemberti and lactic acid bacteria in aroma modulation, particularly in sulfur compounds, esters, and short-chain fatty acids. Emerging technologies such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and metabolomics provide new insights into volatile compound dynamics. Understanding these mechanisms may enhance aroma control in cheese production through microbial engineering and biochemical monitoring. This review underscores the need for integrated approaches to optimize fermentation and ensure sensory standardization, contributing to improved quality and consumer acceptance of Camembert cheese. Full article

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D.Y.Hong, an endangered perennial herb, is rich in triterpenes, iridoids, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit significant pharmacological effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of triterpenoid biosynthesis in N. scrophulariiflora remain unclear. Here, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the triterpene content in different tissues and the expression patterns of key enzyme-encoding genes related to triterpenoid biosynthesis. We functionally characterized eight upstream oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis, among which NsOSC2 is a bifunctional enzyme capable of catalyzing the conversion of 2,3-oxidosqualene to β-amyrin and α-amyrin. Additionally, an efficient regeneration system and a stable genetic transformation system were established for N. scrophulariiflora. These findings reveal key genes in triterpenoid biosynthesis, providing a theoretical foundation for the future production of key triterpenoids in N. scrophulariiflora through synthetic biology approaches. Full article

Background: Insulin resistance is a key driver of metabolic syndrome and related disorders, yet its underlying metabolic alterations remain incompletely understood. The Triglyceride–Glucose (TyG) index is an emerging, accessible marker for insulin resistance, with growing evidence supporting its clinical utility. This study aimed to characterize the metabolic profiles associated with insulin resistance using the TyG index in a large, population-based cohort, and to identify metabolic pathways potentially implicated in insulin resistance. Methods: Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Qatar Biobank, including 1255 participants without diabetes classified as insulin-sensitive or insulin-resistant based on TyG index tertiles. Untargeted serum metabolomics profiling was performed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Our statistical analyses included orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis and linear models. Results: Distinct metabolic signatures differentiated insulin-resistant from insulin-sensitive participants. Phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols, and phosphatidylcholines, were strongly associated with insulin resistance, while plasmalogens and sphingomyelins were consistently linked to insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: Lipid-centric pathways emerge as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the early detection and personalized management of insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders. Longitudinal studies are warranted to validate causal relationships. Full article

Background/Objectives: The current staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) relies on conventional imaging, which lacks the sensitivity to detect micrometastatic disease. The functional assessment of NSCLC progression may provide independent information to enhance the prediction of metastatic risk. The objective of this study was to determine if we could identify a metabolomic signature predictive of metastasis in patients with NSCLC treated with definitive radiation. Methods: Plasma samples were collected prospectively from patients enrolled in a clinical trial with non-metastatic NSCLC treated with definitive radiation. Metabolites were extracted, and mass spectrometry-based analysis was performed using a flow injection electrospray (FIE)–Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry (MS) method. Early metastasis was defined as metastasis within 1 year of radiation treatment. Results: The study cohort included 28 patients. FIE-FITCR produced highly reproducible profiles in technical replicates. A total of 51 metabolic features were identified to be different in patients with early metastasis compared to patients without early metastasis (all adjusted p-values < 0.05, Welch’s t-test), including glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and fatty acyls. In the follow-up samples collected after the initiation of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, a total of 174 metabolic features were significantly altered in patients who developed early metastasis compared to those who did not. Conclusions: We identified several distinct changes in the metabolic profiles of patients with NSCLC who developed metastatic disease within 1 year of definitive radiation. These findings highlight the potential of metabolomic profiling as a predictive tool for assessing metastatic risk in NSCLC. Full article

Intestinal microbiota and the host’s immune system form a symbiotic alliance that sustains normal development and function in the human gut. Changes such as dietary habits among societies in developed countries have led to the development of unbalanced microbial populations in the gut, likely contributing to the dramatic increase in inflammatory diseases in the last few decades. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies have tremendously helped to characterize the microbiome associated with disease, both in identifying global alterations and discovering specific biomarkers that potentially contribute to disease pathogenesis, as evidenced by animal studies. Beyond bacterial alterations, non-bacterial components such as fungi, viruses, and microbial metabolites have been implicated in these diseases, influencing immune responses and gut homeostasis. Multi-omics approaches integrating metagenomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics offer a more comprehensive understanding of the microbiome’s role in disease pathogenesis, paving the way for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Unraveling the metagenomic profiles associated with disease may facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention, as well as the development of more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies. This review synthesizes recent and relevant microbiome research studies aimed at characterizing the microbial signatures associated with inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and celiac disease. Full article

Background: Rose processing faces critical challenges in preserving bioactive compounds and aroma profiles during thermal treatments, particularly given the growing demand for natural ingredients in the food and cosmetic industries. Methods: Using widely targeted metabolomics, we first characterized volatile profiles of four major commercial cultivars (Hetian, Damask, Bulgarian, and Fenghua; n = 6 replicates per cultivar), identifying terpenoids as dominant components (p < 0.05). Subsequent thermal optimization focused on Hetian rose, where WGCNA and K-means analyses revealed temperature-dependent dynamics (40–55 °C, triplicate drying trials per temperature). Results: Hetian rose exhibited significantly higher accumulation (p < 0.05) of a unique sesquiterpene marker, 4-(1,5-dimethyl-1,4-hexadienyl)-1-methyl-cyclohexene. Systematic drying optimization identified 50 °C as the thermal threshold for optimal color, bioactive retention, and sensory quality. Mechanistic analysis identified 193 temperature-responsive metabolites (VIP > 1, FC < 0.25 or >4, p < 0.01), with terpenoid biosynthesis (MVA/MEP pathways) and esterification dynamics emerging as critical control points. Conclusions: This study establishes the first cultivar-specific processing framework for roses, demonstrating that metabolic signature-guided drying improves product quality. The findings advance our understanding of thermal impacts on aroma biochemistry while providing actionable protocols for natural product industries. Full article

Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) is a probiotic known for its ability to enhance host resistance against pathogenic infections. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of B. licheniformis in a mouse model challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). C57BL/6J mice were pretreated with B. licheniformis for 21 days before oral infection with C. perfringens. The probiotic administration significantly prevented infection-induced weight loss and immune organ enlargement. Serum cytokine analysis revealed that B. licheniformis increased anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL-10 levels while reducing pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. Histological analysis showed that B. licheniformis preserved intestinal morphology and inhibited epithelial cell apoptosis. Moreover, the probiotic mitigated the infection-induced decline in volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that B. licheniformis reshaped the cecal microbiota, characterized by the increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Muribaculaceae, and Parabacteroides, and reduced abundance of Alistipes. Untargeted metabolomic profiling identified differential metabolites—including D-glucono-1,5-lactone, D-erythrose 4-phosphate, and D-sedoheptulose 7-phosphate—enriched in the pentose phosphate pathway, suggesting a regulatory role in redox homeostasis and host response. Collectively, these results indicate that B. licheniformis exerts protective effects against C. perfringens infection by modulating inflammation, apoptosis, microbial composition, and metabolic pathways. This work provides new insights into the application of B. licheniformis as a functional microbial feed additive in livestock disease prevention. Full article