Search Results (4,708)

A newly discovered facultative anaerobic strain, designated as LXY-3^T, was obtained from a soil sample collected at an industrial site in Guangxi, China, known for heavy metal processing. An investigation including phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic traits was conducted. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA showed that LXY-3^T belonged to the genus Paenibacillus. The closest phylogenetic relative of this strain was Paenibacillus anaericanus MH21^T with the similarity of 97.03%. Iso-C_15:0, antéiso-C_15:0, and C_16:1 ω7c alcohol were the major cellular fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), unidentified phospholipids (PL1-PL8), unidentified resistant material (RM1–RM4), and lipids (L1–L3). For genome sequencing, the genomic DNA G+C content of the strain is 51.2 mol%. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain LXY-3^T and its closest phylogenetic relatives within the genus Paenibacillus (represented by type strains) were consistently below the 95% species demarcation threshold. Nitrogen fixation gene cluster (nifB, nifE, nifK, nifN, nifV, nifX, nifD, and nifH) was conserved in the strain. Correspondingly, digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values remained below the 70% cutoff for species delineation. These genomic metrics provide compelling evidence that strain LXY-3^T represents a novel species within the genus Paenibacillus. The type strain LXY-3^T (=CGMCC 1.64949^T = JCM 37600^T) is proposed. Full article

Introduction: Alterations of the microbiota–gut–brain axis, including increased intestinal permeability (IP), changes in microbial activity, and immune activation, are central to the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). The low-fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet (LFD) is an established therapy for IBS, yet its systemic effects, particularly in patients with elevated depressive symptoms, remain incompletely characterized. Methods: This single-arm pre–post study investigated associations between depressive symptom severity and markers of small IP (s-IP), endotoxin exposure, inflammation, and erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition in 43 IBS-D patients undergoing a 12-week personalized LFD. Patients were classified using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised depression subscale into those with (d+, n = 23) and without (d−, n = 20) clinically elevated depressive symptoms. Results: At baseline, d+ patients exhibited higher s-IP, circulating lipopolysaccharide levels, inflammatory markers, and a more pro-inflammatory PUFA profile. Following LFD, significant improvements in symptoms and several biological parameters were observed in the overall cohort. Greater absolute changes in d+ patients were consistent with their higher baseline values rather than indicating differential responsiveness. Baseline depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with the magnitude of post-intervention changes in IP or inflammatory markers. Conclusions: These findings suggest that elevated depressive symptoms identify an IBS-D subgroup characterized by greater baseline biological burden. Results should be interpreted as associative given the single-arm design, absence of a control group, and the concurrent reduction in body weight, which may have influenced the observed changes. Randomized controlled studies are needed to clarify the role of dietary interventions in modulating gut–brain axis-related pathways in IBS-D. Full article

Emerging evidence highlights the gut microbiota as a critical modulator in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF), particularly among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dysbiosis contributes to systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and adverse cardiac remodeling via microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the therapeutic intersection between the gut microbiota and pharmacological interventions remains insufficiently integrated. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), a cornerstone of T2DM management, confer cardioprotective effects that may involve microbiota-mediated pathways. This review provides a novel synthesis of how SGLT2is influence gut ecology, specifically through altered glucose excretion and osmotic shifts, to potentially restore SCFA-producing taxa. By delineating the structural transitions from gut physiology to SGLT2i-modulated cardiac outcomes, we emphasize the gut–heart axis as a pivotal therapeutic target. This focused framework offers new insights into the triadic interplay between microbiome stability and cardiometabolic health, moving beyond traditional glucose-centric paradigms. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary phospholipid (PL) source and supplementation level on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fry. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted using a basal diet containing 1.76% PL and six experimental diets with an additional 1.5%, 3.0%, or 4.5% PL provided by soybean lecithin (SL) or krill oil phospholipids (KOP). Dietary supplementation with 3.0–4.5% SL and 1.5–4.5% KOP significantly improved growth performance, whereas feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced in the 3.0–4.5% SL and 3.0% KOP groups (p < 0.05). At equivalent inclusion levels, no significant differences were observed between SL and KOP in growth performance parameters (p > 0.05). PL supplementation also reduced whole-body lipid deposition and enhanced visceral lipase activity in all groups except the 1.5% SL group, while antioxidant capacity was improved in all PL-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). SL had no significant effect on whole-body fatty acid composition (p > 0.05), whereas moderate to high levels of KOP significantly altered the fatty acid profile, characterized by reduced monounsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, along with increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis indicated that PL supplementation affected hepatic lipid metabolism, with both PL sources downregulating apoa2-like, while KOP induced stronger hepatic transcriptional responses related to lipid utilization and innate immune signaling than SL (p_adj < 0.05). However, gut microbiota analysis revealed no significant differences in the relative abundances of the dominant phyla or in α- and β-diversity among the control, 3.0% KOP, and 4.5% SL groups (p > 0.05). Overall, dietary PL supplementation promoted growth, improved antioxidant capacity, enhanced lipid metabolism, and reduced lipid deposition in Atlantic salmon fry, with KOP exerting stronger effects than SL on fatty acid composition and hepatic gene expression. Full article

The demand for functional dairy products is increasing, in response to the adverse correlation between high saturated fat consumption and cardiovascular health problems. The present study investigated the physicochemical and sensory features of a prototype of functional reduced-fat Mozzarella cheese fortified with inulin made from milk obtained by integrating the cattle diet with laurel essential oil (LEO). Two samples were compared over a 10-day storage period: a whole-milk Mozzarella cheese (MC), and a reduced-fat Mozzarella cheese fortified with 10% (w/v) of inulin (MI). The results show that incorporating inulin during the stretching phase required more time (2.55 min longer) to obtain the final product. However, in addition to a 5% fat decrease, the MI cheese achieved an inulin content of 3.31%, satisfying the European Regulation No 1924/2006, for the “Source of Fiber” claim. On the other hand, from a nutritional perspective, the dietary LEO integration significantly modulated the lipid fraction of the sample, resulting in a 40% increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and a marked enrichment in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Considering the texture attributes, the incorporation of inulin during the stretching phase led to the formation of a micro-gel that acted as a functional filler, resulting in significantly higher hardness (33.41 N for MI and 16.10 N for MC), throughout the 10-day storage period. Temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) analysis confirmed that while the MI sample introduced vegetable and cooked milk notes, MI maintained major textural integrity throughout the shelf-life. These findings demonstrate that the synergy between inulin fortification and dietary laurel essential oil supplementation represents a highly effective strategy for producing reduced-fat pasta filata cheeses. This dual approach not only preserves sensory and textural integrity but also yields a high-value functional product characterized by an optimized fatty acid profile and a significant fiber intake. Full article

Repeat breeder (RB) cows fail to conceive after three or more breeding attempts, yet the uterine factors contributing to this condition remain unclear. Here, we compared uterine fluid composition, endometrial cell responses to uterine fluid, and uterine microbiota between normal pregnant (Normal) and RB cows. Uterine fluid was collected from multiparous Holstein cows classified as Normal (n = 5; conception within three breeding attempts) or RB (no conception after four attempts); RB cows were classified as RB-Rec (n = 4; conceived after uterine lavage) or RB-NoRec (n = 3; did not conceive after uterine lavage). Uterine fluids were applied to bovine endometrial cells, and microbiota composition was analyzed. Concentrations of lipopolysaccharide in the uterine fluid did not differ between the three groups, and uterine fluid from both RB groups significantly increased C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 secretion relative to the Normal group. RNA-seq revealed distinct endometrial cell responses to RB-NoRec uterine fluid, with enrichment of immune-related pathways including phagosome, ferroptosis, and cellular senescence. Uterine microbiota profiles differed among groups, with short-chain fatty acid-producing genera (e.g., Fusicatenibacter and Dorea) predominant in Normal cows and inflammation-associated genera (e.g., Trueperella and Helicobacter) predominant in RB-NoRec cows. These data indicate that uterine fluid properties and microbiota composition vary with reproductive status and may modulate endometrial immune activation associated with fertility outcomes. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a markedly increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality that cannot be fully explained by traditional risk factors. Emerging evidence highlights the central role of the gut–kidney–heart axis, whereby gut microbiota dysbiosis promotes the generation and systemic accumulation of uremic toxins, including indoxyl sulfate (IS), p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). These metabolites contribute to endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular remodeling, thereby accelerating CV disease progression in CKD. Dietary patterns represent a key modifiable factor influencing gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high intake of plant-based foods, dietary fiber, and polyphenols, and low consumption of red and processed meats, has emerged as a promising microbiota-targeted strategy. It promotes saccharolytic fermentation, enhances short-chain fatty acid production, and reduces proteolytic pathways responsible for uremic toxin generation. Accumulating evidence from observational studies, meta-analyses, and dietary intervention trials suggests that adherence to Mediterranean and plant-based dietary patterns is associated with reduced uremic toxin burden, improved renal outcomes, and lower CV risk in CKD populations. However, direct interventional evidence linking Mediterranean diet adherence to changes in specific uremic toxin levels remains limited. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on diet–microbiota interactions in CKD and highlights the Mediterranean diet as a biologically plausible strategy for targeting the gut–kidney–heart axis. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm causal relationships and support clinical implementation. Full article

Background: Supplementation with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may mitigate exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and enhance post-exercise recovery. However, the systematic reviews/meta-analyses evaluating these effects across populations and exercise models are limited and do not provide dosing recommendations. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of LC n-3 PUFA supplementation on key post-exercise recovery outcomes, including muscle soreness, muscle function, and muscle damage biomarkers in healthy adults. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and clinical trial registry databases was conducted (to January 2025). All studies that met the inclusion criteria underwent appropriate methodological quality assessments using established tools. The data were extracted for inputting into random-effects models, with effect sizes reported as Hedges’ g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Results: Among the 2539 records, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and nine met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. The effect of LC n-3 PUFA supplementation on recovery outcomes was equivocal, with significant methodological limitations noted across the literature. However, the meta-analysis of nine placebo-controlled, eccentric exercise trials demonstrated that LC n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly reduced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) (Hedges’ g = −0.75; 95% CI: −1.14 to −0.36), creatine kinase (CK) (Hedges’ g = −0.40; 95% CI: −0.70 to −0.10), and muscle swelling (Hedges’ g = −0.45; 95% CI: −0.83 to −0.07), and significantly improved muscle strength (Hedges’ g = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.83) and range of motion (ROM) (Hedges’ g = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.53) at peak impairment compared with placebo. Conclusions: LC n-3 PUFA supplementation may support recovery from EIMD. However, due to the methodological limitations across the literature base it was not possible to assess effective dosing strategies. Future studies should address dose–response and duration requirements and incorporate objective assessments of omega-3 status (e.g., the Omega-3 Index [O3I] or comparable biomarkers) alongside standardized compliance measures. These approaches are necessary to determine effective dosing strategies and to test the relationship between omega-3 status and recovery outcomes. Full article

Fatty acids serve dual roles in cardiac physiology: as energy substrates and as precursors of bioactive lipid mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, oxylipins) from n-3/n-6 PUFAs that regulate inflammation, thrombosis, and remodeling. Saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fatty acids modulate metabolism and membrane function, thereby shaping these pathways. Clinically, n-3 long-chain PUFAs (EPA and DHA) reduce cardiovascular mortality and aid postischemic remodeling; however, high doses increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. By contrast, trans and saturated fatty acids promote dyslipidemia, dysfunction, and higher rates of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Mechanistically, fatty acid uptake via FABPpm, CD36 (FAT), and FATPs, along with β-oxidation and PPAR signaling, regulates metabolism, while COX/LOX/CYP pathways generate eicosanoids and resolvins that influence inflammation and repair. This review synthesizes evidence on the roles of fatty acids and oxylipins in lipotoxicity, heart failure, ischemia–reperfusion, and arrhythmias, and evaluates dietary and supplemental interventions to optimize cardiac lipid metabolism, aligning with fatty acid signaling. Full article

A comparative chemical analysis was conducted between P. aibuhitensis of orange and green body colors, evaluating their proximate composition, fatty acid profile, amino acid profile, astaxanthin content, lipidomic profile, and other biochemical parameters. Samples were categorized by body color into two groups, each with ten biological replicates. The samples were collected from the same local polychaete farm. The results revealed that the green phenotype had significantly higher moisture content but lower crude protein, crude lipid, and ash content compared to the orange phenotype. The orange polychaete was characterized by significantly higher concentrations of 16:0 and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), whereas the green one exhibited higher contents of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs) and a higher PUFA/SFA ratio. Regarding free amino acids, the orange polychaete had significantly higher threonine content, while the green ones had significantly higher levels of valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, glutamate, alanine, histidine and proline. Additionally, the astaxanthin content was significantly higher in the orange phenotype. The bile acid level was significantly higher in the green phenotype compared to the orange one, but no significant differences were observed in other biochemical parameters such as total protein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride content. The lipidomic analysis revealed that glycerophospholipids were the most abundant lipid class in both phenotypes, followed by glycerolipids and sphingolipids. A total of 65 differentially abundant lipid molecules were identified between the two groups. Compared to the orange polychaete, the green one had higher levels of 59 lipids (predominantly ceramides) and lower levels of six lipids, including three triglycerides, one monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, and two phosphatidylserines. In general, the orange P. aibuhitensis showed a favorable nutritional profile for aquafeed and human nutrition, whereas the green ones had potential for targeted health applications owing to its specific lipid composition. However, direct validating experiments are required. Full article

In modern intensive mutton sheep farming, the high cost and limited supply of conventional feed resources necessitate the exploration of sustainable alternatives. Cotton stalks and sugar beet pulp, abundant agricultural by-products in China, have potential as ruminant feed after proper fermentation treatment, yet their systematic application in sheep production remains underinvestigated. This study evaluated the effects of replacing whole-plant corn microsilage with mixed fermented feed (cotton stalks and sugar beet pulp, 1:1 dry matter ratio) on Suffolk rams (n = 84, 4 months old). Animals were randomly assigned to four groups: control (CK, 0% replacement), MS30 (30% replacement), MS60 (60% replacement), and MS90 (90% replacement). After a 15-day adaptation, the 120-day feeding trial assessed growth performance, slaughter characteristics, meat quality, muscle metabolomics (LC-MS), and jejunal microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing). The MS60 group significantly outperformed the CK group in final body weight, carcass weight, and net weight gain (p < 0.01), slaughter rate (p < 0.05), and meat tenderness (p < 0.05). Fatty acid composition was optimized, with lower SFAs (p < 0.01) and higher MUFAs (p < 0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed 206 differentially abundant metabolites, with significant enrichment in linoleic acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and primary bile acid synthesis pathways. The MS60 group exhibited significantly altered jejunal microbiota structure (p < 0.05), including increased Patescibacteria abundance (p < 0.05) and decreased Bifidobacterium (p < 0.001). Replacing 60% of whole-plant corn microsilage with cotton stalk–beet pulp mixed microsilage effectively improved production performance, meat quality, and fatty acid profiles in Suffolk rams, while modulating muscle metabolism and intestinal microbiota structure. These findings provide a practical strategy for sustainable sheep farming utilizing regional agricultural by-products. Full article

Background: School meals are crucial for children’s development and can contribute to the prevention, amongst others, of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed the conformity of meal composition with the quality standard for meals in schools (QST) of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) and reference values for nutrient intake of the nutrition societies of Germany and Austria (DGE/ÖGE) in Thuringian schools. Methods: Components of the school meals (portions in primary and secondary schools) were collected at two timepoints (T1 and T2). The contents of selected nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat, fatty acids, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals) were analyzed and tested for alignment with the aforementioned adapted reference values. Results: More than half of the school meals examined were ovo-lacto-vegetarian meals (T1: 64%; T2: 63%). The energy content of macronutrients and the contents of vitamins B₁ and E, folate, calcium, iron and magnesium covered the requirements of the DGE/ÖGE reference values. Good n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios between 2.6 and 4.1 were found. In contrast, vitamin C was not detectable in 88.5% (T1) and 90.6% (T2) of the tested meal components, and sodium references were exceeded by a factor of five to eight. Additionally, the total sugar content of the meals tended to be high, with 85% of all meals exceeding the lower energy limit for free sugars (≥7 to <10 years) and >70% exceeding the upper limit (≥10 to <19 years) set forth by WHO and DGE/ÖGE. Conclusions: In the process of school meal preparation, attention should be paid to the preservation of vitamin C and the economical use of salt and sugar. Full article

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbiota-derived tryptophan catabolites, which may influence neurodevelopment through immune and epigenetic mechanisms. We investigated whether stool SCFAs and tryptophan-pathway metabolites differ between children with ASD and typically developing controls, and whether these metabolites associate with ASD severity and systemic biochemical signatures. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed stool samples from 229 children (160 with ASD, 69 controls) with complete SCFA and tryptophan-metabolite data, while urine metabolomics data were available for a subset and were used for exploratory stool–urine integration analyses. Children with ASD and controls were similar in age, but the ASD group had a higher proportion of males. Absolute concentrations of individual SCFAs, total SCFAs, and derived indices were broadly comparable between groups; nominal differences in propionate/acetate ratio and caproate did not remain significant after false discovery rate correction. Similarly, stool tryptophan-pathway metabolites reported as ng/a.u. based on the NanoDrop-derived proxy (tryptophan, kynurenine, indole-3-acetic, indole-3-lactic, indole-3-propionic, indole-3-aldehyde, N-acetyl-tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin, tryptamine) and functional ratios (kynurenine/tryptophan, indole-derived/tryptophan, serotonin/tryptophan) showed no robust ASD–control differences; N-acetyl-tryptophan was nominally higher in ASD but did not survive multiple-testing correction. In the ASD subgroup with available Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) data (n = 34), SCFA and tryptophan indices showed only weak, non-significant correlations with global ASD severity. In contrast, correlation analyses revealed two coherent metabolic modules, i.e., an SCFA block with very strong internal correlations among individual SCFAs and total SCFAs and a tryptophan block with strong correlations between metabolites and their normalized ratios, while cross-module correlations were modest. These results indicate that stool SCFA and microbiota-derived tryptophan profiles do not robustly distinguish ASD from controls in this cohort, but they form stable metabolic modules compatible with microbiome–epigenome frameworks. Full article

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are vital for brain health and cognitive function. The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) regulates mood via serotonin, while the hypothalamus (HYP) controls energy homeostasis. Flaxseed oil (FLAX) is rich in omega-3 PUFAs like α-linolenic acid (ALA), and has been reported to influence serotonergic signaling in mammals, but data in poultry are scarce. This study investigated the effects of FLAX on metabolites crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to serotonergic brain regions and on growth performance in broiler chickens. Day-old chicks (n = 160) were assigned to two diets (5 replicates/treatment): control (CON; poultry fat-based diet) or FLAX (3% inclusion level). Growth performance was recorded, and DRN, HYP, and plasma were analyzed using HPLC-MS metabolomics. Serotonin and its metabolite 5-HIAA were quantified using LC-MS/MS. FLAX-fed birds had higher body weight gain (p < 0.0055) and better feed conversion ratio (p < 0.0049) than CON. Metabolomics identified 2271 features, of which 650 were annotated as metabolites. Of 35 differentially abundant plasma metabolites, eight were also differentially abundant in brain tissues. In the DRN, tryptophan (serotonin precursor) and corydaline (neuroprotective) were upregulated. Serotonin levels were significantly higher in both the DRN and HYP of FLAX-fed birds compared to CON. This suggest that dietary flaxseed oil may modulate stress responses, behavior, and welfare in broilers. In the HYP, dethiobiotin (energy), galanthamine (neuroprotective), and gambogic acid (antioxidative) were upregulated, while xanthoxyletin (anti-inflammatory) was downregulated. In conclusion, flaxseed oil improved growth and elevated serotonin in the DRN and HYP via enhanced tryptophan availability, suggesting potential benefits for stress resilience and welfare. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary bile acids (BA) supplementation on serum antioxidant capacity, fecal fermentation characteristics, microbial diversity, and community composition in culled ewes. Twenty 5-year-old culled Hu ewes with similar body weights (42.95 ± 1.07 kg) were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 10 per group). The control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the treatment group (BA400) was fed the same basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg BA. Compared with the CON group, the BA400 group showed enhanced serum activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, while also showing reduced concentrations of cortisol, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species (p < 0.05). Fecal pH, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, and the concentrations and proportions of individual volatile fatty acids remained unaffected by BA supplementation (p > 0.05). Microbial analysis revealed that the BA400 group exhibited higher fecal bacterial richness and diversity than the CON group (p < 0.05). Analysis of similarities revealed significant differences between the CON and BA400 groups (R = 1.000, p = 0.007). Specifically, BA supplementation increased the relative abundances of beneficial taxa, including Verrucomicrobiota and Akkermansia, while decreasing potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Campylobacterota and Proteobacteria. These findings indicate that dietary BA supplementation improves serum antioxidant capacity and modulates fecal microbial diversity and community structure in culled ewes, suggesting that hindgut microbiota may contribute to the health benefits of BA supplementation in ruminant production. Full article