Search Results (2,523)

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of aqueous extracts of Moringa oleifera (MO) obtained by maceration, decoction, and infusion of fresh or dried leaves and their effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation parameters. Phytochemical prospecting analyses were conducted to determine the bioactive compounds in each aqueous extract. Regarding the in vitro ruminal fermentation study, the seven treatments were the following: no addition of extract or control (CON); extract obtained by maceration of fresh leaves (MFL); extract obtained by maceration of dry leaves (MDL); extract obtained by decoction of the fresh leaves (DFL); extract obtained by decoction of dry leaves (DDL); extract obtained by infusion of fresh leaves (IFL) and extract obtained by infusion of dry leaves (IDL). The concentration of all bioactives (saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids) quantified was higher when fresh MO leaves were used (p < 0.001). DFL and DDL provided less elimination of azino-bis radicals. On the other hand, MFL resulted in a greater elimination of these radicals. Extracts obtained from fresh leaves resulted in a greater total production of short-chain fatty acids, acetate, and butyrate (p < 0.05). Compared to the control treatment, the inclusion of extracts obtained from fresh leaves provided a higher concentration of propionate (p = 0.049). It is thereby concluded that the use of fresh MO leaves for the production of aqueous extracts is the most recommended, as it results in a higher concentration of bioactive compounds. The use of aqueous extracts of fresh MO leaves increases the total production of fatty acids but does not change their proportion. Full article

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide, often resulting from complex interactions between the nervous and immune systems. Recent advances highlight the critical role of metabolite-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in various chronic pain types. These receptors link metabolic changes with cellular responses, influencing inflammatory and degenerative processes. Receptors such as free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1/GPR40), free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4/GPR120), free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2/GPR43), and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5/GPR131/GPBAR1) are key modulators of nociceptive signaling. GPR40, activated by long-chain fatty acids, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects by reducing cytokine expression. Butyrate-activated GPR43 inhibits inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide synthase-2 and cyclooxygenase-2, mitigating inflammation. TGR5, activated by bile acids, regulates inflammation and cellular senescence through pathways like NF-κB and p38. These receptors are promising therapeutic targets in chronic pain, addressing the metabolic and inflammatory factors underlying nociceptive sensitization and tissue degeneration. This review explores the molecular mechanisms of metabolite-sensing receptors in chronic pain, their therapeutic potential, and challenges in clinical application. By uncovering these mechanisms, metabolite-sensing receptors could lead to safer, more effective pain management strategies. Full article

Both hydrogen sulfide and endocannabinoids can protect the neural retina from toxic insults under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Purpose: The aim of the present study was two-fold: (a) to examine the neuroprotective action of cannabinoids [methanandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG)] against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage in the isolated bovine retina and (b) to evaluate the role of endogenously biosynthesized hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in the inhibitory actions of cannabinoids on the oxidative stress in the bovine retina. Methods: Isolated neural retinas from cows were exposed to oxidative damage using H₂O₂ (100 µM) for 10 min. When used, tissues were pretreated with methanandamide (1 nM–100 nM) and 2-AG (1–10 µM) for 30 min before a 10 min treatment with H₂O₂ (100 µM). In some experiments, retinas were pretreated with inhibitors of the biosynthesis of H₂S [cystathionine β-synthase/cystathionine γ-lyase (CBS/CSE), aminooxyacetic acid, AOAA 30 µM, or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST), α-keto-butyric acid, KBA 1 mM] and the CB1-receptor antagonist, AM251 (100 nM) for 30 min before treatment with methanandamide (1 nM–100 µM). Enzyme immunoassay measurement of 8-epi PGF2α (8-isoprostane) levels was performed to assess lipid peroxidation in retinal tissues. Results: In the presence of H₂O₂ (100 µM), methanandamide (1 nM–100 µM) and 2-AG (1–10 µM) significantly (p < 0.001) blocked the H₂O₂-induced elevation in 8-isoprostane levels in the isolated bovine retina. In the presence of the CB1 antagonist AM251 (100 nM), the effect of methanandamide (1 nM) on the H₂O₂-induced 8-isoprostane production was significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated. While AOAA (30 µM) had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the inhibition of H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress elicited by methanandamide, KBA (1 mM) reversed the neuroprotective action of methanandamide. Conclusions: The cannabinoids, methanandamide and 2-AG can prevent H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in the isolated bovine retina. The neuroprotective actions of cannabinoids are partially dependent upon the activation of the CB1 receptors and endogenous production of H₂S via the 3-MST/CAT pathway. Full article

Background and Objectives: Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a potent modulator of cancer-related gene networks. However, its precise mechanisms of action and effects at elevated doses remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated the impact of NaB at physiologically relevant doses on key cellular metrics (viability, confluence, cell number, morphology, nuclear integrity) and a comprehensive set of apoptosis and proliferation regulators (including underexplored genes) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Materials and Methods: Human HCT-116 cells were treated with increasing NaB concentrations (0–20 mM). Cell viability, confluence, number, morphology, and nuclear integrity were assessed using MTT and imaging assays. RT-PCR was used to determine changes in the expression of critical pro-apoptotic players (BAX, CASP3, PUMA, TP53), anti-apoptotic facilitators (BCL-2, MCL-1), cell division regulators (PCNA, Ki-67, CDKN1), and inflammation genes (NF-κB). Results: This study provides the first exploration of MCL-1 and PCNA modulation by NaB in the context of CRC and HCT-116 cells, offering significant translational insights. All treatments reduced cell viability, confluence, and number in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.0001). Gene expression revealed dose-related increases in most pro-apoptotic markers (BAX, CASP3, PUMA; p < 0.001), and decreases for the other genes (p < 0.001). BAX emerged as the most responsive gene to NaB, while TP53 showed minimal sensitivity, supporting NaB’s effectiveness in p53-compromised phenotypes. Nuclear condensation and fragmentation at higher NaB doses confirmed apoptotic induction. Conclusions: NaB can modulate critical apoptotic and cell cycle genes, disrupt tumor cell proliferation, and overcome resistance mechanisms associated with anti-apoptotic regulators such as MCL-1. By targeting both short-term and long-term anti-apoptotic defenses, NaB shows promise as a preventive and therapeutic agent in CRC, particularly in high-risk phenotypes with compromised p53 functionality. These findings support its potential for integration into combination therapies or dietary interventions aimed at enhancing colonic butyrate levels. Full article

With the advancement of large-scale coal development and utilization, low-rank coal (LRC) is increasingly gaining prominence in the energy sector. Upgrading and ash reduction are key to the clean utilization of LRC. Flotation technology based on gas/liquid/solid interfacial interactions remains an effective way to recover combustible materials and realize the clean utilization of coal. The traditional collector, kerosene, has demonstrated its inefficiency and environmental toxicity in the flotation of LRC. In this study, four eco-friendly tetrahydrofuran ester compounds (THF-series) were investigated as novel collectors to improve the flotation performance of LRC. The flotation results showed that THF-series collectors were more effective than kerosene in enhancing the LRC flotation. Among these, tetrahydrofurfuryl butyrate (THFB) exhibited the best performance, with combustible material recovery and flotation perfection factors 79.79% and 15.05% higher than those of kerosene, respectively, at a dosage of 1.2 kg/t. Characterization results indicated that THF-series collectors rapidly adsorbed onto the LRC surface via hydrogen bonding, resulting in stronger hydrophobicity and higher electronegativity. High-speed camera and particle image velocimeter (PIV) observation further demonstrated that THFB dispersed more evenly in the flotation system, reducing the lateral movement of bubbles during their ascent, lowering the impact of bubble wakes on coal particles, and promoting the stable adhesion of bubbles to the LRC surface within a shorter time (16.65 ms), thereby preventing entrainment effects. This study provides new insights and options for the green and efficient flotation of LRC. Full article

Metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and metabolic syndrome, are systemic conditions that profoundly impact the skin microbiota, a dynamic community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites essential for cutaneous health. Dysbiosis caused by metabolic dysfunction contributes to skin barrier disruption, immune dysregulation, and increased susceptibility to inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. For instance, hyperglycemia in T2DM leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which bind to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) on keratinocytes and immune cells, promoting oxidative stress and inflammation while facilitating Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis. Similarly, obesity-induced dysregulation of sebaceous lipid composition increases saturated fatty acids, favoring pathogenic strains of Cutibacterium acnes, which produce inflammatory metabolites that exacerbate acne. Advances in metabolomics and microbiome sequencing have unveiled critical biomarkers, such as short-chain fatty acids and microbial signatures, predictive of therapeutic outcomes. For example, elevated butyrate levels in psoriasis have been associated with reduced Th17-mediated inflammation, while the presence of specific Lactobacillus strains has shown potential to modulate immune tolerance in atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, machine learning models are increasingly used to integrate multi-omics data, enabling personalized interventions. Emerging therapies, such as probiotics and postbiotics, aim to restore microbial diversity, while phage therapy selectively targets pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus without disrupting beneficial flora. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant reductions in inflammatory lesions and improved quality-of-life metrics in patients receiving these microbiota-targeted treatments. This review synthesizes current evidence on the bidirectional interplay between metabolic disorders and skin microbiota, highlighting therapeutic implications and future directions. By addressing systemic metabolic dysfunction and microbiota-mediated pathways, precision strategies are paving the way for improved patient outcomes in dermatologic care. Full article

Probiotics and their postbiotics have the potential to improve the health and growth performance of piglets, which has brought them widespread attention in the post-antibiotic era. In the present study, the effects of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics on the growth performance, intestinal flora structure and plasma metabolome of weaned piglets were investigated. A total of 816 healthy male piglets with uniform weight were divided into two treatment groups: piglets in the control (CTR) group were fed with a basic diet, and the ones in the LAC group were fed with the basic diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics. There were six replicates in each group and 68 piglets in each replicate. The animal trial lasted for 30 days. The feces and blood of piglets were collected for investigation, and the growth performance during the trial was counted. Our outcomes show that dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics had no effect on the growth performance of piglets; however, it reduced the mortality rate of piglets by 6.37%. The levels of total superoxide dismutase in the serum, propionic acid and butyric acid in the feces were elevated, and the content of malondialdehyde in the serum was decreased with Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics-treated piglets (p < 0.05). The fecal flora sequencing results show that the relative abundance of Firmicutes and monoglobus was upregulated, and the relative abundance of Bacteroides was downregulated with Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics-treated piglets (p < 0.05). In addition, the levels of propionic acid and butyric acid in the feces were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Firmicutes and negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroides (p < 0.05). The plasma metabolome results show that dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics raised the level of coenzyme Q10 in the serum, and the abundance of coenzyme Q10 was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Firmicutes and the level of total superoxide dismutase in the serum. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri postbiotics contributed to improving the antioxidant function and reducing the mortality of piglets by regulating the structure of intestinal flora and upregulating the content of coenzyme Q10 in serum. Full article

Ruminants rely on the rumen for the anaerobic fermentation of fibrous plant materials, facilitated by a complex microbial community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and ciliates. Among them, ruminal ciliates significantly influence ruminal fermentation, methane production, nitrogen utilization efficiency, and microbial interactions. This study examined the impact of ciliate inoculation on ruminal fermentation, microbial composition, and functional profiles in fauna-free conditions. Six treatments were tested: control (no ciliates), small entodinia, Epidinium spp., isotrichids, Ophryoscolex spp., and a mixed inoculum. Using QIIME2 to analyze 16S rRNA gene sequences, the study revealed group-specific effects on methane production, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and microbial diversity. Small entodinia inoculation increased Streptococcus abundance, while isotrichids enriched Megasphaera, enhancing butyrate production. Alpha diversity indices indicated reduced richness in the ciliate-inoculated groups, reflecting predation on prokaryotes. Beta diversity showed distinct microbial and functional profiles among the treatments. Functional analysis highlighted elevated glycerolipid metabolism in isotrichid groups, associated with Bacteroides and Megasphaera, suggesting roles in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress resistance. Despite limited ciliate cell counts, the study emphasizes ciliate-specific interactions and the role of lactic acid-associated bacteria in shaping ruminal fermentation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Several studies suggest gut microbiota metabolites as important immuno-modulators in inflammatory pain. We aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and gut dysbiosis markers in fibromyalgia (FM)-associated chronic inflammation. Methods: Blood samples were collected from sixty-eight female FM patients (49.9 ± 12.35 years). Pain intensity was assessed by FIQ-R. The serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, as well as those of vitamin D (25(OH)D3) and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp) were determined by ELISA and HPLC, respectively. The plasma levels of the SCFAs acetate, butyrate, and propionate were detected by GC-MS. Results: A mean FIQ-R score indicated that the patients could be classified as having moderate FM. The mean levels of all cytokines, but IL-6 and IL-1β, were higher than the normal reference values. The highest concentrations of cytokines were observed in patients showing the highest FIQ-R scores and the lowest 25(OH)D3 levels. Deficient levels of acetate were found paralleled by an increase in Kyn/Trp. The highest acetate concentrations were detected in patients with the lowest FIQ-R scores and 25(OH)D3 levels. Significantly negative correlations were found between 25(OH)D3 concentrations and FIQ-R scores (p = 0.007) as well as IL-17 levels (p = 0.002) and between acetate and TNF-α (p = 0.040) as well as FIQ-R scores (p = 0.028), while significantly positive correlations were observed between Kyn/Trp and IL-17 (p = 0.027) as well as IFN-γ (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggest that the vitamin D status along with altered gut microbiota metabolism plays a major role in FM-related inflammatory pain. Replication of these findings in a larger cohort is required to provide additional insights. Full article

Butyrate supplementation has gained considerable attention for its potential benefits in livestock, particularly concerning intestinal health and growth performance. This review synthesizes recent research on the diverse roles of butyrate, across various livestock species. As a short-chain fatty acid, butyrate is known for enhancing intestinal development, improving immune function, and modulating microbial diversity. Studies indicate that butyrate supports gut barrier integrity, reduces inflammation, and optimizes feed efficiency, especially during the critical weaning and post-weaning periods in calves, piglets, and lambs. Supplementation with butyrate in livestock has been shown to increase average daily gain (ADG), improve gut microbiota balance, promote growth, enhance gut health, boost antioxidant capacity, and reduce diarrhea. Additionally, butyrate plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression through histone acetylation, influencing tissue development and immune modulation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been demonstrated across various species, positioning butyrate as a potential therapeutic agent in animal nutrition. This review suggests that optimizing butyrate supplementation strategies to meet the specific needs of each species may yield additional benefits, establishing butyrate as an important dietary additive for enhancing growth performance and health in livestock. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Standardized Natural Citrus Extract (SNCE) on broiler chickens’ growth performance, gut health, carcass quality, and welfare. A total of 756 one-day-old Ross 308 males were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (CTL) fed with a standard diet, and a citrus group (SNCE) fed with the same standard diet supplemented with 250 g/ton of feed of SNCE. Growth performance was recorded weekly until d 35, while mortality was recorded daily. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and European Efficiency Index (EEI) of broiler chickens were also calculated weekly. At day 35, 10 birds per group were randomly selected for slaughter performance. In parallel, broiler chickens’ welfare was assessed according to the Welfare Quality Assessment Protocol. Caecal digest was also collected post mortem for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) analyses, and jejunum samples were collected for ex vivo gut permeability assay. SNCE dietary supplementation enhanced broiler chickens’ performance, i.e., final bodyweight and EEI, compared to the CTL group. The carcass weight was also significantly higher in the SNCE group. In addition, the fat percentage was lower in the SNCE group. Regarding broiler chickens’ welfare and gut health parameters, Footpad Dermatitis (FPD) and gate score were also lower in birds supplemented with SNCE. The SCFA measurement showed a lower concentration of iso-butyric acid, iso-valeric acid, and total putrefactive SCFA in the SNCE group. The differences in gut permeability measured as TEER value indicate that using citrus extract lowered the risk of gut inflammation. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of action that may underlie the observed effects of SNCE on performance, as demonstrated in this study and others. These effects could potentially be attributed to the reduction in inflammation and the enhanced utilization of nutrients. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. Full article

A study was conducted to access the effectiveness of exogenous application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on adventitious root formation in kiwifruit semi-hardwood stem cuttings (SCs) from Actinidia deliciosa rootstock and Actinidia arguta female scion. Treatment comprised IBA concentrations of 0, 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 and 100,000 ppm. Parallel experiments for A. deliciosa and A. arguta’s treatment were arranged in a randomised complete block design, with 12 replications. In A. deliciosa, treatments had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects in rooting percentage, number of roots, root length, size of callus formation and callus percentage, except for dry root mass. In A. arguta, treatments showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects in rooting percentage, number of roots, root length and dry root mass. No callus formation was observed in A. arguta. Relative to the control, in A. deliciosa, the highest (42%) rooting percentage and lengthy (0.301 cm) roots, were observed at 10,000 ppm IBA concentration, whereas the most (0.295) number of roots were produced at 100,000 ppm IBA concentration. Calli percentage (94%) was highest at 100 ppm IBA, while the size of callus formation was the biggest (2.8) at IBA concentration of 100,000 ppm, when compared to the control. In A. arguta, the highest (100%) rooting percentage was achieved at the control (0 ppm), 100 ppm and 10,000 ppm IBA concentrations, whereas the greatest (0.9815) number of roots were observed at the IBA concentration of 10 ppm. Lengthy (1.0839 cm) roots were achieved at IBA concentration of 100 ppm, whereas the greatest (0.1061 g) dry root mass was attained at IBA concentration of 10,000 ppm. In conclusion, the use of growth regulator IBA was effective for root formation in SCs of A. deliciosa rootstock. In A. arguta female scion, IBA application improved the quality of rooting (more and longer roots). IBA application showed its potential in stimulating root development at 10,000 ppm IBA. Full article

Currently, with the gradual development of corrosion-resistant materials, coatings often exhibit ultra-high hydrophobic properties while possessing corrosion resistance, complicating the preparation of corrosion-resistant coatings. To explore a novel coating that combines high corrosion resistance with simplified preparation methods, mullite/kaolin powder was stirred using ball milling, and polyvinyl butyral was added to serve as a binder, thereby preparing a hydrophilic and highly corrosion-resistant coating. The coating was characterized using SEM, IR, XRD, and other testing methods. The results revealed that the components of the coating are connected through physical crosslinking, avoiding chemical reactions. Regarding the coating’s performance, electrochemical and salt spray tests were conducted to characterize the prepared coating. According to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests, after immersion for 7 days, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy impedance value of the A₄C₆EP coating reached 1.13 × 10⁸ Ω·cm², several times higher than that of other coatings, demonstrating its superior corrosion resistance. After a salt spray test for 2000 h, the coating surface showed neither bubbles, further validating the excellent corrosion resistance of the A₄C₆EP coating. The A₄C₆EP coating underwent an abrasion test using sandpaper and, after 100 cycles, the contact angle decreased by only 2.3°, with only slight scratches appearing on the surface, indicating very high mechanical abrasion resistance. This research demonstrates the successful preparation of a hydrophilic coating with excellent corrosion resistance and ultra-high mechanical abrasion resistance through a simple method, providing new insights for the development of hydrophilic corrosion-resistant coatings and reducing the cost of such coatings. Full article

Direct somatic embryogenesis represents a fundamental tool for obtaining genetically homogeneous clones; however, its commercial scaling faces critical challenges at various stages of the process. In this study, a protocol is standardized for the induction and germination of somatic embryos from leaf segments, rooting, and acclimatization of four Coffea arabica hybrids: Casiopea, Excelencia, H3, and Milenio. The results show that the Casiopea and Excelencia hybrids achieve the highest induction rates (71.64% and 74.43%) and embryo production (8.74 and 10) per explant in the M1 medium, while these values are significantly lower for H3 and Milenio. In addition, the germination and conversion of embryos into plantlets are more efficient in the woody plant medium (WPM), while rooting is optimized using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations between 1 mg L⁻¹ and 3 mg L⁻¹, regardless of the hybrid. During the acclimatization phase, plantlets treated with mycorrhizae exhibit improved morphological, physiological, and nutritional indicators, achieving a superior quality according to the Dickson index. These findings significantly reduce production times by establishing precise standards for each genotype, thereby overcoming existing gaps in production protocols and providing a solid foundation for industrial growth. Full article

Canastra cheese, an artisanal cheese produced in Serra da Canastra—Brazil, has great cultural importance. Furthermore, this cheese has nutritional and sensory attributes that make it of great economic importance. Its microbiota is composed of different bacteria and yeasts. Some yeasts already isolated by our research group have been characterized as potential probiotics. Probiotic microorganisms have garnered scientific interest, as improvements in the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of food products have been reported when these microorganisms are used. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate Kluyveromyces lactis and Torulaspora delbrueckii, which were previously isolated from Canastra cheese, as autochthonous starter cultures. Canastra cheese was produced under three different conditions: (1) cheese with “Pingo” (natural starter), (2) cheese with “Pingo” + yeast mixed culture, and (3) cheese with only mixed yeast culture. The results showed that the mixed yeast inoculum significantly influenced the lactic acid bacteria population. Yeast populations remained at around 106 CFU/g after 45 days of maturation. Furthermore, cheeses containing the yeast mixed with inoculum had an initial lactose content reduced by 92.80% compared to cheese produced with “Pingo” (87.70%). The antioxidant activity, evaluated using the ABTS method, showed that cheeses containing the mixed yeast culture had higher percentages of antioxidant activity at 45 days of maturation. The texture profile of the cheeses changed over time. In general, the cheese containing the yeast mixed culture and “Pingo” and the cheese containing “Pingo” had the lowest hardness at 30 days of maturation (5245 and 5404 N, respectively). Among the volatile compounds, 3-methylbutyl octanoate, phenethyl butyrate, phenethyl propionate, isobutyl butanoate and pentyl propionate were found only in cheeses produced with yeast mixed culture. The obtained results demonstrated that the use of autochthones probiotic cultures could improve the cheese characteristics without negatively impacting the traditional physicochemical attributes of Canasta cheese. Full article