Research about new strategies to regulate glucose homeostasis to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes is a critical challenge. Several studies have shown that protein-rich diets could improve glucose homeostasis. Whey protein hydrolysis allows the release of amino acids and bioactive peptides which exert numerous well-documented bioactivities. This study evaluates and compares the hypoglycemic potential of a whey protein hydrolysate and a whey protein isolate after static in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) using the INFOGEST protocol. The peptide molecular mass distributions of the digested samples were evaluated by size exclusion chromatography and show that, after digestion, the whey hydrolysate is significantly more hydrolysed. After SGID the whey protein hydrolysate induces a significative greater secretion of GLP-1 after two hours of contact with the enteroendocrine STC-1 cell line than the whey protein after isolate. In addition, the digested whey hydrolysate increases preproglucagon (GCG) and pro-convertase-1 (PCSK1) expression. The digested hydrolysate also inhibits the DPP-IV activity after an intestinal barrier passage challenge using a Caco-2/HT29-MTX mixed-cell model. Our results highlight that pre-hydrolysis of whey proteins modify the intestinal peptidome leading to a potentially greater hypoglycemic effect. This study confirms in vitro the previously observed hypoglycemic effect of this hydrolysate and evidences the beneficial impact of the industrial hydrolysis process.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of the filler type on the physicochemical properties, microbial numbers, and digestibility of ovalbumin emulsion gels (OEGs) during storage. Sunflower oil was emulsified with ovalbumin (20 mg/mL) and Tween 80 (20 mg/mL) separately to prepare ovalbumin emulsion gels (OEGs) that contained active and inactive fillers, respectively. The formed OEGs were stored at 4 °C for 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 days. The active filler enhanced the gel hardness, water holding capacity, fat holding capacity, and surface hydrophobicity and decreased the digestibility and free sulfhydryl content during storage compared to control (unfilled) ovalbumin gel, whereas the inactive filler had the opposite effects. Protein aggregation diminished, lipid particle aggregation increased, and the amide A band shifted to a higher wavenumber for all three types of gel during storage, suggesting that the compact network structure of the OEG became rough and disordered with storage. The OEG with the active filler did not inhibit microbial growth, and the OEG with the inactive filler did not significantly promote the development of bacteria. In addition, the active filler delayed the in vitro digestion of the protein in the OEG throughout storage. Emulsion gels containing active filler facilitated the retention of the gel properties during storage, whereas emulsion gels containing inactive filler exacerbated the loss of the gel properties during storage.

This study investigated the effects of dietary berberine (BBR) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal health and ileal microbiome and metabolomic profile in weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Dietary BBR supplementation significantly attenuated the reduced average daily gain (ADG), and attenuated the increased feed to gain ratio (F/G) and incidence of diarrhea induced by ETEC K88 (P<0.05). Dietary BBR supplementation significantly increased the villus height of the ileum, and increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum (P<0.05). Moreover, the mRNA expression of ZO-1 and occludin as well as aquaporins (AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP7, and AQP10) and Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) in ileal mucosa were significantly upregulated by BBR treatment (P<0.05). Additionally, BBR treatment significantly inhibited the increase of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in jejunal mucosa caused by ETEC, and reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β and increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) in colonic mucosa (P<0.05). Dietary BBR treatment significantly increased the Observed_species, Chao 1, abundance based coverage estimators (ACE), and PD_whole tree in the ileal digesta of weaned piglets challenged with ETEC. At the genus level, the relative abundance of unidentified Clostridiales was decreased while Weiseella, Alloprevotella, unidentified Prevotellaceae, and Catenibacterium were increased in the BBR+ETEC group when compared to the ETEC group (P<0.05). The spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of unidentified Clostridiales (genus) was negatively correlated with the ileal villus height, but negatively correlated with diarrhea, intestinal IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations (P<0.05). The ileal metabolome analysis showed that the metabolic pathways including primary, secondary bile acid biosynthesis and bile secretion were significantly enriched by BBR treatment. Collectively, dietary BBR supplementation effectively improved the growth performance, and alleviated the diarrhea and intestinal injury induced by ETEC K88 in weaned piglets, which might closely involve the modulation of ileal microbiota and metabolites.

Previous evidence has indicated that fatigue and a high-fat diet (HFD) cause the adaptive organism responses to be dysregulated, resulting in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Generally, gut microbiota plays a crucial role in GI disorders. But the impact of fatigue and an HFD on the microbiome and GI disorders remains to be fully explored. Mice were randomly divided into the control group (CCN), standing group (CSD), lard group (CLD), and standing+lard group (CSLD). Mice in the CSD and CSLD groups stood on the multiple-platform apparatus for four h/day for 14 consecutive days. From the eighth day, mice in the CLD and CSLD groups were intragastric lard, and the CCN and CSD groups were intragastric with sterile water, 0.4 mL/each, twice a day for seven days. Subsequently, we analyzed the characteristics and interaction relationship of gut content microbiota (GCM), brain-gut peptides, and lipid metabolism. Mice in the CSLD group were fatigued state and had diarrhea. Compared with the CCN group, high-density lipoproteins were significantly lower, and lipid droplet optical density value was substantially higher in the CSLD group (p<0.05). CSLD mice presented significant structural damage to the small intestine and considerably higher β-endorphin, cholecystokinin, and somatostatin (p<0.05). Bacillus, Gemella, and Bosea were the characteristic bacteria of the CSLD group, and Gemella was significantly negatively correlated with total cholesterol. Gut microbiota dysbiosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism contribute to diarrhea caused by an HFD diet in a fatigued state.

The synergistic effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (E) and quercetin (Q) enhanced the therapeutic effects of related diseases, however, the instability and lower bioavailability of E and Q limited their application. Therefore, the E and Q were co-encapsulated in hydrogel beads (H) with sodium alginate (SA) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) to improve the stability and bioavailability. The anti-inflammatories and molecular mechanism of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of E and Q co-loaded H was also investigated. The results showed that EQH-treated macrophages produced the lowest NO and TNF-α contents at 18.64 μmol/L and 5855.25 ng/mL, respectively. The protein expression level of p-NF κB-p65 was lowest in EQH, indicating that EQH inhibits the activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-κB signaling pathway. The colon length of IBD model rats fed EH, QH, and EQH increased; histology revealed intact layers of colonic epithelial cells with no observable tissue damage. The TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the plasma of EQH-treated rats decreased, indicating the inhibition of the TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways, and quercetin had the highest level in the colon at 0.04 mg/mL. This study provided a theoretical basis for the application of E and Q in IBD.

1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-linoleoylglycerol (OPL), a key structural lipid in breast milk fat, acts a critical role in nutrients and energy for infants. OPL is more abundant in Chinese breast milk fat and might be better for Chinese infants’ growth. However, few studies investigated the effect of OPL on the growth and intestinal health of the organism in early life. OPL-rich oil with 45.77% OPL was prepared by immobilized lipase-catalyzed synthesis and purification. The effects of OPL on the nutritional properties and the regulation of intestinal microbiota in early life were further investigated in vivo (Micropterus salmoides). Dietary OPL-rich oil significantly increased the juvenile fish weight gain rate, protein content, and muscular polyunsaturated fatty acids, which in turn markedly altered the muscle texture in springiness and cohesiveness. Dietary OPL-rich oil also could protect intestinal tissues by significantly increasing fish intestinal fold height, mucosal thickness, and intestinal wall thickness. Furthermore, dietary OPL-rich oil regulated intestinal microbiota. Particularly, OPL significantly increased the probiotics (Cetobacterium_sp014250685, Streptomyces_mutabilis, Saccharopolyspora_spinosa, Nocardiopsis_kunsanensis) and reduced potential pathogens (Staphylococcus_nepalensis, Salmonella_enterica, Candidatus_Berkiella). The structured OPL significantly promoted fish growth and improved nutritional composition due to its higher bioavailability relative to tripalmitate (PPP). Moreover, OPL significantly improved the growth, cholesterol metabolism, and intestinal health than the mixed oil (MO), which were attributed to the higher palmitic acid content in the sn-2 position. Overall, the structure of triacylglycerols and its distribution of fatty acids affected early growth and intestinal health, and OPL was more effective in the improvement of juvenile growth and intestinal health.

The possible mechanism by which the active components of Anhua fuzhuan tea act on FAM in NAFLD lesions was investigated. 83 components of Anhua fuzhuan tea were analysed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Luteolin-7-rutinoside and other compounds were first discovered in fuzhuan tea. According to the TCMSP database and the Molinspiration website tool to predict and review the literature reports, 78 compounds were identified in fuzhuan tea with possible biological activities. The PharmMapper, Swiss target prediction, and SuperPred databases were used to predict the action targets of biologically active compounds. The GeneCards, CTD, and OMIM databases were mined for NAFLD and FAM genes. Then, a fuzhuan Tea-NAFLD-FAM Venn diagram was constructed. Using the STRING database and CytoHubba program of Cytoscape software, protein interaction analysis was performed, and 16 key genes, including PPARG, were screened. GO function and KEGG enrichment analyses of the screened key genes showed that Anhua fuzhuan tea may regulate FAM in the process of NAFLD through the AMPK signalling pathway, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathway, etc. After constructing an active ingredient–key target–pathway map with Cytoscape software, combined with literature reports and BioGPS database analysis, we believe that among the 16 key genes, SREBF1, FASN, ACADM, HMGCR, and FABP1 have potential in the treatment of NAFLD. Animal experiments confirmed the effect of Anhua fuzhuan tea in improving NAFLD and confirmed that this tea can interfere with the gene expression of the above five targets by the AMPK/PPAR pathway, providing support for Anhua fuzhuan tea interfering with FAM in NAFLD lesions.

Sulfated polysaccharides from sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus (SCSPsj) have been found to modulate gut microbiota by promoting the growth of probiotics. However, the effects of the combination of SCSPsj and probiotics are still known less. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of SCSPsj and Lactobacillus gasseri on the gut microbiota-altered mice through gut microbiota and metabolomics analysis. In the present study, supplementation with SCSPsj, L. gasseri or the combination of SCSPsj and L. gasseri could effectively ameliorate the body weight and fat accumulation in gut microbiota-altered mice treated with low-dose penicillin. The better effect of the combination of SCSPsj and L. gasseri is attributed to the synergistic effect of SCSPsj and L. gasseri. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the combination of SCSPsj and L. gasseri can synergistically improve gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing Lactobacillus and reducing Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002. Furthermore, metabolomics results revealed that the combination of SCSPsj and L. gasseri can alleviate metabolic disorders by reducing the levels of lipid and lipid-like molecules in the serum samples, such as trans-vaccenic acid and 3β-hydroxy-5-cholestene. Our findings have proved that the combination of SCSPsj and L. gasseri can benefit host health attributed to the synergistic effect, which is conducive to further application in functional food.

In this study, the structural characteristics and active sites of the octapeptide (IIAVEAGC), the pentapeptide (IIAVE) and tripeptide (AGC) were studied in silica and in vitro.

As a class of bioactive and toxic compounds widely present in foodstuff, the health effects of dietary exposure to β-carboline heterocyclic amines (HAs) have not been elucidated. Based on our previous research that a typical β-carboline HAs (harmane) affects blood glucose metabolism and organ dysfunction, the present mainly focused on the health effects of dietary exposure to harmane through diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats. Twenty-four GK rats were administered daily with harmane (0.1 mg/kg body weight) for eight weeks. A comprehensive evaluation of the health effects of harmane was conducted on serum biochemistry, histopathology, and GC-TOF-MS-based metabolomics. The results showed that harmane exerts non-significant effects on blood glucose metabolism of GK rats. However, it did cause pathological damage of gastrocnemius nerves and showed adverse effects on brain neurons by significantly activating astrocytes and downregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which are potential mechanisms related to the disruption of the normal glutamine–glutamate/γ-aminobutyric acid cycle. Moreover, increased value of AST and UREA, alterations in the amino acid, carbohydrate, purine, pyrimidine, and gut microbiota metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle could associate with kidney, liver, and gut dysfunction. Our results suggest that given the role of harmane in nerve injury in GK rats, reducing the production and consumption of β-carboline heterocyclic amines in our daily diets should be considered.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used extensively in anticancer therapy, but its clinical applications are limited due to cardiotoxicity. Carnosic acid (CA) is a bioactive compound found in rosemary. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential cardioprotective effects of CA in response to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Here, C57BL/6 mice were administered an intraperitoneal injection of DOX (5 mg/Kg, ip) once a week for three consecutive weeks and treated with CA (40 mg/kg, ig) for a three-week experimental period. For in-vitro study, neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were used to validate the protective effects of CA (20 μM) in response to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. CA markedly suppressed oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pyroptosis responses in the mice hearts, eventually improving cardiac function. CA showed its antioxidant effect by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and its downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); CA also reduced oxidative stress by lowering the MDA and lipid ROS levels and raising the SOD and GSH-Px levels. Additionally, CA treatments significantly increased Bcl-2 and inhibited Bax and Caspase-3 cleavage in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Moreover, CA suppressed the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway to mitigate pyroptosis, as evidenced by lowered caspase1, interleukin-18, and interleukin-1β. Consistently, the transfection of Nrf2-siRNA eliminated the protective effects of CA in cardiomyocyte. Together, our findings demonstrated that CA inhibited NLRP3 inflammasomes via activating the Nrf2-related cytoprotective system and protected the heart from oxidative damage, apoptosis, and pyroptosis, implying that CA could be a potential therapeutic strategy in the prevention of DOX-associated myocardiopathy.

Diet is a critical factor in controlling adiposity and white adipose tissue (WAT) physiology. High-fat diet (HFD) alters WAT function and affects the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) - a cellular sensor - dysregulating lipolysis and lipid metabolism in adipocytes. Otherwise, AMPK activation may attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation. Interest in natural therapies, such as carotenoids consumption or supplementation, is growing due to their health benefits. Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments present in vegetables and fruits, which cannot be synthesized by the human body. Interventions focused on ameliorating complications induced by HFD indicate a positive contribution of the carotenoids in the AMPK activation. This review aims to outline mechanism of carotenoids on the AMPK pathway in adipose tissue and its contribution in regulating adipogenesis. Different carotenoids can act as an agonist of the AMPK signaling pathway, activating upstream kinases, upregulating transcriptional factors, inducing WAT browning, and blocking adipogenesis. In addition, the improvement of some "homeostatic" factors, such as adiponectin, may mediate the AMPK activation induced by carotenoids. With these findings, we encourage clinical trials to confirm the role of carotenoids in AMPK pathway in a long-term treatment, mainly in obesity.

Grumixama, Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., is a Brazilian berry little explored commercially and scientifically. However, local small producers market this fruit in the form of frozen pulp, which generates bioresidues, composed of seeds and peels. With the view to propose strategies for valuing grumixama, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition and assess the bioactivities of the hydroethanolic extracts of the whole residue (GR), seed (GS) and peel (GP) fractions of E. brasiliensis. As result, GP had the highest concentration of organic acids (oxalic, malic, ascorbic and citric acids), total tocopherols, condensed tannins, anthocyanins and other flavonoids. On the other hand, GS showed the highest contents of monounsaturated fatty acids and hydrolysable tannins, whereas GR displayed a mixture of compounds detected in each of its parts. Regarding the bioactivities, low extract concentrations were required in two in vitro antioxidant assays, namely TBARS (EC50 = 0.90–1.34 µg/mL) and OxHLIA (IC50 = 21–65 µg/mL). Furthermore, GP had the highest inhibition activity of cellular oxidation in the CAA assay (80±0.6%), while GS showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity via nitric oxide production inhibition (EC50 = 98.0±0.5 µg/mL). All samples induced cell growth inhibition of the tested tumor cells (GI50 = 14.7–186 µg/mL), besides antibacterial and antifungal effects in low concentrations. Yet, all samples were harmful to normal cells in moderate concentrations (GI50 = 145–268 µg/mL). Therefore, E. brasiliensis residue could be a good source of bioactive compounds to be used in several areas. However, additional studies are needed to confirm its safety as well as to unravel the mechanisms behind its biological activities.

Objective: Protein powder has attracted attention due to its possible adverse effects. We aimed to investigate the association of protein powder supplementation in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. Methods: We included 6,897 participants with singleton pregnancies from a prospective birth cohort. Protein powder supplementation and GDM relationships were examined by unadjusted and multivariable analysis, 1:2 propensity score matching, and inverse probability weighting (IPW). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to further explore the effects of protein powder supplementation on the risk of GDM subtypes. Results: Overall, 14.6% of pregnant women (1,010) were diagnosed with GDM. In the crude and multivariable analysis before propensity score matching, participants who had received protein powder supplements were more likely to have GDM than women who did not (OR,1.39 [95%CI: 1.07-1.79]; OR,1.32[95%CI: 1.01-1.72]). Protein powder supplementation was significantly associated with higher GDM risk on IPW analysis (OR, 1.41 [95%CI, 1.08-1.83]), propensity score matching analysis (OR, 1.40 [95%CI, 1.01-1.93]) and multivariable analysis adjusted for propensity score (OR, 1.53 [95%CI, 1.10-2.12]). In the multinomial logistic regression model, protein powder supplementation was only positively associated with the risk of GDM with isolated fasting hyperglycaemia (IFH) in the crude and multivariable models (OR, 1.87[95%CI: 1.29-2.73]; OR, 1.82[95%CI: 1.23-2.68]). Conclusions: Protein powder supplementation in early pregnancy is significantly associated with a greater risk of GDM, especially for GDM-IFH. Additional comparative studies are needed to validate these findings.

Taxifolin, a polyphenol, is a strong antioxidant and is believed to exhibit various functions. This study is the first that showed the possibility of taxifolin to affect brain activity, mental stress and transcriptome in healthy young adults.

The recipient work investigated on the stability and bioaccessibility of phenolics of red-skinned onion (RSO) differently cooked and in turn on its impact on the gut microbiota and phenolics metabolism. In fact, the different process used to cook vegetables can modify and re-arrange the molecular profiles of bioactives compounds, likely that of phenolics for phenolics-rich vegetables, such as RSO. Fried and grilled RSO were compared to raw RSO and to a blank control and were subject to oro-gastro-intestinal digestion and subsequent colonic fermentation. For upper gut digestion the INFOGEST protocol was used and for the lower gut fermentation a short-term batch model, namely MICODE (multi-unit in vitro colon gut model) was employed. During the process, the phenolic compounds profiles (through high-resolution mass spectrometry) and colon microbiomics (qPCR of 14 core taxa) analyses were performed. From the results obtained, the degradation driven by colon microbiota of RSO flavonols resulted in the accumulation of three main metabolites, 3-(3’-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid, 3-(3'-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid and 3-(3’,4’-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid. Also, colonic fermentation of raw onions resulted in a substantial increase in beneficial taxa, larger in respect to the heat-treated onions, particularly on Lactobacillales and beneficial clostridia. Also, a higher level of inhibition of opportunistic bacteria was seen for raw onion samples, namely Clostridium perfringens group and Escherichia coli. Thus, our results showed RSO, and especially the raw one, is an excellent dietary source of flavonols that are strongly metabolized by gut bacteria and able to modulate positively the gut microbiota. Even if additional in vivo studies are necessary, this work is one of the first exploring how RSO processed with different cooking methods can differently impact on the phenolic metabolism and microbiota composition of human large intestine, tuning and fining the food antioxidant nature.

Helicobacter pylori is a gastric pathogen that colonizes approximately 50% of the world's population. Infection with H. pylori causes chronic inflammation and significantly increases the risk of developing duodenal and...

The herb Astragali Radix is a food–medicine herb. A major component of Astragali Radix, astragaloside IV (AS-IV), has neuroprotective effects in IS, but its mechanisms are not well understood. Our research used a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model for longitudinal multi-omics analyses of the side of the brain affected by ischemia. Based on transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, we found that 396 differential expression targets were up-regulated and 114 differential expression targets were down-regulated. A total of 117 differential metabolites were identified based on metabonomics. Finally, we found 8 hub genes corresponding to the compound–reaction–enzyme–gene network using the Metscape plug-in for Cytoscape 3.7.1. We found that the related key metabolites were 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, 2-aminomuconate semialdehyde, (R)-3-hydroxybutanoate, etc., and the affected pathways were tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, butanoate metabolism, purine metabolism, etc. We further validated these targets using 4D-PRM proteomics and found that seven targets were significantly different, including Aprt, Atic, Gaa, Galk1, Glb1, Me2, and Hexa. We aimed to uncover the mechanism of AS-IV in the treatment of ischemic brain injury through a comprehensive strategy combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

Due to the multiplex absorption barrier in the gastrointestinal tract, the low oral bioavailability of many lipophilic chemicals limits their range of applications. Biomimetic nanovesicles offered unique advantages in overcoming multiple barriers to oral absorption and improving the oral bioavailability of encapsulated water-insoluble compounds. Here, we report an engineering preparation strategy of synthetic probiotic membrane vesicles for encapsulating fucoxanthin. The fucoxanthin-loaded synthetic membrane vesicles (FX-MVs) were spherical with particle size of 412 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy results revealed that the fucoxanthin were successfully doped into the membrane vesicles. Moreover, the FX-MVs improved the stability of fucoxanthin under heating and UV irradiation condition. In vitro experiments indicated that FX-MVs could effectively promote cell uptake, and the mechanism was mainly endocytosis. Simultaneously, Ex vivo experiments confirmed that FX-MVs enhanced intestinal retention. Finally, the oral biosafety of FX-MVs was evaluated. The mice fed FX-MVs did not show toxicity signs and adverse effects, based on the results of clinical observation, body weight, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and organ pathology. Together, these results suggest that synthetic probiotic membrane vesicles can be used as safe delivery carrier to improve the stability and bioavailability of hydrophobic food bioactive ingredients.

Cultured meat technology provides a promising strategy for the production of meat protein, which is an important nutrient in daily life. Currently, there is still a lack of systematic research on the basic determinants of the texture and protein quality of cultured meat. Here we first developed a chemically defined serum-free medium consisting of serum substitutes and the differentiation-promoting natural compound naringenin (NAR), which showed excellent efficacy in inducing differentiation of porcine satellite cells (PSCs) to generate mature myotubes in vitro. Then, cultured pork samples consisting of proliferating PSCs or differentiated myotubes were manufactured by culturing PSCs in different media with textured vegetable protein (TVP) scaffolds. By analyzing the appearance, texture, chemical composition, and amino acid ratio of these cultured pork samples, we found that the content and maturity of myotubes in cultured meat play an essential role in determining its quality as meat. These findings contribute to the commercial application and establishment of standards for cultured meat as a new protein food.

Diosmetin suppressed the enhanced pro-inflammatory response and apoptosis via inhibition of the augmentation of NF-κB and P38 kinase activation in a PPAR-γ-dependent manner, facilitating the alleviation of B[a]P-exacerbated H1N1 virus-induced respiratory illness.

As one of the key bioactive food ingredients in pomegranate, punicalagin (PA) is known to possess wide-ranging functional activities. However, few studies have focused on its fate and physiological relevance in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, the modulating effects of PA on host-microbiota interactions were examined using multi-omics approaches in two colitis models. In a chemical colitis model, PA ingestion dampened intestinal inflammation and repressed gut microbial diversity. PA significantly reversed multiple lipids and γ-glutamyl amino acids from the elevated levels in colitis mice to the baseline. Anti-inflammatory and microbiota-modulating effects of PA were further validated in an infectious colitis induced by Citrobacter rodentium, in which PA also restored microbial dysbiosis index to the baseline and promoted microbial interactions. Multiple microbial signatures with high predictive accuracy for key colitis pathophysiological parameters were identified, which have the potential to be developed as biomarkers for monitoring the efficacy of PA-containing functional food in promoting gut health. Our findings should facilitate the exploitation of dual applications of PA as a bioactive food ingredient and a therapeutic agent.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller (OFI), belonging to the family Cactaceae, is widely cultivated not only for its delicious fruits but also for its health-promoting effects, which enhance the role of OFI as a potential functional food.

Lignin chelates iron within the gastrointestinal lumen, altering bio-accessibility and leading to modulated enterocyte iron metabolism and changes in intestinal bacteria.

Food texture remains a key sensory attribute for food enjoyment, with potential to modulate food intake, particularly in individuals with limited oral processing capabilities (OPC) such as the elderly, dysphagia, and head and neck cancer (HCNs) patients. However, information relating to the textural quality of foods for these consumers is limited. Unsuitable food textures can cause food aspiration, lower meal enjoyment, reduce food/nutrient intake, and potentially lead to malnutrition. The objective of this review was to critically examine state-of-the-art scientific literature on textural properties of foods for individuals with limited OPC, identify existing gaps in research, and appraise on the rheological-sensory textural design of optimal foods for individuals with limited OPC to improve eating safety, food intake, and nutritional status. Depending on the food type and nature of oral hypofunction, many foods for individuals with limited OPC had low viscosity and cohesiveness, with high values for hardness, thickness, firmness, adhesiveness, stickiness, and slippery among other properties. Fragmented stakeholder approaches, non-Newtonian nature of foods, the complexity of invivo, objective food oral processing evaluation, suboptimal application of sensory science and psycho-rheology, and research methodological weaknesses, are some of the obstacles to addressing the texture-related dietary challenges for individuals with limited OPC. There is need to explore various multidisciplinary strategies for food texture optimization and interventions for improved food intake and nutritional status amongst people with limited OPC.

This study aimed to evaluate the protein-phenolic interaction in functional crackers made of wheat/lentil flour with onion skin phenolics (onion skin powder: OSP, onion skin phenolic extract: OSE, or quercetin: Q) after in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Phenolic/antioxidant recovery in crackers was lower with higher levels of phenolic addition. In-vitro gastrointestinal digestion procedure was applied for crackers prepared/cooked with onion skin phenolics (functional crackers) or crackers consumed with onion skin phenolics (co-digestion). Functional crackers had similar nutritional attributes (p>0.05), however they had lower L* values, and higher a* values. A higher concentration of OSP/OSE caused a decrease in the b* value while it was increased with the quercetin addition. Phenolic/antioxidant recovery in functional crackers was decreased by increasing the ratio of phenolic supplements. The amount of quercetin 7,4-diglucoside was lower than the theoretical value whereas the amount of quercetin was higher in functional crackers. The phenolic bioavailability index (BIP) of co-digested crackers was higher than that of functional crackers, whereas antioxidant bioavailability index (BIA) was mostly similar. Quercetin was only identified in functional wheat/lentil crackers with OSE. After digestion (1) TCA-precipitated peptides of the wheat crackers could not be identified, whereas that of co-digested lentil crackers was more abundant, (2) free amino groups of co-digested/functional crackers were lower than the control except for the co-digested sample of lentil cracker with quercetin.

Pearl oyster meat, a by-product of pearl production, is rich in protein, but has a low utilization rate. Our previous study showed that pearl oyster meat hydrolysates has potential anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, the high activity peptides from pearl oyster meat hydrolysates were purified and identified extracted, and the anti-inflammatory activity and action mechanism were further investigated. A total of 206 peptides were identified, and three novel anti-inflammatory peptides, TWP (402.1903 Da), TAMY (484.1992 Da) and FPGA (390.1903 Da), were screened by molecular docking. The molecular docking results showed that TWP, TAMY and FPGA can bind to key regions in the cyclooxygenase-2 active site. Furthermore, the three anti-inflammatory peptides can effectively regulate the release of inflammatory mediators from RAW264.7 macrophages by reducing the levels of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, showing great anti-inflammatory activity. This study provides a new theoretical reference for the development of functional foods or nutritional supplements with natural anti-inflammatory effects.

Consumer awareness of the deleterious effects of a diet rich in saturated fat pushes the food industry to find new fat alternatives. Bigels, hybrids of hydrogels and oleogels, are an attractive option for formulating oil-based fat mimetics, particularly lamination fats. This research explored the characteristics of a hydrogel-in-oleogel bigel, made of candelilla wax and Xanthan gum. The study investigated the effect of homogenization temperature, hydrogel:oleogel phase ratio, and storage conditions on the bigel melting profile, mechanical and rheological properties, stability, as well as the structural mechanisms characteristics involved. The optimal homogenization temperature that resulted in a smooth, firm, margarine-like texture was 42 ºC while higher homogenization temperatures produced lumpy unspreadable bigels and lower ones produced soft and smooth texture. The bigel behavior was related to the formation of a low mobility biphasic system, stabilized in a Pickering mechanism by wax crystals that crystallize at 47 ºC, above the homogenization temperature. The phase ratios tested, 15:85 to 45:55 hydrogel:oleogel, appeared to have limited effect on any of the bigel characteristics. More specifically, no significant differences in melting temperature, texture parameters, flow behavior, and stability, which are reminiscent for margarine, were detected. These results indicated the hydrogel droplets may serve as active fillers, strengthening the bigel matrix when their amount in the bigel increases and the oloegel, which is the dominant phase, decreases. These findings provide an understanding of the way bigel properties depend on the formulation and preparation, which is valuable in the development of bigel fat replacers and other novel food applications.

Olive-mill wastewater (OMW), a by-product with high biological value and rich in phenolic compounds, is converted into spray-dried powders by using baker’s yeast cells (YCs) as carrier material. The encapsulation of OMW into YCs was also confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Encapsulation yield (%) of powders for OMW phenolics was determined as 5.42± 0.33 and 4.02 ± 0.01 % in non-treated and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) treated YCs microparticles, respectively. The distorted structure of YCs, observed in scanning electron microscopy images, reduced the retention of OMW phenolics by YCs. HPH application made the water removal easier, the moisture content of YCs-OMW powders was reduced from 5.13 to 3.72%. Compared to free OMW, the bioaccessibility indices (BI%) of individual phenolics were increased through the yeast encapsulation, at the at the end of the intestinal stage, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein could still be detected in encapsulated samples (BI% of 14-25 and 124-189%), but not in free OMW. Thus, YCs could be considered suitable encapsulating agents and show promising characteristics for technological application.

Kefir has been suggested as possible bacterial prophylaxis against Salmonella and IL-10 production seems to be crucial in the mice pathogenesis disease. This study aimed to evaluate the role of IL-10 in the inflammation and gut microbiome in mice consuming milk kefir and orally challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. C57BL wild type (WT) (n=40) and C57BL IL-10-/- (KO) (n=40) mice were subdivided into eight experimental groups either treated or not with kefir. In the first 15 days, water groups received filtered water (0.1 mL) while kefir groups received milk kefir (10% w./vol.) orally by gavage. Then, two groups of each strain received a single dose (0.1 mL) of the inoculum of S. Typhimurium (ATCC 14028, dose: 106 CFU/mL). After four weeks, the animals were euthanized to remove the colon for further analysis. Kefir prevented systemic infections only in IL-10-/- mice, which were able to survive, regulate cytokines, and control of colon inflammation. The abundance in Lachnospiraceae (UCG 004, UCG006) and Roseburia also the higher SCFA production in the pre-infection showed that kefir has a role in intestinal health and protection, colonizing and offering competition for nutrients with the pathogen as well as acting in the regulation of salmonella infectivity only in the lack of IL-10. These results demonstrate the role of the IL-10 in the prognosis of salmonellosis and how milk kefir can be used in acute infections.

Vitamin D (VD) plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis. However, knowledge on the osteogenic effect of VD3 from shrimp processing by-products is limited. In this study, VD3-rich extract from Penaeus sinensis processing by-products was prepared by saponification, liquid-liquid extraction combined with solid phase extraction for purification. The activity of purified VD3-rich extract (PPs-VD3) on MC3T3-E1, a preosteoblastic cell line, was determined. Furthermore, the improvement effect of PPs-VD3 on bone health of VD-deficient mice was investigated. PPs-VD3 stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Compared to the same concentration of VD3 standard, mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells was increased after 14 d or 21 d of PPs-VD3 treatment. Western blotting showed that PPs-VD3 significantly upregulated the protein levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and runt-related transcription factor 2 compared to the VD3 standard. Furthermore, PPs-VD3 treatment activated the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells, especially greater OPG expression was detected at day 3 to day 14 compared to the VD3 standard treatment. More than ten medium and long chain fatty acids were detected in PPs-VD3, of which n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) accounted for 38.83 ± 8.61%, and the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio in PPs-VD3 was 2.84 ± 0.23. The femoral trabeculae number and thickness of VD-deficient mice were all increased after 3 weeks of PPs-VD3 treatment. The changes of parameters associated with bone resorption including parathyroid hormone, bone mineral density and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase revealed the contribution of PPs-VD3 treatment to improve bone remodeling in VD-deficient mice. Our results suggest that PPs-VD3 could have potential prospects in alleviating osteoporosis or bone health promoting.

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death caused by iron-mediated lipid peroxidation, has become a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance and improve the efficacy of traditional cancer treatments. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with the combination of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis polysaccharides and cisplatin (CP) potentiated the antitumor activity in a Colon-26 carcinoma tumor-bearing mouse model by ferroptosis activation. G. lemaneiformis polysaccharide GP90 was mainly composed of (1→3) linked 4-O-sulfate-β-D-galactose and (1→4) linked 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactose with a molecular weight of 12.45 kDa. Compared with the CP group, the combination of GP90 and CP significantly suppressed tumor growth. Based on transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of tumor tissue, GP90 enhanced the antitumor effect of CP by promoting ferroptosis and regulating ferroptosis-related metabolic pathways. Moreover, the accumulation of 4-Hydroxy-2-nonanal (4-HNE) and down-regulation of the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) were verified by immunohistochemistry staining. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis showed that positive immunoregulatory pathways were significantly enriched in the GP90 and CP combination group. Our results indicate that GP90 potentiates chemotherapy sensitivity by targeting transferrin receptor and SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathway to induce ferroptosis, which might be useful therapeutic target in colorectal cancer patients.

A graphical abstract is available for this content

A graphical abstract is available for this content

A graphical abstract is available for this content

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a food safe emulsifier and a kind of MCFA monoglyceride that has been proven to confer positive benefits in improving animal health, production and feed digestibility as a feed additive. This study aims to evaluate whether supplementation of a sow diet with GML could affect the intestinal barrier function and antioxidant status of newborn piglets and to explore its regulatory mechanism. A total of 80 multiparous sows were divided into two groups, which were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 0.1% GML. The results indicated that maternal supplementation with GML significantly increased fat, lactose and protein in sow colostrum, as well as fat and protein in sow 14-day milk (P < 0.05). The results showed that GML significantly reduced the concentrations of IL-12 in the duodenum, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12 in the jejunum, and IL-1β in the ileum of piglets (P < 0.05). Higher concentrations of T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH and GSH-Px and lower MDA in the intestine were observed in the GML group than in the control group. Correspondingly, the villi height, crypt depth and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth (V/C) in the jejunum and the V/C in the ileum in the GML group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the GML group displayed significantly increased protein abundance of zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in the small intestine (P < 0.05), mRNA expression of mucins (MUCs) in the small intestine (MUC-1, MUC-3 and MUC-4), and mRNA expression of porcine beta defensins (pBDs) in the duodenum (pBD1 and pBD2), jejunum (pBD1, pBD2 and pBD129) (P < 0.05), and ileum (pBD2, pBD3 and pBD114) (P < 0.05). Further research showed that GML significantly reduced the phosphorylation of the NF-κB/MAPK pathways in the small intestine (P < 0.05). In addition, the results of 16S rDNA sequencing showed that maternal supplementation with GML altered the colonic microbiotic structure of piglets, and reduced the relative abundance of Escherichia shigella. In summary, a sow diet supplemented with GML enhanced the offspring's intestinal oxidative stability and barrier function and attenuated the offspring's intestinal inflammatory response, possibly by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB/MAPK pathways.

The structure and function of β-glucan in barley have been reported to change significantly after fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1, but little information is available to explain this phenomenon. Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes Database revealed that L. plantarum dy-1 encodes 158 types of glycosidic hydrolases, among which we have identified an endoglucanase. Therefore, we conducted a heterologous expression of this endoglucanase gene, namely Lpeg14265. The pH of 6.0 and the temperature of 60 ℃ were optimal for LPEG14265. The physiological activities of β-glucan, such as the capacity to adsorb cholesterol or to block α-amylase and α-glucosidase, increased as a result of enzymatic hydrolysis of LPEG14265, which also caused a significant change in the microstructure of barley bran. Based on these findings, it was concluded that barley bran, a by-product of agriculture, may be processed with LPEG14265 to reveal its potential value, which could have applications in the brewing and feed industries, among others.

Cognitive impairment is the main central nervous system complication of diabetes, affecting the quality of life of patients. The Herba Cistanche is a homologous plant widely used as a health food and therapeutic drug. Verbascoside, a signature component of Herba Cistanche, has anti-diabetic and neuroprotective effects. However, it is quickly metabolized by the gut microbiota, and the mechanism of its neuroprotection and improvement of learning and memory remains unclear. We investigated the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of verbascoside on cognitive dysfunction in db/db mice using a 16S rRNA microbiome and serum metabolomics approach. We found that 12-week treatment with verbascoside significantly inhibited insulin resistance, reduced blood glucose and lipids, and improved cognitive deficits. In addition, verbascoside increased the gut microbiota diversity, improved intestinal dysbiosis, attenuated intestinal barrier disruption, reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, regulated the expression of the metabolites associated with cognitive function, and enhanced the central insulin sensitivity and hippocampal synaptogenesis signaling. We revealed that verbascoside induced the enrichment of Alistipes, Roseburia, and Intestinimonas in the gut, suppressed the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, increased the serum levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, L-glutamic acid, L-lysine, and decreased taurine expression. Finally, a strong association between gut microbes, serum metabolites, and cognitive performance affected by verbascoside was observed. Our research suggests that alterations in gut microbes/metabolites are involved in the development of diabetic cognitive dysfunction, which is alleviated by verbascoside in the db/db mice through restructuring the gut microbiota composition, ameliorating diabetic metabolic disorders, and attenuating pathological brain damage.

Milk is a significant component of the human diet, providing an abundance of energy and nutrients and a variety of functional factors. Recent studies have revealed that milk is highly enriched in exosomes with intercellular communication functions, which can act on target cells in vivo by carrying and delivering miRNAs and critically participate in physiological processes such as host intestinal development, cell differentiation, and immune response. In recent years, the biosynthesis of milk-derived miRNAs and their cross-border uptake mechanisms; the biological functions of milk-derived miRNAs and the universality of their regulatory modalities; the extraction and identification of milk-derived miRNAs as novel active ingredients and their potential as biomarkers have been extensively studied. Accordingly, this paper compares and summarizes the cutting-edge research on the nutritional and health functions of milk-derived miRNAs, including the types and contents of milk-derived miRNAs, their transportability and stability in the digestive tract, with special attention to the molecular mechanisms of milk-derived miRNAs in protecting the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, and looks forward to the application of milk-derived miRNAs as novel dietary supplements in infant foods and functional foods. It will inform future efforts to elucidate the profound impact of milk-derived miRNAs on the human intestine and broader health.

Purpose: Individual food items and nutrients are associated with the development of nephrolithiasis. Few studies have investigated the association between dietary patterns, particularly plant-based diets, and this disease. We aim to explore the associations between dietary patterns and incident nephrolithiasis risk. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 26 490 participants. Factor analysis was applied to dietary information to identify three a posteriori dietary patterns, and six a priori plant-based dietary patterns (overall plant-based diet index [PDI], healthful plant-based diet index [hPDI], unhealthful plant-based diet index [uPDI], vegan diet, lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, and fish-vegetarian diet) were defined. Nephrolithiasis was diagnosed using ultrasonography. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident nephrolithiasis related to dietary patterns. Results: After 101 094 person-years follow-up, we documented 806 incident nephrolithiasis cases. An a posteriori balanced dietary pattern characterized by a higher intake of vegetables, eggs, grains, legumes, legume products, and meat was associated with a lower risk of nephrolithiasis (P for trend = 0.02). Compared to the reference group in the lowest quartile of the balanced pattern, participants in the highest quartile had an adjusted HR (95% CI) of 0.72 (0.53–0.96) for incident nephrolithiasis. Adherence to the uPDI increased the risk of incident nephrolithiasis (P for trend < 0.01; adjusted HR_{4th quartile vs. 1st quartile}, 1.46, 95% CI, 1.14–1.97). No significant association was found between other a posteriori or a priori dietary patterns and incident nephrolithiasis. Conclusions: Adherence to a balanced dietary pattern, but not a plant-based diet, was associated with a lower nephrolithiasis risk. Moreover, higher uPDI consumption increased incident nephrolithiasis risk.

Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. Adequate calcium intake can improve calcium deficiency and prevent osteoporosis. Milk powder is the best source of dietary calcium supplements. Probiotics and prebiotics are considered to be beneficial substances for promoting calcium absorption. In this study, synbiotic milk powder (SMP) was prepared by combining the three, and its calcium supplementation effect and osteogenic activity were evaluated in calcium deficient mice. Through prebiotic screening experiments in vitro, after adding 1.2% iso-malto-oligosaccharide, the number of viable bacteria and the calcium enrichment of Lactobacillus plantarum JJBYG12 increased by 8.15% and 94.53% compared with those of the control group. Long-term calcium deficiency led to a significant reduction in calcium absorption and bone calcium content in mice, accompanied by structural deterioration of bone trabeculae. SMP significantly improved apparent calcium absorption, increased serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and decreased ALP activity and CTX-1 levels. In the meantime, the bone mineral density increased significantly, and the number of bone trabeculae and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts also increased. SMP has good dietary calcium supplementation capacity and bone remodeling ability without significant side effects on major organs. These findings provide insights into using SMP as a dietary calcium source to improve bone health.

Mussel-derived plasmalogens has a protective effect against HFD-induced hyperlipidemia. The gene-metabolite network related to the effects of Pls has been explored through the integrated analysis of hepatic transcriptome and metabolome.

Platelet mitochondrial dysfunction is crucial for platelet activation, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate enriched in cruciferous vegetables and possesses multiple health benefits including cardiovascular protection. This study aims to investigate whether and how SFN modulates platelet mitochondrial dysfunction and hyper-activity in vitro and in vivo. Using a series of platelet functional assays in human platelets in vitro, we found that SFN at physiological concentrations attenuated oxidative stress-dependent platelet mitochondrial dysfunction (loss of mitochondrial membrane potential), apoptosis (cytochrome c release, caspase 3 activation and phosphatidylserine exposure) and activation induced by the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) agonists (e.g., collagen and convulxin). Moreover, 12-weeks supplementation of SFN-enriched broccoli sprout extract (BSE, 0.06% diet) in C57BL/6J mice also attenuated GPVI-induced platelet mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and hyper-reactivity in vivo. Mechanistically, these inhibitory effects of SFN treatment and BSE supplementation were mainly mediated by up-regulating cAMP/PKA pathway though decreasing phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) activity. Thus, through modulating PDE3A/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, and attenuating platelet mitochondrial dysfunction and hyper-reactivity, SFN may be a potent cardioprotective agent.

Naringin (NAR) is a dihydroflavonoid with various biological activities and pharmacological effects, especially natural antioxidant activity.

The significance of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses has increased substantially. The most prominent characteristic of probiotic bacteria is their capacity to adhere to the epithelium and mucosal membrane of the host regardless of the gut's unfavorable environment. In this way, the probiotic bacterial species compete with the pathogenic organisms and secrete anti-microbial substances, which result in their elimination and hence improve illness conditions. It has been demonstrated that probiotics have a function in preserving the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The main focus of the studies is now to determine how these probiotics affect long-term diseases and skin wounds that don't heal. As the biggest organ in the body, the skin performs a variety of activities, but its primary role is as a barrier that blocks the passage of pathogens. In the presence of harmful bacteria, skin homeostasis is disturbed, resulting in tissue barrier damage and disruption, which promotes chronic inflammatory, non-healing disorders such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Chronic wounds are a considerable cause of increased morbidity and mortality. Conventionally, antibiotics are used to treat these persistent infections, which have several adverse effects on the body. Over-use of these antibiotics has shown a surge in antibiotic-resistant cases, which comes with delayed or non-healing of the wound. Pathogenic microbes, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, play a noticeable role in subsiding the wound healing process through a number of mechanisms like the continuous release of inflammatory mediators, the release of cytolytic enzymes, or excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the form of biofilms, these bacteria are notably resistant to drugs and host immunological responses. In this review, we compiled the current literature for the therapeutic potential of probiotics as an alternative to traditional antibiotic therapy for the potential treatment of persistent skin infections.

Ginkgo biloba extract provides synergistic and attenuated benefits to atorvastatin in the treatment of hyperlipidemia by improving the endogenous metabolic abnormalities and increasing statin exposure in the body.

Introduction: Different lines of evidence have shown that ginger administration may be beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of ginger supplementation on disability, physical and psychological quality of life (QoL), body mass index (BMI), neurofilament light chain (NfL), interlukin-17 (IL-17), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Methods: This was a 12-week double-blind parallel randomized placebo-controlled trial with a 3-week run-in period. The treatment (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups received 500 mg ginger and placebo (corn) supplements 3 times daily, respectively. Disability was evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). QoL was rated by the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29). BMI was calculated via dividing weight by height squared. Serum levels of NfL, IL-17, and MMP-9 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NLR was determined by the Sysmex XP-300™ automated hematology analyzer. All outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention and analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle. Results: In comparison with placebo, ginger supplementation caused a significant reduction in EDSS (-0.54 ± 0.58 vs. 0.08 ± 0.23, P < 0.001), MSIS-29 physical scale (-8.15 ± 15.75 vs. 4.23 ± 8.46, P = 0.001), MSIS-29 psychological scale (-15.71 ± 19.59 vs. 6.68 ± 10.41, P < 0.001), NfL (-0.14 ± 0.97 vs. 0.38 ± 1.06 ng/mL, P = 0.049), IL-17 (-3.34 ± 4.06 vs. 1.77 ± 6.51 ng/L, P = 0.003), and NLR (-0.09 ± 0.53 vs. 0.53 ± 1.90, P = 0.038). Nevertheless, the differences in BMI and MMP-9 were not significant between the groups. Conclusion: Ginger supplementation may be an effective adjuvant therapy for patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

Goat milk as a preferable probiotic vehicle has been investigated and the contribution of fermented goat dairy products to the nutritional and economic wellbeing of the world is tremendous. This review presents the recent progress on fermented goat dairy product, including probiotic selection, composition comparison to fermented cow milk, health effects and related mechanisms. Fermented goat milk maintains a better nutritional profile in comparison to fermented cow milk with a higher value of protein, minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se), vitamins (A, D3 and B12) and some fatty acids. Lactobacillus is the predominant genus used in goat milk fermentation and endows goat milk with higher functional value, including gut microbiota regulation, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory function, hypocholesterolemic effects, antioxidant effects, hypotensive effects, bone health, anemia recovery, anti-obesity and anti-atherogenic function. The corresponding mechanisms have been elucidated on molecular level. A series of collection on probiotics starters, fermentation strategy and characteristics of fermented goat dairy products are performed. Although the industrial applications of fermented goat milk remain underdeveloped, the improved functional annotation and fermentation strategy identified in this review provide a bright future and an excellent framework for future fermented goat dairy market.

Lactobacillus plantarum ZJ316 alleviates DSS-induced UC symptoms in mice by regulating intestinal microbiome.