PubMed

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 12;14(1):27729. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78727-2.ABSTRACTAnastrepha ludens (Mexican fruit-fly) is a highly polyphagous fruit fly species (Tephritidae) attacking wild and commercial fruit from Mexico to Panama. Here we report on a recent habitat and host range expansion as A. ludens lately started to attack apples (Malus domestica) in Mexico, a phenomenon likely influenced by global warming. We document natural infestations in apple-growing regions in the States of Nuevo León and Hidalgo, Mexico where A. ludens has started to attack the cultivars 'Golden Delicious', 'Rayada' and 'Criolla'. No infestations were found in the apple-growing region of Zacatlán, Puebla. To determine apple cultivar susceptibility to the attack of this emerging pest, we ran forced infestation assays in enclosed fruit-bearing branches in all three apple-growing regions and studied the metabolome of all fruit. A clear pattern emerged indicating that the cultivar 'Golden Delicious' was the most susceptible, with 'Criolla' exhibiting complete resistance in one location (Puebla). Although A. ludens can develop in this new host, development rates (egg-adult) and adult emergence were affected when compared with the performance in the natural host 'Marsh' grapefruit. Warmer temperatures and specific secondary metabolites of some apple cultivars are likely contributing to the territorial and host expansion of A. ludens.PMID:39533054 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-78727-2

Commun Biol. 2024 Nov 12;7(1):1496. doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-07145-x.ABSTRACTPolymicrobial co- and superinfections involving bacterial and fungal pathogens pose serious challenges for diagnosis and therapy, and are associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. However, the metabolic dynamics of bacterial-fungal interactions (BFI) and the resulting impact on disease outcome remain largely unknown. The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae are clinically important pathogens sharing common niches in the human body, especially in the lower respiratory tract. We have exploited an integrated multi-omics approach to unravel the complex and multifaceted processes implicated in the interspecies communication involving these pathogens in mixed biofilms. In this setting, A. fumigatus responds to the bacterial challenge by rewiring its metabolism, attenuating the translational machineries, and by connecting secondary with primary metabolism, while K. pneumoniae maintains its central metabolism and translation activity. The flexibility in the metabolism of A. fumigatus and the ability to quickly adapt to the changing microenvironment mediated by the bacteria highlight new possibilities for studying the impact of cross-communication between competing interaction partners. The data underscore the complexity governing the dynamics underlying BFI, such as pronounced metabolic changes mounted in A. fumigatus interacting with K. pneumoniae. Our findings identify candidate biomarkers potentially exploitable for improved clinical management of BFI.PMID:39533021 | DOI:10.1038/s42003-024-07145-x

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 12;14(1):27637. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78992-1.ABSTRACTPatients with COVID-19 under invasive mechanical ventilation are at higher risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), associated with increased healthcare costs, and unfavorable prognosis. The underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been thoroughly dissected. Therefore, this study attempted to bridge this gap by performing a lung microbiota analysis and evaluating the host immune responses that could drive the development of VAP. In this prospective cohort study, mechanically ventilated patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Nasal swabs (NS), endotracheal aspirates (ETA), and blood samples were collected initially within 12 h of intubation and again at 72 h post-intubation. Plasma samples underwent cytokine and metabolomic analyses, while NS and ETA samples were sequenced for lung microbiome examination. The cohort was categorized based on the development of VAP. Data analysis was conducted using RStudio version 4.3.1. In a study of 36 COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation, significant differences were found in the nasal and pulmonary microbiome, notably in Staphylococcus and Enterobacteriaceae, linked to VAP. Patients with VAP showed a higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load in respiratory samples, elevated neutralizing antibodies, and reduced inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-δ, IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL4. Metabolomic analysis revealed changes in 22 metabolites in non-VAP patients and 27 in VAP patients, highlighting D-Maltose-Lactose, Histidinyl-Glycine, and various phosphatidylcholines, indicating a metabolic predisposition to VAP. This study reveals a critical link between respiratory microbiome alterations and ventilator-associated pneumonia in COVID-19 patients with higher SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in respiratory samples, elevated neutralizing antibodies, and reduced inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-δ, IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL4. These findings provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of VAP, with potential implications for management and prevention.PMID:39532981 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-78992-1

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 12;14(1):27712. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78447-7.ABSTRACTIn recent years, nutrition has become increasingly important in treating and managing gestational diabetes mellitus. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a conceptual framework in health behavior research used in some medical research. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of glycemic index training based on the HBM on metabolic indicators and pregnant women's health-related quality of life. In this open-label, parallel-controlled randomized trial, 90 pregnant women from primary health centers in Iran were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group, using a block randomization method with a block size of six. The intervention group underwent 12 weeks of nutritional education on the glycemic index and load of foodstuff. The control group only received routine health care. Valid and reliable questionnaires included demographic and prenatal information, physical activity, three days of food records, quality of life (SF-12), and HBM constructs. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and end of the study, to assess fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin, hs-CRP, and lipids. Eighty-four pregnant women with an age mean of 30.12 ± 4.35 completed 12 weeks of intervention. At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in the HBM subscales (P > 0.05). However, within the intervention group, there was an increase in perceived susceptibilities (mean change 1.45 ± 4.21; P = 0.03) and cue to action (mean change: 1.22 ± 3.38; P = 0.02). In the adjusted model, the General Health subscale of Quality of Life showed a significant increase in the comparison between groups (mean change 13.69 ± 29.83 vs. 0.00 ± 29.58; P = 0.04). Additionally, the adjusted model revealed a notable difference between the groups in serum hs-CRP level, (mean change -0.877 ± 3.47 vs. -0.067 ± 3.40; P = 0.01) and triglyceride level (mean change - 55.24 ± 111.21 vs. 40.92 ± 142.01; P = 0.001). However, in the adjusted model, the total cholesterol levels increased between groups (mean change 22.75 ± 66.17 vs. 30.12 ± 61.33; P = 0.01) at the end of the study. There was no significant difference in glycemic indices (P > 0.05). Participation in a nutrition education program might positively impact nutritional beliefs, behaviors, and some biochemical indicators among pregnant women. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are warranted.Trial registration number: IRCTID: IRCT20190227042858N1. Registration date: 2019-07-18.PMID:39532953 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-78447-7

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 12;14(1):27681. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78965-4.ABSTRACTWe investigated the long-term effects of prenatal nutrition on pre-slaughter Nelore bulls using integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses of liver tissue. Three prenatal nutritional treatments were administered to 126 cows: NP (control, mineral supplementation only), PP (protein-energy supplementation in the third trimester), and FP (protein-energy supplementation throughout pregnancy). Liver samples from 22.5 ± 1-month-old bulls underwent RNA-Seq and targeted metabolomics. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) identified treatment-associated gene and metabolite co-expression modules, further analyzed using MetaboAnalyst 6.0 (metabolite over-representation analysis and transcriptome-metabolome integrative analysis) and Enrichr (gene over-representation analysis). We identified several significant gene and metabolite modules, as well as hub components associated with energy, protein and oxidative metabolism, regulatory mechanisms, epigenetics, and immune function. The NP transcriptome-metabolome analysis identified key pathways (aminoacyl t-RNA biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, and PPAR signaling) and hub components (glutamic acid, SLC6A14). PP highlighted pathways (arginine and proline metabolism, TGF-beta signaling, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism) with arginine and ODC1 as hub components. This study highlights the significant impact of prenatal nutrition on the liver tissue of Nelore bulls, shedding light on critical metabolic pathways and hub components related to energy and protein metabolism, as well as immune system and epigenetics.PMID:39532951 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-78965-4

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 12;14(1):27684. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-75734-1.ABSTRACTEthyl pyruvate (EP) has emerged as a promising compound with potential therapeutic benefits attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to understand the effects of EP on plasma metabolites and immune cells in horses, utilizing advanced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and blood chemistry analyses. Our comprehensive analysis detected 2,366 ions, and 126 metabolites were accurately identified. Remarkably, EP administration induced significant changes in 28 metabolites at 1 h and 11 metabolites at 8 h, highlighting its time-dependent impact on metabolic pathways such as phenylalanine and arginine biosynthesis. Moreover, EP significantly lowered the expression of inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6 and heme oxygenase (HO)-1, indicating its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Blood chemistry analysis revealed notable reductions in glucose and triglyceride levels. These findings demonstrate that EP is a substance with potential effects on pathways associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic processes.PMID:39532936 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-024-75734-1

Biochem Genet. 2024 Nov 12. doi: 10.1007/s10528-024-10954-8. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTChickpea is a major source of proteins and is considered the most economically vital food legume. Chickpea production is threatened by several abiotic and biotic factors worldwide. The main constraints limiting worldwide chickpea production are abiotic conditions such as drought, heat, salinity, and cold. It is clear that chickpea is treasured for its nutritive value, in particular its high protein content, and hence study of problems like drought, cold and salinity stresses are very important concerning chickpeas. In this regard, several physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms are reviewed to confer tolerance to abiotic stress. The most crippling economic losses in agriculture occur due to these abiotic stressors, which affect plants in many ways. All these abiotic stresses affect the water relations of the plant, both at the cellular level as well as the whole-plant level, causing both specific and non-specific reactions, damage and adaptation reactions. These stresses share common features. Breeding programs use a huge collection of over 100,000 chickpea accessions as their foundation. Significant advancements in conventional breeding, including mutagenesis, gene/allele introgression, and germplasm introduction, have been made through this method. Abiotic tolerance and yield component selection are made easier by creating unique DNA markers for the genus Cicer, which has been made possible by developments in high-throughput sequencing and molecular biology. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have also made it possible to identify particular genes, proteins, and metabolites linked to chickpea tolerance to abiotic stress. Chickpea abiotic stress tolerance has been directly and potentially improved by biotechnological applications, which are covered by all 'Omics' approaches. It requires information on the abiotic stress response at the different molecular levels, which comprises gene expression analysis for metabolites or proteins and its impact on phenotype. Studies on chickpea genome-wide expression profiling have been conducted to determine important candidate genes and their regulatory networks for abiotic stress response. This study aimed to offer a detailed overview of the diverse 'Omics' approaches for resilience's to abiotic stresses on chickpea plants.PMID:39532827 | DOI:10.1007/s10528-024-10954-8

Int Microbiol. 2024 Nov 13. doi: 10.1007/s10123-024-00613-8. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSocial separation, or the absence of social support, can cause physical and psychological health issues. Social separation is crucial for the welfare of the Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP) in captivity because they face many challenges like frequent social separation, noise from visitors, and animal replacement, which can cause psychological and physiological stress. This research is aimed at assessing the potential negative impacts of social separation on the gut microbiome and metabolome of captive YFP, focusing on the potential imbalances caused by mother-calf separation. The study found that social separation did not alter the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbes but increased the abundance of disease-associated taxa such as Romboutsia, Terrisporobacter, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_13 in the MC (mother-calf) group while increasing Paeniclostridium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 associated with host health in the MS (mother-separated) group. The fecal metabolome underwent significant changes during social separation, with stress-associated metabolites like kainic acid, phenethylamine glucuronide, and paxilline upregulated in the MC group and host health-associated metabolites like butyric acid, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid, and fosinopril downregulated in the MS group. In addition, there was a strong association between the fecal microbiome and the metabolome of captive YFPs. The study enhances our comprehension of the detrimental effects of social separation, which result in disruptions in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome. The study is aimed at introducing a new method for assessing the health and welfare of endangered mammals in captivity.PMID:39532805 | DOI:10.1007/s10123-024-00613-8

Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken). 2024 Nov 12. doi: 10.1111/acer.15476. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThis critical review summarizes the current state of omics-based biomarkers in the alcohol research field. We first provide definitions and background information on alcohol and alcohol use disorder (AUD), biomarkers, and "omic" technologies. We next summarize using (1) genetic information as risk/prognostic biomarkers for the onset of alcohol-related problems and the progression from regular drinking to problematic drinking (including AUD), (2) epigenetic information as diagnostic biomarkers for AUD and risk biomarkers for alcohol consumption, (3) transcriptomic information as diagnostic biomarkers for AUD, risk biomarkers for alcohol consumption, and (4) metabolomic information as diagnostic biomarkers for AUD, risk biomarkers for alcohol consumption, and predictive biomarkers for response to acamprosate in subjects with AUD. In the final section, the clinical implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research.PMID:39532676 | DOI:10.1111/acer.15476

Life Sci Alliance. 2024 Nov 12;8(1):e202302446. doi: 10.26508/lsa.202302446. Print 2025 Jan.ABSTRACTCell death frequently occurs in the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). However, the exact contribution of core cell death machinery to disease manifestations remains ill-defined. Here, we show via the direct comparison of mice genetically deficient in the essential necroptotic regulators, receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL), as well as mice lacking apoptotic caspase-8 in myeloid cells combined with RIPK3 loss, that RIPK3/caspase-8 signaling regulates macrophage inflammatory responses and drives adipose tissue inflammation and MAFLD upon high-fat diet feeding. In contrast, MLKL, divergent to RIPK3, contributes to both obesity and MAFLD in a manner largely independent of inflammation. We also uncover that MLKL regulates the expression of molecules involved in lipid uptake, transport, and metabolism, and congruent with this, we discover a shift in the hepatic lipidome upon MLKL deletion. Collectively, these findings highlight MLKL as an attractive therapeutic target to combat the growing obesity pandemic and metabolic disease.PMID:39532538 | DOI:10.26508/lsa.202302446

Anal Chim Acta. 2024 Dec 1;1331:343314. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.343314. Epub 2024 Oct 9.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: We introduce TRAM, a triple acquisition strategy on a high-speed quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer for merging non-targeted and targeted metabolomics into one run. TRAM stands for "quasi-simultaneous" acquisition of (1) a full scan MS1, (2) top 30 data-dependent MS2 (DDA), and (3) targeted scheduled MS2 for multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) within measurement cycles of ∼1 s. TRAM combines the selectivity and sensitivity of state-of-the-art targeted MRM-based methods with the full scope of non-targeted analysis enabled by high-resolution mass spectrometry.RESULTS: In this work, we deploy a workflow based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). For a broad panel of metabolites, we provide chromatographic retention times, and optimized conditions as a basis for targeted MRM experiments, listing accurate masses and sum formulas for fragment ions (including fully 13C labeled analogs). Validation experiments showed that TRAM offered (1) linear working ranges and limits of quantification comparable to MRM-only methods, (2) enabled accurate quantification in SRM 1950 human plasma reference material, and (3) was equivalent to DDA-only approaches in non-targeted metabolomics. Metabolomics in human cerebrospinal fluid showcased the power of the strategy, emphasizing the need for high coverage/high throughput metabolomics in clinical studies.SIGNIFICANCE: Acquiring up to 30 data-dependent spectra per MS cycle while still offering gold standard absolute quantification down to low nanomolar concentrations, TRAM allows in-depth profiling and reduces required sample volume, time, cost, and environmental impact.PMID:39532411 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2024.343314

Anal Chim Acta. 2024 Dec 1;1331:343313. doi: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.343313. Epub 2024 Oct 9.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Estradiol (E2) is a female sex hormone involved in several biological processes. Although E2 levels are commonly measured in blood samples, the use of non-invasive techniques (e.g. determination of salivary E2) would allow for the collection of repeated samples and the inclusion of a greater number of participants. Immunoassay-based techniques to measure salivary E2 failed to accurately mirror the variations observed in the plasmatic concentrations of E2 during the menstrual cycle probably due to the high sensitivity required (in the sub-pg/mL range). Therefore, sensitive and rugged analytical methods for the determination of salivary E2 are required. For this, we developed and validated an analytical methodology for the accurate determination of salivary E2.RESULTS: The method is based on chemical derivatization with 1,2-dimethyl-1H-imidazole-5-sulphonyl chloride and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis by summing highly-specific SRM transitions. This strategy allowed for increasing the sensitivity of the method. The validation of the method showed an accurate and precise quantification of E2 in 1 mL of saliva even at 250 fg/mL (97 % accuracy and 15 % RSD intra-day, and 104 % accuracy and 18 % RSD inter-day). In order to evaluate its efficacy, we analysed saliva samples from 5 healthy female volunteers collected during a whole menstrual cycle. Our analyses showed that the variations in the concentration of E2 in the measured samples mirrored those expected during a complete menstrual cycle. Additionally, we validated the suitability of our method for determining salivary E2 levels during pregnancy.SIGNIFICANCE: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method that allows to precisely and accurately measuring E2 in saliva samples along the whole menstrual cycle of healthy females. It is also suitable for the determination of estradiol during pregnancy. Its high sensitivity makes this strategy ideal for the evaluation of the role of hormone production in women's health.PMID:39532410 | DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2024.343313

BMJ Open. 2024 Nov 12;14(11):e091567. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091567.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) mortality is linked to abrupt rises in pulmonary artery (PA) pressure due to mechanical obstruction and pulmonary vasoconstriction, leading to right ventricular (RV) dilation, increased RV wall tension and oxygen demand, but compromised right coronary artery oxygen supply. Oxygen is a known pulmonary vasodilator, and in preclinical animal models of PE, supplemental oxygen reduces PA pressures and improves RV function. However, the mechanisms driving these interactions, especially in humans, remain poorly understood. The overall objective of the supplemental oxygen in pulmonary embolism (SO-PE) study is to investigate the mechanisms of supplemental oxygen in patients with acute PE.METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This randomised, double-blind, cross-over trial at Massachusetts General Hospital will include adult patients with acute PE and evidence of RV dysfunction but without hypoxaemia (SaO2 ≥90% on room air). We will enrol 80 patients, each serving as their own control, with 40 randomised to start on supplemental oxygen, and 40 randomised to start on room air. Over 180 min, patients will alternate between supplemental oxygen delivered by non-rebreather mask (60% FiO2) and room air (21% FiO2). The primary outcome will be the difference in pulmonary artery systolic pressure with and without oxygen. Secondary outcomes include additional echocardiographic measures, metabolomic profiles, vital signs and dyspnoea scores. Echocardiographic data will be compared by a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. For metabolomic analyses, we will perform multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models and calculate false discovery rate (q-value ≤0.05) to account for multiple comparisons. Data will be collected in compliance with National Institutes of Health and National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) policies for data and safety monitoring.ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The SO-PE study is funded by the NHLBI and has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Mass General Brigham (no. 2023P000252). The study will comply with the Helsinki Declaration on medical research involving human subjects. All participants will provide prospective, written informed consent.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05891886.PMID:39532350 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-091567

Nutr Res. 2024 Sep 28;132:95-111. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.09.018. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOxidative and nitrosative stress play pivotal roles in normal physiological processes and the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Previous studies from our lab demonstrated insulin resistance (IR), and dyslipidemia in iNOS-/- mice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal redox balance. These mice exhibited altered gut microbiota with decreased Lactobacillus. Therefore, we hypothesized that Lactobacillus supplementation could mitigate metabolic disturbances in iNOS-/- mice. To test this hypothesis, iNOS-/- mice and wild-type (WT) mice were divided into four groups: iNOS-/- with or without Lactobacillus supplementation, WT with or without Lactobacillus supplementation and glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, gluconeogenesis, lipids, gene expression related to glucose and lipid metabolism (qPCR), fecal gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), and serum and caecum metabolomics (LC-MS) were monitored. IR and dyslipidemic iNOS-/- mice exhibited reduced microbial diversity, diminished presence of Lactobacillus, and altered serum metabolites, indicating metabolic dysregulation. Lactobacillus supplementation in iNOS-/- mice effectively reversed glucose intolerance, IR, dyslipidemia, and associated metabolic irregularities compared to WT. These improvements correlated with changes in gene expression related to fatty acid synthesis in liver and adipose tissue, lipid oxidation in liver, and lipid efflux in intestinal tissue as compared to untreated iNOS-/- mice. Despite the positive effects on metabolic markers, Lactobacillus supplementation did not reduce body weight or rectify disrupted energy balance, as evidenced by reduced VCO2 production, heat generation, and metabolic rates in iNOS-/- mice. The results suggest that Lactobacillus supplementation ameliorates metabolic disturbances but did not fully restore disrupted energy balance, highlighting complex interactions between the gut microbiome and metabolism.PMID:39532058 | DOI:10.1016/j.nutres.2024.09.018

Food Chem. 2024 Nov 7;465(Pt 1):141900. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141900. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTGarcinia subfalcata, an edible species endemic to China, has limited research on its chemical composition and biological effects. This study aimed to analyze metabolites in different plant parts and identify potential anticancer constituents. Using UPLC-IMS-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics, a total of 124 compounds were identified, with xanthones, flavonoids and phloroglucinols being the predominant compounds. PCA and PLS-DA analyses revealed significant metabolite differences among plant parts, identifying 28 differential metabolites, including bronianone and (±)-fukugiside. Antiproliferative assays showed varying bioactivities, with bark exhibiting the highest cytotoxicity against A549, HeLa and HGC-27 cells (IC50: 2.72-5.71 μg/mL). Mechanism studies indicated that the bark inhibited cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential. S-plot models revealed 23 potential anticancer constituents, including (-)-epicatechin and 1,7-dihydroxyxanthone. These findings highlight G. subfalcata's potential as a source of functional food supplements and medicinal agents and indicate the efficacy of UPLC-IMS-QTOF-MS-based metabolomics in exploring bioactive components within Garcinia.PMID:39531968 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141900

Food Chem. 2024 Nov 8;465(Pt 1):141954. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141954. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHigh Voltage Alternating Electric Field (HVAEF), as an emerging postharvest preservation technology, is environmentally friendly and has garnered significant attention from scholars. This study investigated the effects of HVAEF on the postharvest quality and metabolite changes in 'Shine Muscat' grapes stored at near-freezing temperatures. The results demonstrated that HVAEF halved the weight loss and decay rate, inhibited browning by preserving polyphenol content, and reduced polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities, thereby extending the storage time by more than 20 days. Metabolomic analysis of the grape berries from the upper, middle, and bottom parts of the bunch revealed that the upper berries contained higher sugar levels and were more significantly influenced by HVAEF treatment. Additionally, HVAEF notably reduced the accumulation of amino acids, such as valine, leucine, and lysine, compared to the control. This study provides new insights into the enhancement of quality in fresh fruits and vegetables through HVAEF technology.PMID:39531963 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141954

Phytomedicine. 2024 Nov 3;135:156201. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156201. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Pidanjiangtang (PDJT) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula empirically used to treat impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) based on the "Pidan" theory from the classic ancient book Nei Jing. However, the mechanism of PDJT intervention for IGT remains to be studied.OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the mechanism of PDJT granules intervention in IGT by integrating gut microbiome and UHPLC-MS untargeted metabolomics.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The IGT model was established in 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by feeding them a high-fat diet and using an STZ injection. The low, medium, and high doses of PDJT were used for six weeks. metformin (Glucophage) was used as the positive control drug. The efficacy of PDJT was evaluated using fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood glucose maximum (BGmax), blood lipid, and inflammatory factor levels. Finally, 16S rDNA gut microbiome sequencing with metabolomics analysis was used to explore the pharmacological mechanism of PDJT intervention in IGT.RESULTS: PDJT could reverse the phenotype of IGT rats, reduce blood glucose levels, improve lipid metabolism disorder, and reduce inflammatory response. Gut microbiome analysis found that PDJT can improve gut microbiota composition and abundance of three phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Desulfobacterota) and four genera (unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, Allobaculum, Desulfovibrio), which play an important role in the process of PDJT intervention on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in IGT rats. UHPLC-MS untargeted metabolomics showed that PDJT could regulate the levels of 258 metabolites in lipid metabolism pathways, inflammatory response pathways, fat and protein digestion, and absorption. The combined analysis of the two omics showed that improving the body's metabolism by gut microbes may be the possible mechanism of PDJT in treating IGT. Thus, this study provides a new method to integrate gut microbiome and UHPLC-MS untargeted metabolomics to evaluate the pharmacodynamics and mechanism of PDJT intervention in IGT, providing valuable ideas and insights for future research on the treatment of IGT with traditional Chinese medicine.PMID:39531936 | DOI:10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156201

Enzyme Microb Technol. 2024 Nov 9;182:110546. doi: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2024.110546. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMicroalgae-based biofuel production is cost-effective only in a biorefinery, where valuable co-products offset high costs. Fatty acids produced by photosynthetic microalgae can serve as raw materials for bioenergy and pharmaceuticals. This study aims to understand the metabolic imprints of Scenedesmus sp. CABeR52, to decipher the physiological mechanisms behind lipid accumulation under nitrogen deprivation. Metabolomics profiles were generated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of Scenedesmus sp. CABeR52 subjected to nutrient deprivation. Our initial data sets indicate that deprived cells have an increased accumulation of lipids (278.31 mg.g-1 dcw), 2.0 times higher than the control. The metabolomic profiling unveils a metabolic reprogramming, highlighting the upregulation of key metabolites involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, such as citric acid, succinic acid, and 2-ketoglutaric acid. The accumulation of trehalose, a stress-responsive metabolite, further underscores the microalga's adaptability. Interestingly, we found that a new fatty acid, nervonic acid, was identified in the complex, which has a significant role in brain development. These findings provide valuable insights into the metabolic pathways governing lipid accumulation in Scenedesmus sp., paving the way for its exploitation as a sustainable biofuel feedstock.PMID:39531895 | DOI:10.1016/j.enzmictec.2024.110546

Poult Sci. 2024 Nov 3;103(12):104495. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104495. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTo deeply understanding the impact of peripheral energy level on the development of ovaries during the sexual maturation of chicken, in this study, the ovaries and serum of sexually mature and immature chickens at the same age from different energy level groups were collected, and the proteome and metabolome were detected. The results of ovarian and serum metabolomics revealed that dietary energy levels affected the energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation of ovary in chicken, including the up-regulated expression of dihydroacetone phosphate and α-linolenic acid in high energy level groups. The results of proteomics showed that peripheral energy levels affected the catecholamine biosynthesis and metabolism in ovary before sexual maturation. The integrating analysis revealed that increased energy flux may influence ovarian development by regulating cholesterol reserves and steroid hormone synthesis in the ovaries. In vitro, the cultivation of chicken primary granulosa cells showed that sterol carrier protein 2 played a role in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism but did not significantly affect progesterone synthesis. Overall, dietary energy levels may be involved in the development of the ovaries during sexual maturation by influencing energy metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and steroid hormone within the ovaries.PMID:39531803 | DOI:10.1016/j.psj.2024.104495

PLoS Biol. 2024 Nov 12;22(11):e3002875. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002875. eCollection 2024 Nov.ABSTRACTRising sea surface temperatures are increasingly causing breakdown in the nutritional relationship between corals and algal endosymbionts (Symbiodiniaceae), threatening the basis of coral reef ecosystems and highlighting the critical role of coral reproduction in reef maintenance. The effects of thermal stress on metabolic exchange (i.e., transfer of fixed carbon photosynthates from symbiont to host) during sensitive early life stages, however, remains understudied. We exposed symbiotic Montipora capitata coral larvae in Hawai'i to high temperature (+2.5°C for 3 days), assessed rates of photosynthesis and respiration, and used stable isotope tracing (4 mM 13C sodium bicarbonate; 4.5 h) to quantify metabolite exchange. While larvae did not show any signs of bleaching and did not experience declines in survival and settlement, metabolic depression was significant under high temperature, indicated by a 19% reduction in respiration rates, but with no change in photosynthesis. Larvae exposed to high temperature showed evidence for maintained translocation of a major photosynthate, glucose, from the symbiont, but there was reduced metabolism of glucose through central carbon metabolism (i.e., glycolysis). The larval host invested in nitrogen cycling by increasing ammonium assimilation, urea metabolism, and sequestration of nitrogen into dipeptides, a mechanism that may support the maintenance of glucose translocation under thermal stress. Host nitrogen assimilation via dipeptide synthesis appears to be used for nitrogen limitation to the Symbiodiniaceae, and we hypothesize that nitrogen limitation contributes to retention of fixed carbon by favoring photosynthate translocation to the host. Collectively, our findings indicate that although these larvae are susceptible to metabolic stress under high temperature, diverting energy to nitrogen assimilation to maintain symbiont population density, photosynthesis, and carbon translocation may allow larvae to avoid bleaching and highlights potential life stage specific metabolic responses to stress.PMID:39531470 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pbio.3002875