Prognostic and clinicopathological value of C-reactive protein in patients with bladder cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with bladder cancer (BCa) has been widely analysed; however, the results remain conflicting. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to identify the precise role of CRP level in predicting BCa prognosis.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were comprehensively searched until 19 April 2024. The impact of CRP level on predicting the prognosis of patients with BCa was examined using combined hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The relationship between CRP level and BCa clinicopathological characteristics was investigated by combining the odds ratios (ORs) with 95%CIs.

RESULTS

Twenty studies with 7276 patients were enrolled in this study. As revealed by pooled data, elevated CRP levels were markedly related to poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.41-2.90, p < .001), inferior cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.29-1.66, p < .001), shortened recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.17-1.33, p < .001) and dismal progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 2.28, 95%CI = 1.80-2.90, p < .001) in BCa patients. Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between CRP level and sex, tumour size, tumour grade or lymph node metastasis (LNM) in BCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated CRP levels were significantly related to poor OS, CSS, RFS and PFS of BCa patients with BCa. CRP could act as a reliable biomarker for predicting the short- and long-term survival of patients with BCa in clinical practice.

Artificial Intelligence tool for prediction of ECM mimics hydrogel formulations via click chemistry

A user-friendly machine learning (ML) predictive tool is reported for designing extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic hydrogels with tailored rheological properties. Developed for regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting, the model leverages click chemistry crosslinking to fine-tune the mechanical behaviour of gelatin- and hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels. Using both experimental rheological data and synthetic datasets, our supervised ML approach accurately predicts hydrogel compositions, significantly reducing the cost and time associated with trial-and-error approach. Despite advancements in the field, existing models remain limited in their ability to mimic the ECM due to the use of non-natural polymers, reliance on a single type of biologically active macromolecule, and physical crosslinking reactions with limited tuneability. Additionally, their lack of generalizability confines them to specific formulations and demands extensive experimental data for training. This predictive platform represents a major advancement in biomaterial design, improving reproducibility, scalability, and efficiency. By integrating rational design, it accelerates tissue engineering research and expands access to customized ECM-mimetic hydrogels with tailored viscoelastic properties for biomedical applications, enabling both experts and non-experts in materials design.

Prophage transduction promotes the transmission of phage resistance interfering with adsorption among Chinese foodborne Staphylococcus aureus

Although bacteriophages have proven to be efficient biocontrol agents for foodborne Staphylococcus aureus, the transmission of phage resistance resulting in the reduced efficacy of phage therapy remains to be explored. In this study, phage resistance and adsorption of 91 Chinese foodborne S. aureus isolates by 18 phages were estimated, and the distribution and transmission of phage resistance genes were investigated. The isolated 91 S. aureus comprised 50 multidrug-resistance isolates, all of which showed sensitivity to more than two phages. However, 9.9 % (9/91) of S. aureus isolates were resistant to all 18 phages, and the majority of phages (83.3 %, 15/18) did not adsorb to all foodborne S. aureus strains. Whole-genome analysis revealed that the 91 isolates comprised 101 phage resistance genes, including 24 genes were found in prophages (intact prophages, 19.8 %, 20/101; incomplete prophages, 16.8 %, 17/101). Notably, a temperate phage SapYZUs631 was successfully induced and exhibited better biological characteristics compared to other isolated S. aureus temperate phages, including higher titre (6.2 × 109 PFU/mL), stronger pH (4-11) and thermal (60 °C for 60 min) stability, and a wider host range (80.2 %, 73/91). The SapYZUs631 genome contained phage resistance gene tarP interfering with adsorption and virulence genes. The lysogeny of SapYZUs631 into S. aureus strains YZUstau27, YZUstau31, and YZUstau35 resulted in increased phage resistance and decreased adsorption. Therefore, our analysis suggests that the interruption of adsorption is the main reason for the phage resistance of foodborne S. aureus in China, which resulted from the transmission of phage resistance by prophage transduction.

The dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults. Despite its prevalence, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In addition to the most widely accepted causes, which include excessive amyloid-beta aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and deficiency of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, numerous studies have shown that the dopaminergic system is also closely associated with the occurrence and development of this condition. Dopamine is a crucial catecholaminergic neurotransmitter in the human body. Dopamine-associated treatments, such as drugs that target dopamine receptor D and dopamine analogs, can improve cognitive function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms as well as ameliorate other clinical manifestations. However, therapeutics targeting the dopaminergic system are associated with various adverse reactions, such as addiction and exacerbation of cognitive impairment. This review summarizes the role of the dopaminergic system in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, focusing on currently available dopamine-based therapies for this disorder and the common side effects associated with dopamine-related drugs. The aim of this review is to provide insights into the potential connections between the dopaminergic system and Alzheimer's disease, thus helping to clarify the mechanisms underlying the condition and exploring more effective therapeutic options.

Transglutaminase-enhanced walnut protein isolate gels: Synergistic effects of double modification on gelation and riboflavin encapsulation

This study investigated the effects of a double-modification process involving Alcalase hydrolysis (1, 3, and 5 min) and ultrasound treatment (360 W, 15 min) on the functional properties and characteristics of walnut protein isolate (WPI). Among the treatments, WPI hydrolyzed for 3 min and subjected to ultrasound (WEU-3) demonstrated the highest water-holding capacity of 3.66 g/g and solubility of 34.68 %. Gels were subsequently prepared using transglutaminase (TG) to cross-link WEU-5, which served as a carrier for riboflavin. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a compact and homogeneous network structure in the gels. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated that TG cross-linking facilitated the migration of bound water into the gel network, enhancing its rheological properties. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the sample treated with 30 U/g of TG showed the lowest riboflavin release (73.02 %) after 360 min. These findings suggest that the double-modification process combined with TG treatment improves the gelling properties and nutrient delivery potential of WPI.

Flavor effect, application status, and research trend of umami peptides based on microbial fermentation in food

Umami peptides are important non-volatile compounds produced by protein degradation, contributing to food umami flavor and enhancing product quality. Microbial fermentation promotes the production of taste peptides, including umami peptides, which act as key flavor substances and precursors. Microbial-derived umami peptides are cost-effective, easy to produce, and a major source of umami peptide production. Although microbial fermentation of umami peptides has been extensively studied in preparation, screening, and evaluation, a systematic review of microbial fermentation is still lacking. Therefore, this paper aims to address the following aspects: (1) umami peptide taste characteristics, influencing factors, and preparation methods; (2) microbial sources of umami peptides; (3) the current application status of microbial fermentation-derived umami peptides in various foods; and (4) future directions for microbial fermentation of umami peptides. Consequently, this literature review seeks to offer insights for advancing microbial fermentation in umami peptide production.

Unravelling microbial interactions in a synthetic broad bean paste microbial community

The biotic factors governing the assembly and functionality of broad bean paste microbiota remain largely unexplored due to its highly complex fermentation ecosystem. This study constructed a synthetic community comprising Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Staphylococcus carnosus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Tetragenococcus halophilus and Weissella confusa, representing key microorganisms involved in broad bean paste fermentation. The generalized Lotka-Volterra (gLV) model revealed that the microbial interaction network among the six species was dominated by pairwise interactions. The abundances of most species in the multi-species communities at 2 and 4 days were accurately predicted using the gLV model, based on pairwise species combinations outcomes. Among pairwise interactions, negative interactions (57 %) were significantly more prevalent than positive interactions (37 %), with the former generally being stronger. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that the tested Z. rouxii inhibited acid accumulation by acid-producing bacteria, while the two strains belonging to the genus Bacillus stimulated lactic acid bacteria growth and lactic acid accumulation. The sequential inoculation strategy, informed by the interaction network, enhanced the synthetic community's bioaugmentation in broad bean paste, significantly improving ester and mellow flavors, reducing unpleasant odors, and increasing volatile flavor substances to 9.43 times that of natural fermentation. Overall, this study revealed the interaction network of six key microorganisms in broad bean paste using the gLV model and guided the application of the synthetic community in its fermentation, significantly enhancing flavor quality.

Migration of chemical substances from packaging materials to food

At present, active food packaging is favored by manufacturers and consumers from all over the world for various special functions. However, the potential migration of chemical substances from the packaging into the food during contact is a significant concern. Therefore, a detailed discussion of this topic is warranted. This paper begins with a thorough analysis of the migration mechanisms, mathematical models, and critical parameters involved in the migration of chemical substances from food packaging. On this basis, it summarizes relevant detection techniques, the selection of food simulants, and risk assessment, which are crucial for the accuracy of migration test results. In addition, specific attention was focused on the migration of antimicrobial agents in food packaging. Finally, non-destructive testing methods, international legislation, and current opportunities and challenges were discussed. The research provides important guidance and inspiration for investigating the migration of chemical substances from food packaging to food.

Preparation of soy protein isolate-ellagic acid conjugates through ultrasound-assisted metal-free Fenton reaction: Synthesis, structure, and functional properties

The grafting of polyphenols onto proteins possesses the potential to enhance their functional properties. In this study, ultrasound-assisted metal-free Fenton reaction grafting method (UMFM) was developed to efficiently prepare soy protein isolate (SPI)-ellagic acid (EA) conjugates. Under optimized conditions of 380 W, 50 °C, and 75 min, UMFM significantly improved the grafting degree of SPI with EA by 10.3 % and reduced the reaction time by 94.8 % compared to the conventional method. In addition, the results of reactive group content, multi-spectroscopy analysis, and surface hydrophobicity demonstrated the decrease in free amino and sulfhydryl groups contents, alterations in the secondary and tertiary structures of SPI, as well the ultrasonication-induced further unfolding of SPI structure, thereby facilitating the formation of covalent bonds between SPI and EA. Moreover, the functional properties of SPI, including thermal stability, emulsifying activity, and antioxidant properties, were significantly enhanced after conjugation with EA, especially in ultrasound-assisted conditions.

Effects of heat treatment on the binding between the key aroma-active compounds in Zanthoxylum bungeanum oil and pork myofibrillar proteins (MPs)

The mechanism underlying effective binding between the aroma compounds in Zanthoxylum bungeanum oil and pork, especially during heating, remains unclear, restricting accurate regulation of numbing flavor in meat dishes. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of heating on the binding between pork myofibrillar proteins (MPs) and four key aroma-active compounds in Zanthoxylum bungeanum oil and the related mechanism. Results showed that higher temperatures within 70-90 °C induced larger particle sizes and zeta potential values of MPs while reducing endogenous fluorescence. The surface hydrophobicity and secondary structure increased when heating to 80 °C and subsequently declined. Besides aroma compounds, these structural changes of MPs also affected their affinity for aromatic compounds. Higher binding percentages were observed in 2,3-butanediol (36 %-90 %) and linalyl acetate (12 %-55 %), while heating at 80 °C increased their binding amounts. Further correlation analysis and molecular docking revealed that these aroma compounds primarily bound with MPs via hydrogen bonding and various hydrophobic interactions.

Simultaneous combination of subcritical water extraction and enzyme-assisted extraction for protein recovery from lime peels. Characterization of protein hydrolysates

Lime peels are citrus industry residues constituting a great source of bioactive compounds. Reusing these residues contributes to sustainability and reduces the negative environmental impact of food waste removal. In this work, environmentally friendly strategies based on green techniques were developed for the efficient extraction of proteins from lime peels. Two techniques, non-employed before with this aim, were employed: subcritical water extraction (SWE) and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), as well as their simultaneous combination. SWE with Viscozyme Wheat HT as polysaccharide enzyme enabled a high extraction yield (95 %) in a short analysis time. Proteases Thermolysin and Alcalase were evaluated to release peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial activities from protein extracts. Most active hydrolysates were analysed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS enabling to identify 30 peptides along with 44 phenolics, and other bioactive compounds. Some of these compounds are associated to the observed bioactivities, highlighting the potential contribution of the ACE-related antihypertensive peptide FDAVGVK.

The role of innate immune cells in modulating vascular dynamics in skin malignancies

A developing tumor relies heavily on blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients. As a result, angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, supports tumor growth and progression. Similarly, lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels, plays a critical role in metastatic dissemination by providing pathways for malignant cells to spread. The tumor microenvironment is crucial for establishing and maintaining these vascular networks, with innate immune cells playing a key regulatory role. Notably, immune cells are specifically enriched in barrier tissues, such as the skin, emphasizing their importance in skin malignancies. Therefore, understanding their role in regulating angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review article explores how innate immune cells influence tumor vasculature and highlights the therapeutic potential that may arise from this knowledge.

Synergistic effects of mannoprotein and ultrasound on the interfacial properties, flavor, and structure of yeast protein

To expand the application of yeast protein (YP) in the food industry, the synergistic effects of mannoprotein (MP) and ultrasound (US) treatment were explored to improve its solubility, flavor, and structural properties. Results showed that YP and MP formed YP-MP conjugation in 1:3 (w:w), after reacting with citric acid and sodium bicarbonate for 4 h at room temperature and ultrasonic treatment at 1000 W for 30 min. The YP-MP-US sample achieved a maximum protein yield of 54.82 ± 1.67 %. Furthermore, the protein particle size was reduced from 257.67 nm to 159.33 nm after the treatment, thereby improving its solubility, emulsifying, and foaming capacities. Sensory evaluations, combined with E-tongue, E-nose, and HS-SPME-GC-MS analyses, revealed a significant reduction in the unpleasant yeast flavor of YP (p < 0.05). Additionally, the synergistic treatment had altered the conformation and structure of YP, which were confirmed by the notable increase in β-sheet, free sulfhydryl (-SH) groups, surface hydrophobicity, and intrinsic fluorescence while promoting a looser and finer aggregation microstructure. In conclusion, the synergistic treatment significantly improved protein solubility and flavor, thereby enhancing its processing functionality.

Co-application of zinc and oligosaccharides enhances zinc bioavailability, yield and nutritional quality of rice

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major abiotic factor impacting crop performance and human health. The co-application of oligosaccharides (Olg) and Zn (Olg-Zn) is an effective approach in improving Zn bioavailability, crop yield and nutritional quality. The current findings demonstrate that Olg-Zn application enhances photosynthesis, root-shoot biomass, grain yield, Zn uptake and Zn dissolution in gastric and gastrointestinal juices while reducing phytic acid and increasing Zn bioavailability. We conducted hydroponics and soil culture studies to investigate the synergy of Olg-Zn on rice growth, yield and grain quality. We found that the most effective treatments in hydroponics and soil cultures were Olg-Zn3 and Olg-ZnS2, which improved several morphological indices, such as root-shoot length and root-shoot fresh and dry weight. The findings reveal that higher photosynthesis traits and chlorophyll contents were recorded in Olg-Zn3 and Olg-ZnS2 treatments in hydroponics and soil cultures, respectively. Furthermore, compared to single Zn and Olg treatments, the Olg-Zn combination enhanced the uptake of Zn in roots, shoots and grains, resulting in higher grain yield in hydroponics (6.8 %-11.4 %) and soil culture (4.6 %-9.1 %). The application of Olg-Zn reduced phytic acid concentration by 4.7-15.3 % in hydroponics and 5.6-12.3 % in soil culture, improving Zn bioavailability by 2.2-16.6 % and 11.1-15.8 % by upregulating the expression level of Zn transporter genes, ultimately enhancing the nutritional quality of rice. Additionally, Olg-Zn improved Zn dissolution in gastric juice by 3.1-21.4 % and 3.5-19.6 %, and Zn dissolution in gastrointestinal juice was boosted by 3.7-19.7 % and 5.9-17.2 %, facilitating better Zn absorption and bioavailability in humans. However, treatments like Olg-ZnS4 and Olg-ZnS5 in soil culture slightly reduced rice yield and nutritional quality by hindering Zn bioavailability and increasing phytic acid concentration. In summary, this study highlights that an appropriate Olg-Zn combination enhances Zn uptake, leading to improved rice yield and quality, thus potentially benefitting human health.

Intermolecular interactions influenced the gelation and texture improvement of sturgeon surimi gels by walnut protein isolates

Intermolecular interaction is a key factor in the fortification of surimi gels by plant protein addition. Here, the effects of different intermolecular interactions, such as ionic, covalent and non-covalent interactions, on gel structure, gelation strength and water-holding properties were investigated, using sturgeon surimi fortified by three walnut isolates, including walnut meal (WM), protein isolate (WPI) and peptide (WP), as representatives. Quantitative creep-recovery analysis and soluble protein assay demonstrated that secondary bonds, mainly hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond, possibly played a dominant role in walnut protein-fortified surimi gels. Hydrophobic interaction and disulfide bond benefited gelation behavior and textural strengthening by supplementation of WM and WPI. However, 1-3 % addition of WPI and WP positively influenced water retention of surimi gels due to higher hydrogen bonding level. Structural integrity of surimi gel was not destroyed, while appropriate addition of walnut proteins especially WPI improved sensory quality of sturgeon surimi product.

Preparation of an aqueous colloidal dispersion of myofibrillar proteins: A synergistic strategy integrating nonenzymatic glycation and exogenous amino acids

This study explores the possibility of exogenous lysine combined with nonenzymatic glycation to prepare an aqueous colloidal dispersion of meat protein. The results indicate that compared to the MPs aqueous solution, the aqueous colloidal dispersion possesses outstanding dispersion and stability. Results from structural analysis and microscopic observation show that l-lysine can promote the swelling and dissociation of MPs and form an entanglement network due to intermolecular bonding. Glycation by introducing hydrophilic dextran molecules leads to steric hindrance, inhibiting the self-assembly of myosin. Furthermore, the order of the reactions is critical; the addition of l-lysine can improve the degree of subsequent glycation, and the dextran molecules introduced during the glycation process also provide additional intermolecular forces for the entangled network. In summary, exogenous lysine combined with glycation is an effective strategy for preparing aqueous colloidal dispersions of MPs, improving their dispersibility and stability in a fluid state.

Integration of lipidomics and flavoromics reveals the lipid-flavor transformation mechanism of fish oil from silver carp visceral with different enzymatic hydrolysis

Lipidomics and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of fish oil from silver carp visceral hydrolyzed by papain, alkaline protease, pepsin, neutral protease, flavor protease, trypsin, and complex protease were investigated to explore the lipid-flavor transformation mechanism. Our results showed that diglycerol (DG, 18:4/16:1, 18:3/18:3, 16:0/18:3)/fatty acids (20:4) in glycerides and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 4:0/18:2)/phosphatidylglycerol (8:0e/10:3) in phospholipids could be used as markers to distinguish fish oil by different enzymolysis. A total of 130 and 36 VOCs were detected in fish oil using GC-MS and GC-IMS, respectively, including 11 key VOCs, namely 1-octen-3-ol, 1-heptanol, eugenol, (E)-2-decenal, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal, (E, E)-2,4-decadienal, (E)-2-nonenal, benzene acetaldehyde, and 2,3-pentanedione. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that 1-octen-3-ol, octanal, nonanal, and benzene cetaldehyde, hold significant positive correlations with the DG (16:0/18:3), DG (18:4/16:1), and PE (4:0/18:2). Conclusively, DG and PE, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, may be essential precursors for forming key fish oil flavors during enzymolysis extraction.

Effects of chemical modifications on allergenicity and functional properties of silkworm pupae proteins

Silkworm pupae proteins (SPP) have been exploited as a new functional protein, but there are still some people who are allergic to it. This study investigated the effects of different chemical modifications (phosphorylation, succinylation, deamidation, glycosylation) on SPP's allergenicity and its structural and functional impact. Spectroscopic analysis showed that all three modifications except glycosylation loosened the three-dimensional structure of SPP. Enzymatic hydrolysis studies have shown that the succinylated group can significantly enhance the hydrolysis resistance of SPP at 30 kDa, and the ability to bind IgE was maintained. Most proteins were hydrolyzed into small peptides within 30 min after combined digestion. A functional study of chemically modified SPP demonstrated that succinylation had a strong water-holding capacity. Further deamidation and phosphorylation have stupendous foaming ability and foaming stability, respectively. This discovery collectively will provide the experimental basis for developing and using silkworm pupae protein in the food industry.

Integrated transcriptomics and lipidomics reveal mechanisms regulating lipids formation and accumulation in oil body during walnut seed development

BACKGROUND

Through combined analysis of the transcriptomics and lipidomics of walnut, the possible molecular mechanism of lipid formation and accumulation in oil bodies was revealed.

CONCLUSION

The formation and accumulation of lipids are critical determinants of nut quality, with walnut storing lipids primarily in oil bodies (OBs). Currently, there is still a lack of systematic research on the formation and accumulation of lipids in walnut OBs (WOBs). Therefore, this study integrated lipidomics and transcriptomics to comprehensively identify the changes in WOBs and walnut kernels at 60, 74, 88, 102, 116, and 130 days after pollination (DAP). The results showed that fatty acid content in walnut kernels and WOBs had opposite trends, especially oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. Principal component analysis of the samples and cluster analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that the total samples were divided into three main groups: 60-74, 88-102, and 116-130 DAP. RNA sequencing generated 33,918 unigenes (14,995 DEGs), including 228 DEGs highly related to lipid metabolism, in 18 cDNA libraries prepared from walnut kernel. These genes were mainly involved in metabolic pathways such as pyruvate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis during lipid synthesis. On the other hand, the expression levels of ACC, KASII, SAD, FAD2, FAD3, and PDAT genes were downregulated at 88-130 DAP compared with 60-74 DAP, which might be the key genes regulating the reduction of free fatty acid content in WOBs. In addition, 21 FAD genes were identified, including seven SAD genes, three FAD2 genes, five FAD3 genes, one FAD5 gene, one FAD6 gene, and four FAD7/8 genes. These genes were closely related to the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in WOBs, especially FAD2 and FAD3. The findings offered valuable insights into the dynamic changes in lipids and genetic resources and provided a foundation for walnut quality improvement.

Improved oral bioavailability of paclitaxel through folate-engineered zein nanoparticles: Evaluation in intestinal organoid and in vivo models

Oral administration remains the most accessible route for drug delivery. Paclitaxel is a natural lipophilic agent with significant antineoplastic efficacy against various malignancies. However, its clinical application is limited by low solubility, systemic toxicity, and poor bioavailability. In this study, we engineered modified zein nanoparticles for oral delivery by using PEGylated zein as a biocompatible nanocarrier, combined with folate receptor targeting on intestinal epithelial cells. The conjugation of folic acid was confirmed via FT-IR and 1HNMR analyses. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical, had a diameter under 200 nm, and maintained stability under gastrointestinal pH conditions. Furthermore, uptake assessments in multicellular spheroids and intestinal organoid models showed greater accumulation and penetration of conjugated zein nanocarriers compared to non-targeted particles. The in vivo assessment of nanoparticle biodistribution via oral administration showed extended retention of folate-modified zein nanoparticles in the rat gastrointestinal tract for up to 24 h. Pharmacokinetic analysis in vivo demonstrated that targeted nanoparticles increased paclitaxel plasma concentrations in rabbits to over seven times that of the unformulated drug. These findings highlight the novelty of folate-modified zein nanoparticles platform in improving the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, demonstrating their promise for advanced drug delivery.

Comprehensive multi-omics analysis of histone acetylation modulators identifies ASH1L as a novel aggressive marker for osteosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma, a highly malignant bone tumor prevalent in children and adolescents, continues to have poor long-term survival rates, particularly in metastatic cases. While histone acetylation dysregulation has been implicated in cancer progression, the role of histone acetylation modification-related proteins (HAMRPs) in osteosarcoma immune infiltration and prognosis remains unclear.

METHODS

The expression patterns, prognostic implications, and clinical correlations of HAMRPs in osteosarcoma were analyzed using the TARGET, GEO, TISCH, and HPA databases. The effectiveness of HAMRPs in predicting the immune landscape of osteosarcoma was confirmed using CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and ESTIMATE algorithms. The study employed GSEA analysis, wound healing assay, Transwell, and western blot to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of the key gene ASH1L in osteosarcoma progression.

RESULTS

Two distinct histone acetylation modification patterns were identified, showing significant differences in survival, clinical features, and immune landscape. Comprehensive clinical correlation analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis of all HAMRPs used for two subtypes revealed that higher ASH1L expression was found in metastatic osteosarcoma cases and indicated poorer survival outcomes. In vitro experiments confirmed that ASH1L promoted osteosarcoma metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the AKT/mTOR pathway. Additionally, an ASH1L-derived risk model was developed to aid personalized clinical decisions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study elucidates the prognostic and immunological significance of HAMRPs and highlights ASH1L as a novel aggressive marker in osteosarcoma.

Enrichment of Zinc-Chelating Peptides from Casein Using IMAC and Their Zinc Binding Modes and Promoting Intestinal Zinc Absorption Activity

In this study, casein was used as the raw material to prepare casein hydrolysates, and the fraction with high activity (F-IMAC) was enriched by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Then, F-IMAC and its zinc chelates (F-IMAC-Zn, 99.1 mg/g) were characterized. Analysis of amino acid composition indicated that the contents of Asp, Thr, Ser, Glu, Cys, Ile, His, Lys, and Arg in F-IMAC-Zn increased. Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy revealed structural differences between F-IMAC and F-IMAC-Zn. The carboxyl, carbonyl, and amide bonds serve as zinc binding sites. The results of HPLC-MS/MS and molecular docking indicated that YPVEPF (750.3588 Da), EMPFPK (747.3625 Da), and EAMAPKHKEMPFPK (1639.8214 Da) exhibited the strongest zinc chelating potential among the 50 peptides identified from F-IMAC, and the three mainly combined with Zn2+ through Metal-Acceptor bonds and Charge-Charge bonds. In the zinc transport experiment, the zinc transport amounts of YPVEPF, EMPFPK, and EAMAPKHKEMPFPK increased by 99.80, 67.40, and 123.37%, respectively, compared with the control group (the ZnSO4), which indicated that all three exhibited strong activities in promoting intestinal zinc absorption. This study provides theoretical bases and new ideas for the development of dietary zinc supplements using casein zinc-chelating peptides.

Zinc-binding mechanism of synthetic oyster peptides and their taste sensory characteristics: Insight into umami and saltiness perception

Oyster-derived synthetic peptides (ILAPPER and DGKGKIPEE) formed IZn and DZn by chelating with zinc ions (97.8 % and 98.9 %), resulting in conformational changes. Molecular docking and NMR analysis revealed that carboxyl oxygen at C-terminal of Arg-7 and Glu-9, as well as amide bond oxygen atoms of Pro-5 and Ile-6, served as zinc-chelating sites. DZn exhibited superior in vitro digestion stability and absorption characteristics (21 %) compared to IZn (18.2 %). The protein expression levels of ZnT1 and ZIP4 were 35.3 % and 52.7 % for IZn, and 28.5 % and 53.8 % for DZn. The synthetic peptides eliminated bitterness (OPH: 3.11; I: -0.93; D: -0.8) while enhancing salty (I: 6.77; D: 6.25) and umami (I: 2.11; D: 1.81) taste profiles. Additionally, peptides I and D primarily interacted with Glu, Arg, and Gln residues of TIR1, TIR3, TMC4, and TRPV1 receptors. Hydrogen bonding facilitated interactions with umami taste receptors, whereas hydrophobic interactions were linked to saltiness perception.

Assessing the Functional and Structural Properties of Peanut Meals Modified by Transglutaminase-Coupled Glycation

To increase the added value of peanut meal (PM, protein content of 46.17%) and expand its application in food processing, cold-pressed PM was modified via transglutaminase (TGase)-coupled glycation to enhance its functional properties. The effects of the modification conditions (i.e., PM concentration, PM/glucose mass ratio, temperature, and time) on the functional properties of PM were investigated, and its structural properties were evaluated using water contact angle measurements, fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that TGase-coupled glycation modification altered the secondary structure of PM and increased both the water contact angle and the surface hydrophobicity, thereby significantly affecting its functional properties. Additionally, superior emulsification, foaming, and oil-absorbing properties were achieved for the modified PM, which were named EPM, FPM, and OPM, respectively (specimens under different modification conditions). Notably, the emulsification activity of the EPM sample was enhanced by 69.8% (i.e., from 18.48 to 31.38 m2/g); the foaming capacity of the FPM specimen was increased by 84.00% (i.e., from 21.00 to 46.00%); and the oil-absorbing capacity of the OPM sample was enhanced by 359.57% (i.e., from 1.41 to 6.48 g/g protein).

Topical transdermal administration of lenalidomide nanosuspensions-based hydrogels against melanoma: In vitro and in vivo studies

Percutaneous neoadjuvant therapy has proven effective in diminishing tumor size and the surgical intervention area, which couldeffectively mitigate the risk of tumor recurrence and enhance immunotherapy efficacy. Lenalidomide, an approved medication orally used to treat myeloma, was loaded into nanosuspensions-based hydrogels (Len-NBHs) for transdermal administration as a percutaneous neoadjuvant therapy. This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of Len-NBHs on melanoma. Network pharmacology and transcriptomic analyses identified key targets and signaling pathways. The effects of lenalidomide on melanoma were further verified through Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction，using both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo melanoma mouse models. Lenalidomide could induce melanoma cells apoptosis, disrupt cell cycle progression, impede cell migration and invasion, and modify tumor microenvironment (TME). Mechanistically, lenalidomide reversed the abnormal activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and the overexpression of CD93, while also recruiting CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and dendritic cells to infiltrate the tumor site. Transdermal administration of Len-NBHs represents a promising adjuvant therapy for the treatment of malignant melanoma. Preoperative administration of Len-NBHs can inhibit the outward spread of melanoma, reduce tumor size, thereby decreasing the surgical excision area and improving patient survival rates and prognosis.

Construction of a synthetic microbial community and its application in salt-reduced soy sauce fermentation

High salt conditions negatively affect the fermentation efficiency of soy sauce and human health. This study aimed to construct a synthetic microbial community based on dominant functional microorganisms for salt-reduced soy sauce fermentation by investigating the succession and function of the microbial community during factory soy sauce fermentation. The findings revealed that the interplay between salinity and microorganisms influenced the dynamic changes of microbial communities. Furthermore, Aspergillus, Wickerhamomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, Staphylococcus, Weissella, and Tetragenococcus were analyzed to play key roles during soy sauce fermentation. Subsequently, the core strains were isolated and their strains and metabolic characteristics were evaluated. Finally, six strains (Aspergillus oryzae JQ09, Wickerhamomyces anomalus HJ07, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii JZ11, Staphylococcus carnosus QJ26, Weissella paramesenteroides ZJ19, and Tetragenococcus halophilus GY03) were employed to reconstruct the synthetic microbial community and conduct salt-reduced soy sauce fermentation. Biofortification increased the accumulation of metabolites in salt-reduced soy sauce. When the salt content was reduced to 14%, the sensory characteristics of soy sauce were closest to those of traditional soy sauce. Overall, this research presents a bottom-up approach to establish a simplified microbial community model with desired functions through deconstructing and reconstructing microbial structure and function. It has the potential to enhance the fermentation efficiency and realize the fermentation of salt-reduced traditional fermented food.

Isoliquiritigenin Promotes the Repair of High Uric Acid-Induced Vascular Injuries

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a chronic metabolic disease mainly stemming from purine metabolism disorders and strongly correlated with cardiovascular diseases, gout, chronic kidney disease, and other diseases. Elevated levels of uric acid (UA) in serum will lead to vascular endothelial cell injuries directly, subsequently impairing normal functions of human blood vessels. Therefore, investigating endothelial cell injuries resulting from HUA and corresponding drug screening for its treatment are of great significance in the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases. Given the inherent advantages of multiple targets and pathways, we delved into the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in alleviating vascular injuries induced by HUA in detail. Through the establishment of an injury index library and subsequent drug screening process, isoliquiritigenin proved to be a promising candidate for promoting the repair of HUA-induced vascular injuries. It had been identified, validated and its efficiency evaluated using blood vessel-on-a-chip and animal tests. Additionally, network pharmacology and molecular docking were further employed to elucidate the underlying mechanism. This work represents the first demonstration of isoliquiritigenin's capacity to facilitate the repair of vascular injuries triggered by high UA levels, and provides valuable insights for the treatment of HUA using traditional Chinese medicine.

Exploration of novel dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory tetrapeptide from walnut (Juglans sigillata) protein and its effect on diabetes-like phenotypes induced by high-sugar diet in Drosophila melanogaster

Walnut protein was hydrolyzed by different enzymes, and bromelain protein hydrolysate (W-Bromelain) showed the highest dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity. W-Bromelain was fractionated, and three novel tetrapeptides (LPQF, LPSF, and VPFP) were identified. In vitro evaluation showed that LPQF exhibited the highest DPP-IV inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 99.34 μM. Evaluation of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxic properties of LPQF showed high absorption and nontoxicity. Molecular docking showed that LPQF could interact with the active residues of DPP-IV through seven hydrogen bonds and five hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation further confirmed the stability of the LPQF-DPP-IV complex. LPQF showed high stability in in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. LPQF ameliorated the type 2 diabetes mellitus-like phenotype and reduced the degree of oxidative stress and intestinal barrier damage in a Drosophila melanogaster model of insulin resistance. Furthermore, the RNA-seq analysis showed that LPQF may exert hypoglycemic effects by regulating the Wnt, MAPK, and FoxO pathways.

Physical and oxidative stability of 5 % fish oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus larva) protein hydrolysates pretreated with ultrasound and pulsed electric fields

Lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus larva) meal was pretreated with ultrasound (US) or pulsed electric fields (PEF) and hydrolyzed using Alcalase or Trypsin enzymes. The resulting hydrolysates were evaluated for their ability to maintain physical and oxidative stability of 5 % fish oil-in-water emulsions. The effects of the pretreatment on enzymatic hydrolysis were assessed by measuring the degree of hydrolysis (DH), protein yield, and molecular weight distribution. Hydrolysates with 19-28 % DH were produced. Physical stability was evaluated in terms of creaming index, Turbiscan stability index, ζ-potential, and droplet size. Emulsions stabilized with US-pretreated Trypsin hydrolysates presented the smallest droplet sizes (0.626 μm). Primary and volatile secondary oxidation products were measured during storage. However, none of the hydrolysate-stabilized emulsions exhibited greater oxidative stability than sodium caseinate, the reference protein. These results suggest that although US-pretreated Trypsin hydrolysates exhibit potential as emulsifiers, additional antioxidants are needed to effectively control lipid oxidation.

Maillard reaction products derived from xylose-phosphatidylethanolamine: Potential anti-oxidative substances from hot-pressed flaxseed oil

Hot-pressed flaxseed oil is favored in Northwest China as cooking oil due to its flavor and oxidative stability. The mechanism of enhancing oxidation stability of hot-pressed flaxseed oil by neoformed Maillard reaction products (MRPs) remains mysterious. Maillard model reaction between phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and reducing sugar of flaxseed, glucose (Glu)/fructose (Fru)/xylose (Xyl), was conducted to investigate the antioxidant characteristics of products. MRPs of PE-Xyl had a superior reactivity and anti-oxidative capabilities, which could improve the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil and inhibited the formation of aldehydes in the accelerated oxidation. Phosphatidylethanolamine-linked pyrrolecarbaldehyde (PLP) was the main antioxidant component in MRPs of Xyl-PE by MS and NMR analysis and verification of antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the results of quantum chemical calculation show that the antioxidant activity center of PLP is the pyrrole group. The findings of this study provide insights into the chemical basis underlying the improved oxidative stability of hot-pressed oils.

Revealing the gastric protective mechanism of Physochlaina physaloides (L) G. Don. with clinical orientation: PPAR/NF-κB signalling pathway activation

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal diseases are global health issues. Current drugs for gastrointestinal diseases cause discomfort and toxicity; consequently, the use of traditional medicines and their extracts has gained attention in recent years. Physochlaina physaloides (L) G. Don. (P. physaloides) is traditionally used for diarrhoea and gastroenteritis; however, its material basis and mechanism of action for gastric injury have not been fully studied.

PURPOSE

This study aims to explore P. physaloides and their protective effects on gastric injury, together with the potential mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We constructed chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer models in rats using 56 % ethanol and anhydrous ethanol, respectively. Additionally, we screened gastric injury pathways via transcriptomics and the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Subsequently, we constructed an ethanol-stimulated GES-1 cell model and screened the active fraction of P. physaloides based on the cell survival rate and antioxidant activity. The effect of the active fraction of P. physaloides was investigated via tissue structure (HE staining), mucus secretion (PAS staining), anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity, and gastric acid secretion levels. We employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine the active components of P. physaloides and the drug components in blood, before investigating the mechanisms via immunofluorescence, transcriptomic, metabolomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The occurrence of gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer is related to the PPAR/NF-κB signalling pathway, with decreased expression of FABP3 and PPARγ, and increased expression of Bcl-2 and TNF-α. The n-butanol fraction of P. physaloides (BPP) showed significant improvement in cell survival and antioxidant activity in vitro. BPP also alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress in rat models, including by upregulating CAT, GSH, SOD, IL-10, PGE2; downregulating VEGFA, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and NO; improving pathological damage; restoring mucus levels; and reducing gastric acid secretion and macrophage expression. BPP and its active components, anisodamine and hyoscyamine, upregulated the expression of PPARα, PPARγ, CPT1, and FABP3, and downregulated NF-κB p65, thereby regulating the PPAR/NF-κB signalling pathway for gastroprotection. The BPP and its active components did not significantly increase the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11, nor did they reduce the production of ROS. Therefore, their effects are unrelated to ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first evidence of the effectiveness of BPP in the prevention of gastric ulcers and treatment of chronic gastritis. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach to demonstrate that BPP and its active components, anisodamine and hyoscyamine, protect against ethanol-induced gastric injury by regulating the PPAR/NF-κB and non-ferroptotic cell death pathways. BPP and its active components can target PPARγ and FABP3 and may have clinical application prospects to prevent gastric injury, which has unique advantages. These findings provide a scientific foundation for gastroprotection and expand the clinical applications of BPP.

TGase-induced crosslinking of mulberry leaf protein particles as stabilizer of high-internal-phase Pickering emulsions: characterization and stability

BACKGROUND

Mulberry leaf protein (MLP) is a high-quality protein with significant nutritional value and functional properties. Enzymatic modification of proteins can enhance their functional properties by using proteases to covalently crosslink or hydrolyze proteins. This study investigates the potential of transglutaminase (TGase)-induced crosslinked MLP as an emulsifier in the formation of high-internal-phase Pickering emulsions.

RESULTS

Crosslinked MLP samples were prepared with TGase concentrations ranging from 0 to 25 U g-1. High-internal-phase Pickering emulsions (80% v/v) were formed at pH 8, with a crosslinking temperature of 50 °C, a TGase concentration of 20 U g-1 and an optimal crosslinking time of 60 min. As the enzyme concentration increased, the content of exposed sulfhydryl groups progressively increased, while the total free sulfhydryl content remained relatively stable. After varying crosslinking durations, both total free and exposed sulfhydryl group contents initially increased before declining. Additionally, the content of free amino groups in MLP gradually decreased with higher enzyme dosages and longer crosslinking times. The surface hydrophobicity of crosslinked MLP increased initially, followed by a decrease, reflecting changes in the spatial structure of MLP. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the formation of polymer masses after TGase-catalyzed crosslinking. Under optimal crosslinking conditions, the high-internal-phase Pickering emulsion prepared with TGase-induced crosslinked MLP exhibited a relatively uniform droplet distribution.

CONCLUSION

TGase-induced crosslinking enhances both the emulsifying activity and stability of MLP emulsions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

3D printing based on Pickering emulsions stabilized by oat insoluble dietary fiber-starch composite particles

Pickering emulsions (PEs), stabilized by solid particles, exhibit shear thinning and high viscoelasticity, showing great potential for enhancing 3D printing precision. This study used composite particles of oat insoluble dietary fiber and gelatinized starch to stabilize diacylglycerol PEs, with the goal of identifying optimal processing parameters by evaluating stability, texture, and rheological properties. Results indicated that both solid particle concentration and oil phase volume fraction (φ) significantly influenced droplet dispersion and emulsion stability. Increasing particle concentration improved the system's viscosity, storage modulus, and gel strength, enhancing 3D printing capabilities. However, at a constant particle concentration, higher oil phase volume fractions resulted in more oil droplets but insufficient particles to cover the interface adequately, reducing stability and increasing particle size. When the particle concentration was 3.0 % and oil content was φ-0.3, the printed model achieved 98.99 % accuracy and 95.16 % stability, demonstrating the potential of PEs as effective food 3D printing inks and providing a basis for expanding applications in the food sector.

A breakthrough computational strategy for efficient enzymatic digestion of walnut protein to prepare antioxidant peptides

The conventional natural bioactive peptides (NBAPs) enzymatic preparation process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, limiting its application and development. This study proposes an efficient computational strategy (CAE-VD) that integrates a high-accuracy (98.18 %) deep learning model (convolutional auto-encoder, CAE) with virtual digestion (VD) to prepare NBAPs with specified activities. CAE predicts the activity of peptides generated by VD, guiding enzyme selection. CAE-VD identified alkaline protease as the most suitable enzyme for enzymatic preparation of walnut-derived antioxidant peptides compared to pepsin and trypsin, which was confirmed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays and statistical analyses of peptides. As an emerging computer technology, CAE-VD will apply to other NBAPs. This study demonstrates the efficacy of integrating deep learning with virtual digestion in guiding the enzymatic preparation of NBAPs and highlights the potential of applying advanced computational techniques in the food industry.

Metabolic interactions between Lactococcus lactis and commercial starter cultures enhances the quality and flavor of fermented milk

This research investigated the metabolic interactions between Lactococcus lactis strains and commercial starter cultures during fermentation. Through integrated analysis of fermentation characteristics, we demonstrated that L. lactis supplementation significantly enhanced both viable bacterial counts and fermentation kinetics. The metabolomic profiling showed that the commercial starter cultures and L. lactis NGD8 co-fermentation group (CSL + NGD8) developed distinctive "complex fruit-dairy" flavor characteristics, with significantly elevated levels of bioactive metabolites, including 6-hydroxycaproic acid, hippuric acid and methylmalonic acid. Furthermore, genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) elucidated the directional metabolite transfer mechanisms, where commercial starter cultures functioned as metabolite donors, facilitating the directed transfer of amino acids (glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine) and their precursors to L. lactis NGD8 during fermentation. This metabolic interaction was further validated by significant variations in free amino acid profiles. These findings provide novel insights into the synergistic effects of starter culture combinations and develop improved starter cultures with unique Chinese characteristics through precise regulation of strain interactions.

Formation of ternary complexes of carboxymethyl cellulose, soy protein isolate and curcumin using dielectric barrier discharge plasma technology for encapsulation of curcumin

The aim of this study was to assess how the order of compound addition affects the formation of binary and ternary complexes of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), soy protein isolate (SPI), and curcumin (CUR) when using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment. Then, the ternary complex efficiency for the CUR encapsulation was evaluated. First, the binary complexes of SPI-CMC, SPI-CUR, and CMC-CUR were prepared using plasma, and then the third compound was added to form the ternary complex. Free amine and degree of glycation, electrophoretic pattern, FTIR, intrinsic fluorescence, sulfhydryl content, zeta potential, and FE-SEM of mixtures and complexes were evaluated. After CUR encapsulation in SPI(CMC-CUR) complex at different ratios, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, morphology, particle size, in vitro release and its mechanism, as well as light and thermal stability of CUR loaded complexes were evaluated. Results indicated that plasma treatment can create complexes; however, it can affect the properties of compounds. The order of compound addition can affect the physicochemical properties of the complexes produced using plasma. The highest encapsulation efficiency was obtained at a ratio of 1:30 (CUR:Complex), and increased the light and thermal stability of CUR. The results showed that the release follows the Ritger-Peppas model.

Medicinal Mushrooms in Colon Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms of Action of Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Potential

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. This is commonly observed among older adults, and the occurrence of colon cancer is mainly influenced by unhealthy lifestyle factors. Edible medicinal mushrooms have been demonstrated to have anti-colon cancer effects both individually and in combination with conventional therapies, including synergistically enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy medications such as 5-fluorouracil in preclinical models. Medicinal mushrooms such as Lentinus edodes, Phellinus linteus, Ganoderma lucidum, Inonotus obliquus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Hericium erinaceus, Pleurotus eryngii, Gloeostereum incarnatum, and Termitomyces heimii are emerging as promising candidates, not only because conventional treatments for colon cancer face significant limitations, including side effects, psychological impacts on patients, high cost, limited specificity toward cancer and healthy cells, and the development of drug resistance, but also due to the diverse array of bioactive compounds present within them. Therefore, there is a strong demand for innovative, affordable, and minimally invasive treatments such as medicinal mushrooms. Their bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, sterols, phenols, polysaccharides, acids, sesquiterpenes, alkaloids, lactones, metal-chelating agents, nucleotide analogs, glycoproteins, β-glucan, cerebrosides, steroids, terpenes, quinolones, anthraquinones, benzoic acid derivatives, linoleic acid, ascorbic acid, glycosides, organic acids, flavonoids, grifolin, tocopherols, proteins, indoles, lectin, and laccases, exert anti-colon cancer activities through various mechanisms, including anti-proliferative effects, cell cycle arrest, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant effects, induction of apoptosis, cytotoxic effects, and antimigratory effects. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and confirm the safety and efficacy of medicinal mushrooms as a holistic anti-colon cancer treatment.

Critical Review on the Anti-Tumor Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms over the Last Five Years

In recent years, the incidence rate of cancer has been on the rise all over the world, and the age of cancer patients has shown a younger trend, which seriously endangers patients' health. Edible/medicinal mushrooms have not only become a new source of nutritional supplements but have also emerged as a promising adjunct to conventional medicine, either by directly or indirectly killing tumor cells and enhancing immunity, or through their use in conjunction with modern cancer therapies to enhance their efficacy or reduce their side-effects, improving patients' quality of life. Although the anti-cancer potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms has been widely studied in the past, this review focuses on the most recent literature from the last five years, providing an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of the current findings. In this review, we aim to analyze the anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushrooms, including Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Laetiporus sulphureus, Boletus edulis, and Phellinus igniarius, as well as their potential anti-cancer mechanisms, providing strong theoretical support for the further development of edible/medicinal mushroom anti-cancer products.

A new technique for antioxidant walnut peptide preparation directly from walnut cake: Enzymatic preparation process optimization coupled with enzyme membrane reactor and kinetic analysis

The lack of scalable production methods limits the commercial production viability of walnut peptides. To overcome this obstacle, enzyme membrane reactors (EMRs) were used to continuously produce bioactive peptides (called CEMR) directly from walnut cake. The optimum operating conditions were pH 10.7, an [E/S] ratio of 11 %, and a temperature of 44 °C, which resulted in a peptide yield of 256.0 ± 4.66 mg/g cake and a protein conversion degree reaching 63.49 ± 0.82 %. Kinetic analysis showed that affinity between alkaline protease and walnut cake can be enhanced by EMR (km decreased, kA increased). The antioxidant results showed that the strongest antioxidant activity was detected in CEMR. The composition of amino acids and molecular weight distribution results showed that the highest content of Glu (20.20 ± 0.48 %), Asp (20.70 ± 0.95 %), and peptides with molecular weight < 1KD (51.92 %) were detected in CEMR. The results of CEMR provide a new option for simplifying the production process of walnut peptide.

Advances in Non-Thermal Processing of Meat and Monitoring Meat Protein Gels Through Vibrational Spectroscopy

Meat is a vital source of high-quality proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals essential for human health. Growing demand for healthier lifestyles and technological advancements has heightened the focus on meat products, whose quality depends on meat protein properties, such as texture, water holding capacity (WHC), and structural integrity. Non-thermal processing technologies are gaining attention for enhancing the gelation properties of meat protein gels (MPGs) by optimizing solubilization, denaturation, and aggregation while preserving nutritional and sensory qualities and avoiding the drawbacks of thermal treatments. This review focuses on advanced non-thermal processing techniques, including high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields (PEFs), ultrasound, and cold plasma, and their impact on MPGs. It also examines vibrational spectroscopy methods, such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, for non-invasive analysis of MPGs. The integration of these approaches with hyperspectral imaging and machine learning is also explored as a tool to improve quality control and assessment.

Sea Cucumber Hydrolysates Alleviate Cognitive Deficits in D-Galactose-Induced C57BL/6J Aging Mice Associated with Modulation of Gut Microbiota

As the global elderly population is rising, concerns about cognitive decline and memory loss are becoming urgent. This study evaluated the potential of sea cucumber hydrolysates (SCH) from Stichopus japonicus in alleviating cognitive deficits using a D-galactose-induced murine aging model. The effects of SCH on behavior, hippocampal morphology, gut microbiota, hippocampal cholinergic system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and neuroinflammatory pathways were investigated. Results showed that SCH ameliorated learning and memory deficits and reduced neuronal damage in aging mice. SCH also modulated gut microbiota, along with increased fecal short-chain fatty acids levels. Functional prediction revealed that alterations in gut microbiota were related to signal transduction. Further, SCH enhanced hippocampal cholinergic function through elevating acetylcholine (ACh) levels and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and activated BDNF signaling, consistent with predictions of gut microbiota function. Restoration of cholinergic homeostasis and transmission of the BDNF pathway might contribute to the inhibition of hippocampal neuroinflammation via suppressing microglial activation and the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. In summary, SCH attenuated cognitive deficits through suppressing neuroinflammation, which might be correlated with the signal transduction caused by regulating gut microbiota. Further validation will be conducted through microbiota depletion and fecal microbiota transplantation. These findings suggest that SCH is a promising functional component for counteracting aging-related cognitive deficits.

(7E)-7,8-Dehydroheliobuphthalmin from Platycladus orientalis L.: Isolation, Characterization, and Hair Growth Promotion

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a prevalent form of non-scarring hair loss, affecting approximately 32.13% of the population. Seborrheic alopecia is the most frequently observed among its various types, contributing to over 25% of hair loss cases in men. Identifying effective natural compounds or therapeutic agents that stimulate hair growth remains a key research focus. Platycladus orientalis L., known for its medicinal properties, shows potential in promoting hair darkening and regeneration, although its mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, Fr2 of Platycladus orientalis L. was found to significantly enhance hair growth in mice. Similarly, (7E)-7,8-Dehydroheliobuphthalmin (DHHB) was successfully isolated and purified for the first time through a combination of medium-pressure liquid chromatography and two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography. In an alopecia areata (AGA) model using dermal papilla cells (DPCs), DHHB was found to significantly promote cell proliferation and differentiation by down-regulating the expression of androgen receptor (AR) proteins, and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, as compared with the dihydrotestosterone-induced model group. These results indicate that DHHB is a major bioactive compound in Platycladus orientalis L. and represents a promising candidate for promoting hair growth.

Antihyperuricemia Bioactive Substances Derived from Marine Organisms

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder attributed to dysregulated purine metabolism or insufficient uric acid excretion. With a high incidence rate and comorbidities burden, hyperuricemia brings enormous pressure to society and attracts much attention nowadays. Though several urate-lowering drugs (including xanthine oxidase inhibitors, uricosuric drugs, and recombinant uricase) are available in clinical practice, their use is often limited due to serious side effects or contraindications. The development of novel urate-lowering drugs and functional foods is in the spotlight. Regarded as an important source of bioactive substances, marine organisms, including seaweeds, animals, and microorganisms, have yielded a large number of bioactive substances with novel structures and unique pharmacological activities. Up to the present, numerous marine organisms-derived bioactive substances have shown potential in combating hyperuricemia. Thus, this review discusses the antihyperuricemia substances derived from marine organisms and summarizes their antihyperuricemia pharmacological properties, with the aim of providing new insights for the development of antihyperuricemia drugs or functional foods from marine organism resources.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Polysaccharides from Schizochytrium limacinum Meal Using Eutectic Solvents: Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Activity

To address the underutilization of Schizochytrium limacinum meal, polysaccharides from Schizochytrium limacinum meal (SLMPs) were prepared via ultrasonic-assisted eutectic-solvent-based extraction. Although polysaccharides exhibit promising application potential, the structural ambiguity of SLMPs necessitates systematic investigation to elucidate their structure-activity relationships, thereby providing a scientific foundation for their subsequent development and utilization. Using response-surface methodology (RSM), the optimized extraction conditions were determined as follows: ultrasonic temperature of 52 °C, ultrasonic duration of 31 min, ultrasonic power of 57 W, water content of 29%, and a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:36 g/mL. Under these conditions, the maximum polysaccharide yield reached 9.25%, demonstrating a significant advantage over the conventional water extraction method (4.18% yield). Following purification, the antioxidant activity and structural characteristics of SLMPs were analyzed. The molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, reducing groups, and higher-order conformation were systematically correlated with antioxidant activity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), monosaccharide composition analysis, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic polysaccharide functional groups (C-O, O-H, and C=O). Monosaccharides such as glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara) were found to enhance antioxidant activity. High-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) indicated a molecular weight of 20.7 kDa for SLMPs, with low-molecular-weight fractions exhibiting superior antioxidant activity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further demonstrated that ultrasonically extracted polysaccharides possess porous structures capable of chelating redox-active functional groups. These findings suggest that ultrasonic-assisted eutectic-solvent-based extraction is an efficient method for polysaccharide extraction while preserving antioxidant properties.

Real-Time Visualization of Endogenous H2O2 Production in Mammalian Spheroids by Electrochemiluminescence

Two-dimensional cell culture may be insufficient when it comes to understanding human disease. The redox behavior of complex, three-dimensional tissue is critical to understanding disease genesis and propagation. Unfortunately, few measurement tools are available for such three-dimensional models to yield quantitative insight into how reactive oxygen species (ROS) form over time. Here, we demonstrate an imaging platform for the real-time visualization of H2O2 formation for mammalian spheroids made of noncancerous human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) and metastatic breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). We take advantage of the luminol and H2O2 electrochemiluminescence reaction on a transparent tin-doped indium oxide electrode. The luminescence of this reaction as a function of [H2O2] is linear (R 2 = 0.98) with a dynamic range between 0.5 μM to 0.1 mM, and limit of detection of 2.26 ± 0.58 μM. Our method allows for the observation of ROS activity in growing spheroids days in advance of current techniques without the need to sacrifice the sample postanalysis. Finally, we use our procedure to demonstrate how key ROS pathways in cancerous spheroids can be up-regulated and downregulated through the addition of common metabolic drugs, rotenone and carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. Our results suggest that the Warburg Effect can be studied for single mammalian cancerous spheroids, and the use of metabolic drugs allows one to implicate specific metabolic pathways in ROS formation. We expect this diagnostic tool to have wide applications in understanding the real-time propagation of human disease in a system more closely related to human tissue.

Effects of Nitric Oxide-Enhanced Pediococcus pentosaceus YT2 on Post-Mortem Beef Tenderization

This study investigated the effects of NO-enhanced Pediococcus pentosaceus YT2 on the tenderness of post-mortem beef. Increasing the concentration of YT2 increased the myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) and decreased the shear force of beef. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that YT2 caused changes in protein-water interactions. As the concentration of YT2 was increased, the content of β-sheet increased from 33.12 to 39.85%, of β-turn increased from 13.39 to 14.33%, and of α-helix decreased from 53.49 to 46.37%. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance showed that incorporating YT2 at 6-11 log CFU/g could effectively influence the moisture distribution status and improve the water holding capacity of beef. SDS-PAGE revealed that myofibrillar proteins were degraded to varying degrees in all groups. Furthermore, Western blotting demonstrated that desmin and troponin-T were significantly degraded (P < 0.05) in YT2-treated samples at 168 h post-mortem aging, and the degree of degradation was affected by YT2 concentration. The results closely aligned with those of the MFI and shear force. Overall, the data indicated that YT2 participated in the degradation of key myofibrillar proteins to improve beef tenderization.

Emulsifying properties of Maillard reaction products formed using spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) protein extract coupled with various saccharides

This study investigated the effects of Maillard reactions using various saccharides (gum arabic, dextrin, glucose) and ultrasonication on the emulsifying and physicochemical properties of spirulina protein extract. At the same heating time, ultrasound-assisted samples exhibited higher degrees of glycation up to 87.45 % than conventional heating samples for all types of saccharides. The emulsifying activity index maximized by 45.6 % compared to the control in gum arabic-based Maillard reaction products (MRPs) under ultrasound-assisted heating for 90 min. However, the emulsion stability index minimized by 89.5 % in dextrin-based MRPs under ultrasound-assisted heating for 90 min. A total of 20 volatile compounds were identified in the MRPs. Total volatiles maximized by 58.4 % compared to the control in dextrin-based MRPs after heating without ultrasonication for 5 h. In brief, gum arabic is more suitable than other saccharides for improving the emulsifying properties of spirulina protein extract MRPs, and ultrasound-assisted heating can accelerate Maillard reaction.

Selenium release during the simulated gastrointestinal digestion and antioxidant activity of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by Grifola frondosa polysaccharides and gallic acid conjugates

In the study, Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFPs) and gallic acid (GA) were utilized to synthesize selenium nanoparticles (GFPs-GA-SeNPs) through a redox reaction involving sodium selenite and ascorbic acid. The morphological changes of GFPs-GA-SeNPs and their antioxidant activities during simulated gastrointestinal digestion were investigated. The results revealed that the antioxidant capacity of GFPs-GA-SeNPs was significantly enhanced compared to SeNPs and GFPs-SeNPs, with IC₅₀ values for scavenging DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical of 0.45, 0.55, and 0.63 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, GFPs-GA-SeNPs showed a two-stage release pattern in in vitro digestion and had a stronger selenium release capacity. At the cellular level, oxidative stress and apoptosis were aggravated in the model group compared with the control group. Interestingly, compared with SeNPs and GFPs-SeNPs, GFPs-GA-SeNPs can more effectively restore mitochondrial membrane potential, reduce ROS levels, and improve apoptosis. Besides, GFPs-GA-SeNPs can up-regulate the expression of Nrf2 protein (p < 0.05) which can induce the expression of HO-1, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, decrease the MDA content. Moreover, GFPs-GA-SeNPs can downregulate NF-κB protein, which can decrease the expression of TNF-α and increase the expression of IL-10. GFPs-GA-SeNPs demonstrated exceptional antioxidant activity and could benefit various industries, including food and health products, and have enormous potential application values.

Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophage Polarization with Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Ingredients: Dual Reversal of Chemoresistance and Immunosuppression in Tumor Microenvironment

Chemotherapy resistance and immunosuppression are major causes of tumor treatment failure. The polarization state of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a central regulatory hub for both processes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway. It regulating M1/M2 polarization is promising due to the high plasticity of TAMs. This review comprehensively explores the anti-tumor effects of TCM active components through multiple targets such as metabolic reprogramming. The mechanism includes regulating TAM's polarization, reversing chemotherapy resistance, and modulating immunosuppression. Furthermore, we also summarize the synergistic effects of TCM multi-component and the exploration of mechanisms promoted by new technologies. While most studies are still in the preclinical stage, these insights highlight the potential of TCM as a cancer treatment and highlight avenues for future research and clinical application to improve patient outcomes.

Technological and biofunctional potential of sea cucumber-derived macromolecular carbohydrates and proteins - A review

The craving for biodegradable sea biopolymers is growing as a result of ecological concerns over the use of non-renewable resources. Sea biopolymers are becoming more popular as sustainable alternatives across multiple industry sectors, covering the food sector. Sea cucumbers are a peculiar and remarkable aquatic animal species that have been extensively studied for the presence of these sustainable biopolymers, proteins, and polysaccharides, for instance. Biopolymers derived from sea cucumbers have significant biological advantages, such as anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. They are also biocompatible and biodegradable. Researchers have been investigating techniques for extracting and purifying biopolymers produced from sea cucumbers due to their excellent nutraceutical, medicinal, and cosmeceutical properties linked to their biopolymeric potential. The biotechnological and food-pharma sectors benefit from sea cucumber species, in the supply of natural chemicals for antibiotic resistance. A life cycle assessment evaluates sea cucumbers' environmental impact, recommending sustainable practices, energy-efficient processing, and waste management. This article provides a thorough and up-to-date update on sea cucumber-derived biopolymers, including sea cucumber-derived proteins (SCPt) and sea cucumber-derived polysaccharides (SCPs), as well as their uses as novel functional foods and therapeutic agents.