Comparative effects of genistein and bisphenol A on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in laying hens

Alterations of meat quality, lipid composition and flavor in breast meat of laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) has a high incidence rate in laying hens, and lots of FLHS-affected meat products enter the market every year. At the same time, the meat of laying hens is an important component of the human diet. However, the impact of FLHS on meat of laying hens is unknown, which could have a negative impact on consumers. To explore the effects of FLHS on chicken breast meat, a total of 36 twenty-five-wk-old Jingfen laying hens were used in the experiment. The hens were randomly divided into Control group and Model group, with 6 replicates per group and 3 hens per replicate. All chickens were raised in double-story step cages with individual pens. After a 3-wk acclimation period, the formal experiment began at 28 wk of age and lasted for 8 wk. Blood, liver, and breast meat samples were collected for the study of FLHS effects on breast meat. The impact of FLHS on meat quality was assessed by measuring indicators such as water-holding capacity and tenderness of the breast meat. Absolute quantitative lipidomics was employed to reveal the impact of FLHS on the lipid composition of chicken breast meat, and then validated by using RT-qPCR. Moreover, the volatilomics was utilized to detect changes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in chicken breast meat and to elucidate the resulting flavor changes. This research results showed that the meat quality of chicken breast meat decreased under FLHS, mainly manifested as reduced water holding capacity and decreased tenderness. The lipid content in the breast meat of FLHS-affected hens was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Among the affected lipids, 38 triglycerides exhibited notable elevation, possibly linked to heightened gene expression, such as lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3. The breast meat of laying hens with FLHS demonstrated an increased presence of VOCs, with 20 differential VOCs identified. Notably, 14 VOCs, particularly in 2-Undecenal, trans-Geranylacetone and ethyl nonanoate, exhibited substantial increases. These 3 VOCs had been identified as playing an important role in the formation of flavor in the breast meat of FLHS-affected laying hens. Correlation analysis suggested that the increase in these 3 VOCs might be related to the increase in lipid molecules such as phosphatidylethanolamine (38;3e) and acyl carnitine (10:3). In summary, FLHS reduced the breast meat quality of laying hens, altered its lipid profiles, and enhanced its flavor. These findings underscore the profound impact of FLHS on lipid and VOC profiles in chicken breast meat, offering valuable insights for chicken meat quality affected by FLHS.

TDMPP activation of estrogen receptor 2a regulates smc2 and p53 signaling to interfere with liver development in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Tris (2,6-dimethylphenyl) phosphate (TDMPP), a novel organic phosphorus flame retardant (OPFR), has been found to have estrogenic activity. Estrogens are critical in regulating various biological responses during liver development. However, the effects of TDMPP on zebrafish liver development remain largely unexplored. Here, we utilized a chemical genetic screening approach to assess the estrogenic effects of TDMPP on liver development and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. Our findings revealed that zebrafish larvae exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of TDMPP (0.05 and 0.5 μM) exhibited concentration-dependent liver impairments, including reduced liver size, histopathological changes, and hepatocyte apoptosis. In addition, E2 caused similar adverse effects to TDMPP, but the pharmacological blockade of estrogen synthesis alleviated the effects on liver development. Chemical inhibitors and morpholino knockdown assays indicated that the reduction of esr2a blocked TDMPP-induced liver impairments, which was further confirmed in the esr2a-/- mutant line. Subsequently, transcriptomic analysis showed that the estrogen receptor activated by TDMPP inhibited the expression of smc2, which was linked to the suppression of liver development through p53 activation. Consistently, overexpression of smc2 and inhibition of p53 evidently rescued hepatic damages induced by TDMPP. Taken together, the above findings identified esr2a, downstream smc2, and p53 as important regulators for the estrogenic effects of TDMPP on liver development. Our work fills crucial gaps in the current knowledge of TDMPP's hepatotoxicity, providing new insights into the adverse effects of TDMPP and the molecular mechanisms of action. These findings underscore the need for further ecological risk assessment and regulatory considerations.

Dietary silymarin improves performance by altering hepatic lipid metabolism and cecal microbiota function and its metabolites in late laying hens

BACKGROUND

Liver lipid dysregulation is one of the major factors in the decline of production performance in late-stage laying hens. Silymarin (SIL), a natural flavonolignan extracted from milk thistle, is known for its hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering properties in humans. This study evaluates whether SIL can provide similar benefits to late-stage laying hens. A total of 480 68-week-old Lohmann Pink laying hens were randomly assigned into 5 groups, each group consisting of 6 replicates with 16 hens each. The birds received a basal diet either without silymarin (control) or supplemented with silymarin at concentrations of 250, 500, 750, or 1,000 mg/kg (SIL250, SIL500, SIL750, SIL1000) over a 12-week period.

RESULTS

The CON group exhibited a significant decline in laying rates from weeks 9 to 12 compared to the initial 4 weeks (P = 0.042), while SIL supplementation maintained consistent laying rates throughout the study (P > 0.05). Notably, the SIL500 and SIL750 groups showed higher average egg weight than the CON group during weeks 5 to 8 (P = 0.049). The SIL750 group had a significantly higher average daily feed intake across the study period (P < 0.05), and the SIL500 group saw a marked decrease in the feed-to-egg ratio from weeks 5 to 8 (P = 0.003). Furthermore, the SIL500 group demonstrated significant reductions in serum ALT and AST levels (P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in serum triglycerides and total cholesterol at week 12 with increasing doses of SIL (P < 0.05). SIL also positively influenced liver enzyme expression (FASN, ACC, Apo-VLDL II, FXR, and CYP7A1; P < 0.05) and altered the cecal microbiota composition, enhancing species linked to secondary bile acid synthesis. Targeted metabolomics identified 9 metabolites predominantly involved in thiamin metabolism that were significantly different in the SIL groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that dietary SIL supplementation could ameliorate egg production rate in late stage laying hens, mechanistically, this effect was via improving hepatic lipid metabolism and cecal microbiota function to achieve. Revealed the potentially of SIL as a feed supplementation to regulate hepatic lipid metabolism dysregulation. Overall, dietary 500 mg/kg SIL had the best effects.

Long-term supplementation of genistein improves immune homeostasis in the aged gut and extends the laying cycle of aged laying hens

Aging is associated with alterations in gut function, including intestinal inflammation, leaky gut, and impaired epithelial regeneration. Rejuvenating the aged gut is imperative to extend the laying cycle of aged laying hens. Genistein is known to have beneficial effects on age-related diseases, but its precise role in homeostasis of the aged gut of laying hens remains to be elucidated. In this study, 160 45-wk-old Hyline Brown laying hens were continuously fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg genistein until they reached 100 wk of age. The results revealed that long-term genistein supplementation led to an improvement in the egg production rate and feed conversion ratio, as well as an increase in egg quality. Moreover, the expression levels of senescence markers, such as β-galactosidase, P16, and P21, were decreased in the gut of genistein-treated aged laying hens. Furthermore, genistein ameliorated gut dysfunctions, such as intestinal inflammation, leaky gut, and impaired epithelial regeneration. Treg cell-derived IL-10 plays a crucial role in the genistein-induced regulation of age-related intestinal inflammation. This study demonstrates that long-term consumption of genistein improves homeostasis in the aged gut and extends the laying cycle of aged laying hens. Moreover, the link between genistein and Treg cells provides a rationale for dietary intervention against age-associated gut dysfunction.

Dimethylglycine Alleviates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease by Improving the Circulating Estrogen Level via Gut Staphylococcus

Our previous study screened out dietary 0.1% dimethylglycine (DMG), which had beneficial effects on egg production and fat deposition in laying hens during the late laying period. In this paper, it was further found that dietary DMG alleviated fatty liver disease and enhanced lipid deposited into the yolk while promoting hepatic lipid transport. There are intestinal estrogen-metabolizing bacteria (EBM) having β-glucuronase (GUS) activity that regulates the content of circulating estrogen (E2) in mammals. There were 39 related bacteria found in laying hens, and DMG increased E2 in blood, Staphylococcus abundance among EBM and GUS activity in cecum chyme. Interfered in situ, Staphylococcus with GUS activity was proved the target bacteria for DMG. Furthermore, E2 could modify hepatic lipid deposition through promoting lipid transport by the steatosis LMH model. These perspectives confirm that DMG, mediated by Staphylococcus, alleviates the restriction of hepatic lipid transport due to reduced levels of E2 in laying hens.

Comparative Lipidomics and Metabolomics Reveal the Underlying Mechanisms of Taurine in the Alleviation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using the Aged Laying Hen Model

SCOPE

Aged laying hen is recently suggested as a more attractive animal model than rodent for studying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) of humans. This study aims to reveal effects and metabolic regulation mechanisms of taurine alleviating NAFLD by using the aged laying hen model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Liver histomorphology and biochemical indices show 0.02% taurine effectively alleviated fat deposition and liver damage. Comparative liver lipidomics and gene expressions analyses reveal taurine promoted lipolysis, fatty acids oxidation, lipids transport, and reduced oxidative stress in liver. Furthermore, comparative serum metabolomics screen six core metabolites negatively correlated with NAFLD, including linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, pantothenate, L-methionine, 2-methylbutyroylcarnitine, L-carnitine; and two core metabolites positively correlated with NAFLD, including lysophosphatidylcholine (14:0/0:0) and lysophosphatidylcholine (16:0/0:0). Metabolic pathway analysis reveals taurine mainly regulated linoleic acid metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, carnitine metabolism, pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism to up-adjust levels of six negatively correlated metabolites and down-adjust two positively correlated metabolites for alleviating NAFLD of aged hens.

CONCLUSION

This study firstly reveals underlying metabolic mechanisms of taurine alleviating NAFLD using the aged hen model, thereby laying the foundation for taurine's application in the prevention of NAFLD in both human and poultry.

Estrogen plays an important role by influencing the NLRP3 inflammasome

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an important part of the natural immune system that plays an important role in many diseases. Estrogen is a sex hormone that plays an important role in controlling reproduction and regulates many physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have indicated that estrogen is associated with disease progression. Estrogen can ameliorate some diseases (e. g, sepsis, mood disturbances, cerebral ischemia, some hepatopathy, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, osteoarthritis, and renal fibrosis) by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. Estrogen can also promote the development of diseases (e.g., ovarian endometriosis, dry eye disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus) by upregulating the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, estrogen has a dual effect on the development of cancers and asthma. However, the mechanism of these effects is not summarized. This article reviewed the progress in understanding the effects of estrogen on the NLRP3 inflammasome and its mechanisms in recent years to provide a theoretical basis for an in-depth study.

Genistein upregulates AHR to protect against environmental toxin-induced NASH by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reconstructing antioxidant defense mechanisms

We have previously proven that the environmental toxin could accelerate the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the underlying mechanism associated with such excessive inflammation hasn't been fully illustrated. Although Genistein has been well accepted for its capability in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, its effect in ameliorating contaminants-induced NASH still needs to be identified. In this study, using chickens and primary chicken hepatocytes as models, we found that NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were over-activated in bromoacetic acid (BAA, one of the typical environmental toxins)-induced NASH, characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cell, and the increase of NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) expressions. Interestingly, genistein treatment could recover these changes, with the signs of restored activities of anti-oxidases, decreased expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components, and increased levels of elements in phase I metabolic system. The detailed mechanism was that, via up-regulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), genistein lifted mRNA levels of Cyp1-related genes to reconstruct cytochrome P450 (CYP450) systems, and the raised AHR negatively regulated NLRP3 inflammasome activity to relieve inflammation. More important, the interaction and co-localization between AHR and NLRP3 was first proved, and genistein could promote the levels of AHR that interacted with NLRP3, which thereafter blocked the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusively, in this research, we confirmed the AHR-dependent protective role of genistein in environmental toxin-linked NASH, which shed light on the potential precautions for contaminants-induced NASH.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor activation by bisphenol-A disrupts lipid metabolism and induces ferroptosis in the liver

As a metabolic disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely reported to disrupt lipid balance. Moreover, BPA has gained significant attention due to its estrogenic activity. While both ferroptosis and the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) have been implicated in lipid metabolism, their link to BPA-induced lipid accumulation remains unclear. In this study, chickens were randomly assigned to three groups and housed them for 4 weeks: a control group (0 μg/L BPA), a low dose group (50 μg/L BPA) and a high dose group (5000 μg/L BPA) to investigate the underlying mechanism of BPA-induced hepatotoxicity. Our results showed that BPA exposure significantly increased the contents of TG, TC, and LDL-C while decreasing HDL-C levels. We also found that BPA treatment altered the levels of genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation (ampkα, cpt-1, and ppaα), synthesis (acc, fas, scd-1, and srebp-1) and absorption (lpl and cd36). Moreover, the results showed that the BPA group had higher levels of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α. These results indicated that BPA exposure disrupted lipid metabolism and induced inflammation in the liver. We also demonstrated that BPA caused hepatic ferroptosis by raising iron content and the expression of genes related to lipid peroxidation (lpcat3, acsl4 and alox15), while reducing the expression of antioxidant system-associated genes (gpx4, slc7a11 and slc3a2). Importantly, BPA remarkably activated GPER expression in the liver. Interestingly, inhibition of GPER remarkably ameliorated BPA-induced lipid metabolism disorder, inflammatory response, and ferroptosis, indicating the crucial role of GPER in BPA-induced liver abnormalities. These findings highlight the link between GPER and ferroptosis in BPA-induced hepatotoxicity, providing new insights into the potential hazard of BPA.

Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Liver of Long Evans Lactating Rats and Its Perinatal Effects in the Offspring after Bisphenol F Exposure

The liver is the organ responsible for the metabolism and detoxification of BPF, the BPA analogue that is replacing it in plastic-based products. It is not known whether BPF can trigger inflammatory responses via the NLRP3 inflammasome, which plays a major role in the development of liver disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate nitrosative stress species (RNS) and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the liver of lactating dams after BPF exposure. Moreover, it was studied whether this effect could also be observed in the liver of female and male offspring at postnatal day 6 (PND6). 36 Long Evans rats were randomly distributed according to oral treatment into three groups: Control, BPF-low dose (LBPF; 0.0365 mg/kg b.w./day) group and BPF-high dose (HBPF; 3.65 mg/kg b.w./day) group. The levels of nitrosative stress-inducing proteins (eNOS, iNOS, HO-1d), NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, PyCARD, CASP1) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IFN-γ and TNF-α) were measured by gene and protein expression in the liver of lactating dams and in female and male PND6 offspring. Lactating dams treated with LBPF showed a significant increase in iNOS and HO-1d, activation of NLRP3 components (NLRP3, PyCARD, CASP1) and promoted the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18, IFN-γ and TNF-α. Similar effects were found in female and male PND6 offspring after perinatal exposure. LBPF oral administration and perinatal exposure caused an increase of nitrosative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines. Also, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was significantly increased in in the liver of lactating dams and PND6 offspring.

The Effect of Epimedium Isopentenyl Flavonoids on the Broiler Gut Health Using Microbiomic and Metabolomic Analyses

Epimedium (EM), also known as barrenwort, is a traditional medicinal plant rich in isopentenyl flavonols, which have beneficial biological activities and can improve human and animal health, but its mechanism is still unclear. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) were used to analyse the main components of EM, and isopentenyl flavonols such as Epimedin A, B, and C as well as Icariin were the major components of EM. Meanwhile, broilers were selected as model animals to illuminate the mechanism of Epimedium isopentenyl flavonols (EMIE) on gut health. The results showed that supplementation with 200 mg/kg EM improved the immune response, increased cecum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactate concentrations, and improved nutrient digestibility in broilers. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that EMIE altered the composition of cecal microbiome, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Candidatus Soleaferrea and Lachbospiraceae NC2004 group and Butyricioccus) and reducing that of harmful bacteria (UBA1819, Negativibacillus, and Eisenbergiella). Metabolomic analysis identified 48 differential metabolites, of which Erosnin and Tyrosyl-Tryptophan were identified as core biomarkers. Erosnin and tyrosyl-tryptophan are potential biomarkers to evaluate the effects of EMIE. This shows that EMIE may regulate the cecum microbiota through Butyricicoccus, with changes in the relative abundance of the genera Eisenbergiella and Un. Peptostreptococcaceae affecting the serum metabolite levels of the host. EMIE is an excellent health product, and dietary isopentenyl flavonols, as bioactive components, can improve health by altering the microbiota structure and the plasma metabolite profiles. This study provides the scientific basis for the future application of EM in diets.

Dietary naringin supplementation on hepatic yolk precursors formation and antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period

In this study, the effects of naringin on hepatic yolk precursors formation and antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during late laying period were evaluated. A total of 480 (54-wk-old) Three-Yellow breeder hens were randomly assigned to 4 groups (6 replicates of 20 hens): nonsupplemented control diet (C), and control diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin (N1, N2, and N3), respectively. Results showed that dietary supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin for 8 wk promoted the cell proliferation and attenuated the excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Compared with C group, increased concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and decreased contents of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in liver, serum and ovarian tissues (P < 0.05). After 8 wk of feeding with naringin (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%), serum estrogen (E₂) level, expression levels of proteins and genes of estrogen receptors (ERs) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, naringin treatment regulated expression of genes related to yolk precursors formation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary naringin addition increased the antioxidants, decreased the oxidation products, and up-regulated transcription levels of antioxidant genes in liver tissues (P < 0.05). These results indicated that dietary supplemented with naringin could improve hepatic yolk precursors formation and hepatic antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period. Doses of 0.2% and 0.4% are more effective than dose of 0.1%.

Quantitative lipidomics reveals lipid perturbation in the liver of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disease that causes decreased egg production and even death in laying hens, which brings huge economic losses to the poultry industry. However, the pathogenesis of FLHS is unclear. The purpose of the present study was to identify the changes in lipid profile and the lipid species related to FLHS. In the present study, the FLHS disease model in Chinese commercial Jing Fen laying hens was induced by a high-energy low-protein diet. A lipidomics approach based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate statistical analysis was performed for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of the liver lipids. The results showed that a total of 29 lipid subclasses, including 1,302 lipid species, were detected and identified. Among them, the proportions of phosphatidylserine (Control/FLHS, 33.1% vs. 29.1%), phosphatidylethanolamine (22.7% vs. 15.5%), phosphatidylcholine (15.7% vs. 11.7%) and phosphatidylinositol (7% vs. 6%) were reduced, while triacylglycerol (7.1% vs. 18.3%) and diglyceride (3.9% vs. 11.7%) were increased. Between the Control and FLHS groups, distinct changes in lipid profile were observed in the score plots of principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Twelve differential lipid species mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism were identified and considered to be related to the pathogenesis of FLHS. Fatty acid chain length and unsaturation were reduced, while the mRNA levels of elongation of very long chain fatty acids-2 (ELOVL2) were increased in the liver of laying hens with FLHS. Collectively, this study characterized the liver lipid profile and explored the changes in lipid species related to FLHS, which provided insights into the pathogenesis of FLHS from the view of lipid metabolism.

Inhibition of Hepatic AMPK Pathway Contributes to Free Fatty Acids-Induced Fatty Liver Disease in Laying Hen

Metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the most common causes of liver disease; however, the underlying processes remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the changes of free fatty acids (FFA) on the expression of genes related to the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the primary hepatocytes of laying hens. The primary hepatocytes of laying hens were treated with FFA (containing a 2:1 ratio of oleic and palmitic acids) for 24 h. FFA significantly increased lipid droplet accumulation, decreased glycogen synthesis, increased the levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glucose content in the supernatant (GLU) in the primary hepatocytes of laying hens, and decreased the levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The results of the PCR array combined with Western blotting experiments showed that the activity of AMPK was inhibited. Inhibition of AMPK signaling pathway decreases the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, increases the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis, decreases the expression of genes involved in glycogen synthesis, increases the expression of genes involved in glycolysis, increases the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress, and increases the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Taken together, our results suggest that FFA can affect the homeostasis of the AMPK signaling pathway by altering energy metabolic homeostasis, inducing oxidative stress, and adjusting the onset of cell proliferation and apoptosis.

UV/Sodium percarbonate for bisphenol A treatment in water: Impact of water quality parameters on the formation of reactive radicals

Reported herein is an investigation of the impact of water quality parameters on the formation of carbonate radical anion (CO₃^•-) and hydroxyl radical (HO^•) in UV/sodium percarbonate (UV/SPC) system versus in UV/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H₂O₂) system for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation in water. Pathways of CO₃^•- oxidation of BPA were proposed in this study based on the evolution of direct transformation products of BPA. Observed in this study, the degradation of BPA in the UV/SPC system was slower than that in the UV/H₂O₂ system in the secondary effluents collected from a local wastewater treatment plant due to the significant impact of coexisting constituents in the matrices on the former system. Single water quality parameter (e.g., solution pH, common anion, or natural organic matter) affected radical formations and BPA degradation in the UV/SPC system in a way similar to that in the UV/H₂O₂ system. Namely, the rise of solution pH decreased the steady state concentration of HO^• resulting in a decrease in the observed pseudo first-order rate constant of BPA (k_obs). Chloride anion and sulfate anion played a negligible role over the examined concentrations; nitrate anion slightly suppressed the reaction at the concentration of 20 mM; bicarbonate anion decreased the steady state concentrations of both CO₃^•- and HO^• exerting significant inhibition on BPA degradation. Different extents of HO^• scavenging were observed for different types of natural organic matter in the order of fulvic acid > mixed NOM > humic acid. However, the impact was generally less pronounced on BPA degradation in the UV/SPC system than that in the UV/H₂O₂ system due to the existence of CO₃^•-. The results of this study provide new insights into the mechanism of CO₃^•- based oxidation and new scientific information regarding the impact of water quality parameters on BPA degradation in the sytems of UV/SPC and UV/H₂O₂ from the aspect of reactive radical formation, which have reference value for UV/SPC application in wastewater treatment.

The miR-216/miR-217 Cluster Regulates Lipid Metabolism in Laying Hens With Fatty Liver Syndrome via PPAR/SREBP Signaling Pathway

Fatty liver syndrome (FLS), a common metabolic disease in laying hens, caused by excessive hepatic fat deposition is a bottleneck in the poultry industry. However, no specific therapeutic methods have been developed. Evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for liver lipid metabolism and homeostasis, providing strong evidence for targeting miRNAs as a potential treatment option for liver diseases. However, the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of FLS remain unclear. In present study, RNA-sequencing was performed to discern the expression patterns of miRNAs in normal and fatty livers of laying hens. In total, 12 dysregulated miRNAs (2 down-regulated and 10 up-regulated) were detected between the normal and fatty livers. Functional enrichment analysis showed the potential impacts of the dysregulated miRNAs on lipid metabolism. Notably, miR-216a/b and miR-217-5p, which belong to the miR-216/miR-217 cluster, were up-regulated in the sera and livers of FLS chickens, as well as free fatty acid (FFA)-induced LMH cells. Oil-red O staining revealed that up-regulation of the miR-216/miR-217 cluster induced lipid accumulation in FFA-induced LMH cells. Furthermore, the dual luciferase gene reporter assay and RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase 2, F-box protein 8, and transmembrane 9 superfamily member 3 (TM9SF3) were directly targeted by miR-216a/b and miR-217-5p, respectively, and suppressed in the fatty livers of laying hens. Moreover, overexpression of the miR-216/miR-217 cluster or reduction in TM9SF3 levels led to activation of the proliferator-activated receptor/sterol regulatory-element binding protein (PPAR/SREBP) pathway. Overall, these results demonstrate that the miR-216/miR-217 cluster regulates lipid metabolism in laying hens with FLS, which should prove helpful in the development of new interventional strategies.

Perinatal Combinational Exposure to Bisphenol A and a High-Fat Diet Contributes to Transgenerational Dysregulation of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Systems in Mice

Both bisphenol A (BPA) and high-fat diet (HFD) exert unfavorable effects on animals and humans; moreover, they could affect the health of their offspring. BPA and HFD often coexist in modern lifestyles; however, the long-term effects of simultaneous exposure of mothers to BPA and HFD during the perinatal period on the cardiovascular and metabolic systems of the offspring remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of simultaneous exposure of mothers to BPA and HFD on the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities in offspring. Institute of Cancer Research female mice (F0) were exposed to BPA and fed with HFD before and during gestation until the end of lactation. F0 mice were mated with untreated males to produce the first generation (F1); subsequently, adult F1 males/females were mated with normal females/males to produce the second generation (F2). Combined maternal exposure to BPA and HFD caused myocardial hypertrophy and aortic tunica media thickening as well as increased the cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes and blood pressure in the matrilineal F2 generation. These cardiovascular changes might be associated with reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels. The patrilineal female F2 was more likely to be obese than the patrilineal male F2. Re-feeding with a HFD showed a more significant weight gain and reduced energy expenditure. However, the aforementioned effects were not observed with exposure to HFD or BPA alone during the perinatal period. Our findings suggest that perinatal combinational exposure to BPA and HFD could cause metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in the offspring, Further, our findings demonstrate that the synergistic effects of HFD and BPA could be transmitted to future generations in a sex-dependent manner.

Genistein-Opportunities Related to an Interesting Molecule of Natural Origin

Nowadays, increasingly more attention is being paid to a holistic approach to health, in which diet contributes to disease prevention. There is growing interest in functional food that not only provides basic nutrition but has also been demonstrated to be an opportunity for the prevention of disorders. A promising functional food is soybean, which is the richest source of the isoflavone, genistein. Genistein may be useful in the prevention and treatment of such disorders as psoriasis, cataracts, cystic fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. However, achievable concentrations of genistein in humans are low, and the use of soybean as a functional food is not devoid of concerns, which are related to genistein's potential side effects resulting from its estrogenic and goitrogenic effects.

Bisphenol A induces pyroptotic cell death via ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway in osteocytes MLO-Y4

Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical, is commonly used as a plasticizer to manufacture various food packaging materials. Evidence has demonstrated that BPA disturbed bone health. However, few studies focused on the effect of BPA on osteocytes, making up over 95% of all the bone cells. Here, we reported that BPA inhibited the cell viability of MLO-Y4 cells, and increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, BPA up-regulated protein expressions of speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1 (Casp-1 p20) and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD-N), and increased the ratios of interleukin (IL)-1β/pro-IL-1β and IL-18/pro-IL-18 in MLO-Y4 cells. BPA enhanced levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), IL-1β and IL-18 in culture supernatants. This pyroptotic death and the NLPR3 inflammasome activation were reversed by the caspase-1 inhibitor VX765 or the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950. Furthermore, BPA stimulated the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) level and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, which led to oxidative damage in MLO-Y4 cells. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or the mitochondrial antioxidant Mito-TEMPO inhibited the NLPR3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic death induced by BPA. Collectively, our data suggest that BPA causes pyroptotic death of osteocytes via ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway.