Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutics from Fish: Revisiting Their Suitability in Functional Foods to Enhance Human Wellbeing

Marine-derived bioactive compounds for neuropathic pain: pharmacology and therapeutic potential

Neuropathic pain, a challenging condition often associated with diabetes, trauma, or chemotherapy, impairs patients' quality of life. Current treatments often provide inconsistent relief and notable adverse effects, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more effective alternatives. This review investigates marine-derived bioactive compounds as potential novel therapies for neuropathic pain management. Marine organisms, including fungi, algae, cone snails, sponges, soft corals, tunicates, and fish, produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites with significant pharmacological properties. These include peptides (e.g., conopeptides, piscidin 1), non-peptides (e.g., guanidinium toxins, astaxanthin, docosahexaenoic acid, fucoidan, apigenin, fumagillin, aaptamine, flexibilide, excavatolide B, capnellenes, austrasulfones, lemnalol), and crude extracts (e.g., Spirulina platensis, Dunaliella salina, Cliothosa aurivilli). These compounds exhibit diverse mechanisms of action, such as modulating ion channels (e.g., transient receptor potential channels, voltage-gated sodium, calcium, and potassium channels, and G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels), interacting with cell-surface receptors (e.g., nicotinic acetylcholine, NMDA, kainate, GABAB​, and neurotensin receptors), inhibiting norepinephrine transporters, reducing oxidative stress, and attenuating neuroinflammation. These effects collectively contribute to alleviating nerve degeneration and symptoms of neuropathic pain, including hyperalgesia, allodynia, and associated psychomotor disturbances. Marine-derived bioactive compounds represent promising alternatives to conventional neuropathic pain treatments, to advance their development and assess their integration into neuropathic pain management strategies.

Food Safety: Pathological and Biochemical Responses of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to Parasitological Infestation and Heavy Metals Pollution in Aquaculture System, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to assess the overall safety of cultured tilapias in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia by assessing the impact of infection and anthropogenic pollution on farmed tilapias based on fish sex, body weight, length, and heavy metals contamination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 111 fish were collected from an aquaculture farm in Hada Al-Sham, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters of water from the culture system were evaluated. Both ecto- and endoparasites were checked. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations were evaluated. In addition, heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in different fish tissues and water samples from the aquaculture system.

RESULTS

The study revealed stressed aquaculture system. Tilapias were infested by both ectoparasites including Trichodina, Icthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogrus, and Cichlidogyrus, and endoparasites as Icthyophonus hoferi, the nematode Capillaria and coccidian protozoa. The study showed that male tilapias had greater infestation rates than females and longer and heavier male fish tended to be more susceptible to Dactylogyrus infection. Infected fish showed altered biochemical markers with subsequent increases in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The post-mortem lesion in the skin, gill lamellae, intestine, spleen, and liver showed significant pathological remarks. All investigated fish tissues revealed higher rates of heavy metals bioaccumulation compared to the surrounding waters. On the other hand, infected Nile tilapia tissues showed higher rate of metals accumulation compared to non-infected ones. Metals accumulated at a higher rate in the liver followed by kidney, intestine, gills, and muscles, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is recognized as the first to address the food safety of farmed tilapias in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The results emphasized a significant relation between parasites and heavy metal in disrupting fish defense systems and harming fish's physiological homeostasis and the histological state of tissues. The parasitized and polluted farmed fish pose health risk to humans due to possible zoonosis from parasitic infections and its subsequent bacterial infections with long-term exposure to toxic chemicals. Addressing the need for a combination of improved aquaculture practices, and stringent regulatory oversight.

Valorization of seafood waste: a review of life cycle assessment studies in biorefinery applications

The escalating challenges posed by seafood waste generated by the fishing and aquaculture industries underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions that promote both environmental conservation and economic viability within the seafood sector. Seafood waste biorefinery emerges as a promising solution, offering the potential to transform waste materials into valuable products. However, it is essential to recognize that seafood waste biorefinery operations also entail environmental impacts that warrant careful consideration. Environmental assessment tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provide a valuable framework for assessing these impacts comprehensively. This review critically examines LCA studies in seafood waste biorefinery, focusing on key concepts, emerging technologies, and potential product avenues. Despite the growing body of research in this area, direct comparisons between published studies prove challenging due to discrepancies in feedstocks, processing techniques, value-added products, and LCA methodologies. Nevertheless, the findings consistently demonstrate significant reductions in environmental impacts achieved through seafood waste biorefinery processes. The selection of technologies significantly influences both product quality and sustainability measures. High energy consumption, including diesel fuel consumption in fishing vessels and electricity consumption in processing steps, should be carefully considered and reduced to mitigate associated environmental impacts. In conclusion, while seafood waste biorefinery processes hold significant promise for providing environmental and economic benefits, substantial challenges remain. This review provides invaluable insights for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of continuous interdisciplinary collaboration and methodological standardization to advance sustainable waste management practices in the seafood industry.

Comprehensive review on the application of omics analysis coupled with Chemometrics in gelatin authentication of food and pharmaceutical products

Gelatin is a protein molecule that can be hydrolyzed from collagen, animal bones, skin and it easily soluble in water. Source animals for gelatin ingredients must be evaluated, as well as their halal status. The omics method towards gelatin authentication in food and pharmaceutical products has several advantages, including high sensitivity and reliable data. Omics investigation employs the process of breaking down substances into small particles, hence enhancing the ability to detect a greater number of compounds. Omics study has the capability to identify substances at the subclass level, which makes it highly suitable for gelatin authentication. Gelatin lipids, metabolites, proteins, and volatile chemicals can be utilized as references to authenticate gelatin. In adopting gelatin authentication, lipidomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and volatilomics must be combined with chemometrics for data interpretation. Chemometrics can convert omics analysis data into easily viewable data. Chemometric approaches capable of presenting omics analysis data for gelatin authentication include PCA, HCA, PLS-DA, PLSR, SIMCA, and FACS. Visually chemometrically explain the differences in gelatin from different animal sources. The combination of omics analysis and chemometrics is a very promising technology for gelatin authentication in food and pharmaceutical products.

Fish consumption, cognitive impairment and dementia: an updated dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is projected to affect a preponderant proportion of the aging population. Lifelong dietary habits have been hypothesized to play a role in preventing cognitive decline. Among the most studied dietary components, fish consumptionhas been extensively studied for its potential effects on the human brain.

AIMS

To perform a meta-analysis of observational studies exploring the association between fish intake and cognitive impairment/decline and all types of dementia.

METHODS

A systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify observational studies providing quantitative data on fish consumption and outcomes of interest. Random effects models for meta-analyses using only extreme exposure categories, subgroup analyses, and dose-response analyses were performed to estimate cumulative risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The meta-analysis comprised 35 studies. Individuals reporting the highest vs. the lowest fish consumption were associated with a lower likelihood of cognitive impairment/decline (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.90, I2 = 61.1%), dementia (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.93, I2 = 38.7%), and Alzheimer's disease (RR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.96, I2 = 20.3%). The dose-response relation revealed a significantly decreased risk of cognitive impairment/decline and all cognitive outcomes across higher levels of fish intake up to 30% for 150 g/d (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.95). The results of this relation based on APOE ε4 allele status was mixed based on the outcome investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Current findings suggest fish consumption is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment/decline in a dose-response manner, while for dementia and Alzheimer's disease there is a need for further studies to improve the strength of evidence.

Investigating the nutritional viability of marine-derived protein for sustainable future development

Marine-derived proteins are emerging as a pivotal resource with diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnological industries. The marine environment offers many protein sources, including fish, shellfish, algae, and microbes, which garnered attention due to their nutritional composition. Evaluating their protein and amino acid profiles is essential in assessing their viability as substitutes for conventional protein sources. Continuously exploiting marine ecosystems for protein extraction has led to significant environmental impacts. The optimization of aquacultural practices and implementation of innovative practices are imperative for the sustainable production of marine-based protein. This review will discuss the different sources of marine proteins, their nutritional profile, and their associated environmental impact. It also reviews the relationship between aquaculture advancements and regulatory frameworks toward attaining sustainable practices, alongside exploring the challenges and potentials in utilizing marine sources for protein production.

Cardiovascular risk of dietary trimethylamine oxide precursors and the therapeutic potential of resveratrol and its derivatives

Overall diet, lifestyle choices, genetic predisposition, and other underlying health conditions may contribute to higher trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels and increased cardiovascular risk. This review explores the potential therapeutic ability of RSV to protect against cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and affect TMAO levels. This review considers recent studies on the association of TMAO with CVD. It also examines the sources, mechanisms, and metabolism of TMAO along with TMAO-induced cardiovascular events. Plant polyphenolic compounds, including resveratrol (RSV), and their cardioprotective mechanism of regulating TMAO levels and modifying gut microbiota are also discussed here. RSV's salient features and bioactive properties in reducing CVD have been evaluated. The close relationship between TMAO and CVD is clearly understood from currently available data, making it a potent biomarker for CVD. Precise investigation, including clinical trials, must be performed to understand RSV's mechanism, dose, effects, and derivatives as a cardioprotectant agent.

Recent advances in inspection technologies of food safety health hazards for fish and fish products

The development of reliable and sensitive detection methods is essential for addressing the escalating concerns surrounding fish and fish products, driven by increasing market demands. This comprehensive review presents recent advances in detection approaches, specifically focusing on microplastic, biological, and chemical hazards associated with these products. The overview encompasses 21 distinct detection methods, categorized based on the type of hazard they target. For microplastic hazards, six methods are visual, spectroscopic, and thermal analyses. Biological hazard identification relies on six approaches employing nucleic-acid sequence, immunological, and biosensor technologies. The investigation of chemical hazards encompasses ten methods, including chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunological, biosensor, and electrochemical techniques. The review provides in-depth insights into the basic principles, general characteristics, and the recognized advantages and disadvantages of each method. Moreover, it elaborates on recent advancements within these methodologies. The concluding section of the review discusses current challenges and outlines future perspectives for these detection methods. Overall, this comprehensive summary not only serves as a guide for researchers involved in fish safety and quality control but also emphasizes the significance of staying abreast of evolving detection technologies to ensure the continued safety of fish and fish products in response to emerging food safety hazards.

Effectiveness of Fish Roe, Snow Fungus, and Yeast Supplementation for Cognitive Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

The brain is one of the most critical organs in the human body, regulating functions such as thinking, memory, learning, and perception. Studies have indicated that fish roe, snow fungus, and yeast may have the potential to modulate cognitive, memory, and emotional functions. However, more relevant clinical research in this area still needs to be conducted. This study explored the cognition-enhancing potential of a formula beverage including fish roe, snow fungus, and yeast. Sixty-four subjects were divided into a placebo group (n = 32) and a formula-drink group (n = 32), who consumed the product for 8 weeks. Cognitive tests were administered and analyzed at weeks 0, 4, and 8. After 4 and 8 weeks, there was a significant increase in the number of memory cards, and the response times among those who consumed the formula beverage were significantly faster than those in the placebo group. The subjects remembered the old items better and were more impressed with similar items based on the week effect. There was a significant increase in the cue effect of happy facial expressions after the subjects consumed the formula beverage for 8 weeks. In addition, there was a significant decrease in anxiety and fatigue, and improved quality of life. This formula beverage is a promising option that could be used to prevent further cognitive decline in adults with subjective cognitive complaints.

Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Tale of Two Stages

Purpose

To examine disease progression in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at 2 distinct stages, progression to geographic atrophy (GA) versus GA expansion, by comparison of the risk and protective factors at each stage.

Design

Perspective.

Subjects

Individuals at risk of GA or with GA.

Main Outcome Measures

Progression to GA and GA expansion rate.

Methods

Critical synthesis of the literature on risk and protective factors, both environmental and genetic, for progression to GA versus GA expansion in AMD.

Results

Comparison of the risk and protective factors demonstrates partially overlapping but partially distinct risk and protective factors for progression to GA versus GA expansion. Some factors are shared (i.e., operating in the same direction at both stages), others are not shared, and others seem to operate in different directions at each stage. Risk variants at ARMS2/HTRA1 increase both risk of progression to GA and GA expansion rate, presumably through the same mechanism. By contrast, risk and protective variants at CFH/CFHR alter risk of GA but not GA expansion rate. A risk variant at C3 increases risk of GA but is associated with slower GA expansion. In environmental factors, cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of GA and faster GA expansion, whereas increased age is associated with the former but not the latter. The Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased progression at both stages, although the food components with the largest contributions seem to differ between the 2 stages. Some phenotypic features, such as reticular pseudodrusen and hyperreflective foci, are associated with increased progression at both stages.

Conclusions

Analysis of the risk and protective factors for progression to GA and GA expansion demonstrates partially overlapping but partially distinct elements at each stage: some are shared, some are relevant to 1 stage only, and some even seem active in opposite directions at each stage. Aside from ARMS2/HTRA1, the overlap between the genetic risk factors for the 2 stages is minimal. This suggests that the biologic mechanisms differ at least partially between the 2 disease stages. This has implications for therapeutic approaches and suggests that treatment aimed at the underlying disease processes may need to be tailored by stage.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Effects of different levels of egg protein replacement in weaned diets on hematology, kidney functions, and immunity biomarkers

Eggs are good sources of nutrients essential for the growth and development of infants. Introducing eggs as a weaning food can improve dietary adequacy in infants at risk for protein energy malnutrition (PEM). To evaluate the current objective, 72 pups (36 males and 36 females) were used to calculate the impact of various egg protein levels on blood parameters. Nonisonitrogenous and isocaloric pellet diets were offered to pups for 28 days using nine pups with three replicates according to a completely randomized design (CRD). The water intake and ad libitum diet were offered to weaned pups. The pups were randomly assigned to different concentrations of diet, which contained WF0, control diet, 14% of soybean protein; WF1, 14% of egg protein; WF2, 16% of egg protein; and WF3, 18% of egg protein, respectively. After weaning, the intraperitoneal injection with the drug (xylazine with ketamine) was used to anesthetize before killing on the 28th day. Blood samples were used to measure the blood metabolites. The results indicated that the concentration of red blood cells, white blood cells, serum triglycerides, and serum protein was significantly (p ≤ .05) increased in pups fed with high egg protein levels compared to the control. The highest platelet count was observed in the pups fed WF3 diet. In contrast, the amount of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase was significantly (p ≤ .05) reduced with increasing the level of egg protein in the diets of weaned pups. Immunity biomarkers (immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M) and kidney functions (creatinine and blood urine nitrogen) were nonsignificantly (p ≤ .05) increased in the pups fed a high level of protein due to a high biological value of soybean protein. Moreover, the concentration of immunoglobulin E in all pups remained unchanged. Egg protein in infant formula feed can be used for the growth and development of infants.