Biological function of resveratrol and its application in animal production: a review

Resveratrol ameliorates atrazine-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and fibrosis in the testis of adult albino rats

Pesticides like atrazine which are frequently present in everyday surroundings, have adverse impacts on human health and may contribute to male infertility. The work aimed to analyze the histological and biochemical effects of atrazine on the testis in adult albino rats and whether co-administration with resveratrol could reverse the effect of atrazine. Forty adult male albino rats in good health participated in this study. They were categorized at random into four groups: the Group Ӏ received water through a gastric tube for two months every day, the Group ӀӀ received resveratrol (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) through a gastric tube for two months every day, the Group ӀӀӀ received atrazine (50 mg/kg bw) through a gastric tube for two months every day, the Group ӀV received concomitant doses of atrazine and resveratrol for two months every day. The testes of the animals were then carefully removed and prepared for biochemical, immunohistochemical, light, and electron microscopic studies. Atrazine exposure led to a significant decrease in serum testosterone hormone level, upregulation of caspase 3 and iNOS mRNA levels, destructed seminiferous tubules with few sperms in their lumens, many collagen fibres accumulation in the tunica albuginea and the interstitium, abnormal morphology of some sperms as well as many vacuolations, and damaged mitochondria in the cytoplasm of many germ cells. Concomitant administration of resveratrol can improve these adverse effects. It was concluded that atrazine exposure is toxic to the testis and impairs male fertility in adult rat and coadministration of resveratrol guards against this toxicity.

Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of non-coding RNA-modulated apoptotic signaling in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a significant and vision-endangering complication associated with diabetes mellitus, constitutes a substantial portion of acquired instances of preventable blindness. The progression of DR appears to prominently feature the loss of retinal cells, encompassing neural retinal cells, pericytes, and endothelial cells. Therefore, mitigating the apoptosis of retinal cells in DR could potentially enhance the therapeutic approach for managing the condition by suppressing retinal vascular leakage. Recent advancements have highlighted the crucial regulatory roles played by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in diverse biological processes. Recent advancements have highlighted that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), act as central regulators in a wide array of biogenesis and biological functions, exerting control over gene expression associated with histogenesis and cellular differentiation within ocular tissues. Abnormal expression and activity of ncRNAs has been linked to the regulation of diverse cellular functions such as apoptosis, and proliferation. This implies a potential involvement of ncRNAs in the development of DR. Notably, ncRNAs and apoptosis exhibit reciprocal regulatory interactions, jointly influencing the destiny of retinal cells. Consequently, a thorough investigation into the complex relationship between apoptosis and ncRNAs is crucial for developing effective therapeutic and preventative strategies for DR. This review provides a fundamental comprehension of the apoptotic signaling pathways associated with DR. It then delves into the mutual relationship between apoptosis and ncRNAs in the context of DR pathogenesis. This study advances our understanding of the pathophysiology of DR and paves the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Maternal resveratrol improves the intestinal health and weight gain of suckling piglets during high summer temperatures: The involvement of exosome-derived microRNAs and immunoglobin in colostrum

Previous studies have shown that maternal resveratrol improved growth performance and altered the microbial composition of suckling piglets under hot summer conditions. However, it remains unclear how maternal resveratrol improves growth performance of suckling piglets during high summer temperatures. A total of 20 sows (Landrace × Large White; three parity) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (with or without 300 mg/kg resveratrol) from d 75 of gestation to d 21 of lactation during high ambient temperatures (from 27 to 30 °C). The results showed that maternal resveratrol supplementation increased total daily weight gain of piglets under hot summer conditions, which is consistent with previous studies. Furthermore, we found that maternal resveratrol improved the intestinal morphology and intestinal epithelial proliferation in suckling piglets. Dietary resveratrol supplementation affected the characteristics of exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) in sow colostrum, as well as the genes targeted by differentially produced miRNAs. MiRNAs are concentrated in the tight junction pathway. As a result, the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins was increased in suckling piglets (P < 0.05). Notably, maternal resveratrol increased the intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels of suckling piglets via colostrum immunoglobin (P < 0.05), which could increase the abundance of beneficial microbiota to further increase the concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in suckling piglets' intestine (P < 0.05). Finally, our correlation analysis further demonstrated the positive associations between significantly differential intestinal microbiota, intestinal sIgA production and SCFA concentrations, as well as the positive relation between total daily weight gain and intestinal health of suckling piglets. Taken together, our findings suggested that maternal resveratrol could promote intestinal health to improve piglet growth during high summer temperatures, which might be associated with the immunoglobin and exosome-derived miRNAs in sows' colostrum.

Changes of LncRNAs during the Process of Antioxidants Antagonize Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Damage in Islet β Cells

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play important regulatory roles in oxidative damage. Resveratrol, curcumin, and cyanidin are phytogenic antioxidants widely existing in nature and they have been proved to antagonize certain heavy metal-induced oxidative damage in cells. However, can they antagonize oxidative damage induced by cadmium in islet β cells? Are their mechanisms of antagonizing oxidative damage related to LncRNAs? In this study, we first detected the cell viability of each group by CCK8 assay. Next, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by the fluorescent probe. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected according to the instructions of corresponding kits. At last, the levels of LncRNAs were detected by fluorescence quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that resveratrol, curcumin and cyanidin were able to reverse the reduction of cell viability induced by cadmium (CdSO4). Further determination revealed that SOD activities of the resveratrol+CdSO4, curcumin+CdSO4, and cyanidin+CdSO4 treatment groups increased significantly, and ROS levels and MDA contents dramatically decreased when compared with single CdSO4-treated group. More importantly, the levels of three CdSO4-elevated LncRNAs (NONMMUT029382, ENSMUST00000162103, ENSMUST00000117235) were all decreased and levels of three CdSO4-inhibited LncRNAs (NONMMUT036805, NONMMUT014565, NONMMUT065427) were increased after the pretreatment of resveratrol, curcumin and cyanidin. In summary, resveratrol, curcumin and cyanidin may effectly reverse the cadmium-induced oxidative damage and suggest that phytogenic antioxidants may prevent cells from cadmium-induced oxidative damage through changing the levels of LncRNAs.

Dietary resveratrol improves the flesh quality of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) by enhancing myofiber growth, nutrient accumulation and antioxidant capacity

BACKGROUND

In aquaculture, sturgeons are generally maintained in the confined spaces, which not only hinders sturgeon movement, but also threatens their flesh quality that seriously concerned by aquaculture industry. As a typical antioxidant, resveratrol can improve the flesh quality of livestock and poultry. However, the mechanism of resveratrol's effect on the muscle of Siberian sturgeon is still unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, the dietary resveratrol increased the myofiber diameter, the content of the amino acids, antioxidant capacity markers (CAT, LDH and SOD) levels and the expression levels of mTORC1 and MYH9 in muscle of Siberian sturgeon. Further transcriptome analysis displayed that ROS production-related pathways ("Oxidative phosphorylation" and "Chemical carcinogenes-reactive oxygen species") were enriched in KEGG analysis, and the expression levels of genes related to the production of ROS (COX4, COX6A, ATPeF1A, etc.) in mitochondria were significantly down-regulated, while the expression levels of genes related to scavenging ROS (SOD1) were up-regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this study reveals that resveratrol may promote the flesh quality of Siberian sturgeon probably by enhancing myofiber growth, nutritional value and the antioxidant capacity of muscle, which has certain reference significance for the development of a new type of feed for Siberian sturgeon.

A mechanistic insight into the anticancer potentials of resveratrol: Current perspectives

Resveratrol is a widely recognized polyphenolic phytochemical found in various plants and their fruits, such as peanuts, grapes, and berry fruits. It is renowned for its several health advantages. The phytochemical is well known for its anticancer properties, and a substantial amount of clinical evidence has also established its promise as a chemotherapeutic agent. This study focuses on assessing the anticancer properties of resveratrol and gaining insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms. It also evaluates the biopharmaceutical, toxicological characteristics, and clinical utilization of resveratrol to determine its suitability for further development as a reliable anticancer agent. Therefore, the information about preclinical and clinical studies was collected from different electronic databases up-to-date (2018-2023). Findings from this study revealed that resveratrol has potent therapeutic benefits against various cancers involving different molecular mechanisms, such as induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, inhibition of cell migration and invasion, autophagy, arresting of the S phase of the cell cycle, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and antiproliferative effects by regulating different molecular pathways including PI3K/AKT, p38/MAPK/ERK, NGFR-AMPK-mTOR, and so on. However, the compound has poor oral bioavailability due to reduced absorption; this limitation is overcome by applying nanotechnology (nanoformulation of resveratrol). Clinical application also showed therapeutic benefits in several types of cancer with no serious adverse effects. We suggest additional extensive studies to further check the efficacy, safety, and long-term hazards. This could involve a larger number of clinical samples to establish the compound as a reliable drug in the treatment of cancer.

Exploring the multimodal health-promoting properties of resveratrol: A comprehensive review

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol in various plants, has gained significant attention for its potential health-promoting properties. It has been demonstrated, after reviewing various clinical and in vitro studies, that resveratrol possesses potent antioxidant potential. Resveratrol demonstrates cellular component protection by directly neutralizing free radicals (FRs) and enhancing the expression of natural antioxidant enzymes, thereby mitigating oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Clinical trials have shown promising results, indicating that resveratrol supplementation can enhance antioxidant defenses and reduce oxidative damage markers in various populations. In addition to its antioxidant effects, resveratrol exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can modulate key inflammatory pathways, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), thereby suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, resveratrol's multimodal effects extend beyond its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been discovered to exert regulatory effects on various cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and immunological responses. The primary aim of this review paper is to provide a thorough overview of the current knowledge on resveratrol, including its chemical composition, bioaccessibility, clinical effectiveness, and utilization in nanotechnology to enhance its bioavailability. From future perspectives, revising the administration methods for certain contexts and understanding the underlying systems responsible for resveratrol's effects will require further inquiry. For the highest potential health results, advanced trial-based research is necessary for combinational nano-delivery of resveratrol.

Effect of different concentrations of resveratrol on nuclear maturation and in-vitro development competence of oocytes of Nili Ravi buffalo

Buffaloes are considered animals of the future with the ability to survive under unfavorable conditions. However, the lack of access to superior germplasm poses a significant challenge to increasing buffalo production. Resveratrol has been shown to improve oocyte quality and developmental competence in various animals during in vitro embryo development. However, limited information is available on the use of resveratrol to improve the in vitro maturation and development competence of Nili Ravi buffalo oocytes. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the influence of different concentrations of resveratrol on the maturation, fertilization, and development of buffalo oocytes under in vitro conditions. Oocytes were collected from ovaries and subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) using varying concentrations of resveratrol (0 µM, 0.5 µM, 1 µM, 1.5 µM, and 2 µM), and the maturation process was assessed using a fluorescent staining technique. Results indicated no significant differences in oocyte maturation, morula rate, and blastocyst rate among the various resveratrol concentrations. However, the cleavage rate notably increased with 1 µM and 1.5 µM concentrations of resveratrol (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study suggests that adding 1 µM of resveratrol into the maturation media may enhance the cleavage and blastocyst hatching of oocytes of Nili Ravi buffaloes. These findings hold promise for advancing buffalo genetics, reproductive performance, and overall productivity, offering potential benefits to the dairy industry, especially in Asian countries.

Dietary Resveratrol Ameliorates Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism and Jejunal Barrier in Offspring Induced by Maternal Oxidized Soybean Oil Challenge

Increasing evidence indicates that maternal exposure to oxidized soybean oil (OSO) causes damage to the mother and offspring. The antioxidant resveratrol (Res) has a variety of health benefits. However, the protective effect of Res on mitigating offspring damage after maternal exposure to OSO and its mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Res on hepatic fatty acid metabolism and the jejunal barrier in suckling piglets after maternal OSO exposure. A total of 18 sows in late gestation were randomly assigned to three treatments. The sows were fed with a fresh soybean oil (FSO) diet, an OSO diet, or the OSO diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg Res (OSO + Res), respectively. The results showed that maternal supplementation of Res restored the mRNA levels of genes related to fatty acid metabolism and increased the activities of catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in suckling piglets' livers under the OSO challenge. Moreover, the OSO + Res group restored the mRNA levels of occludin and claudin 4 in suckling piglet jejunum compared with the results of the OSO challenges. In summary, supplementation with Res improves hepatic fatty acid metabolism and intestinal barrier function of suckling piglets after maternal OSO challenge during late gestation and lactation.

Clostridium butyricum and carbohydrate active enzymes contribute to the reduced fat deposition in pigs

Pig gastrointestinal tracts harbor a heterogeneous and dynamic ecosystem populated with trillions of microbes, enhancing the ability of the host to harvest energy from dietary carbohydrates and contributing to host adipogenesis and fatness. However, the microbial community structure and related mechanisms responsible for the differences between the fatty phenotypes and the lean phenotypes of the pigs remained to be comprehensively elucidated. Herein, we first found significant differences in microbial composition and potential functional capacity among different gut locations in Jinhua pigs with distinct fatness phenotypes. Second, we identified that Jinhua pigs with lower fatness exhibited higher levels of short-chain fatty acids in the colon, highlighting their enhanced carbohydrate fermentation capacity. Third, we explored the differences in expressed carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) in pigs, indicating their involvement in modulating fat storage. Notably, Clostridium butyricum might be a representative bacterial species from Jinhua pigs with lower fatness, and a significantly higher percentage of its genome was dedicated to CAZyme glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13). Finally, a subsequent mouse intervention study substantiated the beneficial effects of C. butyricum isolated from experimental pigs, suggesting that it may possess characteristics that promote the utilization of carbohydrates and hinder fat accumulation. Remarkably, when Jinhua pigs were administered C. butyricum, similar alterations in the gut microbiome and host fatness traits were observed, further supporting the potential role of C. butyricum in modulating fatness. Taken together, our findings reveal previously overlooked links between C. butyricum and CAZyme function, providing insight into the basic mechanisms that connect gut microbiome functions to host fatness.

Accurate models and nutritional strategies for specific oxidative stress factors: Does the dose matter in swine production?

Oxidative stress has been associated with a number of physiological problems in swine, including reduced production efficiency. Recently, although there has been increased research into regulatory mechanisms and antioxidant strategies in relation to oxidative stress-induced pig production, it remains so far largely unsuccessful to develop accurate models and nutritional strategies for specific oxidative stress factors. Here, we discuss the dose and dose intensity of the causes of oxidative stress involving physiological, environmental and dietary factors, recent research models and the antioxidant strategies to provide theoretical guidance for future oxidative stress research in swine.

The Effect of Yucca schidigera Extract on Serum Metabolites of Angus Crossbreed Steers with Metabolomics

This study was conducted to explore the potential effect of Yucca schidigera extract (YSE) on the metabolism of beef cattle. Thirty Angus crossbreed steers were selected, with an initial mean body weight of 506.6 ± 33.3 kg, and assigned to two treatments: a diet with no additives (CON group) and a diet supplemented with 1.75 g/kg of YSE (YSE group) (on a dry matter basis). The experiment lasted for 104 days, with 14 days for adaptation. The results showed that adding YSE could significantly improve the average daily gain (ADG) from 1 to 59 d (15.38%) (p = 0.01) and 1 to 90 d (11.38%) (p < 0.01), as well as dry matter digestibility (DMD) (0.84%) (p < 0.05). The contents of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and bilirubin and the total antioxidant capacity were increased and blood urea was reduced in the YSE group, compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Both the glycerophospholipids and bile acids, including phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, PC(15:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)), PE(18:0/20:3(5Z,8Z,11Z)), PE(18:3(6Z,9Z,12Z)/P-18:0), LysoPC(15:0), LysoPC(17:0), LysoPC(18:0), LysoPC(20:5(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)), deoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, and cholic acid, were upregulated by the addition of YSE. In summary, YSE may improve the ADG by increasing the blood total antioxidant capacity and glycerophospholipid synthesis, maintaining steers under a healthy status that is beneficial for growth. Furthermore, YSE may also increase the expression of bile acid synthesis, thereby promoting DMD, which, in turn, offers more nutrients available for growth.

Biological Application of the Allopathic Characteristics of the Genus Maclura: A Review

Maclura is a plant genus little known and used, species of which have been mainly used in the recovery of soils, for medicinal purposes such as dental infection treatments, and as wood for making furniture and construction. The overexploitation of this genus has placed certain species in endangered extinction status in some countries, such as Brazil. In addition, the scarce research and information limit the development, cultivation, and management of its species regarding their biochemical composition, which includes bioactive compounds such as the phenolic and flavonoid compounds found in some species such as M. pomifera, M. cochinchinensis, and M. tinctoria. The plants' antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities have been attributed to these compounds. Other biochemical components such as ashes, insoluble lignin, holocellulose, and the high content of lipids and carbohydrates have been identified to be used to produce biofuels, with characteristics very similar to fuels derived from petroleum. This review aims to analyze the current knowledge on the plant genus Maclura, exploring its biochemical compounds and potential applications, including as a food additive, antioxidant supplement, in agriculture, for therapeutic purposes, aquaculture, and the cosmetic and industrial sector.

Resveratrol improves palmitic acid‑induced insulin resistance via the DDIT4/mTOR pathway in C2C12 cells

The present study aimed to establish a model of palmitic acid (PA)‑induced insulin resistance (IR) in C2C12 cells and to determine the mechanism underlying how resveratrol (RSV) improves IR. C2C12 cells were divided into the control (CON), PA, PA + RSV, PA + RSV + DNA damage‑inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4)‑small interfering (si)RNA and PA + RSV + MHY1485 (mTOR agonist) groups. Glucose contents in culture medium and triglyceride contents in cells were determined. Oil red O staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the cells. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting were conducted to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively, of DDIT4, mTOR, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), insulin receptor substrate (IRS)‑1, PI3K, AKT and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). Compared with in the CON group, glucose uptake was decreased, cellular lipid deposition was increased, phosphorylated (p)‑IRS‑1, p‑mTOR and p‑p70S6K protein expression levels were increased, and p‑PI3K, p‑AKT, GLUT4 and DDIT4 protein expression levels were decreased in the PA group. By contrast, compared with in the PA group, culture medium glucose content and cellular lipid deposition were decreased, p‑PI3K, p‑AKT, GLUT4 and DDIT4 protein expression levels were increased, p‑IRS‑1 protein expression levels were decreased, and mTOR and p70S6K mRNA and protein expression levels were decreased in the PA + RSV group. Compared with in the PA + RSV group, DDIT4 protein and mRNA expression levels were reduced in the PA + RSV + DDIT4‑siRNA group, but showed no change in the PA + RSV + MHY1485 group. Following transfection with DDIT4‑siRNA or treatment with MHY1485, the effects of RSV on improving IR and lipid metabolism were weakened, mTOR and p70S6K protein expression levels were upregulated, p‑PI3K, p‑AKT and GLUT4 protein expression levels were down‑regulated, p‑IRS‑1 protein expression levels were upregulated, and culture medium glucose content and cellular lipid deposition were increased. In conclusion, RSV may improve PA‑induced IR in C2C12 cells through the DDIT4/mTOR/IRS‑1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 signaling pathway, as well as via improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism.

Dietary resveratrol supplementation on growth performance, immune function and intestinal barrier function in broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide

This study discusses the effects of resveratrol (RES) on the productive performance, immune function and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Two hundred and forty 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 replicates each, with 10 broilers per replicate. This experiment used a 2 × 2 factorial design with dietary factors (basal diets or basal diets supplemented with 400 mg/kg RES were administered from d 1 to 21) and stress factors (intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg BW of saline or LPS at 16, 18 and 20 d of age). The results showed that LPS challenge had a significant adverse effect on average daily gain (ADG) in broilers at 16 to 21 d of age (P < 0.05), whereas the addition of RES to the diet inhibited the LPS-induced decrease in ADG (P < 0.05). RES also alleviated LPS-induced immune function damage in broilers, which was manifested by the decrease of spleen index (P < 0.05) and the recovery of serum immunoglobulin M and ileal secretory immunoglobulin A content (P < 0.05). The LPS challenge also disrupts intestinal barrier function and inflammation, and RES mitigates these adverse effects in different ways. RES attenuated LPS-induced reduction of villus height in the jejunum and ileum of broilers (P < 0.05). LPS also caused an abnormal increase in plasma D-lactic acid levels in broilers (P < 0.05), which was effectively mitigated by RES (P < 0.05). LPS challenge resulted in a significant decrease in mRNA expression of occludin in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05), which was mitigated by the addition of RES (P < 0.05). RES significantly decreased the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa-B and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the ileum tissue stimulated by LPS (P < 0.05). Taken together, this study shows that RES exerts its beneficial effect on broilers challenged with LPS by alleviating immune function damage, relieving intestinal inflammation and barrier damage, and thus improving growth performance.

Unraveling the Neuroprotective Effect of Natural Bioactive Compounds Involved in the Modulation of Ischemic Stroke by Network Pharmacology

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It is characterized by the partial or total occlusion of arteries that supply blood to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. In recent years, natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have shown properties that ameliorate the injury after IS and improve the patient's outcome, which has proven to be a potential therapeutic strategy due to their neuroprotective effects. Hence, in the present study, we use both systems pharmacology and chemoinformatic analyses to identify which NBCs have the most potential to be used against IS in clinics. Our results identify that flavonoids and terpenoids are the most studied NBCs, and, mainly, salidrosides, ginkgolides A, B, C, and K, cordycepin, curcumin, baicalin, resveratrol, fucose, and cannabidiol, target the main pathological processes occurring in IS. However, the medicinal chemistry properties of such compounds demonstrate that only six fulfill such criteria. However, only cordycepin and salidroside possess properties as leader molecules, suggesting that these compounds may be considered in developing novel drugs against IS.

Targeting gut microbiota and immune crosstalk: potential mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory reaction that primarily affects large and medium-sized arteries. It is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The pathogenesis of AS involves specific structural and functional alterations in various populations of vascular cells at different stages of the disease. The immune response is involved throughout the entire developmental stage of AS, and targeting immune cells presents a promising avenue for its treatment. Over the past 2 decades, studies have shown that gut microbiota (GM) and its metabolites, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide, have a significant impact on the progression of AS. Interestingly, it has also been reported that there are complex mechanisms of action between GM and their metabolites, immune responses, and natural products that can have an impact on AS. GM and its metabolites regulate the functional expression of immune cells and have potential impacts on AS. Natural products have a wide range of health properties, and researchers are increasingly focusing on their role in AS. Now, there is compelling evidence that natural products provide an alternative approach to improving immune function in the AS microenvironment by modulating the GM. Natural product metabolites such as resveratrol, berberine, curcumin, and quercetin may improve the intestinal microenvironment by modulating the relative abundance of GM, which in turn influences the accumulation of GM metabolites. Natural products can delay the progression of AS by regulating the metabolism of GM, inhibiting the migration of monocytes and macrophages, promoting the polarization of the M2 phenotype of macrophages, down-regulating the level of inflammatory factors, regulating the balance of Treg/Th17, and inhibiting the formation of foam cells. Based on the above, we describe recent advances in the use of natural products that target GM and immune cells crosstalk to treat AS, which may bring some insights to guide the treatment of AS.

Productive Performance, Physiological Variables, and Carcass Quality of Finishing Pigs Supplemented with Ferulic Acid and Grape Pomace under Heat Stress Conditions

The effect of individual and combined supplementation of FA and GPM on physiological variables, productive performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs under heat stress conditions were investigated. Forty Yorkshire × Duroc pigs (80.23 kg) were individually housed and randomly distributed into 4 groups under a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (n = 10): Control (basal diet, BD); FA, BD + 25 mg FA; GPM, BD with 2.5% GPM; and MIX, BD with 25 mg FA and 2.5% GPM. Additives were supplemented for 31 days. The inclusion of FA or GPM did not modify rectal temperature and respiratory rate. There was an effect of the interaction on FI, which increased when only GPM was supplemented, with respect to Control and MIX (p < 0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) were not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). The inclusion of FA improved hot and cold carcass weight, while the addition of GPM decreased the marbling (p < 0.05) and tended to increase loin area (p < 0.10). GPM increased liver weight (p < 0.05). The addition of GPM and FA can improve some carcass characteristics under heat stress conditions. It is necessary to continue investigating different levels of inclusion of GPM and FA in finishing pigs' diets.

An Integrated Approach to Skeletal Muscle Health in Aging

A decline in muscle mass and function represents one of the most problematic changes associated with aging, and has dramatic effects on autonomy and quality of life. Several factors contribute to the inexorable process of sarcopenia, such as mitochondrial and autophagy dysfunction, and the lack of regeneration capacity of satellite cells. The physiologic decline in muscle mass and in motoneuron functionality associated with aging is exacerbated by the sedentary lifestyle that accompanies elderly people. Regular physical activity is beneficial to most people, but the elderly need well-designed and carefully administered training programs that improve muscle mass and, consequently, both functional ability and quality of life. Aging also causes alteration in the gut microbiota composition associated with sarcopenia, and some advances in research have elucidated that interventions via the gut microbiota-muscle axis have the potential to ameliorate the sarcopenic phenotype. Several mechanisms are involved in vitamin D muscle atrophy protection, as demonstrated by the decreased muscular function related to vitamin D deficiency. Malnutrition, chronic inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, and an imbalance in the muscle-gut axis are just a few of the factors that can lead to sarcopenia. Supplementing the diet with antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, proteins, kefir, and short-chain fatty acids could be potential nutritional therapies against sarcopenia. Finally, a personalized integrated strategy to counteract sarcopenia and maintain the health of skeletal muscles is suggested in this review.