Ligusticum chuanxiong hydrosol, a low-value distillation by-product, is usually discarded because of its offensive medicinal odor and pronounced bitterness. To overcome these sensory defects, this study employed Eurotium cristatum, a "golden flower" fungus renowned for flavor remodeling in traditional fermentation, to valorize this underexplored aqueous matrix. This represents the first systematic application of E. cristatum for hydrosol biotransformation. Under optimized conditions (39°C, pH 6.7, 7% inoculum), total phenolics reached 71.25 mg/L. Electronic nose and tongue analyses indicated changes in the aroma profile and a reduction in bitterness intensity from 8.0 to 4.0. GC-MS and GC-O revealed flavor remodeling through the elimination of 2,4-dimethylphenol and enrichment of pleasant aroma compounds, including α-terpineol, D-limonene, and citral. Fermentation also enhanced hypoglycemic potential, with α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition reaching 80 and 79%, respectively. In addition, the fermented hydrosol showed increased radical-scavenging activity (83% DPPH and 84% ABTS) and improved cellular protection by reducing intracellular ROS, increasing superoxide dismutase activity, and, at 1% inclusion, attenuating IL-6, IL-1α, and TNF-α. Overall, E. cristatum effectively upcycled botanical by-products into high-value functional ingredients, offering a sustainable, green strategy for simultaneously improving the sensory quality and nutritional value of plant-based foods.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have been extensively investigated for their antimicrobial properties in aquaculture research, can induce oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. This study assessed the protective effects of dietary quercetin (Qu), quercetin encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (Qu-ChiNPs), and chitosan nanoparticles alone (ChiNPs) against AgNP-induced oxidative stress in the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. Shrimp (2.40 ± 0.19 g) were assigned to six experimental treatments, each with three replicates: a negative control (commercial basal diet, no AgNP challenge), a positive control (commercial basal diet, followed by 48 h AgNP challenge at 1 mg L[-1]), and four experimental treatments consisting of 0.5 g kg[-1] Qu, 0.25 g kg[-1] Qu‑ChiNPs, 0.5 g kg[-1] Qu‑ChiNPs, and 0.5 g kg[-1] ChiNPs, all of which were also subjected to the AgNP challenge after a 60‑day feeding trial. All parameters were measured after the 48‑h AgNP challenge, and all comparisons were made against the positive control group. The treatment receiving 0.5 g kg[-1] Qu-ChiNPs showed significantly lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and alkaline phosphatase, together with increased total protein (+ 30.3%), acid phosphatase (+ 14.2%), phenol oxidase (+ 28.4%), and lysozyme (+ 27.0%) compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). In addition, antioxidant parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione were significantly enhanced, while malondialdehyde levels were reduced in the group receiving 0.5 g kg[-1] Qu-ChiNPs in comparison to the positive control group (P < 0.05). Amylase, lipase and protease activities were significantly enhanced in shrimp fed 0.5 g kg[-1] Qu-ChiNPs compared to the positive control group (P < 0.05). The findings support Qu-ChiNPs as a practical feed additive to bolster resilience of farmed P. vannamei against nanoparticle exposure and associated oxidative challenges.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants of significant environmental concern; however, their cross-tissue physiological impacts and growth-inhibitory mechanisms in economically important freshwater fish remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the systemic effects of dietary exposure to 500 μm polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the gut-liver-muscle axis in Qihe gibel carp (Carassius gibelio var. Qihe). Fish were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 5, 50, and 100 μg/g feed) for 28 days. PS-MPs exposure significantly suppressed growth performance in a dose-dependent manner, evidenced by reductions in body weight (BW), weight gain rate (WGR), and specific growth rate (SGR). Histopathological analysis revealed tissue-specific injuries: intestinal villus atrophy and epithelial barrier disruption; hepatocellular vacuolar degeneration and nuclear displacement; and muscular endomysial with myofiber atrophy. Biochemical assays indicated hepatic oxidative stress (elevated malondialdehyde, suppressed antioxidant enzymes) and intestinal metabolic dysfunction (decreased amylase and trypsin, increased lipase). 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated significant gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by reduced beneficial Bacillota and enrichment of opportunistic pathogenic Verrucomicrobiota and Actinomycetota. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of apoptosis and autophagy pathways in the liver and intestine. Concurrently, widespread downregulation of genes involved in the cell cycle, DNA replication, and motor proteins was observed in muscle. These findings establish a mechanistic framework linking gut-liver-muscle axis disruption to microplastic toxicity, providing critical insights into the ecological risks of microplastic pollution in freshwater aquaculture systems.

The sustainable bioproduction of industrial enzymes from low-cost substrates is a primary objective for circular bioeconomy strategies. This study reports the development of a strain of Bacillus subtilis via strain improvement that is capable of producing both α-amylase and lipase simultaneously from kitchen waste. The bacterium was subjected to EMS mutagenesis to improve its natural secretory potential, and a mutant named Bacillus subtilis 250 was selected based on its concurrent overproduction of both enzymes in a medium containing kitchen waste. Leftover fries and used vegetable oil were identified as major drivers for α-amylase and lipase, respectively. Fermentation conditions were sequentially optimized using One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM), resulting in 1.53- and 1.45-fold increases in α-amylase and lipase activities, reaching final yields of 89.4 IU/mL and 74.1 IU/mL, respectively. The partially purified enzyme preparations exhibited apparent optimal activity at pH 7 and 50 °C for α-amylase, and pH 7 and 60 °C for lipase, with considerable activity under alkaline and high-temperature conditions. Both enzymes retain prominent residual activities when incubated with commercial detergents, surfactants, metal ions and additives showcasing their compatibility and industrial stability. This work establishes Bacillus subtilis as a versatile biocatalytic platform for the simultaneous valorization of food waste into industrially relevant amylase and lipase.

Oat bran is rich in phenolic compounds but their bioaccessibility and functionality are limited by the compact tissue structure of bran. Medium (MOB), fine (FOB), and superfine oat bran (SOB) were compared in terms of structural properties, phenolic release, and bioactivity. Superfine milling led to an increase in soluble dietary fiber from 3.26% to 6.37% and a decrease in median pore size from 15.67 to 6.76 μm. These changes promoted gastrointestinal release of free and bound phenolics, especially ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and avenanthramides. Accordingly, SOB showed higher intestinal ABTS radical scavenging activity than MOB (21.82 vs. 16.59 μmol TE/g), stronger α-amylase (23.16% vs. 15.77%) and α-glucosidase (17.92% vs. 9.76%) inhibition, less rapidly digestible starch (46.15% vs. 59.37%), and more resistant starch (45.93% vs. 31.55%). These findings support the in vitro potential of superfine oat bran, although health-related effects require in vivo validation.

Beta-glucan supplementation has been shown to have important immunomodulatory effects on both sows and pigs; however, there are discrepancies about the effect over piglets due to maternal supplementation. This study monitored the effect of 1-3 beta-glucans supplementation (from Euglena gracilis) in sows from the final third of gestation until the end of lactation by the health status (specifically, the immune and stress status) of the sows and their offspring using salivary biomarkers and piglet's growth performance. A total of 106 sows were randomly assigned to the basal diet (BD) or to the basal diet with 1-3 beta-glucans supplementation (GD) group at 1 g/sow per day. To evaluate the litter performance, the BW of all piglets was measured at birth and weaning and sow's performance data were recorded. Saliva samples were collected from a subset of sows, 35 from the BD group and 36 from the GD group, at different times during the trial: 21 and 7 days before the expected farrowing date (D-21 and D-7), the day after farrowing (D0), and at 7 (D7) and 21 days (D21) of lactation. Saliva was also collected from the heaviest and lightest piglets of each of the 71 litters the week before weaning. The health status of the sow and piglets was evaluated by the immune marker's interleukin 6, adenosine deaminase, calgranulin C, the acute phase proteins C-reactive protein, haptoglobin and immunoglobulin G; the stress marker's cortisol and α-amylase, and the oxidant status marker's total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status and the calculation of the oxidative stress index. Piglets from sows fed GD showed higher BWs than those fed BD, both at birth and at weaning, with overall slightly lower levels of immune markers. All sows showed an increase in immune and oxidant markers at farrowing (D0) in comparison to previous times, with higher effects in the group of sows from the GD. Maternal supplementation with 1-3 beta-glucans showed improved immune activation in sows that could be properly evaluated using saliva biomarkers and an increase in piglet's BW at both birth and weaning.

Thermal processing plays a crucial role in tilapia consumption. To investigate the effects of heat treatment on tilapia protein quality and biological activity, this study employed three methods-steaming, microwaving, and baking to process tilapia protein, followed by static INFOGEST In Vitro digestion. Protein quality assessment indicators included degree of hydrolysis, molecular weight distribution, amino acid composition, and scoring. Bioactivity was verified through In Vitro experiments and computer simulations. Results indicate that thermal processing significantly enhances protein digestibility and amino acid availability by moderately altering protein structure and exposing enzymatic cleavage sites. Among the treatments, baked achieved the highest degree of hydrolysis, essential amino acid index, and biological value; while steaming exhibited the highest amino acid release rate and essential amino acid score. Concurrently, thermal processing significantly enhanced tilapia protein bioactivity: Baked markedly increased hypoglycemic activity, with the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities after gastrointestinal enzyme hydrolysis in the baked group reaching 51.48% and 51.74%, respectively, significantly higher than the 42.72% and 41.17% in the fresh group. Steaming substantially elevated antioxidant activity, with ABTS radical scavenging activity reaching 69.00% compared to 57.96% in the fresh group.

Mushrooms are considered a significant source of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and phytonutrients. Consequently, they can serve as a phytogenic feed additive to prevent oxidative stress, while improving rumen fermentation efficiency. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of bolete mushroom extract (BME) supplementation on in vitro digestive enzymes, nutrient degradability, antioxidant capacity, rumen fermentation, and methane production. In a completely randomized design, six treatment levels of BME were implemented. The total dry matter (DM) substrate of BME was supplemented at 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. The results demonstrated that BME increased the activity of digestive enzymes, particularly amylase activity and in vitro dry matter degradability. Importantly, at 4% of the total DM substrate, BME significantly increased levels of total antioxidant and catalase activity, while malondialdehyde activity was reduced. BME addition contributed to an increase in propionate and total volatile fatty acid production, while methane production was decreased. As a result, BME could be effective as a sustainable feed additive comprising phytonutrients to enhance rumen fermentation and reduce methane emissions in ruminants.

Background/Objectives: Betanin (Bet), a natural compound, exhibits potent antioxidant and metabolic regulatory properties, yet its effect on cellular glucose utilization remains unclear. This study investigated, for the first time, the impact of Bet on glucose consumption and the activation of key carbohydrate-catabolic pathways in human erythrocytes. Methods: In vitro assays were performed to evaluate enzyme inhibition and activation. Human erythrocytes were incubated with Bet to assess glucose consumption. Enzyme activities were measured spectrophotometrically, and molecular docking was used to analyze binding interactions. Results: Our results demonstrate that Bet inhibits digestive enzymes in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal inhibition at 90 µg/mL for pancreatic lipase and 70 µg/mL for α-amylase, showing IC50 values of 48.8 and 31.9 µg/mL, respectively, supported by strong binding affinities of -9.3 and -8.9 Kcal/mol. These interactions are stronger than those of orlistat (-6.9 Kcal/mol) and acarbose (-7.7 Kcal/mol). Bet also induced the activity of AMPK with an IC50 of 1.83 µg/mL and a BE of -7.90 Kcal/mol, compared to the specific AMPK activator A-769662, which had an IC50 of 1.29 µg/mL and a binding energy of -10.0 Kcal/mol. Consequently, Bet stimulated key glycolytic enzymes, reaching maximal activation (~62%) at 1.4 µg/mL for hexokinase (HK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and at 1.6 µg/mL for pyruvate kinase (PK), supported by binding energies of -7.2, -7.5, and -9.0 Kcal/mol and AC50 values of 0.87, 0.98, and 0.91 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, Bet enhanced key Krebs cycle enzymes (IDH, SDH, MDH, LDH) in a dose-dependent manner, with AC50 values of 0.76, 0.80, 0.72, and 0.52 µg/mL and strong binding energies (-7.8, -7.8, and -8.4 Kcal/mol), reaching maximal activation near 1.4 µg/mL. Bet also increased glucose consumption by human erythrocytes. Conclusions: Bet enhances glucose utilization by inhibiting digestive enzymes and activating intracellular metabolic pathways, suggest potential metabolic regulatory effects.

Background/Objectives: Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. This study evaluated the effects of two beetroot cultivars (Boldor and Wodan) on blood serum parameters, body composition, and organ weights in male WKY rats fed a low-protein diet (LPD, 8.8% protein). Methods: Five-week-old male rats were maintained on an LPD for 8 weeks and subsequently continued on the LPD diet supplemented with 4% dried beetroot for 45 days. The experimental diets included beetroot from the Boldor and Wodan cultivars, either treated or untreated with a plant growth stimulator during cultivation. Results: Foliar application of the selenium-based plant growth stimulator did not significantly increase selenium or other element concentrations in beet roots. Elemental analysis showed higher levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, As, Cd, and Sb in the Wodan group, while Boldor increased Cr, Pb, and As; Ni and Se remained unchanged. Beetroot supplementation significantly affected 14 of the 30 measured biochemical parameters, including biomarkers of liver function (ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein), renal function (uric acid), pancreatic activity (amylase and lipase), electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, and chloride), mineral metabolism (calcium), inflammatory status (CRP), and nutritional metabolism (iron). Conversely, no significant effects were observed on lipid profile parameters or biomarkers of cardiac and skeletal muscle injury. Among the beetroot cultivars evaluated, Wodan exerted distinct effects relative to Boldor, resulting in higher circulating total bilirubin and potassium concentrations, alongside reduced uric acid and lipase levels in treated rats. Boldor supplementation significantly increased body weight gain and fat mass, with a trend toward higher lean mass, and increased kidney weight. Wodan did not significantly affect body weight but increased kidney and spleen mass. Feed intake was similar across groups. No changes in cardiovascular function were observed ex vivo. Conclusions: Beetroot supplementation modulated multiple metabolic and physiological biomarkers in rats fed a low-protein diet, with distinct cultivar-specific effects, underscoring the importance of cultivar selection for optimizing functional dietary interventions.

Diet plays a critical role in shaping the composition of gut microbiota in insects. Samia ricini, an economically important Lepidoptera insect, is a polyphagous herbivore that offers a useful model for studying dietary effects on the animal gut microbiome. Here, we fed S. ricini larvae with different food plants, Ricinus communis, Ailanthus altissima, and Manihot esculenta leaves to investigate how host plant species influence growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and the gut microbial community. Our results showed that the Ricinus group exhibited better growth performance. Regarding digestive enzymes, the midgut lipase activity was significantly higher in the Ricinus group than in the Ailanthus group, while no significant differences were observed in α-amylase, cellulase, or trypsin activities among the three groups. Compared to the Manihot group, the Ricinus group showed increased bacterial richness, while the Ailanthus group showed increased bacterial diversity. β-diversity analysis further revealed distinct microbial community structures among all three dietary groups. Specifically, Acinetobacter, Mammaliicoccus, Roseateles, Methylobacterium, Agrobacterium, Faecalibacterium, and Segatella were the dominant bacterial genera. Functional prediction revealed that gut microbes enriched in the Ricinus group were associated with terpenoid/polyketide metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation, and glycan biosynthesis, whereas those involved in carbohydrate metabolism and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites were higher in the Manihot group. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that Methylobacterium, Methylorubrum, and Agrobacterium were significantly positively correlated with larval weight, while Staphylococcus and Cyanothece_PCC-7424 exhibited negative correlations. Collectively, these findings suggest a potential association between different plant-derived diets, gut microbiota composition, and host growth performance, highlighting the pivotal role of diet in shaping insect gut microbial communities.