Muscle atrophy, which is characterized by the loss and dysfunction of skeletal muscle proteins, is a major degenerative condition that is associated with aging and glucocorticoid therapy. Marine-derived compounds, particularly polyphenols, have recently potential in modulating muscle metabolism and regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the ethanolic extract from Padina arborescens (PAE) on myogenic differentiation and dexamethasone (DEXA)-induced muscle atrophy using C2C12 myotubes and a zebrafish model. PAE treatment significantly promoted myotube differentiation by modulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and enhancing the expression level of myogenic regulatory factors (MyoD and myogenin). In DEXA-treated myotubes, PAE effectively suppressed the ubiquitin proteasome system, restored myosin heavy chain protein synthesis, and recovered myotube morphology. In vivo, PAE supplementation ameliorated the DEXA-induced locomotor dysfunction in zebrafish without causing developmental or neurotoxic abnormalities, as confirmed by the normal survival rate, body length, and heart rate. Collectively, these findings indicated that polyphenol-rich PAE exerts protective and anabolic effects by promoting myogenesis and preventing glucocorticoid-induced muscle degradation. Therefore, PAE may be used as a promising marine-derived therapeutic agent for maintaining skeletal muscle health and preventing muscle atrophy.
Phosphates are widely used in processed meat products because of their multifunctional technological properties, including enhancing water-holding capacity, improving myofibrillar protein solubilization, stabilizing emulsions, increasing cooking yield, and supporting oxidative stability. These functions make phosphate an essential ingredient in comminuted and whole-muscle meat systems. However, increasing consumer demand for clean-label foods, concerns about the excessive intake of highly bioavailable inorganic phosphates, and sustainability issues related to finite phosphate resources have intensified the interest in phosphate reduction strategies. This review summarizes the physicochemical characteristics and functional roles of phosphates in meat systems, and discusses their potential health implications and regulatory considerations. Furthermore, recent strategies for phosphate reduction have been critically evaluated, including ingredient-based approaches (plant fibers, modified starches, functional proteins, alkaline salts, and enzymatic systems) and processing-based technologies (high-pressure processing, ultrasound, and optimized tumbling). Although no single substitute fully replicates the multifunctional effects of phosphates, integrated or hurdle-based approaches combining multifunctional ingredients with advanced processing technologies show considerable promise. Partial replacement is generally more feasible than complete elimination, particularly for emulsified meat products. Future research should focus on elucidating protein–water interaction mechanisms, developing clean-label multifunctional systems, and validating long-term quality and consumer acceptance. Strategic phosphate reduction is technologically achievable and aligns with global trends toward healthier, sustainable, and clean-label meat products.
This study employed D-optimal mixture design to systematically optimize natural preservative formulations for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy across diverse spoilage organisms. Following initial screening of eight natural extracts against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Candida sake, and Aspergillus niger, four extracts (guava leaf, peony bark, Chinese gallnut, and brown alga) were selected based on complementary activity profiles and subjected to mixture optimization using 18 experimental runs. Statistical modeling showed target-specific response patterns: bacterial responses were described by reduced quadratic models, the yeast response by a linear model, and the fungal response by a reduced special cubic model. Multi-response desirability optimization targeting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) across all four organisms identified an optimal formulation (guava leaf 5.00
Vascular remodeling is a key process involved in arterial dysfunction. Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, is emerging as a central mechanism in vascular injury. Chrysanthemum coronarium (CC), a traditional edible plant, is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the vascular protective effects of CC against ferroptosis and inflammation in a carotid artery ligation (CAL) mouse model, focusing on sex-specific responses. CC administration significantly attenuated neointimal hyperplasia by inhibiting cell proliferation in ligated carotid arteries, with more pronounced effects observed in male mice. Additionally, CC markedly suppressed the increase in lipid peroxidation and reversed the decrease in ferroptosis-related markers, including xCT, GPX4, and the transferrin receptor, with stronger ferroptotic signatures evident in male mice. Furthermore, CC supplementation downregulated Ptgs2 and 4-HNE expression, suppressed inflammatory responses, and prevented abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching observed in males. Importantly, CC reduced fibrotic markers, with a significant reduction observed in females. These findings suggest that CC provides vascular protection by targeting ferroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in a sex-dependent manner and could be developed as a functional food or nutraceutical for preventing vascular dysfunction.
Effects of storage illumination on chemical quality of Ulva prolifera were examined for 60 days using dried and baked products stored under > 1,000 lx light or in the dark at 25 °C/60
