Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women, involves complex interactions between hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunction, and gut microbiome dysbiosis. While hyperandrogenism and high-fat diets independently alter gut microbiota, their combined effects in PCOS remain unclear, limiting development of microbiometargeted interventions. This study investigated how high-fat diet (HFD) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) affect gut microbiome and metabolic health in a PCOS rat model. We used immunoassays and other colorimetric assays to estimate various hormonal levels and metabolic parameters. Real time PCR was performed to quantify the relative abundance of the bacterial species using genus specific 16S rDNA primers and universal primer sequence was used as internal control. We found that DHEA alone reduced microbial diversity, while HFD plus DHEA exacerbated dysbiosis, increasing pathogenic bacteria linked to factors on PCOS pathophysiology. The comparison of gut on metabolic health in PCOS.
The immunoproteasome and its dysfunction are implicated in multiple diseases. In multiple myeloma, immunoproteasomes promote cancer cell survival, making them an important therapeutic target for antagonist development. Here, we present a straightforward method for detecting (beta 5i (the (beta 5 subunit of the immunoproteasome) cellular activity in vitro. This cell-based approach utilizes a specific (beta 5i substrate (Ac-Ala-Asn-Trp-AMC), which is cleaved by immunoproteasomes and releases a fluorescent signal with an emission peak at 460 nm. After multiple optimizations, we found that adding an equal volume of substrate solution to 30 gL cell lysate, incubating for 10 minutes at 37 degrees C, and measuring fluorescence at 460 nm yielded IC50 values for ONX-0914 (a selective inhibitor of low-molecular mass polypeptide-7) and bortezomib that are consistent with published data, with repeatable and stable results across different cell lines. Additionally, comparison with the (beta 5c commercial kit (Promega, G8661), which is compatible with the (beta 5c substrate, demonstrated excellent sensitivity and accuracy. In summary, this protocol facilitates the screening and determination of subunit specificity for novel immunoproteasome inhibitors.
Understanding innate immunity in crustaceans is essential due to their ecological and aquaculture importance, yet the functional roles of hemolymph serum in freshwater crabs remain poorly characterized. In this study, the immune properties of serum from the freshwater crab Barytelphusa cunicularis were investigated with emphasis on its biochemical composition and functional activity. Biochemical profiling revealed a predominance of proteins over carbohydrates and lipids, indicating a serum rich in effector molecules. Phenoloxidase (PO) activity, a key enzyme in invertebrate immunity, exhibited optimal activity at 25 degrees C in Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5) using DL-DOPA as substrate, and was significantly influenced by immune-related activators and inhibitors such as trypsin, SDS, laminarin, and PTU (P < 0.05). Hemagglutination assays revealed lectin-like activity, with the serum strongly agglutinating vertebrate erythrocytes, while carbohydrate inhibition confirmed galactose-specific binding. Additionally, the serum exhibited pronounced lysozyme and antimicrobial activities against five bacterial and three fungal pathogens. Microbial agglutination titers (32-512) further demonstrated its capacity for broad pathogen recognition and binding. These findings highlight the coordinated immune strategy of Barytelphusa cunicularis serum involving pathogen recognition, enzyme activation, and antimicrobial defense, providing new insights into the multifunctional roles of hemolymph serum in crustacean innate immunity.
The lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis (Gray & Hardwicke) is a major rodent pest affecting agriculture and public health in India. Bromadiolone, a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide, is extensively used for community rodent control in rice-based ecosystems of the Godavari Delta, raising concerns over resistance development. This study assessed bromadiolone resistance in B. bengalensis populations from six villages in the Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh using feeding mortality tests, blood clotting response assays, and VKORC1 gene sequencing. Of 152 individuals, 23.7% showed delayed mortality and prolonged clotting times, indicating emerging tolerance. Sequencing of suspected resistant rats did not reveal known VKORC1 resistance mutations, although B. bengalensis specific variants with high homology to Rattus norvegicus sequences were detected. The absence of classical VKORC1 poly morphisms suggests alternative biochemical mechanisms, such as cytochrome P450 mediated detoxification, may reduce susceptibility. This study provides the first experimental evidence of bromadiolone resistance in B. bengalensis in India, underscoring the need for regular resistance monitoring and integrated rodent management to prevent control failures in agricultural landscapes.
Quinalphos, an organophosphate pesticide, is widely used in agriculture to mitigate pest load and poses risks to non-target species, including poultry. The sublethal and immunotoxic effects of quinalphos on indigenous Kamrupa chickens, vital for Northeast India's rural economy, are poorly understood. In this study an attempt has been made to study the acute toxicity and immunosuppressive effects of quinalphos in Kamrupa chickens. Twenty birds were divided into control (n=10) and treatment groups (n=10), with the latter receiving a single oral LD50 dose (22.5 mg/kg body weight) in corn oil via oral gavage. Birds in the treatment group exhibited rapid onset of neurological symptoms, excessive salivation, reduced feed intake, diarrhoea, and 50% mortality within 36 hours. Massive reduction in lymphocyte counts with elevated haemoglobin; total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and heterophil percentage were evident in haematological cholesterol, and uric acid, and reduced cholinesterase activity. Histopathological findings showed hepatic, renal, and neural degeneration. Gene expression studies showed significant downregulation of beta-defensin genes (AvBD1, AvBD6, AvBD7). These findings highlight the need for low-dose or safer pest-control alternatives to protect poultry and the environment as a whole.
Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, known for its high metastatic potential and molecular heterogeneity. This study explores the functional significance of polarity complex proteins in melanoma by analyzing their roles in epithelial polarity maintenance and directional cell migration. Genomic mutation and gene expression data from the TCGA-SKCM cohort were evaluated using bioinformatic tools including PolyPhen-2, SIFT, Mutation Assessor, and AlphaMissense. A total of 347 mutations were identified in 12 polarity-related genes, with 128 predicted as pathogenic or oncogenic. Many mutations were located in PDZ domains and were associated with disruptions in key signaling pathways such as TGF-beta and Hippo. STRING-based protein interaction analysis supported these associations. Differential expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of LLGL2, CRB3, PATJ, and PARD3 in melanoma samples compared to normal tissue (P < 0.01). Pathway enrichment analysis showed involvement of these genes in cancer hallmark pathways, particularly those related to invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion. The study suggests that polarity proteins can act as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes depending on mutation context. These findings provide valuable insights into melanoma pathogenesis and suggest polarity complex components as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in SKCM.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes the impairment of male reproductive functions by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in testicular tissues. Despite various therapeutic approaches, the need for effective strategies to reduce diabetes-related testicular damage remains a significant issue. In this study, the potential protective effects of Gilaburu fruit extract, known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were investigated against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced testicular damage. Subjects were divided into control, diabetes (STZ, 50 mg/kg), and treatment (DM+Glb; 200 mg/kg Gilaburu) groups. While serum testosterone levels were measured, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) levels, along with histopathological parameters and immunohistochemical markers (Bax, Bcl-2, PCNA, and Sirt6), were evaluated in testicular tissues. In the diabetes group, testosterone, SOD, and GPx1 levels significantly decreased, while MDA levels and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increased. These biochemical changes were accompanied by a narrowing of seminiferous tubule diameters and a decrease in PCNA and Sirt6 expressions. Gilaburu treatment significantly improved these impairments by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and increasing cellular proliferation and Sirt6 levels. In conclusion, Gilaburu extract may demonstrate potential as a supportive phytotherapeutic agent against diabetes-related testicular damage by regulating the oxidative stress-apoptosisproliferation axis.
Podophyllum hexandrum (Royle), commonly known as Himalayan Mayapple is a medicinally important plant that thrives well in alpine Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. This study focused on the isolation of fungal endophytes from different tissues (roots, leaves) of P. hexandrum. Five endophytic fungi were isolated, of which one was found to be pathogenic. ITS primer gene sequencing using nucleotide BLAST identified four non-pathogenic isolates viz PdFRE1, PdFLE2, PdFLE3, PdFLE4 as Xylaria karsticola, Sordariales sp., Nemania diffusa and Nodulisporium sp., respectively. The pathogenic isolate PdFLP was studied in detail. Microscopic and molecular analysis of the pathogenic fungus PdFLP was conducted. BLAST analysis showed 100% nucleotide identity with previously identified A. tenuissima isolate (ON712430.1). The pathogen thus isolated was identified as Alternaria tenuissima and the pathogenicity was established. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf-spot of P.hexandrum, caused by Alternaria tenuissima in Kashmir valley.
Anxiety is a state of distress, affecting people worldwide. It is usually mitigated by conventional anxiolytic medications that produce dependency and adverse effects, thus highlighting the need for safer alternatives derived from natural sources. Breynia androgyna, a perennial shrub of the family Phyllanthaceae, has profound medicinal benefits, but its anxiolytic potential remains inadequately explored. The current study, hence, envisaged exploring the anxiolytic potential of the ethanolic leaf extract of Breynia androgyna (EEBA) and its acetone fraction (AEBA) through experimental and computational approaches. Phytochemical screening and quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid content were carried out using established procedures. EEBA and AEBA (200 and 400 mg/Kg) were administered per orally to Wistar albino rats for a period of 14 days, and the possible anxiolytic activity was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze, Light and Dark Model, Mirror Chamber Test, and Opto-Varimex Open Field Test. One-way ANOVA was used to analyse the data, followed by Dunnett's test. Molecular docking was conducted in silico to examine interactions between the phytoconstituents and the GABAA-Cl-ion channel receptor. Flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, and triterpenoids were detected in the extract and biofraction, with AEBA displaying higher phenolic (54.35 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (67.81 mg QUE/g) content than EEBA. AEBA displayed superior in vitro antioxidant activity and produced significant anxiolytic effects at 400 mg/Kg (P < 0.05) across all behavioural models. Molecular docking studies revealed strong interactions between major phytochemicals and the GABAA receptor. In conclusion, the acetone fraction of Breynia androgyna demonstrated notable anxiolytic potential, probably attributed to its enriched flavonoid content, supporting its relevance as a promising natural anxiolytic therapeutic.
Urgently needed new antimicrobial strategies due to antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to develop and evaluate greensynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with Aloe vera leaf extract as a low-cytotoxic, safe method to boost innate immunity. The nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, showing spherical particles 15-25 nm in size with a zeta potential of -28.6 mV, indicating high colloidal stability. UV-Vis analysis displayed a clear surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm. The murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was used to assess cytocompatibility and immunostimulatory activity through nitric oxide release and cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-6) production. Assays for (MBC), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were conducted to evaluate antibacterial effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The biosynthesized inflammatory cytokine and nitric oxide production at non-toxic levels, and exhibited strong antibacterial activity with low MIC and MBC values. Green-synthesized AgNPs can serve as effective, low-toxicity agents combining antimicrobial and resistance, as demonstrated by the enhanced bacterial clearance shown by treated macrophages.
The rising global burden of diabetes mellitus and the limitations of conventional therapies necessitate the exploration of safer, effective plant-based alternatives. Although Abroma augustum (L.) L.f. and Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. are traditionally used in Nagaland for diabetes management, scientific validation regarding their specific enzyme inhibition mechanisms and safety profiles remains limited. This study systematically evaluated their antidiabetic potential through phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity, enzyme kinetics, and glucose uptake assays. Quantitative analysis revealed that 80% ethanol extracts were richer in bioactive constituents, particularly phenols and flavonoids, compared to aqueous extracts. Cajanus cajan consistently demonstrated superior antioxidant activity and potent, competitive inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase) compared to A. augustum. Furthermore, C. cajan exhibited significantly higher glucose uptake (147.75%) in HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity assessment in VERO cells indicated that while C. cajan (IC50 139.98 & micro;g/mL) was relatively safe, A. augustum (IC50 115.79 & micro;g/mL) possessed higher cytotoxicity. These findings scientifically validate the antidiabetic potential of A. augustum and C. cajan, supporting their traditional use and warranting further investigation for antidiabetic drug development.
This study aims to investigate the effect of Tunicamycin (Tu), which increases intracellular calcium, and calpeptin (Cp), an inhibitor of calpain 1 and 2 enzymes, on cell migration and molecules involved in migration in fibronectin (FN) adherent normal and ovarian cancer cells. The effect of Tu, Cp and, Tu and Cp together (Tu-Cp) treatments on FN-adherent/nonadherent IHOSE-SV40 normal and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells on cell migration was tested with real time cell analysis method. Protein expressions of p-FAK, Pyk2, p-Src, Cdc42 and Rac1 signal molecules were determined by western-blot method. Localizations of cytoskeleton proteins of p-FAK, p-paxillin and vinculin were examined by immunofluorescence method. The results show that ovarian cancer cells must adhere to FN for migration, while normal ovarian cells can migrate without adhering to FN. FN stimulated protein expressions of p-FAK in IHOSE-SV40 cells and p-Src and Rac1 in SKOV-3 cells. Tu, Cp and Tu-Cp treatments significantly inhibited cell migration in both FN-adherent normal and ovarian cancer cells at 24 hours. In particular, Tu treatment in normal and Cp treatment in cancer cells have a decreasing effect on the expression of signaling molecules. In conclusion, we showed in this study that FN stimulates different signaling molecules involved in migration in normal and ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, Tu, Cp, and Tu-Cp treatments inhibited significantly cell migration in FN bound normal and ovarian cancer cells. Tu inhibited the migration of FN-adherent ovarian cancer cells more effectively than Cp and combined Cp and Tu applications. As a result, this study indicated that Cp might be promising agent for ovarian cancer treatment due to its down regulatory impact on the Rac1/Cdc42 proteins and migration inhibitory effect.
This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective efficacy of Commiphora myrrha resin in alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) through integrated biochemical, histopathological, and NF-xB-related immunohistochemically assessments. Although ACM is a well-recognized consequence of chronic alcohol consumption, characterized by progressive cardio myocyte degeneration and necrosis, current effective and safe therapeutic strategies remain limited. Moreover, despite accumulating evidence implicating inflammatory signaling pathways-particularly NF-xB-in ACM pathogenesis, the potential modulatory role of C. myrrha resin in this context has not yet been systematically investigated, thereby representing a critical gap in the existing studies. For inducing the ACM rat model, rats were given ethanol for 30 days. Other rats were given distilled water as a negative control, C. myrrha as a positive control, and ethanol plus C. myrrha. The MDA, 4-HNE, MDA, NO, TNF-alpha, and HSP70 were measured. The histopathological alterations as well as the NF-x beta expression in cardiac tissue were investigated. The data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Alcohol increased the level of MDA, 4-HNE, TNF-alpha, NO, and HSP70, reduced NF-kB expression of the heart, and caused blood vessel congestion, cardiomyocyte necrosis, and myocardial fibrosis. While C. myrrha restored heart integrity and improved cardiac tissue since these compounds can overexpress HSP70 and alter cell cytokine expression. Our findings uniquely suggest a new mechanism by which furano-sesquiterpenoids and triterpenes from C. myrrha possess antioxidant and free radical-neutralizing properties, making them key mediators of protection against myocardial injury and providing scientific support for developing C. myrrha as a nutritional supplement.
The growing dependence on chemical fungicide for managing plant diseases has raised serious concerns due to their harmful impacts on human health and environment, creating an urgent need to explore safe, eco-friendly biocontrol alternatives. The present study evaluated the potential of bacterial endophytes viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Accession no. OL413676) and Serratia proteamaculans (Accession no. OP595540) applied individually and as a consortium for managing Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causal agent of stem rot in mustard through field-based pot experiments. The study further explored the role of these bacterial endophytes in boosting the defense responses through the activation of defense-responsive enzymes and metabolites. The results revealed that the dual application (seed treatment and foliar spray) of the bacterial consortium (T12) significantly boosted the activity of antioxidative and lytic enzymes compared to the fungal pathogen-inoculated control plants (T2). While most of the defense enzymes showed maximum induction at 120 hours post-inoculation (hpi), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) displayed its highest activity at 72 hpi, suggesting its potential role in early initiation of plant's defense response. Consistent with the defense enzymes activation, the T12 treatment also resulted in the increased accumulation of total phenols and lignin, showing peak accumulation at 72hpi, with lignin levels remaining elevated thereafter, possibly serving to restrict pathogen colonization. The endophytic consortium reduced the lesion length by 21.47% in PBR 357 and 16.91% in RLC3, suggesting it as an effective biocontrol agent. The findings indicate that these endophytic bacteria have the potential to activate the basal defense responses in Indian mustard, making them promising candidates for the management of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
Despite established knowledge of lead's adverse effects on male reproduction, the extent and persistence of testicular injury following oral exposure to lead acetate (PbAc), a common environmental and occupational contaminant, remain incompletely characterized. A systematic investigation is required to understand the simultaneous impact on endocrine function, oxidative balance, inflammatory status, genomic integrity, and apoptotic pathways, and critically, to determine whether such damage is reversible upon exposure cessation. This study investigated testicular toxicity induced by oral lead acetate (PbAc) focusing on injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and endocrine disruption in male Wistar rats.Thirty rats were randomized (n=10/group): control (distilled water), PbAc (60 mg/kg, 28 days), and recovery (PbAc 60 mg/kg for 28 days followed by 28 days distilled water). Endpoints included follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) for oxidative status; 8-hydroxy-2 '-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) for genotoxicity; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) for inflammation; B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and caspase-3 for apoptosis; plus, testicular and epididymal histology. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test determined significance (P<0.05). PbAc caused endocrine disruption (reduced FSH, LH, testosterone), oxidative imbalance (decreased SOD, increased MDA), increased 8-OHdG and TNF-alpha, pro-apoptotic signaling (decreased Bcl-2, increased caspase-3), and histological injury. Key finding: after 28 days without further exposure, several toxic effects persisted (elevated MDA and 8-OHdG; depressed gonadotropins; altered Bcl-2), indicating incomplete spontaneous recovery. Oral PbAc elicits multi-axis testicular toxicity that does not fully resolve after exposure cessation, underscoring the need for preventive and therapeutic strategies.
The overuse of modern synthetic pesticides for controlling insect-pest and plant diseases has led to environmental pollution, health risks, and the development of resistant bacterial strains, creating an urgent need for sustainable and ecofriendly alternatives. Parthenium hysterophorus, a widely distributed invasive weed, is known for its harmful effects but also contains bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. This study explores its potential as a natural source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents to address crop protection challenges. Aqueous leaf and flower extracts were analyzed for phytochemicals and bioactivity. Qualitative and quantitative profiling confirmed a high level of phenolics (13.5 +/- 9.49 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (22.60 +/- 0.52 mg QE/g), tannins (11.26 +/- 1.70 mg TAE/g), and alkaloids (717.27 +/- 211mg/g) in leaf extracts. Antioxidant evaluation revealed strong radical scavenging activity, with leaf extracts exhibiting lower IC50 values in DPPH (604.88 gg/mL) and ABTS (644.9 gg/mL) assays compared to flower (1,028.74 gg/mL and 900 gg/mL, respectively). Reducing power was higher in leaves (256.92 mg AAE/g) than flowers (210.30 mg AAE/g). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed a strong broad peak at 4000-400 cm(-1), corresponding to O-H stretching, which is characteristic of phenolic and alcoholic compounds, and Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) exhibited the Dimethyl sulfone as a major bioactive compound in both leaf (24.31%) and flower (32.83%) extracts. Antibacterial activity assessed by agar well diffusion demonstrated significant inhibition against Pectobacterium carotovorum (18 mm at 60 mg/mL) and Ralstonia solanacearum (11mm at 60 mg/mL), outperforming flower extracts. These findings highlight P. hysterophorus as a rich source of bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, supporting its transformation from an invasive weed into a sustainable biocontrol agent for eco-friendly crop protection.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with few treatment options that are responsible for only slowing the disease progression. Several studies observed that dexamethasone exhibits neuroprotective effects; however, its systemic side effects restrict its use for prolonged periods. Our study employed Webserver-Aided Drug Design by Artificial Intelligence and Classical Algorithm (WDDAICA) to generate novel dexamethasone analogues with improved pharmacological properties suitable for PD therapy. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the transcriptome data of PD patients (GSE160299) have been compared with dexamethasone-responsive genes, resulting in the identification of 92 shared targets. Enrichment analysis identified essential molecular functions, including metal ion binding and enzyme regulation, highlighting APOE, ICAM1, GAPDH, and EGF as critical targets. The AI-generated derivatives were evaluated using molecular docking against these targets, with molecule C displaying the best binding affinity to APOE (-7.6 kcal/mol), passing dexamethasone (-7.2 kcal/mol). ADMET profiling shows improved oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability for molecule C; however, it also indicates elevated risk for hepatic damage. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations validated enhanced structural stability and compactness of the molecule C-APOE complex. Additionally, MM-PBSA free energy assessments indicated a superior binding energy for molecule C (-13.8 kcal/mol) in contrast to dexamethasone (-1.8 kcal/mol), accompanied by more comprehensive per-residue interactions. The data indicates that molecule C may be an acceptable candidate for subsequent in vivo study as a neuroprotective drug in PD.
Artemisinin is a natural compound that exhibits cytotoxic effects, particularly on cancer cells. This study investigated the effects of Artemisinin on the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antioxidant enzyme activities of the human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and the normal fibroblast cell line (L929) with molecular docking. Cells were treated with Artemisinin at concentrations of 12.5 & micro;M, 25 & micro;M, and 50 & micro;M. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, DNA damage using the comet assay, and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) using the ELISA method. MTT analysis revealed a dose-dependent decrease in viability in MDA-MB-231 cells, with an LD50 value determined to be 25 & micro;M. In L929 cells, viability was preserved up to 25 & micro;M, but a decrease was observed at 50 & micro;M. Comet assay results showed that DNA damage increased in a dose-dependent manner in MDA-MB-231 cells, while in L929 cells, significant damage occurred only at 50 & micro;M. Antioxidant enzyme analyses revealed significant decreases in SOD, CAT, and GPx activities in MDA-MB-231 cells, while no changes were observed in L929 cells at 25 & micro;M, and enzyme activities decreased at 50 & micro;M. Artemisinin produces cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in cancer cells with showed molecular docking parameter, while exhibiting lower toxicity at low concentrations in normal cells.
A 1382A>C substitution in the MOTS-c gene results in a K14Q amino acid replacement. Research on the MOTS-c K14Q variant is still limited, and its role in blood lipid metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of MOTS-c and its K14Q variant on obesity. A diet-induced obesity mouse model was established and treated with injections of either MOTS-c or the K14Q variant. Subsequent analyses examined AMPK (PRKAA1) expression, changes in body weight, and serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and free fatty acids (FFA). Both MOTS-c and the K14Q variant activated AMPK expression and reduced body weight as well as levels of TC, TG, and FFA. However, MOTS-c exhibited a stronger effect on reducing TC and TG, whereas the K14Q variant showed a greater impact on lowering FFA. In conclusion, MOTS-c and its K14Q variant both exert lipid-lowering effects, but their differential impacts on TC, TG, and FFA suggest distinct regulatory roles in blood lipid metabolism.
This study aimed to isolate and characterize exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from goat milk and evaluate their probiotic potential and suitability as starter cultures for fermented dairy products. Of the 60 LAB isolates, 19 demonstrated EPS production ability, of which six strains exhibited the highest EPS production. These isolates were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and assessed for their probiotic properties, including acid and bile tolerance, survivability in simulated gastric and pancreatic juices, auto-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, lysozyme and phenol tolerance, antibacterial and antifungal activities, antioxidative capacity, and safety tests. Enterococcus durans DMGUD5 exhibited the most promising probiotic characteristics and was used to prepare fermented curd. The curd was analyzed for its proximate composition and shelf life, considering its sensory attributes, pH, probiotic viability, and microbial safety. DMGUD5 demonstrated high EPS production, superior acid and bile tolerance, strong survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and significant antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidative activities. The curd prepared using DMGUD5 had acceptable sensory properties and maintained probiotic viability above 6 log1n CFU/g for eight days under refrigerated storage (4 +/- 1 degrees C). E. durans DMGUD5, exhibits promising probiotic properties and can be used as a starter culture for the production of functional fermented
