ABSTRACT The global burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising, shifting focus toward dietary interventions. Bioactive compounds from medicine‐food homologous (MFH) plants bridge nutrition and pharmacotherapy, yet a holistic synthesis of their molecular mechanisms is lacking. A semi‐systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (2017–2026) identified 21 original articles on 12 species of MFH plants from the Chinese National Health Commission's catalogue. These MFH‐derived bioactive compounds exert anti‐diabetic effects through diverse mechanisms collectively targeting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These include: improving insulin resistance (IR) via IRS/PI3K/Akt and AMPK signaling; reducing oxidative stress via endogenous antioxidant defenses; suppressing inflammation through NF‐κB and TLR4 pathways; modulating gut microbiota and enhancing short‐chain fatty acids; improving lipid metabolism; increasing glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion; and inhibiting ferroptosis. Individual plants often act via multiple pathways, though predominant mechanisms vary. The reviewed evidence suggests MFH‐derived bioactive compounds may act as multi‐target regulators, indicating a potential adjunctive role in diabetes care. High‐quality clinical trials are needed to standardize dosages and validate long‐term efficacy.
ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, motivating research into marine‐derived compounds as potential host‐directed adjuncts. This systematic review synthesized seven eligible experimental studies identified through a semantic literature search, evaluating omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fucoxanthin, caulerpin, and fucoidan. Findings were synthesized narratively because methodological heterogeneity precluded meta‐analysis. No included study directly evaluated marine‐derived peptides or peptide hydrolysates. Caulerpin reduced intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis burden, but its NLRP3 and cytokine effects were examined in a non‐tuberculous mycobacterial model. Fucoxanthin‐containing fractions demonstrated direct antimycobacterial activity and reduced organ bacterial burden without establishing a causal host‐directed pathway in TB. Fucoidan microparticles supported drug delivery; growth inhibition was demonstrated for an isoniazid/rifabutin‐containing formulation, without establishing an independent fucoidan effect. Omega‐3 PUFAs yielded contradictory findings, impairing macrophage antimicrobial activity in vitro while reducing bacterial burden in some animal models. Differences in host species, nutritional status, granuloma pathology, and intervention timing may explain these discrepancies. Marine‐derived compounds show preliminary potential, but host‐associated outcomes, direct antimicrobial activity, and formulation effects require separate interpretation. Heterogeneous preclinical designs and limited safety evidence constrain translation. Further research should establish TB‐specific mechanisms, evaluate safety, and investigate peptides and adjunctive combinations with conventional therapy.
ABSTRACT This study examines the cholesterol‐lowering effects of soybean sterols (SS) in L02 cells and hamsters via SREBP‐2/LXRα. Methods: Using L02 cells and hamsters as research subjects, we conducted an analysis on the impact of soybean sterols (SS) on the assimilation, synthesis, and elimination of cholesterol from hepatic cells. Through metabolomic profiling, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which soybean sterols lower cholesterol levels. Results: SS orchestrated a reduction in total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels through the regulation of genes associated with cholesterol absorption and biosynthesis in L02 cells. In hamsters, SS supplementation led to a dosage‐dependent decrease in TC and free cholesterol (FC) in serum and livers. Furthermore, the potential mechanism underlying SS‐induced cholesterol lowering may involve modulation of metabolites such as StE (22:6), PE (29:1/18:2), and ZyE (18:3). Interestingly, it was found that SS had a minimal impact on TG levels, but excessive SS led to an increase in TG levels. Conclusions: The discoveries underscore the advantageous influence of phytosterols on hepatic cholesterol metabolism; however, given the effects of phytosterols on TG, caution should be exercised in the intake dosage. This research lays down a fundamental cornerstone for the prevention and treatment of elevated cholesterol levels. Practical Application : This study provides a mechanistic basis for the cholesterol‐lowering benefits of soybean‐derived phytosterols, demonstrating their direct role in regulating hepatic cholesterol synthesis and excretion. The findings support the inclusion of phytosterols in functional foods or dietary supplements for managing hypercholesterolemia. However, the observed dose‐dependent effect on triglycerides—with the highest dose increasing TG levels—serves as a critical translational caution. It underscores that while phytosterols are effective for cholesterol reduction, excessive intake beyond recommended dietary guidelines (approximately 2 g/day in humans) may have unintended metabolic consequences. This research informs both the development of phytosterol‐enriched products and the establishment of safe intake recommendations for cardiovascular health promotion.
ABSTRACT Vitamin D (VD) is essential for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism but also for brain development and function. However, few data are available on the impact of maternal VD deficiency (VDD) on sex‐specific brain development, particularly in specific structures such as hypothalamus. This study investigated the impact of maternal VDD on early brain development, neuronal and glial differentiation, and hypothalamic gene expression in mice. Maternal VDD was associated with increased mRNA expression of markers related to neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis in both sexes, while mRNA expression of astrocyte‐related markers remained largely unchanged. Male offspring exhibited broader transcriptomic alterations, including dysregulation of melanocortin‐pathway and synaptic signaling genes, in the hypothalamus of early postnatal and adult mice. Maternal VDD was associated with sex‐dependent changes in gene expression relevant to early brain development, with altered mRNA expression of markers involved in neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis in both sexes. Male offspring exhibited transcriptomic changes, including altered expression of melanocortin‐pathway and synaptic signaling genes, further suggesting greater susceptibility of hypothalamic gene expression to maternal VDD. These findings indicate that maternal VDD may influence neurodevelopmental gene expression during early life, potentially contributing to later alterations in synaptic function, metabolism, and behavior.
ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder has increased worldwide over the past few decades. Medical comorbidities are common in patients with ASD, with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases being especially common. Involvement of the gut‐brain axis that communicates between the enteric and central nervous systems has been confirmed by several studies that have reported abnormal microbiota profiles in ASD subjects. In this review, a systematic database search was conducted. Six trials were included in the subgroup analysis that compared probiotic therapy with single or multiple strains to a placebo with respect to gastrointestinal severity index. The pooled effect size model revealed a slight decrease in gastrointestinal symptoms that favored probiotic supplementation (SMD = −0.189; 95% CI = −0.398 to 0.020; Z = −1.773, p = 0.07; I 2 = 39.4%). There was a moderate level of heterogeneity among the included studies. Additionally, the effects of single‐strain and multiple‐strain probiotic formulations were compared to their respective placebo groups using subgroup analysis. The results demonstrated that single‐strain probiotic medication reduced gastrointestinal symptoms when compared to the placebo group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between multiple‐strain probiotic therapy and a placebo. To accurately establish the therapeutic effects of probiotics on ASD, more randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies are required.
