Leaf senescence of Chinese flowering cabbage after harvest is a key factor to cause quality deterioration. Both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC) transcription factors (TFs) were reported to be involved in leaf senescence, but the mechanism by which NAC TFs regulate H2O2-induced leaf senescence has not been fully elucidated. In this study, BrNAC046, a senescence-activated NAC TF was identified, whose expression was induced by exogenous 100 mM H2O2. BrNAC046 activated genes involved in chlorophyll catabolism (BrSGR2), programmed cell death (BrBFN1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (BrRbohCL) by binding to their promoters. Interaction with radical-induced cell death1 (BrRCD1), a hub protein involved in ROS signaling, enhanced the BrNAC046's transcriptional activity. Overexpression of BrNAC046 accelerated senescence in tobacco and Arabidopsis. Our findings reveal that BrNAC046 induces H2O2-regulated leaf senescence by modulating chlorophyll degradation, ROS production, and cell death, providing new molecular insights into postharvest senescence of Chinese flowering cabbage.

To evaluate CP for pesticide residue control in spices, dried Cinnamomum cassia Presl bark pieces fortified with eight pesticides were used as a controlled postharvest model. Volatilomics and untargeted metabolomics were further used to explore the related quality-modulation mechanisms. CP promoted pesticide degradation, with higher removal efficiencies obtained at increased power and treatment time. The mean degradation percentages generally showed an upward trend with increasing plasma power and treatment time. Among the conditions examined, treatment at 1.3 kW for 10 min produced the highest mean degradation percentage for each of the eight pesticides, with values ranging from approximately 15% to 55% in fortified cinnamon bark. CP also altered the surface structure and water status of cinnamon, as indicated by stronger surface etching, reduced contact angle, and decreased bound water content. Volatilomic analysis identified 111 volatile organic compounds, mainly terpenoids. CP increased the detectable abundance of key flavor- and function-related compounds, including d-limonene, cinnamyl acetate, β-elemene, and α−/β-pinene, and 30 volatile markers were screened. Untargeted metabolomics identified 164 metabolites and 52 differential metabolites, which were mainly annotated to carbohydrate-related pathways. Meanwhile, DPPH radical-scavenging and FRAP reducing capacities were higher after CP treatment, whereas antibacterial properties remained generally stable. These results indicate that CP can reduce pesticide residues in cinnamon while improving volatile flavor release and maintaining functional quality, providing a basis for its application in green processing of spices and plant-derived foods.

Oligoasthenospermia is a major cause of male infertility.According to the TCM theory that the kidney stores essence and governs reproduction,this study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of the classic formula Erjing Wan(EJW)on busulfan(Bu)-induced oligoasthenospermia in mice.A mouse model of oligoasthenospermia was established by Bu injection,and the water decoction(EJW-W),alcohol extract(EJW-E),and polysaccharide fraction(EJW-P)of EJW were systematically prepared,in which the chemical constituents were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS.In vivo pharmacodynamic evaluation showed that compared with the model group,all EJW interventions significantly increased the sperm count and motility and restored the serum levels of testosterone(T)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH).Additionally,testicular oxidative stress was effectively ameliorated,as indicated by enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH),along with reduced malondialdehyde(MDA)content.Histopathological examination revealed significant alleviation of seminiferous tubule vacuolization and structural atrophy,with improved orderly arrangement of spermatogenic cells at various stages.The further molecular mechanism study demonstrated that the therapeutic effects were closely associated with the suppression of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway over-activation,manifested as significantly downregulated expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK(p-p38 MAPK),phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65),and downstream inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Moreover,the expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3(SYCP3),a marker of spermatogenic cells,and cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme(CYP11A1+),a key enzyme in testosterone synthesis,was effectively up-regulated.Notably,EJW-E and EJW-P exhibited particularly remarkable effects,with EJW-P showing superior potential in improving the testicular microenvironment.In conclusion,EJW extracts ameliorate Bu-induced oligoasthenospermia by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and mitigating testicular oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.The active material basis is likely associated with flavonoids and steroidal saponins in the alcohol extract,as well as polysaccharides.

This study addresses the complicated pretreatment steps in pesticide residue detection of American Ginseng by introducing a simplified QuEChERS purification method. The core of this method is a novel composite material (PSA/WT@MeS) made by loading PSA and multi-walled carbon nanotubes onto a three-dimensional melamine sponge. This material effectively removes multiple interferents from complex matrices. When used in the QuEChERS workflow, it allows purification and separation of American Ginseng samples in a single step, greatly streamlining the traditional process. Combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 12 common pesticides in American Ginseng were measured. The method showed good linearity (R² > 0.99) for all 12 pesticides across the 1-20 µg/kg range. Detection limits ranged from 0.01 to 0.12 µg/kg, and quantification limits from 0.03 to 0.40 µg/kg. Matrix effects were kept within ±20%. At three spiked levels, average recoveries ranged from 87.8% to 109.8%, with relative standard deviations below 9.9%. This approach offers faster pretreatment and better purification. It provides a practical option for detecting pesticide residues in American Ginseng and other complex matrices.

An examination of the inhibitory impact and underlying mechanisms of propyl gallate (PG) on pathogenic bacteria isolated from naturally soft-rot-affected Chinese flowering cabbage was conducted. Findings indicated that Pectobacterium carotovorum, designated as Pcc A1, was the causative agent of the soft rot. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PG against Pcc A1 was determined to be 0.10 g L- 1. In vitro assays revealed that PG markedly suppressed the proliferation and viability of Pcc A1. Moreover, PG treatment reduced the disease index and lesion diameter after Pcc A1 inoculation. It also preserved visual and sensory attributes by minimizing weight loss and maintaining total soluble solids and chlorophyll levels. Furthermore, compared to the control, PG treatment enhanced the activities of disease resistance-related enzymes (PAL, C4H, CHI, and 4CL) by 1.27- to 5.87-fold after 1 d of storage. This was accompanied by a 1.62-fold increase in flavonoid content and a 1.60-fold elevation in total phenolic. Additionally, PG treatment improved DPPH radical scavenging capacity, increased antioxidant enzyme (POD, CAT, and APX) activities and their gene expression, and reduced hydrogen peroxide accumulation during the inoculation period. Collectively, these outcomes highlight the potential of PG as an effective agent for managing postharvest soft rot in Chinese flowering cabbage.

While cold storage is essential to extend the postharvest preservation of litchi fruit, the abrupt transfer to ambient temperature during supply chain transitions may trigger rapid quality degradation. However, the comprehensive mechanisms and critical threshold of post-transfer quality deterioration remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, litchi fruits were stored at 4 °C for 10, 20, and 30 days, followed by simulated shelf life at 25 °C. Key indicators, including appearance quality, antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and enzymatic oxidation, were monitored, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine quality deterioration thresholds. Litchi subjected to 30 d of cold storage exhibited significantly accelerated pericarp browning compared to those stored for 20 d and 10 d, with the browning index increasing by 25.7% (vs. 20 d) and 41.9% (vs. 10 d), respectively, after 24 h of ambient exposure. This was accompanied by a significant impairment of the antioxidant system. Compared to the fruits stored for 10 d and 20 d, the activities of key antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and APX) were substantially decreased in the 30 d group, with reductions ranging from approximately 9% to 28%. Concurrently, the non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity also declined. Meanwhile, 30 d of storage activated the browning-related enzymes: anthocyanase and peroxidase (POD) activities increased by 1.2- to 3.6-fold, and poly-phenol oxidase (PPO) activity increased by 11% to 37%, compared to the 10 d and 20 d groups, respectively. In contrast, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity was inhibited by 56.9%. It also enhanced membrane lipid metabolism disorders, which aggravated cell structure damage and oxidative stress. For practical application, PCA identified 10 d (4 °C) + 6 h (25 °C), and 20 d (4 °C) + 12 h (25 °C) as the optimal and critical quality thresholds, respectively. This study reveals the interactive regulatory relationship between cold storage duration and ambient exposure time mediated by oxidative stress, enzymatic browning, and membrane lipid metabolism, providing a theoretical basis for developing time-temperature-quality models to reduce postharvest losses in litchi.

This study aimed to develop a submicron emulsion (SE) of Acer truncatum seed oil (ASO) and Rose roxburghii Tratt juice (RRTJ) using a response surface method for optimal formula screening and process parameters. The stability of ASO-RRTJ/SE and its effects on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice were investigated. The ASO-RRTJ/SE exhibited a desirable particle size ((276.86 ± 4.61) nm), polydispersity index (PDI, 0.22 ± 0.02), centrifugal stability parameter (Ke, 0.143 ± 0.004), and Zeta potential ((30.57 ± 2.38) mV). Morris water maze test, measurement of acetylcholine (ACh) concentration and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the hippocampus, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in serum, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunofluorescence staining were adopt to evaluate ASO-RRTJ/SE therapeutic potential in alleviating scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. Behavioral tests demonstrated that ASO-RRTJ/SE significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced spatial learning and memory deficits in mice, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects against scopolamine-mediated central nervous system excitation. Compared to the Model group, the high-dose ASO-RRTJ/SE (H-SE) group displayed a 77.84% increase in hippocampal ACh content, a 46.97% decrease in AChE activity, a 29.48% increase in serum SOD activity, and a 40.15% decrease in MDA content. H&E staining of hippocampal sections revealed that the H-SE group exhibited well-organized hippocampal neurons, with a significantly reversal of nuclear pyknosis, deep staining, and cytoplasmic dissolution. The pyramidal cell layer displayed improved organization, and the intercellular distance returned to normal. Additionally, H-SE treatment significantly reduced the aggregation of phosphorylated tau protein, increased choline acetyltransferase expression, and promoted brain-derived neurotrophic factor production. In conclusion, ASO-RRTJ/SE ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.

Stem lignification leads to decline in quality and restricts the shelf life of Chinese flowering cabbage. However, the role of transcription factors in this process is unclear. This study demonstrates that modified atmosphere packaging (MP30) effectively delayed lignification and lignin accumulation during postharvest storage. Moreover, a novel WRKY transcriptional activator (BrWRKY70) was identified, whose expression upregulated during storage but was suppressed by MP30. BrWRKY70 directly activated downstream lignin synthetic genes BrPAL3, BrPODC3, and BrPOD69 by binding to their promoters. Additionally, functional validation in Arabidopsis thaliana showed that BrWRKY70 accelerated lignin and flavonoid synthesis via upregulating the expressions of related genes. Our findings suggest that BrWRKY70 acts as a transcriptional activator, promoting lignin synthesis and accelerating stem lignification in Chinese flowering cabbage.

Introduction:Depression is a mental illness closely associated with neurological damage and is characterised by high rates of suicide and mood changes. As a traditional medicinal plant, Rosa roxburghii Tratt has been widely used since ancient times in the Miao and Dong regions of Southwest China for the relief of sleep disorders, indigestion, anti-inflammation, neurasthenia and neuroprotection. The total triterpenes of R. roxburghii were previously found to have certain neuroprotective effects, and whether Kaji-ichigoside F1 (KF1), as its main ingredient, plays a relevant pharmacological role needs to be further investigated. Methods:Establishment of mouse depression model and BV2 microglia inflammation model using intraperitoneal injection of LPS in mice and LPS stimulated-BV2 microglia, respectively. The antidepressant effects of KF1 were evaluated by forced swim test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and open field test (OFT). The number of Nissl bodies and apoptotic positive cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was observed by Nissl and TUNEL staining. Then, the levels of TNFα, PPAR-γ, TGF-β, and IL-6 cytokines were tested by ELISA kits. Finally, the molecular mechanisms were investigated by Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence in vivo and in vitro. Results:KF1 dramatically ameliorated LPS-induced depressive like behaviors, neuronal damage, apoptosis, and suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and hippocampus of mice. Our vitro experiment also showed KF1 significantly reduced cell viability and attenuated apoptosis in LPS-induced BV2 microglia, decreased the mean fluorescence intensity of Caspase-1, TNFα, NF-κB, IL-1β, NLRP3, and Keap1. However, the mean fluorescence intensity of GCLC, GCLM, GST, SOD1, HO-1, and Nrf2 were significantly increased. Finally, Western blot analysis showed that KF1 suppressing the expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and activating PPARγ/CX3CR1/Nrf2 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion:In conclusion, these results suggest that KF1 is an effective alleviator of LPS-induced depression-like effects in vivo and in vitro. These effects were associated with activating PPARγ/CX3CR1/Nrf2 signaling, and suppressing NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Internal browning (IB), a postharvest physiological disorder in pineapple, causes internal browning deterioration of fruit quality and economic losses. This study investigated physiological and transcriptomic responses of 'Comte de Paris' pineapple stored at 10 degrees C and 25 degrees C to elucidate mechanisms of IB development and low temperature induced browning tolerance. Low-temperature storage (10 degrees C) maintained higher antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, CAT, SOD) and enhanced free radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Components of the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, including AsA, GSH, and the activities of APX, GPX, and GR, were also preserved at elevated levels under low-temperature storage. Concurrently, low-temperature inhibited lipase and LOX activities, reducing membrane oxidative damage. Moreover, 10 degrees C-storage suppressed PPO activity and key phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes (PAL, C4H, 4CL), and reducing phenolic substrates (caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid) for enzymatic browning. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 10 degrees C-and 25 degrees C-stored fruits. Enriched pathways included glycerolipid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and oxidoreductase activity, aligning with physiological data. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that key transcription factors (MYBs, NACs, WRKYs, bZIPs, and bHLHs) and calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) were closely associated with browning phenotypes. RT-qPCR validated transcriptome results, confirming the upregulation of SOD, POD, APX, GPX, and DHAR, and the downregulation of LOX, PLD, GDSL, PPO, PAL, C3'H, C4H, 4CL, MYB, and CPK genes during low-temperature storage. These findings demonstrate that low temperature mitigates IB by sustaining antioxidant capacity, alleviating membrane oxidative damage, suppressing phenolic biosynthesis, and modulating transcriptional networks. These results provide insights into postharvest pineapple quality management.

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of lipids as a pathological feature. Previous studies have demonstrated that Rosa roxburghii Tratt. fruit vinegar (RFV) played an important role in intervening in obesity and related complications by regulating the intestinal microbiota in high-fat diet mice.MethodsThis study investigated the mechanisms by which RFV improves NAFLD from multiple perspectives. Potential targets were predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Intestinal microbial communities were detected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Liver metabolites were detected and analyzed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-exactive high field-X mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-Exactive HF-X) and Progenesis QI software. Hepatic protein expression levels were detected and quantified using Western blotting analysis and gray-value analysis, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that, RFV could improve the diversity of intestinal microbiota in NAFLD mice, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B), and reverse the relative abundance of differential bacteria genera related to lipid accumulation and energy metabolism. The intestinal microbiota was correlated with the levels of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in the serum and liver of mice with NAFLD. The primary bacteria genera involved were Allobaculum, Faecalibaculum, Dubosiella, Blautia, and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae. A total of 441 liver metabolites were identified in NAFLD mice and participating in 21 metabolic pathways. Glycerophospholipid metabolism may be an important pathway regulating NAFLD by RFV. Phosphatidylcholines (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholinergic (LPC) metabolites were significantly regulated by RFV and had significant correlation with differential microbiota. RFV may improve NAFLD by regulating lipid synthesis in the adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Western blotting analysis showed that, RFV could activate the AMPK phosphorylation, and reduce the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1c), resulting in the inhibition of fatty acids de novo synthesis and lipid accumulation.ConclusionAs a functional food, RFV has been proven to be effective in improving NAFLD. The underlying mechanisms involve the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites balance, and regulation on lipid disorders through AMPK signaling pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the microbiota succession and the development of volatile flavor in grass carp fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and their correlation. The result of the microbial community displayed the diversity of the fermented samples reduced remarkedly with the fermentation time increased. During the fermentation, the relative abundance of Staphylococcus increased first and then decreased, whereas that of Enterobacter decreased first and then increased. Notably, Lactiplantibacillus had the highest abundance throughout the whole fermentation process. At 15 days of fermentation, Lactiplantibacillus and Enterobacter emerged as the dominant genera, which might result from the addition of L. plantarum. The result of headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry exhibited 46 volatile compounds exited in the fermented sample, among which 19 compounds were key volatile compounds according to the OAV analysis. The correlation analysis displayed that Lactiplantibacillus was the most dominant microbial genus for the development of alcohol and ester compounds during the fermentation process, while Staphylococcus and Enterobacter were the most dominant microbial genera devoted to the formation of aldehyde and alcohol compounds. These results can be conducive to further studies to enhance the flavor quality of fermented fish products with L. plantarum.

The wine-making industry produces a large amount of grape pomace, which is rich in anthocyanins. To avoid wasting these resources, choline chloride: lactic acid (molar ratio of 1:2) (DES-1) was selected as the optimal solvent. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: temperature 60 degrees C, time 60 min, water content 25%. The anthocyanins yield was 5.73 mg (cyanidin-3-glucoside) equivalent/g under the optimal conditions, which was significantly higher than that obtained by DES-3 (Choline chloride: 1,4 butanediol), DES-5 (Choline chloride: 1,2 propylene glycol), and ethanol. The DES-1 extract showed significant higher color stability and antioxidant activities compared with the anthocyanins extracted by DES-3, DES-5, and ethanol. A total of eight individual anthocyanin compounds were identified in each extract, with delphinidin 3-O-glucoside, peonidin 3-O- glucoside, petunidin, and delphinidin as the dominant compounds. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed that DES-1 system showed a larger average number of hydrogen bonds (11.63), average lifetime of hydrogen bonds (364.21 ps) and with a reduced total interaction energy (-706.82 kJ/moL), thus improving the extraction efficiency and stability of anthocyanins. This study would provide new protocols for the extraction of anthocyanins from grape pomace.

Lipase from Thermomyces dupontii (TDL) shows great potential to prepare long-medium-long structured lipids (LML-SLs), but its poor thermostability represents a significant obstacle to further industrial application. Herein, a rational design based on structure and sequence analysis (including disulfide bond calculation and sequence alignment) was used to generate a more thermostable mutant. Compared with wild-type TDL, mutant M3 displayed a 9.1-fold, 7.2 degrees C and 10 degrees C increase in half-life (t1/2) at 60 degrees C, the half-loss temperature (T 50) at 15 min and optimum temperature, respectively. Remarkably, the specific activity of mutant M3 was 49.1% higher than that of wild-type TDL. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the structural flexibility of mutant M3 was reduced, which might contribute to the enhanced thermostability. Additionally, LML-SLs were synthesized from ethyl linoleate and tricaprylin with wild-type TDL and mutant M3. Compared with the wild-type TDL group, the LML-SL content of the mutant M3 group increased by 8.1%. This study will pave the way for the industrial application of TDL and provide valuable insights for enhancing the thermostability of other lipases.

Background: Depression is a common and recurrent neuropsychiatric disorder. Recent studies have shown that the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR) is involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Previous studies have found that Kaji-ichigoside F1 (KF1) has a protective effect against NMDA-induced neurotoxicity. However, the antidepressant mechanism of KF1 has not been confirmed yet. Purpose: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the rapid antidepressant activity of KF1 and explore the underlying mechanism. Study design: First, we explored the effect of KF1 on NMDA-induced hippocampal neurons and the underlying mechanism. Second, depression was induced in C57BL/6 mice via chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and the immediate and persistent depression-like behavior was evaluated using the forced swimming test (FST) after a single administration of KF1. Third, the contributions of NMDA signaling to the antidepressant effect of KF1 were investigated using pharmacological interventions. Fourth, CUMS mice were treated with KF1 for 21 days, and then their depression-like behaviors and the underlying mechanism were further explored. Methods: The FST was used to evaluate immediate and persistent depression-like behavior after a single administration of KF1 with or without NMDA pretreatment. The effect of KF1 on depressive-like behavior was investigated in CUMS mice by treating them with KF1 once daily for 21 days through the sucrose preference test, FST, open field test, and tail suspension test. Then, the effects of KF1 on the morphology and molecular and functional phenotypes of primary neuronal cells and hippocampus of mice were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Nissl staining, propidium iodide staining, TUNEL staining, Ca2+ imaging, JC-1 staining, ELISA, immunofluorescence analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot. Results: KF1 could effectively improve cellular viability, reduce apoptosis, inhibit the release of LDH and Ca2+, and increase the mitochondrial membrane potential and the number of dendritic spines numbers in hippocampal neurons. Moreover, behavioral tests showed that KF1 exerted acute and sustained antidepressant-like effects by reducing Glu-levels and ameliorating neuronal damage in the hippocampus. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that PSD95, Syn1, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were upregulated at the protein level, and BDNF and AMPA were upregulated at the mRNA level. NR1 and NR2A showed the opposite trend. Conclusion: These results confirm that KF1 exerts rapid antidepressant effects mainly by activating the AMPA-BDNF-mTOR pathway and inhibiting the NMDAR-CaMKII alpha pathway. This study serves as a new reference for discovering rapid antidepressants.

The occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a worldwide chronic disease, is mainly caused by insufficient insulin production and places a huge burden on the health system. Gastrodia elata Blume (GE), a food of medicine–food homology, has been reported to have the ability to inhibit glycosidase activity, indicating its potential in the treatment of diabetes. However, the main pharmacological components of GE for the treatment of T2DM have not been fully clarified. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the pharmacological components changes of GE with different drying methods and the treatment of T2DM using HPLC, network pharmacology, molecular docking and experimental evaluations. The results showed that the GE samples processed by the steam-lyophilized method possessed the highest total content of the six marker components and the strongest antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory abilities. Meanwhile, the six marker compounds had a total of 238 T2DM-related gene targets. Notably, these active compounds have good affinity for key gene targets associated with T2DM signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study revealed that different drying methods of GE affect the content of its major active compounds, antioxidant capacity, α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity and potential pharmacological effects on T2DM, indicating that it is a potential treatment of T2DM.

BACKGROUND:Ulcerative colitis (UC) refers to an idiopathic chronic inflammatory bowel disease that starts with inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining the normal architecture of the intestinal mucosa. In this study, the protective effect and potential mechanism of soluble dietary fiber from Rosa roxburghii Tratt residue (SDFR) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice were explored. RESULTS:The results revealed that SDFR could ameliorate body weight loss and pathological injury, improve the structure and crypt destruction in colon in DSS-induced mice. Moreover, the levels of NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 were decreased after administration of SDFR. Notably, nontargeted metabolomics analysis indicated that there were significant differences in 51 potential metabolites in serum between the DSS and control groups. SDFR intervention could regulate aberrant alterations of these metabolites and mitigate UC via regulating metabolic pathways, including arachidonic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. CONCLUSION:This study provides novel evidence that SDFR could be used as a potential modulator to relieve UC. Also, the results provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of byproducts in Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit processing. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

This study evaluated the quality attributes of tomato sour soup marinade and investigated the effects of ultrasound-assisted marination on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, texture, sensory quality, and flavour profile of beef. The results showed that tomato sour soup significantly increased the marinade absorption rate and improved beef tenderloin’s physicochemical properties, texture, and flavour attributes compared to static brine (P < 0.05), with organic acids playing an essential role in the marinade tenderisation process. Compared to static sour soup marination, ultrasound treatment significantly accelerated the marination process, reducing beef’s shear force, hardness, and chewiness while increasing its tenderness. Microstructural observations revealed that sour soup marination induced a fragmented and irregular muscle fibre structure. Furthermore, sour soup marination significantly increased the relative concentrations of volatile flavour compounds, including alkanes, organic sulphides, alcohols, aldehydes, and aromatic compounds. Appropriate ultrasound treatment positively affects the texture and flavour characteristics of beef marinated with tomato sour soup, and the optimal approach was 320 W ultrasound treatment for 60 min. Overall, tomato sour soup improved beef’s textural and flavour attributes, while ultrasound-assisted marination is an effective processing method to improve the quality of meat products.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurological disease with recognition ability loss symptoms and a major contributor to dementia cases worldwide. Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE), a food of medicine–food homology, has been reported to have a mitigating effect on memory and learning ability decline. However, the effect of GE fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, and Saccharomyces (FGE) on alleviating cognitive deficits in AD was not studied. Mice were randomly divided into six groups, control, model, donepezil, low, medium, and high doses of FGE, and D-Galactose/Aluminum chloride (D-Gal/AlCl3) was used to establish an AD-like mouse model. The results indicated that FGE could improve the production of neurotransmitters and relieve oxidative stress damage in AD-like mice, which was evidenced by the declined levels of amyloid-β (Aβ), Tau, P-Tau, acetylcholinesterase (AchE), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased acetylcholine (Ach), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in brain tissue. Notably, FGE could enhance the richness of the gut microbiota, especially for beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospira and Lactobacillus. Non-target metabolomics results indicated that FGE could affect neurotransmitter levels by regulating amino acid metabolic pathways to improve AD symptoms. The FGE possessed an ameliorative effect on AD by regulating neurotransmitters, oxidative stress levels, and gut microbiota and could be considered a good candidate for ameliorating AD.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Cili extracts in the treatment of enteritis and diarrhea. Methods: The RAW 264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations (1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 μg/mL) of Cili extracts, and then the cell viability was determined by MTT method. RAW264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of Cili extracts, and then lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce the cell inflammation model. The content of NO in cell culture supernatant was detected by Griess method. The UC mice model was induced by 3% DSS. The changes of signs during the modeling and drug treatment were observed, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. The colon length, colon wet weight index and spleen weight were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of colon. The protein expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 in colon tissues were detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: The concentration of Cili extract ≤10 μg/mL had no significant effect on cell viability (P>0.05). Cili extract inhibited the release of NO, and the inhibitory effect was more obvious with the increase of drug concentration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the colon length of Cili extract group was longer, and the colon wet weight index, spleen weight and DAI fraction were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining showed that Cili extract had a better protective effect on the intestinal mucosa of UC mice. Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that Cili extract down-regulated the expression level of Keap1 and up-regulated the expression level of Nrf2. Conclusion: Cili extract had good anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and expressed therapeutic effect on UC mice.