Previous transcriptomic analysis revealed that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alters miRNA expression in HepG2 cells. Two key miRNA-mRNA axes mediating EPA's antioxidant effects were identified. EPA was found to downregulate let-7c-3p, which directly targets mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Inhibiting let-7c-3p or overexpressing TFAM enhanced antioxidant capacity, reduced reactive oxygen species, improved mitochondrial function, and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis. In parallel, EPA was found to upregulate miR-34c-5p, which directly targets NAD-Dependent Protein Deacetylase Sirtuin (SIRT1). This repression of SIRT1 is associated with increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. These findings indicate a dual-miRNA mechanism through which EPA alleviates oxidative stress via coordinated enhancement of mitochondrial biogenesis and enzymatic defenses.

A 2023 study identified two phenolic acid derivatives (HBP2-3) in the extract from the edible macroalga (Bangia fuscopurpurea), and we previously demonstrated the in vitro neuroprotective effects of HBP2-3. However, the appropriate starting experimental concentration range for HBP2-3 in animals remained unclear, and it was uncertain which compound might carry a lower toxicity risk. This study assessed the in vivo lethal dose of HBP2-3 and analyzed their in silico toxicological profiles to support a structure-toxicity relationship (STR) analysis. We predicted their LD50 using the tools GUSAR and DL-AOT, and determined their lethal concentrations (LC) using the in vivo zebrafish eleutheroembryo model. We predicted their toxicological properties using the tools (ADMETlab 3.0, TISBE, and embryoTox). An in vitro model was further selected to assess their toxicity. In in silico models, HBP2-3 showed potential to treat 12 parkinsonian syndromes, and HBP2 exhibited a higher rat oral LD50 than HBP3. In the in vivo zebrafish eleutheroembryo model, HBP2 (0.1-200 μM) and HBP3 (0.1-10 μM) did not induce mortality, and median LC (LC50) of HBP3 was estimated to be 115.48 μM. Compared with HBP3, HBP2 exhibited the following in silico advantages: (a) lower probabilities of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity; and (b) a reduced risk of developmental toxicity. In in vitro human neuronal IMR-32 cells, HBP3 exhibited greater cytotoxicity, potentially associated with the downregulation of Bcl-2 and the activation of caspase-3. These advantages of HBP2 may be associated with an increased degree of hydroxylation.

Curcumin, the major bioactive polyphenol derived from the edible rhizome turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), is recognized for its health-promoting properties. Despite well-documented antioxidant effects, its molecular mechanisms, particularly those involving post-transcriptional regulation, remain incompletely understood. This in vitro study identifies a novel microRNA-mediated pathway contributing to the antioxidant activity of curcumin in human hepatic LO2 cells. Curcumin treatment downregulated the stress-responsive microRNA miR-22-3p. Bioinformatics analysis and a dual-luciferase reporter assay identified malonyl-CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase (MCAT), a mitochondrial enzyme, as a direct target of miR-22-3p. Modulation of this axis reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhanced total reducing capacity, increased activities of key antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), and improved mitochondrial bioenergetics without altering membrane potential. Crucially, siRNA-mediated knockdown of MCAT attenuated the ROS-scavenging effect of curcumin. These findings reveal a mechanistic pathway wherein curcumin downregulates miR-22-3p, resulting in upregulation of MCAT and enhanced mitochondrial antioxidant defense. This work broadens the understanding of curcumin’s bioactivity from direct radical scavenging to include the post-transcriptional fine-tuning of mitochondrial metabolism. The study establishes a molecular framework for further exploration of curcumin’s potential in alleviating oxidative stress.

Whole grains and dietary fibers like arabinoxylan (AX) are crucial for human health. However, randomized controlled trials on AX-rich supplements show inconsistent outcomes, with ambiguous explanations. This study aims to differentiate the impact of foods rich in intrinsic versus isolated AXs on immunometabolic profiles. A systematic search of databases including Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science (up to August 4, 2024). Evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE. Thirty randomized controlled trials involving 1140 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Intrinsic AXs effectively reduced fasting blood glucose (standardized mean differences [SMD]: -0.44; 95 % CI: -0.75, -0.13; p = 0.005; I2 = 60 %) and systolic blood pressure (mean differences [MD]: -2.86; 95 % CI: -5.45, -0.27; p = 0.03; I2 = 0 %). More pronounced reductions in fasting blood glucose levels (SMD: -0.25; 95 % CI: -0.48, -0.03; p = 0.03; I2 = 0 %) were observed for individuals with overweight and obesity. The isolated AX(OS)s reduced fasting blood glucose (SMD: -0.19; 95 % CI: -0.36, -0.02; p = 0.03; I2 = 0 %) and total cholesterol (MD: -0.14; 95 % CI: -0.27, -0.01; p = 0.03; I2 = 0 %) levels, while increasing the lymphocyte count (MD: 3.52; 95 % CI: 0.75, 6.29; p = 0.01; I2 = 28 %). Attenuated fasting blood glucose levels were particularly pronounced for isolated AX(OS)s in norm weight individuals (SMD: -0.24; 95 % CI: -0.45, -0.02; p = 0.03; I2 = 0 %). Together, the findings of this meta-analysis emphasized the necessity of distinguishing between intrinsic and isolated AXs in dietary interventions affecting immunometabolism, which was also associated with participant characteristics. It provides clinical evidence for fiber related precision nutrition therapy in the future.

Endogenous proteases, such as matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), play critical roles in abalone muscle softening (myomalacia) via the decomposition of extracellular matrix, particularly collagen. However, the synergistic effect of endogenous proteases in collagen degradation remains unknown. In this study, the catalytic domain of MMP-14, namely rMMP14c, was firstly expressed and evaluated for its performance in abalone collagen degradation. SDS-PAGE and scanning electron microscopy revealed that rMMP14c completely degraded the γ-β-α chains of type I collagen within 8 h and effectively depolymerized collagen fibers. The synergistic effects of MMPs on collagen degradation was further examined. Notably, rMMP14c and rMMP1c showed enhanced effect on type I collagen degradation even within 1 h, along with significant release of collagen fiber-originated water-soluble substances. Therefore, the present study elucidates the potential mechanism underlying abalone muscle softening by which MMPs synergistically degrade collagen, providing practical insights for abalone storage during food processing.

Melanosomes are specialized membrane-bound organelles within which melanin is synthesized and stored. The levels of melanin can be effectively reduced by inhibiting melanin synthesis or promoting melanosome degradation via autophagy. Ceramide, a central molecule in sphingolipid metabolism, has been widely implicated in the regulation of autophagy. Few researchers have addressed the potential effects of ceramide analogs on suppressing melanin synthesis. However, whether ceramide can induce melanosome autophagy and the potential autophagy-dependent mechanism underlying this phenomenon remain unknown. Here, an active compound from the marine microalgae Emiliania huxleyi extract was firstly isolated and identified as a long-chain C22-ceramide (C22-Cer). In vitro results of mouse B16 melanoma cell experiments showed that treatment with 2–5 µmol/L C22-Cer significantly suppressed the increase of α-MSH-induced melanin levels and tyrosinase activity without cytotoxicity. C22-Cer induced typical hallmarks of autophagy such as accumulation of autophagosomes, enhanced autophagic flux and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3, LC3-II expression, and p62 degradation through activating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) directly. Furthermore, C22-Cer activated JNK-Bcl-2 signaling, dissociated the Beclin1/Bcl-2 complex, and induced melanosome autophagy without affecting the expression of MITF. Besides, the Ca2+ influx induced by treatment with C22-Cer further increased the substantial accumulation of autophagosomes. Together, we found a novel marine-derived compound, C22-Cer, targeting JNK pathway and Ca2+ signaling to induce melanosome autophagy and suppress melanin accumulation in B16 cells. This study implicates that C22-Cer might be a potential therapeutic mediator against skin pigmentation in mammals.

BACKGROUND:Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon and is supposed to be related to intestinal barrier dysfunction and gut microbiota disorders. Previous study identified the potential antioxidant effects of the peptide GFGFGGF derived from Quasipaa spinosa skin (QSP), but its other bioactive functions require further research. The aim of this study was to assess the function of QSP in a mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). RESULTS:The results showed that QSP ameliorated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice, such as weight loss, colon shortening, splenomegaly and histopathological changes. Further investigations revealed that QSP treatment suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Results from RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated that QSP inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the mRNA levels of its downstream inflammation-related genes (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Meanwhile, QSP increased the mRNA level of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin) and adherens junction proteins (E-cadherin) to maintain the integrity of the colonic barrier thus improving intestinal health. Meanwhile, QSP treatment modulated the composition of the intestinal microbiota, reversing the relative abundance of harmful and beneficial bacteria, and increased the levels of short-chain fatty acids. CONCLUSION:Our results indicated that peptide GFGFGGF had a notable function in preventing colitis induced by DSS. The restoration of the gut barrier and the regulation of gut microbiota were achieved by it, and it may be a promising prebiotic for the treatment of colitis. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inflammation represents an adaptive physiological response of body immune system to infection or tissue damage, which may be regulated by food supplementation. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has multi-functions and its anti-inflammatory effect has gained great attention. This study aimed to address the exact molecular mechanism underlying its inflammatory control. The results showed that EPA decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells by modulating the production of cellular cytokines. In addition, EPA downregulated miR-125b-5p, which showed pro-inflammatory effect and its forced expression attenuated EPA's anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, the cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is targeted by miR-125b-5p. CREB overexpression reduced inflammation probably via modulating the PGC-1α/NF-κB pathway, which resembled the effect of EPA pre-treatment. Therefore, EPA exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by targeting the miR-125b-5p/CREB axis, which modulated the production of inflammatory mediators probably via transcription control. This study provides insights into microRNA-mediated action mechanism and facilitates the relief of inflammation-associated diseases by food ingredients.

Objective:Triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and their ratio (TG/HDL-c) are key lipid markers associated with metabolic dysfunction. This study aims to investigate the association of TG, HDL-c, and TG/HDL-c ratio with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and to assess whether TG/HDL-c ratio provides superior predictive ability for MASLD compared to TG or HDL-c alone. Importance:Although previous research has explored the relationship between TG/HDL-c and MASLD, the applicability of these findings across different ethnicities and populations remains uncertain. Additionally, this study is based on NHANES data, which relies on self-reported measures and lacks longitudinal follow-up, limiting the ability to establish causal relationships. While we adjusted for multiple covariates, residual confounding cannot be ruled out. Therefore, further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to validate these associations and assess the long-term predictive value of TG/HDL-c ratio for MASLD. Methods:A cross-sectional study utilizing the NHANES 2017-2020 database was conducted. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between TG, HDL-c, and the TG/HDL-c ratio with MASLD. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive effectiveness. Sensitivity analysis was carried out using multiple imputation for missing data and subgroup stratification to validate the findings. Results:TG, HDL-c, and TG/HDL-c ratio were significantly associated with MASLD (p < 0.05 for all). The TG/HDL-c ratio demonstrated the highest predictive value (AUC = 0.732, 95% CI: 0.683-0.781), compared to TG (AUC = 0.713, 95% CI: 0.664-0.762) and HDL-c (AUC = 0.313, 95% CI: 0.264-0.362). The weak predictive power of HDL-c alone may be attributed to its complex role in lipid metabolism and potential confounding by other metabolic factors. Conclusion:Maintaining favorable levels of TG, HDL-c and TG/HDL-c ratio may lower MASLD risk. Using TG/HDL-c ratio could improve prediction models compared to individual TG or HDL-c markers.

Purpose:Self-collected specimens are increasingly being used as alternatives to swab-based methods for the detection of respiratory viruses. While saliva is well accepted, gargle specimens are a potential alternative with characteristics that are more favorable for laboratory handling. This study assessed the performance of gargle specimens in the detection of influenza A viruses (IAVs).Patients and Methods:We performed a prospective head-to-head comparison between combined nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs (NPS&OPS) and purified water gargle (PWG) among adult outpatients with febrile respiratory symptoms to detect IAVs using real-time RT-PCR during two influenza seasons.Results:During study periods 1 (July 13 to 26, 2022, H3N2 predominated) and 2 (February 25 to March 10, 2023, H1N1 pdm09 predominated), a total of 459 patients were recruited. The overall agreement between the NPS&OPS and PWG was 85.0% (390/459, κ = 0.697), with 88.0% in period 1 and 82.6% in period 2. The detection rate of IAVs in PWG (51.6%, 237/459) was lower than that in NPS&OPS (62.3%, 286/459) (p < 0.0001). The overall sensitivity and specificity were 96.6% (93.7-98.3%) and 100% (97.1-100%) in NPS&OPS and were 80.1% (75.0-84.4%) and 100% (97.1-100%) in PWG, respectively. Among the 227 pairs of concordant positive specimens, cycle threshold (Ct) values were significantly lower in NPS&OPS than in PWG (median Ct values: 24.2, 28.2, p < 0.0001).Conclusion:Although self-collected PWG specimens offer acceptable performance for IAVs molecular testing, NPS&OPS remain a reliable option. Given the convenience of collection, nonviscous gargles are recommended for viral detection during emergencies or under specific conditions.

The escalating prevalence of obesity poses significant health challenges due to its direct association with various diseases. Most existing medications, such as appetite suppressants and fat absorption inhibitors, suffer from limited effectiveness and undesirable side effects. Here, inspired by the versatile metabolic effects of turmeric, we developed a naturally derived nanoformulation of "Reconstructed Turmeric-derived Nanovesicles (Rec-tNVs)" for obesity treatment. Employing quantitative nanoflow cytometry, a four-orders-of-magnitude increase in curcumin content (similar to 10(8) molecules per particle) was identified in individual Rec-tNVs compared to their ultracentrifugation-isolated counterparts. Rec-tNVs, featuring highly aggregated curcumin arrangements and other coencapsulated bioactive compounds, demonstrated a dose-dependent lipid-lowering effect in mature 3T3-L1 cells by promoting lipolysis, suppressing lipogenesis, inducing adipocyte browning, and triggering apoptosis after internalization via multiple pathways. In vivo experiments revealed that Rec-tNVs alleviated obesity more effectively than free curcumin and achieved weight reductions of 18.68 and 14.56% through intragastric and subcutaneous delivery, respectively, in high-fat-diet mouse models over a four-week treatment period. These effects were attributed to targeted actions on adipose tissues and systemic impacts on metabolism and gut microbiota composition. Overall, this study underscores the multifaceted antiobesity efficacy of Rec-tNVs, and offers a promising paradigm for developing plant-derived nanovesicle-based therapeutics.

Frog oil has been recognized for its nutritional and medicinal value. However, there is limited research on the role of frog oil in preventing obesity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the lipid composition of Quasipaa spinosa oil (QSO) and Rana catesbeiana oil (RCO) using lipidomics analysis. We compared the lipid accumulation effects of these two kinds of frog oils and soybean oil (SO) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Additionally, we determined the gene expression related to lipid metabolism and used the nhr-49 mutant (RB1716) and sir-2.1 mutant (VC199) for validation experiments. The results showed that the lipid composition of QSO and RCO was significantly different (p < 0.05), and QSO was rich in more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). After feeding C. elegans, the lipid accumulation of the QSO group was the lowest among the three dietary oil groups. In addition, compared with RCO and SO, QSO significantly inhibited the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The effects of three kinds of dietary oils on the fatty acid composition of C. elegans were significantly different. Compared with SO and RCO, QSO significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05) the expression of sir-2.1 and ech-1 genes. The results showed that QSO might reduce lipid accumulation through the SIRT1 and nuclear hormone signaling pathways. Such a situation was verified experimentally by the nhr-49 mutant (RB1716) and sir-2.1 mutant (VC199). This study proposed a new functional oil, laying the groundwork for developing functional foods from Quasipaa spinosa.

Melanosomes are specialized membrane-bound organelles where melanin is synthesized and stored. The levels of melanin can be effectively reduced by inhibiting melanin synthesis or promoting melanosome degradation via autophagy. Ceramide, a key component in the metabolism of sphingolipids, is crucial for preserving the skin barrier, keeping it hydrated, and warding off the signs of aging. Our preliminary study indicated that a long-chain C22-ceramide compound (Ehux-C22) isolated from the marine microalga Emiliania huxleyi, reduced melanin levels via melanosomal autophagy in B16 cells. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to act as melanogenesis-regulating molecules in melanocytes. However, whether the ceramide Ehux-C22 can induce melanosome autophagy at the post-transcriptional level, and which potential autophagy-dependent mechanisms are involved, remains unknown. Here, miR-199a-3p was screened and identified as a novel upregulated miRNA in Ehux-C22-treated B16 cells. An in vitro high melanin expression model in cultured mouse melanoma cells (B16 cells) was established by using 0.2 μM alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone(α-MSH) and used for subsequent analyses. miR-199a-3p overexpression significantly enhanced melanin degradation, as indicated by a reduction in the melanin level and an increase in melanosome autophagy. Further investigation demonstrated that in B16 cells, Ehux-C22 activated miR-199a-3p and inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) level, thus activating the mTOR-ULK1 signaling pathway by promoting the expression of unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Beclin-1, autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) and degrading p62. Therefore, the roles of Ehux-C22-regulated miR-199a-3p and the mTOR pathway in melanosomal autophagy were elucidated. This research may provide novel perspectives on the post-translational regulation of melanin metabolism, which involves the coordinated control of melanosomes.

This study used a mouse model of hyperuricemia (HUA) to compare the effects of three phenols derived from pickled radish: 2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP), 4-hydroxyphenylethanol (4-HPEA), and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (HBA) on uric acid (UA) levels and related biomarkers, as well as their association with gut microbiota. Serum UA levels and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity were significantly lower after HBA treatment compared to other phenol-treated groups (p < 0.05). DHAP and HBA significantly reduced creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, ameliorating renal dysfunction (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA results showed that DHAP and 4-HPEA increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). HBA demonstrated the strongest UA-lowering effect among the phenols, attributed to its renal function improvement and gut microbiota regulation.

Frog skin, a by-product of Quasipaa Spinosa farming, is rich in protein and potentially a valuable raw material for obtaining antioxidant peptides. This study used papain combined with acid protease to digest frog skin in a two-step enzymatic hydrolysis method. Based on a single factor and response surface experiments, experimental conditions were optimized, and the degree of hydrolysis was 30 %. A frog skin hydrolysate (QSPH-Ⅰ-3) was obtained following ultrafiltration and gel filtration chromatography. IC50 for DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacities were 1.68 ± 0.05, 1.20 ± 0.14 and 1.55 ± 0.11 mg/mL, respectively. Peptide sequences (17) were analyzed and, through molecular docking, peptides with low binding energies for KEAP1 were identified, which might affect the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway. These findings suggest protein hydrolysates and antioxidant peptide derivatives might be used in functional foods.

Given the worldwide epidemic of overweight and obesity among children, evidence-based dietary recommendations are fundamentally important for obesity prevention. Although the significance of the human gut microbiome in shaping the physiological effects of diet and obesity has been widely recognized, nutritional therapeutics for the mitigation of pediatric obesity globally are only just starting to leverage advancements in the nutritional microbiology field. In this review, we extracted data from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, Cochrane Library and Wiley online library that focuses on the characterization of gut microbiota (including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea) in children with obesity. We further review host-microbe interactions as mechanisms mediating the physiological effects of dietary fibers and how fibers alter the gut microbiota in children with obesity. Contemporary nutritional recommendations for the prevention of pediatric obesity are also discussed from a gut microbiological perspective. Finally, we propose an experimental framework for integrating gut microbiota into nutritional interventions for children with obesity and provide recommendations for the design of future studies on precision nutrition for pediatric obesity.

Dysregulated lipid metabolism in liver is an important hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may be modulated by dietary polyphenols or microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanism of polyphenols remain unclear. The current study aimed to address how miRNA mediates hepatic lipid metabolic control of curcumin, a polyphenolic food supplement. The results showed that 24 h treatment with 5-20 mu M curcumin prevented free fatty acid -induced lipid accumulation by around 10-50% in HepG2 cells, which was attenuated by pre-transfection with 40 nM miR-22-3p mimic for 48 h. In consequence, transfection with 40 nM miR-22-3p inhibitor for 48 h significantly reduced lipid accumulation by around 10%. And, 48 h overexpression of miR-22-3p targeting cardiolipin synthase 1 (CRLS1) gene, which encodes a mitochondrial phospholipid synthase, showed a similar regulatory effect. Thus, miR-22-3p and CRLS1 showed opposite effects in modulating lipid metabolism, which probably involved mitochondrial control. In summary, this study demonstrated that curcumin improved hepatic lipid metabolism via targeting the miR-22-3p/CRLS1 pathway. Identification of the epigenetic regulatory mechanism underlying lipid metabolism may thereby facilitate alleviation of metabolic disorders by natural polyphenols.

Background & Objective Dietary fibers can alter the gut microbiota that is linked to the host health, however, the human intervention results showed varying degrees of prebiotic efficacy and the reasons are unclear. This study appraises literature to provide an overview of the complex regulatory mechanisms of intrinsic arabinoxylans-rich foods and isolated arabinoxylans in their interactions with the gut microbiota. The Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 31 Oct 2023. The GRADE was used to assess evidence quality. Key findings A total of 34 human interventional studies involving 1324 participants were included. The isolated arabinoxylans manipulated gut microbiota abundance more selectively than intrinsic arabinoxylans, thereby reducing microbial diversity (SMD: -0.55, 95% CI: -0.94, -0.15) and promoting Bifidobacterium abundance (SMD: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.54). The longer-chain arabinoxylans with the high-dose (≥ 10 g/day) enhanced the production of fecal propionate (SMD: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.21), whereas the shorter-chain arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (≥ 10 g/day) reduced isobutyrate (SMD: -1.67, 95% CI: -2.34, -1.01) and isovalerate (SMD: -1.29, 95% CI: -1.92, -0.67). The intrinsic arabinoxylans showed greater efficacy in increasing acetate (SMD: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.82) and butyrate levels (SMD: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.66). Conclusion The regulatory effects of arabinoxylans on the gut microbiota, and especially short-chain fatty acids production, depended on their discrete structures, intrinsic properties, and dosages. It highlights a better defining the role of dietary fibers for precise use in manipulations of the human gut microbiota and their metabolic functions relevant to health.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of dietary fibre on the mental health and cognitive function of children and adolescents. Methods: All interventional and observational studies that contained information on the relevant population (children and adolescents), intervention/exposures (high dietary fibre consumption) and outcomes (mental and cognitive parameters) were eligible. Eight electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched up to December 11, 2023. Results: A total of 15 studies (n = 4628) met inclusion criteria, consisting of 9 intervention trials and 6 observational studies. According to observational studies, higher dietary fibre consumption was associated with a 49% reduction in the odds of depression compared to lower intake (P < 0.0001; OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.69; I2 = 0%). Furthermore, no significant correlations were found between dietary fibre consumption and intelligence or anxiety. Among intervention studies, no significant difference was observed between fibre supplementation and placebo in terms of anxiety (standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.23; 95% CI: -0.72, 0.27), stress (SMD: 0.03; 95% CI: -0.21, 0.28), memory (SMD: 0.46; 95% CI: -0.79, 1.71), or attention (SMD: -2.72; 95% CI: -6.30, 0.86). Conclusion: Evidence from observation studies demonstrated that higher dietary fibre consumption is associated with a decreased odds of depression symptoms, both in childhood and adolescence. However, the causal relationship between dietary fibre intake and mental and cognitive function in children and adolescents still requires further clarification through high-quality intervention studies in the future.

Potato common scab is a soil-borne bacterial disease caused by Streptomyces scabies, which is ubiquitous and difficult to control. In this study, the issue of developing antimicrobial agents derived from plant extracts against S. scabies was addressed. Three bioactive phenolic compounds, named gallic acid, 1-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, and corilagin, were isolated and identified from Phyllanthus emblica pomace through bioassay-guided fractionation. The antibacterial effects of these compounds on S. scabies were evaluated with MIC values of 0.63, 0.31, and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, Structure-activity relationship analyses of 17 gallic acid and its structural analogs revealed that the R6 position of the benzene ring was a key factor to their antibacterial activity against S. scabies, among which pyrogallol had the best antibacterial effect. Scanning electron microscopy showed that when S. scabies was exposed to this gallic acid and its structural analogs, the cell membranes of which was damaged. The results will help promote the development and structural modification of plant-derived bacteriostatic agents.