Pueraria lobata is a traditional medicinal herb known for its antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM1365-fermented Pueraria lobata flavonoids supernatant (FPFS) on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) using LO-2 hepatocytes and mouse models. In vitro, FPFS significantly reduced ethanol-induced lipid accumulation, attenuated the release of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in LO-2 cells. In vivo, administration of FPFS and synbiotics (a combination of Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM1365 and Pueraria lobata) significantly alleviated hepatic steatosis and injury in mice chronically fed an ethanol diet. Compared to the model group, FPFS significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels by 51.55 f 3.94 % and 27.77 f 6.98 %, respectively. Furthermore, hepatic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels were decreased by 47.71 f 2.00 %. Antioxidant capacity was enhanced by upregulating superoxide dismutase (SOD) (183.2 f 3.77 %) and catalase (CAT) (132.3 f 2.46 %) activities, along with elevated expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. FPFS also enhances alcohol metabolism by increasing hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, while suppressing the expression of CYP2E1 and CYP1A2. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated the restoration of intestinal tight junction protein expression (ZO-1 and Occludin), indicating improved gut barrier function. These findings demonstrate that probiotic fermentation significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of Pueraria lobata against ALD, thereby offering a promising strategy for functional dietary approaches.

Pomegranate, rich in polyphenols and ellagitannins, imparts distinctive flavor profiles and nutritional advantages to fermented dairy products. This study investigated the growth dynamics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in a milk-based matrix and characterized the biotransformation of bioactive compounds during fermentation. Through integrated targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches, we systematically evaluated metabolic alterations induced by L. plantarum CCFM1291 during pomegranate milk fermentation. Targeted quantification revealed significant production of urolithin M5 (3.21 +/- 0.06 mg/L), while untargeted analysis identified metabolic shifts, including the generation of hydroxyisocaproic acid and p-aminobenzoic acid. Multidimensional sensory evaluation coupled with GC-MS flavor profiling demonstrated statistically significant enhancements in fermented pomegranate milk quality. These findings provide novel insights into pomegranate milk fermentation and establish a scientific framework for developing functional dairy products.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders and, without proper treatment, may lead to severe conditions: e.g., somatic disorders or permanent damage to central nervous system. Although there are drugs in clinical trials, this study focuses on exploring the efficacy of nutrients in treating these diseases. We built different zebrafish models and screened several nutrient combinations for their antianxiety, antioxidant, neuro-protecting, and memory-improving activities. Our results showed that the combinations of nutrients (e.g., Walnut Peptides + Theanine at 14.2 + 33.3 μg/ml) have similar or better activities than the positive control drugs. In addition, we discovered that the effects of the nutrients in the above four aspects were universal and highly related. This study is noteworthy as it suggested that nutrients could be healthier and greener drug alternatives and provide similar or better universal treatments for anxiety and related conditions.

Herein, we explored the effects of Poria cocos extract, protein powder mixture, and their combined intervention on weight loss in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were selected and fed a HFD for 8 weeks; obese mice that were successfully modeled were divided into modeling and five intervention groups, and given the corresponding treatment for 10 weeks. Body weight, fat, and muscle tissue, blood glucose, lipids, inflammatory factors, and other glucose and lipid metabolism-related indicators were measured to evaluate the effect of P. cocos and protein powder intervention on weight loss in obese mice. The body weight of the intervention group was reduced compared with the HFD group. Fat content of mice in F3PM group decreased significantly (p < .05). Levels of blood glucose, lipids, adiponectin, leptin, and inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor- alpha showed improvement. Lipoprotein lipase (lower about 2.97 pg/ml, vs. HFD mice 10.65 mmoL/ml) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor (lower about 1413.63 pg/ml, vs. HFD mice 3915.33 pg/ml) levels in liver tissue were decreased. The respiratory exchange rate (RER) of mice in the HFD and subject intervention groups had no circadian rhythm and was maintained at approximately 0.80. The protein powder mixture (PM) group had the lowest RER (p < .05), the P. cocos extract (FL) and F1PM groups had similar RER to the HFD group (p < .05), and the F2PM group had a higher RER than the HFD group (p < .05). And food intake and energy metabolism returned to circadian rhythm, with an increase in the dose of P. cocos extract, the feeding rhythms of F1PM, F2PM, and F3PM were closer to that of the normal diet (ND) group. Feeding intervention with P. cocos and protein powder improved fat distribution, glucolipid metabolism, and energy metabolism, with the combination of F3PM showing more diverse benefits.

以斑马鱼为模型,研究3种发酵乳制品的解酒保肝作用,为进一步开发其保健功能提供实验依据.使用受精后5 d斑马鱼,1％无水乙醇处理1 h构建兴奋期醉酒模型;使用受精后3 d斑马鱼,1.8％无水乙醇处理27 h构建酒精性肝损伤模型.分别使用常温酸奶、低温酸奶、冷冻酸奶冰淇凌及阳性药(美他多辛)处理两种模型斑马鱼,分析总运动距离、肝脏面积、肝脏明亮度、卵黄囊吸收延迟面积.结果表明,与对照组比较,模型组总运动距离、肝脏面积、卵黄囊吸收延迟面积明显增加(P＜0.05),肝脏明亮度明显减小(P＜0.05);与模型组比较,常温酸奶总运动距离明显减小(P＜0.05),3种发酵乳制品的肝脏面积明显减小(P＜0.001),低温酸奶组肝脏明亮度明显增高(P＜0.05),冷冻酸奶冰淇凌组卵黄囊吸收延迟面积明显减小(P＜0.05).3种发酵乳制品均具有肝保护作用,其中常温酸奶具有解酒作用.

ObjectivesObesity is often associated with glucolipid and/or energy metabolism disorders. Ascophyllum nodosum extract (seaweed extract, SE) and Camellia sinensis-leaf extract (tea extract, TE) have been reported to promote positive metabolic effects through different mechanisms. We investigated the effects of SE and TE on metabolic homeostasis in diet-induced obese mice and discussed their functional characteristics.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice fed with high-fat diets for 8 weeks were established as obese models and subsequently divided into different intervention groups, followed by SE, TE, and their joint interventions for 10 weeks. Body weight and food intake were monitored. Fasting glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests were interspersed during the experiment. After the intervention, the effects on obesity control were assessed based on body composition, liver pathology section, blood lipids and glucose, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), energy expenditure (EE1, EE2, and EE3), inflammatory factors, lipid anabolism enzymes, and gut flora of the obese mice.ResultsAfter continuous gavage intervention, the mice in the intervention groups exhibited lower body weight (lower ~4.93 g, vs. HFD 38.02 g), peri-testicular fat masses (lower ~0.61 g, vs. HFD 1.92 g), and perirenal fat masses (lower ~0.21 g, vs. HFD mice 0.70 g). All interventions prevented diet-induced increases in plasma levels of glucose, adiponectin, leptin, and the inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α. The RER was modified by the interventions, while the rhythm of the RER was not. Blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL) decreased and were associated with lower lipid anabolism enzymes. In addition, the SE and TE interventions altered the structure and abundance of specific flora. Different interventions inhibited the growth of different genera positively associated with obesity (Escherichia–Shigella, Helicobacter, etc.) and promoted the growth of Akkermansia and Bacteroides, thus affecting the chronic inflammatory state.ConclusionSE and TE both have synergistic effects on weight control and glucolipid metabolism regulation by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing lipid synthesis-related enzyme expression, whereas the combination of SE and TE (3:1) has a better effect on regulating energy metabolism and inhibiting chronic inflammation.

Coix seed extract (CSE) and probiotics have been reported to regulate glycolipid metabolism through different modes of action. We tested the effects of CSE, Lactobacillus paracasei K56, and their combination to determine whether they have synergistic effects on glycolipid metabolism of obese mice. We fed male C57BL/6J mice with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish an obesity model. The obesity mice were selected and divided into five groups: the model control group and four intervention groups. After 10 weeks of continuous gavage intervention, the mice in the intervention groups exhibited lower body weight (lower about 2.31-4.41 g, vs. HFD 42.25 g, p < 0.01), and epididymal (lower about 0.58-0.92 g, vs. HFD 2.50 g, p < 0.01) and perirenal fat content (lower about 0.24-0.42 g, vs. HFD 0.88 g, p < 0.05); decreased fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL; and increased HLDL, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure, and amount of exercise performed. K56 + CSE-combined intervention groups were more effective in lowering blood glucose, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels than the CSE and K56 alone interventions. The content of fatty acid synthase and SREBP-1c protein in liver tissue was lower. The combination has synergistic effects on weight control, fat reduction, and blood glucose regulation by improving the chronic inflammatory state and reducing the content of lipid synthesis-related enzymes of obese mice, which can hinder chronic disease progression. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Coix seed extract can be used in obese people to regulate abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism and delay the development of chronic diseases.

目的 研究茯苓-葛根-枳椇子混合药粉对斑马鱼的解酒保肝作用,为其保健功能及进一步开发利用提供依据.方法 分别使用受精后5 d(5 dpf)及3 d(3 dpf)的斑马鱼,不同浓度乙醇处理1 h构建兴奋期醉酒模型、醉酒模型及酒精性肝损伤模型.使用低、中、高剂量混合药粉及阳性药(RU21及美他多辛)对模型斑马鱼进行处理,记录总运动距离、肝脏面积、肝脏明亮度、卵黄囊面积并进行统计学分析.结果 与空白组相比,模型组肝脏面积及卵黄囊面积明显升高,总运动距离及肝脏明亮度明显降低;与模型组相比,各剂量混合药粉均具有明显预防醉酒作用(P＜0.01);高剂量组解酒作用、肝肿大改善作用及肝变性改善作用较为明显(P＜0.01);各剂量混合药粉卵黄囊吸收延迟明显改善(P＜0.01).结论 实验中各剂量茯苓-葛根-枳椇子混合药粉均有不同程度预防醉酒作用、解酒作用及肝损伤保护作用,其中,高剂量混合药粉组的解酒保肝效果最佳.

Coix seed extract (CSE) and probiotics have been reported to regulate glycolipid metabolism via different modes of action. We tested the effects of CSE, Bifidobacterium BPL1, and their combination to determine their effects on glycolipid metabolism in obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish an obesity model. Obese mice were selected and divided into four groups: the model control group and three intervention groups. After 10 weeks of continuous gavage intervention, the mice in the intervention groups exhibited lower body weight (lower about 2.31 g, vs. HFD mice 42.23 g) and epididymal (lower about 0.37 g, vs. HFD mice 2.5 g) and perirenal fat content (lower about 0.47 g, vs. HFD mice 0.884 g); decreased fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL; and increased HLDL, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure, and amount of exercise performed. CSE, BPL1 and their combination can effectively control the weight gain in obese mice, reduce fat content, and regulate blood lipids and abnormal blood sugar. These results may be related to reduce the chronic inflammatory states, improve energy metabolism, exercise, relieve insulin sensitivity, and reduce lipid synthesis via the intervention of CSE, BPL1 and their combination. Compared with the single use of CSE alone, the combination of CSE + BPL1 can better exert the regulation function of intestinal flora, and change in the abundance of bacteria that could improve the level of inflammatory factors, such as increasing Bifidobacterium, reducing Lactococcus. Compared with the use of BPL1 alone, the combination of CSE and BPL1 can better regulate pancreatic islet and improve blood sugar. CSE may act directly on body tissues to exert anti-inflammatory effects. BPL1 and CSE + BPL1 may improve the structure and function of the intestinal flora, and reduce tissue inflammation.

BACKGROUND γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid in the nervous system and has a wide range of physiological functions in the body. Walnut peptide (WP) contains high levels of arginine, aspartic acid, and glutamate, and has been shown to improve cognitive deficits and memory impairment in mice, while restoring antioxidant enzyme levels and reducing brain inflammatory mediators. METHODS This study investigated the effects of GABA and WP, either alone or in combination, on sleep disturbances in mice. The pentobarbital-prolonged sleep test, pentobarbital-threshold sleep test, and barbital-induced sleep test were conducted to assess the effects of GABA and WP on sleep quality by gavage for 30 days as follows: GABA (102.25 mg/kg), WP (102.25 mg/kg), GABA (33.95, 102.25, 306.75 mg/kg)/WP (102.25 mg/kg) mixture. Furthermore, neurotransmitter tests were performed using mice brain tissue to investigate the possible mechanisms of GABA and WP on sleep status. RESULTS The results showed that the combined use of GABA and WP significantly increased sleep duration compared with single administration of either WP or GABA. Increasing doses of GABA in mice treated with combined GABA and WP elevated the sleep rate to 50.00%, 64.28%, and 64.28%, respectively, compared to mice treated with GABA alone (35.71%) or mice treated with WP alone (28.57%). In mice that received a combination of GABA and WP orally, the latency time was significantly decreased after 30 days compared to control mice (P<0.05). Additionally, in mice treated with GABA, WP, or the combination of GABA and WP, the concentrations of GABA and acetylcholine (Ach) in the brain were significantly elevated and the concentration of serotonin (5-HT) was decreased compared to untreated mice. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that the combined administration of GABA and WP could prolong the sleep duration, increase sleep rate, and shorten the sleep latency more effectively than the administration of either GABA or WP alone. The mechanisms of action may be related to the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain tissue by the combination of GABA and WP.