Enzymes Of Carbohydrate Metabolism Research Articles

Effect of dietary Anabaena supplementation on nutrient utilization, metabolism and oxidative stress response in Catla catla fingerlings

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary Anabaena blue-green algae (ABGA) meal on the growth performance, digestibility, and physio-metabolic responses of Catla catla fingerlings (initial average weight 9.45 ± 0.15 g). Six iso-nitrogenous (30% crude protein) and iso-caloric (378.09 Kcal. digestible energy/100 g) diets were formulated: a control diet (A0, 0% ABGA) and five experimental diets with varying ABGA inclusion levels (A3: 3%, A6: 6%, A9: 9%, A12: 12%, A15: 15%). The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in percentage weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the experimental groups. Additionally, dietary ABGA did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) body carcass composition among different groups. However, amylase activity significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the A12 and A15 fed groups, whereas lipase and protease activities remained insignificant (P > 0.05) across all groups. Notably, oxidative stress responses (SOD; superoxide dismutase and CAT; catalase), carbohydrate metabolic enzymes (LDH; lactate dehydrogenase and MDH; malate dehydrogenase), and serum glucose levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) with higher ABGA inclusion. Conversely, serum albumin content significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the ABGA-fed groups. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) observed in serum total protein, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities among the experimental groups. Hematological parameters revealed that RBC (red blood cell) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while WBC (white blood cell) count significantly (P < 0.05) increased with higher dietary ABGA inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of dietary ABGA up to 15% did not impair nutrient utilization and supported normal growth performance in C. catla fingerlings. However, higher inclusion levels may have a detrimental effect on their growth, nutrient utilization, and physio-metabolic responses.

Change in Activities of Enzymes of Energy and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Pink Salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walb.) Smolts with Change in Environmental Salinity.

Activities of key enzymes of energy and carbohydrate metabolism (cytochrome c oxidase (COX), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aldolase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and 1-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (1-GPDH)) were studied in pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walb.) smolts from the White Sea in a cage experiment simulating the transition from a freshwater to a marine environment. A decrease in COX, G6PDH, and 1-GPDH activities and an increase in LDH and aldolase activities were observed in juveniles with an increase in water salinity. Based on the findings, a redistribution of energy substrates between the reactions of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism towards higher anaerobic ATP synthesis was assumed for pink salmon. This may indicate that adaptive mechanisms rearrange metabolism to provide energy for osmoregulation in pink salmon juveniles when the salinity changes in their habitat.

Metabolic adaptations of Escherichia coli to extended zinc exposure: insights into tricarboxylic acid cycle and trehalose synthesis

Balanced bacterial metabolism is essential for cell homeostasis and growth and can be impacted by various stress factors. In particular, bacteria exposed to metals, including the nanoparticle form, can significantly alter their metabolic processes. It is known that the extensive and intensive use of food and feed supplements, including zinc, in human and animal nutrition alters the intestinal microbiota and this may negatively impact the health of the host. This study examines the effects of zinc (zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles) on key metabolic pathways of Escherichia coli. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses along with quantification of intermediates of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) were employed to monitor and study the bacterial responses. Multi-omics analysis revealed that extended zinc exposure induced mainly oxidative stress and elevated expression/production of enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, especially enzymes for synthesis of trehalose. After the zinc withdrawal, E. coli metabolism returned to a baseline state. These findings shed light on the alteration of TCA and on importance of trehalose synthesis in metal-induced stress and its broader implications for bacterial metabolism and defense and consequently for the balance and health of the human and animal microbiome.

The combined effects of bisphenol S and hexavalent chromium on alpha-glucosidase: Intermolecular interaction, structural and functional changes

The co-contamination of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants has posed a threat to human health. Herein, this study investigated the intermolecular interactions of bisphenol S (BPS) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) under both individual and coexisting conditions, with alpha-glucosidase (AG), a key enzyme in carbohydrate metabolism, and the corresponding effects on the structure and function of AG. Multiple spectroscopic and molecular docking methods were employed to conduct the investigation in vitro and in silico. The results indicated that both BPS and Cr(VI) quenched the fluorescence of AG via a combined static and dynamic quenching processes. At 310 K, the binding constants of AG with BPS in the AG-BPS and (AG-Cr(VI))-BPS systems were 1.84 × 104 and 2.03 × 104 L mol−1, and the binding constants of AG with Cr(VI) in the AG-Cr(VI) and (AG-BPS)-Cr(VI) systems were 6.14 × 103 and 4.35 × 103 L mol−1. Cr(VI) could significantly affect the binding site of BPS in AG, while BPS had a minimal impact on the binding site of Cr(VI) in AG. BPS and Cr(VI) caused varied structural alterations of AG, and the impact of their coexistence on the structure of AG was related to the order in which they were added. Both BPS and Cr(VI) had a concentration-related effect on AG activity. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the combined toxic effects of BPS and Cr(VI) on AG, highlighting the potential health risks associated with their environmental co-exposure.

LACTIC ACID BACTERIA AS INGREDIENTS OF PROBIOTIC PREPARATIONS

Lactic acid bacteria have a long and extensive application record as probiotic strains. Lately, due to wide-spread use of molecular-genetic, transcirptomic, proteomic, metabolomic etc. studies and the massive accumulation of data on the structure and functions of symbiotic intestinal microbiota, the interest in probiotic microorganisms tends to expand year-by-year. Lactic acid bacteria were the first used probiotic species, are still of sharp market demand and have been recognized as the most thoroughly studied microbes among functional relatives. However, characteristics inherent to probiotic bacteria are strain-specific, as a rule, and for preparations with defined purpose it is essential to select special strains showing a complex of appropriate properties. It accentuates the top relevance of research aimed at selection of lactic acid bacterial strains suitable for diverse probiotic preparations. For several decades we curried out investigations to isolate strains of lactic acid bacteria from various natural sources, to characterize their properties and to derive technologies of producing pro- and prebiotic preparations for farm stock, poultry, veterinary practice, food processing, cosmetic formulas, etc. Enrichment, in addition to bifidobacteria, of probiotic product Poultrybac with lactic acid bacteria showing high antagonistic activity toward pathogen Salmonella typhimurium and producing enzymes capable to hydrolyze feed oligo- and polysaccharides, promotes prevention of salmonellosis cases, normalizes gut microbiocenosis, contributes to assimilation of fodder, accelerates growth of broilers. Bacteria of genera Lacticaseibacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Lactococcus constitute bacterial preparation Bilametrit designed for prophylaxis and complex therapy of endometrites in cows, actively suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms of the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Escherichia, including isolates from uterus exudate from animals with post-partum endometritis. Owing to the pronounced adhesive ability to protein ligands the selected lactic acid bacteria recover microbiocenosis in reproductive system, especially after antibiotic therapy, facilitate regeneration of endometrium, produce organic acids, antimicrobial peptides, amino acids, enzymes of carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Inclusion, in addition to bifidobacteria, of microorganisms of genus Lactiplantibacillus with a high antagonistic activity against pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms responsible for inflammation of the mammary gland in animals as component of dry probiotic preparation Bactomast shifts the bias of the mammary gland biocenosis towards lactic acid bacteria, curtails general insemination level 2.4–4.8 times, provides a shield protecting from penetration of pathogenic agents, decreases the ratio of somatic cells in milk. The constituent bacterial strains raise non-specific macro host resistance, display tolerance to a series of antimicrobial compounds (antibiotics of aminoglycoside and cephalosporin groups), allowing to recommend it for comprehensive therapy of mastites in cows. Bactomast is not inferior to veterinary drug iodomastin in therapeutic efficacy (83.3%). A crucial characteristic of the above-mentioned preparations, as well as probiotics Lactimet, Bilavet (liquid form), Bilavet-C (dry product), complex probiotic Synvet, probiotic ingredient Lyobact in whole milk substitutes, dry bacterial concentrate IM-pro fortifying dairy products with probiotics is that they are safe and eco-friendly, i.e. they will not cause adverse effects on the body and reproductive functions of humans, animals, poultry, are not accompanied by health complications, do not deteriorate quality of milk and meat products. Farm products may be consumed without restraints following treatment with biopreparations.

Chrysin attenuates hyperglycemia associated with hepatorenal and glycoprotein abnormalities via regulation of glucose metabolism in HFD/STZ- induced diabetic rats

BackgroundFlavonoids like chyrsin, which are abundant in plant extracts, honey, and bee propolis, have antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-mutagenic, anti-anxiolytic, and other therapeutic uses. However, no research has been published on how chrysin protects rats against HFD/STZ- induced changes to the glycoprotein moiety via controlling the metabolism of glucose. MethodsFor two weeks, albino male wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet in order to develop diabetes. Upon two weeks, a low dosage of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, diluted in 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer, pH 4.5) was administered into the animals after they had been fasted for the whole night. Blood glucose, insulin, hepatic, and renal indicators were analyzed using commercially available diagnostic kits, and other parameters were ascertained biochemically. ResultsFor 30 days, high-fat diet- and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were given 40 mg/kg b.w./day of chrysin, which significantly reduced blood glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, glycogen phospharylase, hepatic and renal markers, and increased insulin, glycogen content, and glycogen synthase levels. ConclusionHowever, the altered activity of the glycoprotein components and the carbohydrate metabolic enzymes was restored upon chrysin administration. On several criteria, the chrysin's effect was similar to that of metformin. Chrysin is therefore a potential antidiabetic agent.

Screening and Identification of Protease-Producing Microorganisms in the Gut of Gryllotalpa orientalis (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae).

The insect gut harbors a diverse array of functional microorganisms that warrant further exploration and utilization. However, there is currently a paucity of research reports on the discovery of protease-producing microorganisms with industrial application value in the gut. Here, we employed microbial culturing to screen and identify the protease-producing microorganisms in the gut extract of Gryllotalpa orientalis. Based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterization, 16S rRNA sequencing, as well as ANI and dDDH values of whole genome, the protease-producing strains isolated from the insect gut were identified as Priestia aryahattai DBM-1 and DX-4, P. megaterium DX-3, and Serratia surfactantfaciens DBM-5. According to whole-genome analysis, strain DBM-5, which exhibited the highest enzyme activity, possesses abundant membrane transport genes and carbohydrate metabolism enzymes. In contrast, strains DX-3 and DX-4 not only have the ability to hydrolyze proteins but also demonstrate the capability to hydrolyze plant materials. Furthermore, strains that are closely related tend to have similar metabolic product gene clusters in their genomes. The screening and identification of protease resources are essential for the subsequent development and utilization of gut functional microorganisms and genetic resources in insects.

Unlocking the Insightful Antidiabetic Effects of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): A Comprehensive Review

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has emerged as a noteworthy contender in traditional medicine for its aromatic and therapeutic attributes, yet its potential as an antidiabetic agent remains largely unexplored in the literature. To address this gap, this study endeavors to provide a comprehensive overview of lemongrass role in diabetes management and the underlying pathways involved. Rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, flavonoids, and essential oils, lemongrass boasts a diverse array of medicinal properties. Research indicates its capability to modulate blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and fortify pancreatic β-cell function primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Animal studies have demonstrated substantial reductions in fasting blood glucose and enhanced glucose tolerance, ascribed to heightened insulin signaling and inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes. Additionally, lemongrass exhibits a positive impact on lipid profiles, thereby mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes. Limited human trials have corroborated these findings, showcasing improvements in glycemic control and lipid metabolism following lemongrass consumption. In conclusion, lemongrass emerges as a promising adjunctive therapy for diabetes management, owing to its natural composition and multifaceted mechanisms. Nonetheless, further investigation, particularly through rigorous clinical trials, is imperative to determine optimal dosages, long-term safety, and efficacy, thereby facilitating its seamless integration into conventional diabetes treatment protocols.

Chronic aluminium chloride exposure induces redox imbalance, metabolic distress, DNA damage, and histopathologic alterations in Wistar rat liver.

Aluminium, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, is distinguished for eliciting a broad range of physiological, biochemical, and behavioural alterations in laboratory animals and humans. The present work was conducted to study the functional and structural changes induced by aluminium in rat liver. Twenty five adult male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly divided into five groups; control group and four Al-treated groups viz: Al 1 (25mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), Al 2 (35mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), Al 3 (45mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), and Al 4 (55mg AlCl3/kg b.wt). Rats in the aluminium-treated groups were administered AlCl3 for 30 days through oral gavage. Aluminium significantly increased the serum levels of liver function markers (ALT, AST, and ALP), phospholipids, and cholesterol. The activities of hepatocyte membrane (ALP, GGT, and LAP) and carbohydrate metabolic (G6P, F16BP, HK, LDH, MDH, ME, and G6PDH) enzymes were significantly altered by AlCl3 administration. Prolonged Al exposure induced oxidative stress in the liver, as evident by significant hepatocellular DNA damage, increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. The toxic effects observed in this study were AlCl3 dose-dependent. Histopathological examination of liver sections revealed enlargement of sinusoidal spaces, derangement of the hepatic chord, loss of discrete hepatic cell boundaries, congestion of hepatic sinusoids, and degeneration of hepatocytes in Al-intoxicated rats. In conclusion, aluminium causes severe hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the hepatocyte membrane enzymes and disrupting the liver's energy metabolism and antioxidant defence.

Hesperetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorate hyperglycemia by regulating key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in a diabetic rat model.

The study aimed to investigate the potential of hesperetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (HSPCNPs) in alleviating hyperglycemia by modulating key enzymes in diabetic rats. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with hesperetin were prepared using the ionic gelation method and characterized with Electron microscope (SEM), zeta potential, particle size analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Encapsulation efficiency and Loading efficiency. To induce diabetes, rats were fed a high-fat beef tallow diet for 28 days, then given a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) at 35 mg/kg b.w in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.0). Rats were treated with HSPCNPs at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg b.w. The analyzed parameters included body weight, food and water intake, plasma glucose and insulin, liver and skeletal muscle glycogen levels, and carbohydrate metabolism. SEM imaging revealed dimensions between 124.2and 251.6 nm and a mean particle size of 145.0 nm. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in the chitosan nanoparticles, and the zeta potential was 35.5 mV. HSPCNP 40 mg/kg b.w significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin, improving body weight, food intake, and reducing water intake. In diabetic rats, enzymes for carbohydrate metabolism like fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose 6-phosphatase are evaluated in the liver, while glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase and hexokinase activity were significantly lower. Additionally, plasma insulin levels increased, indicating enhanced insulin sensitivity. The results show that HSPCNPs at 40 mg/kg b.w. ameliorate hyperglycemiato provide robust protection against diabetic complications and significantly improve metabolic health.

3-mercaptocoumarins as potential bioactive candidates: From novel synthesis to comparative analysis

In the literature, only two papers describe the synthesis of 3-mercaptocoumarins (3-MCMs) without exploring their bioactivity. So, the novelty of this work is driven by the fact that it employs an original synthetic route to produce new 3-MCMs, assesses their biomedical activities, and compares them to those of similar 3-mercapto-free coumarins. By treating it with concentrated H2SO4, 1‑chloro-2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid was transformed into 2‑chloro-3-oxopentanedioic acid. The latter acid was sonicated separately with two derivatives of 2-naphthol to produce the precursors P-MCM1 and P-MCM8. These were in turn nucleophilically attacked by KSH at electrophilic carbon attached to chloride. The resulting two compounds, MCM1 and MCM8, were esterified individually with various parafunctionalized phenols, affording two series of 3-MCMs, which are coded MCM2-MCM7 and MCM9-MCM14. The structural frameworks of the synthesized MCM1-MCM14 were confirmed by examining their FTIR, 1HNMR , 13CNMR , and HRMS electromagnetic spectra. The biomedicine-related activities of the synthesized 3-MCMs were evaluated and compared with those acquired from their corresponding 3-mercapto-free coumarins (CM1-CM14). These activities include antitumor, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-aerobic bacteria, anti-anaerobic bacteria, antifungal, and microbiome biosafety. The MTT-probing methodology was used to assess the antitumor and cytotoxicity against six tumor cell lines and one healthy cell line, respectively. The hydroxyl‑ and DPPH radical-scavenging capacity of the synthesized 3-MCMs was assessed for their antioxidant activity. To quantify the antidiabetic activity, the inhibitory properties against two carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes were followed. On the other hand, the broth microdilution methodology was employed to investigate the antimicrobial features against six pathogenic aerobes, four pathogenic anaerobes, and two pathogenic fungi. The microbiome biosafety was also inspected using the same methodology for one non-pathogenic aerobic bacterial strain. The results acquired from the above-mentioned activities regarding the synthesized 3-MCMs were analyzed and compared with those related to CMs. Collectively, the findings indicated that the synthesized 3-MCMs can demonstrate better biomedicine-related activities than those of CMs, with the exception of the anti-anaerobic one.

A Computational Approach of Anti-diabetic Potential Evaluation of Flower and Seed of Nyctanthes arbor tristis Linn

Exploring the medicinal significance of bioactive compounds through computational methods is an increasingly practiced approach in contemporary medicinal research. This study aims to assess the antidiabetic potential of compounds extracted from the plant Nyctanthes arbor tristis by evaluating their ability to inhibit the carbohydrate metabolic enzyme α-glucosidase. The research work was conducted through molecular docking calculation, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS), and ADMET prediction techniques. Among the compounds, arbortistoside-C (NAS03), and arbortristoside-D (NAS04) found in the seed of the plant were identified as hit inhibitors of the target protein with docking scores, -9.9 and -9.4 kcal/mol, respectively. The compounds showed a comparable docking score with the drug of diabetes acarbose (-8.6 kcal/mol). Geometrical parameters like radius of gyration, solvent accessibility surface, root mean square deviation, and root mean square fluctuation from MDS supported the stability of the protein-ligand complex. MMPBSA calculations demonstrated the stability and feasibility of the complex with binding free energy changes of -29.06±6.06 and -23.58±8.80 kcal/mol for compounds NAS03 and NAS04, respectively. The ADMET prediction suggested the drug-likeness of the compounds compared with that of the standard drugs. The results could be used in proposing the antidiabetic potential of the two compounds from the plant as a potential inhibitors of α-glucosidase enzyme. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments on such compounds could be a more reliable path to validate the output of this computational research.

Genetic Features of Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Arctic Peoples.

Prolonged adaptation of ancestors of indigenous peoples of the Far North of Asia and America to extreme natural and climatic conditions of the Arctic has resulted in changes in genes controlling various metabolic processes. However, most genetic variability observed in the Eskimo and Paleoasians (the Chukchi and Koryaks) is related to adaptation to the traditional Arctic diet, which is rich in lipids and proteins but extremely poor in plant carbohydrates. The results of population genetic studies have demonstrated that specific polymorphic variants in genes related to lipid metabolism (CPT1A, FADS1, FADS2, and CYB5R2) and carbohydrate metabolism (AMY1, AMY2A, and SI) are prevalent in the Eskimo and Paleoasian peoples. When individuals deviate from their traditional dietary patterns, the aforementioned variants of genetic polymorphism can lead to the development of metabolic disorders. American Eskimo-specific variants in genes related to glucose metabolism (TBC1D and ADCY) significantly increase the risk of developing type2 diabetes. These circumstances indicate the necessity for a large-scale genetic testing of indigenous population of the Far North and the need to study the biochemical and physiological consequences of genetically determined changes in the activity of enzymes of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Effects of aeolian deposition on soil properties and microbial carbon metabolism function in farmland of Songnen Plain, China

The effects of wind erosion, one of the crucial causes of soil desertification in the world, on the terrestrial ecosystem are well known. However, ecosystem responses regarding soil microbial carbon metabolism to sand deposition caused by wind erosion, a crucial driver of biogeochemical cycles, remain largely unclear. In this study, we collected soil samples from typical aeolian deposition farmland in the Songnen Plain of China to evaluate the effects of sand deposition on soil properties, microbial communities, and carbon metabolism function. We also determined the reads number of carbon metabolism-related genes by high-throughput sequencing technologies and evaluated the association between sand deposition and them. The results showed that long-term sand deposition resulted in soil infertile, roughness, and dryness. The impacts of sand deposition on topsoil were more severe than on deep soil. The diversity of soil microbial communities was significantly reduced due to sand deposition. The relative abundances of Nitrobacteraceae, Burkholderiaceae, and Rhodanobacteraceae belonging to α-Proteobacteria significantly decreased, while the relative abundances of Streptomycetaceae and Geodermatophilaceae belonging to Actinobacteria increased. The results of the metagenomic analysis showed that the gene abundances of carbohydrate metabolism and carbohydrate-activity enzyme (GH and CBM) significantly decreased with the increase of sand deposition amount. The changes in soil microbial community structure and carbon metabolism decreased soil carbon emissions and carbon cycling in aeolian deposition farmland, which may be the essential reasons for land degradation in aeolian deposition farmland.

Ferulic acid attenuates streptozotocin induced alternation in glycoprotein moiety via regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in rats

Ferulic acid attenuates streptozotocin induced alternation in glycoprotein moiety via regulation of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in rats

Saccharina Japonica Polysaccharides Suppress High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Modulate Gut Microbiota Composition and Function.

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of Saccharina japonica Polysaccharides (SJPs) in alleviating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity by regulating gut microbiota, which warrants further exploration to elucidate the underlying structure-activity relationship. In this study, five polysaccharide fractions (Sj-T, Sj-T-1, Sj-T-2, Sj-T-3, and Sj-T-4) with different structure characteristics were prepared from S. japonica, and their effects on HFD-induced obesity and gut microbiota composition were investigated using C57BL/6J mice. The results revealed that oral administration of Sj-T considerably suppressed HFD-induced obesity, glucose metabolic dysfunction, and other disordered symptoms. While, Sj-T-2, which has the lowest molecular weight, was the most effective in alleviating HFD-induced obesity and had the second-best effect on improving HFD-induced impaired glucose tolerance among the five SJPs. Supplementation with SJPs significantly modulated HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis both at the phylum and species levels, such as enriching Desulfobacterota and Actinobacteriota, while suppressing the abundance of Bacteroidota. Sj-T also dramatically restored the gut microbiota composition by modulating the abundance of many crucial gut bacterial taxa, including s_Bacteroides_acidifaciens, s_Lachnospiraceae _bacterium, and g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Besides, SJPs also dramatically altered the function of gut microbiota, including many carbohydrate-metabolism enzymes. This study highlights the potential of SJPs in preventing obesity and restoring intestinal homeostasis in obese individuals.

Elevated CO2 improves grain yield in bread wheat by enhancing carbon assimilation, activities of carbohydrate metabolic and antixidant enzymes

This study aimed to explore the effects of elevated CO2 (e[CO2]) on wheat performance under drought stress, while investigating the role of eco-physiology, carbohydrate metabolic and antioxidant enzymes to predict the grain yield. Wheat genotype Lianmai6 was grown under ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (800 ppm) CO2 concentrations, with subsequent exposure to drought stress prior to anthesis. Leaf parameters, including photosynthetic rate (An), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (E), were significantly declined under drought. Grain yield parameters were adversely affected by drought stress, while An with water use efficiency (WUE) and yield traits increased under e[CO2]. Notably, the activities of certain carbohydrate metabolic enzymes were increased in sink tissues but reduced significantly in source tissues under drought conditions. However, activities phosphoglucomutase (PGM and phophoglucoisomerase (PGI) were increased in source tissues under the combined effect of drought and e[CO2]. Total antioxidant potential (TAP) decreased in both leaf and spike under drought conditions, yet increased significantly under e[CO2]. These findings suggest that e[CO2] can enhance CO2 assimilation by boosting antioxidant potential and facilitate increased supply of photosynthates through enhanced activities of various carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, ultimately the better grain yield. These findings could elucidate the partial mechanism of better grain yield in bread wheat under combined effect of e[CO2] and drought stress.

The Hepatoprotective Effect of Trigonelline in Diabetic Rat through Insulin-related IRS1-GLUT2 Pathway: A Biochemical, Molecular, Histopathological, and Immunohistochemical Study

Background Diabetes significantly increases morbidity and mortality rates, causing complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and blindness. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of trigonelline (TRIG) in diabetic rats through the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-related IRS1-GLUT2 pathway. Materials and Methods In this experimental investigation, sixty male Wistar rats ( n = 10/group) were randomly divided into six groups: a healthy group (HEL), healthy rats treated with 1500 and 3000 mg/kg of TRIG, a diabetic (D), and diabetic rats treated with 1500 and 3000 mg/kg of TRIG (D+ TRIG). The effects of TRIG on rats with induced diabetes were evaluated by serum biochemical parameters, such as insulin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), free fatty acids (FFA), nitric oxide, and adiponectin levels. The activities of hepatic carbohydrate metabolic enzymes (hepatic glucokinase, glucose 6-phosphatase, glycogen, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) were also measured. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes and proteins associated with carbohydrate/lipid metabolism, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) were analyzed using real-time PCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. Liver sections were examined using H&amp;E staining and immunohistochemistry targeting the p53 protein. Results The results showed that 3000 mg/kg TRIG was able to suppress TNF-α, IL-6, and FFA by inhibiting inflammatory pathways along with increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. TRIG treatment regulated serum levels of insulin, adiponectin, and hepatic carbohydrate metabolic enzymes as well as glycogen content by regulation of the IRS1/ GLUT2- SREBP-1c/ PPARg pathway. Conclusion These results provide evidence that TRIG has the potential to protect liver organs from oxidative damage in diabetic patients.

Ameliorative Histological Effects of Aqueous Neem Leaf Extract (Azadirachta indica) on Lead Induced Neurotoxicity of Lateral Geniculate Body of Adult Wistar Rats

Introduction: Lead exposure remains a significant public health burden across the globe, impacting millions of individuals and posing a major threat to nervous system development and function. Among the vulnerable targets of lead's neurotoxic assault is the lateral geniculate body (LGB), a crucial relay station within the visual pathway. This brain region acts as a gateway for visual information, processing signals from the retina and transmitting them to the visual cortex for interpretation. Aim: This study seeks to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of aqueous Azadirachta indica (Neem leaf) extract against lead-induced neurotoxicity in the LGN of adult rats. Methods: Twenty (20) adult wistar rats weighing 150-200g were randomly grouped into four(4) (A-D, n=5). Group A Normal control Group B received (70mg/kg)(Orally) Lead only, Group C received (200mg/kg)(Orally) Azadirachta indica (Neem leaf), Group D received (70mg/kg Lead and 200mg/k Azadirachta indica)(Orally). Alterations in the relative weight of the LGB were determined, and antioxidant status was assessed by measuring Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. The effects of neem leaf extract on lactate dehydrogenase were also evaluated. Additionally, histological changes in the cerebellum due to lead exposure were examined using H&amp;E and Cresyl Violet staining. Results: Lead exposure led to alterations in the relative weight of the LGB, SOD and CAT level was significantly (P,&lt;0.005) reduced compared to the control, while the LDH was significantly increased(P.&gt;0.005) and disruptions in lactate dehydrogenase activity. Aqueous neem leaf extract administration showed potential ameliorative effects mitigating these alterations and histological examination revealed ameliorative changes in the LGB associated with lead exposure. The study highlights the potential neuroprotective effects of aqueous neem leaf extract against lead-induced neurotoxicity, emphasizing its role in mitigating oxidative stress and preserving histological integrity in the LGN. Insights into the effects of neem on carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and cerebellar histology contribute to a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic potential.

Transgenerational Seed Exposure to Elevated CO2 Involves Stress Memory Regulation at Metabolic Levels to Confer Drought Resistance in Wheat.

Drought is the worst environmental stress constraint that inflicts heavy losses to global food production, such as wheat. The metabolic responses of seeds produced overtransgenerational exposure to e[CO2] to recover drought's effects on wheat are still unexplored. Seeds were produced constantly for four generations (F1 to F4) under ambient CO2 (a[CO2], 400 μmol L-1) and elevated CO2 (e[CO2], 800 μmol L-1) concentrations, and then further regrown under natural CO2 conditions to investigate their effects on the stress memory metabolic processes liable for increasing drought resistance in the next generation (F5). At the anthesis stage, plants were subjected to normal (100% FC, field capacity) and drought stress (60% FC) conditions. Under drought stress, plants of transgenerational e[CO2] exposed seeds showed markedly increased superoxide dismutase (16%), catalase (24%), peroxidase (9%), total antioxidants (14%), and proline (35%) levels that helped the plants to sustain normal growth through scavenging of hydrogen peroxide (11%) and malondialdehyde (26%). The carbohydrate metabolic enzymes such as aldolase (36%), phosphoglucomutase (12%), UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (25%), vacuolar invertase (33%), glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (68%), and cell wall invertase (17%) were decreased significantly; however, transgenerational seeds produced under e[CO2] showed a considerable increase in their activities in drought-stressed wheat plants. Moreover, transgenerational e[CO2] exposed seeds under drought stress caused a marked increase in leaf Ψw (15%), chlorophyll a (19%), chlorophyll b (8%), carotenoids (12%), grain spike (16%), hundred grain weight (19%), and grain yield (10%). Hence, transgenerational seeds exposed to e[CO2] upregulate the drought recovery metabolic processes to improve the grain yield of wheat under drought stress conditions.