Effective Dietary Supplement Research Articles

Effects of fulvic acid on zebrafish (Danio rerio) growth, immunity and antioxidant status.

This experiment aimed to determine the efficacy of fulvic acid (FLA) on growth performance, innate immune system, antioxidant parameters, and expression of immune and antioxidant-related genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio). To this end, 12 tanks (3 per group), each containing 50 zebrafish (with an average weight of 85.7 ± 10.05 mg) in 72 L, were assigned to diets containing FLA at four levels: 0 (control), 0.25 (FLA1), 0.5 (FLA2), and 1 (FLA3) g/kg diet. Following an eight-week culture period, no significant differences in growth performance were observed among the treatment groups (P > 0.05). However, lysozyme activity, total immunoglobulin (Ig), and total protein concentrations in whole-body extracts were significantly enhanced in the 0.5-1 g FLA/kg diet groups compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the groups in catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities (P > 0.05). The supplementation of FLA significantly upregulated the gene expression of interferon-α (IFN-α) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), with the highest expression observed in the 0.5 g FLA/kg diet group (P < 0.05). Additionally, interleukin 1 (IL-1) expression was markedly elevated in this group in comparison to the other treatments (P < 0.05). While there was a significant increase in GPx gene expression with dietary FLA (P < 0.05), no notable differences were observed among FLA treatments (P > 0.05). CAT gene expression remained consistent across all groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, SOD gene expression significantly increased in response to all FLA-supplemented diets, with the highest level observed in the 0.5 g FLA/kg group (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that FLA may serve as an effective dietary supplement to enhance the immune response and antioxidant capacity in zebrafish.

The inhibition of baicalein on pancreatic lipase investigated in vitro and in vivo

AbstractBackgroundObesity is increasing seriously worldwide. Inhibiting pancreatic lipase (PL) is an important way to prevent obesity. Baicalein, a dietary flavone, shows various physiological activities and has anti‐obesity potential. Therefore, the inhibitory activity of baicalein on PL was investigated in present study.ResultsBaicalein exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on PL with IC50 value of 68 μg/mL. Inhibition kinetics indicated that baicalein was a mixed‐type inhibitor of PL. Fluorescence titration showed that baicalein could induce fluorescence quenching of PL. The binding constant (logKa) and number of binding sites were calculated as 5.40 and 1.11, respectively. In addition, synchronous fluorescence analysis revealed that the quenching ratio of baicalein to tryptophan was greater than that of tyrosine. Circular dichroism (CD) spectrum showed that the binding of baicalein affected the secondary structure of the enzyme protein. Through molecular docking analysis, it confirmed that baicalein could interact with amino acid residues in lipase, thus reducing the enzyme catalytic activity. In vivo studies showed that oral administration of baicalein with a does of 50 mg/kg bwt significantly reduced fat absorption and increased its fecal excretion in rats.ConclusionBaicalein showed inhibitory activity on PL in both in vitro and in vivo studies. It may be a safe and effective dietary supplement for obesity prevention.

Fermented Gold Kiwi Improves Gastrointestinal Motility and Functional Constipation: An Animal Study and Human Randomized Clinical Test.

Constipation is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal system characterized by difficult bowel movements, infrequent defecation, reduced water content, and hard stools. This study aims to evaluate the preventive effects of fermented gold kiwis (FGK) on loperamide-induced constipation in rats and investigate its efficacy in improving constipation symptoms in human patients through a randomized clinical trial. In the animal study, FGK was administered orally at doses of 50, 125, and 250 mg/kg to constipated rats for two weeks, resulting in significant improvements in constipation parameters. FGK increased serum serotonin and acetylcholine levels and suppressed increases in serum dopamine concentration. FGK also upregulated mRNA expression of the serotonin-synthesizing receptors 5-HT3R and 5-HT4R and suppressed the expression of the dopamine 2-receptor (D2R) in the duodenum. Furthermore, FGK inhibited inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In the clinical trials, the improvement in constipation symptoms was evaluated using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). Clinical trial participants reported significant improvements in constipation symptoms after receiving FGK. These findings suggest that FGK effectively relieves constipation in both animals and humans, indicating its potential as an effective dietary supplement.

Effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant status in finishing pigs

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a natural polyphenolic compound, which plays an important role in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of GSPE supplementation on the cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant status of finishing pigs. In longissimus dorse (LD) muscle, the data showed that GSPE significantly decreased the contents of total cholesterol (T-CHO) and triglyceride (TG), and decreased the mRNA expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) and Fatty acid synthase (FAS), while increased the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1b (CPT1b), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). GSPE also reduced the enzyme activities of HMG-CoAR and FAS, and meanwhile amplified the activity of CPT1b in LD muscle of finishing pigs. Furthermore, dietary GSPE supplementation increased the serum catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), serum and liver total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, while reduced serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) level in finishing pigs. In the liver, Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), Nuclear Factor erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2) mRNA levels were increased by GSPE. In conclusion, this study showed that GSPE might be an effective dietary supplement for improving cholesterol metabolism and antioxidant status in finishing pigs.

A Butyrate-Yielding Dietary Supplement Prevents Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury by Modulating Nrf2-Mediated Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a globally prevalent form of liver disease for which there is no effective treatment. Recent studies have found that a significant decrease in butyrate was closely associated with ALD development. Given the low compliance and delivery efficiency associated with oral-route butyrate administration, a highly effective butyrate-yielding dietary supplement, butyrylated high-amylose maize starch (HAMSB), is a good alternative approach. Here, we synthesized HAMSB, evaluated the effect of HAMSB on acute ALD in mice, compared its effect with that of oral administration of butyrate, and further studied the potential mechanism of action. The results showed HAMSB alleviated acute ALD in mice, as evidenced by the inhibition of hepatic-function impairment and the improvement in liver steatosis and lipid metabolism; in these respects, HAMSB supplementation was superior to oral sodium butyrate administration. These improvements can be attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress though the regulation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling in the liver and the improvement in the composition and function of microbiota in the intestine. In conclusion, HAMSB is a safe and effective dietary supplement for preventing acute ALD that could be useful as a disease-modifying functional food or candidate medicine.

Fermented Gold Kiwi for Improved Gastric Health: Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety in a Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

This randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of fermented gold kiwi (FGK) in improving gastrointestinal health. A total of 100 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to treatment or placebo groups. Over 8 weeks, the participants consumed an FGK or placebo preparation daily. Primary outcomes included changes in gastrointestinal symptoms assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and the Korean version of the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI-K), as well as quality of life assessed using the Functional Dyspepsia-related Quality of Life questionnaire. The FGK group showed significant improvements in GSRS and NDI-K total and subdomain scores compared with the placebo group. Moreover, the quality of life scores were significantly better in the FGK group than in the placebo group. Safety evaluations revealed no significant adverse events or clinically meaningful changes upon assessing laboratory test results. This study demonstrated that FGK is a safe and effective dietary supplement for improving gastrointestinal health in adults with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Effects of Hermetia illucens larvae meal and astaxanthin on intestinal histology and expression of tight junction proteins in weaned piglets.

The weaning phase in piglets causes significant physiological stress, disrupts intestinal integrity and reduces productivity, necessitating strategies to improve intestinal health and nutrient absorption. While current research highlights the role of diet in mitigating these adverse effects, identifying effective dietary supplements remains a challenge. This study evaluated the effects of Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal and astaxanthin (AST) on the intestinal histology of weaned piglets. In a controlled experiment, 48 weaned piglets were divided into six groups and received varying levels of HI larval meal (2.5% and 5%) and AST in their diets. The methodology involved comprehensive histological examinations of the small intestine, assessing absorption area, villi elongation, crypt depth, goblet cells, enterocytes and expression of ileal tight junction (TJ) proteins. The study found that HI larval meal significantly improved nutrient absorption in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.001), thereby enhancing feed conversion. AST supplementation increased the number of enterocytes (p < 0.001). Both HI larval meal and AST positively affected intestinal morphology and function, increasing muscularis muscle mass and villi elongation (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The 2.5% HI meal improved the villi length to crypt depth ratio and slightly increased the goblet cell count (both p < 0.05). Ki-67 antibody analysis showed increased cell proliferation in the duodenal and jejunal crypts, particularly with the 2.5% HI meal (p < 0.001). Insect meal did not affect TJ protein expression, indicating that it had no effect on intestinal permeability. These findings suggest that HI larval meal and AST can enhance the intestinal wellness and productivity of weaned piglets.

A randomized, double-blind, parallel and placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of KaraCalm™: a dietary supplement to support sleep and manage stress

Background: KaraCalm™ is a novel polyherbal formulation obtained from the combination of Valeriana officinalis extract, Passiflora incarnata extract, Ocimum sanctum extract, Ziziphus jujuba extract, Rosmarinus officinalis extract, and Nigella sativa extract. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the efficacy and safety of KaraCalm™ to manage stress and improve sleep in healthy subjects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Methods: A total of 60 healthy volunteers were randomized into two groups, with 30 subjects in the KaraCalm™ group and 30 in the placebo group. Participants were asked to take KaraCalm™ 500 mg or placebo once daily for 56 days. As primary outcomes, sleep analysis was performed by using Actiwatch, while stress level was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores from baseline to the end of the study period. Serum cortisol, and hs-CRP from baseline to the end of the study period were assessed as secondary endpoints. Results: An increase in overall sleep quality was observed in the KaraCalm™ group compared to the placebo as measured by total sleep time, onset latency, wake after sleep onset minutes, and number of awakenings. There was also a reduction in PSS scores in the KaraCalm™ group from baseline to the end of the study, indicating reduced stress levels. A significant reduction in Serum cortisol and hs-C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the KaraCalm™ group from baseline to the end of the study further supported the effectiveness of KaraCalm™ in reducing stress. There was no significant change in the safety analyses of the patients in the intervention group when assessed from the start of the study to the end. Conclusions: KaraCalm™ can be considered a safe and effective dietary herbal Supplement to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Improvement of both human and animal memory by synergy between fructooligosaccharide and L-theanine function establishing a safe and effective food supplement.

Aging is classically associated with a decline of cognitive abilities, especially in relation to memory. While the development of potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases has been in sharp focus, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a form of age-related memory loss, in the absence of severe functional impairment, a condition experienced by many healthy adults, has received relatively little attention. Advances in this space would make significant contributions to the goal of healthy aging and may also help promote cognitive performance across the wider population. The individual action of either fructooligosaccharide (FOS) or L-theanine, both natural plant-derived molecules, has been tentatively linked with improvements in cognition, but our understanding remains far from complete. We therefore determined the effect of different dose combinations of FOS and L-theanine (termed MT-01/GBL-Memory1) in mice against FOS and L-theanine monotherapy. FOS and L-theanine were found to synergistically enhance murine memory in our animal tests at a dose of 100 mg/kg (coefficient of drug interaction (CDI) < 1). In a subsequent human trial, we demonstrated that MT-01 improved the memory of healthy adults after 1 month of consumption. Our results suggest that a combination of FOS and L-theanine synergistically enhances murine memory within a specific dose range. We show that this plant natural product regimen also improves human memory in a population of healthy adults. MT-01 therefore represents a novel, safe, and effective dietary supplement to promote human memory and cognition.

Insights into the Anti-Adipogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Potentialities of Probiotics against Obesity.

Functional foods with probiotics are safe and effective dietary supplements to improve overweight and obesity. Thus, altering the intestinal microflora may be an effective approach for controlling or preventing obesity. This review aims to summarize the experimental method used to study probiotics and obesity, and recent advances in probiotics against obesity. In particular, we focused on studies (in vitro and in vivo) that used probiotics to treat obesity and its associated comorbidities. Several in vitro and in vivo (animal and human clinical) studies conducted with different bacterial species/strains have reported that probiotics promote anti-obesity effects by suppressing the differentiation of pre-adipocytes through immune cell activation, maintaining the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, altering the intestinal microbiota composition, reducing the lipid profile, and regulating energy metabolism. Most studies on probiotics and obesity have shown that probiotics are responsible for a notable reduction in weight gain and body mass index. It also increases the levels of anti-inflammatory adipokines and decreases those of pro-inflammatory adipokines in the blood, which are responsible for the regulation of glucose and fatty acid breakdown. Furthermore, probiotics effectively increase insulin sensitivity and decrease systemic inflammation. Taken together, the intestinal microbiota profile found in overweight individuals can be modified by probiotic supplementation which can create a promising environment for weight loss along enhancing levels of adiponectin and decreasing leptin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β on human health.

Efficacy of Drumstick Tree (Moringa oleifera) Leaves Powder on Lipid Profile and Hematological Indices in Chickens on a High Fat Diet

Moringa oleifera belongs to the Moringaceae family and genus Moringa. Moringa oleifera has many beneficial pharmaceutical and nutritional properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplements of Moringa oleifera leaves powder after consumption of a high-fat diet on cholesterol TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL and hematological parameters such as Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PCV, RBCs, WBCs, PLT neutrophil, heterophil and lymphocytes count in chicks. Golden Misri Chickens were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (the Control group) was given Feed-13. Group 2 (Experimental Group) was given Feed-13 and mustard oil (high-fat diet) Group 3 (experimental Group) was given Feed-13 + mustard oil and 1.5% Moringa oleifera leaves powder. Group 4 (experimental Group) was given Feed-13 and 1.5% of Moringa oleifera leaves powder for four weeks. The results of the current study showed a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in body weight in Experimental Group 3. Experimental group 3 showed a significant increase in levels of HDL, TG, RBCs, and Hb, while significantly decreased (p &gt; 0.05) in LDL, TLC, WBCs, MCHC, MCV, MCH, TC, TP, Monocytes count, neutrophil count, and platelet counts. Moringa oleifera supplementation showed a significant reduction in cholesterol, LDL, and TC levels. The findings of this study demonstrated that powdered Moringa oleifera is a beneficial and effective dietary supplement that increases HDL, TG, Hb, and RBCs, and decreases cholesterol levels.

Angelica keiskei water extract Mitigates Age-Associated Physiological Decline in Mice

ABSTRACT Objective Angelica keiskei is a medicinal and edible plant that has been reported to possess potent antioxidant properties in several in vitro models, but its effectiveness on naturally aging organisms is still lacking. This study explores the antioxidant and health-promoting effects of Angelica keiskei in naturally aging mice. Methods We treated 48-week-old mice with Angelica keiskei water extract (AKWE) 30 days, and measured indicators related to aging and antioxidants. In addition, we conducted network pharmacology analysis, component-target molecular docking, real-time PCR, and MTS assays to investigate relevant factors. Results The results indicated that administration of AKWE to mice led to decrease blood glucose levels, improve muscle fiber structure, muscle strength, gait stability, and increase levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in serum. Additionally, it decreased pigmentation of the heart tissues. Angelica keiskei combats oxidative stress by regulating multiple redox signaling pathways, and its ingredients Coumarin and Flavonoids have the potential to bind to SIRT3 and SIRT5. Conclusions Our findings indicated the potential of Angelica keiskei as a safe and effective dietary supplement to combat aging and revealed the broad prospects of medicinal and edible plants for addressing aging and age-related chronic diseases.

Personality Determinants Related to the Use of Selective and Effective Dietary Supplements by Elite Polish Team Sport Athletes.

The purpose of this research was to analyse relationships between personality traits and the use of selected dietary supplements among Polish athletes training in team sports. This subject matter has not been explored in prior research. This research was carried out among a group of 213 athletes (men) in the 18-36 age range, with the implementation of a proprietary validated questionnaire for the use of dietary supplements and the NEO-PI-R inventory (Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness Personality Inventory-Revised). Statistical analyses were performed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, assuming the following level of significance: α = 0.05. It was shown that athletes who periodically and regularly consumed isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, were characterised by a lower level of neuroticism than those who did not consume them. Athletes who periodically took multivitamin preparations were characterised by a lower level of extraversion and openness, and those periodically using multimineral preparations were characterised by a higher level of agreeableness than those who did not use these agents. Athletes not taking creatine were characterised by the lowest level of conscientiousness among the study participants. The use of protein nutrients, probiotics and caffeine was not associated with any personality traits in the athletes. Further relationships of the Big Five personality traits were demonstrated with the use of effective dietary supplements by athletes; the most unambiguous correlations were described for neuroticism and conscientiousness in such a way that the use of isotonic drinks, as well as energy bars and gels, was connected with a low level of neuroticism, while the use of creatine was connected with high conscientiousness.

Fucoxanthin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive role and underlying mechanisms of fucoxanthin (Fx) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice. Our results demonstrated that the oral administration of Fx (50 and 200 mg per kg body weight per day) for consecutive 7 days significantly alleviated the severity of LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice, as evidenced by attenuating body weight loss, improving intestinal permeability, and ameliorating intestinal morphological damage such as reduction in the ratio of the villus length to the crypt depth (V/C), intestinal epithelium distortion, goblet cell depletion, and low mucin 2 (MUC2) expression. Fx also significantly mitigated LPS-induced excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and curbed the decrease of tight junction proteins including claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 in the ileum and colon. Additionally, Fx effectively alleviated LPS-induced extensive infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the intestinal mucosa, the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1beta (IL-1β) and IL-6, and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis of IECs. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways. Moreover, Fx also notably restrained intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation levels in LPS-treated mice, and it might be mediated by activating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Overall, these findings indicated that Fx might be developed as a potential effective dietary supplement to prevent intestinal barrier injury.

Anti-aging activities of neutral and acidic polysaccharides from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb in Caenorhabditis elegans

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) is used to slow the aging process. Although polysaccharides are a major constituent of PM, their anti-aging properties have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the anti-aging effects of polysaccharides extracted from PM using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Two types of water-soluble heteropolysaccharides, namely a neutral polysaccharide (RPMP-N) and an acidic polysaccharide (RPMP-A), were obtained from PM. Their structures were elucidated by various methods. The effects of these polysaccharides on the lifespan, levels of antioxidants, and activities of antioxidant-related enzymes in C. elegans were also evaluated. The results showed that RPMP-A had higher GalA content compared with RPMP-N. The average molecular weights of RPMP-N and RPMP-A were 245.30 and 28.45 kDa, respectively. RPMP-N is a α-1,4-linked dextran as the main chain, and contains a small amount of branched dextran with O-6 as the branched linkage site；RPMP-A may be a complex of α-1,4-linked dextran, HG and RG-I. Treatment with RPMP-N and RPMP-A increased the mean lifespan of C. elegans, and significantly regulated oxidative stress. RPMP-A exhibited stronger anti-aging effects compared with RPMP-N. These findings suggest that RPMP-A may be a potent antioxidant and anti-aging component that can be used for developing functional food products and effective dietary supplements.

Modulation Effects of Sargassum pallidum Extract on Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of the extract from Sargassum pallidum (SPPE) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. SPPE treatment alleviated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance (IR), liver and pancreatic tissue damage, hyperlipidemia and hepatic oxidative stress resulting from T2DM. SPPE reversed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCK) and hexokinase (HK) activities to improve gluconeogenesis and glycogen storage in the liver. Furthermore, SPPE modulated glucose metabolism by regulating the levels of mRNA expression involving the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/G6pase/GLUT2 pathway and could inhibit fatty acid synthesis by reducing the gene expression levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC-1). A 16 sRNA analysis indicated that SPPE treatment also reversed gut dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides and Lactobacillus) and suppressing the proliferation of harmful bacteria (Enterococcus and Helicobacter). Untargeted metabolomics results indicated that histidine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis were significantly influenced by SPPE. Thus, SPPE may be applied as an effective dietary supplement or drug in the management of T2DM.

356 Dietary Fenugreek Seed Extract Improves Dry Matter Intake, Apparent Total Tract Nutrient Digestibility, and Alters Whole Blood Transcriptome of Holstein Dairy Heifers

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a fenugreek seed extract (SAP) as a source of saponins on dry matter intake, blood metabolites, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, and whole blood transcriptome of Holstein dairy heifers. Eight heifers (BW = 477 ± 23.8 kg) were stratified by BW and then randomly assigned to one of two treatments in a cross-over design with two 35-d experimental periods and a 14-d wash-out between the two periods. The heifers were housed individually in eight dry lot pens. Each pen was equipped with one GrowSafe intake node. Treatments were 1) corn silage-based diet with no additive (CON) and 2) corn silage-based diet plus 2 g ·animal-1·day-1 of SAP. Variables such as DMI and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility were analyzed as a randomized block design using the GLIMMIX model of SAS (SAS 9.4, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) using animal as the experimental unit. Blood metabolites that were measured repeatedly over time were analyzed using repeated measures and tested for the effect of treatment (CON vs. SAP), period, day of collection, and the day × treatment interaction. Dairy heifers fed supplemental SAP had greater (P ≤ 0.05). DMI and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber compared with CON. Dairy heifers fed supplemental SAP had decreased (P = 0.03) blood urea nitrogen and greater (P = 0.01) blood glucose concentration compared with CON. Pathway analysis via gene set enrichment analysis revealed increased (FDR ≤ 0.05) transcript levels for gene sets belonging to ISG15 antiviral mechanism, metabolism of proteins, citric acid cycle and respiratory electron transport, ATP synthesis by chemiosmotic coupling, and complex I biogenesis in dairy heifers fed supplemental SAP compared with CON. Decreased (FDR ≤ 0.05) transcript levels for gene sets associated with erythrocytes take up/release carbon dioxide, release/take up oxygen, and O2/CO2 exchange in erythrocytes were also observed with SAP supplemental group. Taken together, our results revealed that fenugreek seed extract can be used as an effective dietary supplement for dairy heifers to improve intake and digestibility, and alter the host transcriptome toward improved energy and amino acid metabolism, improved antiviral immune status, and reduced oxidative stress damage.

Taxifolin inhibits NETosis through activation of Nrf2 and provides protective effects in models of lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) is a bioactive plant flavonoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. We hypothesized that taxifolin might be an effective dietary supplement to ameliorate symptoms arising from thrombo-inflammatory diseases such as lupus and APS. We used in vitro assays and a mouse model to determine mechanisms by which taxifolin inhibits neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (i.e. NETosis) and venous thrombosis in lupus and APS. At doses ranging from 0.1 to 1 µg/ml, taxifolin inhibited NETosis from control neutrophils stimulated with autoantibodies isolated from lupus and APS patients, and its suppressive effects were mitigated by blocking the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Furthermore, taxifolin at a dose as low as 20 mg/kg/day reduced in vivo NETosis in thrombo-inflammatory mouse models of lupus and APS while also significantly attenuating autoantibody formation, inflammatory cytokine production and large-vein thrombosis. Our study is the first to demonstrate the protective effects of taxifolin in the context of lupus and APS. Importantly, our study also suggests a therapeutic potential to neutralize neutrophil hyperactivity and NETosis that could have relevance to a variety of thrombo-inflammatory diseases.

Thymol-enriched diet alleviates the toxic impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles on growth performance, blood biochemistry, oxidant/antioxidant status and stress-related genes and histology of liver and gills in Oreochromis niloticus

Dietary natural components emerged as key supplements for protecting fish against aquatic pollutants. In this study, we explored the efficacy of thymol supplementation (1 or 2 g/kg diet) in alleviating the toxic effects induced by exposing Oreochromis niloticus to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZON) at 1.14 mg/L (equivalent to 1/5th LC50) for 28 days. Relative to control, the fish treated with ZON showed a reduction in the survival rate and growth performance, with the highest zinc residues detected in the liver, followed by muscle and, finally, gills. Alterations were recorded in serum biochemistry reflecting ZON's hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, along with reductions in growth hormone, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The intestinal amylase, lipase, and protease activities were suppressed with increases in the intestinal Aeromonas and total bacterial counts in the ZON-exposed group. Elevated tissue levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) and PC (protein carbonyl) content, with depletion of the SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) activities, and GSH (reduced glutathione) levels were also noted in ZON-exposed group, in addition to upregulation of the hepatic HSP-70 (heat shock protein-70), Caspase-3, and P53 (Tumor suppressor protein). Moreover, histomorphological changes were recorded in the ZON-treated fish's liver and gills. Conversely, concomitant administration of thymol with ZON blunted these toxic impacts in a dose-specific manner. Based on these data, thymol could be an effective dietary supplement for stressed fish.

The theory of planned behavior and dietary behaviors in competitive women bodybuilders

BackgroundWomen bodybuilders build their ideal physique by manipulating their diet, supplement, and exercise regimens to extreme levels. Excess protein intake and dietary supplement use is ubiquitous in women bodybuilders preparing for a competition, i.e., in-season competitors, however the impetus for these two dietary behaviors are relatively unknown. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been used to explain dietary behaviors. The purpose of the study was to examine how the TPB can explain protein intake and dietary supplement use in in-season competitors.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, an online questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered to collect dietary supplement use, TPB variables, and other measures from 112 in-season competitors. Protein intake was assessed using multiple 24-h dietary recalls. Associations between TPB and protein intake and dietary supplement use were determined with multiple regression analysis while adjusting for confounders.ResultsFor protein intake: attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control explained 8% of the variance in intention; subjective norm independently predicted intention. Behavioral beliefs predicted attitude; subjective norm was predicted by trainer/coach, workout partners, and social media influencers. For dietary supplement use: intention explained 5% of the variance in dietary supplement use; attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control together explained 38% of the variance in intention. Attitudes towards dietary supplements use were predicted by five factors (not a waste of money, help improve physique, sustain energy levels, provide enough calories, help with recovery). Primary determinants of subjective norm were fellow competitors, social media influencers, and trainer/coach. Perceived behavioral control was predicted by three factors (ease of purchase, affordability to purchase, availability to purchase).ConclusionsTPB predicted dietary supplement use in women bodybuilders during in-season but there was little evidence for the prediction of protein intake using the TPB. Health professionals should develop effective interventions using strategies that align health education messages with in-season competitors’ outcome beliefs and collaborate with their referent others to influence safer and effective dietary supplement use.