Physiological Effects Research Articles

Mouse models for metabolic health research: molecular mechanism of exercise effects on health improvement through adipose tissue remodelling.

Exercise provides health benefits to multiple metabolic tissues through complex biological pathways and interactions between organs. However, investigating these complex mechanisms in humans is still limited, making mouse models extremely useful for exploring exercise-induced changes in whole-body metabolism and health. In this review, we focus on gaining a broader understanding of the metabolic phenotypes and molecular mechanisms induced by exercise in mouse models. We first discuss the differences in adaptations induced by aerobic and resistance exercise, and compare voluntary wheel running and forced treadmill exercise, the two main methods of aerobic exercise research in mice, to show the similarities and differences between the same aerobic exercise but different methods, and their impact on experimental outcomes. The effects of exercise on metabolic phenotypes, including alleviation of obesity and metabolic disorders, and the mechanisms involved in adipose tissue remodelling and browning are explored, as well as the role of the gut microbiota in mediating the physiological responses and metabolic effects of exercise. Understanding these molecular mechanisms and methodological aspects of exercise experiments in mouse models can serve as a valuable template for the design of future basic research in exercise physiology and will provide a strong scientific evidence base for optimizing the design of exercise intervention programmes for metabolic health.

Cyto-Genotoxic Assessment of Sulfoxaflor in Allium cepa Root Cells and DNA Docking Studies.

Sulfoxaflor (SFX) is an insecticide that is commonly used for the control of sap-feeding insects. Since SFX is extensively applied globally, it has been implicated in the substantial induction of environmental toxicity. Therefore, in this study, Allium cepa roots have been employed to elucidate the potential cytogenotoxic effects of SFX in non-target cells by examination of mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and DNA damage. Physiological effects of SFX were evaluated by A. cepa root growth inhibition assay, while cytogenotoxic effects were assessed by A. cepa ana-telophase and comet assay. Moreover, DNA binding affinity and binding mode of SFX were examined using molecular docking simulations to shed light on the genotoxic mechanism of action. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) on the growth of A. cepa cells calculated for SFX was found as 500 mg/L. Moreover, dose- and time-dependent decrease in MI, increase in CAs (disturbed ana-telophase, chromosomal laggards, stickiness, and anaphase chromosome bridge) and DNA damage were observed by the exposure of A. cepa root tips to SFX after 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-h treatment periods. A 6-bp double-stranded DNA structure containing two intercalation sites (PDB ID: 1Z3F) was used for docking studies. According to DNA docking results, SFX exhibited an energetically more favorable binding affinity with DNA (ΔG = -5.05 kcal/mol) compared with the experimental mutagen methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) (ΔG = -2.94 kcal/mol), and preferentially snugly fits into the minor groove of DNA possessing an intercalation gap, thus, providing valuable mechanistic data into the formation of chromosome aberrations and DNA fragmentation induced by this pesticide in A. cepa.

Mechanisms of Homoarginine: Looking Beyond Clinical Outcomes.

Homoarginine (hArg) is an arginine metabolite that has been known for years, but its physiological role in the body remains poorly understood. For instance, it is well known that high hArg concentrations in the blood are protective against several disease states, yet the mechanisms behind these health benefits are unclear. This review compiles what is known about hArg, namely its synthetic pathways, its role in different diseases and conditions, and its proposed mechanisms of action in humans and experimental animals. Previous work has identified multiple pathways that control hArg synthesis and degradation in the body. Furthermore, endogenous hArg can modulate the cardiovascular system, with decreased hArg being associated with cardiovascular complications and increased mortality. Studies also suggest that hArg could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for a variety of immune, pancreatic, renal, and hepatic dysfunctions. Finally, in women, hArg concentrations rapidly increase throughout pregnancy and there are suggestions that alterations in hArg could indicate pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia. Homoarginine is an under-appreciated amino acid with potential wide-ranging roles in systemic health, pregnancy, and pathophysiology. Although recent research has focused on its health or disease associations, there is a need for more investigations into understanding the mechanistic pathways by which hArg may operate. This could be aided using metabolomics, which provides a comprehensive approach to correlating multiple metabolites and metabolic pathways with physiological effects. Increasing our knowledge of hArg's roles in the body could pave the way for its routine use as both a diagnostic and therapeutic molecule.

Determination of collagen types and mineral contents in fish skin and collagen-containing skin-derived protein hydrolysates before and after in vitro simulated digestion.

An in vitro digestion model was established to characterize the types of collagens in skin of cod, white fish, and salmon as well as their collagen-containing skin-derived protein hydrolysates (CSPH) before and after digestion. Moreover, the mineral content and their bioaccessibility were evaluated. Finally, the presence of heavy metals was evaluated to assess the safety of these products. The results showed that white fish protein exhibited a high digestibility, reaching up to 92%. Among the collagen products, salmon collagen had the highest digestibility (∼73%). Protein identification revealed that the emPAI of type I collagen in digested skin and CSPH was higher than that of undigested samples. In addition, raw skins had higher contents of P, K, Ca and Mg, and the mineral content of CSPH was lower than that of unprocessed skins. Among the minerals studied, Ca and Cu showed the highest bioaccessibility in raw skin cod, being 32% and 26%, respectively. The bioaccessibility of Cu in raw skin salmon was also higher (∼34%). Moreover, in CSPH, Mg, K and Cu can be easily digested and absorbed. Regarding heavy metals, As and Pb were below the respective safe limits in all raw skins and CSPH, while Hg and Cd were not detected in the fish CSPH. Fish-derived collagen has gained significant attention due to its numerous health benefits, high bioavailability, and superior sustainability compared to animal collagen. Moreover, different types of collagens offer distance roles and advantages in the body. However, there are limited reports on how collagen structure and type may change during the digestive process. This study seeks to deepen our understanding of the economic value of fish collagen, as well as the mechanisms of its absorption and digestion. By investigating processes, the research aims to provide a clearer insight into the physiological effects of fish-derived collagen, which can inform the development of tailored collagen supplementation programs based on specific health needs.

Sedative effects of roasted green tea aroma on autonomic nervous activity, central nervous activity, and subjective mood state in healthy adults

Introduction: To clarify the physiological and psychological effects of roasted green tea aroma, this study examined the effects of roasted green tea extract and its major aromatic components on autonomic nervous activity, central nervous activity, and subjective mood state. Methods: Twenty healthy adults who were not averse to the aroma of green tea, did not smoke, did not display any flu symptoms, and were not receiving drug treatment participated in this study. The study samples comprised a roasted green tea extract from Shizuoka first-growth green tea (Test I) and three pyrazines, which are the main aromatic components of roasted green tea (Test III). The pupil miosis rate, peripheral skin temperature, and cerebral blood flow were measured after 2 min of inhalation of the study samples as physiological evaluations. Subjective mood state was investigated using a questionnaire for psychological evaluation. Results: The results showed that inhalation of roasted green tea aroma significantly increased the pupillary miosis rate and peripheral skin temperature, similar to the effects observed with hot water. Furthermore, inhalation of roasted green tea aroma reduced the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting that it also has a sedative effect on the central nervous system. In the psychological evaluation using the Visual Analog Scale, roasted green tea aroma inhalation reduced the scores for “tension”, and “anxiety” while increasing those for “mood” and “comfort” relative to those observed with hot water. In addition, the evaluation of the main aromatic components of roasted green tea, specifically three different pyrazines, demonstrated physiological effects similar to those of roasted green tea even at room temperature when tested at concentrations derived from the results of the analysis. Conclusion: The aroma of roasted green tea has both physiological and psychological sedative effects that differ from those of hot water and suggest that these pyrazines play a role in producing these effects, with 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine being the most important aromatic component. Furthermore, the findings suggest that roasted green tea aroma exerts a sedative effect on the autonomic nervous system by suppressing sympathetic nerve activity while increasing parasympathetic nerve activity.

Target Discovery Driven by Chemical Biology and Computational Biology.

Target identification is crucial for drug screening and development because it can reveal the mechanism of drug action and ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results. Chemical biology, an interdisciplinary field combining chemistry and biology, can assist in this process by studying the interactions between active molecular compounds and proteins and their physiological effects. It can also help predict potential drug targets or candidates, develop new biomarker assays and diagnostic reagents, and evaluate the selectivity and range of active compounds to reduce the risk of off-target effects. Chemical biology can achieve these goals using techniques such as changing protein thermal stability, enzyme sensitivity, and molecular structure and applying probes, isotope labeling and mass spectrometry. Concurrently, computational biology employs a diverse array of computational models to predict drug targets. This approach also offers innovative avenues for repurposing existing drugs. In this paper, we review the reported chemical biology and computational biology techniques for identifying different types of targets that can provide valuable insights for drug target discovery.

Psychological determinants of performance in women's football: a systematic review on resilience, anxiety, motivation and cohesion

Introduction: Over the past decade, women's football has gained significant visibility, leading to increased attention on the psychological factors that influence players' performance. Mental toughness is identified as a key trait that allows athletes to remain focused and resilient in high-pressure environments. Objective: This systematic review aims to analyze the psychological determinants of performance in young women's football, focusing on mental toughness, anxiety management, motivation, and team cohesion. Methodology: This review followed PRISMA guidelines and systematically searched four databases (PubMed, ProQuest, SCOPUS, FECYT) for articles published before October 1, 2024. The PICO framework was applied to define the research question, and data were extracted into an Excel spreadsheet, a total of 11 articles met all the inclusion criteria and were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Results: anxiety is explored in five studies, highlighting its physiological and psychological effects on performance and its predictors in elite athletes; resilience is examined in three studies, focusing on how young female athletes adapt to adversity to enhance performance and life skills; motivation is the subject of six studies, emphasizing intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving engagement, performance, and social influences in sports; and team cohesion is analyzed in two studies, illustrating its role in fostering better performance perceptions and group dynamics. Conclusions: Coaching strategies that foster a positive motivational climate and incorporate mental skills training can enhance psychological resilience, motivation, and performance outcomes.

Polysomnographic features of hypoglossal nerve stimulation efficacy: Looking deeper than the apnea-hypopnea index.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is a promising surgical option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Efficacy studies for HGNS stimulation largely focus on the apnea-hypopnea index and/or oxygen desaturation index. This study's objective was to show the physiological effects of HGNS stimulation on upper airway patency, airflow, and treatment effect during polysomnography (PSG) testing. PSG tracings from patients implanted with an Inspire© HGNS device were reviewed for this study. Nasal pressure was utilized as a surrogate for respiratory flow and chin electromyography was used to detect HGNS stimulation, allowing for breath-to-breath analysis. Per our sleep laboratory protocol, the HGNS device was turned on and off at different periods of the night. Respiratory tracings during these periods were visually analyzed. Analysis of on-off periods of HGNS therapy during PSG allows for a concise assessment of HGNS efficacy. The presence of inspiratory flow limitation and subsequent apneas or hypopneas upon turning off HGNS stimulation with restoration of stable, unobstructed breathing upon resuming HGNS stimulation indicates a positive treatment effect related to HGNS therapy. Despite the respiratory-sensing capacity of the Inspire HGNS device, desynchrony of stimulation and inspiration is observed. Desynchrony yields partially captured inspiratory cycles, allowing for assessment of HGNS effect on an individual breath. Night-to-night and intranight variability in OSA severity makes assessing the effect of HGNS complex. Strategic testing protocols during postoperative PSG can provide critical insight into the effect of this therapy on upper airway obstruction during sleep. On-off periods of stimulation provide a concise assessment of the effect of HGNS on preventing upper airway collapse and help to account for night-to-night and intranight variability. Respiratory desynchrony associated with HGNS therapy exists. Observing partially-stimulated inspiratory cycles allow for assessment of HGNS's effect on a single breath. 4.

Environmental art design from a biomechanical perspective: Exploration of the psychological and physiological effects of the integration of transparent materials and traditional cultural elements on residential spaces

With the advancement of urbanization, environmental art design is becoming increasingly important in contemporary Chinese interior design, especially in the design of modern rural villas. The integration of traditional culture and art has become an important way to enhance the artistic value and cultural significance of residential spaces. This article explores the psychological and physiological effects of interior design that combines transparent materials with traditional art elements from a biological perspective on residents. Transparent materials are like delicate optical structures in the biological world. They not only give the space a sense of lightness and openness, but their interaction with light also has a profound impact on the human body. From a biomechanical perspective, just like the sensitive capture of light signals by the biological visual system, transparent materials of different colors and materials can adjust light and shadow, and then act on the human nervous system and psychological state. Bright light passing through transparent materials is like a strong stimulus perceived by organisms, which can stimulate vitality; soft light is like a soothing signal, which can bring a relaxing effect. In addition, the integration of traditional cultural elements enhances the spiritual satisfaction of residents by evoking cultural identity and emotional resonance. This paper also combines case studies, such as Hiroshima Optical Glass House and Türkiye Draman Villa, to analyze how transparent materials can achieve the balance of visual, emotional and biological effects in the modern living environment, providing a new perspective for improving the quality of life of residents. The research results indicate that the organic combination of transparent materials and traditional cultural elements can not only improve the biological experience of residential spaces, but also promote physical and mental health, enhance the emotional value and cultural depth of the space. By applying insights from biomechanics, designers can create environments that support human physiology, ultimately improving residents' quality of life. This interdisciplinary approach offers a novel perspective on how interior design can significantly influence well-being and cultural depth in modern living environments.

A systematic review on the effects of the insecticide Thiamethoxam and the fungicide Difenoconazole on the health of bees Apis mellifera L.

Numerous studies show that insecticides and fungicides are harmful to the health of bees, influencing their longevity and colony maintenance. This systematic review aimed to gather scientific articles investigating the effects of the insecticide thiamethoxam (TMX) and the fungicide difenoconazole (DFC) on the organism A. mellifera. We used the Science Direct, Scholar Google, Scopus, Springer Link and Capes Periodic databases, keywords and Boolean operators, obtaining 11 articles that showed the information needed about A. mellifera and TMX or DFC, with routes of contamination by ingestion, contact, contaminated surface or injection. Behavioral, morphological, physiological, genetic and survival effects were evaluated, with commercial products or pure active ingredients, in the field (18%) and laboratory (82%) experiments. The results of most studies suggest that TMX and DFC, in sublethal doses, can affect the health of bees, altering their cognitive system, locomotion, cellular respiration and metabolism, gradually affecting the maintenance of the colony.

Impact of comorbid constipation on the survival of patients with heart failure: a multicenter, prospective cohort study conducted in Japan

BackgroundConstipation frequently affects heart failure patients because of medication side effects and physiological effects of the condition. Although recent speculation suggests that comorbid constipation may affect cardiovascular disease onset and survival rates, this relationship remains unclear. We examined the effect of comorbid constipation on the survival of patients with heart failure.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study (the Kochi YOSACOI study) of patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure. The influence of comorbid constipation on survival was evaluated using Cox regression analysis with 2-year survival as the index. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of comorbid constipation. The patient background was adjusted using propensity score matching, and the evaluation included assessing the 2-year survival and cardiovascular mortality occurrence using the log-rank test.ResultsAmong 1,061 patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure, 715 with complete data (124 with comorbid constipation and 591 without) were analyzed. Comorbid constipation was identified as a risk factor for poorer survival in the Cox regression model (hazard ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.8, P < 0.001). Propensity score matching included 104 patients in each group. Survival analysis using the log-rank test indicated worse survival (P = 0.023) and higher cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.043) in the comorbid constipation group.ConclusionConstipation can negatively affect the survival of patients with heart failure. Although the causal link between constipation and decreased survival remains unclear, identifying comorbid constipation is essential for identifying heart failure patients at a higher risk of poor outcomes.

Not just semantics: CO2 fertilization can be a disturbance leading to worldwide forest degradation

Societal Impact StatementThe physiological effects of increased atmospheric CO2 (CO2 fertilization) on intact forests are generally seen as a process that might buffer them against the impacts of climate change. However, CO2 fertilization can also cause adverse changes in forest conditions, such as alterations in species composition and reduced ecosystem moisture availability. Because of this, we argue that the effect of CO2 fertilization is a disturbance that leads to changes in the functioning of worldwide forests and causes low‐intensity degradation of these ecosystems. This demonstrates that even the most remote forests in the world have been altered by human action via CO2 fertilization, and the responsibility for their integrity must be shared globally.

Large Scale in vivo Acquisition, Segmentation and 3D Reconstruction of Cortical Vasculature using μDoppler Ultrasound Imaging

The brain is composed of a dense and ramified vascular network of arteries, veins and capillaries of various sizes. One way to assess the risk of cerebrovascular pathologies is to use computational models to predict the physiological effects of reduced blood supply and correlate these responses with observations of brain damage. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a detailed 3D organization of the brain vasculature, which could be used to develop more accurate in silico models. To this end, we have adapted our functional ultrasound imaging platform, previously designed for recording large scale activity, to enable rapid and reproducible acquisition, segmentation and reconstruction of the cortical vasculature. For the first time, it allows us to digitize the cortical ∼100-μm3 spatial resolution. Unlike most available strategies, our approach can be performed in vivo within minutes. Moreover, it is easy to implement since it requires neither exogenous contrast agents nor long post-processing time. Therefore, we performed a cortex-wide reconstruction of the vasculature and its quantitative analysis, including i) classification of descending arteries versus ascending veins in more than 1500 vessels/animal and ii) rapid estimation of their length. Importantly, we confirmed the relevance of our approach in a model of cortical stroke, which allows rapid visualization of the ischemic lesion. This development contributes to extending the capabilities of ultrasound neuroimaging to better understand cerebrovascular pathologies such as stroke, vascular cognitive impairment and brain tumors, and is highly scalable for the clinic.

Olivetol’s Effects on Metabolic State and Gut Microbiota Functionality in Mouse Models of Alimentary Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and 2, and Hypercholesterolemia

Background: Disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or hypercholesterolemia, can cause serious complications, reduce quality of life, and lead to increased premature mortality. Olivetol, a natural compound, could be proposed as a promising therapeutic agent for preventing, treating, or alleviating metabolic complications of such pathological conditions. Methods: In this study, the researchers conducted a broad parallel investigation of olivetol’s effects on metabolic state and gut microbiota functionality in mouse models of alimentary obesity, diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, and hypercholesterolemia. Results: According to the results of the study, olivetol caused a lowering of body weight in C57Bl6 mice fed a high-fat diet and in ldlr(−/−) mice, decreased serum glucose levels in db/db mice, improved lipid metabolism in ldlr(−/−) mice, and prevented inflammatory infiltration of the pancreas and loss of insulin secretion in NOD mice. In addition, olivetol affected the composition and functional activity of gut microbiota communities, inducing an expansion of probiotic species such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides acidifaciens and depleting the representation of pathobionts such as Prevotella, although olivetol supplementation did not influence the diversity or richness of the communities. Conclusions: These results suggest that olivetol is a promising therapeutic agent for preventing, treating, or alleviating the metabolic complications of obesity, diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, and hypercholesterolemia; however, more investigations are required in order to attain a full understanding of its physiological effects.

Drug-target binding affinity prediction based on power graph and word2vec

BackgroundDrug and protein targets affect the physiological functions and metabolic effects of the body through bonding reactions, and accurate prediction of drug-protein target interactions is crucial for drug development. In order to shorten the drug development cycle and reduce costs, machine learning methods are gradually playing an important role in the field of drug-target interactions.ResultsCompared with other methods, regression-based drug target affinity is more representative of the binding ability. Accurate prediction of drug target affinity can effectively reduce the time and cost of drug retargeting and new drug development. In this paper, a drug target affinity prediction model (WPGraphDTA) based on power graph and word2vec is proposed.ConclusionsIn this model, the drug molecular features in the power graph module are extracted by a graph neural network, and then the protein features are obtained by the Word2vec method. After feature fusion, they are input into the three full connection layers to obtain the drug target affinity prediction value. We conducted experiments on the Davis and Kiba datasets, and the experimental results showed that WPGraphDTA exhibited good prediction performance.

Body Condition and Blood Biochemistry of Free-Range Caiman latirostris in Northeast Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The Atlantic Forest broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) inhabits regions within one of the world's most ecologically diverse ecosystems, yet few studies have explored the relationship between body condition, blood biochemistry, and environmental factors in the wild. Our study investigated the effects of sex, ontogeny, habitat, and environmental variables on the body condition and blood biochemistry of free-ranging caimans from the state of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil. From 2020 to 2022, we captured 75 caimans across three sites in different seasons. Results revealed sex-specific responses to seasonal and Interannual weather changes, with females showing higher body condition in the wet season, while males peaked in the dry season. Elevated glucose, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, and fructosamine were linked to higher body condition and larger individuals, while elevated aspartate aminotransferase to low body condition. Seasonal rainfall influenced blood parameters, with the dry season associated with higher creatinine, calcium, and alanine aminotransferase levels, and the wet season with higher total protein, sodium, and potassium. Differences in glucose, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase across sites pointed to physiological effects of human activities. Blood biochemical values varied widely, with some exceeding reported species ranges. These findings highlight the need to interpret physiological data within the context of local habitat and environmental conditions. Conservation strategies should go beyond species presence and habitat preservation, incorporating pollution control. Our study advances understanding of Caiman latirostris ecophysiology, offering valuable insights for the conservation and management of crocodilian populations in both wild and captive environments.

The importance of monitoring the level of ionized magnesium fraction in the blood in critically ill patients

Background: Critical illnesses imply dysfunctions of vital organs with high risk of imminent death. Magnesium is a bioessential mineral with multiple physiological effects relevant for vital body functions. It stabilizes excitable membranes contributing to proper neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Ionized Mg2+ (iMg2+) is free bioactive form of Mg2+ in body fluids. Disorders of Mg2+ status in critically ill and injured patients are often overlooked. Chronic Mg2+ deficiency is a condition of growing incidence in the general population. It is a significant factor in overall morbidity and mortality of the critically ill. Methods: Electronic search was conducted across PubMed library database without time restrictions (up to November 8, 2024), using keywords »ionized magnesium« AND »critical care patients« to identify studies investigating the value of measuring blood concentration of ionized Mg2+ fraction in patients with critical health conditions. Selection criteria included only studies on human, and excluded studies on veterinary population. Results: Since Mg2+ is predominantly an intracellular cation, it is dificult to determine Mg2+ deficiency in the body. Its early stages refer to a clinically unmanifested tissue Mg2+ deficit in the presence of normal ionized and total magnesaemia. Disconcordance between total Mg2+ and iMg2+ blood levels is frequently present in critically ill patients. Concentration of iMg2+ fraction is a more specific marker of general Mg2+ status than total Mg2+. Appropriate electrolyte analyser iMg2+ assay is needed to adequately and promptly determine Mg2+ status, and estimate the requirement for Mg2+ recompense in the case of deficiency. Conclusions: Abnormalities of Mg2+ levels are prevalent in critical patients. Their severity can impose vital threat. Monitoring iMg2+ level to assess Mg2+ status helps diagnose and correct Mg2+ disbalances to provide better patient outcome.

Intermittent Fasting: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks for Health and Longevity – A Comprehensive Literature Review

Introduction:Obesity rates have risen sharply in recent decades, with one in eight people worldwide living with obesity in 2022. This has driven interest in the search for effective and sustainable dietary strategies. Intermittent fasting (IF), which alternates periods of eating and fasting, has gained considerable attention as a tool for weight management and overall health improvement. Unlike traditional calorie-restricted diets, IF’s simplicity and flexibility make it more accessible, potentially increasing adherence and long-term sustainability. Purpose:This study reviews current knowledge on IF, evaluating its physiological mechanisms, health benefits, risks, and long-term implications. It focuses on weight management, glucose metabolism, cardiovascular health, cognitive function, circadian rhythm, and sports performance, while addressing challenges related to safety and sustainability. Materials and Methods:This study reviews existing literature, including clinical trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies. It compares IF protocols such as alternate-day fasting (ADF), the 5:2 diet, and time-restricted eating (TRE), emphasizing physiological effects and practical implications. Conclusion:Intermittent fasting represents a promising dietary intervention with wide-ranging health benefits, from weight management to improved metabolic and cognitive health. However, challenges such as nutritional deficiencies, risks of hypoglycemia, and limited long-term data highlight the need for personalized approaches and further investigation. Future research should prioritize large-scale, long-term studies to refine fasting protocols and ensure safety and effectiveness across diverse populations. By addressing these gaps, IF could evolve into a sustainable, evidence-based strategy for improving global health outcomes.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Effects of Developmental PCB Exposure in the Hypothalamus of Female Rats.

This study investigated the consequences of perinatal exposure to Aroclor 1221 (A1221), a weakly estrogenic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture and known endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), in female rats. Previous work has shown behavioral and physiological effects of A1221, and the current study extended this work to comprehensive transcriptomic profiling of two hypothalamic regions involved in the control of reproduction: the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a cookie treated with a small volume of A1221 (1 mg/kg) or vehicle (3% DMSO in sesame oil) during pregnancy from gestational days 8-18 and after birth from postnatal (P) days 1-21, exposing the offspring via placental and lactational transfer. In female offspring, developmental, physiological, and hormonal effects of A1221 were relatively modest. However, because prior work has implicated this exposure in neurobehavioral disruptions, we sought to determine whether developmental programming of the brain transcriptome could underlie these phenotypes. We used 3' targeted RNA sequencing in the hypothalamus (arcuate nucleus, anteroventral periventricular nucleus) of experimental females at P8, 30, and 60 and identified significant alterations in gene expression and gene ontology (GO) terms in an age- and tissue-specific manner. Most notably, terms related to synaptic signaling, neurotransmitter regulation, immune response, and cellular structure were identified. Changes in pathways associated with synaptic functions and cellular metabolism were further identified, indicating that A1221 exposure can impact neurodevelopmental and neuroendocrine processes at a molecular level, even in the absence of overt developmental changes. These findings of molecular reprogramming may explain the behavioral effects of A1221 and highlight novel molecular targets and pathways that warrant further investigation to understand the effects of EDCs on the developing brain.

Genetic associations determine the effects of intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory for salinity exposure histories in barley.

Enhancing salt tolerance geneticallythrough defining the genetic and physiologicalmechanisms intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory thatcontributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing the reliance on external inputs such as irrigation and improving the adaptability of barley to changing climate conditions. Salinity stress poses a substantial challenge to barley production worldwide, adversely affecting crop yield, quality, and agricultural sustainability. To address this, the present study utilized a genome-wide association san (GWAS) to identify genetic associations underlying intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory in response to salinity in a diverse panel of 138 barley accessions. We compared seeds from a second-generation group without salinity exposure (C1C2) to seeds from groups that experienced single-generation salt stress two generations ago (S1C2; transgenerational memory) or one generation ago (C1S2; intergenerational memory), as well as seeds from a group exposed to salinity across both generations (S1S2; combined memory effects). Our results revealed that historical salt stress, irrespective of the number of prior generations affected, induced significant changes in traits such as spike length, spikelets per spike, grains per spike, grain weight, thousand-kernel weight, and markedly increment in antioxidant componentslevels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. These findings indicate that prior exposure to salinity leaves lasting physiological and biochemical effects that enhance the plant's ability to respond to subsequent stress. Notably, the GWAS analysis identified highly significant genetic associations and candidate genes such asHORVU.MOREX.r3.4HG0383450 linked to most of these traits under salinity exposure histories. In conclusion, intergenerational and transgenerational stress memory plays a pivotal role in enhancing barley's salt tolerance, offering valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing resilient barley cultivars.