Fatty Acid Content Research Articles

Synthesis of the Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEE) from Krabok (Irvingia malayana) Seed Oil for Use as the Main Ingredient in the Production of Herbal Massage Oil

This study focused on synthesizing fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from Krabok (Irvingia malayana) seed oil via transesterification for use as the primary ingredient in herbal massage oil production. Optimal conditions included 5 wt.% of KOH catalyst compared to the oil weight, 15:1 molar ratio of ethanol to Krabok seed oil, 60 min for reaction time and reaction temperature of 78 ± 3 °C, resulting in FAEE yields as high as 99.83 ± 0.17 %. Analysis using FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC techniques revealed FAEE as ester-type compounds, primarily comprising lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0), constituting 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids and 3 wt.% unsaturated fatty acids. Physicochemical properties indicated clear yellow liquids with viscosity of 1.73 ± 0.03 cSt/s, density of 0.8199 ± 0.0049 g/cm3, cloud point of +4 °C, and pour point of –1 °C. Acid value, free fatty acid content, iodine value, water content and oxidation stability were measured at 0.703 ± 0.001 mg KOH/g of oil, 0.354 ± 0.001 wt.%, 0.59 ± 0.04 g I2/100 g of oil, 1482.3 ± 6.15 ppm, and greater than 12 h, respectively. When the synthesized FAEE was used to produce herbal massage oil products, the results showed that the herbal massage oil products were characterized as a clear yellow liquid with no sediment, low viscosity, and pH in the range of 5 - 6, meeting standard criteria. Thus, FAEE derived from Krabok seed oil is suitable as a primary ingredient for herbal massage oil production, enhancing the value of local resources within the community. HIGHLIGHTS Under optimal conditions of 5 wt.% KOH catalyst, 15:1 ethanol to oil ratio, 60 min at 78 ± 3 °C, FAEE was synthesized from Krabok seed oil for herbal massage oil, yielding 99.83 ± 0.17 %. FAEE, identified via FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC, comprises 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids (lauric acid and myristic acid) and 3 wt.% unsaturated. The herbal massage oil derived from FAEE as the primary ingredient meets clarity, low viscosity, and pH 5 - 6 standards. FAEE from Krabok seed oil enhances the value of local resources. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Kui-Jie-Ling capsule inhibits ulcerative colitis by modulating inflammation and gut microbiota.

Kui-Jie-Ling capsule (Kui-Jie-Ling) is a hospital preparation for ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effects and mechanisms of Kui-Jie-Ling and Kui-Jie-Ling combined with adalimumab on UC induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Network pharmacology was combined with an animal experiment to reveal the targets of Kui-Jie-Ling alleviating UC. The UC model was established by drinking 2.5% DSS solution for 7days. On the second day, the mice in the Kui-Jie-Ling group were orally administered with Kui-Jie-Ling (1.5 and 3.0g/kg) daily for seven consecutive days, and the mice in the combination group were orally administered with Kui-Jie-Ling (3.0g/kg) once a day for seven consecutive days and received one subcutaneous injection of adalimumab. The disease activity index, the colon length, the spleen index, the cytokines, the colon, the short-chain fatty acid content, and the gut microbiota in the colon were analyzed. The role of gut microbiota against UC was verified by fecal microbiota transplantation experiments. The animal study's results were consistent with the network pharmacology analysis, which reflected that Kui-Jie-Ling alleviated UC via multi-pathway. Kui-Jie-Ling ameliorated UC by inhibiting the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), regulating inflammatory factors through the lipopolysaccharide-toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B and interleukin-23-Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway, and restoring intestinal homeostasis. These studies provided the experimental basis for the clinical administration of Kui-Jie-Ling and Kui-Jie-Ling combined with adalimumab against UC.

Effect of Supplementation Plans and Frequency on Performance and Metabolic Responses of Grazing Pregnant Beef Heifers

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of protein supplementation frequency and supplementation plans during gestation on productive performance and metabolic responses of grazing super-precocious Nellore heifers. Thirty-five pregnant Nellore heifers were used in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with an additional control group. The factors were the following: 1. Frequency of supplementation: (a) Daily (seven times per week), (b) Infrequent (three times per week); 2. Supplementation plans: (a) Constant, (b) Increasing. A control group with no supplementation was included. Two digestibility trials were carried out on the 40th and 130th experimental days. Productive performance and body composition were evaluated in the prepartum and postpartum periods. Blood samples were collected at −114, −113, −15, −14, +15, +30, and +45 days relative to calving for measuring metabolic status. Supplementation (daily and infrequent) increased the intake of total dry matter (DM) (p ≤ 0.004), average daily gain (p < 0.001), and body weight at calving (p = 0.008) at prepartum. However, frequency or supplementation plan did not alter (p > 0.17) the intake of total DM and forage DM. There was an effect (p ≤ 0.02) of the supplementation plan on subcutaneous thickness fat in the prepartum period and albumin and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (p < 0.004) in the postpartum period. Nonetheless, frequency and supplementation plans did not affect (p ≥ 0.10) heifers’ productive performance during the postpartum period. In conclusion, protein supplementation frequency and supplementation plan during beef heifers’ gestation do not negatively impact their productive performance or metabolic responses.

Carotenoid-carbohydrate crosstalk: evidence for genetic and physiological interactions in storage tissues across crop species.

Carotenoids play essential roles in photosynthesis, photoprotection, and human health. Efforts to increase carotenoid content in several staple crops have been successful through both conventional selection and genetic engineering methods. Interestingly, in some cases, altering carotenoid content has had unexpected effects on other aspects of plant metabolism, impacting traits like sugar content, dry matter percentage, fatty acid content, stress tolerance, and phytohormone concentrations. Studies across several diverse crop species have identified negative correlations between carotenoid and starch contents, as well as positive correlations between carotenoids and soluble sugars. Collectively, these reports suggest a metabolic interaction between carotenoids and carbohydrates. We synthesize evidence pointing to four hypothesized mechanisms: (1) direct competition for precursors; (2) physical interactions in plastids; (3) influences of sugar or apocarotenoid signaling networks; and (4) nonmechanistic population or statistical sources of correlations. Though the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway is well understood, the regulation and interactions of carotenoids, especially in nonphotosynthetic tissues, remain unclear. This topic represents an underexplored interplay between primary and secondary metabolism where further research is needed.

The Impact of Biotechnologically Produced Lactobionic Acid on Laying Hens' Productivity and Egg Quality during Early Laying Period.

Lactobionic acid (Lba), an oligosaccharide aldonic acid, has demonstrated various health-promoting benefits and applications in diverse areas. Lba has been recognized for its multifunctional properties, such as metal ion chelation and calcium sequestration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing the diet of early-laying hens with Lba (EXP group) on their performance and the physical-chemical properties, and nutritional quality of eggs. The 12-week study involved 700 Sonja breed hens per group, with the EXP group's diet enriched with 2% of biotechnologically produced Lba, while the control group (CON) received no Lba supplementation. Lba supplementation influenced both the hen's performance and egg quality, particularly in terms of egg production and fatty acid accumulation. Performance in the EXP group was significantly improved (p < 0.05), showing a 4.6-8.9% increase compared to the CON group at all experiment stages. Lba also promoted an increase in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content, particularly palmitoleic and vaccenic acids. Overall, Lba supplementation enhanced both the productivity of laying hens and the nutritional value of eggs during the early laying period.

Comprehensive evaluation of Flammulina velutipes residues polysaccharide based on in vitro digestion and human fecal fermentation

Flammulina velutipes residues (FVR) are the waste culture medium derived from the collection of Flammulina velutipes fruiting bodies, with an annual output that remains largely unexplored. The characteristics of digestion and fermentation of Flammulina velutipes residues polysaccharide (FVRP) are still relatively unknown. This study investigated the structure of the gut microbiota through 16 s rDNA gene sequencing and analyzed changes in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content via targeted metabolome analysis. The aim was to explore the prebiotic activity of FVRP based on a simulated digestion model combined with an in vitro anaerobic fermentation model. The results demonstrated that FVRP did not exhibit significant changes during in vitro digestion and fermentation but did enhance antioxidant activity. Furthermore, FVRP was found to rapidly reduce the pH value and increase SCFA production in the fermentation broth from lactic acid bacteria and human feces. Notably, FVRP altered the gut microbiota structure, significantly increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. Thus, FVRP could be considered a promising prebiotic food and feed additive that promotes the generation of short-chain fatty acids by modulating gut microbiota.

Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training alleviate glycolipid metabolism through modulation of gut microbiota and their metabolite SCFAs in diabetic rats

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorders are typical of diabetic patients and are important factors leading to macrovascular and microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of different exercises on glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats and the role of gut flora in metabolic maintenance. We measured glycolipid metabolic indices and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content and sequenced and analyzed gut microbes after 8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs in type 2 diabetic rats(T2DM). We found that Enterococcaceae, Enterococcus, Subdoligranulum, Kurthia, Bacillales, and Planococcaceae may be key bacterial taxa related to T2DM and that both programs of exercise regulated the intestinal flora of rats with T2DM, improved their glycolipid metabolism, increased the abundance of SCFA-producing intestinal bacteria, and it was found that the PWY-5676 and P163-PWY pathways which are closely related to production of SCFAs were significantly upregulated in the exercise groups. Notably, MICT appeared to be more effective than HIIT in increasing the homogeneity of rat intestinal flora, enriching species, and increasing acetic acid and butyric acid content. These results suggest that exercise improves glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats, which may be attributed to alterations in the structure of their intestinal flora.

Characteristics and Bioactivities of Protein Hydrolysate from Cricket (Acheta domesticus) Powder Defatted Using Ethanol with Aid of Vacuum Impregnation.

Cricket is a potential proteinaceous source used for protein hydrolysate (PH) preparation, having several biological activities. Nevertheless, cricket has high lipid contents, which are susceptible to oxidation during PH preparation. Thus, ethanol was used together with vacuum impregnation (VI) to enhance defatting efficacy before PH preparation. Also, bioavailability of the digest of PH after gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion via the Caco-2 monolayer was assessed. Cricket powder was defatted using ethanol for 1-4 h. Lipid contents were decreased with enhancing time until 2 h. Additionally, the defatting efficacy was augmented when ethanol combined with VI at 4 cycles for 2 h (VI-E-2) was implemented. Lowered mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were also observed in the VI-E-2 sample. The VI-E-2 sample was used to prepare PH using Alcalase and Flavourzyme (0.2-0.4 units/g dry sample). PH prepared by Alcalase hydrolysis at 0.2 units/g dry sample (A-0.2) showed the higher ABTS radical-scavenging activity and FRAP, compared to that prepared by Flavourzyme hydrolysis (p < 0.05). Thus, the A-0.2 sample was selected for digestion via the GIT system. The obtained digest (500-1000 μg/mL) had bioavailability of peptides, depending on the levels used. Therefore, PH from defatted cricket powder could be a promising ingredient for food applications.

Effect of initial quality of oil and thermal processing on oxidation indexes in canned tuna

The content of fatty acids and the ratio of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids are essential parameters for determining the nutritional value of oils. The main objective of this study was to identify the oxidation changes of three vegetable oils (soybean, sunflower, and olive oil) at two qualitative levels in the canned tuna product before and after the thermal process. The progress of oil oxidation was assessed by measuring peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (AV), malonaldehyde (MDA) content, Conjugated dienes (CDs), and conjugated trienes (CTs), p-anisidine value, total free acidity, INTOX and TOTOX values. The results indicated that the quality of oil extracted from canned fish changes according to the type of oil (p < 0.01). A decrease in the peroxide value during the thermal process (<2 meq O2/kg oil in olive and soybean oil), indicated that this parameter is not suitable for showing product quality and oxidation progress, lonely. Secondary products of oxidation, in soybean oil under sterilization caused an increase of p-anisidine value (149) but in olive and sunflower oil heating caused a rise of MDA content. Acidity value was an index that increased after heating all types of oil and all types of quality and seemed to be more reliable for determination of the quality of oil in canned tuna (p < 0.01).

GC-MS quantification of fecal short-chain fatty acids and spectrophotometric detection of indole: Do rectal swabs produce comparable results as stool samples? - A pilot study.

The exploration of the gut microbiome and related metabolites holds an exciting future in health science. The challenges associated with fecal sample testing are proper sample collection, sterile transportation, optimal transport conditions, and processing as all these factors could potentially change the microbiome composition, further exacerbated by the patient's customary discomfort regarding feces samples. The study aimed to compare the usage of rectal swabs and stool samples for short-chain fatty acid estimation using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and indole estimation using spectrophotometry. From May 2022 to June 2022, three women were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) in a secondary care hospital in coastal Karnataka. During their clinical visit, a rectal swab was collected, and the stool sample was transported to the hospital from the patient's home in sterile containers provided. After the extraction, short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were quantified using GC-MS. The fecal indole concentration was determined using a hydroxylamine-based assay. The GC-MS analysis failed to detect the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in rectal swab samples. Indole concentrations in stool and swab samples were significantly different. The study's findings do not support the use of rectal swabs to analyze gut metabolites.

GC-MS and PCA Analysis of Fatty Acid Profile in Various Ilex Species.

Natural compounds are important source of desired biological activity which helps to improve nutritional status and brings many health benefits. Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill. which belongs to the family Aquifoliaceae is a plant rich in bioactive substances (polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids) with therapeutic potential including hepatic and digestive disorders, arthritis, rheumatism, and other inflammatory diseases, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia. In terms of phytochemical research I. paraguariensis has been the subject of most intensive investigations among Ilex species. Therefore, we concentrated on other available Ilex varieties and focused on the content of fatty acids of these shrubs. The fatty acid compounds present in Ilex sp. samples were analyzed by GC-MS. 27 different fatty acids were identified in the extracts. The results showed that many constituents with significant commercial or medicinal importance were present in high concentrations. The primary component in all samples was α linolenic acid(18:3 Δ9,12,15). Differences of this component concentration were observed between cultivars and extensively analyzed by PCA, one- way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Significant correlations between compound concentrations were reported.

ROS/Thermo dual-sensitive hydrogel loaded with a nanoemulsion of patchouli essential oil for ulcerative colitis

Patchouli essential oil (PEO) is acknowledged as a potent contender for the management of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the limited ability of PEO to be absorbed by the body and its low stability substantially limit its potential uses. Furthermore, UC lesions are mainly concentrated in the rectal and colonic mucosa, with excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, a nanoemulsion of PEO (PEONE) was developed to enhance the stability and bioavailability of a drug. Subsequently, we developed a novel platform for the rectal administration of a ROS/thermo dual-sensitive Bletilla striata polysaccharide-based hydrogel (RTH) co-loaded with PEONE to efficiently treat UC. As expected, the sol–gel transition of PEONE@RTH, after its intrarectal administration, resulted in its extended presence in the colon and facilitated its attachment to the inflammation site. Moreover, PEONE@RTH alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC symptoms by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress, repairing the damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier (claudin-1 and occludin), increasing short-chain fatty acid content and inhibiting the MAPK signalling pathway. Additionally, PEONE@RTH exhibits exceptional safety and biocompatibility. Thus, PEONE@RTH has the potential to provide a novel approach for treating UC and other intestinal disorders characterised by similar clinical conditions.

Normalization of short-chain fatty acid concentration by bacterial count of stool samples improves discrimination between eubiotic and dysbiotic gut microbiota caused by Clostridioides difficile infection-

ABSTRACT Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) represent a cornerstone of gut health, serving as critical mediators of immune modulation and overall host homeostasis. Patients with dysbiosis caused by Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) typically exhibit lower SCFAs levels compared to healthy stool donors and, thus, the concentration of SCFAs has been proposed as a proxy marker of a healthy microbiota. However, there is no consistency in the methods used to quantify SCFAs in stool samples and usually, the results are normalized by the weight of the stool samples, which does not address differences in water and fiber content and ignores bacterial counts in the sample (the main component of stool that contributes to the composition of these metabolites in the sample). Here, we show that normalized SCFAs concentrations by the bacterial count improve discrimination between healthy and dysbiotic samples (patients with CDI), particularly when using acetate and propionate levels. After normalization, butyrate is the metabolite that best discriminates eubiotic and dysbiotic samples according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC-ROC = 0.860, [95% CI: 0.786–0.934], p < .0001).

Effects of Trace Mineral Source on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity, and Meat Quality of Pigs Fed an Oxidized Soy Oil Supplemented Diet.

This study investigates the effects of oil quality and trace mineral source on the growth performance, antioxidant activity, and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs. A total of 180 crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large White [64.4 ± 1.95]) were randomly allocated five dietary treatments based on body weight (BW) and sex in a 30 d trial. Pigs were fed five diets: (i) fresh soy oil + inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) + inorganic selenium (FISI), (ii) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + inorganic selenium (OISI), (iii) fresh soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (FISY), (iv) oxidized soy oil + ITMs + selenium yeast (OISY), and (v) oxidized soy oil + organic trace minerals (OTMs) + selenium yeast (OOSY). Each dietary treatment included six replicates and six pigs per replicate (three barrows and three gilts). Feeding OISI resulted in lower average daily gain (ADG) and dressing percentage (p < 0.05). The OOSY group had a higher dressing percentage and activities of serum CAT and GSH-Px in growing-finishing pigs (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative abundance of Campylobacterota in the colonic digesta varied with the quality of soy oil and source of trace minerals (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in short-chain fatty acid concentrations were observed among all dietary groups. In conclusion, adding oxidized soy oil to the diet negatively impacted the ADG and dressing percentage of growing-finishing pigs, and replacing ITMs with OTMs and SY alleviated these negative impacts. A combination of OTMs and SY can support antioxidant capacity to mitigate the negative impacts of oxidized oil on the growth performance and dressing percentage of growing-finishing pigs.

Effects of chicken slurry inclusion on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, palatability, and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of healthy adult dogs.

"Premium" pet foods are often formulated with meat slurries. Meat slurries are believed to be of higher quality than rendered meals, but inadequate research has been performed to test how their inclusion affects palatability, digestibility, or indicators of gastrointestinal health. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine how chicken slurry inclusion affected the palatability and apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) of dog foods and to assess their effects on the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of dogs. A replicated 3x3 Latin square design digestibility study was conducted using 9 healthy adult dogs (age = 5.44 ± 0.53 yr) to test diets containing 0% (control; CON), 8% (low inclusion; LOW), and 16% (high inclusion; HIGH) chicken slurry. The experiment comprised three 21-day experimental periods (14 days of adaptation, 5 days of total fecal collection (used for ATTD calculations), and 2 days of blood collection). On the first day of fecal collections, one fresh sample was collected for measurement of pH, dry matter (DM) content, fermentative metabolite concentrations, and microbiota populations. A 2-day palatability study (n=20 dogs) was also conducted to compare CON vs. HIGH. Data were analyzed statistically by Mixed Models using SAS 9.4, with P<0.05 being significant. In the palatability study, dogs were shown to prefer (P<0.05) the HIGH diet by a ratio of 2:1. In the digestibility study, fecal output, scores, pH, and DM percentage were not different among diets. The ATTD of protein was higher (P<0.05) for the HIGH diet (84.6%) than for the LOW (82.7%) or CON (82.6%) diets. The ATTD of other nutrients and energy were not different among diets (all over 80%). Fecal propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acid concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in dogs fed the LOW diet (122.0, 67.4, and 408.2 βmol/g, respectively) than those fed the HIGH diet (89.0, 46.9, and 338.2 βmol/g, respectively). The other fecal metabolites (acetate, branched-chain fatty acids, ammonia, phenol, and indole) were not different among treatments. Few changes to the fecal microbiota were noted. However, the relative abundance of fecal Fusobacterium was higher (P<0.05) in dogs fed the CON diet than those fed the HIGH diet (25.% vs. 20.0% relative abundance). In summary, chicken slurry inclusion improved palatability but had minimal effects on nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota.

Fatty Acid Content and Lipid Nutritional Indexes in the Antarctic Krill Euphausia superba Collected from Three Regions of the Atlantic Sector of Antarctica.

The total lipid (TL) and fatty acid (FA) contents in tissues and body segments were studied in adult Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) caught in three regions of the Atlantic sector of Antarctica with different environmental conditions. Significant differences in lipid and FA status of the Antarctic krill tissues and body segments were observed in the regions. Main metabolic indices indicating quality of lipids showed that E.superba has a high nutritional value. In particular, lipids are highly unsaturated in the species and ratios of physiologically significant and essential FAs are favorable to human health. This was assumed to be a distinctive biochemical characteristic of the species. Data from the study can be used to form a scientifically based approach to further technological processing of raw krill and targeted extraction of certain substances and components of a lipid nature.

Linseed oil supplementation alters milk fatty acid profile, mitigates heat stress, and improves summer milk yield in grazing dairy cows.

Dietary supplementation of fat can be an important source of energy to compensate for the reduction in dry matter intake in dairy cows during heat stress periods. Studies have reported that supplementing dairy cow diets with linseed oil (LO) can increase milk yield and enhance the levels of beneficial fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in the milk. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of LO supplementation on milk fatty acids profile, milk yield and composition, and physiological parameters of grazing cows. The study was conducted in two seasons, one in spring and one in summer. A 2 × 2 Latin square design was used in each experiment. Twelve Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Jersey cows were involved in each season. Cows were divided into two groups: control (TC) with no supplementation and treatment (TL) supplemented with 400g/day of LO. The results showed that LO supplementation altered the milk fatty acid profile: decreased concentrations of short and medium-chain fatty acids (C10:0 - C17:1) except for C13:0 and increased concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (C18, C18:1 (both trans and cis isomers), C18:2 (specific conjugated linoleic acid - CLA isomers), and C18:3 n3 (omega-3)). Additionally, milk yield increased by 1.5l per day during summer in LO-supplemented cows, while milk fat, protein, and casein content decreased. Milk stability increased by 2.2% in the LO-supplemented group. LO-supplemented cows reduced internal body temperature and heart frequency in the afternoon and increased daily rumination time by 20min. In conclusion, LO supplementation can be an effective strategy to improve the nutritional profile of milk by altering fatty acid composition towards potentially healthier fats, mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on grazing cows during summer, as evidenced by reduced body temperature and heart frequency and increase milk yield.

Biochar amendment affects the microbial genetic profile of the soil, its community structure and phospholipid fatty acid contents

Biochar (BC) amendment has been proposed as a promising strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Conducting a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of biochar on microbial genetic profile, community structure, and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) contents can aid in identifying key microbial groups involved in GHG production and consumption, and assessing the overall effectiveness of biochar in reducing GHG emissions. The present meta-analysis revealed that the addition of biochar resulted in a 22 % and 41 % reduction in pmoA and mcrA genes of methanogenic microorganisms, respectively. The mcrA/pmoA ratio significantly increased by 81 %. Gene abundances exhibited a positive response to biochar amendment, with increases observed in nifH, nirK, nirS, nosZ, and nosZ (nirS + nirK) genes by 13 %, 32 %, 37 %, 42 %, and 79 %, respectively. Moreover, biochar amendment influenced the microbial community structure accordingly. The concentration of PLFAs increased in response to BC treatment in the following order: A-bacteria (+49 %) < Fungi (+30 %) < Gram-pb (+21 %) < G-bacteria (+17 %) < Gram-nb (+11 %). These findings indicate that biochar amendment shapes the microbial community structure, further emphasizing its significance in enhancing soil fertility.

Investigating the effects of microplastics on the metabolism of Trematomus bernacchii from the ross sea (Antarctica)

Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental issue, even reaching remote areas like the Arctic and Antarctic, posing threats to biodiversity and food chains. The present research represents a pioneering endeavor aimed at exploring the relationship between lipids and microplastics in 20 wild specimens of Trematomus bernacchii from the Ross Sea (Antarctica). Fish were grouped in MPs-ingested and MPs-free based on whether they had ingested microplastics. Raman spectroscopy revealed that contaminated fish samples contained from one to three different types of polymeric fibers (1.4 items/specimen, ± = 0.7), specifically, polyester (PES), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) techniques were employed for the study of the lipid composition in term of fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs). Fifty different FAME compounds were identified and quantified in the lipid fraction extracted from the muscle tissues of the selected fish samples. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the most abundant family of fatty acids in T. bernacchii species with eicosapentaenoic (C20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6ω3) acids as main components. In detail, PUFA class accounted for 46.78 ± 6.82% and 44.62 ± 4.86% of the total fatty acid composition in MPs-ingested and MPs-free groups, respectively. The contents of the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) varied from 27.93% to 31.15% and from 24.23% to 25.05% in MPs-ingested and MPs-free fish samples, respectively. Based on Mann-Whitney test results (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference from a statistical point of view between two groups of fishes. Additionally, nutritional quality indices exhibited comparable values between groups. Results showed that no significant differences were found in the fatty acids distribution between the two groups. This indicates that the lipid composition of wild fish that are naturally exposed to plastic pollution remains unchanged and could still have beneficial effects on human health.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Induced by Wumei Pills Improves Chemotherapy-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in BALB/c Mice by Modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Our previous studies have found that Wumei Pills can regulate the intestinal flora to inhibit chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis (CIM). However, there is still insufficient evidence to confirm that intestinal flora is the main link in the regulation of CIM by Wumei Pills, and its downstream mechanism is still unclear. We first obtained the signal pathway of the intervention of Wumei Pill on CIM through network pharmacological analysis and then transplanted the bacterial solution into CIM mice, combined with Western Blot, HE, ELISA and other biological technology-related proteins and inflammatory factors. It showed that 97 kinds of effective ingredients and 205 kinds of targets of Wumei pills were screened out and the potential mechanism of Wumei Pills on CIM may be the NF-κB signaling pathway. In contrast with the control group, the results displayed that the weight, food intake, and mice's colon length were apparently decreased in the 5-Fu group, while the diarrhea score was increased. However, FMT reversed this change, and the difference was statistically significant. Additionally, FMT could improve the pathological state of inflammatory cell infiltration in mice, reduce histopathological scores of colon and jejunum, decrease the expression levels of IL-1β, MPO, TNF-α, and IL-6, reverse the activation of signaling pathway named TLR4/Myd88/ NF-κB and down-regulate protein expression, thereby exerting its anti-inflammatory activities. Further experiments have found that FMT could reverse the decreasing of tight junction proteins and mucins caused by 5-Fu, thereby repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and FMT could also increase the content of acetic acid, propanoic acid, and butanoic acid in the feces of 5-Fu group. FMT can defend the intestinal mucosal barrier integrality by increasing the content of exercise fatty acids, and its mechanism may be in connection with its inhibition of TLR4/My- D88/NF-κB signal pathway to relieve inflammation.