Nutritional Factors Research Articles

Investigating causal associations between pork intake and multiple sclerosis using Mendelian randomization: Insights from large-scale GWAS data in European populations.

Observational studies propose associations between dietary factors and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the causal nature of these relationships remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether nutritional factors causally influence MS risk through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Summary statistics for 15 common dietary factors were derived from the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) conducted by the Medical Research Council Integrated Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU). The GWAS data of MS were sourced from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC), including 14,498 cases and 24,091 controls. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the primary analytical approach to estimate causality, while Cochran's Q test assessed heterogeneity. MR-Egger (MRE) and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) were employed to detect pleiotropy and conduct sensitivity analyses. We executed univariable- and multivariable-adjusted MR analyses, incorporating adjustments for past tobacco smoking, particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) and moderate to vigorous physical activity. The univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR) analysis elucidated potential causal relationships concerning the risk of MS for only two dietary factors: pork intake (odds ratio [OR] = 6.764, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.772-25.814, p = 0.005 by IVW) and fish/liver oil dietary supplements (OR = 0.119, 95%CI: 0.032-0.444, p = 0.002 by IVW). In the multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis, the significant causal relationship between pork intake and MS remained robust even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conversely, after adjusting for these confounders, the initially observed causal associations between fish/liver oil dietary supplements and MS ceased to be statistically significant. Our findings suggest that pork intake could increase the risk of MS. Other nutritional factors analyzed in this study did not exhibit significant correlations with MS.

Systematic analysis of molecular mechanisms of action of essential macro- and micronutrients on the neurotransmitter and vasodilator molecule nitric oxide (NO)

Maintaining adequate levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the blood and other body tissues is necessary for the regulation of vascular tone, blood pressure, maintenance of oxygen metabolism and endothelial function. NO is also involved in regulating the balance of excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmission. Nutritional factors profoundly affect NO metabolism. Systematic computer analysis of 26,103 publications by methods of topological approach to recognition allowed to identify the most crucial fields of clinical research assessing relationships between NO metabolism and nutrients: arginine-derived NO synthase-driven NO production, nitrate-containing products, folates and vitamin B12 in NO homeostasis (including the effects of modifications of the vitamin B12 molecule), other B vitamins (B1, B2, B7), antioxidant vitamins (C and E), hormone-like vitamins D3 and A, electrolytes magnesium and calcium, participation of the microbiome in NO production.

Investigation of the physicochemical factors affecting the in vitro digestion and glycemic indices of indigenous indica rice cultivars

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a vital food crop and staple diet for most of the world’s population. Poor dietary choices have had a significant role in the development of type-2 diabetes in the population that relies on rice and rice-starch-based foods. Hence, our study investigated the in vitro digestion and glycemic indices of certain indigenous rice cultivars and the factors influencing these indices. Cooking properties of rice cultivars were estimated. Further, biochemical investgations such as amylose content, resistant starch content were estimated using iodine-blue complex method and megazyme kit respectively. The in vitro glycemic index was estimated using GOPOD method. The rice cultivars considered in our study were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-amylose rice varieties. The rice cultivars were subjected to physicochemical characterization by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. FTIR spectral analysis revealed prominent bands at 3550-3200, 2927-2935, 1628-1650, 1420-1330, and 1300-1000 cm−1, which correspond to –OH groups, C=O, C=C, and C–OH stretches, and H–O–H and –CH bending vibrations, confirming the presence of starch, proteins, and lipids. Additionally, the FTIR ratio R(1047/1022) confirmed the ordered structure of the amylopectin. DSC analysis revealed variations in the gelatinization parameters, which signifies variations in the fine amylopectin structures and the degree of branching inside the starch granules. The percentage of resistant starch (RS) ranged from 0.50–2.6%. The swelling power (SP) of the rice flour ranged between 4.1 and 24.85 g/g. Furthermore, most of the rice cultivars are classified as having a high glycemic index (GI) based on the estimated in vitro GI (eGI), which varies from 73.74–90.88. The cooking properties of these materials were also investigated. Because the amylose content is one of the key factors for determining the cooking, eating, and digestibility properties of rice, we investigated the relationships between the amylose content and other biochemical characteristics of rice cultivars. The SP and GI were negatively correlated with the amylose content, whereas the RS had a positive relationship. The findings of our study can be beneficial in illustrating the nutritional profile and factors affecting the digestibility of traditional rice cultivars which will promote their consumption, cultivation, and contributes to future food security.

Nutritional status and risk factors for malnutrition among children aged 1–6 years in tribal communities of Malappuram district, Kerala: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionMalnutrition has critical consequences for physical and cognitive growth, as well as for development. In Kerala, Malappuram district has the highest burden of malnutrition and is home to nearly half...

The nutritional status and problems among older adults in a selected rural community of kerala

Older adults are vulnerable to nutritional risk states due to low food intake and presence of chronic medical conditions. Thus, they require an extended nutrition assessment.: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and identify the common nutritional problems present among older adults in the community. A quantitative approach was used with a convenience sampling method. The participants were 50 adults, both males and females, aged above 50 years and residing in a selected catchment area of the community in Kottayam district. Data collection was extracted from a larger survey carried out in this area which used a structured questionnaire. A majority of the participants were aged between 50- 55 years (n =28, 56%), males (n = 26, 52%), belonged to nuclear families (n= 33, 66%), had high school education (n= 17, 34%), were unemployed (n =18, 36%), and married (n=48, 96%). Regarding the nutritional status, nearly 24% of the participants were overweight (n 12) and 6% were obese (n = 3). Regarding the nutritional risk factors, a majority of them were following unhealthy diets (n=39, 78%), had irregular food habits (n=32, 64%), and had the habit of skipping meals (n=31, 62%). Consumption of sugar-rich foods (n = 11, 22%), with a low intake of milk and milk products (n =36, 72%), and an intake of fried foods (n =32, 64%) were reported by the participants. Moreover, 18% of them (n =9) had regular consumption of alcohol. Nutritional risk states were present in nearly 50% of them.The study results demonstrated the presence of various lifestyle-related nutritional risk factors and gave insight into the existing nutritional patterns among older adults and the problems associated with nutritional intake.The study results highlight the need for adopting a healthy lifestyle and the dietary and behavioral modifications required as an urgent measure to tackle the problems associated with chronic disease escalating at the fastest pace in Kerala. Further studies are required to assess the specific nutritional problems in a large sample of the population and long-term monitoring of the nutritional factors.

Eco-anxiety, climate change and the ‘bottom billion’: a plea for better understanding

Climate change poses enormous, rapidly increasing risks to human well-being that remain poorly appreciated. The growing understanding of this threat has generated a phenomenon often called ‘eco-anxiety’. Eco-anxiety (and its...

Energy Expenditure in Chronic Kidney Disease: Affecting Factors and Evaluation Methods.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a chronic health problem whose prevalence is increasing. Nutrition and nutrition-related factors, one of the modifiable risk factors for CKD, are of primary importance. The key to planning optimal nutritional therapy is accurately determining energy requirements and total energy expenditure. Many health problems can accompany CKD, such as protein-energy malnutrition, sarcopenia, etc, and increase the mortality rate. This study aims to present the specific factors affecting energy expenditure specific to CKD in line with the current literature, to discuss the methods used to determine energy expenditure, and to examine these methods according to groups receiving and not receiving renal replacement therapy (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation).

Genetic Variants and Lifestyle Factors in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients: A Case-Control Study of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Their Contribution to Baldness Risk.

We conducted a study to investigate the role of specific allelic variants in AGA controlling for nutritional and lifestyle factors. Individual patterns of SNPs present in the baldness susceptibility locus at 20p11 (rs1160312 and rs6113491) or close to the androgen receptor (AR) gene in chromosome X (rs1041668) were investigated in 212 male subjects. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, smoking, and diet was also collected. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After controlling for age, diet, BMI, family history of AGA, and smoking, an increased risk of AGA was found for subjects with [A] alleles for both rs1160312 (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.34-6.62) and rs6113491 (OR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.37-6.52), and for subjects with the TT genotype for rs1041668 (OR: 4.47; 95% CI: 1.60-12.5). Multivariate logistic regression indicates that diet, familiarity, and BMI, but not smoking, remain statistically significant despite the different SNP genotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first indication that the rs1160312, rs6113491, and rs1041668 polymorphisms are independent risk factors for AGA that can be modulated by diet.

Factors influencing secondary school students' nutrition, mindfulness, and academic performance in Nan Province, Thailand.

Academic performance is crucial for future educational endeavors of students. However, there has been a concerning decline over time. This study aimed to investigate the association between nutritional status, environmental factors, mindfulness, and academic performance among students at Bo Kluea School in Nan province, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 350 students in grades 8-11 using questionnaires, measurements, and academic records. Results showed that female students performed significantly better academically compared to males(71.9% vs 56.4% achieving good grades; compared to p < 0.001, OR = 3.583, 95%CI = 1.663-7.719). Age, junk food consumption, BMI, and mindfulness were identified as factors influencing academic performance. Students aged 16-18 years were 2.224 times more likely to achieve good academic performance compared to younger students (p = 0.015, OR = 2.224, 95%CI = 1.164-4.247). Significant associations were found between gender, age, waist circumference, mindfulness, and nutritional status. Female students and those with normal waist circumference or good mindfulness were more likely to have a normal BMI (p = 0.019, OR = 1.794, 95%CI = 1.101-2.922). Positive attitudes towards nutrition were associated with better academic performance (60.1% achieving good grades;p = 0.044, AOR = 1.543, 95%CI = 1.010-2.356). This study highlights the interconnectedness of these factors and their importance in in improving academic results. Further research is need to confirm these findings and overcome study limitations.

Nutritional Profiles and Factors Associated with the Intake of Certain Food Types in Patients Undergoing Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Malnutrition is a significant concern for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, as treatment often impairs mastication, causes dysphagia, and alters taste and smell, leading to reduced food intake and a diminished quality of life. Thus, this study aims to compare nutritional intake in HNC survivors using maxillofacial prostheses (MFPs) to healthy reference values and identify the factors influencing their dietary intake. Methods: The study included 56 patients treated for HNC undergoing rehabilitation with comfortable definitive dentures for over a month at the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic of Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital. Data were gathered on the demographics, clinical characteristics, malnutrition risk using a malnutrition universal screening tool, dietary intake consistency via a functional oral intake scale, swallowing difficulties with eating assessment tool-10, and nutrient intake through a Brief-type Self-administered Dietary History Questionnaire. Patients' nutrient intakes were compared to the reference values from the BDHQ ad hoc computer algorithm based on the 2015 National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan. Factors such as maximum mouth opening and the number of functional teeth were also assessed together with the aforementioned factors. Results: There were significant differences between the patient values and reference values, with lower intakes of total dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and β-carotene, while higher intakes of calcium, fats, and certain vitamins were noted in the patients. Food intake consistency, swallowing difficulties, and mouth opening significantly influenced green vegetable intake, whereas sex and the number of functional teeth impacted cereal intake. Conclusions: The HNC survivors were rehabilitated with MFP; however, their nutritional intake differed from that of healthy subjects. The significance of swallowing rehabilitation, appropriate food preparation, exercises to enhance mouth opening, and the preservation of functional teeth has been emphasized as critical factors influencing diet in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Additionally, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to nutritional care for these individuals is underscored.

Interaction between genetic risk score and dietary carbohydrate intake on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels: Findings from the study of obesity, nutrition, genes and social factors (SONGS).

Cardiometabolic traits are complex interrelated traits that result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to assess the interaction between genetic variants and dietary macronutrient intake on cardiometabolic traits [body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, fasting serum insulin, and glycated haemoglobin]. This cross-sectional study consisted of 468 urban young adults aged 20±1 years, and it was conducted as part of the Study of Obesity, Nutrition, Genes and Social factors (SONGS) project, a sub-study of the Young Lives study. Thirty-nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to be associated with cardiometabolic traits at a genome-wide significance level (P<5×10-8) were used to construct a genetic risk score (GRS). There were no significant associations between the GRS and any of the cardiometabolic traits. However, a significant interaction was observed between the GRS and carbohydrate intake on HDL-C concentration (Pinteraction=0.0007). In the first tertile of carbohydrate intake (≤327g/day), participants with a high GRS (>37 risk alleles) had a higher concentration of HDL-C than those with a low GRS (≤37 risk alleles) [Beta=0.06mmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.10; P=0.018]. In the third tertile of carbohydrate intake (>452g/day), participants with a high GRS had a lower concentration of HDL-C than those with a low GRS (Beta=-0.04mmol/L, 95% CI -0.01 to-0.09; P=0.027). A significant interaction was also observed between the GRS and glycaemic load (GL) on the concentration of HDL-C (Pinteraction=0.002). For participants with a high GRS, there were lower concentrations of HDL-C across tertiles of GL (Ptrend=0.017). There was no significant interaction between the GRS and glycaemic index on the concentration of HDL-C, and none of the other GRS∗macronutrient interactions were significant. Our results suggest that young adults who consume a higher carbohydrate diet and have a higher GRS have a lower HDL-C concentration, which in turn is linked to cardiovascular diseases, and indicate that personalised nutrition strategies targeting a reduction in carbohydrate intake might be beneficial for these individuals.

Impact of Nutritional Factors on Colorectal Cancer: Implication the molecular mechanisms of Vitamins Supplementation

Impact of Nutritional Factors on Colorectal Cancer: Implication the molecular mechanisms of Vitamins Supplementation

An epidemiological assessment of health status among a cohort of tuberculosis survivors: prospective research in a western Indian city

An epidemiological assessment of health status among a cohort of tuberculosis survivors: prospective research in a western Indian city

A Microphysiological Model of Progressive Human Hepatic Insulin Resistance.

Hepatic insulin resistance is a fundamental phenomenon observed in both Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The relative contributions of nutrients, hyperinsulinemia, hormones, inflammation, and other cues are difficult to parse in vivo as they are convoluted by interplay between the local and systemic events. Here, we used a well-established human liver microphysiological system (MPS) to establish a physiologically-relevant insulin-responsive metabolic baseline and probe how primary human hepatocytes respond to controlled perturbations in insulin, glucose, and free fatty acids (FFAs). Replicate liver MPS were maintained in media with either 200 pM (normal) or 800 pM (T2D) insulin for up to 3 weeks. Conditions of standard glucose (5.5 mM), hyperglycemia (11 mM glucose), normal (20µM) and elevated FFA (100 µM), alone and in combination were used at each insulin concentration, either continuously or reversing back to standard media after 2 weeks of simulated T2D conditions. Hepatic glucose production, activation of signaling pathways, insulin clearance, transcriptome analysis, and intracellular lipid and bile acid accumulation were assessed. Hyperinsulinemia alone induces insulin resistance after one week of exposure, while hyperglycemia and increased FFAs significantly exacerbate this phenotype. Hyperinsulinemia, along with elevated glucose and FFAs, transcriptionally predisposes hepatocytes to insulin resistance through altered metabolic and immune signaling pathways. The phenotypes observed in hyperinsulinemia and nutrient overload are partially reversible upon return to normophysiologic conditions. Our enhanced in vitro model, replicating multiple aspects of the insulin-resistant condition, offers improved insights into disease mechanisms with relevance to human physiology. The many nutritional, hormonal, and systemic inflammatory factors that contribute to the loss of sensitivity to insulin in Type 2 Diabetes and other metabolic disorders are difficult to parse in human patients, and animal models fail to capture all the human dimensions of the relevant biology. We, therefore, developed a microphysiological systems model, involving a microfluidic platform that cultures a simulated human liver for weeks at a time, under controlled nutrient and hormone concentrations, to analyze how the effects of nutrition (glucose and free fatty acids) together with increased insulin cause pathological features seen in human liver in vivo . We found that continually high levels of insulin predispose the liver to some of these features, along with reversal when the nutritional and insulin levels were restored to healthy values.

International diet quality index and revised diet quality index relationship with type 2 diabetes disease: a case-control study.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health crisis linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Research indicates that better dietary quality-higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and lower intake of processed foods-reduces T2DM risk. This study examines the relationship between T2DM and dietary quality indices (DQI-I and DQI-R) to determine if adherence can lower diabetes risk. By analyzing dietary patterns in individuals with and without diabetes, the research aims to identify key nutritional factors influencing disease risk and provide evidence-based dietary recommendations for prevention and management. This case-control study involved 128 T2DM patients and 256 controls, assessing dietary intake with a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire to calculate the Dietary Quality Index-I (DQI-I) and Dietary Quality Index-R (DQI-R). Multivariable logistic regression analysis explored the relationship between DQI-I, DQI-R, and their components with T2DM development odds. The mean (SD) age and body mass index (BMI) of participants, comprising 53.7% men, were 37.8 (7.8) years and 27.7 (3.3) kg/m2, respectively. In the final model, each standard deviation increase in the DQI-I score was associated with reduced odds of T2DM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37-0.92; p = 0.046). Among the components of the DQI-I, a high adequacy score was significantly correlated with lower odds of T2DM (OR = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.05-0.36; p < 0.001). Additionally, participants in the highest tertile of the DQI-R score exhibited lower odds of T2DM compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.11-0.49; p < 0.001). Furthermore, within the components of the DQI-R, a high moderation score was associated with a decreased risk of T2DM (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.09-0.45; p < 0.001). The case-control study suggests a potential protective effect of diets with higher scores on the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Revised Diet Quality Index (DQI-R) in reducing T2DM risk. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and prospective designs to further investigate the DQI-I, DQI-R, and their components in relation to T2DM and other chronic diseases.

Body Composition in Preterm Infants: Current Insights and Emerging Perspectives.

In recent years, significant advancements in respiratory and nutritional care have markedly improved the survival rates of preterm infants and enhanced long-term health outcomes. Despite these improvements, emerging research highlights the lasting impacts of early growth patterns on an individual's health trajectory. Adults born prematurely face a higher incidence of health issues related to their early birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that preterm infants should achieve growth rates similar to those of fetuses, with clinicians emphasizing nutrition delivery to help these infants reach their expected weight for gestational age. However, this approach often results in altered body composition, characterized by increased fat mass and decreased fat-free mass compared to full-term infants. Air displacement plethysmography stands out as a highly reliable method for measuring preterm body composition, while DEXA scans, despite their reliability, tend to overestimate body fat. Other methods include bioelectric impedance, isotope dilution, MRI, ultrasound, and skinfold thickness, each with its own strengths and limitations. In this paper, we aim to raise awareness among neonatal clinicians about the importance of achieving acceptable neonatal body composition. We discuss the pros and cons of different body composition measurement methods, the impact of nutrition and other factors on body composition in preterm infants, long-term follow-up data, and the potential use of body composition data to tailor nutritional interventions in NICU and post-discharge settings. This comprehensive approach is designed to optimize health outcomes for preterm newborns by focusing on their body composition from an early stage.

Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Patterns Are Associated with Skeletal Muscle Mass in Chinese Children.

Nutritional factors are important for skeletal muscle mass and grip strength development in children. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between erythrocyte membrane fatty acid patterns (FAPs) and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength in children. A total of 452 children aged 6-9 y were included in this study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Hand grip strength was determined by the Jamar Plus+ hand dynamometer (Sammons Preston). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) was calculated, and the relative concentrations of 20 fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Factor analysis was used to explore the relationship between fatty acids and skeletal muscle mass and grip strength. Five FAPs were identified by factor analysis, and after adjusting for covariates, a multiple linear regression model showed that FAP2 (high C17:0, C20:5 n-3, C22:6 n-3) showed a negative correlation with ASM (β = -0.214; P < 0.001), ASMI (β = -0.085; P < 0.001), and left-hand grip strength (β = -0.235; P = 0.012). FAP3 (high C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C16:1 n-7, low C20:4 n-6) scores were positively correlated with ASM (β = 0.134, P = 0.017). No other associations between FAPs and skeletal muscle mass were found. The relationship between different FAPs and skeletal muscle health in children aged 6-9 y may be different. The pattern characterized by higher concentrations of C17:0, C20:5 n-3, and C22:6 n-3 in erythrocyte membranes may be associated with lower skeletal muscle mass. The pattern featuring higher concentrations of C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, and C16:1 n-7 and lower concentrations of C20:4 n-6 may be protective factors for muscle mass.

Genipin crosslinked sodium caseinate-chitosan oligosaccharide nanoparticles for optimizing β-carotene stability and bioavailability.

In this study, genipin served as crosslinker to combine sodium caseinate (SC) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), aiming to improve the physicochemical properties and encapsulation efficiency of SC in delivering hydrophobic nutritional factors. The genipin crosslinked complex of SC and COS (GSCC) was characterized by circular dichroism spectrum and infrared spectrum analyses. Nanoparticles produced from GSCC (GSCCNP) exhibited a superior hydrophilicity compared to those derived from SC (SCNP). GSCCNP significantly augmented the encapsulation efficacy and photostability of β-carotene. β-Carotene encapsulated within GSCCNP (βC-GSCCNP) exhibited remarkable in vitro sustained release characteristics and heightened bioavailability. In addition, βC-GSCCNP showed significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. These findings indicated that genipin crosslinking COS-modified SC could construct a nano-delivery system to enhance the stability and bioavailability of insoluble nutritional factors, thereby presenting promising applications for hydrophobic nutrients in the development of functional foods and beverages.

Reproductive Physiology and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Testicular Development and Spermatogenesis in Echinoderms: A Marine Invertebrate Deuterostomes.

Echinoderms exhibit a wide range of reproductive strategies as adaptations to variable environments. The processes of gonadal development, germ cell differentiation, and spermatogenesis in echinoderms are crucial physiological processes that warrant further in-depth exploration. This review systematically summarizes research from early basic sciences to recent studies on male gonadal development and spermatogenesis, encompassing morphology, histology, physiology, cell biology, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology. We introduce the structural and cellular similarities and differences among model or non-model organisms from five classes of echinoderms to provide insights for future comparative research between higher vertebrates and lower organisms. The regulatory systems involved in echinoderm spermatogenesis are described from various aspects including nutritional supply, environmental factors, neurological influences, endocrinological influences, and hormonal influences. This article aims to elucidate gonadal development and spermatogenesis in echinoderms-organisms at unique evolutionary nodes-providing valuable materials for studying adaptive evolution and developmental biology. Additionally, a comprehensive summary of characterized genes and gene markers associated with testes development and spermatogenesis is provided as useful information for future systematic studies on cell subpopulations. Future studies can focus on molecular changes associated with chromatin remodeling during germ cell development, cellular differentiation, and intercellular communication mediated by receptor-ligand interactions, to further our understanding of biological processes and regulatory networks involved in echinoderm gonadal development and spermatogenesis.

A comparative study of proximate compositions, phytochemical constituents, and anti-nutritional contents of pulps and seeds of Garcinia buchananii fruit.

Garcinia buchananii is a tropical wild edible plant that is locally consumed in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Regional state of Ethiopia. However, there is limited information comparing nutritional, phytochemical, and anti-nutritional factors present in fruit pulps and seeds of the fruit. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the proximate compositions, phytochemical constituents, and anti-nutritional contents of the fruit pulp and seeds. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 20. The proximate analysis revealed that the pulp had higher moisture content (80.52%) compared to the seed (42.4%), whereas the seed contained more crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber and carbohydrate. However, the phytochemical constituents were relatively more abundant in the pulp compared to the seed. The pulp exhibited higher levels of total phenolic content (31.62%), total flavonoid content (22.27%), ascorbic acid (0.67%), and inhibition percentage (15.31%), but was lower in beta-carotene (4.60%). The fruit seed has higher anti-nutritional values than the pulp. Overall, the pulp and seeds of the Garcinia buchananii fruit are nutrient-rich and can be used in food product development and formulation. Being high in moisture content and low in anti-nutritients the pup of the plant can be utilized in the form of juice.