Pantothenic Research Articles

Investigating the mechanisms of resveratrol in the treatment of gouty arthritis through the integration of network pharmacology and metabolics

ObjectiveThis study integrates network pharmacology and metabolomics techniques to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of Res on gouty arthritis (GA).MethodsNetwork pharmacology was used to predict the mechanism of Res in regulating GA, and methods such as HE staining, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, Real-time PCR, Western blot, and molecular docking were used to verify the role of NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT inflammatory signaling pathways in the MSU-induced GA rat model. In addition, non-targeted metabolomics techniques were combined to further investigate the mechanism of Res in treating GA.ResultsThe results of network pharmacology showed that Res may exert its therapeutic effects through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated that in the MSU-induced GA rat model, pathological damage, serum biochemical indicators, and levels of inflammatory factors were significantly increased, and the NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. The intervention of Res significantly reduced pathological damage, serum biochemical indicators, levels of inflammatory factors, and the activation of NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in the model rats. Metabolomics results showed that Res could improve the metabolic trajectory deviations in serum and joint fluid of GA model rats. Through related metabolic pathway analysis, the most affected metabolic pathways were found to be Sphingolipid metabolism, Glycerophospholipid metabolism, Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, Pantothenate and CoA, Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and Arachidonic acid metabolism.ConclusionResveratrol can regulate the biosynthetic pathways of arachidonic acid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, pantothenic acid and CoA biosynthesis pathways, TCA cycle, and other metabolic pathways, thereby regulating the NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways, and inhibiting the acute inflammatory response during GA attacks, showing characteristics of multi-pathway and multi-target action.

Nutrient intake of young South African adults from the baseline of the African-PREDICT cohort study.

This study aimed to describe and compare the nutrient intake of young adults in the African Prospective Study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension (African-PREDICT) study according to ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES). Cross-sectional analysis of baseline nutrient intakes in the African-PREDICT study. North West Province, South Africa. Black and white adults (n=1153), aged 20-30 years, were classified into three SES groups. Dietary data were collected using three multiple-pass 24-hour dietary recalls. Among all participants, over 70% failed to meet the Estimated Energy Requirements and the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for 17 of the 19 reported micronutrients. Across SES groups, more than 50% of participants consistently did not meet the EAR for calcium, magnesium, folate, pantothenic acid, and biotin, as well as vitamins A, C, D, and E. Participants' distribution by nutrient pattern tertiles showed high adherence to two patterns: one rich in animal protein and saturated fat, and the other in magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and fiber. This was seen only in white participants and high SES. Black participants and low SES showed higher adherence to a plant protein, B-vitamins, zinc, and iron nutrient pattern. The dietary intake of young adults in this study was restricted, with none of the groups meeting nutrient requirements for essential nutrients. Further research is needed to establish a direct link between nutrient patterns and the early detection and identification of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

Nutrient Consumption Patterns of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Their Application in Fruit Wine Fermentation

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional requirements of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to improve low ethanol production in some fruit wines. The growth kinetics, ethanol production and nutrient requirements of S. cerevisiae were analyzed in chemically defined media. The results revealed that Ca2⁺, Fe2⁺, Co2⁺, Mo2⁺, Cu2⁺ and BO₃3− were predominantly utilized during the late lag phase, whereas free amino acids, nicotinic acid, calcium pantothenate, Na⁺ and Mg2⁺ were mainly consumed during the logarithmic phase. Compared with the control medium, supplementation with threonine, inositol, calcium pantothenate, thiamine hydrochloride, riboflavin, biotin, MgSO4 or KH2PO4 significantly increased the ethanol content by 1.10-fold (p < 0.05). Furthermore, adding key nutrients to noni-, guava- and mango juice significantly shortened the fermentation time and increased the final alcohol content of the fruit wines (p < 0.05). This study provides scientific insights and effective methods for shortening fermentation time and increasing alcohol content with S. cerevisiae in some fruit wines.

Spherical covalent-organic framework-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry reveals the promotional effect of triphenyl phosphate on breast cancer in mice

Triphenyl phosphate (TPP), a wide-used organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), is suspected to be a risk factor for the female-specific cancers, but underlying toxicity mechanisms of environmentally relevant dose exposure remain unclear. Herein, a strategy of spherical covalent organic framework (TPB-BPTP-COF)-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS), which benefited from fast analysis speed, facile sample preprocessing, and high throughput, was proposed for unveiling the biomarkers of breast cancer (BC) and the relationship between TPP exposure and progression of BC in mice by serum metabolism analysis. The results displayed that 13 metabolites associated with BC development were up-regulated in experimental group versus healthy control mice. Moreover, long-term exposure to environmentally relevant doses of TPP was found to promote BC, mainly by affecting glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyrimidine metabolism, pantothenic acid and CoA biosynthesis, and β-alanine metabolism. This work proved the potential application of COFs as LDI-MS substrates in analyzing complex biological samples, and also revealed the risk of long-term low-dose exposure to TPP in the development of BC.

Characterization and monitoring of changes during lactation in the profile of multiple bioactive compounds of milk from grazing mares.

Mare milk has often been considered a food product with potential functional properties. However, the bioactive compound composition of mare milk, including vitamins and other minor bioactive compounds, as well as factors affecting this composition have scarcely been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the changes during lactation in the content of water- and fat-soluble vitamins and total polyphenols, and the total antioxidant capacity of mare milk from semi-extensive farms. A total of 310 individual milk samples from 18 mares belonging to three commercial farms and 12 lactation times were analyzed. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), nicotinic acid and niacinamide (vitamins B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxal and pyridoxine (vitamins B6), folic acid (vitamin B9), cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E) and retinol and retinyl esters (vitamin A) were quantified using liquid chromatography. Total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity assays were analyzed using spectrophotometry. The concentration of most bioactive compounds tended to decline as lactation progressed, with the exception of polyphenols and the total antioxidant capacity that oscillated during lactation. On the other hand, the effect of the different semi-extensive management of the farms was only significant for vitamin B3 content. To the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the most in-depth description of the vitamin profile of mare milk as well as new insights into polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of mare milk. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Delving into diversity: exploring different risk factors of premature greying of hair

Dear Madam, Hair is said to grey prematurely when a minimum of five grey hairs occur before the age of 20 in Caucasians, 25 in Asians and 30 in Africans1. Some authors propose using 25 years as a cut-off for people in the South Asian subcontinent. Also, there's no universal grading system for premature greying of hair (PGH). This letter addresses the various evolving risk factors for PGH in young adults worldwide. PGH may be familial or genetically influenced, traveling in an Autosomal Dominant pattern. A positive family history, in particular the paternal history is the most powerful risk factor2. PGH is also linked to nutritional deficiencies including vitamins (especially B12) and minerals. For example in one study, significantly lower levels of serum calcium, ferritin, vitamin B12, and high HDL were observed in patients3. T3 and T4 act on hair follicles to cause melanogenesis and their deficiency is therefore associated with PGH, alopecia, and changes in hair morphology. Another study found notably reduced levels of copper in cases (PGH) as compared to the control group. This study, however, did not observe lower levels of zinc or iron among the affected population. A separate case-control study concerning the association of epidemiological and biochemical factors with PGH reported that a significantly higher percentage of individuals with premature greying had atopic diathesis, led sedentary lifestyles, had family histories of the condition, smoked, and had reported higher levels of perceived stress compared to controls. Though, interestingly enough, regular application of hair oil seemed to confer a safeguarding effect against premature greying. Upon further review of the literature, it became apparent that both BMI and exposure to sunlight emerged as substantial predictors of PGH. Despite the prescription of various vitamins and minerals like biotin, calcium pantothenate, zinc, copper, and selenium (all of which have been recognized as risk factors), the outcomes have been disappointing. Calcium pantothenate is frequently recommended for premature greying of hair (PGH)4. This highlights an existing knowledge gap concerning the precise causative risk factors, necessitating further investigation for a comprehensive understanding and improved management of individuals experiencing premature greying of hair.

Decoding sex-specific metabolomic biomarkers in the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)

There is need for advancing minimally invasive diagnostic techniques for sex differentiation at early life-stage classes in sea turtles. The objectives of this study were to determine whether there are sex-specific effects on the metabolome of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and to identify potential biomarkers for sex classification at early life-stage classes (50 post-hatchling and 50 juvenile). Comprehensive analyses including plasma chemistry (n = 100) and untargeted (n = 48) metabolomic analyses were performed. Unlike with plasma chemistry analytes, there were significant differences in the metabolomic profiles between sexes. Nine metabolites differed significantly between sexes, with several metabolites deserving greater attention as potential biomarkers: C22H32O6 and pantothenic acid was higher in females than in males, and carboxylic acid ester (C10H16O5), 1-methylhistidine and C7H14N2O7 was higher in males than females. These differences remained constant both across and within the same life-stage class. This work identified a discernible effect on the metabolic profile based on sex of loggerhead sea turtles and it suggests that these metabolites and/or their ratios could serve as potential biomarker candidates for sex classification in this species.

Integrated Transcriptional and Metabolomic Analysis of Factors Influencing Root Tuber Enlargement during Early Sweet Potato Development.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is widely cultivated as an important food crop. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms affecting root tuber development are not well understood. The aim of this study was to systematically reveal the regulatory network of sweet potato root enlargement through transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis in different early stages of sweet potato root development, combined with phenotypic and anatomical observations. Using RNA-seq, we found that the differential genes of the S1 vs. S2, S3 vs. S4, and S4 vs. S5 comparison groups were enriched in the phenylpropane biosynthesis pathway during five developmental stages and identified 67 differentially expressed transcription factors, including AP2, NAC, bHLH, MYB, and C2H2 families. Based on the metabolome, K-means cluster analysis showed that lipids, organic acids, organic oxides, and other substances accumulated differentially in different growth stages. Transcriptome, metabolome, and prophetypic data indicate that the S3-S4 stage is the key stage of root development of sweet potato. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that transcriptome differential genes were mainly enriched in fructose and mannose metabolism, pentose phosphate, selenium compound metabolism, glycolysis/gluconogenesis, carbon metabolism, and other pathways. The metabolites of different metabolites are mainly concentrated in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, alkaloid biosynthesis, pantothenic acid, and coenzyme A biosynthesis. Based on WGCNA analysis of gene-metabolite correlation, 44 differential genes and 31 differential metabolites with high correlation were identified. This study revealed key gene and metabolite changes in early development of sweet potato root tuber and pointed out potential regulatory networks, providing new insights into sweet potato root tuber development and valuable reference for future genetic improvement.

Quercetin supplementation improved the growth and health of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) fed low-fishmeal diets

The substitution of fishmeal with plant proteins can induce oxidative stress in aquatic animals and impair their growth and health. Quercetin is a potent natural antioxidant, but its specific effects on the growth and health of Chinese mitten crabs, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of quercetin on the growth, physiological and biochemical parameters, gut microbiota, and transcriptome of juvenile Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis). Crabs (0.53 ± 0.01 g) were randomly divided into seven groups. One group was fed a diet containing normal fishmeal (35 % fishmeal), whereas the other six groups were fed diets containing low levels of fishmeal (15 % fishmeal) supplemented with different levels of quercetin (0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 mg/kg). Each group had four replicate tanks with 40 crabs per 300 L tank, and the experiment lasted for 56 days. The growth performance of the 35 % fishmeal group was significantly greater than that of the 15 % fishmeal group without quercetin. However, quercetin significantly increased the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of juvenile crabs, especially in the 1000 mg/kg quercetin group, where these rates exceeded those of the normal fishmeal group. The antioxidant capacity and immunity of the 35 % fishmeal group were significantly greater than those of the 15 % fishmeal group. However, quercetin supplementation promoted the antioxidant capacity and immunity of the crabs. Quercetin supplementation at 4000 mg/kg changed the gut microbiota structure by decreasing beneficial bacteria and increasing pathogenic bacteria. Quercetin supplementation enhanced the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of Chinese mitten crabs by increasing glutamate metabolism, pantothenic acid and Coenzyme A biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. This study revealedthat dietary supplementation with quercetin can promote Chinese mitten crab growth, antioxidant capacity, and nonspecific immunity; improve gut morphology; and promote gut microbiota homeostasis. The optimal dietary concentration of 688–695 mg/kg is recommended on the basis of weight gain and specific growth rate analyses.

Integrating lipidomics and metabolomics to reveal biomarkers of fat deposition in chicken meat

Local chicken breeds in China are highly regarded for their superior meat flavor. This study utilized lipidomics and non-targeted metabolomics to identify biomarkers influencing intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in the breast muscle of 42- and 180-day-old Jingyuan chickens. Results revealed that IMF content was higher in the breast muscle of 180-day-old Jingyuan chickens compared to 42-day-old chickens (P < 0.01). We identified 248 differentially expressed lipids (DELs) and 1042 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). The breast muscle of 180-day-old chickens contained higher levels of TG, fatty acid (FA) and cholesteryl ester (CE), with C16:1 and C18:1 being particularly abundant. Integration of non-targeted metabolomic analyses emphasized glycerolipid metabolism and vitamin digestion and absorption as the main pathways distinguishing between 42- and 180-day-old chickens. Additionally, the differential metabolites LysoPS 18:1, LysoPC 20:3, LysoPC 18:2, LysoPI 20:3, and Pantothenic acid contributed to enhanced meat flavor in Jingyuan chickens.

Water-soluble vitamins stability by robust liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The measurement of water-soluble vitamins is essential to diagnose and monitor various vitamin deficiencies. Establishing stability limits for these vitamins is crucial to ensure accurate laboratory testing. This study aimed to assess the stability of commonly measured water-soluble vitamins under different storage conditions to improve the accuracy of water-soluble vitamin measurement. The stabilities of thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, pyridoxic acid and pyridoxal, biotin, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF), and ascorbic acid were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We investigated three pre-analytical factors: the effect of different temperatures and time durations on serum stability, variation between serum and plasma samples, and the impact of transferring samples to an ice bath before serum separation. We evaluated stability based on differences from the baseline. Thiamine, pyridoxal, and ascorbic acid in serum exhibited instability at room temperature and 2-8℃. Riboflavin and 5-MTHF in serum were only stable for up to 48 and 72 h at 2-8℃. However, when stored at -20℃, all water-soluble vitamins remained stable for up to 72 h, whereas at -80℃, stability was maintained for up to 7 days. All vitamins in whole blood, except nicotinamide, were stable for up to 2-4 h when stored in an ice bath. Water-soluble vitamins, such as thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxal, and ascorbic acid, are unstable at room temperature and 2-8℃. All vitamins were stable for up to 7 days and stored at -80℃. The ice bath improved the stability of whole blood samples before centrifugation. Thus, laboratories should ensure appropriate storage conditions to maintain pre-analytical quality for vitamin measurements.

Improving plant nutrition and growth through the use of minerals extracted from the sea on Aubergine and cucumber plants

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of a product (FertilTomix) obtained by an innovative extraction process from seawater with the addition of silver, copper and zinc on aubergine and cucumber plants. In addition, it was assessed whether the product improves the nutritional quality of the fruit. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in May 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), on aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Plants were placed in pots of ø 14 cm, 30 plants per thesis, divided into three replications of 10 plants each. The experimental groups were: i) control group; ii) conmmercial biofertilizer; iii) FertilTomix; iv) FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc. On 10 September 2024, plant height (aubergine), length of the central branch (cucumber), number of leaves, leaf area, vegetative weight, root volume, number and weight of fruits were determined. The nutritional properties of the fruits were also assessed, for aubergine (iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin thiamnine, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, folate) and for cucumber (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, zinc, manganese, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, thiamine, vitamin K, folate). Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of FertilTomix, can significantly increase the height, number of leaves, vegetative and root growth, and leaf area of aubergine and cucumber plants. The product FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc worked better than as such, stimulating plant growth more. The trial also showed an increase in the number and weight of fruits in both aubergine and cucumber, in the theses treated with FertilTomix compared to the control and the commercial control with algae. The leaves also appeared larger and more intensely green in the theses treated with minerals extracted from the sea. The analysis of the mineral and vitamin content of the fruits showed a significant increase in minerals and vitamins in the fruits treated with FertilTomix for most of the analysed parameters, to a greater extent with FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc Conclusions: Various extracts obtained from seawater using an innovative mineral process were found to significantly increase plant growth. The test also showed an increase in the mineral and vitamin content of the fruit, probably influenced by the increased presence of bacteria in the soil, in the theses treated with marine extracts, as demonstrated in other tests with the same product. As well as for those wishing to reduce the use of industrial fertilisers, the results obtained are particularly interesting for those growing in arid environments or those without drinking water

Association between empirically derived nutrient patterns and breast cancer: a case–control study in a Middle Eastern country

PurposeThe risk of breast cancer (BC) and related mortality have increased in Middle-East countries during recent decades. The relationship between several nutrient intakes and the risk of BC has been investigated in several studies. However, few studies have estimated the effects of patterns of different nutrient intake on the risk of BC in this region.MethodsA total of 453 patients who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and 516 healthy women participated in the current case–control study. To evaluate the dietary intakes, we used a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) during the last year. Nutrient Patterns (NPs) were extracted through factor analysis (FA) of energy-adjusted twenty-six nutrients. The relationship between nutrient patterns and the risk of breast cancer in pre and post-menopausal women was estimated by multivariable regression.ResultsFour major nutrient patterns were identified in the current study. The first nutrient pattern was rich in animal protein, retinol, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, and calcium. Higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs), and lower intakes of niacin were observed in nutrient pattern 2. The third nutrient pattern was rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Nutrient pattern 4, was associated with higher intakes of vegetable protein, alpha-tocopherol, and magnesium. A significant inverse relationship was observed between adherence to nutrient pattern 3 and the risk of BC in all participants [odds ratio (OR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50, 0.97, P = 0.03) and pre-menopausal women (OR = 0.59 (0.39–0.89), P = 0.01).ConclusionDecreasing odds of breast cancer were observed by adherence to a nutrient pattern high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Future prospective investigations are recommended to confirm these findings.

Simultaneous Identification of Vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B6 by an Engineered Nanopore.

Vitamin Bs, a group of water-soluble compounds, are essential nutrients for almost all living organisms. However, due to their structural heterogeneity, rapid and simultaneous analysis of multiple vitamin Bs is still challenging. In this paper, it is discovered that a hetero-octameric Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopore containing a sole nickel ion-bound nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA-Ni) adapter at its pore constriction is suitable for the simultaneous sensing of different vitamin Bs, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid and nicotinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine). Assisted by a custom machine learning algorithm, all seven vitamin Bs can be fully distinguished, reporting a general accuracy of 99.9%. This method was further validated in the rapid analysis of commercial cosmetics and natural food, suggesting its potential uses in food and drug administration.

363 Effects of supplementation of vitamin B complex on the performance of beef calves during a 42-d preconditioning program

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation of vitamin B complex on post-weaning performance of beef calves. The study was conducted during fall of 2023 at Eastern Oregon Agriculture Research Center (EOARC; Burns, OR). At weaning (d 0), 63 calves [Angus × Hereford; body weight (BW) = 252 ± 3.6 kg] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) Control, 2) VitB1, or 3) VitB2. Calves assigned to Control treatment served as a negative control and were not supplemented with vitamin B complex. Calves assigned to treatment VitB1 were supplemented at 1g/calf daily, while calves assigned to VitB2 treatment were supplemented at 2g/calf daily of vitamin B complex during the 42 d of preconditioning. Upon weaning processing, calves were allocated to 21 pens (3 calves/pen) and treatments were allocated to each pen (7 pens/treatment). Vitamin B complex [Vivalto, pantothenic acid (B5; 40,000 mg/kg), pyridoxine (B6; 20,000 mg/kg), folic acid (B9; 3,200 mg/kg), biotin (B7; 3,200,000 mcg/kg), cobalamin (B12; 320,000 mcg/kg); Selko USA, Indianapolis, IN] supplementation was offered at pen level beginning on d 1 and until the end of the preconditioning phase (d 42). Vitamin B complex was offered to calves assigned to vitamin B complex treatment mixed with 1.3 kg of dried distiller’s grains. Additionally, calves had free access to chopped alfalfa-grass hay mix and whole corn. Pen intake was recorded daily. On d 0, BW and blood samples were collected from all calves. Additional blood and BW were collected on d 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 42 post-weaning. Body weights were used to calculate calf average daily gain (ADG) and blood samples were assayed for acute phase proteins (ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin). Additional blood samples will be analyzed for cortisol and vitamin B concentrations. Variables were analyzed considering pen as the experimental unit and pen(treatment) as a random effect. Blood variables were evaluated as repeated measures and effects of treatment, day, and treatment the interactions were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. No treatment effects (P = 0.98) were observed for final BW (283, 283, and 284 kg respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2) or for ADG (P = 0.53; 0.735, 0.795, and 0.747 kg/d respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2). Similarly, no treatment effects were observed for the acute phase proteins analyzed, ceruloplasmin (P = 0.66; 27, 30, and 33 µg/dL respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2) and haptoglobin (P = 0.41; 0.55, 0.62, and 0.59 mg/mL, respectively for Control, Vit1, and Vit2). Supplementation of vitamin B complex to beef calves post-weaning does not seem to affect calf performance, regardless of the level of supplementation.

Phytochemistry, Nutritional, and Pharmacological Potential of Citrus Limonum

The current research aimed to provide an overview of the phytochemical configuration, nutritional value, and therapeutic uses of Citrous Limonum (lemon). Its fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals including citric acid, polyphenols, terpenes, limonene, flavonoids, vitamin C, sugar, pectin, citric acid, malic acid, flavonoids, carotenoids, terpineol, fellander, camhenium, citrain, calcium oxalates, and mucilages. Vitamin C is abundant in citrous fruits, as well as macronutrients (dietary fibre and simple sugar) and micronutrients (copper, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, vit B6 niacin thiamin, and folate). Lemon oil is composed of 70% limonene and 20% monoterpenes, along with significant amounts of aldehydes, such as citral, alcohols (linalool), and esters (coumarin). Lemon peel contains high concentrations of flavonoids, glycosides, coumarins, steroids (beta, gamma, sitosterol), dietary fibers, carbs, and volatile oils, all of which are necessary for good health and appropriate development. However, citrus fruits are low in calories, salts, and cholesterol. They find uses in herbal remedies due to their antioxidant, antifungal, anti-cholesterol, anticancer, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It is also important to mention that the excessive use of lemon may also be associated with some risks, such as the lowering of sperm count.

Diamine Fungal Inducers of Secondary Metabolism: 1,3-Diaminopropane and Spermidine Trigger Enzymes Involved in β-Alanine and Pantothenic Acid Biosynthesis, Precursors of Phosphopantetheine in the Activation of Multidomain Enzymes.

The biosynthesis of antibiotics and other secondary metabolites (also named special metabolites) is regulated by multiple regulatory networks and cascades that act by binding transcriptional factors to the promoter regions of different biosynthetic gene clusters. The binding affinity of transcriptional factors is frequently modulated by their interaction with specific ligand molecules. In the last decades, it was found that the biosynthesis of penicillin is induced by two different molecules, 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine, but not by putrescine (1,4-diaminobutane) or spermine. 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine induce the expression of penicillin biosynthetic genes in Penicillium chrysogenum. Proteomic studies clearly identified two different proteins that respond to the addition to cultures of these inducers and are involved in β-alanine and pantothenic acid biosynthesis. These compounds are intermediates in the biosynthesis of phosphopantetheine that is required for the activation of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthases, and fatty acid synthases. These large-size multidomain enzymes are inactive in the "apo" form and are activated by covalent addition of the phosphopantetheine prosthetic group by phosphopantetheinyl transferases. Both 1,3-diaminopropane and spermidine have a similar effect on the biosynthesis of cephalosporin by Acremonium chrysogenum and lovastatin by Aspergillus terreus, suggesting that this is a common regulatory mechanism in the biosynthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites/natural products.

Contents of Pantothenic Acid in Frequently Consumed Korean Vegetables and Fruits

Contents of Pantothenic Acid in Frequently Consumed Korean Vegetables and Fruits

Impact of Phenylketonuria on the Serum Metabolome and Plasma Lipidome: A Study in Early-Treated Patients.

Data suggest that metabolites, other than blood phenylalanine (Phe), better and independently predict clinical outcomes in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). To find new biomarkers, we compared the results of untargeted lipidomics and metabolomics in treated adult PKU patients to those of matched controls. Samples (lipidomics in EDTA-plasma (22 PKU and 22 controls) and metabolomics in serum (35 PKU and 20 controls)) were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Data were subjected to multivariate (PCA, OPLS-DA) and univariate (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05) analyses. Levels of 33 (of 20,443) lipid features and 56 (of 5885) metabolite features differed statistically between PKU patients and controls. For lipidomics, findings include higher glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids species. Significantly lower values were found for sterols and glycerophospholipids species. Seven features had unknown identities. Total triglyceride content was higher. Higher Phe and Phe catabolites, tryptophan derivatives, pantothenic acid, and dipeptides were observed for metabolomics. Ornithine levels were lower. Twenty-six metabolite features were not annotated. This study provides insight into the metabolic phenotype of PKU patients. Additional studies are required to establish whether the observed changes result from PKU itself, diet, and/or an unknown reason.

Comparative Study of the Healing Process of Disbudding Wounds in Calves Using Bepanthene® or an Antibiotic Spray.

The process of disbudding female calves is a common procedure in many dairy farms, avoiding injuries caused by horns and reducing feed bunk space requirements. The most common method for disbudding calves is by the use of a cautery iron, responsible for destroying the horn-generating tissue. After the procedure, wounds may be treated with an antibiotic-based spray. Nowadays, antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide concern in both human and veterinary medicine, highlighting the need to invest in the monitoring of antimicrobial use and in the development of alternative treatments in favour of One Health. The goal of this study is to promote a reduction in the use of antibiotics in farm animals by investigating an alternative treatment for disbudding wounds. Bepanthene® (dexpanthenol, a derivative of pantothenic acid, a component of the B vitamin complex) is a plausible option, since it is widely used in human medicine for the treatment of skin irritations and burns. The comparison of the healing process of disbudding wounds treated with Bepanthene® or a chlortetracycline-based spray was achieved through the presentation of a randomly-ordered sequence of images of the lesions to a panel of convenience-selected and blinded-to-treatment evaluators, composed of seven veterinarian practitioners, five veterinary medicine students, and five human medical field nurses. In order to classify the lesions, the panel applied an adapted format of a validated healing scale (Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool), incorporating seven parameters of evaluation, culminating in the values used for statistical analyses. In the practitioners' evaluation, a statistically significant effect for the factors of time and treatment in favour of Bepanthene® was found for the parameters "Edges", "Necrotic Tissue Type", and "Skin Colour Surrounding Wound", indicating that Bepanthene® is superior to the spray when considering these parameters of healing. The assessment by the veterinary students showed a significant effect for the factors of time and treatment for the parameters "Necrotic Tissue Type", in favour of the Bepanthene®, and "Granulation Tissue", in favour of the antibiotic spray, demonstrating no clear benefit for either treatment. Lastly, the evaluation performed by nurses showed a significant effect for the factors of time and treatment, in favour of the Bepanthene®, for the parameters "Necrotic Tissue Type" and "Skin Colour Surrounding Wound", leading to the conclusion that Bepanthene® is associated with better and faster healing when compared to the spray. Overall, these findings lead us to suggest that Bepanthene® presents a better healing index compared to a chlortetracycline-based spray, allowing it to be safely used as a substitute to an antimicrobial agent.