Prolonged Starvation Research Articles

Effects of different feeding patterns on growth, enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiome of the juvenile Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai

In northern China, the predominant food sources for abalone farming include fresh kelp, salted kelp, and formulated diets, and abalone can also endure prolonged starvation when food is scarce. While there is a dearth of comprehensive investigation into the effects of these feeding patterns on the temporal dynamics of enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiome of abalone. In this study, a total of 3600 juvenile Pacific abalones were allocated to 12 tanks, randomly divided into four groups based on the feeding patterns: fresh kelp (labeled as FK), salted kelp (SK), formulated feed (FF), and starved group (S). After a 60-day feeding trial, the results showed that abalone in the FK, SK, and FF groups exhibited significant positive effects on both weight and shell growth compared to the S group (P<0.05). Notably, the FF group displayed the highest values of the growth performance. The activity of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in the FF group had an up-regulated trend over the course of feeding trial, whereas amylase and lipase activity in abalone declined along with starvation. Moreover, the microbial Shannon index showed an overall decreasing trend over time in the FF, FK, and SK groups except for the S group. The ANOSIM analysis revealed that both feeding pattern and cultivating time significantly influenced the structure of the microbial communities. Across the feeding trial, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, and Firmicutes were identified as the dominant phyla in the intestinal microbiome of abalone under different feeding patterns. The core genera were Psychrilyobacter, Mycoplasma, and Vibrio. Additionally, the neutral model analysis revealed that stochastic processes both play a key role in shaping the assembly of microbial communities in different feeding patterns. This study could offer valuable insights into the impact of different feeding patterns on growth and physiology of abalone, thereby contributing to the enhancement of management strategies in the northern Chinese abalone aquaculture industry.

Comparation on the responses and resilience of single-anammox system and synergistic partial-denitrification/anammox system to long-term nutrient starvation: Performance and metagenomic insights

Starvation disturbance was a common problem in biological sewage treatment processes. However, understanding about the responses and resilience of different active anammox biomass in autotrophic and heterotrophic systems to long-term nutrient starvation remains limited. This study compared responses and potential recovery mechanisms of autotrophic single-Anammox and heterotrophic synergistic partial-denitrification/anammox (PD/anammox) systems to prolonged starvation (31–40 days). After starvation, total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal efficiency of single-Anammox and synergistic PD/anammox systems decreased to 62.16 % and 78.52 %, respectively, of their original level. After the nutrient resupply, the performance of both systems gradually recovered to a similar-to-pre-starvation level at the rate of 1.26 %/day and 1.89 %/day, respectively. Compared with single-Anammox system, complex synergistic relationship of microorganisms and effective quorum sensing (QS) regulation strategies might mitigate the negative influences were caused by starvation and ensure the performance quickly return of synergistic PD/anammox system. This study would contribute to promote the application of Anammox technology.

Comparison of human breast milk vs commercial formula-induced early trophic enteral nutrition during postoperative prolonged starvation in an animal model

The present study aimed to characterize the changes in macromolecular composition and structure in ileal tissue induced by postoperative prolonged starvation (PS), human breast milk feeding (HM) and commercial formula feeding (CF) for 48 and 72 h (h). Forty-two Wistar albino rats underwent an ileal transection and primary anastomosis and were then divided into six subgroups. Two groups of seven rats were food-deprived for 48 and 72 h with free access to water only in metabolic cages (48 h PS, 72 h PS). Then, two groups of seven rats received early enteral trophic nutrition (EEN) either using HM, and CF at 48 h post-operation (48 h HM, 48 h CF). The other two groups of seven rats received the same trophic enteral nutrition at 72 h post-operation (72 h HM, 72 h CF). An additional seven rats were fed normal rat chow (control), after which the ileal tissues were harvested and freeze-dried overnight. Then sample spectra were recorded by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. PS at 48 and 72 h resulted in an increase in the concentration of lipids and a decrease in the concentration of proteins. CF and HM trophic feeding induced a decrease in membrane fluidity and an increase in lipid order. Ileal tissues showed similar compositional and structural changes in lipids and proteins in the PS and CF groups after 48 and 72 h. A marked decrease in nucleic acid concentration was seen in CF at 48 h compared to HM. The human milk feeding groups did not induce any significant alterations and showed compositional and structural data similar to the controls. In conclusion, EEN application seems to be safer when introduced at 48 h rather than 72 h and time of this nutrition is crucial to maintain ileum structure and therefore immunity and well-being. HM-induced trophic nutrition is seen to protect the ileal tissue from significant alterations within lipid and protein compositions, whereas CF caused notable changes. HM is absolutely the best nutritional source for gut health in this animal model.

A fungal endophyte increases plant resilience to low nutrient availabilities: a case of Fe acquisition in legumes.

Microbial inocula are considered a promising and effective alternative solution to the use of chemical fertilizers to support plant growth and productivity since they play a key role in the availability and uptake of nutrients. Here, the effect of a beneficial of a fungal root endophyte, Fusarium solani strain K (FsK), on nutrient acquisition efficiency of the legume Lotus japonicus was studied, and putative mode-of-action of the endophyte at a molecular level was determined. Plant colonization with the endophyte resulted in increased shoot and root fresh weight under Fe deficiency compared to control nutrient conditions. Plant inoculation with FsK was associated with a significant increase in macro- and micronutrient concentration in leaves at an early stage of endophyte inoculation and a replenishment of Fe content under prolonged iron starvation. The mechanistic basis of the plant growth promotion capabilities of the endophyte is exerted at the transcriptional level since we recorded changes in the expression levels of genes related to iron uptake in FsK-colonized plants under stress conditions compared to uninoculated plants. In addition, the observed changes in the ethylene biosynthesis-related genes suggest a possible implication of ethylene in the mode of action used by FsK to enhance plant response to nutrient stress conditions. Finally, we demonstrated that the endophyte possesses a reductive high-affinity Fe uptake system and identified a ferric reductase that was induced in planta under Fe deficiency conditions, indicating that this fungal Fe homeostasis mechanism may result in a benefit in nutrient acquisition for the plant as well.

The yeast VAPs Scs2 and Scs22 are required for NVJ integrity and micronucleophagy

Microautophagy degrades cargos in the vacuole by direct engulfment of the vacuolar membrane. Micronucleophagy selectively degrades a portion of the nucleus in budding yeast. The vacuole contacts the nucleus via the nucleus–vacuole junction (NVJ), and in micronucleophagy a portion of the nucleus containing nucleolar proteins is made to protrude into the vacuole at the NVJ, followed by abscission and degradation. Microautophagy and micronucleophagy are induced by inactivation of target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) protein kinase after nutrient starvation. Here, we show that the VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs) Scs2 and its paralog Scs22 are required for NVJ integrity and micronucleophagic degradation of nucleolar proteins. On the other hand, nucleolar dynamics prerequisite for micronucleophagy were not impaired in VAP mutant cells. Finally, yeast VAPs were critical for viability during prolonged nutrient starvation. This study sheds light on the emerging role of VAP in adaptation in responses to nutrient starvation.

Multi-omics integrated analysis reveals the physiological response of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) to starvation and refeeding during overwintering

This study aimed to investigate the physiological response to starvation and refeeding during the overwintering period of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) using physiological and biochemical assays, microbiomics and transcriptomics. Fish were sampled at the beginning of starvation (Fa0 group), after 8 weeks (Fa8 group), after 16 weeks (Fa16 group), and after 8 weeks of refeeding (Fe group). Results indicated that compared to the Fa0 group, the viscerosomatic index (VSI) and intestinal digestive enzyme activities (trypsin, lipase, and amylase) significantly decreased in the Fa8 and Fa16 groups (P < 0.05), but these indicators recovered in the Fe group. Prolonged starvation significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) levels in both serum and liver, but these levels rebounded after 8 weeks of refeeding. Chronic starvation also led to a notable increase in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, accompanied by a significant decrease in liver LDL content. As the duration of starvation increasing, the antioxidant and immune capabilities in the serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme (LZM), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP) significantly enhanced (P < 0.05), and these indicators significantly declined in the Fe group (P < 0.05). Intestinal flora analysis showed that the Alpha diversity gradually decreased with the prolongation of starvation but recovered after 8 weeks of refeeding, with the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila significantly increasing (P < 0.05) in the Fa16 group compared to the other groups. Liver transcriptomic analysis revealed that upregulated genes enriched in pathways such as "Ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes", "Proteasome", "RNA transport", "Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids", "Fatty acid metabolism", "Fatty acid degradation", and "PPAR signaling pathway" (P < 0.05), while downregulated genes significantly enriched in "metabolic pathways" (P < 0.05) in the Fa16 group. Genes related to immune responses were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in the Fe group. The correlation analysis of intestinal flora and transcriptome revealed LOC104925398 (complement C3-like) and LOC113745439 (heat shock 70 kDa protein) exhibited significant positive correlations with Levilactobacillus brevis, unclassified Lachnoclostridium, Escherichia coli, and Akkermansia muciniphila (P < 0.05). In conclusion, prolonged starvation was more advantageous to the safe overwintering of large yellow croaker. Our study revealed the physiological response of large yellow croaker to starvation and refeeding during the overwintering period, providing a theoretical foundation for the formulation of safe overwintering strategies.

Respiration rate and intestinal microbiota as promising indicators for assessing starvation intensity and health status in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

Implementing early disease warning is vital to prevent large-scale mortality of mollusks cultured in open waters. Starvation-induced emaciation syndrome is an undeniable prerequisite for mollusk mortality. Nevertheless, the indicators of mollusk response to starvation remain poorly understood. In this study, the effects of a 44-day starvation period on the physiological performance and symbiotic microbiota of oysters were investigated. Starvation resulted in reduced growth and survival and notable damage to intestinal structure, including shrinking lumens and shortened intestinal walls and villi. Analyses of the respiration rate and intestinal microbiota, including OTUs, taxonomy, and predicted functions, revealed a stepped change pattern with a tipping point on day 10, indicating that oysters employed distinct strategies to adapt to prolonged starvation. Biomarkers associated with nutrient digestion and uptake, such as Firmicutes and Staphylococcus abundance, as well as the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, progressively declined with increasing starvation. Conversely, Proteobacteria, an indicator of energy disequilibrium and unstable gut microbiota, and pathogenic Vibrio, showed significant enrichment. As starvation progressed, bacterial competition intensified, as evidenced by the reduced network connectivity and the increasing percentage of negative correlations. Functional predictions demonstrated an early-stage enrichment of degradation functions followed by later-stage suppression during prolonged starvation. In contrast, biosynthesis functions exhibited the opposite trend, suggesting that intestinal microbiota adjusted their specific functions to cope with food deprivation. Collectively, a conceptual model of starvation stress tolerance limits (SSTL) was introduced to define critical thresholds and candidate markers for evaluating starvation intensity and oyster health. This study offers valuable insights into non-feeding mollusks' adaptation to prolonged starvation and provides potential indicators for mollusk mortality events.

Origin and Roles of Alanine and Glutamine in Gluconeogenesis in the Liver, Kidneys, and Small Intestine under Physiological and Pathological Conditions.

Alanine and glutamine are the principal glucogenic amino acids. Most originate from muscles, where branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) are nitrogen donors and, under exceptional circumstances, a source of carbons for glutamate synthesis. Glutamate is a nitrogen source for alanine synthesis from pyruvate and a substrate for glutamine synthesis by glutamine synthetase. The following differences between alanine and glutamine, which can play a role in their use in gluconeogenesis, are shown: (i) glutamine appearance in circulation is higher than that of alanine; (ii) the conversion to oxaloacetate, the starting substance for glucose synthesis, is an ATP-consuming reaction for alanine, which is energetically beneficial for glutamine; (iii) most alanine carbons, but not glutamine carbons, originate from glucose; and (iv) glutamine acts a substrate for gluconeogenesis in the liver, kidneys, and intestine, whereas alanine does so only in the liver. Alanine plays a significant role during early starvation, exposure to high-fat and high-protein diets, and diabetes. Glutamine plays a dominant role in gluconeogenesis in prolonged starvation, acidosis, liver cirrhosis, and severe illnesses like sepsis and acts as a substrate for alanine synthesis in the small intestine. Interactions among muscles and the liver, kidneys, and intestine ensuring optimal alanine and glutamine supply for gluconeogenesis are suggested.

Comparative physiological, biochemical and transcriptomic analyses to reveal potential regulatory mechanisms in response to starvation stress in Cipangopaludina chinensis

Cipangopaludina chinensis, as a financially significant species in China, represents a gastropod in nature which frequently encounters starvation stress owing to its limited prey options. However, the underlying response mechanisms to combat starvation have not been investigated in depth. We collected C. chinensis under several times of starvation stress (0, 7, 30, and 60 days) for nutrient, biochemical characteristics and transcriptome analyses. The results showed that prolonged starvation stress (> 30 days) caused obvious fluctuations in the nutrient composition of snails, with dramatic reductions in body weight, survival and digestive enzyme activity (amylase, protease, and lipase), and markedly enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of the snails. Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed 3538 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were significantly associated with specific starvation stress-responsive pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Then, we identified 40 candidate genes (e.g., HACD2, Cp1, CYP1A2, and GPX1) response to starvation stress through STEM and WGCNA analyses. RT-qPCR verified the accuracy and reliability of the high-throughput sequencing results. This study provides insights into snail overwintering survival and the potential regulatory mechanisms of snail adaptation to starvation stress.

Prevalence, predictive factors, and outcomes of refeeding syndrome among medically critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is a life-threatening metabolic derangement occurring when nutrition is reintroduced after prolonged starvation. Limited data exist regarding RFS prevalence, risk factors, and outcome, particularly in critically ill patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a medical intensive care unit from June 2018 to August 2020. RFS diagnostic criteria from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) were used. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Among 216 patients, RFS was diagnosed in 22.7% and 27.3% of patients per the NICE and ASPEN criteria, respectively. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between patients with and without RFS (22/59 [37.3%] vs 53/157 [33.8%]; P = 0.627). Independent predictors of RFS were malignancy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.06-4.15; P = 0.035), septic shock (OR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.17-4.39; P = 0.016), and high NICE RFS risk classification (OR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.20-5.31; P = 0.015). Factors associated with reduced RFS risk were Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores >12 (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.23-0.88; P = 0.020) and high-dose vasopressor treatment (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.14-0.79; P = 0.012). RFS affected one-fourth of the critically ill patients but did not significantly impact 30-day mortality. Malignancy, septic shock, and high NICE RFS risk classification were positively associated with RFS, whereas high SOFA scores and extensive vasopressor use were linked to decreased risk.

Hepatic ketogenesis is not required for starvation adaptation in mice

ObjectiveIn response to bacterial inflammation, anorexia of acute illness is protective and is associated with the induction of fasting metabolic programs such as ketogenesis. Forced feeding during the anorectic period induced by bacterial inflammation is associated with suppressed ketogenesis and increased mortality. As ketogenesis is considered essential in fasting adaptation, we sought to determine the role of ketogenesis in illness-induced anorexia. MethodsA mouse model of inducible hepatic specific deletion of the rate limiting enzyme for ketogenesis (HMG-CoA synthase 2, Hmgcs2) was used to investigate the role of ketogenesis in endotoxemia, a model of bacterial inflammation, and in prolonged starvation. ResultsMice deficient of hepatic Hmgcs2 failed to develop ketosis during endotoxemia and during prolonged fasting. Surprisingly, hepatic HMGCS2 deficiency and the lack of ketosis did not affect survival, glycemia, or body temperature in response to endotoxemia. Mice with hepatic ketogenic deficiency also did not exhibit any defects in starvation adaptation and were able to maintain blood glucose, body temperature, and lean mass compared to littermate wild-type controls. Mice with hepatic HMGCS2 deficiency exhibited higher levels of plasma acetate levels in response to fasting. ConclusionsCirculating hepatic-derived ketones do not provide protection against endotoxemia, suggesting that alternative mechanisms drive the increased mortality from forced feeding during illness-induced anorexia. Hepatic ketones are also dispensable for surviving prolonged starvation in the absence of inflammation. Our study challenges the notion that hepatic ketogenesis is required to maintain blood glucose and preserve lean mass during starvation, raising the possibility of extrahepatic ketogenesis and use of alternative fuels as potential means of metabolic compensation.

Profile of gastroduodenal perforation patients admitted in a rural tertiary care hospital: An observational cross-sectional study.

Gastro-duodenal perforation is a common surgical emergency that remains a formidable health burden worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. Ulcer disease remains the most common cause of gastro-duodenal perforation. Diagnosing the presence of H. pylori can help eradicate the infection from the community at large and thereby reduce the chances of gastro-duodenal perforation. To assess the clinical presentation of gastro-duodenal perforation patients and to evaluate the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection by available investigations. A descriptive observational study was conducted among 80 patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of gastro-duodenal perforation and confirmed by clinical, radiological basis and operative findings admitted at a rural tertiary care hospital during 2019-2020. Detailed history was taken from the patient/party, clinically examined, and blood/tissue samples were investigated. The patients were managed with standard treatment modality in the studied institute. Data were collected, compiled, and entered MS Excel and analyzed using appropriate software. Descriptive analysis was done in the form of proportion for categorical variables, mean or median for continuous variables. Cases of gastro-duodenal perforations were more among middle to later age of life, mostly affecting married male patients hailed from rural area and unskilled workers. History of intake of spicy food, prolonged starvation, history of NSAID use were common among them. Majority of the patients had history of pain abdomen in the past suggesting of PUD and history of taking variety group of acid reducing agents. Most of them presented with epigastric pain, vomiting, abdominal distension along with other signs of peritonitis. Obliteration of liver dullness and free gas under right dome of diaphragm was also noted in large proportion among them. Majority of cases were found positive for H. pylori on Histology (85%), followed by rapid urease test (RUT) (80%) and a positivity of 72.5% and 68.8% on serum IgG and IgA antibody respectively. Rapid Urease Test was more sensitive as well as specific in diagnosing of H. pylori than antibody detection test. Early detection of H. pylori infection and treatment with potent anti H. pylori therapy postoperatively has been found to be adequate.

Exogenous Ketone Esters as a Potential Therapeutic for Treatment of Sarcopenic Obesity.

Identifying effective treatment(s) for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are of paramount importance as the global population advances in age and obesity continues to be a worldwide concern. Evidence has shown that a ketogenic diet can be beneficial for preservation of muscle quality and function in older adults, but long-term adherence is low due in part to the high-fat (> 80%), very low carbohydrate (< 5%) composition of the diet. When provided in adequate amounts, exogenous ketone esters can increase circulating ketones to concentrations that exceed those observed during prolonged fasting or starvation without significant alterations in the diet. Ketone esters first emerged in the mid-1990s and their use in pre-clinical and clinical research has escalated within the past 10-15 years. We present findings from a narrative review of the existing literature for a proposed hypothesis on the effects of exogenous ketones as a therapeutic for preservation of skeletal muscle and function within the context of sarcopenic obesity and future directions for exploration. Much of the reviewed literature herein examines the mechanisms of the ketone diester (R, S-1,3-butanediol diacetoacetate) on skeletal muscle mass, muscle protein synthesis, and epigenetic regulation in murine models. Additional studies are needed to further examine the key regulatory factors producing these effects in skeletal muscle, examine convergent and divergent effects among different ketone ester formulations, and establish optimal frequency and dosing regimens to translate these findings into humans.

Wernicke encephalopathy in combination with acute polyneuropathy under the guise of a demyelinating disease in a teenager with an eating disorder

Wernicke encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by three main symptoms: oculomotor disturbances, cerebellar ataxia, and psychiatric disturbances. The condition is associated with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Wernicke encephalopathy is most commonly seen in adolescent children presenting with a vitamin B1 deficiency. Thiamine deficiency may also cause polyneuritis syndrome, with or without the aforementioned symptoms. The condition is characterized by sensory-motor impairments in a symmetrical pattern, dysarthria, and paresis or even paralysis of the lower limbs. This report focuses on an adolescent case presenting acute oculomotor paresis, nystagmus, leg weakness, impaired gait, decreased deep tendon reflexes, cognitive impairment, and a history of recurrent vomiting, prolonged starvation, and eating behaviour disorders. The magnetic resonance imaging scan reveals symmetrical pathological foci of increased intensity in T2 in the periaqueductal region, at the Magendie’s central aperture. The patient displays a mixed motor-sensory polyneuropathic syndrome affecting both lower limbs, primarily of the axonopathy type, based on electroneuromyography data. Positive outcomes such as restored eyeball movement, enhanced gait, increased muscle strength in the lower legs and feet, and better management of sensory disorders have occurred due to thiamine treatment.

Blood-brain barrier disruption and edema formation due to prolonged starvation in wild-type mice.

Different types of diseases have been treated by restricted caloric intake or fasting. Although during this long time, fasting protective measures, for example, supplements, are given to the patients to protect vital organs such as the liver and kidney, little attention is given to the brain. The current research aims to investigate hypoglycemia due to prolonged fasting disrupts blood-brain barrier (BBB) in mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques were used to examine the expression of different genes. Evans blue extravasation and wet-dry technique were performed to evaluate the integrity of BBB and the formation of brain edema, respectively. We confirmed that hypoglycemia affected mice fasting brain by examining the increased expression of glucose transporter protein 1 and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. We subsequently found downregulated expression of some genes, which are involved in maintaining BBB such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in astrocytes and claudin-5 (a vital component of BBB) and VEGF receptor (VEGFR1) in endothelial cells by ISH. We also found that prolonged fasting caused the brain endothelial cells to express lipocalin-2, an inflammatory marker of brain endothelial cells. We performed Evans blue extravasation to show more dye was retained in the brain of fasted mice than in control mice as a result of BBB disruption. Finally, wet-dry method showed that the brain of prolonged fasted mice contained significantly higher amount of water confirming the formation of brain edema. Therefore, special attention should be given to the brain during treatment with prolonged fasting for various diseases. Our results demonstrated that hypoglycemia due to prolonged fasting disrupts BBB and produces brain edema in wild-type mice, highlighting the importance of brain health during treatment with prolonged fasting.

The physiological response of oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense to starvation-induced stress

Environmental stresses play critical roles in the physiology of crustaceans. Food deprivation is an important environmental factor and a regular occurrence in both natural aquatic habitats and artificial ponds. However, the underlying physiological response mechanisms to starvation-caused stress in crustaceans are yet to be established. In the present study, the hepatopancreas tissue of Macrobrachium nipponense was transcriptome analyzed and examined for starvation effects on oxidative stress, DNA damage, autophagy, and apoptosis across four fasting stages (0 (control group), 7, 14, and 21 days). These results indicated that a ROS-mediated regulatory mechanism is critical to the entire fasting process. At the initial stage of starvation (fasting 0 d ~ 7 d), ROS concentration increased gradually, activating antioxidant enzymes to protect the cellular machinery from the detrimental effects of oxidative stress triggered by starvation-induced stress. ROS content production (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion) then rose continuously with prolonged starvation (fasting 7 d ~ 14 d), reaching peak levels and resulting in autophagy in hepatopancreas cells. During the final stages of starvation (fasting 14 d ~ 21 d), excessive ROS induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, autophagolysosomes and apoptosis body were further identified with transmission electron microscopy. These findings lay a foundation for further scrutiny of the molecular mechanisms combating starvation-generated stress in M. nipponense and provide fishermen with the theoretical guidance for adopting fasting strategies in M. nipponense aquaculture.

Cielesne reprezentacje zaburzeń odżywiania w utworach „Oto ciało moje” Aleksandry Pakieły oraz „Mleko i głód” Melissy Broder

The article presents a comparative analysis of the literary works Oto ciało moje (This is my body) by Aleksandra Pakieła and Milk Fed by Melissa Broder, focusing on the concept of somatopoetics as conceptualized by Anna Łebkowska. It interprets the somatic representations of the protagonists’ mental crises, which extend beyond typical acts of body disciplining associated with eating disorders. Highlighting the protagonists’ unsatisfied need for physical and emotional closeness to their mothers, a need sublimated through the pleasure derived from the texture and warmth of meals, the article also reflects on the relationship between compulsive eating, a result of prolonged starvation, and increased sexual desire, a theme emphasized in both works. These drives are linked to the heroines’ desires to deepen their connection with their bodies and restore somatopsychic coherence. While Pakieła’s protagonist is on the path to recovery, Broder’s protagonist disturbingly transitions from anorexia to binges, entwined with overwhelming lust. In this context, descriptions of her lover’s body, often likened to food, serve to objectify the other person.

Long-term fasting induced basal thermogenesis flexibility in female Japanese quails

Male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) have been found to exhibit a three-phase metabolic change when subjected to prolonged fasting, during which basal thermogenesis is significantly reduced. A study had shown that there is a significant difference in the body temperature between male and female Japanese quails. However, whether female Japanese quails also show the same characteristic three-phase metabolic change during prolonged fasting and the underlying thermogenesis mechanisms associated with such changes are still unclear. In this study, female Japanese quails were subjected to prolonged starvation, and the body mass, basal metabolic rate (BMR), body temperature, mass of tissues and organs, body fat content, the state-4 respiration (S4R) and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity in the muscle and liver of these birds were measured to determine the status of metabolic changes triggered by the starvation. In addition, the levels of glucose, triglyceride (TG) and uric acid, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the serum and the mRNA levels of myostatin (MSTN) and avian uncoupling protein (av-UCP) in the muscle were also measured. The results revealed the existence of a three-phase stage similar to that found in male Japanese quails undergoing prolonged starvation. Fasting resulted in significantly lower body mass, BMR, body temperature, tissues masses and most organs masses, as well as S4R and CCO activity in the muscle and liver. The mRNA level of av-UCP decreased during fasting, while that of MSTN increased but only during Phase I and II and decreased significantly during Phase III. Fasting also significantly lowered the T3 level and the ratio of T3/T4 in the serum. These results indicated that female Japanese quails showed an adaptive response in basal thermogenesis at multiple hierarchical levels, from organismal to biochemical, enzyme and cellular level, gene and endocrine levels and this integrated adjustment could be a part of the adaptation used by female quails to survive long-term fasting.

A metabolically controlled contact site between vacuoles and lipid droplets in yeast

The lipid droplet (LD) organization proteins Ldo16 and Ldo45 affect multiple aspects of LD biology in yeast. They are linked to the LD biogenesis machinery seipin, and their loss causes defects in LD positioning, protein targeting, and breakdown. However, their molecular roles remained enigmatic. Here, we report that Ldo16/45 form a tether complex with Vac8 to create vacuole lipid droplet (vCLIP) contact sites, which can form in the absence of seipin. The phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) Pdr16 is a further vCLIP-resident recruited specifically by Ldo45. While only an LD subpopulation is engaged in vCLIPs at glucose-replete conditions, nutrient deprivation results in vCLIP expansion, and vCLIP defects impair lipophagy upon prolonged starvation. In summary, Ldo16/45 are multifunctional proteins that control the formation of a metabolically regulated contact site. Our studies suggest a link between LD biogenesis and breakdown and contribute to a deeper understanding of how lipid homeostasis is maintained during metabolic challenges.

Yeast 26S proteasome nuclear import is coupled to nucleus-specific degradation of the karyopherin adaptor protein Sts1

In eukaryotes, the ubiquitin–proteasome system is an essential pathway for protein degradation and cellular homeostasis. 26S proteasomes concentrate in the nucleus of budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to the essential import adaptor protein Sts1 and the karyopherin-α protein Srp1. Here, we show that Sts1 facilitates proteasome nuclear import by recruiting proteasomes to the karyopherin-α/β heterodimer. Following nuclear transport, the karyopherin proteins are likely separated from Sts1 through interaction with RanGTP in the nucleus. RanGTP-induced release of Sts1 from the karyopherin proteins initiates Sts1 proteasomal degradation in vitro. Sts1 undergoes karyopherin-mediated nuclear import in the absence of proteasome interaction, but Sts1 degradation in vivo is only observed when proteasomes successfully localize to the nucleus. Sts1 appears to function as a proteasome import factor during exponential growth only, as it is not found in proteasome storage granules (PSGs) during prolonged glucose starvation, nor does it appear to contribute to the rapid nuclear reimport of proteasomes following glucose refeeding and PSG dissipation. We propose that Sts1 acts as a single-turnover proteasome nuclear import factor by recruiting karyopherins for transport and undergoing subsequent RanGTP-initiated ubiquitin-independent proteasomal degradation in the nucleus.