Reduction In Protein Content Research Articles

Yunvjian decoction attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and pyroptosis

IntroductionYunvjian (YNJ) decoction, a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription for inflammatory diseases, has demonstrated good therapeutic effects in the clinical treatment of pneumonia. The aim of this study was to clarify the effective ingredients and mechanism of action of YNJ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).MethodsThe effects of YNJ were evaluated in a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI and in LPS-treated MLE-12 murine lung epithelial cells and RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. The mechanism of action of YNJ on these model systems was studied using RNA sequencing, immunohistochemical analysis, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and polymerase chain reaction assays. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was applied to identify the absorbed components of YNJ.ResultsYNJ attenuated pulmonary damage in LPS-treated mice, as evidenced by reduced protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, decreased lung wet/dry weight ratio, and improved respiratory function. Analysis of pneumonia-related lung injury samples from patients in the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE40012 indicated that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis was a primary mechanism in ALI. YNJ reduced the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and decreased the expression levels of lung NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cleaved caspase-1, and interleukin-1β levels (IL-1β) in vivo. Administration of YNJ-containing mouse serum increased cell viability and decreased malondialdehyde and reactive oxidative species contents in LPS-stimulated MLE-12 cells. YNJ-containing serum also decreased the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, and promoted macrophage polarization toward an M2 phenotype. A total of 23 absorbed components were identified in YNJ-containing serum. Among those, network analysis and in vitro experiments indicated that diosgenin, timosaponin BII, and mangiferin are anti-inflammatory active substances.ConclusionYNJ attenuates LPS-induced ALI in mice by inhibiting pyroptosis of lung epithelial cells and macrophages via suppression of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. Our findings provide novel insights into the therapeutic effects of YNJ on ALI.

Combining Controlled-Release and Normal Urea Enhances Rice Grain Quality and Starch Properties by Improving Carbohydrate Supply and Grain Filling.

Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers are gaining popularity in rice (Oryza stavia L.) cultivation for their ability to increase yields while reducing environmental impact. Grain filling is essential for both the yield and quality of rice. However, the impact of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer on grain-filling characteristics, as well as the relationship between these characteristics and rice quality, remains unclear. This study aimed to identify key grain-filling characteristics influencing rice milling quality, appearance, cooking and eating qualities, and physicochemical properties of starch. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted that included four nitrogen management practices: zero nitrogen input (CK), a local high-yield practice with split urea applications (100% urea, CU), a single basal application of 100% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRNF), and a basal application blend of 70% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer with 30% urea (CRNF-CU). The results showed that a sufficient amount of carbohydrates for the rice grain-filling process, as indicated by a higher sugar-spikelet ratio, is essential for improving grain quality. An increased sugar-spikelet ratio enhances the grain-filling process, resulting in an elevated average grain-filling rate (Gmean) and the peak grain-filling rate (Gmax), while also reducing the overall time required for grain filling (D). Compared to CU, CRNF and CRNF-CU treatments did not significantly change milling qualities, but reduced the chalky kernel rate and chalkiness, thereby enhancing the appearance quality. These treatments increased the amylose and amylopectin contents while reducing protein content, though the proportion of protein constituents remained unchanged. These treatments led to larger starch granules with notably smoother surfaces. Additionally, CRNF and CRNF-CU reduced relative crystallinity and structural order, while increasing the amorphous structure in the outer region of starch granules, which lowered rice starch crystal stability. The treatments also increased viscosity and improved the thermodynamic properties of starch, resulting in enhanced eating and cooking quality of the rice. In conclusion, the CRNF-CU is the most effective strategy in this study to enhance both grain yield and quality. This practice ensures an adequate carbohydrate supply for grain filling, which is essential for efficient grain filling and improved overall quality.

Emulsifying and ethanol-induced gelling properties of capsicum pectin: The impact of capsicum variety and deproteinization using the Sevag method.

This study investigated the emulsifying and ethanol-induced gelling properties of capsicum pectins from bell pepper and chili pepper, and also examined the effect of deproteinization (using the Sevag method). The research revealed that bell pepper pectin (BPP) formed smaller aggregates (337nm at pH2) with a higher hydrophobicity in solution due to its lower molecular weight (2.02×105g/mol) and higher degree of esterification (82.15%) compared to chili pepper pectin (CPP) (3.29×105g/mol, 78.33%). Consequently, BPP exhibited superior interfacial tension reduction ability, resulting in emulsion with smaller droplet size (483nm at pH2). Conversely, CPP showed superior ethanol-induced gelling property in comparison to BPP, as its lower degree of esterification and higher molecular weight facilitated hydrogen bonding interactions and crosslinking during gelation. Deproteinization with the Sevag method reduced protein content, molecular weight and esterification degree of BPP and CPP, but its impact on their emulsifying properties differed significantly. Interestingly, deproteinization notably improved the ethanol-induced gelling property of both pectins, since the increased carboxyl groups in the deproteinized products promoted hydrogen bonding during gelation. This study could facilitate the comprehensive utilization of capsicum and also advance our understanding of the impact of the Sevag method.

Creating of novel Wx allelic variations significantly altering Wx expression and rice eating and cooking quality

Granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) encoding gene Waxy (Wx), which largely regulates the amylose content of rice grains, is a master module determining rice eating and cooking quality (ECQ). Fine-tuning amylose level of grains is an ideal strategy to improve rice quality. Through fine editing of Wxa promoter and 5′UTR by CRISPR/Cas9 system, we created 14 types of novel Wx allelic variations, of which MT7 and MT13 were able to alter Wx expression and amylose content of grains. MT7 showed fragment deletion and base insertions in CAAT-boxes, hardly detectable expression levels of GBSSI mRNA and protein, and generated 5.87% amylose in grains. MT13 had fragment deletions in the A-box and the TATA-box, low expression levels of GBSSI mRNA and protein, and generated 9.61% amylose in grains. Besides of the amylose content, MT7 and MT13 significantly reduced protein content and increased lipid content of grains compared with Wxa. A comparison of MT7, MT13 and other allelic lines demonstrated the importance of base insertion around the second CAAT-box and 31bp-deletion following the second TATA-box in modulating Wx expression. Thus, our study generated two novel Wx allelic variations which significantly alter Wx expression and amylose content of rice grains, providing not only new germplasms for soft rice breeding, but also insights into candidate cis elements of Wx.

Concentrating Cocoa Polyphenols-Clarification of an Aqueous Cocoa Extract by Protein Precipitation and Filtration.

The seeds of Theobroma cacao L. are rich in antioxidant flavonoids such as flavan-3-ols, which are valued for their health benefits. In this context, it is of interest to improve flavanol content in cocoa extracts. The present study aimed at improving the clarification process of an aqueous cocoa extract using protein precipitation and filtration. Five pH modifications and two bentonite amounts were tested for their effects on protein precipitation and flavanol content. Micro- and ultrafiltration as a subsequent step was done by testing three different ceramic membranes (30, 80, and 200 nm). Lower pH in pre-treatment reduced protein content and kept flavanols constant, while at higher pH, flavanols were reduced up to 40%. Larger membrane pores enhanced polyphenol permeation, while smaller pores limited protein permeation. Adjusting pH to the isoelectric point increased protein adsorption, improving filtration quality despite decreased permeate flux. However, membrane fouling results in higher permeate quality due to increased selectivity. Furthermore, the addition of bentonite during filtration reduced both protein and flavanol content in the permeate, similar to the effects seen in the pre-treatment of the supernatant. Optimizing pH and membrane pore size enhances the recovery and quality of polyphenols during filtration, balancing protein removal and flavanol retention.

Toxic effects of chlorpyrifos on biochemical composition, enzyme activity and gill surface ultrastructure of three species of small fishes from India.

The effects of chlorpyrifos, a frequently detected organophosphate in aquatic ecosystems, on biochemical (protein and glycogen) contents and oxidative enzyme activities (catalase and lipid peroxidation) in liver, muscle and gill tissues of three freshwater fish Trichogaster fasciata, Mystus vittatus and Heteropneustes fossilis were evaluated after 21-day exposure to 1 and 10% of 96h LC50 of this pesticide, which were 1.63 and 16.3µg L-1; 5.87 and 58.7µg L-1 and 2.12 and 21.2µg L-1, respectively. On comparing with control, significant reductions in protein concentration were found in liver, muscle and gill of the three fishes treated with both higher as well as lower concentrations of the pesticide except in gill of M. vittatus and liver of H. fossilis treated with the lower concentrations. Glycogen content reductions were significant in the liver and muscle of the fishes, as well as gill tissue of T. fasciata treated with the two pesticide concentrations. Significant elevations of catalase activity were found in liver of the three fishes treated with the higher concentrations, in muscle tissues of both T. fasciata and M. vittatus treated with both the concentrations and in gills of the three fishes except H. fossilis treated with the lower concentration of the pesticide. Significant elevations of lipid peroxidation level were also found in liver of all the three fish species treated with the higher concentrations, in the muscle tissue of M. vittatus as well as in the gill of T. fasciata and H. fossilis treated with both the concentrations of the pesticide. Chlorpyrifos exposed gill ultrastructure of T. fasciata, M. vittatus and H. fossilis revealed concentration-dependent effects of the pesticide on gill surface ultrastructure which include distortion of primary and secondary lamellae, deterioration of pavement cell and microridge structures, extrusion of red blood cells (RBCs), secretion of mucous layer on filament, sloughing of primary lamellae and clumping of secondary lamellae. The present study parameters could serve as useful biomarkers for evaluating the risk of pesticide toxicity to fish. These findings also point out the possible health risks to the consumers of these fish captured from contaminated water bodies.

Evaluation of spring barley cultivars released in Belarus under the environmental conditions of the Northern Trans-Urals

Background. Studying the genetic diversity of ex situ barley accessions under contrasting environmental conditions (humid with a lack of heat, favorable, arid, etc.) makes it possible to assess them according to the duration of the growing season, resistance to lodging, potential productivity, drought resistance, grain quality, and environmental plasticity. Materials and methods. The results of an 8-year trial (2016–2023) of 11 spring barley accessions of Belarusian origin in the northern forest-steppe zone of Tyumen Province are presented. The experiments followed the protocols adopted for the state variety trials. An SKS-6-10 seeder was used for sowing, the plot area was 5 m2 , and cv. ʻAbalakʼ served as the reference. The seeding rate was 550 viable seeds per 1 m2 . Results. A majority of the studied accessions matured later than the medium-ripening reference cultivar. Weather conditions during the growing season in the Northern Trans-Urals had a decisive effect on the harvest formation, protein content and starch content in barley grain (74.6%, 70.8% and 81.8%, respectively). The effect of the genotype on these indicators was 7.9%, 17.5% and 6.2%, respectively. Starch content also depended on the genotype × environment interaction (9.7%). Fat content was almost equally affected by the genotype (25.1%) and the environment (26.7%). The genotype × environment interaction was more significant (31.2%). Conclusion. The following sources were identified among the tested cultivars: ‘Vodar’ (high yield, drought tolerance, etc.); ‘Magutny’ (high yield, and environmental plasticity); ‘Khago’ (large grain, low hull content, and increased protein and starch content levels); ‘Lipen’ (high test weight, increased starch content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Fobos’ (drought tolerance, and increased protein content); ‘Dublet’ (lodging resistance, and increased protein content); ‘Taler’ (reduced protein content, and environmental plasticity); ‘Pospekh’ (reduced protein content).

Application of machine learning algorithms for predicting the life-long physiological effects of zinc oxide Micro/Nano particles on Carum copticum

Nanoparticles impose multidimensional effects on living cells that significantly vary among different studies. Machine learning (ML) methods are recommended to elucidate more consistence and predictable relations among the affected parameters. In this study, nine ML algorithms [Support-Vector Regression (SVR), Linear, Bagging, Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Gaussian Process, Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC), Partial Least Squares (PLS), Kernel Ridge, and Random Forest] were applied to evaluate their efficiency in predicting the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs: 0.5, 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) and microparticles (ZnO MPs: 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) on Carum copticum. The plant root/shoot biomass; number of leaves, branches, umbellates, and flowers; protein content; reducing sugars; phenolic compounds; chlorophylls (a, b, Total); carotenoids; anthocyanins; H2O2; proline; malondialdehyde (MDA); tissue zinc content; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and media ΔpH were measured and considered input variables. All levels of ZnO MPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control (ZnSO4). The highest shoot/root fresh and dry mass were recorded at 5 µM ZnO MPs compared with the control. The root fresh/dry mass under ZnO NPs treatments was more sensitive than shoot parameters. The number of flowers increased by 134 and 79% in MPs and NPs treatments compared to the control, respectively. ZnO NPs reduced protein content by up to 81% in 125 µM NPs compared to ZnSO4. Reducing sugar content increased to 25, 40 and 36% in 5, 25, 125 µM MPs and 67, 68, 26, 26 and 21% in 0.5, 1, 5, 25 and 125 µM NPs treatments, respectively. The pH alteration was more significant under NPs and affected zinc uptake. All levels of ZnO NPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control. All ML algorithms showed varied efficiencies in predicting the nonlinear relationships among parameters, with higher efficiency in predicting the behavior of root and shoot dry mass, root fresh weight and number of flowers according to R2 index. The model obtained from SVR with the radial basis function (RBF) kernel was selected as a comprehensive model for predicting and determining the efficacy of the results.

A young child formula supplemented with a synbiotic mixture of scGOS/lcFOS and Bifidobacterium breve M-16V improves the gut microbiota and iron status in healthy toddlers.

Early-life gut microbiota development depends on a highly synchronized microbial colonization process in which diet is a key regulator. Microbiota transition toward a more adult-like state in toddlerhood goes hand in hand with the transition from a milk-based diet to a family diet. Microbiota development during the first year of life has been extensively researched; however, studies during toddlerhood remain sparse. Young children's requirement for micronutrients, such as dietary iron, is higher than adults. However, their intake is usually sub-optimal based on regular dietary consumption. The Child Health and Residence Microbes (CHaRM) study, conducted as an adjunct to the GUMLi (Growing Up Milk "Lite") trial, was a double-blind randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects on body composition of toddler milk compared to unfortified standard cow's milk in healthy children between 1 and 2 years of age in Brisbane (Australia). In this trial, fortified milk with reduced protein content and added synbiotics [Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, short-chain galactooligosaccharides, and long-chain fructooligosaccharides (ratio 9:1)] and micronutrients were compared to standard unfortified cow's milk. In the present study, the effects of the intervention on the gut microbiota and its relationship with iron status in toddlers were investigated in a subset of 29 children (18 in the Active group and 11 in the Control group) who completed the CHaRM study. The toddler microbiota consisted mainly of members of the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota. The abundance of the B. breve species was quantified and was found to be lower in the Control group than in the Active group. Analysis of blood iron markers showed an improved iron status in the Active group. We observed a positive correlation between Bifidobacterium abundance and blood iron status. PICRUSt, a predictive functionality algorithm based on 16S ribosomal gene sequencing, was used to correlate potential microbial functions with iron status measurements. This analysis showed that the abundance of predicted genes encoding for enterobactin, a class of siderophores specific to Enterobacteriaceae, is inversely correlated with the relative abundance of members of the genus Bifidobacterium. These findings suggest that healthy children who consume a young child formula fortified with synbiotics as part of a healthy diet have improved iron availability and absorption in the gut and an increased abundance of Bifidobacterium in their gut microbiome.

Effect of Light Intensity on the Growth and Nutrient Uptake of the Microalga Chlorella sorokiniana Cultivated in Biogas Plant Digestate

This study investigated the effect of light intensity on the growth and nutrient uptake of Chlorella sorokiniana cultivated in nitrogen-rich anaerobic digestion wastewater. Three light intensities (20, 68, and 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1) were applied over a 30-day period with a 16:8 h light–dark photoperiod. The goal was to understand how light affects biomass productivity, nutrient assimilation, and biochemical composition under varying nitrogen concentrations originating from biogas plant digestate, up to 5 g L⁻1. The results showed that higher light intensities significantly boosted biomass production, achieving a five-fold increase at 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1 compared to 20 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1. Nutrient uptake followed a similar pattern, with 94% of ammonium nitrogen removed in 7 days under high light, compared to 55% after 30 days under low light. Phosphorus content was also completely removed after 7 days under light intensities of 68 and 162 µmol m⁻2 s⁻1. Additionally, elevated light intensity led to increased lipid accumulation (from 29.7% to 34%) and reduced protein content (from 30.9% to 26.1%), with carbohydrate content not being affected by light intensity. These findings highlight light intensity as a critical factor for optimizing microalgae cultivation in nitrogen-rich biogas digestate, promoting both effective nutrient removal and biomass production for potential bioenergy applications.

Natural pachypodol integrated, lung targeted and inhaled lipid nanomedicine ameliorates acute lung injury via anti-inflammation and repairing lung barrier

Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a high-mortality disease caused by multiple disorders such as COVID-19, influenza, and sepsis. Current therapies mainly rely on the inhalation of nitric oxide or injection of pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., glucocorticoids); however, their toxicity, side effects, or administration routes limit their clinical application. In this study, pachypodol (Pac), a hydrophobic flavonol with anti-inflammatory effects, was extracted from Pogostemon cablin Benth and intercalated in liposomes (Pac@liposome, Pac-lipo) to improve its solubility, biodistribution, and bioavailability, aiming at enhanced ALI/ARDS therapy. Nanosized Pac-lipo was confirmed to have stable physical properties, good biodistribution, and reliable biocompatibility. In vitro tests proved that Pac-lipo has anti-inflammatory property and protective effects on endothelial and epithelial barriers in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages and endothelial cells, respectively. Further, the roles of Pac-lipo were validated on treating LPS-induced ALI in mice. Pac-lipo showed better effects than did Pac alone on relieving ALI phenotypes: It significantly attenuated lung index, improved pulmonary functions, inhibited cytokine expression such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS in lung tissues, alleviated lung injury shown by HE staining, reduced protein content and total cell number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and repaired lung epithelial and vascular endothelial barriers. As regards the underlying mechanisms, RNA sequencing results showed that the effects of the drugs were associated with numerous immune- and inflammation-related signaling pathways. Molecular docking and western blotting demonstrated that Pac-lipo inhibited the activation of the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, for the first time, our new drug (Pac-lipo) ameliorates ALI via inhibition of TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB/MAPK pathway-mediated inflammation and disruption of lung barrier. These findings may provide a promising strategy for ALI treatment in the clinic.

Fishery wastes as feed additive for the red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus: Impact on growth, biochemical composition, and digestive activity

One of the challenges in aquaculture is reducing the use of fishmeal to alleviate pressure on aquatic ecosystems while maintaining protein quality and digestibility. A promising approach is the supplementation of diets with exogenous enzymes, a strategy widely used in aquaculture nutrition but scarcely explored in crustaceans. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a diet composed of 65 % plant-based and 25 % animal-based ingredients, supplemented with a multienzyme extract derived from discards of the native Argentine shrimp Pleoticus muelleri, on juveniles of the red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Growth performance, endogenous digestive enzyme activities, and biochemical reserves (proteins, lipids, and glycogen) in hepatopancreas and pleon muscle were analyzed. Sixty-two crayfish weighting ⁓1.5 g were assigned to one of the following treatments: a control diet (C) or a diet supplemented with multienzyme extract (E). Crayfish were individually housed under optimal growing conditions and fed daily 3 % of their body mass; deaths and molts were recorded throughout the experiment. At day 45, fifteen replicates from each treatment were selected, weighed, anesthetized, and sacrificed. The hepatopancreas and pleon were dissected and weighed for biochemical analysis and assessment of digestive enzyme activity. The remaining replicates were subjected to the same procedure at the end of the experiment (day 90). Results showed that endogenous digestive enzymes were modulated by the multienzyme extract. Juveniles fed diet E significantly increased the specific activity of endogenous digestive peptidases and showed a trend of increasing lipases. The multienzyme extract also promoted lipid accumulation in hepatopancreas, increased glycogen in muscle, and reduced protein content in both tissues. These metabolic changes did not improve growth, as no significant differences in final weight were observed between treatments. The results highlight the need to analyze the synergy between varying concentrations of the multienzyme extract and endogenous enzymes within different protein: lipid ratios in diets, to enhance the digestive potential of crayfish and to improve growth.

Enzymatic catalytic dynamics of lactic-acetic acid co-fermentation: Effect of cellulase on the physicochemical, phytochemicals, volatiles, and antioxidant activity of jujube puree extracts

The processing of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is imperative due to its esteemed status and rich pharmacological properties despite its sensory challenges and short shelf-life. Traditional drying methods preserve jujube quality but complicate bioactive compound extraction due to the conjugated polysaccharide matrix. This study addresses the gap in research on enzymatic pretreatment by investigating the use of cellulases to break down the rigid cellulose structure, thus enhancing the efficiency of subsequent fermentation processes. Besides, this research explored the catalytic dynamics of cellulase pretreatment in lactic-acetic acid co-fermentation to improve jujube puree's functional and quality properties. Methodologies involved applying cellulase at concentrations of 1 %, 3 %, and 5 % (v/v) at 40 °C for 4 hours, followed by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 3346 and Acetobacter pasteurianus (Ap CICC 20001, CGMCC 1.41). Results indicated that fermentation and enzyme hydrolysis significantly influenced jujube puree's physicochemical and sensory attributes. Fermentation increased densities and moisture content, while unfermented and enzyme-treated samples had higher total soluble solids (TSS) values (11.00–11.50 °Brix). Enzyme concentration affected the reducing sugar and protein content, with higher enzyme concentrations (5 %EF) producing lighter products (L* = 52.00). Total phenolic content increased with fermentation, particularly in the 3 %EF treatment (351.89 mg GAE/100 g FW), while flavonoid and flavonol contents peaked in the 5 %EF (426.33 mg RE/100 g FW) and 3 %EF (25.80 mg QE/100 g FW) treatments, respectively. Proanthocyanidin content was highest at moderate enzyme concentrations, notably in the 3 %EF treatment (715.95 mg CE/100 g FW). Fermentation also enhanced antioxidant properties and altered flavor profiles by decreasing acetoin levels and increasing acid and ester production. This study highlights the significance of the combinative effect of enzyme concentration and fermentation processes in augmenting jujube puree extracts' nutritional and sensory qualities.

Energy reserves and gut microbiota of marine mussels under combined exposure to pathogens and predation risk

In recent years, environmental issues such as eutrophication have led to proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and deterioration of aquaculture environmental water quality. However, the impact of pathogenic bacteria on the mussel-predator food chain in the marine environment is not yet fully understood. In this experiment, mussels were cultured with crabs (Charybdis japonica) for 14 days. Then crabs were retained or removed and pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus) was added and mussels were cultured for 3 days. C. japonica and V. alginolyticus were used as two stressors to explore their effects on energy content and gut microbiota of Mytilus coruscus. The metabolic parameters (protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents) of the gills and digestive glands, and the gut microbiota of the mussels were measured. The study found that presence of predation risk significantly increased the content of protein but decreased carbohydrate and lipid contents in the gills at 14th day. After 17 days of exposure, the presence of predation risk significantly reduced protein content but significantly increased lipid content in gills of mussel. The protein content in digestive gland was significantly increased, but the lipid content was significantly decreased. The presence of predation risk and pathogens had interactive effect on the protein content in the digestive glands of mussels. The presence of V. alginolyticus and predation risk affected the community structure, species richness, and diversity of gut microbiota. The most abundant phyla noted were Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, and the most abundant genus noted were Prevotella, Klebsiella and Dialister. Alpha diversity analysis and beta diversity analysis revealed that the presence of V. alginolyticus and predation risk altered the microbial community structure. V. alginolyticus plays a positive role in the harmful microbiota of gut microbiota. The proportion of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria in intestinal bacteria increased significantly. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed that the biomarkers in each group are significantly different at the genus level. Significant correlations between metabolic parameters (protein content and carbohydrate content) and the level of KEGG function prediction (amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism) were observed in gills and digestive glands. This study highlights the priority of energy responses in mussels under dual predator-pathogen pressure, and also highlights the complexity of predator-pathogen interactions. A better understanding of their impact on the gut microbiota and health of marine mussels will help support the sustainability of mussel aquaculture production.

Chromium-methionine chelate can reduce protein content in Nile tilapia diets: an analysis of growth, carcass, biochemical and hematological parameters, and economic return

Chromium-methionine chelate can reduce protein content in Nile tilapia diets: an analysis of growth, carcass, biochemical and hematological parameters, and economic return

Disrupted H2 synthesis combined with methyl viologen treatment inhibits photosynthetic electron flow to synergistically enhance glycogen accumulation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Under nitrogen deprivation (-N), cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 exhibits growth arrest, reduced protein content, and remarkably increased glycogen accumulation. However, producing glycogen under this condition requires a two-step process with cell transfer from normal to -N medium. Metabolic engineering and chemical treatment for rapid glycogen accumulation can bypass the need for two-step cultivation. For example, recent studies indicate that individually disrupting hydrogen (H2) or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) synthesis, or treatment with methyl viologen (MV), effectively increases glycogen accumulation in Synechocystis. Here we explore the effects of disrupted H2 or poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) synthesis, together with MV treatment to on enhanced glycogen accumulation in Synechocystis grown in normal medium. Wild-type cells without MV treatment exhibited low glycogen content of less than 6% w/w dry weight (DW). Compared with wild type, disrupting PHB synthesis combined with MV treatment did not increase glycogen content. Disrupted H₂ production without MV treatment yielded up to 11% w/w DW glycogen content. Interestingly, when combined, disrupted H2 production with MV treatment synergistically enhanced glycogen accumulation to 51% and 59% w/w DW within 3 and 7days, respectively. Metabolomic analysis suggests that MV treatment mediated the conversion of proteins into glycogen. Metabolomic and transcriptional-expression analysis suggests that disrupted H2 synthesis under MV treatment positively influenced glycogen synthesis. Disrupted H₂ synthesis under MV treatment significantly increased NADPH levels. This increased NADPH content potentially contributed to the observed enhancements in antioxidant activity against MV-induced oxidants, O2 evolution, and metabolite substrates levels for glycogen synthesis in normal medium, ultimately leading to enhanced glycogen accumulation in Synechocystis. KEY MESSAGE: Combining disrupted hydrogen-gas synthesis and the treatment by photosynthesis electron-transport inhibitor significantly enhance glycogen production in cyanobacteria.

Assessment of Combined Effects of Selenium and Cadmium on Antioxidant Activity of Enzymes Produced by Citrobacter freundii

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study is novel in demonstrating the differential effects of cadmium (Cd) and selenium (Se) on Citrobacter freundii, specifically highlighting the mitigation of Cd toxicity by Se addition. The research reveals that while Cd concentrations above 40 ppm hinder bacterial growth and significantly reduce protein content, Se addition alleviates these detrimental effects, reducing the protein content decline and antioxidant enzyme activities. This work provides new insights into the interplay between heavy metal toxicity and antioxidant defenses in bacteria, suggesting potential biotechnological applications for managing Cd contamination. Full Abstract In this study, Citrobacter freundii (NRRL B-2643) bacteria were cultured in an LB medium with different cadmium (Cd) concentrations. To mitigate the deleterious impact of Cd, varying quantities of selenium (Se), renowned for its antioxidative power, were added to the cadmium-containing growth medium. Bacterial concentration, soluble protein, and activities of antioxidant enzymes (Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Glutathione reductase (GSH-Red), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) were determined by spectrophotometer. No significant microorganism growth was observed at 150 ppm and higher Cd concentrations. However, the bacterial growth was not affected up to 40 ppm Cd concentration. Bacteria were grown in media containing 0, 75, 100, and 125 ppm Cd, where the 0-ppm cadmium group served as control. The protein content of the microorganism grown in the medium containing 75, 100, and 125 ppm Cd decreased about 21, 40, and 62 percent, respectively, compared to the control. When 3.0 ppm selenium was added to the same growth medium, the percentage decrease in protein amount compared to the control was 12, 25, and 50, respectively. Compared to the control, an increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities in bacteria grown in cadmium-containing media was observed (p<0.05). With the addition of 1.0 and 3.0 ppm selenium to cadmium-containing media, a decrease was observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Oxyfluorfen: a novel metabolic inhibitor to select microalgal chlorophyll-deficient mutant strains for nutritional applications

Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for novel feedstocks and alternative protein sources to meet global needs. Because of their rich nutritional profiles and high protein contents, microalgae-based food products and supplements are being developed. Nonetheless, these products present organoleptic characteristics such as taste, smell and colour that are often considered unpleasant by human and animal consumers. To address this constraint, strain improvement approaches such as random mutagenesis have been used, which combined with the right selection strategy, lead to more appealing microalgal biomass. In this work, a novel selection strategy using oxyfluorfen, an inhibitor of the chlorophyll synthesis pathway, was applied for the first time to isolate chlorophyll-deficient strains of Scenedesmus rubescens and Chlorella vulgaris upon treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). With this approach, one S. rubescens brownish (37Y01) mutant strain, as well as two C. vulgaris mutant strains, one yellow (31Y15) and one white (31W62), were obtained. S. rubescens 37Y01 displayed a reduced protein content of 19.1% dry weight (DW) compared to that of the wildtype, which presented a protein content of 25.0% DW. C. vulgaris wildtype and mutants exhibited higher protein contents, in the 42.8‐44.3% DW range, compared to Scenedesmus rubescens (p < 0.05). The selective pressure of this inhibitor allowed the selection of S. rubescens and C. vulgaris mutants displaying 55% and 95% decrease in chlorophyll content, respectively. The reduced chlorophyll content greatly improves the sensory properties and consumer acceptance of established mutants, increasing the potential of both strains as feedstocks to develop novel food products.

Rats' reproductive function under toxic load against the background of protein deficiency

Safety assessment approaches of novel food, currently adopted in the Russian Federation, imply mandatory in vivo reproductive toxicity tests with the study of reproductive function and offspring development in order to obtain comprehensive evidence of the absence of distant adverse effects that may manifest only in the next generation. Comprehensive study of reproductive function, pre- and postnatal offspring development, as a rule, includes the research of a large number of parameters, all of which has a wide range of physiological fluctuations, and the heterogeneous distribution of some parameters' values complicates the interpretation of the results. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficiency of a reduced adaptive potential model in rats, based on decreased diet protein intake, for the use in reproductive toxicity experiments. Material and methods. The research lasting 155 days was carried out on rats of F0 (180 females and 90 males) and F1 (773 pups, 456 fetuses) generations. Animals of parental generation F0 were divided into 3 groups - control, the 1st and the 2nd test groups, 30 males and 60 females in each. The initial age of F0 rats was 28-35 days. Animals of all groups during growth and sexual maturation (25-90 days of life) received a diet with reduced protein content (9.4 g per 100 g of diet, which is 9% in calorie value). After reaching the age of physiological maturity (100 days) rats were transferred to a diet with lower protein content (6.1 g per 100 g of diet, 6% in calorie value), and received this diet during mating, pregnancy and feeding of F1 offspring. The rats of the test groups received with feed the model herbicide glyphosate (isopropylamine salt, concentration 360 g/l) at a dose of 0.3 g/kg body weight (6% of LD50): the 1st test group - from day 70 of life, the 2nd test group - from day 30 of life throughout the duration of the experiment. Reproductive function was evaluated by the fertility of F0 animals and by the character of prenatal and postnatal development of F1 offspring. Results. The toxic factor's influence on the background of reduced protein supply did not lead to complex changes in the reproductive function of rats, the test groups differed from the control group only by the post-implantation loss and the mean litter size in the postnatal period: post-implantation loss in the 1st and the 2nd test groups was higher than normal, exceeding the value of this indicator in the control group (4.7±1.6%) by 3.1 (p<0.05) и 2.2 (р>0.05) times; the mean litter size in the 1st and the 2nd test groups was by 15.8 and 21.3% (р<0.05) lower than in the control group. Survival rate of offspring during the 1st month of life in all groups was at least 72%, which corresponds to the lower limit of the norm characteristic for Wistar rats. Conclusion. The use of the alimentary model of adaptation potential reduction based on diet protein deficiency does not consider appropriate in reproductive toxicity studies, since it does not increase either the severity of the reaction to toxic effects or the reliability of the results obtained. This model can be recommended for subacute toxicological studies of low-toxicity objects, in particular, when assessing the safety of novel food.

DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC FOOD PRODUCTS WITH REDUCED PROTEIN CONTENT

DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC FOOD PRODUCTS WITH REDUCED PROTEIN CONTENT