ABSTRACT Commercial strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is valued for its quality attributes and its antioxidant content; however, its rapid softening and microbial susceptibility limit their postharvest quality. This study evaluated chlorine dioxide (ClO2) spray at 3 and 5 ppm on the postharvest physiology and biochemical properties of ‘Monterrey’ strawberries over 9 days. The 3 ppm treatment effectively mitigated weight loss, maintaining fruit mass between 35 and 40 g on days 3–7, whereas control fruit decreased to 25–30 g. Soluble solid content remained stable across treatments (7–10 °Brix). Fruit dimensions exhibited a positive response, with increases of 10–15% in width and 8–12% in height under 3 ppm ClO2. Significant biochemical changes were also observed in ClO2 treatments: total phenolics rose to approximately 600 mg GAE/100 g FW at 5 ppm, with concomitant increases in flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity (FRAP), which improved by 20–30%. Furthermore, ClO2 treatment modulated α-mannosidase and β-acetylhexosaminidase activities in a concentration- and time-dependent manner during postharvest storage. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that ClO2 spray – particularly at 3–5 ppm – enhances fruit retention, preserves antioxidant potential, and downregulates cell wall-degrading enzymes, offering a cost-effective strategy for improving postharvest quality in commercial strawberries.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is pathologically characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and renal fibrosis, yet effective therapeutic interventions for this condition remains limited. Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), an active component derived from the edible and medicinal mushroom G. frondosa, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. However, its renoprotective effects against CKD and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been thoroughly elucidated. Structural analysis revealed that GFP contained pyranose rings with both α- and β-glycosidic linkages. In the adenine-induced CKD mouse model, GFP administration significantly alleviated renal dysfunction and pathological damage, as evidenced by improvements in body weights, kidney index, serum biochemical parameters, and histological findings. Furthermore, GFP administration enhanced renal antioxidant capacities while reducing malondialdehyde contents. GFP also suppressed systemic and renal inflammatory responses, as evidenced by decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Importantly, GFP treatment suppressed renal fibrosis by down-regulation of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expressions, as well as modulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Our findings demonstrated that GFP exerted potent renoprotection against adenine-induced CKD in mice, mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities. The anti-fibrotic mechanism was mediated via the suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. These results highlighted the potential of GFP as functional food ingredients or adjunctive therapeutic agents for preventing and treating CKD and its complications. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fagonia glutinosa has been traditionally used by Saharan populations in Algeria for its therapeutic properties. The present investigation was designed to identify the plant's bioactive constituents and to evaluate its in vitro antioxidant, antiarthritic, and antimicrobial activities, as well as its in vivo antipyretic and anti-hemorrhoidal effects. The aerial parts of F. glutinosa were extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, and the two last fractions were analyzed using HPLC-DAD/MS. The antioxidant potential of these extracts was assessed using four assays namely DPPH, ABTS, SNV, and PRAC. Antiarthritic activity was determined through the inhibition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation, whereas antimicrobial testing was carried out against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Antipyretic activity was investigated in rats using the yeast-induced pyrexia model. In addition, the anti-hemorrhoidal potential was assessed in croton oil-induced hemorrhoid rats. Investigation of the phytochemical profile from F. glutinosa revealed the presence of functionally important polyphenols. Indeed, seven flavonoids were reported for the first time from F. glutinosa. Also, tricoumaroyl spermidine (coumarin) was identified, for the first time in this plant, and quantified as the most abundant phenolic compound. Biologically, the plant fractions exhibited strong antioxidant capacity, pronounced antiarthritic activity. In vivo studies with rat models confirmed a dose-dependent antipyretic effect, as well as notable anti-hemorrhoidal activity. The results reinforce the traditional use of F. glutinosa, demonstrating that its bioactive constituents may serve as effective agents for alleviating fever, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory disorders, thereby supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the synergistic effects of combined human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and lactoferrin (Lf) supplementation on brain metabolites and neurotransmitters in neonatal piglets using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS). Methods Three-day-old male domestic piglets were randomly assigned to three groups and fed for 35 days with a standard pig milk replacer supplemented as follows: control (methylcellulose, 1.8 g/L; n = 14), combined HMOs (cHMOs, 70% 2′-FL and 30% 3′-SL:6′-SL in a 1:2.5 ratio, 1.8 g/L; n = 16), or cHMOs + Lf (cHMOs, 1.8 g/L + Lf, 0.5 g/L; n = 14). In vivo ¹H-MRS was performed on postnatal day 38–39 using a 3 T scanner (TE = 30 ms) to assess regional brain metabolite profiles. Results The combined cHMOs and Lf group exhibited significantly higher absolute levels of total lipids and macromolecules (tLM), along with increased relative concentrations of glutathione (GSH), total creatine (tCr), total choline (tCho), and tLM (p < 0.05). The cHMOs alone group showed a similar upward trend in tCr, tCho, and tLM, but exhibited significantly higher absolute levels of total N-acetylaspartate (tNAA) (p < 0.05) compared with the other two groups. Collectively, these findings indicate distinct metabolic profiles among the treatment groups. Conclusions The combined cHMOs and Lf supplementation may synergistically support neurodevelopment by enhancing lipid mobilization, energy metabolism, and antioxidant capacity, while cHMOs alone promotes brain development by improving neuronal integrity and synaptic activity in piglets – a translational model for human infants. To our knowledge, these findings have not been previously reported.

Investigating the mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-mediated optimization of alfalfa silage fermentation and enhancement of antioxidant capacity based on 16S sequencing technology.

Introduction The intestinal microbiota is considered an adaptive trait closely associated with reintroduction success and may contribute to the ecological fitness of B. lenok . Methods In this study, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, immune parameters, and gut microbiota composition were compared between wild and farmed B. lenok to elucidate differences in intestinal and hepatic health under distinct aquatic environments. Results Histological analysis showed that villi in the hindgut of wild individuals were longer and denser than those of farmed ones. Although the intestinal structure of farmed B. lenok remained intact, their villus morphology and density differed significantly from those of the wild group. Compared with the farmed group, wild B. lenok showed higher hepatic immune/antioxidant activity (elevated alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lysozyme (LYZ), and catalase (CAT), as well as glutathione (GSH) content) and up-regulated liver immune-related genes ( c3 , foxo1 , igM , il-10 , lyz , etc.), while farmed fish displayed higher intestinal stress markers (CAT, malondialdehyde (MDA) and a pro-inflammatory signature ( il-6 , il-1 β upregulated). Microbiota profiling revealed higher abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes but a trend of decreasing Proteobacteria in the wild group. Discussion Collectively, these findings demonstrate significant differences in intestinal morphology, digestive function, and microbial community composition between wild and farmed B. lenok . This study provides new insights for improving post-stocking adaptability in reintroduction programs and proposes novel conservation strategies for biodiversity restoration.

Polystyrene nanoplastics are known to exert impact on the mammalian reproductive system, primarily via oxidative damage; however, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects have yet to be determined. Here, the mechanisms responsible for the oxidative damage experienced by mammalian sperm when exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics were investigated, along with how these effects could be mitigated by supplementation with antioxidants. The influence of Astragalus polysaccharides on the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on boar sperm was investigated by evaluating sperm quality, antioxidant functionality, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Exposure of capacitated boar sperm to polystyrene nanoplastics at doses of 1 and 2 μg/mL significantly reduced the proportion of progressive sperm, antioxidant capacity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the sperm flagellum. Sperm were then exposed to different doses of Astragalus polysaccharides (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/mL); analysis revealed that the supplementation of 1 mg/mL of Astragalus polysaccharides in the presence of 1 μg/mL of polystyrene nanoplastics increased the proportion of progressive sperm, antioxidant capacity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the sperm flagellum. Collectively, Astragalus polysaccharides was confirmed to improve the quality, antioxidant capacity, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics by increasing total antioxidative capacity activity and reducing total reactive oxygen species. The in vitro exposure of boar sperm to polystyrene nanoplastics was not affected by other metabolic factors and directly reflects the relationship between Astragalus polysaccharides and polystyrene nanoplastics exposed sperm. Cite this article as: Hu, Q., Li, Y., &amp; Gao, Z. (2026). Astragalus polysaccharides ameliorate the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on boar sperm. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 51, 0153, doi:10.5152/actavet.2026.25153.

Current research is still striving to maximize the expansion of protein feed sources in order to reduce the production costs of the livestock industry. In this context, the current study aimed to evaluate the impacts of replacing soybean meal protein in diets with mulberry silage (at 50 and 100% substitution levels) on the growth, health status, and carcass characteristics of growing goat kids. Forty-five Xiangdong black goat kids weighing 18.2 ± 1.6 kg (approximately 6 months old) were divided into three experimental groups and fed one of the following diets: a control diet consisting of a 50:50 concentrate-to-roughage ratio on a dry matter basis (control), a diet replacing 50% of soybean meal protein with mulberry silage (MS-50), or a diet replacing 100% of soybean meal protein with mulberry silage (MS-100). The results show that replacing soybean meal protein with mulberry silage significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) the intakes of dry matter (DMI), crude protein (CPI), neutral detergent fiber (NDFI), and organic matter (OMI). However, no significant (p &gt; 0.05) differences were observed in the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), or neutral detergent fiber (NDF) among the groups, whereas the digestibility of OM and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05) in the MS-100 group. Additionally, the MS-100 group exhibited significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) plasma total protein, albumin, and calcium levels. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly enhanced in both the MS-50 and MS-100 groups compared to the control, although the MS-100 showed a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels related to the other groups. In terms of growth performance, the MS-100 group improved (p &lt; 0.05) final body weight, average daily gain, and carcass weights. Meanwhile, the MS-50 group recorded the highest contents (p &lt; 0.05) of the following amino acids: aspartic acid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, alanine, lysine, and proline. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that replacing soybean meal protein with mulberry silage generally produced comparable impacts, with additional positive effects on growth performance, meat quality, and health status of goats.

This study evaluates the impact of eight commercial oenological tannins—sourced from grape seed, grape skin, cherry, quebracho, acacia, tara, chestnut, and oak—on the phenolic composition and color evolution of a rosé wine during oxidative storage. The tannins were initially characterized for their phenolic richness, antioxidant capacity, oxygen consumption rate, and iron chelating ability. Their effects were then assessed in a lab-scale rosé wine produced without sulfur dioxide, where each tannin was added individually. Results revealed that condensed tannins, particularly from grape skins, significantly enhanced the initial color intensity, while hydrolyzable tannins such as chestnut and oak better preserved color stability over time. Chestnut tannin showed the highest antioxidant and oxygen consumption activities, correlating with its greater performance in limiting oxidative degradation. Although some tannins contributed to anthocyanin loss, evidence suggests a role in promoting pigment polymerization and color stabilization.

This experiment was designed to determine the effect of the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (paracasei) strain NSMJ27, isolated from Korean fermented vegetable food (home-made kimchi), on laying performance, egg quality, intestinal histology, cecal short-chain fatty acids, and ileal antioxidant/immunity indicators of laying hens. Ninety-six 55-week-old Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments with each treatment comprising eight replicates of six hens each. Experimental diets were prepared by mixing corn and soybean meal basal diets without or with L. paracasei NSMJ27 at 2.5 × 109 CFU/kg. The experiment lasted 4 weeks. Laying hens fed with the NSMJ27-supplemented diet were not affected (p &gt; 0.05) in their laying performance or egg quality. With respect to ileal morphology, villus height: crypt depth ratio tended to be higher (p = 0.067) in laying hens fed with L. paracasei NSMJ27 vs. control diets. Dietary L. paracasei did not affect (p &gt; 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase, malondialdehyde contents, or secretory immunoglobulin A in ileal mucosa, but increased (p = 0.048) the activity of superoxide dismutase compared with the control diet-fed laying hens. Dietary L. paracasei elevated (p = 0.016) the relative percentage of butyrate but lowered (p = 0.057) that of isovalerate in cecal digesta. Dietary L. paracasei did not affect the percentages of cells expressing macrophages, B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, or TCRγδ T cell surface markers (p &gt; 0.05). Overall, these results suggest that dietary L. paracasei NSMJ27 could enhance gut health via increasing gut antioxidant capacity and butyrate production in the cecal digesta of laying hens.

Moringa oleifera leaves are widely recognised as a promising source of polyphenolic constituents, particularly flavonoids, that may contribute to antioxidant activity relevant to functional-food and herbal standardisation. This study aimed to evaluate extraction yield, perform flavonoid-oriented screening, quantify total flavonoid content (TFC), and assess antioxidant capacity of an ethanolic M. oleifera leaf extract using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Dried leaf powder was extracted by maceration, and the extract yield was determined gravimetrically. TLC profiling was conducted on silica gel plates using an appropriate solvent system, followed by UV observation and derivatisation to visualise flavonoid-like bands; TLC–DPPH spraying was applied for rapid localisation of antioxidant-active zones. TFC was quantified using the aluminium chloride colorimetric method and expressed as quercetin equivalents, while antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH radical scavenging assay and expressed as IC₅₀. The extract exhibited measurable flavonoid-related chromatographic responses and produced antioxidant-active bands on TLC after DPPH treatment. Quantitatively, the extract demonstrated appreciable total flavonoid content and showed strong DPPH scavenging activity, indicating that M. oleifera leaves may serve as a feasible botanical raw material for standardised antioxidant preparations. Further work incorporating replicate-based precision metrics and confirmatory compound identification is warranted to strengthen analytical robustness and compound attribution.

Postharvest fruit losses significantly impact producers and distributors. Although synthetic preservatives mitigate these losses, consumer safety concerns and regulatory restrictions drive interest in alternative approaches. Propolis, rich in polyphenols, exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making it a promising natural strategy to preserve fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the pre- and postharvest applications of Portuguese propolis extracts on the preservation of postharvest quality of ‘Rocha’ pear, an exclusively Portuguese variety of major economic importance. Treatments were applied by spraying the fruits one month before and at harvest. After five months of cold storage, the main quality parameters, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, physiological disorders, and microbial contamination were assessed. The results showed that the application of propolis extract, either 30 days before or immediately after harvest, reduces the total microbiological load on the fruit’s epidermis (~1-log to 2-log reduction, after treatment). Moreover, the treatment enhanced the preservation of key quality attributes, including a reduction in water loss of up to 44%, a 13–33% decrease in firmness loss relative to the control, and a lower incidence of physiological disorders during postharvest storage. Furthermore, the application of propolis can enhance the production of fruits with higher levels of bioactive compounds, while also adding value to a bee product that is often underappreciated by most beekeepers.

ABSTRACT The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of branch and leaf extracts from Knema globularia, K. tonkinensis, and K. lenta were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays, together with total phenolic and flavonoid contents. K. lenta leaf extract showed the highest phenolic (157.70 ± 5.68 mg GAE g⁻¹) and flavonoid (175.02 ± 4.45 mg QE g⁻¹) contents, and the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ 26.17 ± 0.82 μg mL⁻¹; ABTS IC₅₀ 34.20 ± 1.75 μg mL⁻¹). It also significantly inhibited NO production (IC₅₀ 22.07 ± 0.35 μg mL⁻¹), indicating potent anti-inflammatory potential.

Allicin, a bioactive sulfur compound from garlic known for its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, was evaluated in this study for its effects on growth, antioxidant activity, gut microbiota, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Trachidermus fasciatus. Fish were administered allicin at concentrations of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 300mg/kg. The 200mg/kg allicin group had significantly higher WGR, LGR, and SGR than the control group. Hepatic SOD and LZM activities were also higher in the 200mg/kg group. Metagenomics showed that allicin altered the gut microbiota composition, decreased the diversity, and altered the community structure. Allicin-treated fish had significantly reduced levels of potentially damaging bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Vibrio species. The ARGs showed that genes associated with multidrug resistance, including specific subtypes, were markedly reduced in the 200mg/kg allicin-treated fish. The control group had a markedly decreased number of genes resistant to β-lactam antibiotics. Allicin reduced the number of genes resistant to rpoB2 and mdtC, suggesting the potential for antibiotic resistance. Network analysis of co-occurrence patterns showed that genes resistant to multiple drugs, tetracyclines, and peptides were prevalent, with most possible potential host taxa belonging to Ascomycota and Firmicutes. These results indicate the importance of allicin for fish health as a sustainable alternative to antibiotic resistance and provide a viable alternative to antibiotic resistance for fish farming.

This study investigates the supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) extraction method for obtaining chemical profiles and biological activities of four Helichrysum species: Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don, Helichrysum plicatum DC., Helichrysum sanguineum (L.) Kostel. and Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench. ScCO2 extraction is regarded as an efficient and environmentally friendly technique for producing high-quality plant extracts; however, comparative data on bioactivity and chemical composition among Helichrysum species remain limited. Aerial parts of the species were collected and extracted using ScCO2 at 20 MPa and 40 °C. The extracts were analyzed for chemical composition and phenolic profiles, and their antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The highest extraction yield was obtained from H. italicum (28.7 g kg-1), whereas H. stoechas showed the lowest yield (10.4 g kg-1). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified (Z)-13-octadecenal (0-27.11%) and 9-octadecenoic acid (33.18-58.79%) as the dominant constituents across the species, indicating a clear prevalence of unsaturated fatty acids in ScCO2 extracts. Phenolic composition varied among species, with luteolin identified as the predominant compound in all extracts. Helichrysum plicatum exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity based on 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (i.e. ABTS)•+ radical scavenging activity [i.e. extract concentration providing 50% inhibition (IC50)], whereas H. sanguineum showed the strongest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50). Antimicrobial assays demonstrated moderate to strong inhibitory effects against both bacterial and yeast strains. Furthermore, ADMET analysis indicated favorable acute toxicity and pharmacokinetic profiles for major phytochemicals, and molecular docking revealed that luteolin, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid exhibited the most favorable binding affinities with selected target proteins. The results demonstrate that ScCO2 extracts of Helichrysum species possess notable bioactive properties, with significant interspecific variation in chemical composition and biological activity, highlighting their potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ram semen is highly susceptible to cold shock, which induces irreversible damage to the integrity and fluidity of membranes. Chilled semen is commonly used within 24 h of collection. However, while its storage at 5 °C extends semen lifespan, it is often accompanied by quality deterioration due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study evaluated the potential of crocin, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties, to improve the quality of chilled ram semen stored at 5 °C for up to three days in a soybean lecithin–based extender supplemented with two crocin concentrations (0.5 and 1 mM). Sperm motility, viability, glutathione levels, the expression of proteins involved in the heat stress response (HSR), and apoptosis were assessed at 24 h intervals. Crocin preserved motility (up to Day 1), viability (up to Day 2,) and kinematic parameters (up to Day 3). In addition, crocin enhanced intracellular glutathione and Hsp70 levels and inhibited apoptotic levels dose-dependently, indicating the antioxidant and cytoprotective role of crocin. Despite 0.5 mM being effective up to Day 1, 1 mM crocin augmented antioxidant capacity, modulated stress response mechanisms, and preserved sperm quality during chilled storage up to Day 3, highlighting its potential as a valuable additive of ram semen extenders.

Background/Objectives: Obesity and prediabetes are overlapping global epidemics. This systematic review synthesises evidence on gene-diet interactions in adults with obesity, prediabetes, or related cardiometabolic risks. It evaluates Mediterranean and DASH dietary patterns, macronutrient quality, and energy restriction across both single-variant and polygenic score approaches. Methods: PubMed was searched for English language papers published in the last 5 years (last run: 31 October 2025). Fewer than 200 studies were retained after excluding those lacking explicit statistical testing for gene-diet interactions or relevant endpoints. Results: Evidence supports restricting saturated fat and preserving carbohydrate quality as general baseline targets, with associations heterogeneous by genotype. Effect modification was observed: healthy dietary patterns were associated with lower risk in high polygenic-risk strata (OR~0.53) but little or no benefit in low-risk groups. TCF7L2 variants were associated with macronutrient thresholds (e.g., protein &gt; 18%, carbohydrate &lt; 48%) affecting visceral adiposity, while APOA2 variants showed genotype-dependent inflammation, including paradoxical increases in markers with higher dietary antioxidant capacity. Interpretation was limited by underpowered interaction tests, multiplicity, and uneven ancestry representation (e.g., unique SLC16A11 and CREBRF signals). Conclusions: While anti-inflammatory dietary substitutions improve biomarkers irrespective of some variants (e.g., TCF7L2), genotype-informed nutrition appears to yield the largest absolute risk reduction in high-risk populations. Clinical implementation should therefore combine baseline diet-quality guidance with targeted strategies for genotype-specific response patterns (e.g., APOA2 antioxidant heterogeneity and TCF7L2 carbohydrate thresholds), rather than rely on uniform recommendations alone. Future progress requires preregistered, genotype-stratified trials and locally trained polygenic scores to address ancestry-specific genetic architecture.

Transient overexpression assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) showed that the transcription factor HmPIF1 enhances lead (Pb) tolerance in Hydrangea by improving antioxidant capacity and altering transporter protein expression. Lead (Pb) soil contamination has caused serious ecological and environmental issues. Hydrangea represents a promising candidate species for phytoremediation, whereas research on its Pb-tolerant genes remains relatively limited. This study aimed to explore the Pb tolerance function of HmPIF1 at the physiological and transcriptional levels. Results showed that Pb stress significantly upregulated the expression of HmPIF1. Subcellular localization and transcriptional autoactivation assays demonstrated that HmPIF1 is a nuclear-localized transcription factor without transcriptional autoactivation activity. Transient overexpression experiments confirmed that eight substances, including glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and total protein, were key physiological factors for HmPIF1-enhanced Pb tolerance in Hydrangea leaves, while transcriptomic analysis identified "photosynthesis" and "glutathione metabolism" as likely the core regulatory pathways. Furthermore, HmPIF1 overexpression promoted Pb accumulation in leaves, accompanied by differential expression of ion transporter proteins. Taken together, HmPIF1 positively regulates plant Pb tolerance and enhances Pb uptake in leaves, which may be achieved through multiple regulatory pathways including photosynthesis, antioxidation and ion transporter-mediated processes. These findings provide a theoretical basis for subsequent related research.

Maternal nutrition during gestation is fundamental to metabolic homeostasis. This study investigates the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs, 20% sucrose water) on maternal physiology through the gut microbiota-oxidative stress-inflammation network and delineates the underlying mechanisms. Using a C57BL/6J mouse model, we implemented a maternal SSB dietary regimen sustained until late gestation. SSB exposure significantly increased maternal body weight, intestinal weight, blood glucose levels, and serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-binding protein (LBP) concentrations. Concurrently, SSBs compromised the intestinal barrier, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and gene expression, and suppressed intestinal antioxidant capacity. We further identified that pregnancy-induced nutritional demand triggered compensatory intestinal responses, including upregulation of glucose transporters. However, in the context of SSBs, this adaptation escalated into maladaptive metabolic stress, aggravating intestinal injury, oxidative-inflammatory imbalance, and systemic metabolic disruption. Gut microbiota analysis revealed SSB-induced enrichment of Akkermansia, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Bifidobacterium, with functional enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism and the TCA cycle. These microbial shifts were accompanied by altered short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles, characterized by elevated acetate and propionate but reduced butyrate, further disrupting gut homeostasis and maternal metabolism. By constructing an integrated "SSBs-microbiota-metabolites-maternal health" network, we elucidate how excessive Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) colonization under gestational high sugar conditions contributes to mucosal breakdown and systemic inflammation. This study provides mechanistic evidence supporting sugar restriction during pregnancy, with important implications for preventing gestational metabolic diseases and improving maternal health outcomes.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by increased oxidative stress, which contributes to insulin resistance in insulin-sensitive tissues. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidative effects of long-term nitrate administration in the liver, soleus muscle (SM) and epididymal adipose tissue (eAT) of male rats with T2D. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): Control, Control+Nitrate (C + N), T2D and T2D + Nitrate (T2D + N). T2D was induced using a high-fat diet followed by a low dose of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg). Nitrate (100 mg/L in drinking water) was administered for 6 months to the nitrate-treated groups. Liver, SM and eAT were isolated, and tissue levels of catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (NOx) were measured at the end of the study. In the liver, nitrate increased CAT (216%, p < 0.001) and restored reduced TAC and GSH to normal values in rats with T2D. In the SM, nitrate decreased MDA (28%, p = 0.041) and restored reduced CAT to normal value in rats with T2D. In the eAT, nitrate increased CAT (72%, p = 0.046) and TAC (223%, p = 0.018) in rats with T2D. In addition, nitrate-treated T2D rats had lower MDA (21.6%, p = 0.098) in the liver as well as higher TAC (104%, p = 0.064) in the SM and GSH (163%, p = 0.055) in the eAT; however, these changes were only marginally significant. Positive correlations were observed between NOx and CAT (p < 0.05 in SM and eAT), TAC (p < 0.05 in eAT) and GSH (p < 0.05 in liver, SM and eAT); furthermore, a marginally significant negative correlation was observed between NOx and MDA (p = 0.082 in liver and SM, p = 0.088 in eAT). Long-term nitrate administration at low doses has a protective effect against oxidative stress in the liver, SM and eAT of rats with T2D.