Hemp seed, historically considered a byproduct of the hemp fiber industry, has gained increasing attention for its nutritional and functional properties. Recent advances in hemp seed research have elucidated its benefits for gut health; however, its impact on colitis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that hemp seed consumption reduced colonic inflammation and mitigated tissue injury in an experimental colitis mouse model. Notably, hemp seed reduced macrophage infiltration and promoted a phenotypic shift from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. It also enhanced intestinal barrier function by restoring goblet cells, upregulating tight junction proteins, and reducing systemic lipopolysaccharide translocation. Furthermore, hemp seed optimized gut microbiota composition by enriching beneficial taxa, particularly , while suppressing colitis-associated genera. Collectively, these findings indicate that hemp seed, as a whole-food dietary approach, confers protection against colitis by modulating immune responses, preserving barrier integrity, and reshaping gut microbiome. These results underscore the potential of hemp seed as a sustainable nutritional strategy for promoting gut health.

As an essential n-3 fatty acid required by the human body, α-linolenic acid (ALA) can be metabolically converted into n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exhibiting biological functions and resource sustainability, and its conversion may be modulated by specific polyphenols. This study investigated the metabolic conversion profile in non-fasted mice following the intake of flaxseed oil nanoemulsions and assessed the potential regulatory effects of co-ingesting structurally distinct flax lignans. The results showed that co-administration of the flax lignan macromolecule (FLM) increased serum EPA by 31.9%, DHA by 20.2%, and hepatic EPA by 35.1%. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) increased serum EPA by 38% and hepatic EPA by 47.4%. Secoisolariciresinol (SECO) elevated serum EPA by 30.0%, and hepatic EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and DHA by 57.9%, 19.7%, and 17.7%, respectively. Lipidomics revealed FLM/SECO enriched ALA-derived phospholipids (, PC 38:7|18:2_20:5), while SDG stimulated EPA/DHA-containing triglycerides (, TG 58:13|18:3_20:5_20:5), indicating lignan-specific effects. Furthermore, metabolic studies and HepG2 cell experiments indicated that the structural characteristics of flax lignans might determine their material basis of intestinal transport and hepatic metabolism, thereby modulating ALA absorption, transport, and conversion, with the characteristic metabolites SDG and enterodiol (ENL) further promoting downstream ALA-derived products (C20:4n-3, 48.6% or C20:3n-3, 48.1%), highlighting their regulatory roles. This study provides a theoretical foundation for developing functional lipid delivery systems based on lignan structural features and nutritional intervention strategies aimed at enhancing ALA metabolic conversion.

Abnormalities in triacylglycerol metabolism can lead to excessive visceral fat accumulation. Though diacylglycerol (DAG) administration could reduce serum total triacylglycerol (TG), its impact on visceral fat deposition and potential mechanisms remains unclear. This trial aimed to evaluate the impact of substituting regular rapeseed cooking oil (TAG) with DAG oil on primary outcomes such as anthropometric measurements and lipid profiles, as well as secondary outcomes including visceral fat and serum lipidomics in Chinese adults with overweight/obesity or central obesity. Ninety-five participants (BMI: 25.93 ± 2.92 kg m) were assigned to the DAG or TAG group through random allocation. Over 8 weeks, participants were provided similar diets cooked with DAG or TAG oil, respectively. By week 8, the serum TG ( = 0.026) and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) ( = 0.024) levels in the DAG group were significantly lower than those in the TAG group. The change in sdLDL-C was notably greater in the DAG group than in the TAG group (-0.10 ± 0.12 -0.03 ± 0.16), and a significant decrease in the levels of waist circumference, hip circumference, total cholesterol, and sdLDL-C was only observed in the DAG group compared with the baseline (all < 0.05). Imaging analyses revealed that attenuation of hepatic steatosis was observed in the DAG group compared with the TAG group ( = 0.035), and a decrease in visceral fat area was found only in the DAG group compared with the baseline ( < 0.001). Lipidomic profiling demonstrated DAG induced enrichment of serum triacylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine species containing mono/polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were associated with the enhanced adipocyte lipolysis and thermogenesis. These findings suggested that DAG-mediated lipid remodeling might be related to preventing lipid metabolic disorders through visceral fat regulation.

Hyperuricemia is a growing metabolic disorder, whereas current microbiota-based strategies primarily focus on urate degradation or excretion, leaving upstream regulation of nucleoside precursors largely unexplored. Here, we isolated a nucleoside-degrading probiotic strain, (), from traditional fermented dairy products and demonstrated its urate-lowering effect in a hyperuricemia rat model. The strain significantly reduced serum urate levels without altering renal urate transporter expression, suggesting a mechanism independent of renal excretion. Multi-omics and Caco-2 cell assays revealed that expresses intracellular nucleoside hydrolases that convert guanosine and inosine into poorly absorbed purine bases, thereby limiting intestinal nucleoside uptake and reducing hepatic substrate supply for urate synthesis. Two key hydrolases were functionally validated by gene cloning and enzymatic assays. In addition, reshaped gut microbial composition, modulated host metabolic pathways, and alleviated systemic inflammation. Collectively, this study identifies a previously uncharacterized substrate-restriction mechanism by which probiotics alleviate hyperuricemia, providing novel insight into microbiota-based strategies for dietary and therapeutic intervention in purine metabolism.

Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to neuronal damage, resulting in cognitive impairment and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This research aimed to examine the impact and underlying mechanisms of SPa, the main component of polysaccharides from L., on neuronal damage induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice. Initially, SPa significantly enriched the microbial communities associated with tryptophan synthesis and metabolism, such as , , and . Specifically, SPa restored the decrease of 5-HT and indole derivatives and the increase of KYN, and promoted the production of IL-22 by activating the indole derivative ligand AHR to alleviate HFD-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier damage. At the same time, SPa effectively alleviated HFD-induced behavioral impairments by alleviating neuroinflammation the AHR-NF-κB-NLRP3/Caspase-1-IL-1β/IL-18 signaling pathway and improving neuronal damage the BDNF/TrkB pathway. Therefore, we conclude that SPa can ameliorate HFD-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal damage the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-AHR axis.

Obesity has emerged as a major health issue caused by the alteration of lipid profiles, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia, necessitating the prevention of hyperlipidemia. Several local Thai vegetables have been recognized for their potent anti-oxidant properties. However, there is limited information regarding their lipid-lowering effects. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and identify the mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-reducing effects of functional ingredients derived from the aqueous extracts of seven local Thai vegetables using , , and models. The findings suggest that the antioxidant-rich extracts have potential to serve as functional ingredients due to their ability to inhibit cholesterol absorption in intestinal colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Among these, the aqueous extracts from Roxb. (PSRAE), Sw. (STSAE), and L. (APAE) showed the most potent lipid-lowering effects through increasing cholesterol micelle size and interfering its formation. Moreover, these extracts modulated lipid homeostasis through distinct mechanisms, including the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and absorption and stimulation of lipid secretion. Lipid-lowering effects were further confirmed in intact jejunal loops, where PSRAE and STSAE demonstrated the highest cholesterol-lowering efficacies. However, a single oral administration in rats revealed that PSRAE decreased the cholesterol levels only in the serum, intestinal and hepatic tissues. Therefore, PSRAE designated as the most potent lipid-lowering candidate. Nonetheless, long-term efficacy and safety of these extracts require further investigation. Thus, a promising set of functional ingredients derived from local Thai vegetables could serve as future foods for controlling hyperlipidemia and preventing non-communicable diseases.

Wheat peptides (WP) have been claimed to have the potential to regulate metabolism and effectively prevent/mitigate gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, many studies into the effects of WP on hyperglycemia have provided conflicting findings, and the underlying mechanism has been elusive. In this study, WP intervention (50-1000 mg kg) dose-dependently attenuated high fat diet (HFD)-induced weight gain, fasting hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. WP suppressed systemic inflammation by normalizing serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), while concurrently reducing adipocyte hypertrophy and hepatic steatosis. Serum lipid profiles were improved, with significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), though low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels remained unaltered. Although gut microbiota α-diversity was unaffected, WP modulated microbial composition by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and enriching beneficial genera, including and . Metabolomic analyses further revealed that WP-restored metabolic homeostasis is associated with upregulating functional lipids [PE(18 : 1/20 : 3), PG(18 : 0/20 : 4), and PS(22 : 6/22 : 1)] and the tryptophan metabolite 5-HIAA, all of which exhibited inverse correlations with indices of metabolic dysfunction. Critically, the WP-derived peptides LPQ and LPQF, characterized by a proline residue at the second position (Pro), exhibited potent dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity, mediated by high-affinity binding involving van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, in hyperglycemic zebrafish models, LPQ/LPQF (0.1-5 μg mL) normalized glycemic levels. Collectively, WP exerts hypoglycemic effects through potentially synergistic mechanisms: (i) suppression of inflammation, (ii) restoration of functional lipid and tryptophan metabolic pathways, (iii) modulation of the gut microbiota toward a beneficial profile, and (iv) DPP-IV inhibition by structurally optimized peptides. These findings highlight WP's therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome, underscoring its utility as a multifaceted intervention for metabolic dysregulation.

AHSVRFY, an umami peptide derived from Parma ham with reported angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity (IC = 16.3 ± 0.16 μM), lacks comprehensive validation. To address this, we established an "digestion-activation-delivery" hypothesis and systematically validated it. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), a single oral dose of AHSVRFY induced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (13.9 ± 2.7 mmHg, < 0.01). UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed its degradation into six peptides in the intestine, and four of them were identified as novel ACE inhibitors. The most potent dipeptide, FY (IC = 45.11 ± 15.34 μM), was absorbed intact into the systemic circulation of SHRs. Crucially, the antihypertensive effect was mechanistically linked to a significant improvement in vascular endothelial function, as evidenced by increased plasma nitric oxide (NO) and decreased endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. Furthermore, FY showed a protective effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through the modulation of NO/ET-1. Additionally, its stable binding to the ACE active site was confirmed molecular docking and dynamics simulations. This work shows that AHSVRFY's antihypertensive effect originates from GI-derived bioactive peptides, establishing a "digestion-activation-delivery" framework for the development of multifunctional food ingredients.

and animal studies have shown promising effects of collagen hydrolysate on blood pressure (BP), serum lipid profiles, and plasma concentrations of endothelial and inflammatory markers. Therefore, we evaluated in humans the effects of a porcine-derived collagen hydrolysates on office and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) profiles, retinal microvascular calibers, serum lipids, markers for endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation. Given a possible link between peripheral vascular and brain vascular function, effects on cognitive performance were also explored. Therefore, in this randomized, placebo-controlled parallel trial, 56 middle-aged and older adults with overweight/obesity consumed 10 g porcine-derived collagen hydrolysates or placebo (erythritol) daily for four weeks after a 2-week run-in period. Measurements were performed at the end of the run-in and intervention periods. Collagen hydrolysates consumption did not significantly affect office systolic BP (SBP) (-1 mmHg, 95% CI: -3, 2; = 0.529), or diastolic BP (DBP) (-1 mmHg, 95% CI: -2, 1; = 0.449), nor 24-hour SBP (0 mmHg, 95% CI: -4, 4; = 0.884) or DBP (-2 mmHg, 95% CI: -5, 1; = 0.195). No significant changes were observed in mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, nocturnal BP dipping, retinal microvascular calibers, serum lipids, and markers for endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation. Cognitive performance remained unaffected, except for an unexpected increase in movement reaction time (29 ms, 95% CI: 553; = 0.019). In conclusion, four-week porcine-derived collagen hydrolysate supplementation did not improve cardiometabolic risk markers and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults with overweight or obesity. This clinical trial was registered in November 2021 at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT05282641.

Gout is an increasingly prevalent global health issue, characterized by disrupted uric acid (UA) homeostasis, and commonly accompanied by hepatorenal damage and inflammation. This study investigated the effects of limonin on tissue pathology, UA regulation, and inflammation in a gout rat model. Histopathological analysis revealed that limonin significantly alleviated damage in the ankle joints, livers and kidneys. Limonin restored UA balance by enhancing renal UA excretion transporter modulation and reducing UA production through inhibition of hepatic xanthine oxidase. Urine metabolomic analysis further confirmed that limonin modulates purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways involved in UA regulation. Transcriptomic analysis of hepatorenal tissues, supported by western blotting, molecular docking, and CETSA, revealed that limonin bound to AMPK and then inhibited NF-κB signaling, thus exhibiting anti-inflammatory and UA-lowering effects. These findings showed limonin's dual role in UA regulation and inflammation inhibition, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient for gout management.

Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid that exhibits antitumor activity; however, its mechanism of action in colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly its multi-target effects in regulating the glucose metabolism network, still lacks a systematic elaboration. In this study, we integrated metabolomics, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay to systematically reveal that kaempferol exerts its anti-CRC effects by disrupting glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway while enhancing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). At the mechanistic level, on the one hand, kaempferol targets and enhances OXPHOS mediated by mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This induces a sharp increase in reactive oxygen species levels and the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby activating apoptosis. On the other hand, it inhibits transketolase (TKT) in the PPP and aldolase A (ALDOA) in glycolysis, which blocks the supply of raw materials required for nucleic acid synthesis, thus inhibiting DNA synthesis and tumor cell proliferation. In conclusion, this study confirms that kaempferol disrupts the metabolic homeostasis of cancer cells across multiple dimensions, including energy metabolism, biosynthesis, and oxidative stress, indicating its potential for development as a novel anti-colorectal cancer drug targeting tumor metabolism.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease whose pathogenesis is related to dysbiosis and impaired immunity. Probiotics play an important role in alleviating IBD. This study aimed to investigate how MZ27, isolated from disease-resistant Min pigs (a native Chinese pig breed), improved piglet colitis aryl hydrocarbon receptor/glutathione peroxidase 4 (AHR/GPX4) signaling. We induced piglet colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and the piglets were separated into the following four groups: CON, LAB, DSS, and DSS + LAB. The results showed that MZ27 can significantly alleviate diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss, reduce the content of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and D-lactate in colon tissue, increase colon length, and reduce goblet cell loss. Mechanistically, MZ27 can promote the production of indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This change may be associated with the increased relative abundance of and ; additionally, MZ27 can improve intestinal barrier function by regulating the expression of AHR and its downstream signaling pathways. Moreover, MZ27 inhibited ferroptosis by promoting GPX4 expression through AHR-mediated cystine-glutamate transporter (xCT) and toll-like receptor 4/acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (TLR4/ACSL4) signals, thereby reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines to alleviate colonic inflammation. In conclusion, MZ27 improves colitis through host-microbiota interactions, indicating its potential as a probiotic candidate to support recovery from ongoing colitis.

This study measured the effect of white bread made with a () mutant wheat flour with elevated amylose on postprandial glycaemic response compared to an isoglucidic white bread made with a wild-type (WT) control flour. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled two-period crossover trial was conducted to measure glycaemic responses after consuming and WT bread rolls, in duplicates. The study, comprising 26 healthy adult participants (≥18 years of age; BMI ≥ 18 and ≤30 kg m; HbA1C < 42 mmol mol, 6.0%), was conducted remotely in the participants' homes and interstitial glucose concentration was measured by continuous glucose monitors on the upper arm for 10 days. No harms or adverse events were detected; one participant withdrew from the study due to inability to finish the bread roll meal. The maximum rise in glucose within 2 hours did not differ significantly between breads (-0.08 ± 0.12 mMol L, mean difference ± SE, = 0.514), even though starch digestion was ∼7% lower for the bread than the WT ( = 0.006). Effects on satiety and palatability were evaluated using online questionnaires; there was no difference between products in their overall effects on satiety, however more participants preferred the WT bread compared to the bread, which had a slightly harder and less resilient texture when measured instrumentally. Future studies should investigate the dose-dependent effects of foods with increased amylose on glycaemic responses to determine whether higher levels of amylose could yield greater metabolic benefits, while maintaining palatability and consumer acceptance.

This study investigated the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of seed oil (ATSO) against cuprizone-induced white matter injury and cognitive decline. A comprehensive analysis integrating techniques from animal behavior, histopathology, immunology and network pharmacology was performed. The results showed that ATSO ameliorated the cuprizone-induced cognitive impairment, corpus callosum demyelination, synaptic loss, and inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes. Mechanistically, ATSO reversed the cuprizone-induced demyelination by enhancing sphingomyelin metabolism and activating the TREM2-APOE signaling pathway. The network pharmacology study revealed that the cognitive protection, sphingomyelin metabolism regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects of ATSO were mediated by its unsaturated fatty acid components. Validated by experimental data, the core targets of ATSO were found to be centered on the TREM2 network. In conclusion, ATSO ameliorates cuprizone-induced cognitive impairment and brain white matter lesions by improving sphingomyelin metabolism and alleviating neuroinflammation through activation of the TREM2 signaling pathway.

Postmenopausal obesity is a significant health concern for postmenopausal women, closely linked to estrogen deficiency. (CRP), a fruit peel from the Rutaceae family of citrus fruits known as Chenpi in Chinese, is a common food ingredient primarily used for culinary flavoring and enhancing food aroma. Modern research has shown its significant role in regulating lipid metabolism. In this study, we used ovariectomized (OVX) mice to model female menopause. Using micro-CT imaging, metabolic cages, and 16S rDNA analysis, we explored the functional roles of CRP in estrogen-deficient female obesity and metabolic dysfunction. It was found that CRP significantly reduced body fat mass, improved fat distribution and abnormal serum biochemical markers, increased overall energy expenditure, and enhanced insulin sensitivity in mice. Meanwhile, CRP markedly decreased hepatic lipid accumulation in both and experiments. Moreover, CRP significantly suppressed appetite, reduced feeding frequency, increased the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota, and decreased pathogenic microorganisms to help regulate lipid balance. In summary, our findings confirm that dietary CRP effectively alleviates lipid metabolism disorders in OVX mice, providing new insights for the daily management of obesity and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

: A higher protein diet (HPD) is recommended for older adults to support their muscle mass maintenance, but its cardiovascular protective effects in this population remain controversial, potentially due to differences in protein sources. : To investigate the effects of HPDs with different sources within a healthy dietary pattern (HDP) on conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and vascular health-related outcomes in Singapore older adults. : In this 16-week randomized controlled trial, 55 participants were assigned to one of the three groups: following a HDP alone (Control, = 19), following a HDP supplemented with 20 g day of either casein protein isolate powder (HPD-CP, = 18) or soy protein isolate powder (HPD-SP, = 18). Blood pressure, lipid-lipoprotein profiles and composite CVD risk indicators were evaluated at the baseline and post-intervention. Parameters of vascular function (flow-mediated dilation) and vascular regeneration (endothelial progenitor cell percentage and blood outgrowth cell functions) were also assessed. : The Control group exhibited significant increases in triglyceride levels (+0.33 ± 0.1 mmol L) and composite CVD risks (atherogenic index: +0.31 ± 0.11; Framingham predicted long-term CVD risk: +0.8 ± 0.43%). In contrast, both HPD groups showed maintenance of the lipid-lipoprotein profile and CVD risk predictors, with further significant reduction in the total cholesterol level in the HPD-SP group (-0.28 ± 0.12 mmol L). All groups showed significant increases in CD34 cell expression, and particularly, the HPD-SP group demonstrated potential to enhance the angiogenic capacity of blood outgrowth endothelial cells. However, no changes were observed in other vascular functions and vascular regeneration parameters. : Adherence to an HPD, particularly from soy protein, within an HDP supports the maintenance of the lipid-lipoprotein profile and CVD risk predictors among Singapore older adults. These findings highlight HPD as a potential dietary strategy to promote cardiovascular health when adhering to an HDP in older adults; however, the source of protein may influence its effectiveness. This study was registered at clinicatrials.gov as NCT05400005.

Coffee is a chemically complex beverage containing hundreds of bioactive compounds, including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and diterpenes, that influence health through diverse biochemical pathways. This review brings together coffee chemistry with emerging knowledge on bioavailability, metabolic transformation, and the role of gut microbiota-derived metabolites. Recent epidemiological and clinical evidence is systematically summarized, linking coffee consumption to reduced risks of chronic liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic kidney disease. Particular attention is given to the physiological relevance of metabolite concentrations, highlighting how protective effects may stem from circulating derivatives rather than parent compounds. We also consider the influence of preparation methods and interindividual variability on health outcomes. By integrating chemical, metabolic, and clinical perspectives, this synthesis provides a food-science-oriented framework that reconciles findings with human evidence, advancing a more nuanced understanding of coffee's multifaceted effects and their implications for hepatic and renal health.

() offers probiotic benefits like inhibiting harmful bacteria, balancing the gut microbiota, regulating immunity, and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study explored its potential in food preservation and inflammation treatment, using homemade kimchi (Anhui, China) to isolate the bacteria. Twelve strains were identified through 16S rDNA sequencing, labeled HMPM2111 to HMPM2122. HMPM2111 was chosen for its excellent growth, acid production, tolerance, and antibacterial properties. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects, particularly against -induced infectious colitis and in extending juice storage, were further evaluated. The HMPM2111 strain showed a 78.4% survival rate in simulated gastric juice. It effectively inhibited and , with rates of 87.5% and 78.6%, and also inhibited , , , and by over 50%, where and are often considered as the causes of juice spoilage. It showed strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing colitis severity in a murine colitis model. These results showed that HMPM2111 has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, along with good growth traits, making it a promising option for antibacterial preservation in fermented foods and reducing inflammatory biological functions.

: acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe inflammatory condition, often involving intestinal barrier dysfunction. Fermented foods like kefir, are potential therapeutic adjuvants due to their gut-modulatory properties. This study aimed to compare the protective effects of kefir made from pasteurized whole milk (PMK) or whey (WK) on pancreatic injury, intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in a cerulein-induced mouse model of AP. : male BALB/c mice were assigned to six groups: control, AP, PMK, WK, and AP combined with either PMK or WK. AP was induced by cerulein injections on days 10 and 11. Mice received kefir or saline oral gavage for 14 days. Pancreatic and ileal tissues were analyzed for histopathological damage, serum amylase and lipase levels, gene expression of inflammatory and tight junction markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, occludin, ZO-1), oxidative stress (MDA, carbonyls), and intestinal function. : AP induction was confirmed by elevated serum amylase/lipase and severe pancreatic damage. While both PMK and WK partially reduced pancreatic histopathological damage, they failed to reduce serum amylase and lipase levels. Furthermore, PMK, but not WK, partially attenuated pancreatic IL-6 and IL-1β expression, and both kefirs reduced ileal TNF-α. However, neither kefir prevented the AP-induced downregulation of tight junction genes, the increase in oxidative stress markers in either tissue, or the impairment of intestinal transit and contractility. : kefir supplementation offers localized anti-inflammatory benefits in a severe AP model. It is insufficient to mitigate key systemic markers of pancreatic injury, restore gut barrier integrity, or reverse functional dysmotility. These findings suggest that the therapeutic potential of kefir may be limited in the context of severe acute inflammatory conditions.

Human milk exhibits dynamic diurnal variations in bioactive components that are conducive to the consolidation of the biological clock in early life, particularly in the establishment of the sleep-wake cycle in infants. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the circadian rhythm of amino acids and melatonin in human milk and elucidate their potential sleep-wake regulatory mechanism. Amino acids and melatonin were analyzed in 80 human milk samples collected every 6 hours over a 24-hour period from 20 healthy nursing mothers around 30 days postpartum. Different doses of rhythmic components in human milk were administered to normal mice oral gavage for 7 days. The comprehensive lab monitoring system (CLAMS) and pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test (PST) were used to evaluate the sleep-inducing and wake-promoting effects. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones to identify the underlying mechanisms. Histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan and melatonin in human milk exhibit circadian variation with higher levels of histidine, phenylalanine and tyrosine during the daytime and higher contents of tryptophan and melatonin at night. High-dose histidine increased total activity levels in the -direction and sleep latency and decreased sleep duration through the increased level of histamine and decreased level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of normal mice. In contrast, high doses of tryptophan and melatonin decreased oxygen consumption rate, -direction total activity levels and sleep latency and increased sleep duration through different neurotransmitter pathways where high-dose tryptophan increased the 5-hydroxytryptamine level while high doses of melatonin increased melatonin and GABA in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of normal mice. In conclusion, the circadian variation of specific amino acids and melatonin in human milk might contribute to the establishment of the sleep-wake cycle in infants.

Correction for 'Probiotic-fermented tomato with hepatic lipid metabolism modulation effects: analysis of physicochemical properties, bioactivities, and potential bioactive compounds' by Benliang Wei , , 2024, , 4874-4886, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3FO05535C.