Important roles of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid in regulating cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric issues in metabolic-related dementia

Association of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults

OBJECTIVE

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a crucial role in maintaining and improving cognitive function and brain health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between omega-3 PUFA intake and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The frequency and quantity of omega-3 PUFA intake were assessed using an omega-3 food frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 175 participants were recruited for this study. Participants in the lowest omega-3 PUFA tertile group scored significantly lower in the visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive domains (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the higher intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the visuospatial/executive domain (p = 0.02) and the higher intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was significantly associated with higher scores in the attention domain (p = 0.04). The participants who did not consume walnuts showed a significant lower MoCA score than those who did (p = 0.005). No significant differences were found with other omega-3 PUFA sources.

CONCLUSION

Higher intake of omega-3 PUFAs was positively associated with visuospatial/executive and attention cognitive functions in middle-aged and older adults.

Exploring causal links in the gut-brain axis: a Mendelian randomization study of gut microbiota, metabolites, and cognition

The causal mediation effects of metabolites between gut microbiota and cognitive phenotypes remain unclear. Guided by the gut-brain axis mechanism, this study employed systematic Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate these mediation pathways and their implications for functional food development. Univariate MR analysis was performed to estimate the causality of 211 gut microbial taxa (n = 18 340) and 452 serum metabolites (n = 7824) on general cognitive (n = 257 700), non-cognitive (n = 510 795), and specific cognitive phenotypes (n ≈ 2500) using genome-wide association study data. Inverse-variance weighted estimation was adopted as the primary method, with MR sensitivity analyses performed to complement the results. Metabolic pathway analysis was employed to enrich metabolic profiles, while two-step MR was used to screen mediation pathways. We revealed seven causal associations between microbiotas or metabolites and cognitive phenotypes (FDR < 0.05). Increased abundance of the order Clostridiales id.1863 was associated with better cognitive traits (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.06-1.22, P = 2.06 × 10-4), while 1-linoleoylglycerophosphoethanolamine was also positively associated with cognitive traits (OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.33-1.95, P = 8.17 × 10-7). Seven significant metabolic pathways were enriched, including alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, highlighting the potential role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in cognitive health. We further identified two significant mediation pathways linking the gut microbiota to cognitive phenotypes through metabolites. Notably, homostachydrine (39.1%) was found to mediate a proportion of the impact of the genus Turicibacter on emotion recognition (indirect effect: β = 0.105, 95%CI = 0.006-0.259, p = 2.60 × 10-2). This study provides evidence for causal relationships between gut microbiota, serum metabolites, and cognitive function, supporting the gut-brain axis mechanism. Our findings suggest potential targets for the development of functional food and personalized nutrition to improve cognitive health.

Integrative metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis of hippocampus reveals taurine metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism dysregulation associated with sleep deprivation-induced memory impairment

Sleep plays a crucial role in restoring and repairing the body, consolidating memory, regulating emotions, maintaining metabolic and so on. Sleep deprivation is known to impair cognitive functions. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying memory impairment induced by sleep deprivation through a combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of hippocampus. Eight-week-old mice were selected as the study subjects and the sleep deprivation chamber was used to establish a sleep deprivation (SD) model. Novel object recognition tests (NOR), and Y-maze tests were used to assess the behavioral outcomes in mice. The hippocampus were extracted and studied using the untargeted metabolomics or transcriptomics high-throughput sequencing method. An integrative analysis was conducted to elucidate the metabolic and genetic changes. Behavioral tests showed that SD group exhibited memory impairment. Metabolomic analysis identified 84 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), including 12 under the positive ion mode and 72 under the negative ion mode. The analysis revealed that sleep deprivation caused abnormalities in several metabolic pathways, with particularly pronounced effects observed in glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoieic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate, glutamate metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and purine metabolism. While transcriptomic analysis releaved 97 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (51 were down-regulated and 46 were up-regulated DEGs). Integrative analysis of the metabolomic and transcriptomic identified profiles showed that sleep deprivation may regulate taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism, there by influencing memory. Our results prompt severe metabolic disturbances occur in the hippocampus with SD in mice, which can provide a basis for the mechanism research.

Exploring differences in circulating metabolites of females and males with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive and functional decline and primarily affects the elderly population. Metabolic alterations, particularly in the amino acid and fatty acid pathways, are increasingly being recognized in AD. However, the role of sex in these metabolic changes remains insufficiently understood, despite evidence suggesting that AD may manifest more strongly in females. This study investigated sex-specific metabolic patterns in AD by analyzing routine and non-routine hematological tests, including amino acids and fatty acid profiles. The results showed that certain metabolites such as citrulline and alanine were frequently altered in patients with AD. Notably, docosahexaenoic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid levels were exclusively elevated in female patients. Additionally, females exhibited significantly lower Aβ42 and higher gamma-linolenic acid levels than males, with the trend becoming more pronounced during the early stages of the disease. Despite these differences, most metabolic markers did not show significant sex-based variation. These findings suggest that while some sex-specific metabolic differences exist in AD, a larger cohort is needed to confirm these patterns and fully understand the influence of sex on AD-related metabolic changes.

Exploring the lipid-lowering effects of cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde from the perspective of the gut microbiota and metabolites

The increasing incidence and associated metabolic complications pose major challenges in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia. Cinnamon is a food and medicinal resource associated with lipid metabolism, but the mechanism by which its active components, cinnamic acid (CA) and cinnamaldehyde (CM), alleviate hyperlipidaemia remains unclear. Biochemical, pathological, gut microbiota, and metabolomic analyses were performed to investigate the effects of CA and CM on HFD-fed mice and the underlying mechanisms involved. Supplementation with CA and CM reduced body weight, liver, and adipose tissue accumulation in HFD-induced mice; improved glucose and lipid metabolism; and decreased inflammation and oxidative stress levels, with CM showing superior efficacy. Faecal microbiota transplantation confirmed that the therapeutic effect was closely related to core gut bacteria and metabolites. Specifically, CA and CM inhibited the growth of lipid metabolism-related genera (e.g., Turicibacter and Romboutsia) and metabolites (e.g., PC, LysoPCs, prostaglandin E2, and arachidonic acid) while promoting the growth of beneficial genera (e.g., Oscillospiraceae and Colidextribacter) and metabolites (e.g., linoleic acid, phytosphingosine, and stercobilin). Additionally, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that serum and hepatic lipids, as well as inflammatory factors, were positively correlated with Erysipelatoclostridium, Turicibacter, Eubacterium fissicatena, Enterorhabdus, cervonoyl ethanolamide, and acetoxystachybotrydial acetate, whereas they were negatively correlated with Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, stercobilin, LysoPE (15:0/0:0), and phytosphingosine. In contrast, hepatic oxidative stress markers exhibited the opposite correlation pattern. In conclusion, CA and CM have the potential to regulate the core gut microbiota and metabolites to improve lipid metabolism and decrease related inflammation and oxidative stress levels.

Mechanism of blocking the glutamate pathway to exacerbate oxidative stress, ammonia toxicity and metabolic disorders in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) under saline-alkaline exposure

Climate change and intensified human activities have accelerated the salinization and alkalinization of aquatic environments, further shrinking the space for freshwater aquaculture. One of the key survival mechanisms for fish in saline-alkaline habitats is the conversion of accumulated endogenous ammonia into less toxic glutamine. This study focuses on the freshwater teleost, crucian carp (Carassius auratus), using the liver as the target organ. Three groups were established: 0, 20, and 40 mmol/L NaHCO3 stress groups. After 30 days, methionine sulfoximine was injected to block the glutamate pathway, respectively. Through a combination of biochemical analysis and metabolomics, this study investigated the mechanisms by which blocking the glutamate pathway under different NaHCO3 stress concentrations affects metabolism in the liver of crucian carp. Biochemical results indicated that saline-alkaline stress led to oxidative stress and impaired ammonia excretion in crucian carp, and these effects were exacerbated after blocking the glutamate pathway. Metabolomic results revealed significant alterations in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and purine metabolism. The study demonstrates that blocking the glutamate pathway exacerbates lipid and energy metabolism disorders under saline-alkaline stress, with crucian carp compensating by regulating glucose metabolism to mitigate energy deficiencies. In summary, this study elucidates the metabolic changes in crucian carp following the blockade of glutamate pathway under carbonate-alkaline stress, providing insight into the mechanisms leading to liver inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, and offers preliminary insights into the effects on ammonia excretion, which lay a scientific foundation for future research on freshwater teleosts in saline-alkaline environments.

Associations of metabolic syndrome with risks of dementia and cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPrevious studies have linked metabolic syndrome (MetS) to dementia risk.ObjectiveWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between MetS and dementia as well as cognitive impairment, with additional focus on individual MetS components.MethodsWe systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from inception through July 2024. We used random-effects models to calculate relative risks (RRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was evaluated using the Egger's test, while potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated through meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses.ResultsOur analysis included 21 studies with a total of 411,810 participants. MetS was associated with increased risks of all-cause dementia (RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.03-1.71, I² = 85.8%) and vascular dementia (RR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.32-3.24, I² = 10.1%), but not Alzheimer's disease (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.64-1.91, I² = 81.8%). Regarding cognitive impairment, longitudinal studies showed an increased risk (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.24-1.53, I² = 3.3%), with similar findings in cross-sectional studies (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.19-2.28, I² = 85.3%).ConclusionsThis study found that MetS is significantly associated with increased risks of dementia and cognitive impairment, with each component potentially being a modifiable factor. These findings may help guide clinicians in recommending lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline and promote brain health.

Kai-Xin-San polysaccharides exert therapeutic effects on D-gal and Aβ25-35-induced AD rats by regulating gut microbiota and metabolic profile

Metabolic abnormalities and gut microbiota imbalance are intricately linked to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Kai-Xin-San (KXS) is a traditional herbal formula known for its therapeutic effects on AD. Our previous research indicated that Kai-Xin-San polysaccharide (KXS-P) exhibits a significant therapeutic impact on AD, but the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, untargeted fecal metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to investigate the potential mechanisms by which KXS-P acts against AD. Key metabolites and gut microbial species were identified using multivariate analysis and a comprehensive examination of intestinal microecology. Our findings revealed that KXS-P improves lipid metabolism in AD rats by modulating a series of lipid molecules and bile acid levels. Additionally, KXS-P regulated gut microbiota composition and restored the symbiotic relationships within the gut microbiome. Notably, the anti-inflammatory effect of KXS-P may be related to its regulation of specific lipotypes levels and the abundance of Romboutsia, Bifidobacterium and Alloprevotella. KXS-P demonstrates the ability to alleviate symptoms of AD rats through multiple mechanisms: ① Improving lipid metabolism and maintaining lipid homeostasis; ② Reducing neuronal and inflammatory damage; ③ Regulating the composition and symbiotic relationships of gut microbiota to preserve intestinal microecological balance.

Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Extracts Obtained from Prunus spinosa Seeds by Supercritical CO2 Extraction

This study investigates the potential reuse of Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) seeds, a food industry by-product. Traditionally discarded, these seeds are now being explored for their bioactive compounds. In this work, seeds were used as raw material for supercritical CO2 extraction. Two distinct extracts were obtained at low and high pressure (SFE90 and SFE200) and both extracts presented an aqueous phase (WE90 and WE200). SFE90 analysis by GC/MS allowed us to identify benzaldehyde and fatty acids (mainly oleic and linoleic acids). The fatty acid profile of SFE200, determined by HPLC-DAD/ELSD, showed that oleic and linoleic acids were predominant in supercritical oil. The phytochemical composition of the water extracts, analyzed via LC-DAD-ESI-MS, revealed that higher pressure enhanced the recovery of specific flavonols and anthocyanins, while lower pressure preserved various polyphenolic subclasses. WE90 was rich in 3-feruloylquinic acid and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, whereas WE200 was rich in caffeic acid hexoside 2 and dihydro-o-coumaric acid glucoside. Benzaldehyde was individuated in WE90 and WE200 by HPLC-DAD analysis. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that WE90, WE200 and SFE200 had anticancer effects on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, while all extracts did not remarkably affect the viability and morphology of human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). These results suggest that P. spinosa seed extracts have potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Microalgae as an emerging alternative raw material of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid - a review

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been widely applied due to their nutraceutical and healthcare benefits. With the rising rates of chronic diseases, there is a growing consumer interest and demand for sustainable dietary sources of n-3 PUFAs. Currently, microalgae have emerged as a sustainable source of n-3 PUFAs which are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), regarded as promising alternatives to conventional sources (seafood) that cannot meet the growing demands of natural food supplements. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in strategies such as genetic engineering, mutagenesis, improving photosynthetic efficiency, nutritional or environmental factors, and cultivation approaches to improve DHA and EPA production efficiency in microalgae cells. Additionally, it explains the application of DHA and EPA-rich microalgae in animal feed, human nutrition- snacks, and supplements to avoid malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.

A Multi-Omics Study of Neurodamage Induced by Growth-Stage Real-Time Air Pollution Exposure in Mice via the Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

Air pollution has been widely recognized as a risk factor for neurological disorders, and the gut microbiome may play a mediating role. However, current evidence remains limited. In this study, a mouse model was employed with continuous exposure to real-time air pollution from conception to late adolescence. Effects of growth-stage air pollution exposure on the gut microbiome, host metabolites, and brain tissue were assessed. Pathological damage in the hippocampus and cortex was observed. Fecal metagenomic sequencing revealed alterations in both compositions and functions of the gut microbiome. Metabolic disturbances in unsaturated fatty acids and glycerophospholipids were identified in the intestine, serum, and brain tissues, with significant changes in metabolites (e.g., gamma-linolenic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylserine (PS). Serum levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator leukotriene C4 were also elevated. Correlation analysis identified a group of different gut microbiome species that were associated with host metabolites. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that intestinal and serum metabolites mediated the associations between the key gut microbiome and brain microbiome. These findings indicate that the metabolic crosstalk in the gut-brain axis mediates the neuronal damage in mice induced by growth-stage air pollution exposure, potentially through pathways involving lipid metabolism and inflammation.

Omega 6 fatty acids: helpful, harmless or harmful?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews the most recent literature from January 2023 to August 2024 on the physiological effects of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with a focus on linoleic acid (LA).

RECENT FINDINGS

Contrary to previous concerns that high LA intake may increase inflammation, most recent evidence supports the benefits of LA for cardiometabolic health. Several large studies report that higher blood LA levels correlate with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Potential mechanisms include activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and modulation of oxylipins involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. The ideal LA intake level remains uncertain, but current intakes around 5-10% of energy appear beneficial. In other areas like cancer, asthma and sleep, the evidence is still inconclusive on LA's effects.

SUMMARY

More research on diverse populations is needed to determine optimal LA levels, effects on specific conditions, and interactions with genetic factors affecting PUFA metabolism. Overall, the review highlights the emerging view that LA, the primary dietary n-6 PUFA, has cardiometabolic benefits rather than harmful effects.

The Modulatory Role of Bioactive Compounds in Functional Foods on Inflammation and Metabolic Pathways in Chronic Diseases

Chronic diseases are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality. More than 70% of deaths worldwide are caused by chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. These diseases are characterised by chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Incorporating functional foods into daily diet has been suggested as a complementary strategy to promote health and lower the risk of non-communicable diseases. Functional foods, known as foods that confer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, have been reported to exhibit preventive and therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties for human health. Therefore, the aim of this state-of-the-art review will synthesise the findings from recent and high-quality studies that investigated the modulatory role of some commonly reported bioactive active compounds, such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics, in inflammation and metabolic pathways.

Metabolomic Profiling of Human Urine Related to Mycotoxin Exposure

Human exposure to mycotoxins is a global concern since several mycotoxins, such as enniatins and aflatoxins, have shown carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects, and the toxicologic mechanisms of most of them still need to be clarified. This study aims to investigate the metabolic pathways affected by mycotoxin exposure by evaluating metabolite alterations in urine. The participants were 540 women from the Spanish Childhood and Environment Project (INMA). For metabolite identification, a dilute and shoot extraction, followed by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS identification analysis, was performed. Data were processed using Agilent Mass Hunter Workstation with the METLIN database, Agilent Mass Profiler Professional 10.0, and Metaboanalyst 6.0. Over 2000 metabolites were obtained in each sample after feature extraction, and the most significant metabolites (p-value ≤ 0.05, fold change ≥ 2.0) were considered for pathway analysis. Enrichment analysis and topology showed that the most significantly affected pathway was the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids (adjusted p-value = 0.007), with four metabolomic hits associated: linoleic acid, octadecanoic acid/stearic acid, an arachidonic acid metabolite, and (9Z)-octadecenoic acid/oleic acid. Other related pathways (unadjusted p-value ≤ 0.1) included fatty acid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and ether lipid metabolism. The present study highlights the importance of metabolomics in increasing knowledge of the toxicity mechanisms and health effects of mycotoxins, especially emerging ones.

Therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine Hua-Feng-Dan in a rat model of ischemic stroke involve renormalization of gut microbiota

Hua-Feng-Dan is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat ischemic stroke, but little is known about its therapeutic mechanism. This study explored whether and how the mechanism involves readjustment of gut microbiota. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion as a model of ischemic stroke or to sham surgery, then treated or not with Hua-Feng-Dan. The different groups of animals were compared in terms of neurological score, cerebral infarct volume, brain edema, brain and gut histopathology to assess stroke severity. They were also compared in terms of indices of intestinal barrier permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress, brain metabolites as well as composition of the gut microbiota and their metabolites. Hua-Feng-Dan significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume and brain water content and improved neurological score, ischemic brain histopathology, and gut histopathology. It partially reversed stroke-induced intestinal barrier disruption and leakage, inflammation, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, as well as the stroke-induced increase in pathogenic gut microbiota (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, Clostridium_innocuum_group) and decrease in beneficial microbiota (e.g., Lachnospiraceae, unclassified__f__Lachnospiracea and Ruminococcus_torques_group). The treatment altered levels of 39 and 38 metabolites produced during gut microbial and brain tissue metabolism respectively, mainly of amino acids, nucleosides, short-chain fatty acids, and essential fatty acids. Levels of factors related to inflammation and intestinal barrier permeability correlated positively with relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_innocuum_group, and negatively with 4-(glutamylamino) butanoate, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, dihomo-α-linolenic acid, dihomolinoleic acid, and 10-nitrolinoleic acid. Conversely, levels of 4-(glutamylamino) butanoate, 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, and 10-nitrolinoleic acid correlated positively with relative abundance of unclassified__f__Lachnospiracea. Our results suggest that Hua-Feng-Dan may mitigate ischemic stroke injury by renormalizing gut microbiota and restoring gut barrier function, gut metabolism, thereby helping to alleviate inflammatory, neurological damage, and brain metabolic disorders.

Dietary Intervention with Omega-3 Fatty Acids Mitigates Maternal High-Fat Diet-Induced Behavioral and Myelin-Related Alterations in Adult Offspring

BACKGROUND

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and lactation induces depression- like phenotype and provokes myelin-related changes in rat offspring in the prefrontal cortex (PFCTX), which persist even to adulthood.

OBJECTIVE

Due to the plasticity of the developing brain, it was decided to analyze whether depressionlike phenotype and myelin-related changes in the early lifetime induced by maternal HFD (60% energy from fat) could be reversed by the omega-3 fatty acid-enriched diet (Ω3D) given from the postweaning period until adulthood (63rd day of life) in offspring.

METHODS

We analyzed the effect of post-weaning Ω3D on the depressive-like phenotype (assessed by the forced swimming test) and myelin-related changes (measured using RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining) in the PFCTX of adult offspring.

RESULTS

Ω3D reversed increased immobility time in adult offspring induced by maternal HFD, without affecting the animals' locomotor activity. Molecularly, Ω3D normalized the reduced expression levels of myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), as well as myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) in males and MOG in females in the PFCTX, changes initially induced by maternal HFD. Additionally, Ω3D normalized the quantity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mature oligodendrocytes in the prelimbic, infralimbic, and cingulate cortex in males, which were reduced following maternal HFD exposure. In females, the Ω3D effect was less pronounced, with normalization of oligodendrocyte precursors occurring only in the infralimbic cortex.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Ω3D may play a significant role in correcting behavioral and neurobiological changes caused by adverse prenatal conditions.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics Investigation on Two Different Seaweeds Under Arsenic Exposure

Arsenic is a common toxic heavy metal contaminant that is widely present in the ocean, and seaweeds have a strong ability to concentrate arsenic, posing a potential risk to human health. This study first analyzed the arsenic content in two different seaweeds and then used an innovative method to categorize the seaweeds into low-arsenic and high-arsenic groups based on their arsenic exposure levels. Finally, a non-targeted metabolomic analysis based on mass spectrometry was conducted on seaweed from different arsenic exposure groups. The results indicated that as the arsenic concentration increased in the seaweeds, linolenic acid, tyrosine, pheophorbide a, riboflavin, and phenylalanine were upregulated, while arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), betaine, and oleamide were downregulated. The following four key metabolic pathways involving unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids were identified: isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism. The identification of biomarkers and the characterization of key metabolic pathways will aid in the selection and breeding of low-arsenic-accumulating seaweed varieties, providing insights into the metabolic and detoxification mechanisms of arsenic in seaweeds.

Integrating serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and untargeted metabolomics strategies to reveal the material basis and mechanism of action of Feining keli in the treatment of chronic bronchitis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Feining keli (FNKL) is herbal preparation mainly made from Senecio cannabifolius Less., In recent years, more and more studies have found that FNKL has excellent therapeutic effects on chronic bronchitis (CB). Nevertheless, its pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action are still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of FNKL in treating CB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CB rat model was induced using nasal drops of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in combination with smoking. Various assessments including behavioral and body mass examination, lung index measurement, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as histological analyses using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining were conducted to validate the reliability of the CB model. The serum components of FNKL in CB rats were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography Orbitrap Exploris mass spectrometer (UHPLC-OE-MS). Network pharmacology was used to predict the network of action of the active ingredients in FNKL based on these serum components. Signaling pathways were enriched and analyzed, and molecular docking was conducted for key targets. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed using GROMACS software. The mechanism was confirmed through a series of experiments including Western blot (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Additionally, untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify biomarkers and relevant metabolic pathways associated with the treatment of CB with FNKL.

RESULTS

In CB rats, FNKL improved body mass, lung index, and pathological damage of lung tissues. It also decreased interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, and percentage of lung collagen fiber area. Furthermore, FNKL increased IL-10 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which helped alleviate bronchial inflammation in the lungs. A total of 70 FNKL chemical components were identified in CB rat serum. Through network pharmacology analysis, 5 targets, such as PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, HIF-1α, and MYD88, were identified as key targets of FNKL in the treatment of CB. Additionally, the key signaling pathways identified were PI3K/AKT pathway、NF-κB/MyD88 pathway、HIF-1α pathway. WB, IF, and RT-PCR experiments were conducted to confirm the findings. Molecular docking studies demonstrated successful docking of 16 potential active components with 5 key targets. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations indicated the stability of quercetin-3-galactoside and HIF-1α. Metabolomics analysis revealed that FNKL primarily regulated pathways related to alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, bile secretion, arachidonic acid metabolism, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and folate biosynthesis. Furthermore, the expression levels of traumatic acid, traumatin, alpha linolenic acid, cholic acid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, deoxycholic acid, 7,8-dihydroneopterin, and other metabolites were found to be regulated.

CONCLUSION

FNKL exhibits positive therapeutic effects on CB, with quercetin-3-galactoside identified as a key active component. The mechanism of FNKL's therapeutic action on CB involves reducing inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and regulating metabolism, and its molecular mechanism was better elucidated in a holistic manner. This study serves as a reference for understanding the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of FNKL in treating CB, and provides avenues for exploring the effects of compounded herbal medicines on CB.

Impact of fermented wine lees on gut microbiota and metabolic responses in Guanling crossbred cattle

BACKGROUND

The addition of wine lees to diets can make up for the deficiencies caused by traditional forages in beef cattle farming. However, the effects of different wine lees ratios on average daily weight, gastrointestinal microbial community structure and metabolites in Guanling crossbred cattle have been rarely studied. This study assessed the effects of feeds containing wine lees on weight gain, gastrointestinal microbial community structure, and metabolites in Guanling crossbred cattle and elucidated the metabolic responses induced by wine lees. Eighteen cows were randomly assigned to receive fed concentrate (C group), feed containing 15% wine lees (group A), or feed containing 30% wine lees (group B) for 60 days.

RESULTS

The average daily weight gain of group A and group B increased by 76.75% and 57.65%, respectively, compared with group C. Microbial community analysis showed that wine lees increased the abundance of Prevotella_1 in the rumen, decreased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG 011 and Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group in the rumen, and increased the abundance of Tyzzerella_4, Family_Xlll_AD3011_group, Granulicella, and Eisenbergiella in the cecum. Metabolomics analyses showed that wine lees decreased the concentrations of indole-3-ethanol in the rumen, and complexity cecal metabolism. Notably, linoleic acid metabolism was significantly enriched in both the rumen and cecum. Mantel test analyses indicated that the adverse effects of WL were reduced by stimulating the metabolism of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and tryptophan, and these changes were mediated by intestinal microorganisms. The Guanling cattle cecum was enriched for several unfavorable metabolic pathways when wine lees concentrations reached 30%, which increased the likelihood of intestinal lesions.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that WL supplementation alters gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, improving cattle growth and health. Moderate WL levels (15%) enhance gut health and beneficial pathways (e.g., linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism). However, higher WL inclusion (30%) may activate adverse pathways, raising the risk of intestinal damage. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, WL levels should be carefully managed.

Prenatal exposure to undernutrition is associated with a specific lipid profile predicting future brain aging

Prenatal adversity affects cognitive and brain aging. Both lipid and leptin concentrations may be involved. We investigated if prenatal undernutrition is associated with a specific blood lipid profile and/or leptin concentrations, and if these relate to cognitive function and brain aging. 801 plasma samples of members of the Dutch famine birth cohort were assessed for lipidomics and leptin at age 58. Cognitive performance was measured with a Stroop task at 58, and MRI-based BrainAGE was derived in a subsample at 68. Out of 259 lipid signals, a signature of five identified individuals who were undernourished prenatally. These five lipids were not associated with cognitive performance, but three were predictive of BrainAGE. Leptin was not associated with prenatal famine exposure, Stroop performance, or BrainAGE. In conclusion, prenatal undernutrition was associated with an altered lipid profile predictive of BrainAGE 10 years later, demonstrating the potential of lipid profiles as early biomarkers for accelerated brain aging.

Effect of a High Linoleic Acid Diet on Pregnant Women and Their Offspring

Nutritional intake during pregnancy can affect gestational length, fetal development, and impact postnatal growth and health in offspring. Perturbations in maternal nutrition with either an excess or deficiency in nutrients during pregnancy may have harmful effects on the offspring's development and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. In pregnancy, nutrients transfer from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. Essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linoleic acid (ALA), can only be obtained in the diet. In Western countries, the ratio of LA and ALA in the diet has increased dramatically in recent decades. Some animal and human studies have found a correlation between maternal intake of LA and birth weight; however, the association varies. In contrast, some human studies have demonstrated inconclusive findings regarding the correlation between cord blood levels of LA and birth outcomes. In addition, high dietary LA intake in animal studies in pregnancy increased the production of inflammatory markers such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. This review aims to highlight the effect of high dietary LA intake during pregnancy on birth outcomes, obesity, maternal inflammatory markers, and the transfer of fatty acids across the placenta.

Mechanism of cytochrome P450s mediated interference with glutathione and amino acid metabolisms from halogenated PAHs exposure

Epidemiological evidence indicates that exposure to halogenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs) is associated with many adverse effects. However, the mechanisms of metabolic disorder of HPAHs remains limited. Herein, effects of pyrene (Pyr), and its halogenated derivatives (1-chloropyrene (1-Cl-Pyr), 1-bromopyrene (1-Br-Pyr)) on endogenous metabolic pathways were investigated, in human hepatoma (HepG2) and HepG2-derived cell lines expressing various human cytochrome P450s (CYPs). Non-targeted metabolomics results suggested that 1-Br-Pyr and Pyr exposure (625 nM) induced disruption in glutathione and riboflavin metabolism which associated with redox imbalance, through abnormal accumulation of oxidized glutathione, mediated by bioactivation of CYP2E1. Conversely, CYP2C9-mediated 1-Cl-Pyr significantly interfered with glutathione metabolism intermediates, including glycine, L-glutamic acid and pyroglutamic acid. Notably, CYP1A1-mediated Pyr-induced perturbation of amino acid metabolism which associated with nutrition and glycolipid metabolism, resulting in significant upregulation of most amino acids, whereas halogenated derivatives mediated by CYP1A2 substantially downregulated amino acids. In conclusion, this study suggested that Pyr and its halogenated derivatives exert potent effects on endogenous metabolism disruption under the action of various exogenous metabolic enzymes (CYPs). Thus, new evidence was provided to toxicological mechanisms of HPAHs, and reveals potential health risks of HPAHs in inducing diseases caused by redox and amino acid imbalances.

Spermacoce alata Aubl. Essential Oil: Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, and Inhibitory Effects of Acetylcholinesterase, α-Glucosidase and β-Lactamase

Spermacoce alata Aubl. is widely available in the market as traditional Chinese medicine and animal feed, due to its properties of clearing heat and treating malaria and its high-protein and crude fiber content. In this study, the essential oil of S. alata was obtained through hydrodistillation. GC-MS and GC-FID methods were used to identify the chemical components and their relative abundance. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, and the inhibitory effects of acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, and β-lactamase were also evaluated. A total of 67 compounds were identified, with the major constituents being palmitic acid (30.74%), linoleic acid (16.13%), and phenylheptatriyne (8.07%). The essential oil exhibited moderate antioxidant activity against DPPH (IC50 > 10 mg/mL), while the IC50 value for the ABTS assay was 3.84 ± 2.12 mg/mL and the FRAP assay value was 87.22 ± 12.22 µM/g. Additionally, the essential oil showed moderate anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (IC50 = 286.0 ± 79.04 μg/mL), significant anti-α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 174.7 ± 13.12 μg/mL), and potent anti-β-lactamase activity (IC50 = 37.56 ± 3.48 μg/mL). The results suggest that S. alata has the potential for application in pharmacology, warranting further exploration and investigation.

Chemical Composition, Nutritional, and Biological Properties of Extracts Obtained with Different Techniques from Aronia melanocarpa Berries

This study investigates the chemical composition, nutritional, and biological properties of extracts obtained from A. melanocarpa berries using different extraction methods and solvents. Hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 allowed us to isolate fruit essential oil (HDEX) and fixed oil (SFEEX), respectively. A phenol-enriched extract was obtained using a mild ultrasound-assisted maceration with methanol (UAMM). The HDEX most abundant component, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), was italicene epoxide (17.2%), followed by hexadecanoic acid (12.4%), khusinol (10.5%), limonene (9.7%), dodecanoic acid (9.7%), and (E)-anethole (6.1%). Linoleic (348.9 mg/g of extract, 70.5%), oleic (88.9 mg/g, 17.9%), and palmitic (40.8 mg/g, 8.2%) acids, followed by α-linolenic and stearic acids, were the main fatty acids in SFEEX determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-DAD/ELSD). HPLC-DAD analyses of SFEEX identified β-carotene as the main carotenoid (1.7 mg/g), while HPLC with fluorescence detection (FLU) evidenced α-tocopherol (1.2 mg/g) as the most abundant tocopherol isoform in SFEEX. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-MS (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of UAMM showed the presence of quercetin-sulfate (15.6%, major component), malvidin 3-O-(6-O-p-coumaroyl) glucoside-4-vinylphenol adduct (pigment B) (9.3%), di-caffeoyl coumaroyl spermidine (7.6%), methyl-epigallocatechin (5.68%), and phloretin (4.1%), while flavonoids (70.5%) and phenolic acids (23.9%) emerged as the most abundant polyphenol classes. UAMM exerted a complete inhibition of the cholesterol oxidative degradation at 140 °C from 75 μg of extract, showing 50% protection at 30.6 μg (IA50). Furthermore, UAMM significantly reduced viability (31-48%) in A375 melanoma cells in the range of 500-2000 μg/mL after 96 h of incubation (MTT assay), with a low toxic effect in normal HaCaT keratinocytes. The results of this research extend the knowledge of the nutritional and biological properties of A. melanocarpa berries, providing useful information on specific extracts for potential food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.

Dietary linoleic acid supplementation protects against obesity-induced microglial reactivity in mice

We investigated whether linoleic acid (LA) supplementation could modulate emotional behavior and microglia-related neuroinflammation. For that, male mice of C57BL/6J genetic background fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or a standard diet (STD) for 12 weeks, were treated with a vehicle or LA solution for 5 weeks before being evaluated for emotional behavior using a battery of behavioral tests. The animals were subsequently sacrificed and their brains collected and processed for immunofluorescence staining, targeting microglia-specific calcium-binding proteins (IBA-1). Neuroinflammation severity was assessed in multiple hypothalamic, cortical and subcortical brain regions. We show an anxio-depressive-like effect of sustained HFD feeding that was neither alleviated nor worsened with LA supplementation. However, increased IBA-1 expression and microgliosis in the HFD group were largely attenuated by LA supplementation. These observations demonstrate that the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of LA are not restricted to hypothalamic areas but are also evident at the cortical and subcortical levels. This study discloses that neuroinflammation plays a role in the genesis of neuropsychiatric disorders in the context of obesity, and that LA supplementation is a useful dietary strategy to alleviate the impact of obesity-related neuroinflammation.

Undetected Association Between Fatty Acids and Dementia with Lewy Bodies: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Background

Although observational studies indicated connections between fatty acids (FAs) and Alzheimer's disease and dementia, uncertainty persists regarding how these relationships extend to dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Objective

To explore the potential causal relationships between FAs and the development of DLB, thus clarifying these associations using genetic instruments to infer causality.

Methods

We applied a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) approach. Genetic data were obtained from a DLB cohort, comprising 2,591 cases and 4,027 controls of European descent. Eight FAs, including linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, saturated fatty acid, and total fatty acid, were procured from a comprehensive GWAS of metabolic biomarkers of UK Biobank, conducted by Nightingale Health in 2020 (met-d), involving 114,999 individuals. Our analysis included inverse-variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted-median, simple mode, and weighted-mode MR estimates. Cochran's Q-statistics, MR-PRESSO, and MR-Egger intercept test were used to quantify the heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables.

Results

Only linoleic acid showed a significant genetic association with the risk of developing DLB in the univariate MR. The odds ratio for linoleic acid was 1.337 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.019-1.756 (pIVW = 0.036). Results from the MVMR showed that no FAs were associated with the incidence of DLB.

Conclusions

The results did not support the hypothesis that FAs could reduce the risk of developing DLB. However, elucidating the relationship between FAs and DLB risk holds potential implications for informing dietary recommendations and therapeutic approaches in DLB.