Effect of broccoli sprout extract and baseline gut microbiota on fasting blood glucose in prediabetes: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Effect of Raspberry (Rubus indeaus L.) Juice Fermented by Limosilactobacillus fermentum FUA033 on the Human Gut Microbiota Cultured In Vitro: A Multi-Omics Approach

The gut microbiota plays important functions in human health and influences immune responses, metabolic processes, and several physiological activities. The modulation of the gut microbiota through dietary interventions has emerged as a promising approach, leading to significant interest in the development of functional foods that provide health benefits. In this context, our study investigated the effects of raspberry juice fermented by Limosilactobacillus fermentum FUA033 on the structure and metabolism of the gut microbiota. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics analyses to evaluate changes in the microbial composition and metabolite profiles resulting from fermentation. Our findings revealed that fermented raspberry juice considerably increased the gut microbial diversity and promoted the abundance of beneficial genera. Fermentation substantially increased the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate and butyrate, which increased from 30.09 ± 5.23 mmol/L to 43.07 ± 3.31 mmol/L, and from 7.72 ± 1.72 mmol/L to 15.01 ± 1.26 mmol/L, respectively. Metabolomic analyses also showed significant enhancements in amino acid metabolism pathways, particularly those involving tyrosine, arginine, and proline. These results highlight the potential of fermented raspberry juice as a functional food to improve gut health and metabolic functions.

Sulforaphane and Brain Health: From Pathways of Action to Effects on Specific Disorders

The brain accounts for about 2% of the body's weight, but it consumes about 20% of the body's energy at rest, primarily derived from ATP produced in mitochondria. The brain thus has a high mitochondrial density in its neurons because of its extensive energy demands for maintaining ion gradients, neurotransmission, and synaptic activity. The brain is also extremely susceptible to damage and dysregulation caused by inflammation (neuroinflammation) and oxidative stress. Many systemic challenges to the brain can be mitigated by the phytochemical sulforaphane (SF), which is particularly important in supporting mitochondrial function. SF or its biogenic precursor glucoraphanin, from broccoli seeds or sprouts, can confer neuroprotective and cognitive benefits via diverse physiological and biochemical mechanisms. SF is able to cross the blood-brain barrier as well as to protect it, and it mitigates the consequences of destructive neuroinflammation. It also protects against the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants, combats the tissue and cell damage wrought by advanced glycation end products (detoxication), and supports healthy glucose metabolism. These effects are applicable to individuals of all ages, from the developing brains in periconception and infancy, to cognitively, developmentally, and traumatically challenged brains, to those in later life as well as those who are suffering with multiple chronic conditions including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.