Water-in-oil Pickering emulsion using ergosterol as an emulsifier solely.

As a crucial component of the fungal cell membranes, ergosterol has been demonstrated to possess surface activity attributed to its hydrophobic region and polar group. However, further investigation is required to explore its emulsification behavior upon migration to the oil-water interface. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the interface properties of ergosterol as a stabilizer for water in oil (W/O) emulsion. Moreover, the emulsion prepared under the optimal conditions was utilized to load the water-soluble bioactive substance with the chlorogenic acid as the model molecules. Our results showed that the contact angle of ergosterol was 117.017°, and its dynamic interfacial tension was obviously lower than that of a pure water-oil system. When the ratio of water to oil was 4: 6, and the content of ergosterol was 3.5 % (ergosterol/oil phase, w/w), the W/O emulsion had smaller particle size (438 nm), higher apparent viscosity, and better stability. Meanwhile, the stability of loaded chlorogenic acid was improved under unfavorable conditions (pH 1.2, 90 °C, ultraviolet irradiation, and oxidation), which were 73.87 %, 59.53 %, 62.53 %, and 69.73 %, respectively. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of chlorogenic acid (38.75 %) and ergosterol (33.69 %), and the scavenging rates of the emulsion on DPPH radicals (81.00 %) and hydroxyl radicals (82.30 %) were also enhanced. Therefore, a novel W/O Pickering emulsion was prepared in this work using ergosterol as an emulsifier solely, which has great potential for application in oil-based food and nutraceutical formulations.

Polysaccharide from Sparassis latifolia alleviates intestinal barrier dysfunction in mice exposed to lead.

Exposure to lead can have harmful effects on the intestines and gut microbiota, leading to toxicity. This study aimed to explore the protective role of Sparassis latifolia polysaccharide (SLP) in safeguarding the intestinal barrier of Kunming mice exposed to lead. The findings indicated that SLP effectively alleviates intestinal lesions, increases the density of cupped cells in the intestine, and reduces inflammation in both serum and the small intestine. Furthermore, SLP maintains the expression of key genes such as ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, Lyz, Ang4, and ZO-2, as well as proteins like claudin-1 and Occludin-1. Furthermore, SLP positively impacts the diversity and richness of microorganisms in the mouse gut microbiota at both the genus and gate levels. It also increases the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, to varying degrees. In summary, SLP plays a role in alleviating the impaired small intestinal barrier in lead-exposed mice by modulating the intestinal flora, which is consistent with reduced lead absorption. This modulation enhances the integrity of the intestinal barrier, suppresses inflammation, and facilitates the excretion of lead.

Transglutaminase-Catalyzed Glycosylation Improved Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Lentinus edodes Protein Fraction.

Lentinula edodes has high nutritional value and abundant protein. In order to develop and utilize edible mushroom protein, this study was designed to investigate the effects of TGase-catalyzed glycosylation and cross-linking on the physicochemical and functional properties of Lentinus edodes protein fraction. The results showed that within a certain time, glycosylation and TGase-catalyzed glycosylation decreased the total sulfydryl, free sulfydryl, disulfide bond, surface hydrophobicity, ß-fold and α-helix, but increased the fluorescence intensity, random coil, ß-turn, particle size and thermal stability. The apparent viscosity and the shear stress of the protein with an increase in shear rate were increased, indicating that TGase-catalyzed glycosylation promoted the generation of cross-linked polymers. In addition, the TGase-catalyzed glycosylated proteins showed a compact texture structure similar to the glycosylated proteins at the beginning, indicating that they formed a stable three-dimensional network structure. The flaky structure of proteins became more and more obvious with time. Moreover, the solubility, emulsification, stability and oil-holding capacity of enzymatic glycosylated Lentinus edodes protein fraction were significantly improved because of the proper TGase effects of glycosylation grafting and cross-linking. These results showed that glycosylation and TGase-catalyzed glycosylation could improve the processing characteristics of the Lentinula edodes protein fraction to varying degrees.

Investigation of Consequences of High-Voltage Pulsed Electric Field and TGase Cross-Linking on the Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Pleurotus eryngii Protein.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-voltage pulsed electric fields (HPEF) and transglutaminase (TGase) cross-clinking on the physicochemical and rheological properties of Pleurotus eryngii protein (PEP). The results showed that HPEF increased α-helixes and ß-turns but decreased ß-folds. A HPEF at 1500 V/cm maximized the free sulfhydryl content and solubility of PEP. TGase formed high-molecular-weight polymers in PEP. TGase at 0.25% maximized the free sulfhydryl groups, particle size, and solubility; shifted the maximum absorption wavelength from 343 nm to 339 nm and 341 nm; increased α-helixes and ß-turns and decreased ß-folds; and showed better rheological properties. Compared with TGase cross-linking, HPEF-1500 V/cm and 1% TGase significantly reduced the free sulfhydryl groups, particle size, and solubility, produced more uniform network structures, and improved the rheological properties. These results suggest that HPEF can increase the cross-linking of TGase and improve rheological properties of TGase-cross-linked PEP by affecting the physicochemical properties.

Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides inhibit colon cancer in mice by modulating gut microbiota and metabolism.

Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides (SLPs) can regulate inflammatory cytokines. However, little is known about the regulation mechanism of SLPs on colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of SLPs on metabolism in mice with colon cancer. The results showed that SLPs could improve the colon morphology and physiological indices, and inhibit the infiltration of immune cells in colon. Moreover, it could improve metabolism disorder of colon cancer via reducing the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, COX-2 and IL-1ß mRNA or protein, increasing IκB mRNA or protein expression. In addition, it could comprehensively regulate the colon cancer related metabolism by changing the abundance of key intestinal flora and 35 metabolites including phosphatidylcholine, tryptophan and tetrahydrobiopterin. Some biomarkers associated with colon cancer metabolism were related significantly with the abundance of specific intestinal flora. These findings indicate that SLPs can attenuate metabolism disorder of colon cancer by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites.

Effects of Sparassis latifolia neutral polysaccharide on immune activity via TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent and independent signaling pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Background: Sparassis latifolia (S. latifolia) is a precious edible fungus with multiple biological activities. To date, no study has been investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of immunoregulation caused by the neutral polysaccharide of S. latifolia. Materials and methods: To investigate immunomodulatory mechanism of S. latifolia neutral polysaccharide (SLNP), SLNP was obtained from S. latifolia and its structure, immune receptors and regulation mechanism were studied. Results: S. latifolia neutral polysaccharide consisted of arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, and mannose with a molar ratio of 6:12:63:10:5. SLNP was a pyran polysaccharide with a relative molecular weight of 3.2 × 105 Da. SLNP promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7, which further induced the secretions of nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-ß, and upregulated the immune receptor TLR4 expression. Moreover, SLNP increased remarkably the levels of TRAF6, IRF3, JNK, ERK, p38, and p38 mRNA and protein mediated by TLR4. Conclusion: S. latifolia neutral polysaccharide regulated the immune function of RAW264.7 through MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways mediated by TLR4 receptor, which suggests that SLNP is a new immunomodulator.

Sex-specific effects of fluoride and lead on thyroid endocrine function in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Fluoride (F) and lead (Pb) are widespread pollutants in the environment. F and Pb affect the thyroid endocrine system, but the mechanism of action between F and Pb is still unclear. In this study, in order to evaluate the effects of F or/and Pb on histopathological changes, antioxidant indices, the levels of thyroid hormones (THs), and the expression of endocrine-related genes in zebrafish thyroid. One thousand and two hundred zebrafish (female:male = 1:1) were randomly divided into four groups: control group (C group), 80 mg/L F group (F group), 60 mg/L Pb group (Pb group), and 80 mg/L F + 60 mg/L Pb group (F + Pb group) for 45 d and 90 d. Histopathological sections showed a loss of glia and follicular epithelial hyperplasia in the thyroid gland after exposure to F and Pb. Oxidative stress in the thyroid was induced after F and Pb exposure. And each oxidation index was increased after F + Pb exposure. Combined F and Pb exposure aggravated the downregulation of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 compared to exposure alone. Furthermore, F and Pb exposure altered the expression of thyroid endocrine-related genes in a time-dependent manner. These results indicate that F and Pb can affect the endocrine system of thyroid by changing the tissue structure, antioxidant capacity, thyroid hormone secretion and the levels of endocrine-related genes in thyroid. F and Pb can also produce toxic effects on thyroid, but the degree of poisoning is different in different indicators, mainly for the additive effect between them. Additionally, males are more sensitive than females to F or Pb toxicity. However, the specific molecular mechanism of the effects of F and Pb on thyroid endocrine system needs to be further studied.

Sex-specific effects of fluoride and lead exposures on histology, antioxidant physiology, and immune system in the liver of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Fluoride and Pb are both toxic to organisms; however, their combination effects and the corresponding toxic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, male and female zebrafish (1:1) were evaluated to understand the effects of F and Pb alone and combined on growth, tissue microstructure, oxidative stress, and immune system functions of the liver. Four different groups and two exposure periods were compared: control group (C group), 80 mg/L fluoride group (F group), 60 mg/L lead group (Pb group), and 80 mg/L fluoride + 60 mg/L lead group (F + Pb group) for 45 and 90 days. The results indicated that F and Pb reduced growth performances; F + Pb treatment inhibited the growth performance traits of male zebrafish more than those of female zebrafish. Histopathological examination revealed large areas with focal necrosis, hepatocytes with karyolysis, and pycnotic nuclei in zebrafish exposed to F and Pb. The oxidative balance indices in the liver in the F and Pb groups were disturbed. F + Pb co-exposure aggravated oxidative stress in a time-dependent manner. The most serious oxidative stress was observed in the male zebrafish of the F + Pb group. Moreover, F and Pb exposure of male zebrafish increased pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines expression, which was decreased after 90 days of exposure. These results demonstrated that both F and Pb could damage the liver via downstream alterations in the activities of immune-related enzymes and in the levels of immune-related genes. F and Pb showed synergistic or additive effects. Male zebrafish were found to be more sensitive to F and Pb than female zebrafish.

Selenomethionine alleviated fluoride-induced toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos by restoring oxidative balance and rebuilding inflammation homeostasis.

Fish are target organisms that are extremely susceptible to fluoride pollution, and an increase in fluoride load will damage multiple systems of fish. Selenomethionine (Se-Met) at low levels has been reported to alleviate oxidative damage and inflammation caused by toxic substances, but whether it can alleviate fluoride-induced toxicity in zebrafish embryos has not been elucidated. In this study, the intervention effects of Se-Met on developmental toxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation in zebrafish embryos exposed to fluoride were determined. Our results showed that fluoride accumulated in larvae and induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos, caused oxidative damage and apoptosis, increased significantly the MPO and LZM activities and the levels of the inflammation-related genes IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and TGF-ß. Moreover, fluoride significantly increased the levels of ERK2, JNK, p38 and p65 in MAPKs and NF-κB pathways. Se-Met-treatment alleviated the adverse effects induced by fluoride, and all of the above indicators induced by fluoride returned to near control levels with increasing concentrations and time. However, treatment with Se-Met-alone also markedly increased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, TGF-ß, ERK2 and JNK. In short, these data demonstrated that Se-Met-could alleviate fluoride-induced toxicity in zebrafish embryos by restoring oxidative balance and rebuilding inflammation homeostasis, although low levels of Se-Met-alone had certain toxic effects on zebrafish embryos. Taken together, Se-Met-plays an important role in preventing toxic damage induced by fluoride in zebrafish embryos, although it has certain toxic effects.

The Effects of a High-Fat/Cholesterol Diet on the Intestine of Rats Were Attenuated by Sparassis latifolia Polysaccharides.

Research background: Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides can regulate lipids and cholesterol in serum and liver. However, little is known about the regulation mechanism of the polysaccharides on cholesterol metabolism and especially the causal relationship with gut microbiota regulation. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the cholesterol-lowering mechanism of S. latifolia polysaccharides and further development of functional foods. Experimental approach: In this study, we investigated how the regulation mechanism of Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides affects intestinal cholesterol metabolism in high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-fed rats. Briefly, enzymatic colorimetric microplate assay was used to determine the concentration of faecal bile acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect the content of cholesterol and alcohol in faeces. Haematoxylin and eosin staining method was applied to observe the changes in the structure of the small intestine tissue. The related gene expressions in jejunum and ileum were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The related protein expressions in jejunum were studied by using Western blot. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect the intestinal flora changes of the caecal contents. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to detect the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the caecal content. Results and conclusions: The results showed that Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides could improve the intestinal morphological structure and physiological indices in rats fed high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. Moreover, it could improve intestinal cholesterol metabolism disorder induced by high-fat and high-cholesterol diets via the reduction of the expression of HMGCR, NPC1L1, ACAT2, MTP, ASBT and IBABP mRNA or protein, increasing ABCG8 mRNA expression. In addition, it could also increase the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Butyricicoccus, Parabacteroides, Parasutteerella and Alloprevotella and the short-chain fatty acid concentration, to comprehensively regulate the intestinal cholesterol metabolism. The metabolomics analysis found that Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides could affect lipid, carbohydrate and other related metabolites. Some biomarkers associated with cholesterol metabolism correlated significantly with the abundance of specific intestinal microbiota. Novelty and scientific contribution: These findings indicate that Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides could attenuate intestinal cholesterol metabolism disorder, correlating with modulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism. They provide theoretical support for the development of Sparassis latifolia as a new food resource.

Differential Gene Expression and Biological Analyses of Primary Hepatocytes Following D-Chiro-Inositol Supplement.

Dietary supplements have improved the prevention of insulin resistance and metabolic diseases, which became a research hotspot in food science and nutrition. Obesity and insulin resistance, caused by a high-fat diet, eventually result in severe metabolic diseases, can be prevented with the dietary supplement D-chiro-inositol (DCI). In this work, we isolated mice primary hepatocytes with palmitic acid stimulation and DCI was applied to compare and contrast its effects of in primary hepatocyte biology. Before and after intervention with DCI, we used RNA-Seq technology to establish a primary hepatocyte transcriptome gene profile. We found that both PA and DCI cause a wide variation in gene expression. Particularly, we found that DCI plays critical role in this model by acting on glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Overall, we generated extensive transcripts from primary hepatocytes and uncovered new functions and gene targets for DCI.

Protocatechuic Acid-Ameliorated Endothelial Oxidative Stress through Regulating Acetylation Level via CD36/AMPK Pathway.

As one of the main metabolites of anthocyanin, protocatechuic acid (PCA) possesses strong antioxidant activity. In the present study, we explored the capacity of PCA on the alleviation of endothelial oxidative stress and investigated the underlying mechanisms using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). In comparison with palmitic acid (PA)-treated cells, PCA (100 µM) significantly decreased the generations of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) (0.82 ± 0.01 vs 1.16 ± 0.05 and 0.80 ± 0.01 vs 1.48 ± 0.15, respectively, p < 0.01), two biomarkers of oxidative damage, and restored the levels of nitric oxide (NO) (0.97 ± 0.04 vs 0.54 ± 0.02, p < 0.01) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (0.96 ± 0.03 vs 0.86 ± 0.02, p < 0.01) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). PCA also obviously reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (0.86 ± 0.15 vs 2.67 ± 0.09, p < 0.01) in aorta from high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. RNA-Seq and Western blot analysis indicated that PCA markedly reduced the expression of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), a membrane fatty acid transporter, and reduced the generations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and acetyl coenzyme A (Ac-CoA). These effects of PCA were associated with decreased level of acetylated-lysine and restored the activity of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) through reducing the generation of Ac-CoA or activating Sirt1 and Sirt3 via a CD36/AMP-kinase (AMPK) dependent pathway.

d- chiro-Inositol Ameliorates High Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance via PKCε-PI3K/AKT Pathway.

d- chiro-Inositol (DCI) is a biologically active component found in tartary buckwheat, which can reduce hyperglycemia and ameliorate insulin resistance. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic effects of DCI remains largely unclear. This study investigated the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of DCI on hepatic gluconeogenesis in mice fed a high fat diet and saturated palmitic acid-treated hepatocytes. DCI attenuated free fatty acid uptake by the liver via lipid trafficking inhibition, reduced diacylglycerol deposition, and hepatic PKCε translocation. Thus, DCI could improve insulin sensitivity by suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis. Subsequent analyses revealed that DCI decreased hepatic glucose output and the expression levels of PEPCK and G6 Pase in insulin resistant mice through PKCε-IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Likewise, such effects of DCI were confirmed in HepG2 cells with palmitate-induced insulin resistance. These findings indicate a novel pathway by which DCI prevents hepatic gluconeogenesis, reduces lipid deposition, and ameliorates insulin resistance via regulation of PKCε-PI3K/AKT axis.

Regulation of RAW 264.7 cell-mediated immunity by polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei Murill via the MAPK signal transduction pathway.

Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is a common anticancer folk remedy. Its active ingredients, i.e., polysaccharides, have been isolated and exhibit indirect tumor-suppressing activity via immunological activation. The effects of polysaccharides derived from A. blazei Murill (ABMP) on RAW 264.7 cells were examined by western blotting and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of 500, 1000, and 2000 µg mL-1 ABMP on the growth of RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated by measuring the OD490 value; the optimum concentration was found to be 1000 µg mL-1. Based on the RT-PCR results, the expression levels of JNK, ERK, and p38 decreased substantially in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells treated with ABMP. In RAW 264.7 cells treated with LPS, the protein expression levels of JNK, ERK, and p38 were decreased, as were the levels of phosphorylated JNK, ERK, and p38. These results indicate that the MAPK signal transduction pathway is a potential mechanism by which ABMP regulates the cell-mediated immunity of RAW 264.7 cells.