To enhance the stability of double-loaded clove essential oil liposomes (DLCL), chitosan was used for surface modification, and the modified liposomes were comprehensively evaluated for their physicochemical properties and storage stability. The average particle size of chitosan-modified DLCL (CS-DLCL) was 330.43 nm, the PDI was 0.24, the Zeta potential was 17.78 mV, and the encapsulation rate was as high as 70.75%. These were obtained via optimization experiments with an optimal chitosan modification concentration of 3.5 mg/mL. FTIR analysis confirmed the electrostatic interaction between chitosan and DLCL. After 30 days of storage, the essential oil retention rate reached 87.08%. In terms of beef meatball freshness preservation, the ice temperature+CS-DLCL treatment group showed the best results, with the pH value of all meatballs increasing gradually over the storage period, and with the ice temperature +CS-DLCL group maintaining the lowest pH value during the 12-day storage period. Moreover, the total number of bacterial colonies grew the slowest, reaching 6.08 lg CFU/g (critical value of 6.0 lg CFU/g) only on the 12th day, significantly extending the shelf-life in the refrigerated group from 2~4 days to 10~12 days. Protein oxidation analysis showed that the ice temperature+CS-DLCL group had the lowest carbonyl content and the highest sulfhydryl content at the end of storage. This was further confirmed by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value analysis, which indicated the lowest lipid oxidation in this group, suggesting a synergistic effect of ice temperature and CS-DLCL in preserving beef meatballs. In addition, the meatballs in the ice temperature+CS-DLCL group maintained the best quality and sensory evaluation scores throughout storage. Collectively, the present study offers valuable insights for applying chitosan-modified double-loaded clove essential oil liposomes in beef meatball preservation.

In order to explore the effects of ozone treatment on ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle and cell membrane lipid peroxidation during postharvest storage of prunes, 'France' prunes were used as materials in this experiment, and ozone at 96.3 mg/m³ was used to treat prunes every 15 days. The fruit was stored at near ice temperature (−1~−1.5 ℃) and relative humidity (80%~90%) for 120 days. Ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle and cell membrane lipid peroxidation related indicators were measured. The results showed that 96.3 mg/m³ ozone treatment could maintain the contents of ascorbic acid (AsA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduce the production of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) during storage. The key enzymes of ascorbic acid metabolism, including ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), were regulated by ozone treatment. The activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) maintained the oxidative balance in cells, and activated the antioxidant metabolic enzyme system, significantly elevating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) (P<0.05). It reduced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content and superoxide anion (O₂⁻·) production rate, inhibited lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) production. At the end of 120 days of storage, the LOX activity of the 96.3 mg/m³ ozone treatment group was 32.73% lower than that of the control group, and the MDA content was 14.18% lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Therefore, 96.3 mg/m³ ozone treatment could delay fruit senescence by accelerating the ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle, increasing the activity of antioxidant metabolic enzymes, reducing the damage caused by harmful substances to the cell membrane, so as to maintain the storage quality of prunes and prolong the storage period of prunes.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is the predominant mycotoxin in fermented meat products and poses a serious threat to consumer health. Highly effective and safe plant essential oils and their active components represent ideal natural antifungal agents. This study developed cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion (Cin-Ne) as an antifungal agent to target the risk of OTA exposure caused by mold contamination in fermented meat products. The average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and Zeta potential of Cin-Ne were measured over 28 days of storage at 4 ℃ using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Results demonstrated that Cin-Ne exhibited good storage stability: The average particle size increased from 168.3 nm to 218.8 nm, the PDI remained stably below 0.18, and the Zeta potential consistently exceeded 28 mV. In vitro antifungal assays revealed that the half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of Cin-Ne against Aspergillus niger A-8 was 0.073 mg/g. Cin-Ne significantly inhibited key developmental stages of A. niger A-8, including mycelial growth, spore germination, and sporulation (P<0.05). In a fermented sausage model, the surface application of Cin-Ne (2×EC₅₀) onto casings significantly suppressed A. niger A-8 growth and reduced OTA levels. By the end of fermentation, OTA content in the casings and stuffing was significantly reduced by 58.4% and 52.1%, respectively (P<0.05). Cin-Ne combated A. niger A-8 through multiple pathways: Disrupting cell membrane integrity (increased relative electrical conductivity, decreased ergosterol content), interfering with energy metabolism (reduced activity of key tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes and ATPase, decreased ATP levels), inducing oxidative stress (dysregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity, excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species accompanied by lipid peroxidation), and activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, cytochrome c release into the cytosol). The developed Cin-Ne demonstrates potential as a natural antifungal agent, offering a novel strategy for preventing OTA contamination in fermented meat products.

This paper innovatively designed a full-nutrition formula powder based on the physiological characteristics of sarcopenia in the elderly. According to the digestive features of the elderly, an in vitro simulation of the oral-gastric-intestinal digestion system was conducted to evaluate the digestive properties of the full-nutrition formula powder for the elderly. The experiment adjusted the pH value and enzyme activity (α-amylase, pepsin, trypsin) of the digestive fluid, and measured the protein content, solid content, fatty acid release kinetics, rheological properties and microstructure changes after simulated digestion. The results showed that the protein content of the formula powder decreased significantly during the simulated digestion process. After digestion in the stomach and intestinal stages, the digestion rate of the formula powder reached 97.22%. The solid content of the formula powder decreased significantly (about 50%) in the stomach stage, remained stable in the intestinal stage, and reached the lowest level. The release of fatty acids conformed to the first-order kinetic model, and the release rate increased significantly in the first 40 minutes of the simulated intestinal digestion stage. Rheological properties showed that the apparent viscosity gradually decreased with the progress of digestion, and particle size analysis indicated that macromolecular substances were effectively decomposed (P<0.05), demonstrating better digestive properties of the formula powder. Microscopic structure showed that macromolecular substances were gradually degraded, and lipids were mainly digested in the small intestine stage. The study revealed the effective digestion and absorption characteristics of the formula powder in the simulated gastrointestinal environment of the elderly, providing a scientific basis for the optimization of full-nutrition formula powder for the elderly.

The intestinal propionic acid level in patients with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) may affect the course of the disease, but the current intervention strategy is still unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the differences in fecal propionic acid levels and gut microbiota composition between patients with MMA and healthy people, as well as to identify dietary factor combinations that effectively reduce propionic acid production through in vitro fecal fermentation model and MMA rat model. This investigation provides a novel strategy for dietary management in patients with MMA. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and metagenomic sequencing were employed to analyze propionic acid content, gut microbiota structure, and species composition in the feces of 28 patients with MMA and 17 healthy people. Subsequently, an in vitro fecal bacterial fermentation model was utilized to screen for optimal combinations among 12 dietary factors capable of significantly reducing propionic acid levels. Finally, 5-day-old Wistar rats (segregated into male and female subgroups) were selected to construct the MMA model and randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, galactooligosaccharide+arabinogalactan group (GOS+AG group), galactooligosaccharide+tremella polysaccharide group (GOS+TPs group), and arabinogalactan+tremella polysaccharide group (AG+TPs group). Propionic acid content in rat feces was measured and analyzed at three time points: Prior to intervention (14 days), mid-stage (21 days), and late stage (28 days). The results demonstrated significant differences in fecal propionic acid levels (P<0.001) and gut microbiota structure (P=0.003) between patients with MMA and healthy people. Compared to the control group, higher abundances of Blautia wexlerae, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, and Blautia producta in the MMA group may represent critical factors influencing changes in intestinal propionic acid levels. After 24 hours of fermentation, screening identified that poria cocos polysaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, arabinogalactan, and tremella polysaccharides demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing propionic acid levels (P<0.05). Following the combination of the aforementioned five polysaccharides and subsequent fermentation, three combinations with the most effective reduction were identified: GOS+AG group, GOS+TPs group, AG+TPs group (P<0.001). Ultimately, animal experiments confirmed that the combination of AG+TPs group yielded the best results (P<0.0001). In conclusion, differences in fecal propionic acid levels between patients with MMA and healthy people may be associated with variations in gut microbiota composition. The combination of AG+TPs group can effectively reduce propionic acid levels, offering a promising dietary management strategy for patients with MMA.

Both raw and cooked millet prolamin (RFMP and CFMP) exhibited significant functions in improving glucose metabolism. Compared to RFMP, the protein quality of CFMP significantly decreased. Therefore, RFMP was more valuable as a potential food-derived hypoglycemic functional substance. In order to study the effects of RFMP on the intestinal flora and liver of type 2 diabetes (T2D) mice, C57BL/6J mice were used as the objects, and T2D models were established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The T2D mice were continuously intervened with RFMP for five weeks. Subsequently, 16S rRNA sequencing and transcriptomics technology were employed to analyze the composition of the gut microbiota and liver gene expression, respectively. The results showed that RFMP could improve glucose metabolism by alleviating the intestinal flora disorder induced by diabetes. At the genus level, RFMP intervention significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group in T2D mice. Liver transcriptome results showed that the intervention of RFMP upregulated the expression levels of Fgf21, Dusp1, Rasgrp1, and Hk3, while downregulated the expression level of Pck1, which were the key genes for regulating glucose metabolism. This study elucidated the mechanism of improving glucose metabolism with RFMP, providing a theoretical basis for the development of functional FMP product.

To achieve deep processing and high-value utilization of wheat germ, this study prepared wheat germ extract (WGE) and analyzed its effects on cell proliferation activity. This study prepared WGE using a wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis system. The major components of WGE were further analyzed by LC-MS/MS and HPGPC. Additionally, the growth-promoting effects of WGE on RAW264.7 cells and PC12 cells were investigated. The molecular mechanism underlying its pro-proliferative effect was explored using low-serum cell culture conditions and Western blotting. The results indicated that WGE is rich in proteins and polysaccharides. Among the proteins, those involved in protein synthesis regulation and exhibiting oxidoreductase activity were predominant. The primary monosaccharide components of the polysaccharides were galactose and glucose. WGE exhibited pro-proliferative effects on both RAW264.7 and PC12 cells. Under extremely low serum concentrations, WGE effectively ameliorated growth arrest in both cell types. Treatment with 160 µg/mL WGE increased the proliferation activity of RAW264.7 cells by 29.26% and PC12 cells by 29.05%. Additionally, WGE promoted cell proliferation by upregulating the expression of Ki67 and Cyclin-D1 proteins in both cell lines. These findings demonstrated that WGE can function as a natural, functional cell growth promoter. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the nutraceutical and functional applications of wheat germ.

Objective: To identify the miRNAs that post-transcriptionally target the regulation of egfr in the antitumor mechanism of Cordyceps militaris. Methods: An aqueous extract of Cordyceps militaris was prepared using water-bath extraction combined with vacuum freeze-drying. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on A549 cells after 24 h treatment with 4 mg/mL Cordyceps militaris extract. Candidate miRNAs were selected on the basis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Functional gain models were constructed by transient transfection of miRNA mimics, and the effects of miRNAs on cell viability were assessed using the MTT assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Functional loss models were established by transient transfection of miRNA inhibitors, in combination with Cordyceps militaris extract treatment. The effect of Cordyceps-miRNA axis on cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay, and its regulatory effects on EGFR transcription and protein levels in A549 cells were analyzed using qRT-PCR and immunocytochemical staining. Results: A total of 7211 DEGs were obtained and significantly enriched in the "MicroRNAs in cancer" signaling pathway (Sort 3). Eleven miRNAs were screened for their association with lung adenocarcinoma prognosis, miR-125a-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-1-3p, miR-125b-2-3p, miR-125b-5p and miR-145-5p were all associated with egfr in a target-regulatory manner, and patients with lung adenocarcinomas that showed low expression levels had a poorer prognosis (P<0.05). Cordyceps militaris treatment induced significant upregulation of miR-125b-1-3p, miR-125b-5p and miR-145-5p expression levels (P<0.01), and the seed sequences had potential binding sites with the egfr 3'-UTR region. miR-125b-1-3p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-145-5p exhibited tumor-specific pro-proliferative activities, and their high expression status induced a higher percentage of early apoptosis in A549 cells. Cordyceps militaris inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer A549 cells by promoting the expression of miR-125b-1-3p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-145-5p (P<0.05) and downregulating the expression of EGFR (P<0.05). Conclusion: Cordyceps militaris exerts anti-tumor activity by targeting and regulating the miRNAs (miR-125b-1-3p, miR-125b-5p and miR-145-5p)-EGFR axis, providing theoretical support for its development as a novel functional food for adjuvant tumor therapy.

To investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of safflower petal polysaccharides on D-galactose-induced brain tissue damage in aging mice, KM mice were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, a positive control group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose safflower petal polysaccharide groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/d), with 10 mice in each group. Modeling and drug administration were conducted simultaneously for 8 weeks. After the experiment, body weight and organ indices were analyzed, Nissl staining was used to examine hippocampal tissue changes, and the levels of AChE and T-NOS in brain tissue were compared. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including P53, Bax, and caspase-3. Additionally, metabolomics analysis was performed to assess changes in brain tissue metabolites. The results showed that safflower petal polysaccharides had minimal effects on body weight and organ indices. Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited a reduction in Nissl bodies, along with significant increases in AChE and T-NOS enzyme activities by 58.22% and 23.036%, respectively (P<0.01). The protein expression of P53, Bax, and Caspase-3 was upregulated by 48.41%, 25.08%, and 37.91%, respectively (P<0.05). In contrast, the polysaccharide-treated groups showed an increase in Nissl bodies, a significant decrease in AChE activity, and reduced T-NOS activity in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). The expression of P53, Bax, and Caspase-3 proteins was also downregulated, particularly in the high-dose safflower petal polysaccharide group, which exhibited significant reductions of 37.88%, 37.12% and 30.02%, respectively (P<0.05). Metabolomic pathway enrichment analysis revealed that safflower petal polysaccharides primarily regulated arginine biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism pathways. In conclusion, safflower petal polysaccharides effectively alleviated D-galactose-induced brain tissue damage in mice. The underlying mechanism may involve the modulation of P53, Bax, and Caspase-3 protein expression, as well as the regulation of arginine biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism pathways. These findings provide a theoretical basis for expanding the application of safflower petal resources in anti-aging research.

Objective: This study investigated the protective effect of the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex against long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation induced photoaging in fibroblasts, as well as its effect on the autophagy levels in senescent cells. Methods: A model of photoaging was established through UVA irradiation, followed by intervention with a complex of acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using flow cytometry, while type I collagen levels were evaluated via immunofluorescence. Additionally, elastin, matrix metalloproteinase I (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase III (MMP-3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were measured using ELISA. The autophagy levels in senescent cells were evaluated using monodansyl cadaverine (MDC) staining, and the expression levels of autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3b) were analyzed through immunofluorescence techniques. Results: The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex were measured at 104.23 mg/g and 0.44%, respectively. Compared to the model group, treatment with 31.3, 62.5 and 125.0 μg/mL of the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex significantly inhibited UVA-induced ROS production (P<0.001), enhanced collagen content in fibroblasts (P<0.01), and suppressed MMP-1 secretion (P<0.001), facilitated the formation of cellular autophagosomes (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01) and elevated the expression levels of ATG7 (P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.01) and LC3b (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001). Notably, the 62.5 and 125.0 μg/mL complex groups significantly increased elastin content (P<0.05) while reducing the expression levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 (P<0.01) and MCP-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the 125.0 μg/mL acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex group notably inhibited MMP-3 secretion (P<0.001). Conclusion: The acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex demonstrates a protective effect against UVA-induced photoaging in fibroblasts and enhances autophagy levels in senescent fibroblasts.