To investigate the effects of different thickness packaging on the postharvest quality of honey peaches, this study was conducted using 'Baixue' honey peaches as the experimental material. The honey peaches were packaged in polyethylene fresh-keeping bags of three different thicknesses: 0.040, 0.055, and 0.080 mm, without polyethylene fresh-keeping bags packaging as the control group (CK) and all samples were stored at (4±1 ℃), this study investigated the effect of polyethylene fresh-keeping bags of varying thicknesses on the quality indices, gas content within the fresh-keeping bags, and related enzyme activities of honey peaches. The results indicated that, compared to the control group, the packaging of polyethylene fresh-keeping bags of varying thicknesses effectively prolonged the quality of honey peaches. When the honey peaches were packaged in a 0.080 mm thickness fresh-keeping bag and stored for 42 days, the fruit retention rate reached 100%. This result was significantly better than that of the CK group and the 0.040 mm treatment group (P<0.05), but not significantly different from the 0.055 mm treatment group (P>0.05). The weight loss rate was only 0.44%, and the soluble solids content was 10.27%, both of which were significantly lower than those of the CK group (P<0.05). However, these values were not significantly different from those of the 0.040 and 0.055 mm treatment groups (P>0.05). The firmness of the fruit decreased by 30.42% compared to the initial firmness, which was significantly better than that of the CK group, 0.040 and 0.055 mm treatment groups (P<0.05). The O₂ and CO₂ concentrations in the fresh-keeping bags were 1.10% and 10%, respectively, and were significantly different from those in the 0.040 and 0.055 mm treatment groups (P<0.05). The honey peaches exhibited color parameters of L^*=69.21, a^*=9.95, b^*=15.4 and the titratable acidity was measured at 1.4%. These values were significantly different from those of the CK group and the 0.040 and 0.055 mm treatment groups (P<0.05). The polyphenol oxidase activity was 24.12% lower than that of the control group, which was significantly better than the CK group and the 0.055 mm treatment group (P<0.05). However, it was not significantly different from the 0.040 mm treatment group (P>0.05). In conclusion, the 0.080 mm polyethylene fresh-keeping bags significantly extended the storage period of honey peaches, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for honey peach preservation technologies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Oviductus ranae (OR) in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods: Active ingredients and potential targets of OR were screened using TCMSP, BATMAN, and GeneCards databases with the keywords "OR" and "CFS". Molecular docking was performed to assess binding affinities between bioactive compounds and their targets. A mouse model of CFS was constructed using an exhausting swim and chronic restraint stress. Mice were treated with OR suspension (800, 400, or 200 mg/kg) via oral gavage for 14 days. Biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers were analyzed in serum, muscle, liver and brain tissue. Results: Five bioactive compounds and eight core targets associated with CFS improvement were identified. OR exerts its therapeutic effect primarily through modulation of the IL-17/TRAF6 signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicated that campesterol, a component of OR, exhibits the strongest binding affinity, suggesting its role as a key active ingredient. Results from in vivo animal experiments demonstrated that OR had a significant therapeutic effect on CFS model mice, effectively improving their behavioural indicators and resolving their physiological and biochemical abnormalities. In terms of behavioural aspects, the mice in the administered group showed significant increases in body weight and diet, as well as a significant increase in sugar-water preference (P<0.01 or P<0.05), compared with the model group. Several behavioural tests revealed that, in the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST), the administered group's immobility time was significantly shorter (P<0.01). In the open-field test (OFT), locomotion speed, total locomotion distance and the number of times standing up were all significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the Morris Water Maze (MWM), avoidance latency was significantly shorter. Concurrently, the movement distance and residence time in the target quadrant were significantly prolonged (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The assay results of the biochemical indicator showed that BUN levels, IL-6 levels, TNF-α levels, COX-2 levels and MDA levels were significantly reduced, while SOD activity and GSH-Px activity were significantly increased in the administered group of mice (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Additionally, lactic acid content in muscle tissue decreased significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Studies of the molecular mechanism suggested that OR may exert therapeutic effects by modulating the IL-17/TRAF6 signalling pathway. Conclusion: OR ameliorates CFS by modulating the IL-17/TRAF6 signaling pathway, thereby providing a novel perspective for the clinical management of CFS.

To evaluate the differences in functional component contents as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects among turnip roots with different peel colors, colorimetric methods were employed to determine the contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins, glucosinolates, and polyphenols in extracts from white-, purple-, and yellow-peeled turnips. An LPS-induced inflammatory model was established using RAW264.7 cells to assess the effects of turnip extracts with different peel colors on the viability of RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and on the levels of inflammatory mediators (NO, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β). Meanwhile, the in vitro antioxidant activities (DPPH· and ABTS⁺· radical scavenging assays) of the three types of turnip peel extracts were preliminarily evaluated. Results showed that polysaccharide contents were 28.35, 9.97, and 7.43 g/100 g in purple-, white-, and yellow-peeled turnips, respectively. Corresponding values of 0.159, 0.156, and 0.201 g/100 g were obtained for flavonoid levels; 3.67, 3.40, and 4.50 g/100 g for saponin contents; 1.14, 2.13, and 1.54 g/100 g for glucosinolate concentrations; and 500.7, 318.05, and 313.3 g/100 g for polyphenol levels. The extracts of purple, white, and yellow-peeled turnips contributed to a significant enhancement of cell viability (P<0.05) and effectively suppressed the levels of inflammatory factors induced by LPS, including NO, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. The DPPH· scavenging rates of extracts were 47.26%, 38.10%, and 63.42%, respectively, whereas those of ABTS⁺· reached 81.18%, 87.30%, and 99.73%, respectively. This study provides critical experimental evidence for elucidating the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of turnips and the structure-activity relationships of their bioactive components, while also offering scientific references for the diversified development and utilization of turnip resources.

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of black corn polysaccharide (BPS) on diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) in rats and sought to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: A DOP rat model was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The rats were randomly assigned to one of the following five groups: Model, low-dose BPS, high-dose BPS, metformin, and blank control groups. Metabolic parameters, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), food and water intake, and body weight were monitored, and we collected serum, femur, and tibia samples. In addition, using ELISA, we determined the serum levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), 1,25-(OH)₂D₃, parathyroid hormone (PTH), N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Furthermore, morphometric measurements of cortical and cancellous bones were performed based on observations of hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissues, whereas femoral biomechanical properties were assessed using a three-point bending test, and the protein expression of OPG and RANKL in tibia was determined immunohistochemically. Results: BPS treatment was found to promote significant reductions in the serum levels of GHb (P<0.01) and FBG (P<0.01), along with reductions in the bone resorption markers TRACP-5b (P<0.01) and CTX-I (P<0.01), and increases in the levels of PTH (P<0.05), 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ (P<0.01), PINP, OPG and OPG/RANKL ratio (P<0.05 or P<0.01). BPS also contributed to an improvement in tibial bone microstructure by promoting increases in the percentage trabecular area (%Tb.Ar), trabecular number (Tb.N), cortical bone area (Ct.Ar), and bone marrow cavity area percentage (%Ma.Ar), whilst reducing trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Moreover, BPS enhanced femoral biomechanical properties, including maximum load (P<0.01), maximum energy absorption (P<0.01), structural toughness (P<0.01), and elastic modulus (P<0.01). In addition, BPS was found to promote upregulated OPG and downregulated RANKL expression in bone tissue. Conclusion: In DOP rats, the administration of BPS effectively improves glycemic control, ameliorates bone metabolic disorders, and enhances bone strength, plausibly via regulation of the OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway. These findings will provide a theoretical basis for developing BPS as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of L-Arginine on ultraviolet-induced skin photoaging in mice and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were irradiated with UVB and UVA to successfully establish a skin photoaging model. Meanwhile, the mice were intervened with oral and transdermal administration. Subsequently, the indicators related to skin function and oxidative stress in the serum of each group of mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson, and toluidine blue (TB) staining were used to observe the pathological changes in skin structure. Western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to detect the expressions of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and filaggrin (FLG). Results: Following oral or transdermal administration of high-dose L-arginine, we detected significant increases in the contents of collagen I, hydroxyproline, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide in the sera of mice (P<0.05). Furthermore, we detected the enhanced activities of total superoxide dismutase and catalase (P<0.05), whereas there were significant reductions in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.05), thereby indicating a clear enhancement of the antioxidant capacities of mice. Concurrently, the pathological manifestations of photoaging in skin tissue were markedly alleviated, and we detected the up-regulated expression of AQP3 and FLG proteins (P<0.05). Conclusion: By enhancing antioxidant capacity, promoting skin tissue repair, and regulating the expression of key proteins, L-arginine can contribute to an effective alleviation of photoaging damage, thereby providing a scientific basis and diverse options for the development of functional foods, functional cosmetics, and drugs.

Objective: To investigate whether bone polypeptide (GDT) exerts protective effects against osteoporosis in rats through autophagy and apoptosis pathways. Methods: A postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model (POMP) was established via ovariectomy. Rats were randomly divided into Sham-operated, model, diethylstilbestrol (25 μg/kg), and GDT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (50, 100, 200 mg·kg⁻¹). Intragastric administration was performed for 90 days post-surgery. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone biomechanical properties were evaluated via three-point bending tests. Bone microstructure was analyzed by morphometry. Serum bone metabolism markers were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy-related genes (p62, Beclin-1, LC3-II) and apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3, Caspase-9, BAX, Bcl-2) were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Results: GDT significantly increased calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and hydroxyproline contents in bone tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and estradiol (E2) levels, reduced osteocalcin(BGP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and testosterone (T) levels, and improved bone metabolism. Bone trabecular number was increased, trabecular separation was decreased, and biomechanical properties and BMD were enhanced, with improved bone microstructure. Within the 50~200 mg·kg⁻¹ dose range, GDT activated the autophagy pathway and inhibited apoptosis. mRNA and protein expressions of p62 were down regulated, while Beclin-1 and LC3-II were upregulated. Expressions of BAX, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 were reduced, whereas Bcl-2 was increased. Significant differences were observed in the high-dose group compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: GDT ameliorates osteoporosis through dual regulatory mechanisms: Activating the autophagy pathway via the Beclin-1/LC3-II axis and inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis via the Bcl-2/BAX-Caspase cascade. This study provides a novel strategy for targeted osteoporosis therapy.

This study used goat milk oligosaccharides (GMOs) isolated from goat milk and Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC15696 (BB) as raw materials. By constructing a Caco-2:HT-29MIX cell intestinal epithelial barrier and an inflammation injury model, the effects of GMOs alone, BB alone, and their synergistic interaction on intestinal barrier integrity, permeability, and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were investigated. The results showed that GMOs alone markedly increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors and promoted the expression of tight junction proteins, and the effect was superior to that of BB. However, GMOs and BB acted in synergy, the effect was more significant (P<0.01). When the action concentration was 10.0 mg/mL, the change rate of the TEER increased by 1.62%~3.27% compared with the GMOs group (P<0.01). The expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α decreased (2.11~14.93 ng/L), (7.42~16.27 ng/L) and (7.03~12.29 ng/L) (P<0.05), respectively. The expression levels of the three tight junction proteins, claudin-1, ZO-1 and occludin, increased by 1.0~2.0 times (P<0.001). Overall, individual GMOs and BB could improve the intestinal barrier function and inhibit the secretion of inflammatory factors. However, the synergistic effect of GMOs and BB was more significant, with the best recovery effect on barrier function and a significant inhibition of inflammatory factor expression at a concentration of 10.0 mg/mL.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) can enhance autophagy through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway and thereby inhibit glucolipotoxicity-induced ferroptosis in mouse islet β-cell lines (MIN6). Methods: MIN6 cells were treated with 25 mmol/L glucose and 200 μmol/L sodium palmitate (GP) for varying durations (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) to establish an islet β-cell injury model. MIN6 cells were subsequently treated with the autophagy inducer rapamycin (RAPA, 0.1 μmol/L), the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ, 60 nmol/L), and different concentrations of GSPE (10, 20, and 30 mg/L). Nrf2 expression was silenced using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell viability was assessed using a cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated with the JC-1 assay kit. Western blot (WB) was employed to analyze autophagy markers [microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and sequestosome-1 (P62)], ferroptosis-associated key proteins [acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)], and signaling proteins Nrf2 and HO-1. Results: Compared to the control group, GP treatment for 24 h significantly reduced cell viability and GPX4 expression, while increasing LC3II, P62, and ACSL4 expression (P<0.05). These findings suggest that GP induced ferroptosis and autophagic impairment in MIN6 cells. CQ-mediated autophagy inhibition further exacerbated ferroptosis, whereas RAPA-induced autophagy activation alleviated it (P<0.05). In addition, GSPE treatment enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulated GPX4, LC3II, Nrf2, and HO-1 expression, while downregulating P62 expression (P<0.05). Silencing of Nrf2 antagonized the effects of GSPE in enhancing autophagy and inhibiting ferroptosis (P<0.05). Conclusion: GSPE attenuates glucolipotoxicity-induced ferroptosis in pancreatic islets by enhancing autophagy through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of stevia isochlorogenic acid (SICA) on lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Mice were divided into a blank control group, model group, simvastatin group, and low- and high-dose SICA groups. After 8 weeks of intervention, body weight was monitored regularly. Serum lipid levels, visceral fat changes, and the activity of key lipid-regulating enzymes in the liver were measured post-experiment. Pathological changes in the liver and adipose tissue were observed. Fecal samples were analyzed via 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to evaluate the effects of SICA on the composition, relative abundance, and diversity of gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that SICA significantly reduced weight gain in high-fat mice (P<0.01), decreased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and leptin (P<0.01), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and adiponectin levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, SICA inhibited the activity of hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) and β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase (P<0.01). Gut microbiota analysis revealed that SICA significantly elevated the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and Shannon diversity index (P<0.01), while enriching functional genes associated with lipid metabolism. This study suggests that SICA effectively alleviates hyperlipidemia in high-fat diet-induced mice by reducing obesity, lipid accumulation, and hepatic lipid deposition. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of key enzymes in lipid metabolism pathways and modulation of gut microbiota composition, particularly by enhancing the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and microbial diversity. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the high-value utilization of Stevia byproducts and the development of natural lipid-lowering products.

Objective: To establish a hyperuricemia rat model and investigate the hypouricemic effects and mechanisms of Cichorium intybus L. extract and a combination of Cichorium intybus L. with Puerariae lobatae Radix. Method: Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6 per group): Control group, model group, allopurinol group (27 mg/kg), Cichorium intybus L. high-dose and low-dose groups (0.6 g/kg and 0.3 g/kg, respectively), and Cichorium intybus L.-Puerariae lobatae Radix group (0.5 g/kg). Except for the control group, rats in all other groups were orally administered potassium oxonate at a dose of 1000 mg/kg daily in the morning to induce hyperuricemia. In the afternoon, the treatment groups were orally administered the corresponding drugs for 28 days. During this period, serum uric acid (SUA) levels were measured biweekly. At the end of the experiment, blood, kidneys, liver, spleen, and intestinal contents were collected for analysis. The measured indicators included serum uric acid (SUA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-6), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and xanthine oxidase (XOD) in the liver, organ indices of the spleen and kidney, histopathological morphology of the liver and kidney, and intestinal flora. Result: Cichorium intybus L. improved the activity reduction, mental depression and slow weight gain in model rats. Significantly decreased levels of SUA, BUN, CRE, ADA, TNF-α, IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001), the levels of hepatic XOD (P<0.001), as well as kidney and spleen index (P<0.05, P<0.01) were observed, and demonstrating a dose-dependent response. Histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed no significant damage to liver or kidney tissues. Additionally, Cichorium intybus L. modulated the intestinal microbiota by reducing the relative abundances of Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and the HT002, while increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). It also regulated the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ligilactobacillus, Allobaculum, Marvinbryantia, Parabacteroides, Dubosiella and Duncaniella. Notably, the combined application of Cichorium intybus L. and Puerariae Lobatae Radix further enhanced the regulatory effects on the aforementioned indicators. Conclusion: Cichorium intybus L. exhibits a significant hypouricemic effect on hyperuricemia rats, and its combination with Puerariae lobatae Radi exerts a synergistic effect. The underlying mechanism may involve inhibiting uricase activity, alleviating the inflammatory response, and modulating the intestinal flora.