Targeted/untargeted metabolomics and antioxidant properties distinguish Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' from Citrus reticulata Blanco.

Dried citrus peel (DCP), also called "Chen Pi", has edible and medicinal value. However, the specific differences among various sources remain unknown. Herein, we collected six DCP species, namely, one Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' (CZG) and five Citrus reticulata Blanco (CRB). Targeted high-performance liquid chromatography and untargeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were employed to comprehensively compare the phenolic compounds and metabolites in DCP. Interestingly, 13 different phenolic compounds were noted in DCP. The total phenolic compound content in all CRB samples (58.86-127.65 mg/g) was higher than that of CZG (39.47 mg/g). Untargeted metabolomic revealed 1495 compounds, with 115 differentially expressed metabolites for CRBs and CZG, particularly flavonoids (38), terpenoids (15), and phenolic acids and derivatives (9). Lastly, antioxidant assays revealed that all CRB samples exhibited higher antioxidant activities compared with CZG. Therefore, our study results provide a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of citrus peels and their metabolites.

Association between dietary antioxidant indices and hypertension among Chinese adults.

The effect of dietary antioxidants on blood pressure (BP) regulation and hypertension risk remains largely unknown. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the impacts of dietary antioxidants on systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP), and hypertension risk among Chinese adults. The cross-sectional study assessed data from 12,046 Chinese adults, evaluating dietary antioxidant quality scores (DAQS) and total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) via a validated food frequency questionnaire. MAP was derived using the formula DBP + (0.412 ×PP), with PP calculated as SBP - DBP. The relationship between DAQS, DTAC, and hypertension prevalence was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Among participants not taking antihypertensive medications, those in the highest groups of DTAC and DAQS had significantly lower SBP, DBP, MAP, and PP compared to those in the lowest groups (all p-trends <0.001). Relative to the lowest quintile (Q1) of DTAC (adjusted odds ratios (OR) for hypertension decreased in Q2 (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.79-1.03), Q3 (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.56-0.76), Q4 (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.43-0.60), and Q5 (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.31-0.46) (p trend <0.001). For DQAS, hypertension OR of category 5 was 0.38 (95% CI 0.32-0.46) compared to that of category 1. Increased vitamin A, Zinc, and selenium intake correlated with reduced hypertension risk. A significant non-linear DTAC and linear DAQS relationships were observed and hypertension risk. Antioxidant-rich diets markedly lowered SBP, DBP, MAP, PP, and hypertension risk.

The association between dietary inflammatory index and dietary total antioxidant capacity and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an inflammatory disease characterized by increased reactive oxygen species. Diets rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be linked to a reduced risk of developing HT. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) with HT in Iranian adults. METHODS: The study was a hospital-based case-control study conducted on 230 participants (115 cases and 115 controls). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ data were used to calculate DII and DTAC scores. Anthropometric measurements, thyroid function, and antibody tests were evaluated using standard methods. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed in both raw and adjusted models to determine the association between DII and DTAC scores with HT. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 39.76 ± 9.52 years. The mean body mass index in the case and control groups was 28.03 ± 6.32 and 26.43 ± 5.13 (kg/m2), respectively (P = 0.036). In the HT group, the DII level was higher (P < 0.001) and the DTAC level was lower than those in the healthy group (P = 0.047). In the multivariable logistic regression model, after adjusting for confounding factors, subjects in the last tertile of DII had a nonsignificantly higher HT risk than those in the first tertile (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 0.83-3.65; P = 0.130). Regarding DTAC, the subjects in the last tertile of DTAC had a significantly decreased risk of HT (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.23-0.98; P = 0.043) compared to those in the first tertile. The DII had a positive correlation with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab) and thyroid-stimulating hormone, while DTAC had a negative correlation with anti-TPO and TG-Ab (P < 0.050). CONCLUSION: The increase in DII is not associated with an increase in the risk of HT, while DTAC can significantly reduce its risk. Having an anti-inflammatory and antioxidative diet can be effective in improving thyroid function. These conclusions should be confirmed in additional prospective studies.

Over-expression of LsEXPA6, a lettuce expansin gene, improves cadmium stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis.

Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal that is highly toxic to plants and animals. Expansins are cell wall proteins inducing cell wall loosening and participate in all plant growth and development processes which are associated with cell wall modifications. We investigated lettuce's expansin gene LsEXPA6 and found that LsEXPA6 overexpression Arabidopsis lines were much more resistant to cadmium stress. Our results revealed that the root system of the expa6 mutant was suppressed under cadmium stress, resulting in shorter plant height, reduced biomass, and a significant increase in cadmium content in the plants compared with wild-type plants, whereas LsEXPA6 overexpression lines had a well-developed root system and reduced cadmium accumulation in the roots and shoots of the plants. The above results indicated that overexpression of LsEXPA6 affected root development and reduced Cd absorption in Arabidopsis. In addition, the higher absorption capacity of nutrients, increased antioxidant enzymes activities, improved chlorophyll and photosynthetic function in the overexpression Arabidopsis plants, supported the Cd stress tolerance mechanism. Taken together, these results provided a new insight on the role of expansin proteins in the tolerance of plants to Cd stress by root cell elongation.

Preservation by ionic gelation encapsulation of the antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysate derived from Lionfish (Pterois volitans, L.) muscle proteins.

The ionic gelation for preserving the antioxidant activity of the protein hydrolysate from encapsulated lionfish (Pterois volitans, L.) muscle was evaluated. A 22 factorial design was used. The factors evaluated were sodium alginate concentration (1.75% and 3.5% w/v) and calcium chloride concentration (3% and 5% w/v). The response variables were encapsulation efficiency and preservation of antioxidant activity. The beads obtained were classified as microcapsules (2-3 mm) and were mostly spherical, with a weight ranging from 12 to 38 mg. Encapsulation efficiency ranged from 37 to 55.47%, while the preservation of antioxidant activity ranged from 43.3 to 64.5%. The best treatment for preserving the in vitro antioxidant activity of the protein hydrolysate was the one with 1.75% w/v sodium alginate and 3% w/v calcium chloride, which showed an encapsulation efficiency of 53.96%, preservation of antioxidant activity of 64.5%, and free radical scavenging (DPPH) of 22.73%.

Tracking the changes and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds of sorghum grains (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) upon germination and seedling growth by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS.

In this study, phenolic profile/content was analyzed by high-resolution untargeted metabolomics after short germination (72 h) and seedling growth (144 h), using three sorghum genotypes varying in tannin content (IS 29569, Macia and IS 30400). In vitro antioxidant capacity and phenolic bioaccessibility were determined by microplate-based and INFOGEST methods, respectively. A total of 58 % annotated compounds were found in all genotypes; and phenolic acids and flavonoids represent more than 80 % of sorghum total abundance. PCA analysis showed higher phenolic variability in germination times (72 %) than genotypes (51 %). Germination reduced total ion abundance (-7 %) and free:bound phenolic compounds ratio (2.4-1.1), but antioxidant capacity remained constant. These results indicate the cell matrix-phenolic decomplexation, with the free compounds were quickly consumed after radicle emergence. Germination increased phenolic bioaccessibility (mainly in oral phase) but reduces flavonoids contents in gastric/intestinal digestion steps. This work can stimulate seed germination as a viable option for sorghum-based foods development, with improved nutritional and bioactive properties.

Beneficial Consequences of One-Month Oral Treatment with Cannabis Oil on Cardiac Hypertrophy and the Mitochondrial Pool in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Introduction: It has been demonstrated the dysregulation of the cardiac endocannabinoid system in cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the modulation of this system through the administration of phytocannabinoids present in medicinal cannabis oil (CO) emerges as a promising therapeutic approach. Furthermore, phytocannabinoids exhibit potent antioxidant properties, making them highly desirable in the treatment of cardiac pathologies, such as hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy (CH). Objective: To evaluate the effect of CO treatment on hypertrophy and mitochondrial status in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) hearts. Methods: Three-month-old male SHR were randomly assigned to CO or olive oil (vehicle) oral treatment for 1 month. We evaluated cardiac mass and histology, mitochondrial dynamics, membrane potential, area and density, myocardial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and citrate synthase (CS) activity and expression. Data are presented as mean ± SEM (n) and compared by t-test, or two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used as appropriate. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: CH was reduced by CO treatment, as indicated by the left ventricular weight/tibia length ratio, left ventricular mass index, myocyte cross-sectional area, and left ventricle collagen volume fraction. The ejection fraction was preserved in the CO-treated group despite the persistence of elevated systolic blood pressure and the reduction in CH. Mitochondrial membrane potential was improved and mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, area, and density were all increased by treatment. Moreover, the activity and expression of the CS were enhanced by treatment, whereas ROS production was decreased and the antioxidant activity of SOD increased by CO administration. Conclusion: Based on the mentioned results, we propose that 1-month oral treatment with CO is effective to reduce hypertrophy, improve the mitochondrial pool and increase the antioxidant capacity in SHR hearts.

Identification and Function Analysis of Novel Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Peptides from Chickpea.

Chickpea is rich in protein and has been demonstrated to possess hypoglycaemic effects. However, the specific bioactive ingredients and mechanisms underlying their hypoglycaemic effects remain unclear. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysis and gel permeation chromatography were used to extract chickpea bioactive peptide (CBP) from chickpea protein. One of the products, CBP-75-3, was found to inhibit α-glucosidase (GAA) activity and significantly increase the viability of insulin resistant (IR) cells. Moreover, CBP-75-3 significantly increased the rate of glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis in IR-HepG2 cells. Moreover, CBP-75-3 decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. Subsequently, 29 novel bioactive peptides in CBP-75-3 were identified by LC‒MS/MS, and the potential hypoglycaemic targets of these novel bioactive peptides were investigated using molecular docking. Based on the results, the residues of the novel bioactive peptides interact with GAA through hydrogen bonding (especially LLR, FH, RQLPR, KGF and NFQ by binding to the substrate binding pocket or the active centre of GAA), thereby inhibiting GAA activity and laying a foundation for its hypoglycaemic activity. In short, the novel bioactive peptides isolated and identified from chickpea can effectively exert hypoglycaemic effects and increase the antioxidant capacity of IR-HepG2 cells. This study reveals that CBP-75-3, a natural hypoglycaemic ingredient, has potential for applications in functional foods and provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of CBP in the future.

Integrated gold nanorods-based dual-signal platform for accurate total antioxidant capacity assessment in food samples.

Accurate assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in food is crucial for evaluating nutritional quality and potential health benefits. This study aims to enhance the sensitivity and reliability of TAC detection through a dual-signal method, combining colorimetric and photothermal signals. Gold nanorods (AuNRs) were utilized to establish a dual-signal method duo to the colorimetric and photothermal properties. Fenton reaction can etch the AuNRs from the tips, as a result, a blue shift in the longitudinal LSPR absorption peak was obtained, leading to significant changes in color and photothermal effects, facilitating discrimination through both visual observation and thermometer measurements. In the presence of antioxidants, the Fenton reaction was suppressed or inhibited, protecting the AuNRs from etching. The colorimetric and photothermal signals were therefore positively correlated with TAC levels, enabling dual-signal detection of TAC. The linear range of AA was 4-100 µM in both colorimetry and photothermal modes, with detection limits of 1.60 µM and 1.38 µM, respectively. This dual-signal approach achieves low detection limits, enhancing precision and sensitivity. The method thus has the potential to act as a promising candidate for TAC detection in food samples, contributing to improved food quality and safety assessment.

Evaluation of the Antigenotoxic Potential of Two Types of Chayote (Sechium edule) Juices.

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant with tendrils and tuberous roots belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits ("chayote"), stems, roots, and leaves are edible and are commonly ingested by humans. It has shown medicinal properties attributed to its bioactive compounds (vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols, and cucurbitacins), which together have been associated with the control and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, highlighting its antibacterial, anti-cardiovascular/antihypertensive, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities. The objective of the study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of two types of fresh chayote juice (filtered (FChJ) and unfiltered (UFChJ)) against DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay (MN). The juices were consumed freely for 2 weeks. A negative control, a control group of each juice, a positive batch [B[a]P], and two combined batches (B[a]P plus FChJ or UFChJ) were included. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope to quantify the number of micronucleated normochromic erythrocytes (MNNEs). The results indicate: (a) B[a]P increased the frequency of MNNEs and reduced the rate of PEs; and (b) no juice produced toxic effects or induced MN. On the contrary, both juices were genoprotective. However, the most significant effect was presented by UFChJ at the end of the experiment (70%). It is suggested that UFChJ has a greater amount of fiber and/or phytochemicals that favor the therapeutic effect. Possibly, the genoprotection is also related to its antioxidant capacity.

Alginate Oligosaccharides Enhance Antioxidant Status and Intestinal Health by Modulating the Gut Microbiota in Weaned Piglets.

Alginate oligosaccharides (AOSs), which are an attractive feed additive for animal production, exhibit pleiotropic bioactivities. In the present study, we investigated graded doses of AOS-mediated alterations in the physiological responses of piglets by determining the intestinal architecture, barrier function, and microbiota. A total of 144 weaned piglets were allocated into four dietary treatments in a completely random design, which included a control diet (CON) and three treated diets formulated with 250 mg/kg (AOS250), 500 mg/kg (AOS500), and 1000 mg/kg AOS (AOS1000), respectively. The trial was carried out for 28 days. Our results showed that AOS treatment reinforced the intestinal barrier function by increasing the ileal villus height, density, and fold, as well as the expression of tight junction proteins, especially at the dose of 500 mg/kg AOS. Meanwhile, supplementations with AOSs showed positive effects on enhancing antioxidant capacity and alleviating intestinal inflammation by elevating the levels of antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting excessive inflammatory cytokines. The DESeq2 analysis showed that AOS supplementation inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria Helicobacter and Escherichia_Shigella and enhanced the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Veillonella. Collectively, these findings suggested that AOSs have beneficial effects on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut health in piglets.

Effects of Nannochloropsis salina Fermented Oil on Proliferation of Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Hair Growth.

The hair follicle is the basis of hair regeneration, and the dermal papilla is one of the most important structures in hair regeneration. New intervention and reversal strategies for hair loss may arise due to the prevention of oxidative stress. GC/MS analysis was used to determine the compounds contained in NSO. Then, NSO was applied to DPC for cell proliferation and oxidative stress experiments. RNA-seq was performed in cells treated with NSO and minoxidil. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to verify the gene expression. The effects of NSO on hair length, weight, the number and depth of hair follicles, and the dermal thickness were also studied. GC/MS analysis showed that the main components of NSO were eicosapentaenoic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. NSO promotes DPC proliferation and reduces H2O2-mediated oxidative damage. NSO can also activate hair growth-related pathways and upregulate antioxidant-related genes analyzed by gene profiling. The topical application of NSO significantly promotes hair growth and increases hair length and weight in mice. NSO extract promotes hair growth and effectively inhibits oxidative stress, which is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of hair loss.

An Intricate Relationship Between miR-155-5p Expression and Oxidative Stress in Bladder Cancer Patients Treated with Calmette-Guerin Immunotherapy.

Treatment failure after intravesical instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy (BCG) for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BCa) occurs frequently. The exact effects of BCG on cellular redox status and gene expression remain unclear. We assessed oxidative stress biomarkers and changes in miR-155-5p expression in response to BCG. Twenty-seven patients with BCa were recruited for measuring tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and tissue expression of miR-155-5p at two-time points: pre and 6 weeks post BCG. Recurrence of BCa was observed after 20 months. R statistical software was used for paired comparisons of biomarkers, as well as the correlation between variables. Significant increases in TAC were observed after BCG (P= <0.001). Tissue MDA levels were significantly reduced (P= 0.003). miR-155-5p was slightly overexpressed after BCG (median fold change=1.3, P=0.25). At the 20-month follow-up, it was observed that improved MDA and TAC changes were significant only in patients without recurrence of BCa. In patients with recurrence, the pre-treatment expression ratio of miR-155-p5 was positively correlated with TAC (R=0.63, P= 0.032) and negatively correlated with MDA (R=-0.72, P=0.037). In patients with recurrence of BCa pre-treatment miR-155-5p showed negative correlation with its expression changes after BCG (R=-0.78, P=0.004). Conclusions: Treatment with BCG has some beneficial effects on the oxidative stress status, which is probably modulated by miR-155-5p. A well-controlled oxidative balance may enhance overall survival of BCa. Considering its high recurrence rate, our pilot experiment can open a window toward better management of patients with BCa.

Sea Cucumber Viscera Processed by Protease Hydrolysis Combined with Cordyceps militaris Fermentation Protect Caco-2 Cells against Oxidative Damage via Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity, Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Improving Cell Metabolism.

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) may lead to oxidative damage and metabolic disorder. The pathogenesis of human bowel inflammation is closely related to oxidative damage of intestinal epithelial cells caused by ROS. This study aimed to explore the high-value utilization of the byproducts of sea cucumber in antioxidant food for colitis prevention. The technology of protease hydrolysis combined with Cordyceps militaris fermentation was used to obtain fermented sea cucumber viscera protease hydrolysates (FSVHs). The results revealed that FSVH could enhance antioxidant capacity and alleviate oxidative damage and apoptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and triggering the self-protection immune mechanisms. Moreover, the FSVH supplementation could upregulate antioxidant-related metabolic pathways of Caco-2 cells such as glutathione metabolism, confirming the enhanced antioxidant capacity of damaged cells. In summary, FSVH could exert protective effects on Caco-2 cells in response to oxidative damage, providing a promising prospect for sea cucumber resource utilization and colitis prevention.

Utilization of Germinated Seeds as Functional Food Ingredients: Optimization of Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Activity Evolution Based on the Germination Characteristics of Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima).

The current study investigated the impact of germination duration on the functional components (vitamin C, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity of germs and cotyledons of the germinated Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima). We utilized seeds of the "Zaofeng" Chinese chestnut to germinate, and sowed the seeds in wet sand at 22 °C and 85% relative humidity. The germination rate, length, diameter, and fresh weight of the sprouts were investigated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after sowing, and the kinetic changes of amylose, amylopectin, sugar components, soluble protein, vitamin C, GABA, total phenols, flavonoids, and the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity in the germs and cotyledons were monitored, respectively. The findings revealed that the germination rate and germ biomass increased continuously during germination. The germination rate reached 90% on the 8th day after sowing. Germination reduced amylose in cotyledons from 42.3% to 34.2%, amylopectin from 42.9% to 25.8%, total sugar from 12.6% to 11.4%, and vitamin C from 1.45 mg/g to 0.77 mg/g. Meanwhile, soluble protein in the embryos rose from 0.31% to 0.60%, vitamin C from 21.1 to 29.4 mg/g, GABA from 0.49 to 1.68 mg/g, total flavonoids from 53.6 to 129.7 mg/g, and ABTS antioxidant activity from 1.52 to 3.27 µmol TE/g. The average contents of D-fructose, inositol, vitamin C, GABA, polyphenols, and flavonoids and the DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity in germs were as high as 22.5, 6, 35, 7.5, 10, 20, and 10 and 20-fold those of cotyledons, respectively. Especially, the average content of glucose in germ was as high as 80-fold that of cotyledon. D-xylulose, D-galacturonic acid, and D-ribose were only found in germs, but not in cotyledons. Considering the germ biomass and functional components content, germs of Chinese chestnuts germinated at 22 °C for 8 days are considered the most suitable raw material for functional food products. In conclusion, controlled germination not only enhances the physicochemical and functional properties of Chinese chestnut germs but also reduces the caloric content and improves the nutritional composition of the cotyledons appropriately. Moreover, the comprehensive evaluation of compositional changes and functionality in the embryo and cotyledon of Chinese chestnuts will provide a solid foundation for subsequent functional food processing utilizing germinated Chinese chestnuts.

Artichoke By-Product Extracts as a Viable Alternative for Shelf-Life Extension of Breadsticks.

The upcycling of agricultural by-products and the extension of the shelf-life of staple foods represent crucial strategies for mitigating the consequences of food losses and enhancing the competitiveness of the agri-food industry, thus facilitating the attainment of higher financial revenues. This is particularly relevant for global artichoke cultivation, where 60-80% of its biomass is discarded annually. The present study investigated the potential of using non-stabilized polyphenol-rich extracts from the main artichoke by-products (bracts, leaves, and stems) to fortify and extend the shelf-life of breadsticks. The incorporation of hydroalcoholic extracts at two addition levels (1000-2000 ppm) resulted in an increased antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of fortified breadsticks. Rheological tests revealed that the fortification did not affect the dough's workability, with the exception of the leaf extract. While a slight deterioration in texture was observed, the shelf-life of breadsticks was significantly extended, particularly at the highest levels of addition, without any visible alteration in their appearance. The stem extract demonstrated the most promising outcomes, exhibiting a maximum increase of 69% in antioxidant capacity (DPPH) and an extension of the estimated shelf-life by 62% in the resulting breadsticks, prompting the potential for utilizing them to develop nutritious and healthy snacks with extended shelf-life.

Vitamin C as a functional enhancer in the non-specific immune defense, antioxidant capacity and resistance to low-temperature stress of juvenile mud crab, Scylla paramamosain.

This experiment was conducted to explore the effects of dietary vitamin C supplementation on non-specific immune defense, antioxidant capacity and resistance to low-temperature stress of juvenile mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). Mud crabs with an initial weight of 14.67 ± 0.13 g were randomly divided into 6 treatments and fed diets with 0.86 (control), 44.79, 98.45, 133.94, 186.36 and 364.28 mg/kg vitamin C, respectively. The experiment consisted of 6 treatments, each treatment was designed with 4 replicates and each replicate was stocked with 8 crabs. After 42 days of feeding experiment, 2 crabs were randomly selected from each replicate, and a total of 8 crabs in each treatment were carried out 72 h low-temperature challenge experiment. The results showed that crabs fed diets with 186.36 and 364.28 mg/kg vitamin C significantly improved the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in hemolymph and hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). Crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C significantly decreased the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in hemolymph (P < 0.05). Diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C was improved the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and the concentration of albumin (ALB) in hemolymph. Crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C showed lower concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hemolymph and hepatopancreas than those fed the other diets. Meanwhile, crabs fed diet with 98.45 mg/kg vitamin C showed higher activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in hemolymph, and crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C showed higher activity of T-SOD in hepatopancreas. Crabs fed diet with 186.36 mg/kg vitamin C significantly decreased the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). In normal temperature, crabs fed diets with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C significantly up-regulated the expression levels of gpx (glutathione peroxidase) and trx (thioredoxin) in hepatopancreas compared with the control treatment (P < 0.05). The highest expression levels of relish, il16 (interleukin 16), caspase 2 (caspase 2), p38 mapk (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases) and bax (bcl-2 associated x protein) in hepatopancreas were found at crabs fed control diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C showed higher expression levels of alf-3 (anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 3) and bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) in hepatopancreas than those fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Under low-temperature stress, crabs fed diet with 133.94 mg/kg vitamin C significantly improved the expression levels of hsp90 (heat shock protein 90), cat (catalase), gpx, prx (thioredoxin peroxidase) and trx in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary with 133.94 vitamin C significantly up-regulated the expression levels of alf-3 and bcl-2 (P < 0.05). Based on two slope broken-line regression analysis of activity of PPO against the dietary vitamin C level, the optimal dietary vitamin C requirement was estimated to be 144.81 mg/kg for juvenile mud crab. In conclusion, dietary 133.94-144.81 mg/kg vitamin C significantly improved the non-specific immune defense, antioxidant capacity and resistance to low-temperature stress of juvenile mud crab.

Effect of Short-Term Lactic Fermentation on Polyphenol Profile and Antioxidant Capacity in White and Red Quinoa Varieties.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a pseudocereal originally grown in the Andean region of South America. This study focused on investigating the changes in phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity in white and red quinoa varieties after short-term fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v®. During fermentation, pH and lactic acid formation were monitored every three hours until pH was below 4.6. The quinoa phenolic profile was quantified via LC-UV-MS. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) were determined via spectrophotometric methods. The findings showed that fermentation resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.001) in TPC from 4.68 to 7.78 mgGAE·100 g-1 for the white quinoa and from 5.04 to 8.06 mgGAE·100 g-1 for the red quinoa variety. Gallic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid detected in unfermented quinoa samples (averaging 229.5 µg·g-1). Fermented white quinoa showed an 18-fold increase in epicatechin, while catechin was found only in fermented red quinoa (59.19 µg·g-1). Fermentation showed a significantly positive impact on the iron-reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) of quinoa (p < 0.05). Red quinoa had a higher FRAP antioxidant capacity than the white variety; a similar trend was observed with the DPPH assay. There was a significant correlation (r > 0.9, p < 0.05) between TPC and antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, short-time lactic fermentation effectively increased phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in both quinoa varieties. Overall, red quinoa showed higher polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity compared to the white variety.

Overexpression of ZlMYB1 and ZlMYB2 increases flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity and enhances the inhibition of α-glucosidase and tyrosinase activity in rice seeds.

Anthocyanins are natural flavonoids with a high antioxidant power and many associated health benefits, but most rice produce little amounts of these compounds. In this study, 141 MYB transcription factors in 15 chromosomes, including the nucleus-localised ZlMYB1 (Zla03G003370) and ZlMYB2 (Zla15G015220), were discovered in Zizania latifolia. Overexpression of ZlMYB1 or ZlMYB2 in rice seeds induced black pericarps, and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibition effects significantly increased compared to those in the control seeds. ZlMYB1 and ZlMYB2 overexpression induced the upregulation of 764 and 279 genes, respectively, and the upregulation of 162 and 157 flavonoids, respectively, linked to a black pericarp phenotype. The expression of flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase and UDP-glycose flavonoid glycosyltransferase, as well as the activities of these enzymes, increased significantly in response to ZlMYB1 or ZlMYB2 overexpression. This study systematically confirmed that the overexpression of ZlMYB1 and ZlMYB2 promotes flavonoid biosynthesis (especially of anthocyanins) in rice.

Effects of herbal formula on growth performance, apparent digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbiome in fattening lambs under heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) causes severe economic losses in sheep industry worldwide. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a herbal formula (HF) supplement on growth, digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and rumen microbes in fattening lambs under HS. The HF composed of four herbs was prepared based on the theory of compatibility of Chinese medicine "Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi". Two-hundred forty 3-month weaned lambs (initial weight 36.61 ± 0.73 kg) were randomly allocated into four groups, supplemented 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% HF in diets. All lambs were exposed to HS conditions with 79.7 of average temperature-humidity index throughout an experimental period of 35 days. Growth performance, apparent digestibility, and antioxidant activities, involving antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were measured at the end of trial, as well as microbial communities in bacteria and archaea. Results showed that 0.5% HF increased (P = 0.02) average daily gain by 13.80% and decreased feed-to-gain ratio (P = 0.03) by 14.68%, compared to control. With increasing HF doses, the digestibility of ether extract and acid detergent fiber demonstrated a cubical (P < 0.01) and quadratic (P = 0.03) relation, respectively; moreover, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities demonstrated a quadratic increase (P < 0.01). Serum levels of HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 for 0.5% HF were lower than that in control (P < 0.05). On the other hand, total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid levels exhibited quadratic increases (P ≤ 0.01) with HF doses. From rumen microbes, the abundance and diversity of bacterial community were improved by HF supplements. Particularly for 0.5% HF group, the operational taxonomic units were the greatest among all groups. Compared to control, Prevotella abundance for HF supplements from 0.5 to 1.5% increased by 35.57 to 60.15%, and Succiniclasticum abundance demonstrated a quadratic pattern (P = 0.02) with doses. Additionally, Methanosphaera abundance in archaeal community raised by 0.2 to 3.3-folds when lambs were fed the HF additions of 0.5 to 1.5%. In summary, dietary HF supplements would contribute to alleviating HS in lambs, and our results suggest the optimal dose of 0.5% HF supplement in diet.