[Advances of studies on culture and product functions of Euglena gracilis].

Euglena gracilis is a unicellular eukaryote between animal and plant cells, which is widely distributed in nature. E. gracilis has both plant and animal characteristics, and can grow photoautotrophically, heterotrophically and mixotrophically. E. gracilis also features on abundant and various cellular composition. Recently, extensive researches on unique cellular components of E. gracilis have revealed its application in the field of medicine, food, and feedstuff, in terms of improving immunity, fighting inflammation, and lowering uric acid levels. The application prospects of paramylon in biomedical area were also discovered. As food ingredients, food additives, feedstuffs and cosmetic ingredients, E. gracilis has been certified domestically and overseas. A series of products have been developed overseas, especially in Japan. However, the research and development of E. gracilis are still in its infancy in China, and there is huge space for development. At present, the research and potential application of cultivation and product functions of E. gracilis have been rarely reviewed. This review systematically examines both the domestic and abroad research of cultivation and production of E. gracilis, as well as the biological activity of E. gracilis powder and paramylon. The existing problems in the application, exploitation, and possible development direction of E. gracilis in the future are prospected. This review might be useful for establishing and optimizing large-scale and efficient heterotrophic technology, as well as developing related products of E. gracilis with specific functions.

H2O2 Significantly Affects Larix kaempferi × Larix olgensis Somatic Embryogenesis.

Larch is widely distributed throughout the world and is an important species for timber supply and the extraction of industrial raw materials. In recent years, the hybrid breeding of Larix kaempferi and Larix olgensis has shown obvious heterosis in quick-growth, stress resistance and wood properties. However, its growth and development cycle is too long to meet general production needs. In order to shorten the breeding cycle, we have for the first time successfully established and optimized a somatic embryogenesis system for Larix kaempferi × Larix olgensis. We found that the highest rate of embryonal-suspensor mass (ESM) induction was observed when late cotyledonary embryos were used as explants. The induced ESMs were subjected to stable proliferation, after which abscisic acid (ABA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were added to successfully induce somatic embryos. Treatment with PEG and ABA was of great importance to somatic embryo formation and complemented each other's effect. ABA assisted embryo growth, whereas PEG facilitated the formation of proembryo-like structures. On top of this, we studied in more detail the relationship between redox homeostasis and the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis (frequency of ESM induction). During subculture, we observed the gradual formation of three distinct types of ESM. The Type I ESM is readily able to form somatic embryos. In contrast to type I, the type III ESM suffers from severe browning, contains a higher level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and demonstrates a decreased ability to form somatic embryos. External treatment with H2O2 decreased the somatic embryogenesis efficiency of Type I and type III ESMs, or the higher the exogenous H2O2 content, the lower the resulting somatic embryogenesis efficiency. We found that treatment with the H2O2 scavenger DMTU (dimethylthiourea) could significantly increase the somatic embryogenesis efficiency of the type III ESM, as a result of a decline in endogenous H2O2 content. Overall, these findings have contributed to setting up a successful somatic embryogenesis system for larch production.

Polyethylene Terephthalate Hydrolases in Human Gut Microbiota and Their Implications for Human Health.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), primarily utilized for food and beverage packaging, consistently finds its way into the human gut, thereby exerting adverse effects on human health. PET hydrolases, critical for the degradation of PET, have been predominantly sourced from environmental microbial communities. Given the fact that the human gut harbors a vast and intricate consortium of microorganisms, inquiry into the presence of potential PET hydrolases within the human gut microbiota becomes imperative. In this investigation, we meticulously screened 22,156 homologous sequences that could potentially encode PET hydrolases using the hidden Markov model (HMM) paradigm, drawing from 4984 cultivated genomes of healthy human gut bacteria. Subsequently, we methodically validated the hydrolytic efficacy of five selected candidate PET hydrolases on both PET films and powders composed of micro-plastics (MPs). Notably, our study also unveiled the influence of both diverse PET MP powders and their resultant hydrolysates on the modulation of cytokine expression in macrophages. In summary, our research underscores the ubiquitous prevalence and considerable potential of the human gut microbiota in PET hydrolysis. Furthermore, our study significantly contributes to the holistic evaluation of the potential health hazards posed by PET MPs to human well-being.

Maternal inulin supplementation ameliorates prenatal methamphetamine exposure-induced hepatotoxicity and restores gut microbiota in mouse offspring.

Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine (METH) is an issue of global concern due to its adverse effects on offspring, particularly its impact on liver health, an area still not fully understood. Inulin, a recognized prebiotic, is thought to potentially ameliorate these developmental disorders and toxic injuries in progeny. To investigate the effects of prenatal METH exposure on the liver and the role of gut microbiota, we established a murine model, the subjects of which were exposed to METH prenatally and subsequently treated with inulin. Our findings indicate that prenatal METH exposure causes liver damage in offspring, as evidenced by a decreased liver index, histopathological changes, diminished glycogen synthesis, hepatic dysfunction, and alterations in mRNA profiles. Furthermore, it impairs the antioxidant system and induces oxidative stress, possibly due to changes in cecal microbiota and dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis. However, maternal inulin supplementation appears to restore the gut microbiota in offspring and mitigate the hepatotoxic effects induced by prenatal METH exposure. Our study provides definitive evidence of METH's transgenerational hepatotoxicity and suggests that maternal inulin supplementation could be an effective preventive strategy.

Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids ameliorate methamphetamine-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in a Sigmar-1 receptor-dependent manner.

Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse can cause serious mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. The gut microbiota is a crucial contributor to maintaining host mental health. Here, we aim to investigate if microbiota participate in Meth-induced mental disorders, and the potential mechanisms involved. Here, 15 mg/kg Meth resulted in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors of mice successfully and suppressed the Sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1)/BDNF/TRKB pathway in the hippocampus. Meanwhile, Meth impaired gut homeostasis by arousing the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-related colonic inflammation, disturbing the gut microbiome and reducing the microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Moreover, fecal microbiota from Meth-administrated mice mediated the colonic inflammation and reproduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in recipients. Further, SCFAs supplementation optimized Meth-induced microbial dysbiosis, ameliorated colonic inflammation, and repressed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Finally, Sigmar1 knockout (Sigmar1-/-) repressed the BDNF/TRKB pathway and produced similar behavioral phenotypes with Meth exposure, and eliminated the anti-anxiety and -depression effects of SCFAs. The activation of SIGMAR1 with fluvoxamine attenuated Meth-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Our findings indicated that gut microbiota-derived SCFAs could optimize gut homeostasis, and ameliorate Meth-induced mental disorders in a SIGMAR1-dependent manner. This study confirms the crucial role of microbiota in Meth-related mental disorders and provides a potential preemptive therapy.

Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Role of Sigma-1 Receptor in a Takotsubo-like Cardiomyopathy Model.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a stress-induced cardiomyopathy that presents with sudden onset of chest pain and dyspneic and cardiac dysfunction as a result of extreme physical or emotional stress. The sigma-1 receptor (Sigmar1) is a ligand-dependent molecular chaperone that is postulated to be involved in various processes related to cardiovascular disease. However, the role of Sigmar1 in TTS remains unresolved. In this study, we established a mouse model of TTS using wild-type and Sigmar1 knockout mice to investigate the involvement of Sigmar1 in TTS development. Our results revealed that Sigmar1 knockout exacerbated cardiac dysfunction, with a noticeable decrease in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) compared to the wild-type model. In terms of the gut microbiome, we observed regulation of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes ratios; suppression of probiotic Lactobacillus growth; and a rise in pathogenic bacterial species, such as Colidextribacter. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses further suggested that Sigmar1 plays a role in regulating tryptophan metabolism and several signaling pathways, including MAPK, HIF-1, calcium signaling, and apoptosis pathways, which may be crucial in TTS pathogenesis. These findings offer valuable insight into the function of Sigmar1 in TTS, and this receptor may represent a promising therapeutic target for TTS.

The Chemical Composition and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Mechanism of Color Formation in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Pericarp.

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential metabolism of albino (white), green, and purple pericarp coloration, biochemical profiling and transcriptome sequencing analyses were performed on three different tea pericarps, Zhongbaiyihao (Camellia sinensis L. var. Zhongbai), Jinxuan (Camellia sinensis L. var. Jinxuan), and Baitangziya (Camellia sinensis L. var. Baitang). Results of biochemical analysis revealed that low chlorophyll content and low chlorophyll/carotene ratio may be the biochemical basis for albino characteristics in the 'Zhongbaiyihao' pericarp. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, including DFR, F3'5'H, CCoAOMT, and 4-coumaroyl-CoA, were highly expressed in the purple 'Baitangziya' pericarp. In the chlorophyll synthesis of white pericarp, GUN5 (Genome Uncoupled 5) and 8-vinyl-reductase both showed high expression levels compared to the green one, which indicated that albino 'Zhongbaiyihao' pericarp had a higher chlorophyll synthesis capacity than 'Jinxuan'. Meanwhile, chlorophyllase (CLH, CSS0004684) was lower in 'Baitang' than in 'Jinxuan' and 'Zhongbaiyihao' pericarp. Among the differentially expressed transcription factors, MYB59, WRKY41-like2 (CS ng17509), bHLH62 like1 (CS ng6804), and bHLH62-like3 (CSS0039948) were downregulated in Jinxuan pericarp, suggesting that transcription factors played a role in regulating tea pericarp coloration. These findings provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and theoretical basis for utilizing functional components of tea pericarp.

Vitamin B12 and iron-rich sludge-derived biochar enhanced PFOA biodegradation: Importance of direct inter-species electron transfer and functional microbes.

Owing to the strong C-F bond in nature and the rigidity of the poly-fluoroalkyl chain, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is difficult to be eliminated by reactive species and microbes in environments, thus posing a serious threat to ecosystems. Vitamin B12 as a cofactor for enzymes, and biochar as the electron providers and conductors, were integrated to enhance PFOA biodegradation. The raw material of biochar was the sludge after dewatering by adding 50 mg/g DS of Fe(III). After pyrolysis under high temperature (800 °C), biochar (SC800) detected high content of Fe(II) (197.64 mg/g) and abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, thus boosting PFOA biodegradation via donating electrons. 99.9% of PFOA could be removed within 60 d as 0.1 g/L SC800 was presented in the microbial systems containing vitamin B12. Moreover, vitamin B12 facilitated the evolution of Sporomusa which behaved the deflorination. Via providing reactive sites and mediating direct inter-species electron transfer (DIET), SC800 boosted PFOA biodegradation. Corresponding novel results in the present study could guide the development of bioremediation technologies for PFOA-polluted sites.

Sigma-1 receptor knockout disturbs gut microbiota, remodels serum metabolome, and exacerbates isoprenaline-induced heart failure.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is usually the end stage of the continuum of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying the progression and development of HF remains poorly understood. The sigma-1 receptor (Sigmar1) is a non-opioid transmembrane receptor implicated in many diseases, including HF. However, the role of Sigmar1 in HF has not been fully elucidated. Methods: In this study, we used isoproterenol (ISO) to induce HF in wild-type (WT) and Sigmar1 knockout (Sigmar1-/-) mice. Multi-omic analysis, including microbiomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics, was employed to comprehensively evaluate the role of Sigmar1 in HF. Results: Compared with the WT-ISO group, Sigmar1-/- aggravated ISO-induced HF, including left ventricular systolic dysfunction and ventricular remodeling. Moreover, Sigmar1-/- exacerbated ISO-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, which was demonstrated by the lower abundance of probiotics g_Akkermansia and g_norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and higher abundance of pathogenic g_norank_f_Oscillospiraceae and Allobaculum. Furthermore, differential metabolites among WT-Control, WT-ISO and Sigmar-/--ISO groups were mainly enriched in bile secretion, tryptophan metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism, which presented a close association with microbial dysbiosis. Corresponding with the exacerbation of the microbiome, the inflammation-related NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway were activated in the heart tissues. Conclusion: Taken together, this study provides evidence that a Sigmar1 knockout disturbs the gut microbiota and remodels the serum metabolome, which may exacerbate HF by stimulating heart inflammation.

Cyclodextrin MOFs modified dry powder inhalers quadruple bioavailability of luteolin to ameliorate fibrosing interstitial lung disease.

Fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a pathological condition that is highly heterogeneous and lethal, and has few effective treatment choices. Other than pirfenidone and nintedanib for the therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, no medications are currently licensed for the treatment of ILD. Luteolin is a common flavonoid with multiple biological effects such as anti-inflammation but with poor solubility and absorption. In this study, we loaded luteolin into γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) to deliver the medicine to the lungs using dry powder inhalers; in vitro pulmonary deposition results showed LUT@CDMOF had a high fine particle fraction (FPF) (59.77 ± 3.48%). LUT@CDMOF effectively inhibited ILD progression in the BLM-induced fibrosing ILD model rats. When compared to oral administration, the inhalation of LUT@CDMOF dry powder in rats showed considerable improvements in absorption and bioavailability, with a tmax of 0.08 h and a high absolute bioavailability (82%) of LUT (The AUC(0-t) and Cmax of inhal. LUT@CDMOF respectively increased about 4.03 times and 9.11 times, when compared with the i.g. LUT group). These studies demonstrate the potent anti-inflammatory activities of LUT@CDMOF. The inhaled LUT@CDMOF might be considered as a promising new strategy in the treatment of fibrosing ILD.

Mercury reduction by black carbon under dark conditions.

An accurate depiction of mercury (Hg) reduction is important to predict Hg biogeochemistry in both aquatic and soil systems. Although the photoreduction of Hg is well documented, reduction in the dark is poorly known and is thus the focus of this work. Black carbon (BC), an important constituent of organic matter in environments, can reduce Hg2+ in dark and oxygen-deficient conditions. Fast removal of Hg2+ in BC/Hg2+ solution was observed, with 4.99-86.88 L mg-1h-1 of the reaction rate constant, which could be ascribed to the combined actions of adsorption and reduction. Meanwhile, slow Hg reduction was obtained, compared to Hg removal, with 0.06-2.16 L mg-1h-1 of the reaction rate constant. Thus, in the initial stage, Hg2+ removal was mainly triggered by adsorption, rather than reduction. Afterward, the adsorbed Hg2+ on black carbon was converted into Hg0. Dissolved black carbon and aromatic CH on particulate black carbon were dominant triggers of Hg reduction for black carbon. During Hg reduction, the intastable intermediate, formed in the complex between aromatic CH and Hg2+, behaved as persistent free radicals, which could be detected by in situ electron paramagnetic resonance. Subsequently, the intastable intermediate was mainly converted into CO on black carbon and Hg0. Corresponding results of the present study highlight the important role of black carbon in the Hg biogeochemical cycle.

Gut Microbiota Participates in Polystyrene Microplastics-Induced Hepatic Injuries by Modulating the Gut-Liver Axis.

Dietary pollution by polystyrene microplastics (MPs) can cause hepatic injuries and microbial dysbiosis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, exerts beneficial effects on the liver by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the role of microbiota in MPs-induced hepatic injuries and the protective effect of EGCG have not been clarified. Here, 5 µm MPs were orally administered to mice to induce hepatic injuries. Subsequently, antibiotic cocktail (ABX) and fecal microbial transplant (FMT) experiments were performed to investigate the underlying microbial mechanisms. Additionally, EGCG was orally administered to mice to explore its protection against MPs-induced hepatic injuries. Our results showed that MPs activated systemic and hepatic inflammation, promoted fibrosis, and altered the liver metabolome; meanwhile, MPs damaged the gut homeostasis by disturbing the gut microbiome, promoting colonic inflammation, and impairing the intestinal barrier. Notably, MPs reduced the abundance of the probiotics Akkermansia, Mucispirillum, and Faecalibaculum while increasing the pathogenic Tuzzerella. Interestingly, the elimination of gut microbiota mitigated MPs-induced colonic inflammation and intestinal barrier impairment. Moreover, ABX ameliorated MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation but not fibrosis. Correspondingly, microbiota from MPs-administered mice induced colonic, systemic, and hepatic inflammation, while their profibrosis effect on the liver was not observed. Finally, EGCG elevated the abundance of probiotics and effectively repressed MPs-induced colonic inflammation. MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and remodeling of the liver metabolome were also attenuated by EGCG. These findings illustrated that gut microbiota contributed to MPs-induced colonic and hepatic injuries, while EGCG could serve as a potential prevention strategy for these adverse consequences.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates polystyrene microplastics-induced anxiety-like behavior in mice by modulating gut microbe homeostasis.

Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) have emerged as a concerning pollutant in modern society due to their widespread production and usage. Despite ongoing research efforts, the impact of PS-MPs on mammalian behavior and the mechanisms driving these effects remain incompletely elucidated. Consequently, effective strategies for prevention have yet to be developed. To fill these gaps, C57BL/6 mice were orally administered with 5 µm PS-MPs for 28 consecutive days in this study. The open-field test and the elevated plus-maze test were performed to evaluate the anxiety-like behavior, 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis were used to detect the changes of gut microbiota and serum metabolites. Our results indicated that PS-MPs exposure activated hippocampal inflammation and induced anxiety-like behavior in mice. Meanwhile, PS-MPs disturbed the gut microbiota, impaired the intestinal barrier, and aroused peripheral inflammation. Specifically, PS-MPs increased the abundance of pathogenic microbiota Tuzzerella, while lowered the abundance of probiotics Faecalibaculum and Akkermansia. Interestingly, eliminating the gut microbiota protected against the deleterious effects of PS-MPs on intestinal barrier integrity, reduced the levels of peripheral inflammatory cytokines, and ameliorated anxiety-like behavior. Additionally, green tea's primary bioactive constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), optimized gut microbial composition, improved intestinal barrier function, reduced peripheral inflammation, and exerted anti-anxiety effects by inhibiting the hippocampal TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling cascade. EGCG also remodeled serum metabolism, especially modulated purine metabolism. These findings suggested that gut microbiota participates in PS-MPs-induced anxiety-like behavior by modulating the gut-brain axis, and that EGCG could serve as a potential preventive strategy.

Permanganate activation by glucose-derived carbonaceous materials for highly efficient degradation of phenol and p-nitrophenol: Formation of hydroxyl radicals and multiple roles of carbonaceous materials.

Owing to its inertness toward refractory organic pollutants and the release of Mn2+, the use of permanganate was limited in soil and groundwater remediation. The present study proposed an improvement strategy based on glucose-derived carbonaceous materials, which enhanced the potential of permanganate degrading organic pollutants. The glucose-derived carbonaceous material with 1000 °C charring temperature was named C1000, which was exploited in activating KMnO4 for the elimination of refractory organic contaminants. The addition of C1000 in the KMnO4 system triggered the degradation of refractory p-nitrophenol and quicken phenol degradation. Unlike the detection of Mn(III) species in a solo KMnO4 system, the presence of C1000 facilitated the formation of •OH in the KMnO4 system, which was confirmed by the use of quenchers such as methanol, benzoic acid, tertiary butanol, and carbonate. Additionally, the glucose-derived carbonaceous material played multiple roles in improving the performance of permanganate, including the enrichment of organic pollutants, donation of electrons to permanganate, and acting as an electron shuttle to facilitate the oxidation of organic pollutants by permanganate. The study's novel findings have the potential to expand the use of permanganate in the remediation of organic pollutants.

Microbial community succession in the intestine of mice with deep partial-thickness burns.

Introduction: Burn injury has been shown to lead to changes in the composition of the gut microbiome and cause other damage in patients. However, little is known about how the gut microbial community evolves in individuals who have recovered from burn injury. Methods: In this study, we established a model of deep partial-thickness burn in mice and collected fecal samples at eight time points (pre-burn, 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-burn) for 16S rRNA amplification and high-throughput sequencing. Results: The results of the sequencing were analyzed using measures of alpha diversity, and beta diversity and taxonomy. We observed that the richness of the gut microbiome declined from day 7 post-burn and that the principal component and microbial community structure varied over time. On day 28 after the burn, the microbiome composition largely returned to the pre-burn level, although day 5 was a turning point for change. Some probiotics, such as the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, decreased in composition after the burn but were restored in the later recovery period. In contrast, Proteobacteria showed an opposite trend, which is known to include potential pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate gut microbial dysbiosis after burn injury and provide new insights into the burn-related dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and strategies for improving the treatment of burn injury from the perspective of the microbiota.

Gut microbiota from sigma-1 receptor knockout mice induces depression-like behaviors and modulates the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

Introduction: Depression is a common mental disorder that affects approximately 350 million people worldwide. Much remains unknown about the molecular mechanisms underlying this complex disorder. Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is expressed at high levels in the central nervous system. Increasing evidence has demonstrated a close association between the Sig-1R and depression. Recently, research has suggested that the gut microbiota may play a crucial role in the development of depression. Methods: Male Sig-1R knockout (Sig-1R KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were used for this study. All transgenic mice were of a pure C57BL/6J background. Mice received a daily gavage of vancomycin (100 mg/kg), neomycin sulfate (200 mg/kg), metronidazole (200 mg/kg), and ampicillin (200 mg/kg) for one week to deplete gut microbiota. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was conducted to assess the effects of gut microbiota. Depression-like behaviors was evaluated by tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT). Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16s rRNA and hippocampal transcriptome changes were assessed by RNA-seq. Results: We found that Sig-1R knockout induced depression-like behaviors in mice, including a significant reduction in immobility time and an increase in latency to immobility in the FST and TST, which was reversed upon clearance of gut microbiota with antibiotic treatment. Sig-1R knockout significantly altered the composition of the gut microbiota. At the genus level, the abundance of Alistipes, Alloprevotella, and Lleibacterium decreased significantly. Gut microbiota dysfunction and depression-like phenotypes in Sig-1R knockout mice could be reproduced through FMT experiments. Additionally, hippocampal RNA sequencing identified multiple KEGG pathways that are associated with depression. We also discovered that the cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway is inhibited in the Sig-1R KO group along with lower expression of neurotrophic factors including CTNF, TGF-α and NGF. Fecal bacteria transplantation from Sig-1R KO mice also inhibited cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway. Discussion: In our study, we found that the gut-brain axis may be a potential mechanism through which Sig-1R regulates depression-like behaviors. Our study provides new insights into the mechanisms by which Sig-1R regulates depression and further supports the concept of the gut-brain axis.

Gut microbiota contribute to Methamphetamine-induced cardiotoxicity in mouse model.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychotropic drug known to cause cardiotoxicity. The gut-heart axis is emerging as an important pathway linking gut microbiota to cardiovascular disease, but the precise association between METH-induced cardiotoxicity and gut microbiota has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we established an escalating dose-multiple METH administration model in male BALB/c mice, examined cardiac injury and gut microbiota, and investigated the contribution of gut microbiota to cardiotoxicity induced by METH. Additionally, we treated mice with antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to assess the impact of gut microbiota on cardiotoxicity. Our results showed that METH exposure altered the p53 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and modulated the apoptosis pathway in heart tissue, accompanied by elevated levels of Bax/BCL-2 expression and cleaved caspase-3 proteins. METH exposure increased the diversity and richness of gut microbiota, and significantly changed the microbial community composition, accompanied by elevated abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and decreased abundance of Bacteroides, norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Alistipes. Eliminating gut microbiota by antibiotics treatment alleviated METH-induced cardiotoxicity, while FMT treatment transferred similar cardiac injury manifestations from METH-exposed mice to healthy recipient mice. Our study unveils the crucial involvement of gut microbiota in the development of cardiotoxicity induced by METH and provides potential strategies for treating cardiac complications caused by METH.

Obeticholic acid protects against methamphetamine-induced anxiety-like behavior by ameliorating microbiota-mediated intestinal barrier impairment.

Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse can cause severe anxiety disorder and interfere with gut homeostasis. Obeticholic acid (OCA) has emerged as a protective agent against diet-related anxiety that improves gut homeostasis. The potential for OCA to ameliorate Meth-induced anxiety, and the microbial mechanisms involved, remain obscure. Here, C57/BL6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with Meth (15 mg/kg) to induce anxiety-like behavior. 16 S rRNA sequence analysis and fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) were used to profile the gut microbiome and evaluate its effects, respectively. Orally administered OCA was investigated for protection against Meth-induced anxiety. Results indicated that Meth mediated anxiety-like behavior, aroused hippocampal neuroinflammation through activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, weakened intestinal barrier and disturbed the gut microbiome. Specifically, abundance of anxiety-related Rikenella was increased. FMT from Meth-administrated mice also weakened intestinal barrier and elevated serum LPS, inducing hippocampal neuroinflammation and anxiety-like behavior in recipient mice. Finally, OCA pretreatment ameliorated Meth-induced impairment of gut homeostasis by reshaping the microbial composition and improving the intestinal barrier. Meth-induced anxiety-like behavior and hippocampal neuroinflammation were also ameliorated by OCA pretreatment. These preliminary findings reveal the crucial role of gut microbiota in Meth-induced anxiety-like behavior and neuroinflammation, highlighting OCA as a potential candidate for the prevention of Meth-induced anxiety.

Metabolic and Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Etiolated Mechanism in Huangyu Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaves.

Leaf color is one of the key factors involved in determining the processing suitability of tea. It relates to differential accumulation of flavor compounds due to the different metabolic mechanisms. In recent years, photosensitive etiolation or albefaction is an interesting direction in tea research field. However, the molecular mechanism of color formation remains unclear since albino or etiolated mutants have different genetic backgrounds. In this study, wide-target metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were used to reveal the biological mechanism of leaf etiolation for 'Huangyu', a bud mutant of 'Yinghong 9'. The results indicated that the reduction in the content of chlorophyll and the ratio of chlorophyll to carotenoids might be the biochemical reasons for the etiolation of 'Huangyu' tea leaves, while the content of zeaxanthin was significantly higher. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in chlorophyll and chloroplast biogenesis were the biomolecular reasons for the formation of green or yellow color in tea leaves. In addition, our results also revealed that the changes of DEGs involved in light-induced proteins and circadian rhythm promoted the adaptation of etiolated tea leaves to light stress. Variant colors of tea leaves indicated different directions in metabolic flux and accumulation of flavor compounds.

Color-deconvolution-based feature image extraction and application in water quality analysis.

We propose a feature color extraction method that improves the accuracy of water quality analysis using a digital image and eliminates the effect of interfering ions and chromogenic agents on the color after a color reaction. The proposed method is based on color deconvolution (CD) combined with machine learning for substance measurement in water. After an ordinary camera acquires the solution image after color reaction, the CD algorithm is applied to extract the feature image, calculate the first-order, second-order, and third-order color moments corresponding to RGB channels, and construct a gradient boosting regression tree prediction model based on color moment features to detect substances in water. In predicting ammonia, nitrite, and orthophosphate concentrations, the mean square error values were 0.01029, 0.00063, and 0.1361, and the mean absolute error values were 0.08103, 0.02231, and 0.32886, respectively. There was no significant difference in the results of the comparative spectrophotometric method on the actual water samples. The spiked recoveries of the samples ranged from 94% to 120%, confirming that the method can effectively measure the content of substances in water.