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Efficient drug delivery methods are crucial in modern pharmacotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and improve patient compliance. Particularly in the context of glioblastoma treatment, there has been a recent surge in interest in using natural dietary components as innovative carriers for drug delivery. These food-derived carriers, known for their safety, biocompatibility, and multifunctional properties, offer significant potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. This article thoroughly overviews numerous natural dietary components, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, used as drug carriers. Their mechanisms of action, applications in different drug delivery systems, and specific benefits in targeting glioblastoma are examined. Additionally, the safety, biocompatibility, and regulatory considerations of employing food components in drug formulations are discussed, highlighting their viability and future prospects in the pharmaceutical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to identify the most effective method for enhancing the quality of beef gel during refrigeration. To achieve this objective, the effects of various types of starch on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of beef gel during refrigeration were investigated. In this study, ground beef gel was chosen as the research subject, and six different types of starch were added: 6% tapioca starch, cassava-modified starch (acetylated distarch phosphate, ADSP), potato starch (PSP), modified potato starch (acetate starch, SA), corn starch (CSP), and modified corn starch (hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, HPDSP). The quality indicators of ground beef were measured and analyzed throughout the cold storage at 4 °C on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The results demonstrated that the water capacity of beef mince supplemented with PSP and HPDSP was significantly greater (p < 0.05). Additionally, the gel strength was found to be the highest, while the mesh structure formed in the ADSP group was the greatest. Furthermore, HPDSP, PSP, and SA effectively inhibited the oxidation of meat fat, with SA showing a relatively good effect on delaying the oxidation of meat mince protein. The addition of starch can, to a certain extent, inhibit lipid and protein oxidation in meat mince. In conclusion, starch significantly enhances the quality of beef mince by improving water retention, gel strength, and microstructure during refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review discusses how research around the oxysterol-binding protein family has evolved. We briefly summarize how this protein family, designated OSBP-related (ORP) or OSBP-like (OSBPL) proteins, was discovered, how protein domains highly conserved among family members between taxa paved the way for understanding their mechanisms of action, and how insights into protein structural and functional features help to understand their versatility as lipid transporters. We also discuss questions and future avenues of research opened by these findings. The investigations on oxysterol-binding protein family serve as a real-life example of the notion that science often advances as a collective effort of multiple lines of enquiry, including serendipitous routes. While original articles invariably explain the motivation of the research undertaken in rational terms, the actual paths to findings may be less intentional. Fortunately, this does not reduce the impact of the discoveries made. Besides hopefully providing a useful account of ORP family proteins, we aim to convey this message. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study is to review potential molecular biomarker substances selected so far as useful for assessing the quality of dog semen. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and ions can serve as molecular biomarkers of reproductive functions (BRFs) for evaluating male reproductive health and identifying potential risk factors for infertility or reproductive disorders. Evaluation of BRF levels in semen samples or reproductive tissues may provide insights into the underlying causes of infertility, such as impaired sperm function, abnormal sperm–egg interaction, or dysfunction of the male reproductive tract. Molecular biomarker proteins may be divided into two groups: proteins that are well-studied, such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), albumins (ALBs), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), clusterin (CLU), canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE), cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2), lactotransferrin (LTF), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and osteopontin (OPN) and proteins that are not well-studied. Non-protein markers include lipid-based substances (fatty acids, phosphatidylcholine), carbohydrates (glycosaminoglycans), and ions (zinc, calcium). Assessing the levels of BRFs in semen samples may provide valuable information for breeding management and reproductive assessments in dogs. This review systematizes current knowledge that could serve as a starting point for developing practical tests with the use of biomarkers of canine reproductive functions and their predictive value for assisted reproductive technique outcomes and semen preservation.

Lipid droplets (LDs) serve as intracellular compartments primarily dedicated to the storage of metabolic energy in the form of neutral lipids. The processes that regulate and control LD biogenesis are being studied extensively and are gaining significance due to their implications in major metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and obesity. A protein of particular interest is Fat storage-Inducing Transmembrane 2 (FIT2), which affects the emergence step of LD biogenesis. Instead of properly emerging towards the cytosol, LDs in FIT2-deficient cells remain embedded within the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In vitro studies revealed the ability of FIT2 to bind both di- and triacylglycerol (DAG/TAG), key players in lipid storage, and its activity to cleave acyl-CoA. However, the translation of these in vitro functions to the observed embedding of LDs in FIT2 deficient cells remains to be established. To understand the role of FIT2 in vivo, we discuss the parameters that affect LD emergence. Our focus centers on the role that membrane curvature and surface tension play in LD emergence, as well as the impact that the lipid composition exerts on these key parameters. In addition, we discuss hypotheses on how FIT2 could function locally to modulate lipids at sites of LD emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cell–cell communication mechanisms are gathering growing scientific interest, particularly in the context of cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Extracellular vesicles are gaining increased interest due to their relevance in tumor molecular characterization, classification, diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and response to treatment. Many advances have been made in the clinical and therapeutic fields, exploiting increasingly precise biomolecular engineering strategies. This review aims to focus on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in lung cancer. Lung cancer represents the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with around 1.8 million deaths in 2020. For this reason, there is an enormous interest in finding early diagnostic tools and novel therapeutic approaches, one of which is extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are nanoscale membranous particles that can carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), mediating various biological processes, especially in cell–cell communication. As such, they represent an interesting biomarker for diagnostic analysis that can be performed easily by liquid biopsy. Moreover, their growing dataset shows promising results as drug delivery cargo. The aim of our work is to summarize the recent advances in and possible implications of EVs for early diagnosis and innovative therapies for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid droplet (LD) accumulation in hepatocytes is one of the major symptoms associated with fatty liver disease. Mitochondria play a key role in catabolizing fatty acids for energy production through β-oxidation. The interplay between mitochondria and LD assumes a crucial role in lipid metabolism, while it is obscure how mitochondrial morphology affects systemic lipid metabolism in the liver. We previously reported that cilnidipine, an already existing anti-hypertensive drug, can prevent pathological mitochondrial fission by inhibiting protein–protein interaction between dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and filamin, an actin-binding protein. Here, we found that cilnidipine and its new dihydropyridine (DHP) derivative, 1,4-DHP, which lacks Ca2+ channel-blocking action of cilnidipine, prevent the palmitic acid-induced Drp1–filamin interaction, LD accumulation and cytotoxicity of human hepatic HepG2 cells. Cilnidipine and 1,4-DHP also suppressed the LD accumulation accompanied by reducing mitochondrial contact with LD in obese model and high-fat diet-fed mouse livers. These results propose that targeting the Drp1–filamin interaction become a new strategy for the prevention or treatment of fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer, a leading cause of female mortality due to delayed detection owing to asymptomatic nature and limited early diagnostic tools, was investigated using a multi-modal approach. Plasma-derived small EVs from breast cancer patients (BrCa, n = 74) and healthy controls (HC, n = 30) were analyzed. Small EVs (n = 104), isolated through chemical precipitation, underwent characterization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Validation involved antibody-based tests (TSG101, CD9, CD81, CD63). Infrared spectra of small EVs were obtained, revealing significant differences in lipid acyl chains, particularly in the C–H stretching of CH3. The study focused on the lipid region (3050–2900 cm−1), identifying peaks (3015 cm−1, 2960 cm−1, 2929 cm−1) as distinctive lipid characteristics. Spectroscopic lipid-to-lipid ratios [(I3015/I2929), (I2960/I2929)] emerged as prominent breast cancer markers. Exploration of protein, nucleic acid, and carbohydrate ratios indicated variations in alpha helices, asymmetric C–H stretching vibrations, and C–O stretching at 1033 cm−1. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully differentiated BrCa and HC small EVs, and heatmap analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluations underscored the discriminatory power of lipid ratios. Notably, (I2960/I2929) exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity, highlighting its potential as a robust BrCa sEV marker for breast cancer detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerophospholipids are synthesized primarily in the cytosolic leaflet of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and must be equilibrated between bilayer leaflets to allow the ER and membranes derived from it to grow. Lipid equilibration is facilitated by integral membrane proteins called "scramblases." These proteins feature a hydrophilic groove allowing the polar heads of lipids to traverse the hydrophobic membrane interior, similar to a credit card moving through a reader. Nevertheless, despite their fundamental role in membrane expansion and dynamics, the identity of most scramblases has remained elusive. Here, combining biochemical reconstitution and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that lipid scrambling is a general feature of protein insertases, integral membrane proteins which insert polypeptide chains into membranes of the ER and organelles disconnected from vesicle trafficking. Our data indicate that lipid scrambling occurs in the same hydrophilic channel through which protein insertion takes place and that scrambling is abolished in the presence of nascent polypeptide chains. We propose that protein insertases could have a so-far-overlooked role in membrane dynamics as scramblases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One way to approach the nutritional requirements of native shrimp, necessary to consolidate their culture, is to know their biochemical composition. The effect of feeding two levels of lipids (4 and 12% L) and four levels of proteins (30, 35, 40 and 45% P) in M. tenellum females was evaluated with respect to the biochemical composition of their eggs (EG), larvae (LR), gonad (GO) and hepatopancreas (HP). Total protein (TP), total carbohydrate (TC) and total lipid (TL) were estimated. In EG, L and P levels influence TP and TL; TP increases in diets higher than P35. In LR, there are no differences (p > 0.05) in TP and in TL, only diets L4P40 and L12P30 were different (p < 0.05). In GO, there is no trend in TP differences; in TC there was variation in the range of the data and TL was higher in L4P30 and L4P35. In HP, the diets with L4 obtained the highest TP values (p < 0.05); the L12 diets were higher in TL (p < 0.05). In general, diets with an inclusion of L12 showed the highest TP, TC and TL means, within this lipid level the P30 diet stood out; therefore, it is recommended to use a diet with L12P30 in the formulation of balanced feed for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid-based nanocarriers have emerged as helpful tools to deliver sensible biomolecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides. To have a fast and robust microfluidic-based nanoparticle synthesis method, the setup of versatile equipment should allow for the rapid transfer to scale cost-effectively while ensuring tunable, precise and reproducible nanoparticle attributes. The present work aims to assess the effect of different micromixer geometries on the manufacturing of lipid nanocarriers taking into account the influence on the mixing efficiency by changing the fluid–fluid interface and indeed the mass transfer. Since the geometry of the adopted micromixer varies from those already published, a Design of Experiment (DoE) was necessary to identify the operating (total flow, flow rate ratio) and formulation (lipid concentration, lipid molar ratios) parameters affecting the nanocarrier quality. The suitable application of the platform was investigated by producing neutral, stealth and cationic liposomes, using DaunoXome®, Myocet®, Onivyde® and Onpattro® as the benchmark. The effect of condensing lipid (DOTAP, 3–10–20 mol%), coating lipids (DSPE-PEG550 and DSPE-PEG2000), as well as structural lipids (DSPC, eggPC) was pointed out. A very satisfactory encapsulation efficiency, always higher than 70%, was successfully obtained for model biomolecules (myoglobin, short and long nucleic acids). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The necessity to help farmers improve yields has resulted in many years of agricultural research focused on productivity and disease resistance, neglecting other areas of fruit quality such as flavor, health benefits, and external appearance. Nitrogen is required for several biochemical processes. However, reducing N fertilization can increase the synthesis of antioxidants and volatile aroma compounds. Four‐N rates (0 (N0), 45 (N1), 90 (N2), 179 (N3), and 269 (N4) kg ha−1) were tested each year from 2011 to 2017 in two peach varieties melting flesh (MF) 'TropicBeauty' (TB), a soft texture peach, and non‐melting flesh (NMF) 'UFSharp' (UFS), a crispy texture peach, to determine the effect of N on nutritional value and flavor. Results: The phytochemical composition of the NMF 'UFSharp' (UFS) and MF variety 'TropicBeauty' (TB) were not cleared affected by N rates. Volatile synthesis was little affected by N. The sensory evaluation showed that consumers preferred MF peaches compared with NMF, because of its juiciness. Conclusions: Nitrogen fertilization had minor effects on peach fruit phytochemical composition, volatile aroma compounds, and consumer acceptability. The N effect could had been influence by pruning practices, training of the orchard, and the delay of fruit developmental period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most of the shrimp side streams are discarded due to the lack of appropriate processing techniques/methodology for their utilization, which is not only a loss of potentially valuable compounds, but also leads to environmental pollution. The study aimed to employ a mechanical filter press to separate the liquid called press juice (PJ) and the solid named press cake (PC) fraction from shrimp head and shell (H&S). Results: The proximate composition was performed, including amino acids analysis, protein content, fatty acids, and the main volatile compounds. In the whole shrimp (WS), the average values of protein, lipid, dry matter, and ash content were recorded at 14.7%, 2.9%, 21.1%, and 4.8%, respectively. The protein percentage reached 10.1% in H&S, indicating considerable amount of protein leftover in the shrimp side streams (p < 0.05). The major PUFAs in WSs' sample were Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (8.8%) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (7.8%). Furthermore, the values of EPA and DHA a showed nearly two‐folded increase after peeling and filter‐pressing, PC sample. Total amino acids in the WS, H&S, PJ, and PC samples were found to be 94.6, 67.7, 22.2, and 76.6 mg/g, respectively. From the nutritional point of view, non‐essential amino acids represented higher values (13.2%–56.9%) compared to essential amino acids (9.0%–37.6%). The major components of 5′‐neucleoitides in WS sample were in order of guanosine‐5′‐diphosphate (GDP) ≫ hypoxanthine (HYP) > inosine‐5′‐monophosphate (IMP) ≫ adenosine‐5′‐monophosphate (AMP) > adenosine‐5′‐diphosphate (ADP) with values of 684.4, 293.6, 201.4, 25.6 and 16.2 μg/g sample, while no inosine (INO), guanosine‐5′‐monophosphate (GMP), and guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (GTP) were detected. Equivalent umami concentration (g MSC/100 g) was recorded as 0.63, 0.07 for WS and H&S samples and 0.015 for PJ sample, which indicates a significant drop from the shrimp raw material toward the side streams. Most volatile compounds belonged to alkenes followed by alkanes groups. Conclusion: This work showed the possibility to employ the filter press machine to obtain PJ and PC from shrimp H&S, after peeling processing. The fractions present an interesting nutritional composition and value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota of fish is beneficial to fish health, while food can affect the intestinal microbiota. Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) has great economic value and is a good model to use in studying the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, at present, due to a high demand and high price of high-quality feed raw materials, the nutritional composition of aquafeeds has been changing dynamically. There has yet to be a comprehensive review of research conducted on the influences of dietary macronutrients (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) on the tilapia intestinal microbiota. Therefore, this review focuses on the effects of dietary macronutrients on the gut microbiota of tilapia. Interestingly, we found that the best growth performance might not represent the best composition or functions of the gut microbiota. Overall, the unscientific addition of macronutrients to feed is harmful to the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, both growth performance and gut microbiota should be considered when evaluating certain macronutrients. It is our hope that this review will aid in regulating the intestinal microbiota of fish through nutritional means, thereby promoting tilapia farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many metabolic diseases are caused by disorders of lipid homeostasis. CIDEC, a lipid droplet (LD)-associated protein, plays a critical role in controlling LD fusion and lipid storage. However, regulators of CIDEC remain largely unknown. Here, we established a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF)-based high-throughput screening method and identified LPXN as a positive regulatory candidate for CIDEC. LPXN and Hic-5, the members of the Paxillin family, are focal adhesion adaptor proteins that contribute to the recruitment of specific kinases and phosphatases, cofactors, and structural proteins, participating in the transduction of extracellular signals into intracellular responses. Our data showed that Hic-5 and LPXN significantly increased the protein level of CIDEC and enhanced CIDEC stability not through triacylglycerol synthesis and FAK signaling pathways. Hic-5 and LPXN reduced the ubiquitination of CIDEC and inhibited its proteasome degradation pathway. Furthermore, Hic-5 and LPXN enlarged LDs and promoted lipid storage in adipocytes. Therefore, we identified Hic-5 and LPXN as novel regulators of CIDEC. Our current findings also suggest intervention with Hic-5 and LPXN might ameliorate ectopic fat storage by enhancing the lipid storage capacity of white adipose tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetically determined disease characterized by elevated plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels from the very first years of life, leading to early atherosclerosis. Nutritional intervention is the first-line treatment, complemented with nutraceuticals and drug therapy when necessary. Nutraceuticals with a lipid-lowering effect have been extensively studied in the past few decades, and have been recently included in international guidelines as a complement to nutritional and pharmacological treatment in subjects with dyslipidemia. In this review, we explore current nutritional interventions for dyslipidemia in childhood, with a specific focus on the main nutraceuticals studied for treating severe dyslipidemia in pediatric patients. Additionally, we briefly describe their primary mechanisms of action and highlight the advantages and risks associated with the use of lipid-lowering nutraceuticals in childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is a fundamental pathological state in various cardiovascular diseases. Geniposide, which is the main active component of Gardenia jasminides, is effective against AS. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we sought to elucidate them. Methods: The targets of AS and geniposide were collected from online public databases. The potential mechanism of Geniposide in treating AS was predicted by constructing a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and conducting Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Hub proteins and core pathways were verified by molecular docking and in vivo experiments. Moreover, the effect of geniposide on AS was assessed by measuring the atherosclerotic plaque area in the thoracic aorta of mice. ApoE−/− mice were used to establish AS models and randomly divided into different groups. Two different doses of geniposide were administered to the mice. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate the effects of geniposide on AS. Oil Red O and Sirius Red staining were used to evaluate plaque stability. The protein expression of key markers involved in the signalling pathways was examined using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: A total of 239 active targets, 3418 AS-related disease targets, and 129 overlapping targets were identified. Hub genes were detected, and molecular docking revealed that geniposide strongly interacted with hub proteins (AKT1, VEGFA, CTNNB1, MMP9, and EGFR). Moreover, 109 signalling pathways, including the Rap1 signalling pathway, were identified using enrichment analysis. The results of in vivo experiments demonstrated that geniposide reduced body weight and blood lipid levels, alleviated the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, enhanced plaque stability, and inhibited inflammation, at least partially, by activating the Rap1/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in ApoE−/− mice. Conclusion: Geniposide can alleviate AS and enhance the stability of atherosclerotic plaques by regulating the Rap1/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on bionanocomposite drug carriers are a key area in the field of active substance delivery, introducing innovative approaches to improve drug therapy. Such drug carriers play a crucial role in enhancing the bioavailability of active substances, affecting therapy efficiency and precision. The targeted delivery of drugs to the targeted sites of action and minimization of toxicity to the body is becoming possible through the use of these advanced carriers. Recent research has focused on bionanocomposite structures based on biopolymers, including lipids, polysaccharides, and proteins. This review paper is focused on the description of lipid-containing nanocomposite carriers (including liposomes, lipid emulsions, lipid nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers), polysaccharide-containing nanocomposite carriers (including alginate and cellulose), and protein-containing nanocomposite carriers (e.g., gelatin and albumin). It was demonstrated in many investigations that such carriers show the ability to load therapeutic substances efficiently and precisely control drug release. They also demonstrated desirable biocompatibility, which is a promising sign for their potential application in drug therapy. The development of bionanocomposite drug carriers indicates a novel approach to improving drug delivery processes, which has the potential to contribute to significant advances in the field of pharmacology, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is a relatively rare type of cancer in men. Early diagnosis of TC remains challenging. Metabolomics holds promise in offering valuable insights in this regard. In this study, a metabolic fingerprinting approach was employed to identify potential biomarkers in both serum and seminal plasma of TC patients. Methods: A total of 9 patients with testicular cancer and 10 controls were included in the study. The metabolic fingerprinting approach was utilized as a rapid diagnostic tool to analyze the metabolome in serum and seminal plasma of TC patients in comparison to fertile men. Raman spectroscopy was applied for the analysis of metabolites in these biological samples. Results: Principal component analysis (PCA) and functional group analysis showed that the differentiation between serum samples from healthy men and TC patients was not possible. However, when analyzing seminal plasma, a significant difference was found between the two groups (p<0.05). Functional group analysis of serum only showed an increase in tryptophan concentration ratio in TC patients as compared to healthy men (p=0.03). In contrast, in seminal plasma of TC patients, this increase was observed in all analyzed compounds, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, lipids, proteins, phenols (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential of metabolic fingerprinting as a fast diagnostic tool for screening TC patients, with seminal plasma serving as a valuable biological sample. Furthermore, several potential biomarkers, particularly phenylalanine, were identified in seminal plasma. This research contributes to our understanding of TC pathogenesis and has the potential to pave the way for early detection and personalized treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the dietary intake of individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) may vary widely according to different cultural eating habits, lifestyle, access to multidisciplinary team, and metabolic formulas available. Thus, knowing the dietary intake of this population makes it possible to tailor nutritional treatment strategies to impact their health. Objective: to analyze the evidence on the dietary intake of individuals with PKU. Methods: an integrative literature review was conducted on the dietary intake of individuals with PKU in the databases PUBMED, BIREME and Science Direct. Original articles that addressed the energy and macronutrient food intake of children, adolescents and/or adults with PKU were included in the study, without time restriction, in any language. A total of 384 articles were found and 27 articles were selected and analyzed. Results: evidence about the nutritional composition of their diet showed that individuals with PKU consume between 1160-2721 kcal of energy --7.2-17.4 % (32.4-76.9 g) of energy as protein, 45.9-69.2 % of energy as carbohydrates, 16.6-39 % of energy as lipids-- and between 7.6 and 20 g of fiber. Conclusion: most individuals with PKU have low energy, protein and fiber intake, adequate lipid intake, and high carbohydrate intake. Metabolic control of the disease is still a challenge in all countries. Nutritional strategies to improve dietary nutritional composition and phenylalanine blood levels in individuals with PKU remain an urgent issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient drug delivery methods are crucial in modern pharmacotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and improve patient compliance. Particularly in the context of glioblastoma treatment, there has been a recent surge in interest in using natural dietary components as innovative carriers for drug delivery. These food-derived carriers, known for their safety, biocompatibility, and multifunctional properties, offer significant potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. This article thoroughly overviews numerous natural dietary components, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, used as drug carriers. Their mechanisms of action, applications in different drug delivery systems, and specific benefits in targeting glioblastoma are examined. Additionally, the safety, biocompatibility, and regulatory considerations of employing food components in drug formulations are discussed, highlighting their viability and future prospects in the pharmaceutical field.

Obesity induces inflammation in the hypothalamus and adipose tissue, resulting in metabolic disorders. A novel hypothalamic neuropeptide, neurosecretory protein GM (NPGM), was previously identified in the hypothalamus of vertebrates. While NPGM plays an important role in lipid metabolism in chicks, its metabolic regulatory effects in mammals remain unclear. In this study, a novel Cre driver line, NPGM-Cre, was generated for cell-specific manipulation. Cre-dependent overexpression of Npgm led to fat accumulation without increased food consumption in male NPGM-Cre mice. Chemogenetic activation of NPGM neurons in the hypothalamus acutely promoted feeding behavior and chronically resulted in a transient increase in body mass gain. Furthermore, the ablated NPGM neurons exhibited a tendency to be glucose intolerant, with infiltration of proinflammatory macrophages into the adipose tissue. These results suggest that NPGM neurons may regulate lipid storage and inflammatory responses, thereby maintaining glucose homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia and is anticipated to impose a substantial economic burden in the future. Over a significant period, the widely accepted amyloid cascade hypothesis has guided research efforts, and the recent FDA approval of an anti-amyloid-beta (Aβ) protofibrils antibody, believed to decelerate AD progression, has further solidified its significance. However, the excessive emphasis placed on the amyloid cascade hypothesis has overshadowed the physiological nature of Aβ and tau proteins within axons. Axons, specialized neuronal structures, sustain damage during the early stages of AD, exerting a pivotal influence on disease progression. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the relationship between axonal damage and AD pathology, amalgamating the physiological roles of Aβ and tau proteins, along with the impact of AD risk genes such as APOE and TREM2. Furthermore, we underscore the exceptional significance of axonal damage in the context of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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It is meaningful to understand the conversion pathways of nitrogen during the hydrothermal liquefaction process of microalgae to reveal the related reaction mechanisms and develop effective methods to prevent N from ending in biocrude, which eventually increases the quality of biocrude. Extending from our previous works that mainly focused on two high-protein (>50 wt%) microalgae (Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp.), Nannochloropsis sp., which has a high lipid content (>70 wt%), was used as the feedstock for this project using the same methodology. The high lipid content in Na. induced less nitrogen during the oil phase and as a result, reduced the heteroatom content while also improving the quality of biocrude. It is worth noting that another investigation was conducted on the model compounds with different types of amino acids to specify the effects of the types of amino acids in the proteins in microalgae on the N pathway and their distribution in the products (aqueous phase, oil, solid, and gas). It was found that the basic amino acid in microalgae caused the formation of more N-heterocyclic compounds in the biocrude. The mass flow based on the mass balance was demonstrated to further refine the map showing the predicted reaction pathway of nitrogen from the previous version. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of developing innovative functional food products has attracted the attention of many researchers to meet global demands as well as keep into account the well-being of people and environmental sustainability. Microalgae can be an essential raw material to fulfill such an objective. They can potentially provide a long-term solution to feed the expanding global population. This is evident by the presence of characteristics possessed by microalgae such as high biomass productivity, remarkable nutritional qualities, appealing organoleptic features, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. When compared to traditional crop species, algae have a higher concentration of lipids and proteins and are more environmentally friendly because they lack cellulose, which is an inedible material. Moreover, despite the existing obstacles such as poor technology preparedness and restricted economies of scale, micro-algae holds promise for a future where healthier and more sustainable food items can contribute to better dietary habits, lifestyles, and overall health. This review attempts to emphasize the potential of microalgae as a healthy and sustainable dietary alternative. Moreover, the significance of bioactive metabolites obtained from microalgae in reducing greenhouse gases, sewage treatment, bioremediation, photocatalytic degradation, production of nanoparticles, nutraceuticals, and abiotic stress resilience. The selection of suitable and cost-efficient cultivation and harvesting techniques required for growing microalgae and manufacturing its products will be a boon to many food industries.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in the majority of individuals with obesity, but in a subset of these individuals, it progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (0NASH) and fibrosis. The mechanisms that prevent NASH and fibrosis in the majority of patients with NAFLD remain unclear. Here, we report that NAD(P)H oxidase 4 (NOX4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2) were elevated in hepatocytes early in disease progression to prevent NASH and fibrosis. Mitochondria-derived ROS activated NFE2L2 to induce the expression of NOX4, which in turn generated [H.sub.2][O.sub.2] to exacerbate the NFE2L2 antioxidant defense response. The deletion or inhibition of NOX4 in hepatocytes decreased ROS and attenuated antioxidant defense to promote mitochondrial oxidative stress, damage proteins and lipids, diminish insulin signaling, and promote cell death upon oxidant challenge. Hepatocyte NOX4 deletion in high-fat diet-fed obese mice, which otherwise develop steatosis, but not NASH, resulted in hepatic oxidative damage, inflammation, and T cell recruitment to drive NASH and fibrosis, whereas NOX4 overexpression tempered the development of NASH and fibrosis in mice fed a NASH-promoting diet. Thus, mitochondria- and NOX4-derived ROS function in concert to drive a NFE2L2 antioxidant defense response to attenuate oxidative liver damage and progression to NASH and fibrosis in obesity., Introduction Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has reached epidemic proportions, affecting 20%-30% of the world's population (1, 2). Although there are strong genetic determinants for disease onset and progression, the [...]

PIEZO channels PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 are the newly identified mechanosensitive, non-selective cation channels permeable to Ca2+. In higher vertebrates, PIEZO1 is expressed ubiquitously in most tissues and cells while PIEZO2 is expressed more specifically in the peripheral sensory neurons. PIEZO channels contribute to a wide range of biological behaviors and developmental processes, therefore driving significant attention in the effort to understand their molecular properties. One prominent property of PIEZO channels is their rapid inactivation, which manifests itself as a decrease in channel open probability in the presence of a sustained mechanical stimulus. The lack of the PIEZO channel inactivation is linked to various mechanopathologies emphasizing the significance of studying this PIEZO channel property and the factors affecting it. In the present review, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the PIEZO channel inactivation, its modulation by the interaction of the channels with lipids and/or proteins, and how the changes in PIEZO inactivation by the channel mutations can cause a variety of diseases in animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review aims to provide a deep insight into the fascinating field of biophysics in living organisms through the study of model fluid interfaces that mimic specific lipid-based structures with biophysical relevance. By delving into the study of these physiological fluid interfaces, we can unravel crucial aspects of their behavior, lateral organization, and functions. Through specific examples, we will uncover the intricate dynamics at play and shed light on potential pathogenic conditions that may result from alterations in these interfaces. A deeper understanding of these aspects can lead to the emergence of novel technologies and medical advances, potentially leading to the development of innovative treatments and diagnostic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the impact of crude glycerol as the main carbon source on the growth, cell morphology, and production of high-value-added metabolites of two microalgal species, namely Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus quadricauda, under heterotrophic and mixotrophic conditions, using monochromatic illumination from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting blue, red, yellow, and white (control) light. The findings indicated that both microalgae strains exhibited higher biomass yield on the mixotrophic growth system when compared to the heterotrophic one, while S. quadricauda generally performed better than C. vulgaris. In mixotrophic mode, the use of different monochromatic illumination affected biomass production differently on both strains. In S. quadricauda, growth rate was higher under red light (μmax = 0.89 d−1), while the highest biomass concentration and yield per gram of consumed glycerol were achieved under yellow light, reaching 1.86 g/L and Yx/s = 0.18, respectively. On the other hand, C. vulgaris demonstrated a higher growth rate on blue light (μmax = 0.45 d−1) and a higher biomass production on white (control) lighting (1.34 g/L). Regarding the production of metabolites, higher yields were achieved during mixotrophic mode in both strains. In C. vulgaris, the highest lipid (26.5% of dry cell weight), protein (63%), and carbohydrate (20.3%) contents were obtained under blue, red, and yellow light, respectively, thus indicating that different light wavelengths probably activate different metabolic pathways. Similar results were obtained for S. quadricauda with red light leading to higher lipid content, while white lighting caused higher production of proteins and carbohydrates. Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of utilizing crude glycerol as a carbon source for the growth and metabolite production of microalgae and, furthermore, revealed that the strains' behavior varied depending on lighting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional components of cantaloupe, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, contribute to overall health, improved immunity, hydration, and protection against chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of different concentrations (0 (control), 100, 150, and 200 ppm) of 1-naphthalene acetic acid (1-NAA) on the nutritional components of the cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. Var. Super White Honey). All the studied treatments were applied twice at the 2nd and 4th leaf stages. The applied concentrations of 1-NAA significantly improved the sex expression and fruit yield attributes. Different nutritional components like proximate contents, minerals, vitamins, selected fatty acids, and amino acids were analyzed. The results showed that the maximum moisture content, proteins, carbohydrates, ash, and energy were recorded with 100 ppm. The higher lipids were recorded during the supplementation of 150 ppm. Significantly greater fibers were recorded using 200 ppm. Regarding minerals, 100 ppm was found to be the best as it increased calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorous (P), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Vitamins were also found to be the maximum with 100 ppm, including vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Total selected fatty acids and amino acids were also found significantly greater in the fruits administered 100 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of removing proteins, lipids and starch on the structure, physicochemical properties and digestion properties of rice flour (with 30% moisture) treated with heat moisture treatment (HMT). According to the results, HMT caused the adhesion and agglomeration of the rice flour, promoted the binding between starch, protein and lipid molecular chains and led to the formation of complexes (especially starch-lipid complexes), which hindered the removal of non-starch components. Compared to the untreated rice flour, the HMT treated lipid-removal rice flour had small changes in their crystallinity, gelatinization temperature and viscosity property. After removing protein, the crystallinity, peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown and starch digestibility were sharply increased. In particular, the peak viscosity increased from 811 cP to 1746 cP and the enthalpy change increased from 5.33 J/g to 10.18 J/g. These findings are helpful in understanding the contribution of removing endogenous proteins and lipids to the physicochemical changes of HMT treated rice flour during its heating process and thus can be helpful in controlling the quality of rice flour through HMT.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a valuable staple crop that provides nutrition for a large part of the human population around the world. However, the domestication process reduced its resistance to pests and pathogens. Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight disease, is the most destructive pathogen of potato plants. Considerable efforts have been made to develop late blight-resistant potato cultivars, but the success has been limited and present-day potato production requires the extensive use of fungicides. In this review, we summarize known sources of late blight resistance and obstacles in P. infestans control. We outline the problematic aspects of chemical treatment, the possible use of biological control, and available resources of natural resistance in wild Solanum accessions. We focus on prospective putative markers of resistance that are often overlooked in genome-centered studies, including secondary metabolites from alkaloid, phenylpropanoid, and terpenoid classes, lipids, proteins, and peptides. We discuss the suitability of these molecules for marker-assisted selection and the possibility of increasing the speed of conventional breeding of more resilient cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the use of biopolymers as food packaging materials due to their important characteristics and properties. These include non-toxicity, ease of availability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, indicating their potential as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging that has long been under environmental scrutiny. Given the current focus on sustainable development, it is imperative to develop studies on biopolymers as eco-friendly and sustainable food packaging materials. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore trends and characteristics of biopolymer-based biodegradable films for food packaging, analyze the contribution of various journals and cooperation between countries, highlight the most influential authors and articles, and provide an overview of the social, environmental, and economic aspects of biodegradable films for food packaging. To achieve this goal, a bibliometric analysis and systematic review based on the PRISMA method were conducted. Relevant articles were carefully selected from the Scopus database. A bibliometric analysis was also conducted to discuss holistically, comprehensively, and objectively biodegradable films for food packaging. An increasing interest was found in this study, especially in the last 3 years with Brazil and China leading the number of papers on biodegradable films for food packaging, which were responsible for 20.4% and 12.5% of the published papers, respectively. The results of the keyword analysis based on the period revealed that the addition of bioactive compounds into packaging films is very promising because it can increase the quality and safety of packaged food. These results reveal that biodegradable films demonstrate a positive and promising trend as food packaging materials that are environmentally friendly and promote sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the spatio-temporal variations in three key biomolecular compounds (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) in particulate organic matter (POM) in the Yellow Sea (YS), South Sea of Korea (SS), East China Sea (ECS), and East Sea (Sea of Japan; ES) in order to estimate the regional annual calorie production rates based on the seasonal data obtained in each region. Carbohydrates were found to be most dominant, followed by lipids across all seas. The euphotic-integral calorie contents of POM during the study period were determined as 53.5 ± 12.6 Kcal m−2 in the YS; 54.2 ± 7.5 Kcal m−2 in the SS; 35.7 ± 9.2 Kcal m−2 in the ECS; and 58.7 ± 6.2 Kcal m−2 in the ES. Utilizing seasonal carbon conversion factors and primary production rates, we estimated the annual calorie productions, which were highest in the ES (1705 Kcal m−2 y−1) and lowest in the ECS (403 Kcal m−2 y−1). This can be attributed to the significantly higher energy efficiency of phytoplankton and faster turnover rate of calorie content. However, caution must be taken when comparing these estimates regionally, considering potential variations in developmental phases among the four regions during the sampling period in 2018. The calorie production rates in this study provide valuable insights into the physiological condition of phytoplankton within specific regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fatty acid metabolism plays an important role in the survival and pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During dormancy, lipids are considered to be the main source of energy. A previous study found that Rv0494 is a starvation-inducible, lipid-responsive transcriptional regulator. However, the role of Rv0494 in bacterial persister survival has not been studied.Methods: We constructed a Rv0494 deletion mutant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and evaluated the susceptibility of the mutant strain to antibiotics using a persistence test.Results: We found that mutations in Rv0494 lead to survival defects of persisters, which reflected in increased sensitivity to isoniazid.Conclusion: We conclude that Rv0494 is important for persister survival and may serve as a good target for developing new antibiotics that kill persister bacteria for improved treatment of persistent bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic organisms with wide morphological and metabolic diversity. By means of photosynthesis, they convert inorganic compounds into biomolecules, which may have commercial interest. In this work, we evaluated 20 cyanobacterial strains regarding their physiological aspects such as growth, photosynthesis and biochemical composition, some of which are revealed here for the first time. The organisms were cultivated in cylindrical photobioreactors (CPBR) for 144 h and the biomass was obtained. The light inside cultures was constant throughout experimental time and maintained at the saturation irradiance (Ik) of each species. Culture pH was maintained within 7.8 and 8.4 by automatic CO2 bubbling. Growth rate, dry biomass, chlorophyll a, carotenoids, phycocyanin, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and antioxidant activity were determined. Results The proportionality of the biochemical composition varied among species, as well as the growth rates. Leptolyngbya sp. and Nostoc sp. (CCIBt3249) showed growth rates in the range of 0.7–0.8 d−1, followed by Rhabdorderma sp. (~ 0.6 d−1), and Phormidium sp. (~ 0.5 d−1). High carotenoid content was obtained in Rhabdoderma sp. (4.0 μg mL−1) and phycocyanin in Leptolyngbya sp. (60 μg mL−1). Higher total proteins were found in the genus Geitlerinema (75% DW), carbohydrates in Microcystis navacekii (30% DW) and lipids in Phormidium sp. (15% DW). Furthermore, Aphanocapsa holsatica showed the highest antioxidant activity (65%) and Sphaerocavum brasiliense, Microcystis aeruginosa, Nostoc sp. (CCIBt3249) and A. holsatica higher levels of PHA (~ 2% DW). Conclusions This study reports on the biochemical composition of cyanobacteria that can impact the biotechnology of their production, highlighting potential strains with high productivity of specific biomolecules.

The homeostasis of the intestinal microbiota of fish is beneficial to fish health, while food can affect the intestinal microbiota. Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) has great economic value and is a good model to use in studying the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, at present, due to a high demand and high price of high-quality feed raw materials, the nutritional composition of aquafeeds has been changing dynamically. There has yet to be a comprehensive review of research conducted on the influences of dietary macronutrients (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) on the tilapia intestinal microbiota. Therefore, this review focuses on the effects of dietary macronutrients on the gut microbiota of tilapia. Interestingly, we found that the best growth performance might not represent the best composition or functions of the gut microbiota. Overall, the unscientific addition of macronutrients to feed is harmful to the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, both growth performance and gut microbiota should be considered when evaluating certain macronutrients. It is our hope that this review will aid in regulating the intestinal microbiota of fish through nutritional means, thereby promoting tilapia farming.

Spray-drying is a continuous encapsulation method that effectively preserves, stabilizes, and retards the degradation of bioactive compounds by encapsulating them within a wall material. The resulting capsules exhibit diverse characteristics influenced by factors such as operating conditions (e.g., air temperature and feed rate) and the interactions between the bioactive compounds and the wall material. This review aims to compile recent research (within the past 5 years) on spray-drying for bioactive compound encapsulation, emphasizing the significance of wall materials in spray-drying and their impact on encapsulation yield, efficiency, and capsule morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to extract the rapeseed protein from by-products and further examine the effect of lab-made rapeseed protein on the droplet size, microstructure, colour, encapsulation and apparent viscosity of emulsions. Rapeseed protein-stabilised emulsions with an increasing gradient of milk fat or rapeseed oil (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%, v/v) were fabricated using a high shear rate homogenisation. All emulsions showed 100% oil encapsulation for 30 days of storage, irrespective of lipid type and the concentration used. Rapeseed oil emulsions were stable against coalescence, whereas the milk fat emulsion showed a partial micro-coalescence. The apparent viscosity of emulsions raised with increased lipid concentrations. Each of the emulsions showed a shear thinning behaviour, a typical behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids. The average droplet size was raised in milk fat and rapeseed oil emulsions when the concentration of lipids increased. A simple approach to manufacturing stable emulsions offers a feasible hint to convert protein-rich by-products into a valuable carrier of saturated or unsaturated lipids for the design of foods with a targeted lipid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the archaeometrical study of Saturnino Gatti's wall paintings, a significant aspect concerned the study of the organic component to understand both the original binders used in the original areas and the products used for pictorial reintegration and restoration of the painted surfaces. Thanks to the results obtained from various non-invasive and multi-band imaging techniques, it was possible to define Gatti's original painting technique and identify the materials subsequently applied in significant samples. To this end, molecular analyses based on mass spectrometry were carried out. Different procedures in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and in pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) were adopted. The analyses revealed a variety of organic materials on the mural paintings, most of which are from past restoration interventions and have synthetic origin. The overspread presence of paraffin is likely due to the application of a mineral wax-based coating/consolidant. In particular, the execution technique encompassed the use of tempera-based paints, while retouched areas were characterised by the presence of oil-based resins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-specific lipid-transfer protein (nsLTP) is a pan-allergen in the plant world, and a cause of significant concern as food allergen in the Mediterranean area, due to its general heat- and acid-resistance and hence the risk of severe allergic reactions. Pru p 3, the peach nsLTP, is considered the primary sensitizer to this allergen family and this allergy is usually persistent. Allergen-free diet and acute treatment of manifestations are the main recognized management goals in food allergy. Main text: The role of immunotherapy for treating food allergy in adult patients is controversial, but immunotherapy for Pru p 3 could potentially represent a relevant therapeutic strategy. We systematically searched databases for studies assessing the role of immunotherapy Pru p 3 in food allergy. Overall, nine studies were included. Immunotherapy with Pru p 3 appears to be effective and with a good safety profile in both peach and LTP allergy for some foods, such as peanut, in both RCT and real-life studies. Conclusions: Immunotherapy with Pru p 3 is a possible treatment option for food allergy to the peach LTP in the Mediterranean area, although at present have not reached routinary clinical practice. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify predictive biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review article, we focus on the effects of insect pests on the quality of stored cereals and legume grains. The changes in the amino-acid content, the quality of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, and the technological characteristics of the raw materials when infested by specific insects are presented. The differences reported concerning the rate and kind of infestation effects are related to the trophic habits of the infesting insect species, the variation of the component distribution in the different species of grains, and the length of the storage period. For example, wheat germ and brans feeders such as Trogoderma granarium may cause a higher reduction in proteins than endosperm feeders such as Rhyzopertha dominica, since the germ and brans contain higher concentrations of proteins. Trogoderma granarium may also cause higher reduction in lipids than R. dominica in wheat, maize and sorghum, in which most of the lipids exist in the germ. Furthermore, infestation with insects such as Tribolium castaneum may downgrade the overall quality of wheat flour, by increasing the moisture content, the number of insect fragments, the color change, the concentration of uric acid, the microbial growth, and the prevalence of aflatoxins. Whenever possible, the significance of the insect infestation and the concomitant compositional alterations on human health are presented. It should be highlighted that understanding the impact of insect infestation on stored agricultural products and the quality of food will be crucial for the required food security in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dyslipidemia frequently occurs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it is unclear whether dyslipidemia is due to obesity and insulin resistance (IR) or is inherent to PCOS. To address this, proteomic analysis of proteins important in lipid metabolism, particularly for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), was performed in non-obese, non-insulin resistant PCOS women compared to matched controls. Methods: Weight and aged-matched non-obese subjects with PCOS (n=24) and without IR were compared with control women (n=24). 19 proteins were measured by Somalogic proteomic analysis: alpha-1-antichymotrypsin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, apolipoproteins A-1, B, D, E, E2, E3, E4, L1, M, clusterin, complement C3, hemopexin, heparin cofactor-II (HCFII), kininogen-1, serum amyloid A-1, amyloid beta A-4 and paraoxonase-1. Results: Women with PCOS had a higher free androgen index (FAI) (p<0.001) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) (p<0.001), but IR and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, did not differ from controls (p>0.05). The triglyceride: HDL-cholesterol ratio was elevated (p=0.03) in PCOS. Alpha-1-antitrypsin levels were lower (p<0.05) and complement C3 levels were higher (p=0.001) in PCOS. C3 correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r=0.59, p=0.001), IR (r=0.63, p=0.0005) and CRP (r=0.42, p=0.04) in women with PCOS, though no correlations of these parameters with alpha-1-antitrypsin were found. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and levels of the other 17 lipoprotein metabolism-associated proteins did not differ between the two groups (p>0.05). However, in PCOS, alpha-1-antichymotrypsin correlated negatively with BMI (r=-0.40, p<0.04) and HOMA-IR (r=-0.42, p<0.03), apoM correlated positively with CRP (r=0.36, p<0.04) and HCFII correlated negatively with BMI (r=-0.34, p<0.04). Conclusion: In PCOS subjects, when obesity, IR and inflammation confounders were absent, alpha-1-antitrypsin was lower and complement C3 was higher than in non-PCOS women, suggesting increased cardiovascular risk; however, subsequent obesity related IR/inflammation likely stimulates other HDLassociated protein abnormalities, thus increasing cardiovascular risk further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though various mechanisms have been proposed for the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, the full extent of these mechanisms remains unclear, and little is known about the relationships among them. We carried out trans-omics analyses by comparing the results of the previously reported lipidomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics analyses; all of these studies used common post-mortem brain samples. Methods: We collected the data from three aforementioned omics studies on 6 common post-mortem samples (3 schizophrenia patients and 3 controls), and analyzed them as a whole group sample. Three correlation analyses were performed for each of the two of three omics studies in these samples. In order to discuss the strength of the correlations in a limited sample size, the p-values of each correlation coefficient were confirmed using the Student's t-test. In addition, partial correlation analysis was also performed for some correlations, to verify the strength of the impact of each factor on the correlations. Results: The following three factors were strongly correlated with each other: the lipid level of phosphatidylinositol (PI) (16:0/20:4), the amount of TNC mRNA, and the quantitative signal intensity of APOA1 protein. PI (16:0/20:4) and TNC showed a positive correlation, while PI (16:0/20:4) and APOA1, and TNC and APOA1 showed negative correlations. All of these correlations reached at p < 0.01. PI (16:0/20:4) and TNC were decreased in the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenia samples, while APOA1 was increased. Partial correlation analyses among them suggested that PI (16:0/20:4) and TNC have no direct correlation, but their relationships are mediated by APOA1. Conclusion: The current results suggest that these three factors may provide new clues to elucidate the relationships among the candidate mechanisms of schizophrenia, and support the potential of trans-omics analyses as a new analytical method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomology and entomophagy have become a new trend in biomedical research and food science. From a nutritional point of view, insects are an excellent source of protein, with a high content of essential amino acids, while being rich in unsaturated fatty acids, micronutrients and fiber. In addition, edible insects contain various bioactive compounds with potential beneficial health effects. In this context, the European Commission has approved some species of insects in whole form or certain parts as “novel foods” following a rigorous scientific evaluation carried out by the European Food Safety Authority. Insects are a highly sustainable substitute for meat and animal products and, from an ecological point of view, they can make an important contribution to the sustainability of the environment, requiring fewer resources to develop their life cycle and offering an undoubted advantage over the livestock sector in terms of emissions of greenhouse gases and ammonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the biophysical and functional coupling between membrane lipid domains and cytoplasmic biomolecular condensates. Topics discussed include the relationship between lipid self-organization and condensate formation, specifically focusing on the role of linker of activation of T cells (LAT) in coupling ordered membrane domains and protein condensation.

Simple Summary: As one of the most malignant cancers, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are complex, and the development of effective treatment strategies has been difficult. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in HCC development in various ways. This review summarizes the latest research on EVs related to Wnt signaling in HCC and expounds on the underlying mechanisms, providing a reference for novel HCC treatment strategies. As the primary type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes a large number of deaths every year. Despite extensive research conducted on this disease, the prognosis of HCC remains unclear. Recently, research has largely focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs), and they have been found to participate in various ways in the development of various diseases, including HCC, such as by regulating cell signaling pathways. However, recent studies have reported the mechanisms underlying the regulation of Wnt signaling by EVs in HCC, primarily focusing on the regulation of the canonical pathways. This review summarizes the current literature on the regulation of Wnt signaling by EVs in HCC and their underlying mechanisms. In addition, we also present future research directions in this field. This will deepen the understanding of HCC and provide new ideas for its treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]