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Foxtail millet (FM) whole grain has received special attention in recent years. To confirm the hypoglycemic effects of FM, we investigated the effects of FM supplementation on glucose metabolism and gut microbiota in rats with high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced diabetes. Specifically, we fully assessed the blood biochemical profiles, pancreatic histopathology, insulin-glucagon immunofluorescence, short-chain fatty acids, and gut microbiota composition of rats with HFD/STZ-induced diabetes before and after FM supplementation. Results showed that both 30% and 48% FM supplementation significantly decreased concentrations of fasting blood glucose, 60-min blood glucose, and blood triglycerides (P

The phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, antiproliferative property and the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell apoptosis of

HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) is a critical health issue worldwide. Our previous animal experiment has confirmed that blueberry malvidin-3-galactoside (M3G) can regulate the progression of HCC. In this study, feces samples from the same batch of mice were collected to explore the regulatory mechanism of M3G on intestinal microbiota and microbial TCA cycle metabolism KEGG pathway in HCC mice based on 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics. Our results showed that blueberry M3G increased the microbial diversity and regulated the structure of intestinal microbiota in mice, such as increasing the abundance of Clostridia (butyric acid-producing bacteria), Oscillospira and Ruminococcus, and reducing the abundance of pathogenic Erysipelotrichi. Compared with the group of liver cancer (LC) and 5-fluorouracil (5 F), blueberry M3G significantly regulated microbial TCA cycle KEGG pathway via improving the expression of key proteins (porA, DLAT, aceE, PC and OGDH). Additionally, we found which the abundance of Muribaculum intestinale (M.intestinale) increased by blueberry M3G may be an important factor affecting the microbial TCA cycle KEGG pathway via the pearson correlation (R) analysis of protein and microbiota. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the blueberry M3G has the potential to be an intestinal microbiota regulator and an adjuvant to HCC therapy.

Malvidin-3-galactoside (Mv-3-gal) is the major anthocyanin monomer in blueberry anthocyanins. The compound is well-characterized by its anti-oncogenesis function in multiple organs including liver. In the current study, the mechanism driving the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) function of Mv-3-gal was further explored by focusing on apoptosis and metastases pathways. HCC cell line Huh-7 was firstly administrated with Mv-3-gal of different concentrations and the effect of Mv-3-gal on cell proliferation, apoptosis, colony formation ability, metastasis potential as well as the activity of Akt/PTEN and MAPK pathways was assessed. The results showed that Mv-3-gal inhibited the cell proliferation and colony formation ability, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Regarding the metastasis potential, Mv-3-gal suppressed the migration and invasion potential of Huh-7 cells by regulating MMPs expression. Taken together, the findings highlighted the anti-HCC potent of Mv-3-gal, which was associated with the inhibition of Akt/PTEN, MAPK and MMP pathways.

During mung bean post-germination seedling growth, various metabolic and physiological changes occurred, leading to the improvement of its nutritional values. Here, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of mung bean samples from 6-hour, 3-day and 6-day after imbibition (6-HAI, 3-DAI, and 6-DAI) were performed to characterize the regulatory mechanism of the primary metabolites during the post-germination seedling growth. From 6-HAI to 3-DAI, rapid changes in transcript level occurred, including starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis, citrate cycle, amino acids synthesis, and plant hormones regulation. Later changes in the metabolites, including carbohydrates and amino acids, appeared to be driven by increases in transcript levels. During this process, most amino acids and monosaccharides kept increasing, and accumulated in 6-day germinated sprouts. These processes were also accompanied with changes in hormones including abscisic acid, gibberellin, jasmonic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, etc. Overall, these results will provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the primary metabolic regulation in mung bean during post-germination seedling growth.

A novel polysaccharide (MFP4P) was isolated from mulberry fruits (Morus alba L.) pulp using a combination of DEAE-Sepharose fast-flow and Sephadex G-100 chromatographic columns. Structural characterization revealed that MFP4P was composed of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose and galacturonic acid with a molecular weight of 198.2 kDa. The linkage types of MFP4P were proved to be (1 → 6)-linked α-D-Glc, (1 → 2)-linked α-L-Rha, (1 → 3)-linked α-D-Gal, (1 → 3)-linked β-L-Rha and (1 → )-linked α-L-Ara. The MFP4P showed good antioxidant activity with an oxygen radical absorbance capacity value of 121.8 ± 16.5 μM trolox equivalent/g. In addition, the MFP4P promoted pancreatic cell proliferation, increased insulin secretion, and enhanced glucose consumption. In the non-toxic range, the polysaccharide and zinc complexes (MFP4P-Zn) exhibited higher antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities than MFP4P at the same concentration. In vivo hypoglycemic study, MFP4P and MFP4P-Zn both showed decreased blood glucose level and glucose tolerance compared with the model control group.

Ultraviolet radiation induces skin damage, inflammation, and aging. To explore the protective effects of blueberry extract (BE) against ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation, we analysed human skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells alone or in a co-culture, treated or not with BE, after exposure to UV-C. Surprisingly, MMP-1 was significantly up-regulated in HFF cells and in the co-cultured cell group in response to UV-C irradiation (8 mJ/cm2), but not in HaCaT cells. As expected, BE had a significantly protective effects; it decreased DNA fragmentation and inhibited MMP-1 and inflammatory factors expression in response to UV-C radiation. In addition, BE reduced the accumulation of proteins (MMP-1, c-fos, and c-jnu) in the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway after UV-C radiation. Taken together, these results showed that BE exerted a protective effect against UV-C irradiation, and modulated MMP-1 production through MAPK signalling by direct and indirect pathways in HaCaT and HFF cells.

In the present study, the digestion properties of a polysaccharide from Rosa roxburghii fruit (RTFP-3) under saliva, simulated gastric and small intestinal conditions were studied for the first time. The results indicated that human saliva had no effect on RTFP-3. RTFP-3 was slightly degraded in simulated gastric and small intestinal juices. The molecular weight (Mw) of RTFP-3 was decreased from 67.59 to 44.22 kDa. Meanwhile, the reducing sugars were increased from 0.503 to 1.744 mM. Then, the prebiotic effects of RTFP-3 were examined by in vitro fermentation model. RTFP-3 could significantly increase the production of total short-chain fatty acids from 23.49 to 44.29 mM, and 60.28% of total carbohydrate was consumed after 48 h fermentation. Furthermore, RTFP-3 could significantly modulate the microbial structure by lowering the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes from 14.89 to 4.68 after 48 h fermentation, and improving the relative abundances of some beneficial gut microbiota.

The consumption of pistachios has been linked to many potential health benefits. Phytochemicals in pistachios, including phenolics, vitamin E and carotenoids, have been considered to make contributions to the health benefits. The objectives of this study were (1) to explore the phytochemical profiles (total phenolics and total flavonoids, including both free and bound forms), selected phytochemicals, vitamin E and carotenoids of raw and roasted pistachios; (2) to determine total antioxidant activity and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA); and (3) to explore antiproliferative activities of pistachio extracts against human breast, liver and colon cancer cells in vitro. Both raw and roasted pistachios contained high total phenolics, at 479.9 ± 10.2 (raw) and 447.9 ± 9.4 (roasted) mg GAE/100 g, respectively, and high flavonoids, at 178.4 ± 10.6 (raw) and 144.1 ± 7.4 (roasted) mg GAE/100 g, respectively. The contributions of the free form to the total phenolics in pistachios were 82% (raw) and 84% (roasted), respectively, and the contributions of the free form to the total flavonoids in pistachios were 65% (raw) and 70% (roasted), respectively. Gentisic acid and catechin were the major phenolics in raw and roasted pistachios, respectively. Both raw and roasted pistachios had similar total antioxidant activity evaluated by Oxygen-Radical-Scavenging Capacity (ORAC) assay, at 7387.9 ± 467 (raw) and 7375.3 ± 602 (roasted) μmol TE/100 g, respectively. Both raw and roasted pistachio extracts exhibited cellular antioxidant activity inhibiting peroxyradical radical-induced oxidation, with CAA values of 77.39 ± 4.25 (wash) and 253.71 ± 19.18 (no wash) μmol QE/100 g of raw pistachios and 115.62 ± 3.02 (wash) and 216.76 ± 6.6 (no wash) μmol QE/100 g of roasted pistachios. Roasted pistachios contained more vitamin E when compared with raw pistachios, while raw pistachios contained more carotenoids than the roasted pistachios. Additionally, the free form of roasted pistachios extracts exhibited superior antiproliferation activity against HepG2, Caco-2 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, with EC50 34.73 ± 1.64, 36.66 ± 3.3 and 7.41 ± 0.82 mg per mL, respectively. These results provided new knowledge about the phytochemical profiles, antioxidant activity, cellular antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activity of raw and roasted pistachios.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been reported to have beneficial effects on improving gut function via lowering gut inflammation and altering the gut microbiome diversity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the differential effects of three different common IF treatments, alternate day fasting (ADF), time-restricted fasting (TRF), and intermittent energy restriction (IER), on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The results indicated that TRF and IER, but not ADF improved the survival rates of the colitis mice. TRF and IER, but not ADF, reversed the colitis pathological development by improving the gut barrier integrity and colon length. Importantly, TRF and IER suppressed the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in colon tissues. Interestingly, TRF and IER also attenuated colitis-related anxiety-like and obsessive-compulsive disorder behavior and alleviated the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. TRF and IER also altered the gut microbiota composition, including the decrease of the enrichments of colitis-related microbes such as Shigella and Escherichia Coli, and increase of the enrichments of anti-inflammatory-related microbes. TRF and IER also improved the short chain fatty acid formation in colitis mice. In conclusion, the TRF and IER but not ADF exhibited the protective effects against colitis and related behavioral disorders, which could be partly explained by improving the gut microbiome compositions and preventing gut leak, and consequently suppressing the inflammation and oxidative damages in both colon and brain. The current research indicates that proper IF regimens could be effective strategies for nutritional intervention for the prevention and treatment of colitis.

SUMMARYMaternal obesity has been reported to be related to the neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms and effective interventions remain unclear. Here, a cross-sectional study on 778 children aged 7-14 years in two cities of China indicates that the maternal obesity is highly associated with the poorer cognition and sociality of their children. Moreover, we also find that the maternal obesity in mice disrupts the behavior and the gut microbiome in the offspring, which are alleviated by a high-fiber diet in either dams or offspring. Co-housing and feces microbiota transplantation experiments reveal a causal relationship between the reshaped microbiota and the behavioral changes. Moreover, treatment of the microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids exhibits a similar beneficial effect on alleviating the behavioral deficits in offspring. Together, our study purports the microbiota-metabolites-brain axis as a mechanism, and high-dietary fiber intake is a promising intervention against maternal obesity-induced cognitive and social dysfunctions.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has been reported to have beneficial effects on improving gut function via lowering gut inflammation and altering the gut microbiome diversity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the differential effects of three different common IF treatments, alternate day fasting (ADF), time-restricted fasting (TRF), and intermittent energy restriction (IER), on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The results indicated that TRF and IER, but not ADF improved the survival rates of the colitis mice. TRF and IER, but not ADF, reversed the colitis pathological development by improving the gut barrier integrity and colon length. Importantly, TRF and IER suppressed the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in colon tissues. Interestingly, TRF and IER also attenuated colitis-related anxiety-like and obsessive-compulsive disorder behavior and alleviated the neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. TRF and IER also altered the gut microbiota composition, including the decrease of the enrichments of colitis-related microbes such as Shigella and Escherichia Coli, and increase of the enrichments of anti-inflammatory-related microbes. TRF and IER also improved the short chain fatty acid formation in colitis mice. In conclusion, the TRF and IER but not ADF exhibited the protective effects against colitis and related behavioral disorders, which could be partly explained by improving the gut microbiome compositions and preventing gut leak, and consequently suppressing the inflammation and oxidative damages in both colon and brain. The current research indicates that proper IF regimens could be effective strategies for nutritional intervention for the prevention and treatment of colitis., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Intermittent fasting regimens TRF and IER but not ADF attenuate DSS-induced colitis. • TRF and IER protect the gut barrier and the mucosal layer integrity from colitis. • TRF and IER alleviate colitis-related anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. • TRF and IER suppress inflammation and oxidative stress in both gut and brain. • TRF and IER balance gut microbiota composition and metabolites production.

The phenolic profiles, hypoglycemic activity, and molecular mechanism of the effect on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) of four highland barley varieties were investigated in the present study. The fundamental phenolics in highland barley were ferulic acid, naringin, and catechin, which mainly existed in bound form. These varieties showed favorable hypoglycemic activity via inhibition of &alpha, glucosidase and &alpha, amylase activities, enhancement of glucose consumption, glycogen accumulation and glycogen synthase 2 (GYS2) activity, and down-regulation of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activities. Specifically, ZQ320 variety exhibited the strongest hypoglycemic activity compared to the other varieties. Highland barley phenolics could inhibit gluconeogenesis and motivate glycogen synthesis via down-regulating the gene expression of G6Pase, PEPCK, and glycogen synthase kinase 3&beta, (GSK3&beta, ), while activating the expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase (Akt), GYS2, and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). Therefore, phenolics from highland barley could be served as suitable candidates for therapeutic agent in T2DM to improve human health.

Orange, with various bioactive phytochemicals, exerts various beneficial health effects, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its anti-aging effects remain unclear. In this study, the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model was used to evaluate the effects of orange extracts on lifespan and stress resistance. The results indicated that orange extracts dose-dependently increased the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 10.5%, 18.0%, and 26.2% at the concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, orange extracts promoted the healthspan by improving motility, and decreasing the accumulation of age pigment and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels without damaging fertility. The survival rates of orange extract-fed worms were obviously higher than those of untreated worms against thermal and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly enhanced while malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were diminished. Further investigation revealed that worms supplemented with orange extracts resulted in upregulated levels of genes, including daf-16, sod-3, gst-4, sek-1, and skn-1, and the downregulation of age-1 expression. These findings revealed that orange extracts have potential anti-aging effects through extending the lifespan, enhancing stress resistance, and promoting the healthspan.

Consumption of brown rice is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases, which might be attributed to the presence of unique phytochemicals. This study aimed to evaluate phytochemicals profile, cellular antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities in glutinous and non-glutinous brown rice varieties of indica and japonica subspecies. In general, bound fractions of brown rice depicted significant variation levels of phytochemicals, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. Anti-proliferative activity of bound fraction, total antioxidant capacity and cellular antioxidant activity of non-glutinous type were significantly higher than glutinous type (p

A novel polysaccharide (MOP-2) was extracted and purified from the leaves of Moringa oleifera by hot water extraction and chromatographic purification. Structural characterization revealed that MOP-2 had an average molecular weight of 155.35 kDa and consisted of arabinose, glucose and galactose with molar percentages of 35.8, 6.67, and 57.53%, respectively. The backbone chain of MOP-2 was proven to be →3,6)-β-D-Galp(1→ and →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and the side chains contained →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, α-L-Araf-(1→, and α-D-Glcp-(1→. In vitro immunomodulatory assay revealed that MOP-2 could significantly enhance the proliferation and pinocytic capacity of the RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Furthermore, MOP-2 promoted the secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by activating mRNA expressions of iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α. These findings suggest that MOP-2 can be developed as a novel natural immunoregulatory agent in functional foods.

Whole grain has a wide range of phytochemicals exhibiting health benefits of lowering risk of chronic diseases. As commonly consumed grain product, corn has unique profiles of nutrients and phytochemicals when compared with other whole grains. Corn nutrients and phytochemicals include vitamins (A, B, E, and K), minerals (Mg, P, and K), phenolic acids (ferulic acid, coumaric acid, and syringic acid), carotenoids and flavonoids (anthocyanins), and dietary fiber. More and more scientific evidences have shown that regular consumption of whole grain corn lowers the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity and improves digestive health. Further studies on bioactive compounds of corn related to health are needed. Keywords: Corn, Maize, Whole grains, Phytochemicals, Cardiovascular disease, Resistant starch, Type II diabetes, Diet and chronic diseases

The peel of thered-jambo concentrates lhe majority of the btoactive compounds and anüoxidant capacíty of the fruít. Mínor phenolíc compounds i.n thís pari of the fruít are stílí unknown, as well as rhe effect of its extracts in ín vuro and in vivo studies, In an ethanolic extract of red-jambo. a wider range cf phenolíc compounds was tnvestígated and the antíoxidant cellular antíoxídant activity and inhtbitiou of HepG2 cell proliferation were evaluated for the first time. Usíng HPLC·FLDIDAD for phenolíc cornpounds dctermlnatíon, gallíc acid, chlorogeníc actd and (- j-epígallocatechín gallate were found for the OOt time lu the peel of ili" red-jambo fruit, Til" anthocyaníns found (cyanidin 3,5-digItlcoside. cyanidin 3-g1ucoside and peonídín 3-g1ucoside) were the flavonoid class strongly correlated with me annoxídant capacíty methods used ia this study (cellular aatíoxidant actívíty and oxygen radical absorbance capacíty). The ethanolíc extract of ilie peel showed slgnlãcam effect 00 reducíng rhe tumoral cell growth and proliferation. Antlprolíferauve activlty of phytochemícals showed no sígnífícant correlauve relatíons wiili total phcnolíc compounds. flavonoíds and anthocyaníns, demonstratíng which lhe anuproliferative effect of the e.xtract could be due to the synergic act:ion among the compounds in redjambo peel. Made available in DSpace on 2019-11-01T18:07:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Redjambopeelextractshow2019.pdf: 511604 bytes, checksum: 9d4b0b6e3dbc0b38f2d3b10d272df5d3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2019

Tetramethylpyrazine is a bioactive compound found in Chinese black vinegar. This work is to investigate the potential effects of tetramethylpyrazine on intracellular cholesterol modulation in HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated that tetramethylpyrazine can induce intracellular cholesterol efflux. Tetramethylpyrazine may also improve endothelial function through its antioxidant effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species levels and increasing the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase. Tetramethylpyrazine increased liver X receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gene expression in HepG2 cells. Protein expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 was up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner (P

The longevity-promoting benefits of lactobacilli were hypothesized as early as 1907. Although the anti-aging effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been observed in nematodes, rodents and humans for over a century, the mechanisms underlying the effects of probiotics on aging have rarely been assessed. Using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, various studies have elucidated the role of different signaling cascades, especially the DAF-16 cascade, on lifespan extension by LAB. In this study, the mechanisms through which Bifidobacterium longum strain BB68 affects the longevity of C. elegans were assessed. The lifespan of nematodes increased by 28% after worms were fed BB68, and this extension of lifespan was completely lost in backgrounds containing a mutated DAF-16 gene. High levels of DAF-16 (in the daf-16 (mu86); muIs61 strain) nuclear accumulation and high expression of the SOD-3 gene (a DAF-16-specific target gene) were observed as a result of BB68 treatment. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that TIR-1 and JNK-1 are involved in the phosphorylation and activation of DAF-16. Thus, BB68 increased the longevity of nematodes by activating the TIR-1 – JNK-1 – DAF-16 signaling pathway, and the cell wall component of BB68 contributed to longevity.

Little work has been conducted on the evaluation of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of different sesame seed varieties. This article compared the total phenolics, antioxidant contents, and the antiproliferative activities of six varieties of white sesame seeds. Total contents of phenolics and flavonoids ranged between 370.5–786.8 mg GAE/100 g, DW and 714.0–1354.7 mg CE/100 g, DW, respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), hydrogen peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. According to the ORAC and PSC assays, the white sesame seeds showed high antioxidant values of 33.94 μmol Trolox equiv./g, DW and 9.39 μmol Vit. C equiv./g, DW, respectively. The free CAA values ranged from 55.66 to 224.45 μmol QE/100 g, DW in the no PBS wash protocol, and 21.88–57.36 μmol QE/100 g, DW in the PBS wash protocol. The proliferation of HepG2 human liver cancer cells were inhibited significantly after exposure to the white sesame seed extracts, with EC50 of antiproliferative activities ranging from 102.54 to 43.92 mg mL−1. Free phenolics make a major contribution to total phenolic content, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. This study suggested that white sesame seeds are potential sources of functional food to prevent chronic diseases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammation effects of blueberry extracts through NLRP3 inflammasome. The anti-inflammation activities of blueberry extracts were detected using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated the mononuclear macrophage (RAW264.7), and then detected the gene expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated specked-like protein (ASC) and inflammatory factor including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS. Blueberry extracts could significantly inhibit the gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS, but the inhibitions were showed differently among the varieties of Blomidom (BD), North Country (NC) and JK-M7 (JK). The protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the blueberry treated groups were significantly lower than the LPS treated group. Quercetin significantly inhibited LPS-induced ROS and inhibited the mRNA expression and protein levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in RAW264.7 cells.

Nobiletin (NOB), one of polymethoxyflavone existing in citrus fruits, has been reported to exhibit a multitude of biological properties, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-atherosclerosis, neuroprotection, and anti-tumor activity. However, little is known about the anti-aging effect of NOB. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of NOB on lifespan, stress resistance, and its associated gene expression. Using Caenorhabditis elegans, an in vivo nematode model, we found that NOB remarkably extended the lifespan; slowed aging-related functional declines; and increased the resistance against various stressors, including heat shock and ultraviolet radiation. Also, NOB reduced the effects of paraquat stressor on nematodes and scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, gene expression revealed that NOB upregulated the expression of sod-3, hsp-16.2, gst-4, skn-1, sek-1, and sir-2.1, which was suggested that anti-aging activity of NOB was mediated most likely by activation of the target genes of the transcription factors including dauer formation (DAF)-16, heat-shock transcription factor (HSF)-1, and skinhead (SKN)-1. In summary, NOB has potential application in extension of lifespan, and its associated healthspan and stress resistances.

Orange, with various bioactive phytochemicals, exerts various beneficial health effects, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its anti-aging effects remain unclear. In this study, the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model was used to evaluate the effects of orange extracts on lifespan and stress resistance. The results indicated that orange extracts dose-dependently increased the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 10.5%, 18.0%, and 26.2% at the concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, orange extracts promoted the healthspan by improving motility, and decreasing the accumulation of age pigment and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels without damaging fertility. The survival rates of orange extract-fed worms were obviously higher than those of untreated worms against thermal and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly enhanced while malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were diminished. Further investigation revealed that worms supplemented with orange extracts resulted in upregulated levels of genes, including daf-16, sod-3, gst-4, sek-1, and skn-1, and the downregulation of age-1 expression. These findings revealed that orange extracts have potential anti-aging effects through extending the lifespan, enhancing stress resistance, and promoting the healthspan.

Maternal obesity has been reported to be related to neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. However, the underlying mechanisms and effective interventions remain unclear. This cross-sectional study with 778 children aged 7-14 years in China indicated that maternal obesity is strongly associated with children's lower cognition and sociality. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that maternal obesity in mice disrupted the behavior and gut microbiome in offspring, both of which were restored by a high-fiber diet in either dams or offspring via alleviating synaptic impairments and microglial maturation defects. Co-housing and feces microbiota transplantation experiments revealed a causal relationship between microbiota and behavioral changes. Moreover, treatment with the microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids also alleviated the behavioral deficits in the offspring of obese dams. Together, our study indicated that the microbiota-metabolites-brain axis may underlie maternal obesity-induced cognitive and social dysfunctions and that high dietary fiber intake could be a promising intervention.

The phenolic contents, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of Malus doumeri were evaluated. Heyuanxiaoguo variety contained higher level of total phenolics (101.9 mg GAE/g fruit, DW), whereas Xinyishanzha variety exhibited the highest total flavonoids (85.35 mg CE/g fruit, DW), and highest cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. Higher ORAC and PSC values were found in Limushan variety. Chlorogenic acid, phloretin-2′-xyloglucoside and ursolic acid were the predominant phenolics in M. doumeri , their contents were highest in Limushan (1850 mg/100g fruit, DW), Xinyishanzha (2212 mg/100g fruit, DW), and Heyuanxiaoguo variety (506.3 mg/100g fruit, DW), respectively. Among the 14 compounds identified, chlorogenic acid and phloretin glycosides accounted for 55.95% of the extracellular antioxidant capacity, while quercetin, luteolin, ursolic acid, and chlorogenic acid contributed significantly to the intracellular antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the intracellular antioxidant property of the Xinyishanzha extracts was related to the protection of endogenous antioxidant enzymes activities and inhibition of reactive oxygen species production.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of four cultivars of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola). The free, bound and total phenolic contents of the four cultivars were 162.5–286.8, 6.4–19.7, and 174.5–293.1 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g fresh weight (FW), respectively. The free, bound and total flavonoid contents were 100.7–234.0, 1.1–7.8, and 104.4–235.1 mg catechin equivalents per 100 g FW, respectively. The cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) values with or without a phosphate buffered saline wash protocol ranged from 25.80 to 63.29 and from 32.41 to 68.96 μmol quercetin equivalents per 100 g FW, respectively. The Taiguo cultivar had the highest phytochemical content and antioxidant activity among the four cultivars tested. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, epicatechin, isoquercetin and procyanidin B2 in Averrhoa carambola. The type of cultivars influenced the phytochemical profile and extractability, antioxidant activity, and ultimately health-promoting potential of star fruit.

Tremella fuciformis Berk, a popular nutritious mushroom in China, has attracted increasing attention due to its various bioactivities. In the present work, T. fuciformis polysaccharides (TP) were extracted with hot water. It mainly consisted of mannose, as well as 10.77% (w/w) uronic acid. In additional, the anti-photoaging effects of TP were evaluated using a 30-day UV-irradiated animal assay. TP could efficiently reduce the water and collagen losses of the skin, and inhibit the increase of glycosaminoglycans. Moreover, a histopathological study showed that, UV-induced skin structural alterations were alleviated as well as repairing endogenous collagen breakdown and maintaining the ratio of type I/III collagen, after oral treatment of TP. The activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT were increased compared to the irradiated control group without treatment. Accordingly, TP can be used as a potential functional food supplement for skin function protection.