{"title":"Methionine-Mediated H3K4me3 Reduction by Caffeine Intake Regulates Embryonic Viability and Oxidative Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans","authors":"Mijin Lee, Kyong-Tai Kim, Yhong-Hee Shim","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70639","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70639","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Maternal nutrition influences fertility and offspring health, with effects often transmitted across generations. Although caffeine intake has been linked to both beneficial and adverse outcomes, the molecular mechanisms underlying its intergenerational effects remain poorly understood. This study investigated whether maternal caffeine intake affects embryonic viability and offspring physiology through methionine-dependent alterations in H3K4me3 using <i>Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)</i>. <i>C. elegans</i> mothers were fed caffeine and examined for changes in H3K4me3 levels, eggshell integrity, and stress physiology. Maternal caffeine intake reduced global H3K4me3 levels, and a reduction was also observed in adult offspring. Caffeine-fed mothers showed increased eggshell permeability from 9.9% to 27.8% and embryonic lethality from 2.4% to 5.2%. These changes were accompanied by reduced expression of <i>cbd-1</i> and <i>perm-1</i>, which contribute to vitelline layer and permeability barrier formation. Methionine supplementation restored global H3K4me3 levels, reduced eggshell permeability and embryonic lethality, and partially recovered the expression of eggshell formation genes, <i>cbd-1</i> and <i>perm-1</i>. Surviving offspring from caffeine-fed mothers showed no significant changes in the expression of the examined eggshell formation genes but exhibited enhanced oxidative stress resistance with DAF-16 nuclear localization. Therefore, maternal caffeine intake was associated with methionine-dependent H3K4me3 reduction and distinct developmental and physiological outcomes in mothers and surviving offspring.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 21","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149316507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ana Paula Domínguez Rubio, Cecilia Luciana D´Antoni, María Noé Garcia, Daniel Grasso, Antonio Marcilla, Oscar Edgardo Pérez, Mariana Piuri
{"title":"Probiotic Extracellular Vesicles: Bridging Lacticaseibacillus casei and the Intestinal Epithelium","authors":"Ana Paula Domínguez Rubio, Cecilia Luciana D´Antoni, María Noé Garcia, Daniel Grasso, Antonio Marcilla, Oscar Edgardo Pérez, Mariana Piuri","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70632","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70632","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The mechanisms underlying the health benefits of probiotics remain incompletely understood. Among the proposed mediators, bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as mediators of interkingdom communication between probiotic bacteria and their hosts. In this study, we show that <i>Lacticaseibacillus casei</i> BL23 releases higher EV levels during late stationary phase, with a predominant population of ∼113 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the ultrastructural morphology of the EV preparations. Proteomic analysis revealed enrichment of proteins associated with probiotic function, including P40 and P75, as well as adhesion-related moonlighting proteins such as glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and enolase implicated in interactions with intestinal mucus and epithelial cells.</p>\u0000 <p><i>L. casei</i> BL23–derived EVs showed dose-dependent interactions with mucin and with differentiated Caco-2 epithelial monolayers in vitro. Using Transwell systems, we further demonstrated that intact EVs cross these polarized monolayers within 240 min. Super-resolution microscopy further revealed time-dependent uptake and intracellular trafficking of fluorescently-labeled EVs. Together, these findings, obtained in vitro, are consistent with a role for probiotic-derived EVs as postbiotics capable of mediating microbiota–host interactions at the intestinal barrier, providing the experimental basis for future validation in more complex physiological models.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 21","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149304252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanisms of Medicine-Food Homologous Plant Compounds in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Semi-Systematic Review","authors":"Yuan Jia, Senjun Liu, Xin Fu","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70559","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70559","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The global burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising, shifting focus toward dietary interventions. Bioactive compounds from medicine-food homologous (MFH) plants bridge nutrition and pharmacotherapy, yet a holistic synthesis of their molecular mechanisms is lacking. A semi-systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (2017–2026) identified 21 original articles on 12 species of MFH plants from the Chinese National Health Commission's catalogue. These MFH-derived bioactive compounds exert anti-diabetic effects through diverse mechanisms collectively targeting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These include: improving insulin resistance (IR) via IRS/PI3K/Akt and AMPK signaling; reducing oxidative stress via endogenous antioxidant defenses; suppressing inflammation through NF-κB and TLR4 pathways; modulating gut microbiota and enhancing short-chain fatty acids; improving lipid metabolism; increasing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion; and inhibiting ferroptosis. Individual plants often act via multiple pathways, though predominant mechanisms vary. The reviewed evidence suggests MFH-derived bioactive compounds may act as multi-target regulators, indicating a potential adjunctive role in diabetes care. High-quality clinical trials are needed to standardize dosages and validate long-term efficacy.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149259042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Marine-Derived Functional Foods for Host-Directed Tuberculosis Therapy: Immunomodulatory Mechanisms and Host–Pathogen Crosstalk","authors":"Fitiara Indah Permatasari, Linda Dewanti, Manik Retno Wahyunitisari, Arya Satya Rajanagara, Antonello Santini, Fahrul Nurkolis","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70631","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70631","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, motivating research into marine-derived compounds as potential host-directed adjuncts. This systematic review synthesized seven eligible experimental studies identified through a semantic literature search, evaluating omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fucoxanthin, caulerpin, and fucoidan. Findings were synthesized narratively because methodological heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. No included study directly evaluated marine-derived peptides or peptide hydrolysates. Caulerpin reduced intracellular <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> burden, but its NLRP3 and cytokine effects were examined in a non-tuberculous mycobacterial model. Fucoxanthin-containing fractions demonstrated direct antimycobacterial activity and reduced organ bacterial burden without establishing a causal host-directed pathway in TB. Fucoidan microparticles supported drug delivery; growth inhibition was demonstrated for an isoniazid/rifabutin-containing formulation, without establishing an independent fucoidan effect. Omega-3 PUFAs yielded contradictory findings, impairing macrophage antimicrobial activity in vitro while reducing bacterial burden in some animal models. Differences in host species, nutritional status, granuloma pathology, and intervention timing may explain these discrepancies. Marine-derived compounds show preliminary potential, but host-associated outcomes, direct antimicrobial activity, and formulation effects require separate interpretation. Heterogeneous preclinical designs and limited safety evidence constrain translation. Further research should establish TB-specific mechanisms, evaluate safety, and investigate peptides and adjunctive combinations with conventional therapy.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149258722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lidia Saidi, Emmanuel Snacel-Fazy, Eva Seipelt, Nicole Haroun, Julien Astier, Charlène Couturier, Mohamed El Soltani, Eric Sérée, Flavie Sicard, Habib Hammou, Michel Puceat, Jean-François Landrier, Lourdes Mounien
{"title":"Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency is Associated With Sex-Dependent Alterations in Neurodevelopment-Related Gene Expression, Particularly in the Hypothalamus","authors":"Lidia Saidi, Emmanuel Snacel-Fazy, Eva Seipelt, Nicole Haroun, Julien Astier, Charlène Couturier, Mohamed El Soltani, Eric Sérée, Flavie Sicard, Habib Hammou, Michel Puceat, Jean-François Landrier, Lourdes Mounien","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70633","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70633","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Vitamin D (VD) is essential for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism but also for brain development and function. However, few data are available on the impact of maternal VD deficiency (VDD) on sex-specific brain development, particularly in specific structures such as hypothalamus. This study investigated the impact of maternal VDD on early brain development, neuronal and glial differentiation, and hypothalamic gene expression in mice. Maternal VDD was associated with increased mRNA expression of markers related to neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis in both sexes, while mRNA expression of astrocyte-related markers remained largely unchanged. Male offspring exhibited broader transcriptomic alterations, including dysregulation of melanocortin-pathway and synaptic signaling genes, in the hypothalamus of early postnatal and adult mice. Maternal VDD was associated with sex-dependent changes in gene expression relevant to early brain development, with altered mRNA expression of markers involved in neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis in both sexes. Male offspring exhibited transcriptomic changes, including altered expression of melanocortin-pathway and synaptic signaling genes, further suggesting greater susceptibility of hypothalamic gene expression to maternal VDD. These findings indicate that maternal VDD may influence neurodevelopmental gene expression during early life, potentially contributing to later alterations in synaptic function, metabolism, and behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mnfr.70633","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149258585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Probiotics on GI Symptom Management in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials","authors":"Soumili Bagui, Ashutosh Nanda, Gargi Dey","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70634","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70634","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Autism spectrum disorder has increased worldwide over the past few decades. Medical comorbidities are common in patients with ASD, with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases being especially common. Involvement of the gut-brain axis that communicates between the enteric and central nervous systems has been confirmed by several studies that have reported abnormal microbiota profiles in ASD subjects. In this review, a systematic database search was conducted. Six trials were included in the subgroup analysis that compared probiotic therapy with single or multiple strains to a placebo with respect to gastrointestinal severity index. The pooled effect size model revealed a slight decrease in gastrointestinal symptoms that favored probiotic supplementation (SMD = −0.189; 95% CI = −0.398 to 0.020; Z = −1.773, p = 0.07; I<sup>2</sup> = 39.4%). There was a moderate level of heterogeneity among the included studies. Additionally, the effects of single-strain and multiple-strain probiotic formulations were compared to their respective placebo groups using subgroup analysis. The results demonstrated that single-strain probiotic medication reduced gastrointestinal symptoms when compared to the placebo group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between multiple-strain probiotic therapy and a placebo. To accurately establish the therapeutic effects of probiotics on ASD, more randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are required.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149258584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigating the Effects and Mechanism of Phytosterols in Reducing Liver Cholesterol in L02 Cells and Golden Hamsters","authors":"Ruxia Wang, Linfang Hu, Yue Tu, Zhenya Zhai, Kaimin Niu, Weirong Zeng, Xiongchang Guo, Shaofei Li, Liang Jiang, Jianping Liu, Huiping Liu","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70637","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70637","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study examines the cholesterol-lowering effects of soybean sterols (SS) in L02 cells and hamsters via SREBP-2/LXRα. Methods: Using L02 cells and hamsters as research subjects, we conducted an analysis on the impact of soybean sterols (SS) on the assimilation, synthesis, and elimination of cholesterol from hepatic cells. Through metabolomic profiling, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which soybean sterols lower cholesterol levels. Results: SS orchestrated a reduction in total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels through the regulation of genes associated with cholesterol absorption and biosynthesis in L02 cells. In hamsters, SS supplementation led to a dosage-dependent decrease in TC and free cholesterol (FC) in serum and livers. Furthermore, the potential mechanism underlying SS-induced cholesterol lowering may involve modulation of metabolites such as StE (22:6), PE (29:1/18:2), and ZyE (18:3). Interestingly, it was found that SS had a minimal impact on TG levels, but excessive SS led to an increase in TG levels. Conclusions: The discoveries underscore the advantageous influence of phytosterols on hepatic cholesterol metabolism; however, given the effects of phytosterols on TG, caution should be exercised in the intake dosage. This research lays down a fundamental cornerstone for the prevention and treatment of elevated cholesterol levels.</p>\u0000 <p><i>Practical Application</i>: This study provides a mechanistic basis for the cholesterol-lowering benefits of soybean-derived phytosterols, demonstrating their direct role in regulating hepatic cholesterol synthesis and excretion. The findings support the inclusion of phytosterols in functional foods or dietary supplements for managing hypercholesterolemia. However, the observed dose-dependent effect on triglycerides—with the highest dose increasing TG levels—serves as a critical translational caution. It underscores that while phytosterols are effective for cholesterol reduction, excessive intake beyond recommended dietary guidelines (approximately 2 g/day in humans) may have unintended metabolic consequences. This research informs both the development of phytosterol-enriched products and the establishment of safe intake recommendations for cardiovascular health promotion.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149258582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Žan Zupančič, Geoffrey M. Provenzano, Calvin Chen, Gena L. Irwin, Alexander V. Ulanov, Nicholas A. Burd
{"title":"Whole-Food Protein Sources Differentially Modulate Postprandial Plasma Dileucine Profiles in the Post-Exercise State","authors":"Žan Zupančič, Geoffrey M. Provenzano, Calvin Chen, Gena L. Irwin, Alexander V. Ulanov, Nicholas A. Burd","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70628","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70628","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Dileucine, a leucine-containing dipeptide, may enhance anabolic signaling more than leucine alone. This study examined postprandial plasma dileucine and leucine concentrations after ingesting animal- and plant- whole foods and their association with muscle protein synthesis rates (MPS). Secondary analysis was performed on plasma samples collected from two randomized controlled trials totaling 26 healthy adults (25 ± 4.3 y). Participants consumed low-fat pork (LFP), high-fat ground pork (HFP), complementary rice and beans (COMP), an iso-nitrogenous mixed nutrient beverage (ISO), or a carbohydrate control (CHO). Plasma concentrations and MPS was measured. Plasma dileucine increased significantly only after LFP ingestion (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with a greater 300-min iAUC compared to CHO (<i>p</i> = 0.038). Plasma leucine increased in all conditions except COMP and CHO with LFP demonstrating the highest concentrations (<i>p</i> < 0.05). A modest correlation was observed between dileucine C<i>max</i> and the change in MPS (ΔMPS; r = 0.436, <i>p</i> = 0.037), whereas leucine C<i>max</i> showed no significant association (r = 0.265, <i>p</i> = 0.102). Whole-food protein sources generally do not elevate plasma dileucine, except for LFP. While dileucine C<sub>max</sub> correlated with ΔMPS, the strength of this relationship suggests dileucine is likely one of several postprandial factors influencing MPS beyond free leucine.</p>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mnfr.70628","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149218617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bitter 2,5-Diketopiperazines From Cocoa Activate Human Bitter Taste Receptors","authors":"Silvia Schaefer, Adolfo Luna, Maik Behrens","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70618","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70618","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The human taste system enables a rapid analysis of nutritional and non-nutritional food constituents. Although a bitter taste is considered a warning signal against ingesting potentially harmful substances, not all bitter substances are toxic, and a moderate bitterness is frequently tolerated or even preferred. Responsible for the detection of bitter substances in food are the ∼25 human bitter taste receptors residing in the oral cavity. An important class of bitter compounds found in thermally treated foods is the 2,5-diketopiperazines, cyclic dipeptides made from two L-amino acids, which are frequently formed as degradation products of polypeptides. Although 2,5-diketopiperazines are established as major contributors to the bitter taste of many food items, it is still unknown which of the human bitter taste receptors mediate their detection. Using functional calcium-mobilization assays, we identified two human bitter taste receptors, TAS2R14 and TAS2R43, being responsive to 2,5-diketopiperazines. Of the two identified 2,5-diketopiperazines activating TAS2R43, <i>cis</i>-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Phe) exhibited the highest potency with a threshold concentration of 100 µM. Further testing of 2,5-diketopiperazine-related linear dipeptides revealed that 2,5-diketopiperazines represent their own class of bitter compounds, as no overlapping activation patterns with the corresponding dipeptides were evident.</p>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mnfr.70618","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149214726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}