{"title":"Characterization, Analysis, and Alleviating Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharides Derived From Agardhiella subulata on Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice","authors":"Pitchurajan Krishna Perumal, Choirul Anwar, Yu-Chen Huang, Pei-Pei Sun, Ching-Shu Lai","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70548","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70548","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) adversely affects the reproductive system. <i>Agardhiella subulata</i> extracts are known for their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, yet their effects against DEHP-induced testicular toxicity remain unclear. This study investigated the extraction, characterization, and protective effects of <i>A. subulata</i> sulfated polysaccharide (ASP) against DEHP-induced testicular damage. Autoclave-assisted extraction yielded 40.4% ASP. Chemical and structural characterization using HPLC and NMR identified ASP as a sulfated carrageenan predominantly composed of β-Gal4S and DA2S, with minor impurities. In mice exposed to DEHP (200 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks, ASP treatment (50 or 200 mg/kg/day via oral gavage) significantly improved testicular weight, sperm count, and motility, while alleviating seminiferous tubule atrophy and germinal epithelium degeneration. ASP attenuated oxidative stress by normalizing MDA, SOD, and GSH levels. Mechanistically, ASP activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway, suppressed caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression, reduced inflammation, and enhanced steroidogenesis by increasing stAR and 3β-HSD expression and serum testosterone levels. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ASP effectively mitigated DEHP-induced testicular toxicity through antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and steroidogenic mechanisms. These findings suggest that ASP is a promising natural agent for protecting against DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity and improving testicular function. Thereby supporting SDG goals 3, 12, and 15.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148560365","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}
Ahmad Mujtaba Noman, Muhammad Tauseef Sultan, Aroob Fatima, Zoha Saleem, Naima Tariq, Hassan Raza
{"title":"Antidiabetic and Anti-Obesity Effects of Betalains: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence","authors":"Ahmad Mujtaba Noman, Muhammad Tauseef Sultan, Aroob Fatima, Zoha Saleem, Naima Tariq, Hassan Raza","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70552","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70552","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity represent major global health challenges, largely driven by unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles. Growing interest in natural bioactives as complementary strategies is increasing. Betalains, primarily derived from <i>Beta vulgaris</i>, exhibit notable antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties, highlighting their therapeutic potential. This systematic review evaluates the antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects of betalains based on in vitro and in vivo evidence. Literature published between 2015 and 2025 was retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies assessed betalains effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, while reviews and irrelevant reports were excluded. Out of 508 identified studies, only 12 met the inclusion criteria. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO under ID 1357942. Risk of bias was assessed using the OHAT tool for in vitro studies and the SYRCLE tool for animal studies. Betalains demonstrated significant metabolic benefits by reducing triglyceride accumulation, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and NF-κB activation, while increasing insulin, adiponectin, and HDL-C levels. They also downregulated total cholesterol, LDL-C, and lipogenic markers (PPARγ, SREBP-1c). Overall, betalains show potential as natural agents against diabetes and obesity; however, well-designed clinical trials with standardized dosing are needed to confirm long-term efficacy.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148534072","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":"Effects of Low Methionine Intake on Gastric Ulcer in Patients and Mice: Role of the NNMT Pathway","authors":"Saiying Meng, Fuhao Chen, Jiahao Chen, Yangzhuo Lin, Rui Chen, Qingmin Yan, Qihan Qin, Run Yu, Ping Jiang, Guoqing Wu","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70551","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70551","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Excessive methionine intake exacerbates gastrointestinal toxicity in mice. Conversely, dietary methionine restriction (MR) suppressed the invasiveness and spread of gastric cancer cells. However, its effects on gastric ulcers (GU) remain unclear. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between methionine intake and GU risk and the role and regulatory mechanism of MR in mice with GU. Logistic regression analysis of the population data showed a significant positive correlation between higher methionine intake and elevated GU risk in adults aged 18–50 years (OR = 1.016, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.005–1.028, <i>p</i> = 0.024). Patients showed notably higher methionine intake levels than healthy controls. GU model mice (Male C57BL/6 mice, 11 weeks old, n = 6/group) treated with MR exhibited significant alleviation of gastric bleeding, edema, and inflammation, a reduction in the ulcer index, and 62.65% inhibition of GU. Furthermore, based on the unique metabolic pathway of methionine, this study demonstrated that MR inhibited gastric nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) expression and elevated the NAD<sup>+</sup>/NADH ratio and Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) protein expression, thereby lowering IL-1β and IL-6 levels and normalizing the levels of proapoptotic proteins. MR alleviated GU through the NNMT/NAD<sup>+</sup>/SIRT3 pathway.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148534070","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}
Seoyeon Chae, Eunji Jeong, Jin Woo Kim, Sunhye Lee
{"title":"Microalgal Unsaponifiable Matter Ameliorates Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction Through Intestinal Barrier Restoration and Gut Microbiota Modulation","authors":"Seoyeon Chae, Eunji Jeong, Jin Woo Kim, Sunhye Lee","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70542","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.70542","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Estrogen deficiency contributes to intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances during the postmenopausal period. This study investigated the protective potential of microalgal unsaponifiable matter (MU) derived from Chlorella sp. against epithelial disruption and metabolic impairments associated with estrogen deficiency. MU was evaluated in tumor necrosis factor-α-challenged Caco-2 cells and ovariectomized mice. In vitro, MU (5–20 µg/mL) preserved cell viability, restored transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and maintained tight junction proteins while suppressing nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells–related cytokine expression. In vivo, MU improved feed efficiency, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hepatic enzyme markers and reduced systemic and adipose tissue inflammation. MU also enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, increased mucin 2 expression, and partially normalized gut microbiota composition, including improvements in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. These compositional changes were associated with improvements in metabolic and inflammatory parameters, though causal relationships between specific microbial taxa and functional outcomes remain to be established. Collectively, these findings suggest that MU supports intestinal barrier protection, attenuates inflammation, and is associated with improved metabolic outcomes under estrogen-deficient conditions</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148534069","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}
Shiyu Chen, Chunchao Nie, Yuting Wang, Ziyan Guo, Kaichang Zhao, Qiang Yu, Jianhua Xie, Yi Chen
{"title":"The Ganoderma atrum Polysaccharide PSG-1 Attenuates Acrylamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Modulating the FXR-FGF15-Mediated Gut-Liver Axis","authors":"Shiyu Chen, Chunchao Nie, Yuting Wang, Ziyan Guo, Kaichang Zhao, Qiang Yu, Jianhua Xie, Yi Chen","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70543","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70543","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Acrylamide (AA), a widespread food-processing contaminant, induces intestinal injury and hepatotoxicity by disrupting barrier function, redox balance, bile acid metabolism, and gut microbial ecology. This study examined the protective benefits of <i>Ganoderma atrum</i> polysaccharide (PSG-1), focusing on the gut-liver axis. PSG-1 reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bile acid (TBA) levels and improved liver histology. It also restored antioxidant defense by enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities while lowering malondialdehyde (MDA). At the intestinal level, PSG-1 alleviated barrier disruption and reversed gut dysbiosis, restoring <i>Lactobacillus</i> abundance. This microbial modulation coincided with reactivation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) pathway, which normalized hepatic cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) expression and improved bile acid homeostasis. PSG-1 also corrected retinol metabolism disorders by reducing lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) and restoring retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). These results demonstrate that PSG-1 protects against AA-induced intestinal and hepatic injury through coordinated regulation of oxidative stress, gut microbiota composition, and FXR-mediated bile acid signaling along the gut-liver axis.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148454071","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}
Zihan Zhao, Xiangjun Zhou, Peter Muro, Hua Jiang, Hao Kong, Suohua Wu, Yong Zhou, Fei Mao, Dongming Yao
{"title":"Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside Alleviates Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Targeting the NF-κB Pathway and is Associated With Alterations in 1-DNJ","authors":"Zihan Zhao, Xiangjun Zhou, Peter Muro, Hua Jiang, Hao Kong, Suohua Wu, Yong Zhou, Fei Mao, Dongming Yao","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70539","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70539","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by immune dysregulation and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a natural anthocyanin with anti-inflammatory properties, shows therapeutic potential, though its mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study evaluated the effects of C3G on intestinal inflammation, microbiota, metabolites, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in BALB/c mice. In vitro RAW264.7 cells were used to assess pathway involvement. Molecular and histological analyses were performed using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining, while microbiota and metabolite profiles were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing and UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS. C3G attenuated colitis severity, improved histological damage, increased interleukin-10, and reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. NF-κB activation was inhibited, accompanied by enhanced anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization. C3G also altered gut microbiota composition, reducing pathogenic taxa and enriching beneficial microbes. Metabolomic analysis identified 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) as associated with C3G treatment. Overall, C3G modulates inflammatory responses, microbiota composition, and NF-κB signaling in experimental colitis and is associated with changes in 1-DNJ, warranting further mechanistic investigation.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148434621","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}
Nidhi V. Maheshwari, Kavita Gowda, Isha Shendye, Seema Sambrani
{"title":"Finger Millet: A Genetic Resource for Calcium and Iron Biofortification in Staple Crops","authors":"Nidhi V. Maheshwari, Kavita Gowda, Isha Shendye, Seema Sambrani","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70550","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70550","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are one of the major health concerns worldwide. Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, have negatively impacted human health globally. These deficiencies, particularly calcium and iron, have a negative impact on the overall growth and development of an individual. Hence, it is necessary to search, and adopt new strategies which will help curb these deficiencies as well as enhance the nutritional content of the food. Biofortification is one promising approach which utilizes conventional as well as modern plant breeding techniques to enhance the nutritional content of food. Finger millet (FM, <i>Eleusine coracana</i> (L.) Gaertn), a crop rich in nutrients such as calcium, iron, and dietary fibers, thus serves as an ideal candidate for this approach. The current review explores the biofortification approach and the use of FM in combating food and nutrition security challenges. Additionally, this review also highlights the key genes and gene families involved in the uptake, transport, and storage of calcium and iron. Emphasis is also placed on the current scenario and usage of molecular markers for improvement and selection of FM varieties with desired traits.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148434696","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}
Mónica Sánchez-Tapia, Sandra Tobón-Cornejo, Martha Guevara-Cruz, Laura A. Velázquez-Villegas, Rogelio Hernández-Pando, Adriana López-Barradas, Rocio Guizar-Heredia, Otoniel Maya, Janette Furuzawa-Carballeda, Rosa Rebollar-Vega, Ariana Vargas-Castillo, Nimbe Torres, Armando R. Tovar
{"title":"PPARα Dependent Regulation of Gut Microbiota: Implication for Host Metabolic Homeostasis","authors":"Mónica Sánchez-Tapia, Sandra Tobón-Cornejo, Martha Guevara-Cruz, Laura A. Velázquez-Villegas, Rogelio Hernández-Pando, Adriana López-Barradas, Rocio Guizar-Heredia, Otoniel Maya, Janette Furuzawa-Carballeda, Rosa Rebollar-Vega, Ariana Vargas-Castillo, Nimbe Torres, Armando R. Tovar","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70549","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70549","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a key regulator of lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. However, its role in shaping the gut microbiota requires further investigation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether the lack of PPARα in a mouse model or the presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6008259 of PPARα in humans can modulate the gut microbiota and its association with metabolic alterations. PPARα<sup>−/−</sup> and PPAR<sup>+/+</sup> male mice were fed an AIN-93 diet for 10 days, and a human cohort (<i>n</i> = 177) was genotyped for the PPARα SNP rs6008259. PPARα<sup>−/−</sup> mice showed less body weight gain, more fat mass and reduced lean mass compared to WT, despite similar food intake. They exhibited elevated hepatic triglycerides and hyperlipidemia. In humans, carriers of the rs6008259 allele of PPARα showed similar findings in blood lipids and body composition. Colonic analysis revealed reduced hypoxia in PPARα<sup>−/−</sup> mice, increased inflammatory markers, and compromised barrier function. Gut microbiota analysis in PPARα<sup>−/−</sup> mice and humans, carriers of the rs6008259 allele of PPARα showed reduced alpha diversity and altered composition, including increased <i>Blautia, Parabacteroides</i> and <i>Lanchoclostridium</i>. Genetic background is important in the interpretation on the effects of diet on gut microbiota.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148434266","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":"Effect of Pea Protein and Arabinoxylans Mixtures as Emulsifiers on Vitamin E Absorption in Mice","authors":"Angélique Berthomé, Donato Vairo, Charlotte Sabran, Katherine Alvarado-Ramos, Ángela Bravo-Núñez, Emmanuelle Reboul","doi":"10.1002/mnfr.70544","DOIUrl":"10.1002/mnfr.70544","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pea protein isolate(PPI) and corn arabinoxylans (CAX) as emulsifiers on vitamin E bioavailability. The potential of PPI and CAX as emulsifiers for vitamin E delivery was evaluated by assessing their effect on: (i) vitamin E uptake by cultured human Caco-2 intestinal cells and (ii) vitamin E postprandial response to 10% oil-in-water emulsion enriched in vitamin E in a murine model. Tween 80 (T80) was used as a control emulsifier. A decreased <i>α</i>-tocopherol uptake by Caco-2 cells was observed when using PPI as emulsifier compared to the T80 condition. When combining PPI and CAX, especially at low doses of CAX, <i>α</i>-tocopherol uptake was equivalent to that measured when using T80. In mice, the postprandial response of vitamin E was significantly lower when using PPI + CAX as emulsifiers compared to T80. These results contrast with previous in vitro data, where vitamin E bioaccessibility did not differ when using T80 or PPI + CAX. Models for predicting the bioavailability of lipophilic nutrients when complex plant-based delivery systems are involved may not always translate to physiological efficacy, supporting the need for validation with in vivo models.</p>","PeriodicalId":212,"journal":{"name":"Molecular Nutrition & Food Research","volume":"70 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mnfr.70544","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148434605","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}