Dan Zhang , Xueli Xia , Haisheng Wu , Wenxin Wang , Kai Yin , Shengjun Wang
{"title":"The potential application of a ketogenic diet in type 1 diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis","authors":"Dan Zhang , Xueli Xia , Haisheng Wu , Wenxin Wang , Kai Yin , Shengjun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107217","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107217","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ketogenic diets, which are characterized by high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake, have attracted increasing interest because of their potential functional relevance to metabolic and neuroimmune regulation. Available evidence suggests that ketogenic diets may modulate inflammatory and immune-related pathways and alter the composition of the gut microbiota. In individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus, ketogenic dietary approaches have been associated with glycaemic stability, body weight regulation, and potential effects on mood- and cognition-related outcomes. In patients with multiple sclerosis, ketogenic diets may be associated with changes in sleep quality, gut microbial fermentation, muscle-related outcomes, and neuroprotective processes. Evidence from small and observational studies suggests potential associations between ketogenic dietary approaches and quality-of-life– related outcomes in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis; however, the current findings remain preliminary and are insufficient to establish efficacy and safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 107217"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385553","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}
Chushan Chen , Juntao Xie , Junjie Li , Guiqi Zhou , Xin Yu , Pinghua Sun , Haibo Zhou , Rui Xu , Huiqin Lu , Rufeng Luo , Junxia Zheng
{"title":"Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharides alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus in mice through gut microbiota and metabolic modulation","authors":"Chushan Chen , Juntao Xie , Junjie Li , Guiqi Zhou , Xin Yu , Pinghua Sun , Haibo Zhou , Rui Xu , Huiqin Lu , Rufeng Luo , Junxia Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural polysaccharides show considerable promise in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). <em>Mesona chinensis</em> Benth polysaccharides (MP), traditionally consumed in East Asia for their metabolic benefits, exhibit anti-diabetic potential, although their mechanisms of action remain incompletely defined. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of MP and elucidated the underlying mechanisms, with a focus on the intestinal–metabolic axis in a T2DM mouse model. The chemical composition of MP was first characterized, followed by evaluation of its in vivo efficacy in modulating pancreatic β-cell function, systemic oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and gut microbiota composition. MP was found to consist predominantly of galactose (31.3%) and galacturonic acid (32.6%). In T2DM mice, MP treatment effectively alleviated pancreatic β-cell damage, reduced oxidative stress, and suppressed inflammatory responses. Moreover, MP markedly reshaped the gut microbiota, notably increasing the abundance of <em>Dorea</em> and <em>Bifidobacterium</em>, and regulated associated lipid and energy metabolic pathways. Collectively, these results demonstrate that MP exerts pronounced anti-diabetic effects by restoring host metabolic homeostasis through coordinated modulation of the gut–metabolic axis. These findings support the potential application of MP as a functional food ingredient for the prevention and management of T2DM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"138 ","pages":"Article 107216"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385554","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}
Jing Wu , Yimin Shi , Yanyan Ke , Yaping Xu , Ta-Hui Lin , Jie Wang , Huaxiu Sui , Xue Yi
{"title":"The role of a high-salt diet in the modulation of silicosis","authors":"Jing Wu , Yimin Shi , Yanyan Ke , Yaping Xu , Ta-Hui Lin , Jie Wang , Huaxiu Sui , Xue Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2025.107141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Silicosis remains a significant occupational health threat worldwide, affecting millions of workers in various industries. To better understand its underlying mechanisms and identify new intervention targets, the current study explores the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis. Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) has been found to be an important marker for SiO<sub>2</sub>-induced activation and phenotypic transformation of alveolar type II epithelial cells(ACE2). Moreover, the interaction between OC-STAMP and Moesin is important for regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recently, it has been found that a high-salt diet (HSD) may enhance antitumor immune responses and inhibit tumor EMT, achieving antitumor effects. To investigate the role of an HSD in silicosis fibrosis, we intervened with a diet containing 4 % NaCl in a rat model of silicosis to study its effects. The experimental results showed that the HSD slowed the progression of silicosis fibrosis. It was able to downregulate the expression of OC-STAMP, thereby inhibiting the ferroptosis of ACE2, which contributed to the attenuation of lung fibrosis. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, SiO<sub>2</sub> induced ACE2 to produce excessive ROS, Fe<sup>2+</sup>, MDA, and HYP, which could be corrected by a HSD. In a SiO<sub>2</sub>-induced fibrosis model, high salt reverses ferroptosis and the fibrosis phenotype. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we screened for the OC-STAMP potential interacting protein Moesin, which acts together with OC-STAMP to regulate downstream ferroptosis. High salt downregulates OC-STAMP levels to inhibit fibrosis, which is involved in ferroptosis. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that high salt inhibits ferroptosis in epithelial cells and delays lung fibrosis by regulating OC-STAMP/Moesin interactions, offering insights into the pathogenesis of silicosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107141"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923593","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}
Gwang-Pyo Ko , Hyejun Jo , Jungman Kim , Minseong Park , Mingun Kim , Kyung-Hwan Boo , Chang Sook Kim
{"title":"Beta vulgaris L. extract and betanin alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice by enhancing the intestinal barrier and regulating the gut microbiota to suppress inflammation","authors":"Gwang-Pyo Ko , Hyejun Jo , Jungman Kim , Minseong Park , Mingun Kim , Kyung-Hwan Boo , Chang Sook Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The gut microbiota and intestinal barrier are essential for intestinal homeostasis, and their disruption contributes to ulcerative colitis (UC). This study evaluated the protective effects of red beetroot extract (RE) and its major pigment, betanin (BN), against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Male C57BL/6 J mice were assigned to Health, DSS, DSS + low-dose RE (LRE, 300 mg/kg), DSS + high-dose RE (HRE, 900 mg/kg), and DSS + BN (50 mg/kg) groups. LRE showed no meaningful protective effects, whereas HRE significantly alleviated DSS-induced body weight loss, colon shortening, mucus layer disruption, and tight junction damage (occludin and claudin-1). BN also improved these outcomes, exhibiting efficacy comparable to HRE, although HRE showed slightly greater improvements across several colitis-related symptoms. Both HRE and BN inhibited NF-κB activation, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved microbial balance by enhancing α-diversity, enriching short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)–producing bacteria, and suppressing pathogens. Functional prediction (PICRUSt2) indicated recovery of inflammation-related pathways. Overall, HRE and BN mitigated colitis by reinforcing the gut barrier, suppressing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107179"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073801","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}
Yutong Chen , Lijie Wang , Weichen Xia , Yiwen Tao , Shuangfeng Xiong , Xinge Lan , Yuxin He , Ling Li , Gang Fan
{"title":"Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of Asparagus polysaccharides","authors":"Yutong Chen , Lijie Wang , Weichen Xia , Yiwen Tao , Shuangfeng Xiong , Xinge Lan , Yuxin He , Ling Li , Gang Fan","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Asparagus</em>, comprising numerous species, holds significant value as a source of food, medicinal compounds and ornamental plants. Among the plants within this genus<em>, Asparagus cochinchinensis</em> (Lour.) Merr. and <em>Asparagus officinalis</em> L., as classic species within the genus <em>Asparagus</em>, have been extensively studied for their nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. It is well known that these plants contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds, among which polysaccharides have emerged as high-value functional constituents due to their well-documented immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects. The current state of research on <em>Asparagus</em> polysaccharides has led to the establishment of standardized extraction methods, including hot-water, ultrasound-assisted, and enzyme-assisted techniques. However, there is currently a lack of systematic summary and comparison of the extraction methods for <em>Asparagus</em> polysaccharides<em>.</em> This deficiency likely hinders a deep understanding of their structure-activity relationships and further impedes the elucidation of the underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive survey of research progress in <em>Asparagus</em> polysaccharides, encompassing extraction and purification methods, structural feature analysis, biological activity evaluation, and application development. The integration of extant preparation techniques, structural data, and pharmacology datasets facilitates the systematic exploration of structure-activity relationships, thereby supporting their therapeutic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107153"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923591","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":"Yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 and Streptococcus thermophilus OLS3059 enhances dendritic cell activity and reduces cold-like symptoms in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Shuyi Tang , Takehiro Yokoo , Takayuki Toshimitsu , Toshihiro Sashihara , Yoshitaka Iwama , Satoshi Hachimura , Kenichi Hojo","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107154","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107154","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The immunomodulatory effects of yogurt fermented with <em>Lactobacillus delbrueckii</em> ssp. <em>bulgaricus</em> OLL1073R-1 and <em>Streptococcus thermophilus</em> OLS3059 were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 140 healthy males and females. The participants ingested test yogurt or placebo daily for eight weeks. The yogurt group exhibited significantly increased CD86<sup>+</sup> and CD80<sup>+</sup> conventional dendritic cell (cDC) populations, CD40<sup>+</sup> plasmacytoid DC (pDC) populations upon viral antigen stimulation, CD69 expression on CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells, and salivary s-IgA levels compared to those in the placebo group. The onset of local (nausea) and systemic (fatigue, general malaise, and feeling somewhat unwell) cold-like symptoms was significantly reduced in the yogurt group compared to that in the placebo group. These results suggest that intake of yogurt fermented with OLL1073R-1 and OLS3059 enhances cDC and pDC activities and subsequently promotes CD4<sup>+</sup> T cell activation and salivary s-IgA production, thereby contributing to health maintenance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107154"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145923606","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}
Panjie Xu , Benyan Bai , Huawei Chen , Yanjun Zhang , Zhiyuan Ma , Gang Wu , Yan Zhou , Kexue Zhu
{"title":"A polysaccharide from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. pulp ameliorates oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells","authors":"Panjie Xu , Benyan Bai , Huawei Chen , Yanjun Zhang , Zhiyuan Ma , Gang Wu , Yan Zhou , Kexue Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxidative stress and hepatic lipid accumulation are two key contributors to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The present research sought to examine the effect of a polysaccharide from <em>Artocarpus heterophyllus</em> Lam. pulp (JFP-Ps) on alleviating hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-induced cellular oxidative stress, and attenuating oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, respectively. Results showed that JFP-Ps considerably lower intracellular ROS and MDA concentrations, elevate the activities of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC. Furthermore, JFP-Ps exhibited antioxidant effects by up-regulating Nrf2, NQO1 and HO-1 expression, and down-regulating ERK and P38 expression in H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-treated HepG2 cells. Western blot determination indicated that JFP-Ps up-regulated the expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 in the Nrf2 pathway and down-regulated the expression of PERK and p-P38 in the MAPK pathway. JFP-Ps decreased the TG and TC contents, reduced the relative area of lipid droplets, and restored OA-elicited lipid metabolism disorders in HepG2 cells. The lipid-lowering impact of JFP-Ps is facilitated through down-regulating PPARγ/SREBP1/HMGCR/FAS, and upregulating of CPT1A/CYP7A1 expressions. These results could offer valuable insights for the potential application of JFP-Ps in NAFLD treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107163"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974513","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}
Haohong Zheng , Jialiang Xin , Xiaofang Yan , Jiali Wang , Yunjiang Liu , Cao Deng , Zhijun Zhong , Haifeng Liu , Ziyao Zhou , Guangneng Peng
{"title":"Erythritol as a functional food ingredient mitigates heat-induced renal injury in mice via integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis","authors":"Haohong Zheng , Jialiang Xin , Xiaofang Yan , Jiali Wang , Yunjiang Liu , Cao Deng , Zhijun Zhong , Haifeng Liu , Ziyao Zhou , Guangneng Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global warming increases the risk of heat-related renal impairment, while higher ambient temperatures may increase overall fluid and beverage consumption to meet hydration demands. As erythritol is widely used as a dietary sweetener in food and beverage products and is primarily excreted via the kidneys, concerns have been raised regarding its renal effects, particularly under conditions of heat stress. Here, we used integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to explore erythritol's role in heat-induced renal injury in mice. Erythritol supplementation modulated oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism, with metabolomics showing recovery of redox-related metabolites and transcriptomics revealing downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes (e.g., <em>Cxcl9</em>, <em>Serpina3g</em>) and stress chaperones, alongside upregulation of antioxidative genes (e.g., <em>Gbp6</em>, <em>Tgtp1</em>). Multi-omics highlighted PPAR and AMPK pathways as key targets. Animal experiments confirmed improved renal histology, reduced creatinine, and decreased oxidative and inflammatory markers. These findings indicate that erythritol protects against heat-induced renal damage, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient for thermally stressful conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107157"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974515","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":"Digestates of pea and fava bean proteins induce FGF19 in human intestinal HT29 cells: Evidence for a potential role of PPARγ","authors":"Bérengère Benoit , Clémence Defois-Fraysse , Audrey Jalabert , Sandra Pesenti , Lexane Brunet , Alice Beau , Emmanuelle Loizon , Claudie Pinteur , Nadia Bendridi , Margaux Nawrot , Murielle Godet , Jennifer Rieusset , Marie-Caroline Michalski , Fabrice Desailly , Quentin Bailleul , Caroline Perreau , Catherine Lefranc-Millot , Hubert Vidal","doi":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107175","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jff.2026.107175","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant-based proteins are promising alternatives to animal proteins for supporting muscle synthesis and preventing sarcopenia. This study examined whether protein digestates (PDs) from pea and fava bean isolates modulate intestinal Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19), a hormone central to energy and muscle mass regulation. Human HT29 cells were exposed to PDs, GW4064 (FXR agonist), or rosiglitazone (PPARγ agonist). FGF19 secretion was assessed by ELISA, gene expression by RT-qPCR, and FXR protein by Western-blot. At 6 h, PDs alone had no effect on <em>FGF19</em> expression but potentiated GW4064 activity by lowering its EC₅₀. At 24 h, PDs modestly increased <em>FGF19</em> and continued to potentiate GW4064 activity. Rosiglitazone + GW4064 markedly increased FGF19 and FXR expression, an effect abolished by GW9662 (PPARγ inhibitor), confirming PPARγ involvement. GW9662 also suppressed FGF19 induction by PDs + GW4064. Thus, PPARγ may regulate the FXR–FGF19 axis in enterocytes. Both PDs and rosiglitazone enhance FXR-mediated FGF19, with PDs partly acting through PPARγ. Pea and fava bean proteins may offer nutritional strategies for metabolic health and sarcopenia prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":360,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Foods","volume":"137 ","pages":"Article 107175"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073797","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}