Food & Function最新文献

{"title":"Correction: Bromelain: a review of its mechanisms, pharmacological effects and potential applications.","authors":"Virender Kumar, Bharti Mangla, Shamama Javed, Waquar Ahsan, Pankaj Kumar, Vandana Garg, Harish Dureja","doi":"10.1039/d5fo90061a","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo90061a","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Correction for 'Bromelain: a review of its mechanisms, pharmacological effects and potential applications' by Virender Kumar <i>et al.</i>, <i>Food Funct.</i>, 2023, <b>14</b>, 8101-8128, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3FO01060K.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plasma metabolites mediate the association of total and specific fruit intake with incident chronic kidney disease risk.","authors":"Sisi Yang, Ziliang Ye, Xiaoqin Gan, Yanjun Zhang, Yu Huang, Hao Xiang, Yiting Wu, Yiwei Zhang, Yuanyuan Zhang, Fan Fan Hou, Xianhui Qin","doi":"10.1039/d5fo01906k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo01906k","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: The relationship between total and specific fruit consumption and chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk remains unclear, and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between fruit intake and incident CKD risk and explore the mediating role of metabolic signatures. <i>Methods</i>: We analyzed data of 98 065 CKD-free participants from the UK Biobank with nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics data. Fruit consumption (total fruit, citrus fruits, berries, apples/pears, dried fruits, stewed fruits, and other fruits) was assessed using a 24-hour dietary questionnaire. Metabolic signatures were identified using LASSO regression. <i>Results</i>: Over a median follow-up of 12.2 years, 2716 participants developed CKD. Higher intake of total fruits (per 1 SD increment: adjusted HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90-0.97), citrus fruits (per 1 SD increment: adjusted HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.96), and berries (per 1 SD increment: adjusted HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of incident CKD. No significant associations were observed for apples and pears, dried fruits, or stewed fruits. CKD risk-specific metabolic signature scores for total fruits, citrus fruits, and berries were constructed, including the glutamine level, the 3-hydroxybutyrate level, the degree of unsaturation, the ratio of polyunsaturated to monounsaturated fatty acids, and the omega-3 and docosahexaenoic acid percentages. These scores mediated 25.5%, 8.6%, and 15.8% of the associations between total fruit, citrus fruit, and berry consumption and CKD risk, respectively. <i>Conclusions</i>: The protective effects of total fruits, citrus fruits, and berries on CKD risk are partially mediated by metabolic signatures. Monitoring plasma metabolites may enhance precision in dietary recommendations for CKD prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plant-based diet and risk of arthritis: a nationwide cohort study of the Chinese elderly population.","authors":"Haohao Zhang, Junhao Liang, Yaxin Han, Jiajing Tian, Yahui Tu, Rui Fan, Wenli Zhu, Zhaofeng Zhang, Haifeng Zhao","doi":"10.1039/d5fo02192h","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo02192h","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>. This study was aimed at investigating the association between a plant-based diet and the risk of arthritis and at identifying a strategy that achieves the ambitious goal of healthy aging. <i>Methods</i>. The nationwide cohort study included 10 059 adults aged 65 and older from the 2008-2018 waves of the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey (CLHLS). Dietary intake was collected using a simplified food frequency questionnaire and used to calculate the plant-based diet index (PDI). Arthritis was defined as participants self-reporting suffering from arthritis. Time-dependent Cox regression model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of arthritis. Interaction analysis was used to explore the interaction between PDI and exercise status. Stratified analyses were used to examine factors that may modify the association. <i>Results</i>. During a median follow-up period of 4.2 years, 1482 participants who were free of arthritis at baseline reported arthritis. The highest quality of plant-based diet was associated with a 16.0% decrease in the risk of suffering from arthritis (HR: 0.840, 95% CI: 0.757, 0.932). Interaction analysis showed that participants with a high PDI and exercise had a significantly lower risk of arthritis. Stratified analysis showed that the association between PDI and arthritis was significant among participants living in rural areas. <i>Conclusions</i>. Greater adherence to a plant-based diet may help delay the onset of arthritis symptoms. Promoting plant-based dietary patterns may be a strategy to reduce arthritis incidence and improve healthy life expectancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effects of <i>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</i> GG supplementation on gastrointestinal and respiratory outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Khemayanto Hidayat, Lili Zhang, Hong Wei, Weiguo Zhang, Liqiang Qin, Yangwenshan Ou, Nan Li","doi":"10.1039/d5fo01780g","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo01780g","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus</i> GG (LGG) supplementation has demonstrated efficacy in reducing diarrhea duration in children. However, its preventive potential and broader therapeutic applications beyond pediatric diarrhea remain less well characterized. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the efficacy of LGG supplementation on the risks of composite (including infections and symptoms) gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory outcomes, as well as the duration of relevant symptoms. The protocol was pre-registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024539944). The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles. A random-effects model was applied to generate pooled relative risks (RRs) or weighted mean difference (WMD) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sixty-nine trials were included. LGG supplementation reduced the risk of composite GI outcomes (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81, 0.96; <i>N</i> = 38), primarily through a reduction in diarrhea risk (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52, 0.77; <i>N</i> = 24) and, to a lesser extent, taste disturbances (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22, 0.72; <i>N</i> = 5). Other GI outcomes-including vomiting (<i>N</i> = 13), nausea (<i>N</i> = 9), abdominal pain (<i>N</i> = 12), bloating (<i>N</i> = 8), constipation (<i>N</i> = 8), stomach rumbling (<i>N</i> = 3), and loss of appetite (<i>N</i> = 5)-showed limited effect. Respiratory outcome risk was also lower (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78, 0.94; <i>N</i> = 23), largely attributable to reduced respiratory infection risk (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79, 0.97; <i>N</i> = 18), with limited effects on respiratory symptom risk (<i>N</i> = 7). LGG supplementation shortened GI symptom duration (WMD -0.62, 95% CI -0.81, -0.44 days; <i>N</i> = 33), largely attributable to reduced diarrhea duration (-0.83, 95% CI -1.06, -0.59 days; <i>N</i> = 29), with limited effects on vomiting duration (<i>N</i> = 6). LGG had limited effects on respiratory symptoms (<i>N</i> = 6). Moderate-to-high heterogeneity was observed for the aforementioned outcomes, except GI outcomes other than diarrhea and GI symptom risk. Prediction intervals supported consistent benefits for diarrhea outcomes but frequently crossed the null for others, indicating greater uncertainty. Effects on diarrhea outcomes and respiratory infection risk were more consistent in children; evidence in adults was limited. Certainty was rated moderate for diarrhea outcomes and mostly low for others. LGG supplementation reduces diarrhea risk and duration in children, supported by moderate-certainty evidence and consistent effects across trials. Other outcomes showed more variable results, reflecting limited or inconsistent evidence. These findings support LGG's role in pediatric diarrhea management and prevention while underscoring the need for high-quality trials to clarify broader clinical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ergosterol from edible fungi: Enhancing fatty acid oxidation <i>via</i> CPT1A to protect against diabetic kidney disease.","authors":"Zhonghua Dong, Xiao Li, Xuan Wang, Jingya Xu, Wei Xu","doi":"10.1039/d5fo00371g","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo00371g","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, is recognized as a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Ergosterol, a natural sterol abundant in edible fungi, has shown pharmacological effects that may benefit DKD treatment. However, its precise mechanisms of action remain elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ergosterol in DKD and to delineate the underlying mechanisms. <i>Methods</i>: Transcriptome microarray sequencing data from DKD patients retrieved from the public GEO database, as well as data from mouse DKD models, were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes. Db/db mouse, high-glucose-induced HK-2 cells and conditioned THP-1 cells were employed to evaluate the impact of ergosterol on renal function, lipid metabolism, and macrophage phenotypic transformation. <i>Results</i>: Transcriptional profiling of DKD kidneys revealed alterations in fatty acid metabolism, which were corroborated in db/db mice. Ergosterol significantly improved renal function, reduced lipid accumulation, and mitigated inflammation. CPT1A, a key modulator of fatty acid metabolism, was identified as a target. The inhibition of CPT1A in renal tubular epithelial cells led to impaired fatty acid oxidation and lipid accumulation. Excessive renal lipids further stimulated macrophages to transform into pro-inflammatory phenotypes, leading to renal inflammation infiltration and exacerbating kidney damage. Ergosterol upregulated CPT1A expression through transcriptional regulation of FOXA1, thereby reducing lipid accumulation and subsequent renal inflammation. <i>Conclusion</i>: Ergosterol enhances renal fatty acid oxidation <i>via</i> the FOXA1/CPT1A pathway, reducing renal lipid accumulation and inflammation, potentially delaying DKD progression. This study elucidates the therapeutic potential of ergosterol in DKD therapy and provides new insights into the treatment of this disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increased protein intake in healthy males exposed to an appetite modulating, whey-derived peptide hydrolysate.","authors":"Erin Stella Sullivan, Harriët Schellekens, Brendan T Griffin, Samantha J Cushen, Ken Howick, John F Cryan, Darren Dahly, Nessa Noronha, Aoife M Ryan","doi":"10.1039/d4fo06083k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4fo06083k","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The identification of food-grade bioactives with proven orexigenic effects would mark significant progress in the treatment of disease-related malnutrition. To investigate the effects of two milk-derived hydrolysates (UL-2-141 (whey hydrolysate) and MF1145 (casein hydrolysate)) on appetite and energy intake in healthy humans, a single-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-arm cross-over feeding trial was conducted in 22 fasted, cannulated healthy male volunteers. Participants received 26 mg kg^-1 of both hydrolysates and placebo and were observed from morning to afternoon with a set breakfast and <i>ad libitum</i> lunch. Mean total daily energy and protein intakes when treated with placebo were 2673 kcal (95% CI: 2247-3100 kcal) and 128 g (95% CI: 105-152 g), respectively. Energy intake for either treatment was not significantly different from that for placebo (<i>p</i> = 0.266 for UL-2-141 and <i>p</i> = 0.796 for MF1145). Protein intake significantly increased in the UL-2-141 arm compared with that in placebo (+23 g, <i>p</i> = 0.044), but it did not significantly increase in the MF1145 arm (+13 g, <i>p</i> = 0.189). Appetite, hunger and satiety responses on VAS for either treatment were not significantly different from those obtained for placebo. GLP-1 was significantly higher pre-lunch in the UL-2-141 arm than in placebo (+8 pmol L^-1, <i>p</i> = 0.01) and in the MF1145 arm (+7 pmol L^-1, <i>p</i> = 0.039). GH was significantly lower pre-lunch only in the UL-2-141 arm than in placebo (-133 pg mL^-1, <i>p</i> = 0.027). Protein intake was significantly increased in the UL-2-141 arm, demonstrating appetite modulation, potentially <i>via</i> indirect or delayed stimulation of the ghrelin receptor. Since healthy adults are often not in tune with their physiological hunger, repeating the study in subjects with established anorexia may be prudent.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergy of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and fructooligosaccharide in enhancement of the intestinal mucus barrier by relieving ER stress and regulating the gut microbiome.","authors":"Li Zhang, Muhua Ji, Ning Li, Jingjing Yu, Guiming Yan, Yan Di, Yuchun Zhang, Qian Liu, Lijun Sun, Xuebo Liu, Yutang Wang","doi":"10.1039/d5fo01526j","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo01526j","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The impairment of the intestinal barrier and the high incidence of gastrointestinal diseases can be caused by poor dietary patterns, such as long-term high-fat diets. The mucous layer, composed of mucin-2-based glycoproteins, is important for the intestinal barrier. Mucins are secreted by the goblet cells (GC), which are highly sensitive to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Therefore, promoting mucin synthesis and secretion by relieving ER stress is an effective way to enhance the intestinal mucus barrier. On the other hand, mucins are influenced by the gut microbiome. Mucin-associated bacteria can degrade mucins and then stimulate goblet cells to secrete mucin. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) has been reported to relieve ER stress and improve the gut barrier. As a prebiotic, fructooligosaccharide (FOS) has the potential to regulate intestinal flora. In the present study, we investigated the synergistic effect of SDG and FOS on the improvement of the intestinal mucus barrier in high-fat mice. It was found that both SDG and FOS alleviated histological damage in the colon, inhibited mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and improved the mucosal barrier. Notably, the synergistic treatment exhibited a better effect. Goblet cell differentiation was promoted, consistent with the relief of ER stress, and SDG might be superior in this process. FOS primarily regulated the gut microbiota, enriched mucus-associated bacteria, and increased the content of metabolite short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The simultaneous treatment displayed a synergistic effect. The results indicated that the synergistic treatment had a stronger effect on enhancing the intestinal mucus barrier from dual approaches of relieving ER stress and regulating gut microbiota. This study provides a novel viewpoint and strategy for improving intestinal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioprocessed black rice bran protects mice against alcohol-induced fatty liver formation.","authors":"Ki Sun Kwon, Su A In, Wha Young Lee, Jeanman Kim, Sang Jong Lee, Sung Phil Kim, Mendel Friedman","doi":"10.1039/d5fo01151e","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo01151e","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Following consumption, alcohol is absorbed from the digestive tract into the circulation and is then distributed into different organs. In the liver, it causes a range of injuries beginning with the induction of fatty liver (hepatic steatosis), which on further alcohol consumption progresses to liver cirrhosis that can result in mortality. On the basis of a series of our previous published studies that showed that black rice-based functional foods have multi-functional health benefits in rodents, including protection of mice and rats against inflammation and alcohol-induced hangovers, we were motivated to determine the protective effect of a polysaccharide-containing bioprocessed (fermented) black rice bran product (BRB-F) to prevent alcohol-induced liver damage. BRB-F prevented dietary alcohol-induced increases in both whole liver and in liver fat weights, serum levels of hepatic enzymes and bilirubin, oxidized liver glutathione, and proinflammatory serum and adipocyte cytokines. Silymarin, a plant phenolic anti-inflammatory agent, cooperated with BRB-F to increase the prevention of alcohol-induced liver damage. BRB-F and silymarin also prevented direct toxicity of HepG2 human liver cells in culture by reducing reactive oxygen species. Mechanistic aspects and suggestions for further research are discussed. The ability of BRB-F alone or with silymarin to protect mice against alcohol-induced liver damage merits confirmation in human clinical studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Direct interaction between <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> ZJ316-derived lipoteichoic acid and TLR2 mediates anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects in intestinal cells.","authors":"Jiarun Han, Lina Ding, Xin Zhao, Jiaqi Liu, Jiaqi Yin, Qi Wang, Ping Li, Qing Gu","doi":"10.1039/d5fo01925g","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5fo01925g","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a key bioactive substance of the Gram-positive bacterial cell wall, has garnered attention for its immunomodulatory properties. Herein, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanism by which LTA derived from <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> ZJ316 exerts anti-inflammatory effects through interaction with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) indicated a strong and specific binding affinity (<i>K</i>_D = 1.02 μM), with key residues (<i>e.g.</i>, Lys422, Arg486, Arg508) involved in stabilizing the LTA-TLR2 complex. Using an <i>in vitro</i> inflammatory model of Caco-2 cells induced by macrophage supernatant, we demonstrated that LTA significantly upregulated TLR2 expression and inhibited the ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, resulting in reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8) and enhanced anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression. Furthermore, LTA protected intestinal epithelial barrier function by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1). These findings highlight the potential of <i>L. plantarum</i> ZJ316-derived LTA as a bioactive component for intestinal health and provide new insight into its regulatory mechanism <i>via</i> the TLR2-MAPK signaling pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary total, animal, and plant protein-energy ratio and risk of mortality: results from the NHANES III and a lifelong animal experiment.","authors":"Zican Li, Lianjie Huang, Qiushuang Zhu, Fanyun Wang, Defang Li, Bo Qu, Runan Zhang, Yue Guan, Akinkunmi Paul Okekunl, Jiaying Yu, Yuqing Wu, Xuanfeng Tang, Xiaoqing Li, Xinyi Lv, Xiang Shu, Xiangju Kong, Rennan Feng","doi":"10.1039/d4fo05785f","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4fo05785f","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: Protein is essential for basic physiological functions of the body, but the relationship between excessive protein intake and health is controversial. The association between dietary protein and mortality may depend on protein intake and source. This study examined the links between the total/animal/plant protein-energy ratios and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. <i>Methods</i>: The population study included 13 490 participants with a median follow-up of 26.5 years from NHANES III. The study examined the relationship between total, animal, and plant protein-energy ratios, and their combinations, with mortality through Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and isocaloric (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) substitution analysis. In an animal experiment, 60 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to normal protein diets (NC = 30) or isocaloric high-protein (HP) diets (HP = 30) for 101 weeks. Subsequently, renal histologic staining was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, and serum amino acid levels were measured through targeted metabolomics. Changes in hepatic gene expression profiles were assessed <i>via</i> principal component analysis (PCA), analyzed using protein interaction networks and modules with the STRING online database, and validated through quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR). <i>Results</i>: Total protein-energy ratio was positively associated with all-cause mortality (<i>p</i>-trend = 0.003), and animal-protein-energy ratio was also positively associated with mortality (all-cause: <i>p</i>-trend = 0.007, cancer: <i>p</i>-trend = 0.020). RCS showed increased risks of all-cause and cancer mortality when total protein-energy ratio exceeded 14.8%. The risk of all-cause and cancer mortality showed a downward trend when isocaloric plant-protein-energy ratios replaced animal-protein-energy ratios. Rats fed high-animal-protein diets showed higher risk for tumorigenesis. HP diet may alter the transcriptome profiles of rat liver, with upregulated ACSM5, AMACR and TM7SF2, and downregulated HAO2. <i>Conclusions</i>: Keeping the total protein-energy ratio below 14.8% may be beneficial to reducing all-cause and cancer mortality. Substitution of animal protein with plant protein (by 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of energy) was associated with a decreasing trend in all-cause and cancer mortality. Animal experiments confirmed that the risk of tumorigenesis was associated with a high animal-protein-energy ratio, highlighting the effects of different sources of protein on health and the mechanisms of cancer development.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}