Food & Function最新文献

{"title":"Sea cucumber polysaccharides overcome immunotherapy resistance in tumor-bearing mice via modulation of the gut microbiome†","authors":"Jiahui Li, Jinhui Jia, Yue Teng, Xiaojuan Wang, Xiaojun Xia, Shuang Song, Beiwei Zhu and Xiaodong Xia","doi":"10.1039/D4FO05449K","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO05449K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Cancer immunotherapy has been successful in patients with different types of cancers, but its efficacy in treating certain types of colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited. The aim of this study was to explore whether sea cucumber polysaccharides (SCP) could impact resistance to anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD1) immunotherapy of CRC and the role of microbiota in mediating their effects. Mice inoculated with immunotherapy resistant CT-26 CRC cells were pretreated with SCP, followed by treatment with/without the anti-PD1 antibody. SCP alone exhibited no inhibitory effect on tumor growth, but they drastically enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD1 treatment, which alone showed minimal effect on tumor development. Compared to anti-PD1 only treatment, a combination of SCP and anti-PD1 increased CD8<small>⁺</small> T cells, especially IFN-γ<small>⁺</small> cytotoxic CD8<small>⁺</small> T cells, and decreased regulatory CD4<small>⁺</small> T cells. SCP modulated gut microbiota and increased the relative abundance of bacteria including <em>Bifidobacterium</em> and <em>Faecalibaculum</em>. A fecal microbiota transplantation experiment showed that the sensitizing effect of SCP was at least partly mediated by microbiota. Furthermore, oral supplementation of <em>Bifidobacterium pseudolongum</em> or <em>Faecalibaculum rodentium</em> recapitulated the beneficial effect of SCP in potentiating anti-PD1 efficacy. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that SCP could be potentially developed as a dietary adjuvant to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy in CRC.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 5","pages":" 2073-2083"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143439425","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":"Mechanism of salt effect on flavor formation in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermented tilapia: integrated multiple intelligent sensory and flavor omics analyses†","authors":"Ke Zhang, Ting-Ting Zhang, Xin-Yi Qi, Bao-Cai Xu, Lei Qin, Bei-Wei Zhu and Xu-Hui Huang","doi":"10.1039/D4FO05224B","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO05224B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Improving the flavor and texture of low-salt fermented products addresses the demands of the health-conscious era and consumers’ preferences. In this study, the characteristic flavor formation of dry-cured tilapia fermented by <em>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</em> with different concentrations of NaCl was studied using flavor omics. The results showed that an appropriate concentration of NaCl improved the sensory and texture properties of the product. The 4% NaCl concentration increased the aroma intensity of the fermented tilapia. Under the action of 4% salt, the metabolism of <em>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</em> promoted the formation of alcohols and aldehydes. The concentrations of 1-octen-3-ol and hexanal were significantly increased, enhancing the aroma of roasted meat. Meanwhile, low NaCl treatment promoted <em>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</em> to degrade proteins and convert them into more free amino acids and nucleotides. Fermentation of tilapia with 4% salt significantly promoted the production of umami and sweet amino acids, such as glutamic acid and glycine. Additionally, it inhibited the production of bitter amino acids, such as leucine. Furthermore, the results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of NaCl on flavor formation in fermented tilapia and facilitate the development of flavor in low-salt foods.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 6","pages":" 2401-2414"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143490102","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":"Omega-3 PUFAs improve cognitive function in heat-stressed mice by enhancing autophagy via inhibition of the phosphorylation of the PI3K–Akt–mTOR pathway","authors":"Zifu Ren, Mengyu Cai, Xinyao Liu, Xin Li, Wenjing Shi, Hongtao Lu, Hui Shen, Gen Miao, Qicheng Zhou and Hongxia Li","doi":"10.1039/D4FO04107K","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO04107K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The adverse effects of elevated temperatures on human health are becoming progressively severe. This research established a mouse model of cognitive dysfunction induced by heat stress to examine the impact of omega-3 PUFAs on the cognitive capabilities of heat-stressed mice. The study also aimed to elucidate the role and potential mechanisms of autophagy regulation in cognitive enhancement through omega-3 PUFAs interventions. Administration of omega-3 PUFAs ameliorated cognitive deficits in heat-stressed mice and increased brain concentrations of these fatty acids. Notably, omega-3 PUFAs significantly protected hippocampal neurons’ morphology, quantity, and synaptic architecture in heat-stressed mice. Additionally, omega-3 PUFAs intake reduced the prevalence of damaged mitochondria in the hippocampus and mitigated oxidative harm. Further investigation revealed that heat stress induces autophagy. However, the autophagic process becomes dysfunctional, leading to impaired autophagic activity. Omega-3 PUFAs supplementation markedly augmented hippocampal autophagy in the heat-stressed mice. Moreover, heat stress upregulated the phosphorylation of the PI3K–Akt–mTOR pathway in both the mouse hippocampus and HT22 cells. In contrast, omega-3 PUFAs intake significantly diminished the phosphorylation levels within this pathway, alleviating the autophagic fusion barrier imposed by heat stress and promoting autophagic flux. The findings suggest that omega-3 PUFAs supplementation during heat stress may bolster autophagic function by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the PI3K–Akt–mTOR pathway. This modulation reduces structural and oxidative stress damage, ultimately enhancing cognitive function in mice subjected to heat stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 5","pages":" 1931-1946"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143412446","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":"Functional properties amelioration of rosmarinic acid by covalently binding with soybean protein isolate","authors":"Ling Li, Zhong-Han Li, Jie Zhou, Kun-Long Wang, Ying-Hua Zhang and Zhi-Shen Mu","doi":"10.1039/D4FO05528D","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO05528D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, rosmarinic acid (RA) was covalently bound to soy protein isolate (SPI), and the changes in protein structure were characterized by multispectral analysis. The oil–water partition coefficient, bio-accessibility and adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitory activity of the complex were determined, and the effect of covalent binding on RA function was characterized. The possible mechanisms are revealed by molecular dynamics. The results show that new bands are generated on SDS-PAGE, which indicates that the two form a complex. FTIR results showed that the α-helix content of SPI decreased slightly after binding with RA, and the β-sheet content increased by 9.61%, indicating that polyphenols may bind to the hydrophobic pockets of proteins. The results of fluorescence and UV spectroscopy showed that the tertiary structure of the protein was unfolded and the fluorescence quenching mechanism was static quenching. The results of molecular dynamics show that the conformation is stable. After compounding with SPI, the lipid solubility of RA increased by 23.75-fold, the bio-accessibility increased by 41.55%, and the ADA inhibitory activity increased by 21.04%.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 5","pages":" 1919-1930"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404934","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":"Carnosic acid reduces lipid content, enhances gut health, and modulates microbiota composition and metabolism in diet-induced obese mice","authors":"Jing Zhang, Mengzhu Shen, Yue Yin, Yuru Chen, Xianying Deng, Jingyun Mo, Xiaoling Zhou, Juanying Lin, Xinxin Chen, Xinwei Xie, Xian Wu and Xuexiang Chen","doi":"10.1039/D4FO04534C","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO04534C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Carnosic acid (CA) is a bioactive phenolic diterperne compound found in sage and rosemary. The present study investigated the beneficial effects of CA (50 and 100 mg per kg bw) in diet-induced obese mice and the underlying mechanisms of action. After the intervention, the physiology, lipid metabolism, and tissue morphology, as well as the inflammation, gut microbiota, and metabolomics in the colon were measured. We found that CA improved the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota in obese mice, with <em>Akkermansia</em> being the dominant bacterium negatively correlated with obesity and various fecal metabolites. Regarding the intestinal barrier function, CA promoted the expression of tight junction proteins and inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in obese mice to alleviate colonic inflammation. These results suggest that CA improved multiple aspects of gut health in diet-induced obesity in mice, providing a scientific basis for future clinical studies in humans.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 5","pages":" 1888-1902"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143389544","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":"Human milk peptide MAMP-1 alleviates necrotizing enterocolitis <i>via</i> inhibition of the TLR4-mediated PI3K-AKT-NF-κB signaling pathway.","authors":"Rui Long, Shimei Lu, Xiuhui Chen, Weijun Ye, Tengfei Wang, Xingyun Wang, Fengdan Xu, Ning Li","doi":"10.1039/d4fo05556j","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4fo05556j","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease with prevalent and serious intestinal inflammation that poses a significant threat to the lives of newborns. Human milk has been shown to prevent and treat the occurrence of NEC; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. MAMP-1 is a significantly overexpressed endogenous peptide derived from β-casein extracted from the human milk of premature mothers, which is resistant to gastrointestinal conditions and exhibits favorable physicochemical properties. This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which the human milk-derived peptide MAMP-1 mitigates NEC in mice, offering new insights for clinical treatment. <i>Methods</i>: The C57BL/6 mice were categorized into three distinct groups randomly on the 7th day after birth, with 40 mice in each group. The NEC model was established using \"artificial feeding + hypoxia + cold\", and the MAMP-1 group received daily MAMP-1 gavage during NEC modeling. Ileum tissues and feces were collected. Pathological damage in the intestines was evaluated by H&E staining. ZO-1 expression was analyzed through immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Apoptosis in the intestine was assessed using western blot and TUNEL staining. The effects of signaling pathways were confirmed through western blot and RNA sequencing. The expression of inflammatory factors was assessed using RT-PCR. 16S high-throughput sequencing was used to determine the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiota. <i>Results</i>: MAMP-1 reduced the mortality rate of NEC mice, alleviated ileum injury, increased the ZO-1 expression of the intestinal barrier, reduced the apoptotic protein expression, lowered the TUNEL positive area, increased anti-apoptotic protein expression, and reduced the levels of TLR4, P-PI3K, P-AKT, and NF-κB, leading to a reduction in the release of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, MAMP-1 decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria at both the phylum and genus levels. <i>Conclusion</i>: MAMP-1 might inhibit the TLR4-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB signaling pathways, further reducing inflammation factor release, and might decrease intestinal cell apoptosis. Results indicated that MAMP-1 might alleviate intestinal damage in NEC mice. Meanwhile, MAMP-1 might positively modulate the composition of the microbiota of NEC mice and further achieve the preventive and therapeutic effect of MAMP-1 on NEC.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143363350","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":"Bifidobacterium bifidum CCFM1163 alleviates cathartic colon by activating the BDNF-TrkB-PLC/IP3 pathway to reconstruct the intestinal nerve and barrier","authors":"Shengnan Zhu, Qiangqing Yu, Yifan Xue, Jiazhen Li, Yin Huang, Wenxu Liu, Gang Wang, Linlin Wang, Qixiao Zhai, Jianxin Zhao, Hao Zhang and Wei Chen","doi":"10.1039/D4FO05835F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO05835F","url":null,"abstract":"<p > <em>Introduction</em>: Cathartic colon (CC) is a type of slow-transit constipation caused by a patient's long-term use of irritating laxatives. Probiotics play a crucial role in managing constipation. <em>Objectives</em>: This study aims to identify probiotics that can alleviate CC and explore their specific mechanisms of action. <em>Methods</em>: The CC-model was constructed using senna leaf extract. <em>Bifidobacterium bifidum</em> was applied to the mice for intervention. Relevant marker changes were then examined using ELISA and RT-qPCR. Furthermore, 16S rDNA sequencing was utilized for functional prediction of intestinal microorganisms, while GC-MS analysis was performed to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces. <em>Results</em>: Senna damages the intestinal nerve and the intestinal barrier while inducing CC. In contrast, <em>Bifidobacterium bifidum</em> CCFM1163 may enhance the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the colon by altering the intestinal microbiota composition (<em>e.g.</em>, increasing <em>Lactobacillus</em> and <em>Bacteroides</em>, and decreasing <em>Faecalibaculum</em>) and by elevating SCFA levels (<em>e.g.</em>, acetic and isobutyric acid). Subsequently, elevated BDNF expression activates the BDNF-tyrosine kinase receptor B-phospholipase C/inositol trisphosphate (BDNF-TrkB-PLC/IP<small>₃</small>) pathway, which upregulates the gene expression of <em>Uchl1</em>, <em>S100β</em>, and <em>Acta2</em>; repairs the enteric nervous system-interstitial cells of Cajal-smooth muscle cells (ENS-ICC-SMC) network; upregulates the gene expression of <em>Ocln</em> and <em>Tjp1</em>; improves intestinal permeability in CC mice; and modulates the immune response by upregulating <em>Tlr4</em>, downregulating <em>Il1b</em>, and upregulating <em>Il10</em>, ultimately alleviating CC. <em>Conclusion</em>: <em>Bifidobacterium bifidum</em> CCFM1163 was identified as a probiotic that can promote BDNF expression in the colon, activate the BDNF-TrkB-PLC/IP<small>₃</small> signaling pathway, and effectively alleviate CC.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 5","pages":" 2057-2072"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143439323","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":"Induction of endotoxin tolerance in murine monocyte and macrophage cell populations – optimal LPS dose and compartment-specific reversal by β-glucan†","authors":"Bart G. J. Moerings, Coen Govers, Jeroen van Bergenhenegouwen, Jurriaan J. Mes, Miriam van Dijk, Renger F. Witkamp, Klaske van Norren and Suzanne Abbring","doi":"10.1039/D4FO05223D","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO05223D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Beta-glucans, naturally present in foods like wheat, mushrooms, and yeast, have shown potential in reversing immunosuppression. However, the existing evidence solely relies on <em>ex vivo</em> studies assessing direct effects of β-glucans on macrophages. To investigate whether such effects also occur after their oral administration, this study first systematically examined the immunosuppressive effects of LPS in mice. Subsequently, we assessed the ability of yeast-derived whole β-glucan particles (yWGP), administered through the diet, to counteract LPS-induced immunological tolerance. Immunosuppression following intraperitoneal administration of 20, 200, or 2000 μg kg<small>⁻¹</small> LPS was demonstrated by reduced TNF-α and IL-6 release upon <em>ex vivo</em> LPS stimulation of immune cells harvested from the peritoneal fluid, spleen, and bone marrow. Immunosuppression in blood was detected only after 200 and 2000 μg kg<small>⁻¹</small> LPS. LPS tolerance extended to heterologous stimuli (PAM3Cys, heat-killed <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>), indicating cross-tolerance. Due to animal discomfort at 2000 μg kg<small>⁻¹</small> LPS, as evidenced by a significantly enhanced clinical severity score, a dose of 200 μg kg<small>⁻¹</small> LPS was selected for the follow-up trial. In this experiment, mice fed a yWGP-supplemented diet for two weeks prior to LPS administration showed effective reversal of LPS tolerance, reflected by restored TNF-α levels in peritoneal cells but not in other monocyte- and macrophage-containing cell populations. Together, these studies demonstrate that peritoneal administration of 200 μg kg<small>⁻¹</small> LPS induced <em>ex vivo</em> LPS tolerance in all immunological organs studied, without significantly compromising animal welfare. The selective efficacy of dietary β-glucans to counteract immunosuppression, which is often observed in vulnerable and immunocompromised patient populations, warrants further clinical evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 4","pages":" 1576-1587"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11803501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143363353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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":"Caffeic acid stimulates migration and invasion of human trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells","authors":"Aleksandra Vilotić, Sanja Kostić, Andrea Pirković, Žanka Bojić-Trbojević, Dragana Dekanski, Svetlana Vrzić-Petronijević and Milica Jovanović Krivokuća","doi":"10.1039/D4FO03699A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO03699A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The placenta is a transient organ essential for development of the fetus. Adequate invasion of trophoblast cells, specialized cells of the placenta, is of utmost importance for the establishment and maintenance of healthy pregnancy. Caffeic acid (CA), one of the most abundantly present hydroxycynamic acids in everyday human diet, exhibits various physiological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities including an inhibitory effect on migration and invasion of different cancer cell types. There are not many studies on CA safety in human pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the potential of CA to affect trophoblast cell function. We evaluated adhesion, migration and invasion of human trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells following CA treatment by functional assays. Furthermore, expression of molecular mediators of these processes such as integrin α1, α5 and β1 subunits and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 was evaluated at the mRNA level by qPCR and the protein level by cell-based ELISA assay or zymography. Our results showed that 24 h treatment with 10 μM CA stimulated migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells as well as expression of the integrin α1 subunit. Furthermore, treatment with 100 μM CA stimulated expression of <em>MMP2</em> and <em>MMP9</em> mRNA in the treated HTR-8/SVneo cells as well as secretion of MMP-9. According to obtained results, we can conclude that CA could have the potential to affect processes important for placentation. However, further research is needed to elucidate all aspects of potential CA effects on placental function and pregnancy as a whole.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 4","pages":" 1603-1614"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143363342","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":"Effects of whey protein–inulin conjugates with varying degrees of glycosylation on hepatic antioxidant capacity, immunomodulation and gut microbiota in mice","authors":"Shunyi Zhu, Xing Li, Shixuan Zhang, Ziwen Cai, Jianhao Sun, Qi Ju and Diru Liu","doi":"10.1039/D4FO05846A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4FO05846A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this study, whey protein isolate-inulin (WPI-In) conjugates with varying degrees of glycosylation (DG) were prepared, characterized, and examined for their potential immunomodulatory effects and regulation of gut microbiota in mice. The data indicated that an increase in DG significantly affects the microstructure and functionalities of WPI-In conjugates. The WPI-In conjugates with high DG promoted the growth and development of the thymus while altering gut microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of <em>Bacteroidetes</em> and reducing that of <em>Firmicutes</em>. Additionally, the WPI-In conjugates enhanced liver antioxidant capacity and the secretion of immunoglobulin G, and elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-2), while decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) content in serum. Spearman correlation analysis suggested that the enhancement of liver antioxidant capacity and regulation of immune-related indicators may be associated with the gut microbiota altered by WPI-In conjugates. Therefore, WPI-In conjugates demonstrate beneficial properties, indicating potential applications in food systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":77,"journal":{"name":"Food & Function","volume":" 5","pages":" 1792-1808"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143381128","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}