PubMed

BMC Plant Biol. 2025 Feb 14;25(1):197. doi: 10.1186/s12870-025-06220-7.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Lipids in rapeseed is of great significance to human health, and 'Fangyou 777' (No. GPD-2019-510073) has been identified as an excellent cultivar with high oil content. However, the change of lipid profile at different ripening stages remain unclear. Herein, UPLC-MS/MS was utilized for comprehensive lipidomics analysis of 'Fangyou 777' and its parents at four ripening stages.RESULTS: 778 lipids components across 25 subclasses were identified, and triglycerides (TGs), diglycerides (DGs), phosphatidylserines (PSs), phosphatidylinositols (PIs), phosphatidylglycerols (PGs), phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and free fatty acids (FFAs) were identified as the dominant lipid subclass. Due to heterotic vigor, the total lipids, TGs, FFAs, lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPGs) and PSs contents in 'Fangyou 777' were significantly higher than its parents. The PCA and OPLS-DA results elucidated that lipids in 'Fangyou 777' differed obviously from its parents at S1 (17 April, 2023; 28 days before ripening, 28 DBR), S2 (1 May, 2023; 14 DBR), and S3 (15 May, 2023; ripening day). TG(18:1_18:3_22:1), TG(18:1_22:1_18:2), TG(16:0_18:1_20:1), TG(16:0_18:1_22:1), TG(20:1_18:2_20:2), TG(18:1_18:1_20:1), and FFA(24:4) were recognized as key differential lipids. The glycerolipid metabolism and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were the differential metabolic pathways at S1 and S3, while glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the differential metabolic pathways at S2 and S4 (7 days after ripening/physiologically ripened for one week).CONCLUSION: This study provided a comprehensive profile to facilitate the understanding lipids accumulation in 'Fangyou 777' and its parents during ripening stages, and offered a foundation to comprehend lipid metabolism.PMID:39953462 | DOI:10.1186/s12870-025-06220-7

BMC Plant Biol. 2025 Feb 14;25(1):201. doi: 10.1186/s12870-025-06229-y.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: The tuberous roots of Potentilla anserina (Pan), which are called silverweed cinquefoil roots, serve as a source of starch for the inhabitants of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. They are also regarded as a valuable tonic food and herbal medicine in the ethnic medicine system. Starch plays a crucial part in the plant's life cycle, particularly during the growth stage and in response to abiotic stress. Moreover, numerous biological processes and regulatory networks are involved in the synthesis and accumulation of starch.RESULTS: In this research, a combination of transcriptome and metabolomics approaches were employed to analyze the genes related to starch synthesis and degradation in Pan. The crucial genes involved in starch metabolism were identified, and the response characteristics of these genes to drought and low temperature treatments were investigated. Seven AMYs (Alpha-amylases) and 18 BAMs (Beta-amylases) were identified from the genome of Pan. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of AMYs and BAMs derived from 11 species of rosids were conducted respectively. AMYs of Pan and other species were clustered into 3 groups, whereas BAMs were classified into 4 groups. In the tuberous roots, when compared with the control conditions, 2 AMYs and 4 BAMs were upregulated, while 3 BAMs were downregulated, meanwhile, the contents of maltose and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) were decreased, while the content of glucose-1-phosphate (G1P) was increased under drought treatment. In the tuberous roots under low temperature treatment, 1 BAM was upregulated, while 2 AMYs and 4 BAMs were downregulated compared with control. The response characteristics of AMYs and BAMs to drought and low temperature treatments were further verified through qPCR analysis.CONCLUSIONS: In this research, the genes associated with starch synthesis in Pan were characterized, and the functions of AMYs and BAMs in abiotic stress treatments were elucidated. An overview of evolution of AMY and BAM gene families within rosids was also provided.PMID:39953429 | DOI:10.1186/s12870-025-06229-y

J Int Med Res. 2025 Feb;53(2):3000605251313949. doi: 10.1177/03000605251313949.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To conduct a metabolomics analysis in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and compare results with those from healthy controls. The overall goal was to identify small-molecule substances that may have potential pathogenic and diagnostic significance in SpA.METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional, single-centre study that included patients with axial (ankylosing spondylitis [AS]), peripheral (psoriatic arthritis [PsA]) and healthy controls.RESULTS: The study included 50 patients with AS, 50 patients with PsA, and 164 controls. When compared with healthy controls, patients with SpA showed significant differences in 35 metabolites, primarily associated with amino acid and lipid metabolism. However, only two differences were found between the AS and PsA cohorts (glucose and glycerol).CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that patients with SpA exhibit significant disruptions in amino acid and lipid metabolism. The large number of identified metabolites offers promising opportunities, both for discovering new SpA biomarkers and for gaining a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of these chronic inflammatory diseases.PMID:39953426 | DOI:10.1177/03000605251313949

BMC Microbiol. 2025 Feb 14;25(1):74. doi: 10.1186/s12866-024-03654-1.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Metabolite production is essential for the proliferation and environmental adaptation of all living organisms. In pathogenic bacteria, metabolite exchange during host infection can regulate their physiology and virulence. However, there is still much unknown about which specific metabolic pathways in pathogenic bacteria respond to changes in the environment during infections. This study examines how pathogenic bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii uses particular metabolic pathways to regulate its ability to antibiotic persistence and pathogenesis.RESULTS: To determine specific metabolic pathways in pathogenic antibiotic resistance bacteria, metabolite profiles of bacteria were constructed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis. A. baumannii generates amino acid derivative metabolites, which are precursors for fatty acid production. Comparative genomic analysis identified specific genes regulating the production of these metabolites and fatty acids in A. baumannii. Inactivation of genes involved in glutamate metabolism, gdhA, aspB, murI1, and racD, impairs antibiotic persistence, while inactivation of the hisC gene, encoding histidinol - phosphate aminotransferase enzyme in histidine metabolic pathway, increases bacterial survival inside macrophages during infections.CONCLUSIONS: This study reports that A. baumannii regulates antibiotic persistence and pathogenesis through glutamate and histidine metabolic pathways, respectively. These findings suggest that specific metabolic pathways regulate bacterial pathogenesis and antibiotic persistence during infections, providing potential therapeutic targets for pathogenic bacteria.PMID:39953398 | DOI:10.1186/s12866-024-03654-1

Discov Oncol. 2025 Feb 14;16(1):182. doi: 10.1007/s12672-025-01922-8.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of liver cancer, characterized by frequent recurrence and metastasis, which remain significant obstacles to effective treatment. Ammonia accumulates in the tumor microenvironment of HCC due to dysfunction in the urea cycle, but the detailed impact of ammonia on HCC cells remains insufficiently understood.METHODS: We exposed HCC cell lines to high concentrations of ammonium chloride to evaluate alterations in proliferation, stemness, and migratory potential. After ammonia removal, changes in cellular behavior were assessed using colony formation, and spheroid assays. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to investigate ammonia-induced metabolic reprogramming and alterations in gene expression. Additionally, animal models were employed to validate the impact of ammonia on tumor growth and metastasis.RESULTS: Exposure to high-ammonia conditions transiently suppressed HCC cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis. However, following ammonia removal, cells demonstrated increased proliferation, enhanced spheroid formation, and elevated migratory capacity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of genes associated with cell adhesion, migration, and glycolysis. Concurrently, metabolomic profiling indicated increased lactate production, facilitating the aggressive behavior of HCC cells after ammonia withdrawal. Animal experiments confirmed that high-ammonia exposure accelerated tumor growth and metastasis.CONCLUSION: Ammonia exerts a dual effect on HCC progression: it initially suppresses cell growth but later promotes stemness, proliferation, and metastasis through metabolic reprogramming. Targeting ammonia metabolism or glycolysis in the tumor microenvironment may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating HCC recurrence and metastasis. Future studies utilizing clinical samples are required to validate these findings and identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting ammonia metabolism.PMID:39953190 | DOI:10.1007/s12672-025-01922-8

Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2025 Feb 14. doi: 10.1038/s41584-024-01217-2. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSystemic sclerosis (SSc) remains a challenging and enigmatic systemic autoimmune disease, owing to its complex pathogenesis, clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and the lack of effective disease-modifying treatments. Despite a century of research in SSc, the interconnections among microvascular dysfunction, autoimmune phenomena and tissue fibrosis in SSc remain unclear. The absence of validated biomarkers and reliable animal models complicates diagnosis and treatment, contributing to high morbidity and mortality. Advances in the past 5 years, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, next-generation sequencing, spatial biology, transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiome profiling and artificial intelligence, offer new avenues for identifying the early pathogenetic events that, once treated, could change the clinical history of SSc. Collaborative global efforts to integrate these approaches are crucial to developing a comprehensive, mechanistic understanding and enabling personalized therapies. Challenges include disease classification, clinical heterogeneity and the establishment of robust biomarkers for disease activity and progression. Innovative clinical trial designs and patient-centred approaches are essential for developing effective treatments. Emerging therapies, including cell-based and fibroblast-targeting treatments, show promise. Global cooperation, standardized protocols and interdisciplinary research are vital for advancing SSc research and improving patient outcomes. The integration of advanced research techniques holds the potential for important breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals with SSc.PMID:39953141 | DOI:10.1038/s41584-024-01217-2

Chem Biodivers. 2025 Feb 14:e202403254. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202403254. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHosta plantaginea flower is an important Chinese herb in treating chronic pharyngitis (CP); however, its pharmacodynamics against CP and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study demonstrated that the ethyl acetate (HPB) and n-butanol (HPC) fractions of the H. plantaginea flower were identified as the active fractions against CP, significantly increasing the body weight, improving damaged pharyngeal tissues, and reducing TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in rats induced by 5% ammonia solution. Metabolomics studies identified 55 differential metabolites, with 26 being reversely regulated by HPB and HPC. These 26 metabolites are closely associated with phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), just another kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways. Mechanically, HPB and HPC prominently suppressed the expression of phosphorylated PI3K, Akt1, JAK1, STAT3, JNK, p38, Erk, p65, and inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) proteins. Finally, HPLC analysis identified flavonoids as the primary phytochemicals of HPB and HPC. In conclusion, HPB and HPC are the main active fractions of H. plantaginea flower against CP, acting through regulating energy metabolism and inhibiting PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, MAPKs, and NF-κB signaling pathways, and the flavonoids are the primary constituents.PMID:39952902 | DOI:10.1002/cbdv.202403254

Chem Biodivers. 2025 Feb 14:e202500072. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202500072. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTX. sorbifolia is valued in food, landscape, and medicine, with its husk containing triterpenoid Triterpenoids known for anti-Alzheimer's effects. This study, using UHPLC-HRMS and plant metabolomics, compared the chemical profiles of different parts of X. sorbifolia to assess their potential for replacing the husk in medicinal use. The findings show that only the bark and wood contain small amounts of triterpene Triterpenoids, which cannot substitute the husk's medicinal value. These results support the quality control and clinical application of the husk.PMID:39952894 | DOI:10.1002/cbdv.202500072

Food Microbiol. 2025 Jun;128:104715. doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104715. Epub 2024 Dec 17.ABSTRACTYeast extracellular proteases play a key role in developing the taste of dry-cured ham, whereas the mechanism of yeast proteases on taste formation of dry-cured ham is not fully studied. The proteases characteristics of yeast isolated form Jinhua ham, hydrolysis capacities for myofibrillar proteins (MP), free amino acid contents, metabolite compositions, taste parameters and the relationship between metabolites and taste parameters were investigated to reveal the mechanism of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa AUMC 9298 (RM) and Candida parapsilosis d70a (CP) proteases on MP hydrolysis and taste development of dry-cured ham. The proteases of RM and CP showed high hydrolysis activities at the conditions of pH 5.0-8.0 and 30-50 °C. The proteases of RM showed higher capability to degrade myosin compared with CP proteases and Pichia kudriavzevii XS-5 (PK) proteases. The total free amino acid contents increased from 18.44 mg/100 mL in PK to 33.91 mg/100 mL in RM and 25.28 mg/100 mL in CP after 4 h hydrolysis of MP. Thirty-two metabolites were identified by LC-MS/MS, and peptides and amino acid derivatives were the key components of MP hydrolysates. The scores of umami, richness and aftertaste showed the largest values in RM among these groups. PLS-DA and correlation demonstrated that aspartic acid, N-Methyl-aspartic acid, Glu-Glu, γ-Glu-Cys, glutamic acid, γ-Glu-Glu and γ-Glu-Gln were positive correlation with the improvement of umami, richness and aftertaste.PMID:39952759 | DOI:10.1016/j.fm.2024.104715

Food Microbiol. 2025 Jun;128:104721. doi: 10.1016/j.fm.2025.104721. Epub 2025 Jan 3.ABSTRACTAmidst the increasing demand for premium dark tea, the utilization of Aspergillus niger-inoculated fermentation has emerged as a potential solution to address the challenges associated with extended processing cycles and inconsistent quality. This study comprehensively investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of A. niger PW-2 inoculation in enhancing dark tea quality compared to spontaneous fermentation, using metabolomics, electronic tongue, molecular docking, and high-throughput sequencing. A. niger PW-2 shaped the fungal community within 7 days, degrading terpene glycosides and lactones while generating terpenoids and unsaturated fatty acids, which enriched the floral aroma of PW-2-inoculated fermentation dark tea (AF). Flavonoid degradation and reduced theaflavins/thearubigins levels in AF decreased astringency, while increased bitter dipeptides and isoflavonoids enhanced bitterness, and the accumulation of umami dipeptides and theabrownins improved umami taste perception of AF. Molecular docking identified key compounds responsible for astringency (kaempferol glycosides), bitterness (6″-caffeoylisoorientin, kaempferol 4'-glucoside 7-rhamnoside, dihydrodaidzein 7-O-glucuronide), and umami (3-O-p-trans-coumaroylalphitolic acid, dihydrodaidzein 7-O-glucuronide, 1-methoxyphaseollidin). Overall, A. niger PW-2 inoculation accelerates fermentation process and enhances flavor characteristics of dark tea, offering a promising approach for high-quality dark tea production.PMID:39952746 | DOI:10.1016/j.fm.2025.104721

Bioresour Technol. 2025 Feb 12:132216. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132216. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTricholoma matsutake, a rare fungus, is highly valued for its remarkable nutritional content, making it a sought-after biomass resource in both the cosmetics and food sectors. However, its scarcity and restricted natural growth impede large-scale utilization. An endophytic fungus, Umbelopsis sp. TM01, was successfully isolated from the fruiting body of T. matsutake. Research on the biological activity and cytotoxicity of the extract from Umbelopsis sp. TM01 (UFE) and the extract from T. matsutake (TME) showed that UFE outperformed TME in biological activity and had lower cytotoxicity. In the cosmetics-relevant bio-functions, UFE exhibited more potent anti-tyrosinase activity, greater anti-wrinkle efficacy and comparable wound-healing effect to that of TME. UFE was safe for human dermal fibroblasts even at 10% concentration. Metabolomic analysis revealed UFE had diverse secondary metabolites. All in all, Umbelopsis sp. TM01 has great potential as a substitute for T. matsutake in the cosmetics industry.PMID:39952620 | DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2025.132216

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Feb 12:140999. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140999. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIntestinal barrier damage is frequently caused by antibiotic therapy, potentially leading to bacterial translocation and toxin leakage, which triggers inflammation and increases the risk of various diseases. In this study, Tamarind seed polysaccharides (TSP) with different molecular weights were administered to mice during the recovery phase from clindamycin-induced intestinal barrier damage. The results indicated that TSP restored the shortened colon length, reduced the enlarged cecum index, and decreased the elevated level of inflammatory infiltration. Biochemical testing revealed that TSP decreased the levels of intestinal permeability biomarkers and inflammatory factors that were elevated by clindamycin treatment. Transcriptomics and non-targeted metabolomics analyses respectively uncovered changes in colon gene expression and fecal metabolites. The joint analysis of these omics data identified critical pathways, including arachidonic acid metabolism, retinol metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. These findings suggest that TSP could be a promising dietary supplement for protecting the intestinal barrier and alleviating inflammation.PMID:39952497 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140999

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Feb 12:140980. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140980. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTEndometritis in dairy cows significantly impacts their reproductive performance. However, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex subunit-alpha (HADHA) is known to regulate the occurrence of various diseases, but its role in bovine endometritis is poorly understood. In the present study, an in vitro bovine endometrial epithelial cell (BEEC) inflammation model was constructed to explore the effects of HADHA on inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Functional analyses based on HADHA interference and overexpression revealed that it positively regulated the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BEECs, enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and promoting inflammation. Concurrently, HADHA decreased the expression of PCNA, CDK2, and CDK4, inhibited mitotic transition of BEECs from S to G2 phase, and negatively regulated BEEC proliferation. It also increased BAX and Caspase-3 expression while decreasing BCL2 expression, hence promoting BEEC apoptosis. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that HADHA modulated inflammation in BEECs by affecting pathways such as the TGF-beta signaling pathway, fatty acid metabolism, and p53 signaling. These findings provide novel insights into HADHA's role in bovine endometritis and reveal future research directions on its regulatory mechanisms.PMID:39952496 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.140980

Can J Cardiol. 2025 Feb 12:S0828-282X(25)00126-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2025.02.016. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating a deeper understanding of its complex pathophysiology. Omics technologies-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics-have revolutionized cardiovascular research, enabling high-throughput analysis of biological systems at multiple molecular levels. These tools are advancing precision medicine by uncovering molecular mechanisms underlying CVD. Traditionally, research followed a top-down approach, analyzing broad cardiovascular subsystems. However, modern high-throughput technologies support a bottom-up approach, examining molecular components first and integrating findings into larger systems. This paradigm shift, powered by big data, is transforming cardiovascular research and paving the way for more precise, personalized treatments.PMID:39952467 | DOI:10.1016/j.cjca.2025.02.016

J Ethnopharmacol. 2025 Feb 12:119460. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119460. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fritillaria cirrhosa bulbs, referred to as Chuanbeimu in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are extensively used for recognized anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive effects. Both Songbei (SB) and Qingbei (QB), which are from this plant, have been used separately in medicine. However, the differences and similarities in their bioactive components and anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear.OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyse the metabolic profiles of F. cirrhosa bulbs across different growth years and explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive properties of two distinct medicinal materials.METHODS: With nontargeted metabolic technology, the main components of bulbs were detected. Principal component analysis (PCA) and pathway enrichment analysis were carried out to determine the differentially expressed metabolites between growth years. Network pharmacology was subsequently used to analyse the relationships among the components, diseases, key targets, and metabolic pathways by constructing a network model. The effects of drug-containing serum on cellular inflammatory factors were analysed through in vitro assays.RESULTS: A total of 1349 compounds were identified from the different bulb samples. PCA revealed metabolic differences between SB bulbs (1- and 2-year-old) and QB bulbs (3-, 4-, and 5-year-old). Notably, 4-methoxycinnamaldehyde, tenuifoliside A, LysoPC 20:4, and morpholine-4-carboximidamide hydrobromide were identified as potential components for distinguishing SB and QB. Network pharmacology revealed more common targets related to anti-inflammatory (PPARG, PPARA, PTGS1, and XDH) and anti-tussive (PPARG, PTGS1, PPARA, OPRM1, DRD2, SLC6A4, and HTR2A) effects in SB than in QB. KEGG analysis revealed that inflammation and cough, including tryptophan metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism, were enriched in the SB group. Cellular assays revealed anti-inflammatory effects, with SB having greater effects on IL-6 and QB on TNF-α and IL-1β having overall anti-inflammatory effects.CONCLUSION: By integrating metabolomic and network analyses, the traditional classification of F. cirrhosa into SB and QB based on bulb characteristics and the observed differences are justified to a certain extent. This study provides new insights, guiding the clinical use of these treatments for inflammation and cough.PMID:39952421 | DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2025.119460

Eur J Pharm Sci. 2025 Feb 12:107043. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2025.107043. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe goal of this work is to develop a delivery system for histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) romidepsin (ROM) using Poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) as a carrier and evaluate its anti-leukemic effects. Romidepsin-loaded nanoparticles (ROM NPs) required for this purpose were fabricated using a single emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. Their physical characteristics and in vitro drug release profiles were studied, alongside biocompatibility and hemocompatibility assessments. Cell viability assays and Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) staining were conducted to evaluate the anti-leukemic and apoptosis induction efficiency of ROM NPs in vitro. ROM NPs displayed a spherical shape with an average hydrodynamic size of about 149.7 ± 8.4 nm, a PDI of 0.11 ± 0.03, and a zeta potential of -25.27 ± 2.12 mV. The nanoparticles demonstrated a high encapsulation efficiency of ROM (∼93%) and these nanoparticles effectively entered acute leukemia cells, including U937 and Jurkat. ROM NPs also exhibited a prolonged biphasic release pattern, specifically, the initial burst release phase occurred within the first 24 h, followed by a slower, sustained release. Additionally, they showed no hematological or biological toxicity, indicating their potential use for the delivery of anti-cancer drugs through the circulatory system. In tests on acute leukemia cell lines, ROM NPs showed significantly stronger anti-leukemic effects and induced apoptosis to a greater extent compared to free ROM. In summary, ROM NPs represent a promising therapy option for leukemia according to their enhanced anti-leukemic effects. Further modification of this strategy could be performed to enable target specificity, hence minimizing damage to normal cells.PMID:39952370 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejps.2025.107043

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2025 Feb 12:117264. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117264. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAcetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) represents a common yet potentially severe type of drug-induced liver injury with limited available effective therapeutic methods. Magnolin possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for treating various diseases. However, its effects against AILI and the fundamental mechanisms still lack comprehensive exploration. This research endeavors to assess magnolin's hepatoprotective properties against AILI. The AILI model was established in male C57BL/6 mice via intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg APAP and in the HepG2 cell line treated with 20 mM APAP. The levels of oxidation, liver damage and inflammation were assessed. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were utilized to explore the mechanism underlying magnolin treatment in AILI. We found that 5 mg/kg magnolin effectively mitigated the elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), along with inflammatory factor (IL-6, and TNF-α) levels in vivo. Meanwhile, magnolin relieved oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase activity and reducing malondialdehyde along with oxidized glutathione/reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH). 6 μM magnolin increased cell viability and reduced the lipid peroxidation in vitro. Furthermore, magnolin altered the expression of 413 genes and the levels of 70 metabolites, which were enriched in lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and the MAPK signaling pathway. However, 10 mg/kg magnolin tended to exacerbate liver damage. Overall, 5 mg/kg magnolin effectively protects against AILI by modulating inflammatory responses and the MAPK pathway, whereas 10 mg/kg worsens liver injury, underscoring the need for dose optimization. These findings offer a fresh perspective and novel therapy for AILI.PMID:39952301 | DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2025.117264

Aging Cell. 2025 Feb 14:e70014. doi: 10.1111/acel.70014. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe study of biomarkers in biofluids and tissues expanded our understanding of the biological processes that drive physiological and functional manifestations of aging. However, most of these studies were limited to examining one biological compartment, an approach that fails to recognize that aging pervasively affects the whole body. The simultaneous modeling of hundreds of metabolites and proteins across multiple compartments may provide a more detailed picture of healthy aging and point to differences between chronological and biological aging. Herein, we report proteomic analyses of plasma and urine collected in healthy men and women, age 22-92 years. Using these data, we developed a series of metabolomic and proteomic predictors of chronological age for plasma, urine, and skeletal muscle. We then defined a biological aging score, which measures the departure between an individual's predicted age and the expected predicted age for that individual based on the full cohort. We show that these predictors are significantly and independently related to clinical phenotypes important for aging, such as inflammation, iron deficiency anemia, muscle mass, and renal and hepatic functions. Despite a different set of selected biomarkers in each compartment, the different scores reflect a similar degree of deviation from healthy aging in single individuals, thus allowing identification of subjects with significant accelerated or decelerated biological aging.PMID:39952253 | DOI:10.1111/acel.70014

Food Chem. 2025 Feb 10;475:143323. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143323. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTriterpenoid saponins, bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical relevance and functional food potential, are abundant in tea plants (Camellia sinensis), yet their structural diversity and tissue-specific distribution remain insufficiently explored. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, Feature-based Molecular Networking, and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), we profiled 52 tea saponins, including two novel trisaccharide saponins with unique glycosylation patterns. Aerial tissues, particularly buds and leaves, were enriched with cinnamoyl-decorated tetrasaccharide saponins, whereas roots predominantly accumulated di- and trisaccharide saponins, with significant cultivar-specific variation. IMS further revealed a compartmentalized root distribution, with di- and trisaccharide saponins localized in the epidermis and cortex, while tetrasaccharide saponins were concentrated in the stele. These findings advance understanding of the structural complexity and spatial accumulation of tea saponins, offering insights for bioactive compound extraction and informing breeding strategies to enhance saponin yield and diversity.PMID:39952190 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143323

Ultrason Sonochem. 2025 Feb 10;114:107266. doi: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107266. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBletilla striata, a medicinal orchidaceous plant, is recognized for its significant pharmacological value. However, the lack of comparative metabolomic data across different extraction methods for analyzing its bioactive components has significantly undervalued the application potential of B. striata in the traditional Chinese medicine market. Using six ultrasound-assisted extraction methods and UPLC-MS/MS, this study identified 1,945 metabolites in B. striata extracts. The dominant categories were lipids (51.35%), flavonoids (18.00%), and phenolic acids (12.51%). KEGG analysis revealed alterations in flavonoids and isoflavonoids biosynthesis pathways. Thirteen bitter metabolites, including cinnamic acid, were identified in B. striata tubers, underscoring their potential pharmacological applications, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Optimizing different extraction methods can better preserve the bioactive components of B. striata extracts, thereby enhancing its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.PMID:39952165 | DOI:10.1016/j.ultsonch.2025.107266