PubMed

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Apr 10;492:138251. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138251. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTriclosan (TCS) is a common disinfectant in consumer products, raising concerns about its effects on aquatic life. This study assessed the accumulation and impact of TCS on zebrafish (Danio rerio) by examining histological, biochemical, and NMR-based metabolomic changes in gill and intestinal tissue after 30 d of exposure to environmental concentrations (30, 50, and 70 µg/L). Both tissues showed TCS accumulation, which resulted in histopathological damage. The activity of catalase, lactate dehydrogenase, and acetylcholinesterase increased, while superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase declined. Conversely, the content of malondialdehyde rose, but soluble protein decreased. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis displayed a varied spectrum of protein profiles, demonstrating alterations in the cytoskeletal proteins. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated concentration-dependent alterations in the cytoskeletal protein secondary structures. Gene expression studies revealed alterations in the mRNA expression of genes associated with oxidative stress (sod-Cu/Zn, cat and mgst3b), metabolism (ldha), neural activity (ache), and cytoskeletal dynamics (actn4, myl9a, tpma, tuba1b and desmb). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed significant changes in metabolic pathway profiles, validated by amino acid analysis. These results suggest that TCS can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by inducing oxidative stress, affecting cytoskeletal dynamics, and modifying metabolic processes.PMID:40239525 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138251

Aquat Toxicol. 2025 Apr 11;283:107365. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107365. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNitrate pollution in aquatic ecosystems has attracted global attention and has toxic effects on marine organisms. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying nitrate toxicity in the fish gut remain obscure. To this end, turbot were subjected to nitrate exposure (200 mg/L NO3-N) for 0, 10, 20, and 30 days to explore nitrate toxicity and metabolic mechanisms in the gut by employing a multi-omics analysis integrating metabolomics with transcriptomics. The metabolomics analysis showed that nitrate exposure resulted in significant changes in the intestinal metabolite network, implying that the intestinal metabolism of turbot was impaired. Metabolites Pathway Analysis (MetPA) results revealed that the metabolic pathways significantly impacted by nitrate exposure included amino-acid metabolism pathways, such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. Additionally, network interaction analysis between key differential metabolites (DMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified seven essential amino acids associated with this process. Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) analysis determined that six distinct temporal expression patterns exhibited dynamic changes in DMs, mainly enriched in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, indicating an increased energy demand to withstand nitrate stress. Multi-omics analysis revealed that sustained nitrate stress can interfere with protein digestion and absorption, alter collagen anabolism and specific composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and ultimately disrupt intestinal homeostasis. Our findings enhance our understanding of nitrate toxicity in fish and offer insights that can improve nitrate management in marine ecosystems.PMID:40239329 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107365

Aquat Toxicol. 2025 Apr 10;283:107362. doi: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107362. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAgrochemical organosilicone spray adjuvants, widely applied in agroecosystems, are suspected to pose environmental risks based on recent studies. In response to these concerns, we have purified the active components of these adjuvants, specifically a series of oligomers of hydroxy(polyethyleneoxy) propyl-heptamethyl trisiloxane (TSS-H), including ethylene oxide (EO) units ranging from 4 to 12. For analysis of TSS-H in zebrafish and water, a method utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLCHRMS) was developed. The findings revealed that at total TSS-H concentrations of 0.04, 0.4, and 4 mg/kg, the average recovery rate of TSS-H containing 4 to 12 EO units in zebrafish ranged from 81.2 % to 107.2 %, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) between 0.1 % and 8.4 %. The 96-hour LC50 of TSS-H in zebrafish was 6.71±0.04 mg/L. At exposure concentrations of 0.0671 mg/L and 0.671 mg/L, TSS-H oligomers reached a steady state in zebrafish within 14-21 days, with concentrations ranging from 0.008 to 0.05 mg/kg and 0.018 to 0.348 mg/kg, respectively. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) values for TSS-H oligomers (4-12 EO units) were 1.87-11.59 at the low dose and 0.79-9.19 at the high dose after 14 days. The elimination half-lives of the oligomers were <2.37 days during the elimination phase. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis revealed both TSS-H doses significantly impacted lipid and amino acid metabolic pathways, with disruptions largely associated with abnormal energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and alterations in membrane composition. These findings are critical for assessing the food safety and environmental risks of agrochemical organosilicone spray adjuvants in fish.PMID:40239327 | DOI:10.1016/j.aquatox.2025.107362

Int J Food Microbiol. 2025 Apr 9;436:111193. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111193. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSynergistic bacteriostatic action represents a potent strategy for combating microbial contamination in the food industry. This study investigated the synergistic bacteriostatic effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A). Results showed a pronounced synergistic action of EGCG and I3A against diverse food spoilage microorganisms, most notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.25. Further research revealed that EGCG disrupted the cell wall and cell membrane of P. aeruginosa, while supplementing I3A significantly boosted the concentration of intracellular reactive oxygen species, thereby inflicting cellular damage. Moreover, the EGCG-I3A treatment inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa in a dose-dependent manner, with the effectiveness increasing with the quantity of I3A added. Metabolomic study revealed a perturbation in glutathione and taurine metabolic pathways post synergistic treatment, compromising redox homeostasis. This synergistic treatment also downregulated uracil, proline, and glutamate metabolites, thereby suppressing Quorum Sensing (QS) and biofilm-associated expression within P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the combination significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa growth in fish meat. In essence, this study underscored the synergistic bacteriostatic efficacy of EGCG and I3A, highlighting its potential application in food preservation.PMID:40239291 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111193

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Apr 11;224:109915. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109915. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCadmium (Cd) pollution is a serious threat to many plants. Dopamine (DOPA) can potentially alleviate abiotic stress in plants, however, the effects of DOPA on Cd biotoxicity remain largely elusive. This study explored the beneficial effects of DOPA on Cd tolerance and detoxification in tobacco using transcriptomics and metabolomics combined with physiological and biochemical analyses. The results showed that applying DOPA reduced Cd absorption in tobacco plants, altered its subcellular distribution, decreased the soluble Cd proportion within cells and organelles, and increased the soluble Cd proportion associated with the cell wall. Analysis of Cd chemical forms revealed that DOPA decreased the concentrations of inorganic Cd and water-soluble Cd (with limited mobility), while increased the Cd complexed with pectin, proteins, and phosphate in the cell walls and vacuoles. Furthermore, DOPA enhanced CAT, SOD, POD, APX activity, decreased Cd-induced O2·-, H2O2, and MDA accumulation and damage, and preserved cell wall structural integrity, thereby improved the plant photosynthetic capacity (Fv/Fm, Gs, Tr, Pn). Comprehensive transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that DOPA modulated amino acid and lipid metabolism, and upregulated the expression of genes involved in cell wall synthesis (PME, XTH et al.), Cd uptake and detoxification (FROs, HIPPs et al.), as well as light-harvesting protein (Psa, Psb, LHC et al.). This study establishes a theoretical foundation for understanding how DOPA enhances plant tolerance to Cd stress and elucidates the fundamental regulatory mechanisms involved.PMID:40239254 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109915

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Apr 5;224:109865. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109865. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBlueberry fruits of different varieties have characteristic aromas. We selected two southern highbush varieties, 'O'Neal' (high aroma, 'ON') and 'Misty' (low aroma, 'MY') and one rabbtieye cultivar 'Pink Lemonade' (unique aroma, 'PL'), to analyze the changes in fruit flavor quality during different periods and perform metabolic and transcriptomic analyses of mature fruits. The results showed that the types and numbers of metabolites contained in the three varieties were similar, but the contents were very different: 'ON' contains more eucalyptol and 2-pentyl furan, 'MY' contains more eucalyptol and 2-decanone, and 'PL' contains more beta-maaliene and 2-pentyl furan. Significantly different differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids, flavonoids and phenylpropanoids, and nine genes were screened as candidate genes. The qRT-PCR detection results showed that the expression levels of the three PAL genes in the 'ON' fruit were significantly higher than 'MY' and 'PL', which may be the reason why this variety has the most intense aroma among the three varieties. In comparison, the relatively high expression of the BGLU46 gene in 'PL' might be the reason for its unique aroma. The results of this study lay the foundation for further research on the mechanism of blueberry aroma formation and the selection and breeding of highly aromatic blueberry varieties.PMID:40239248 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109865

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Mar 22;224:109822. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109822. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAtractylodes lancea is a type of traditional Chinese medicine whose rhizome is rich in sesquiterpenoids. However, the mechanisms underlying the synthesis and metabolism of sesquiterpenoids in A. lancea remain poorly discovered. In the present research, the organs of A. lancea in different growth and development stages served as test materials. Initially, widely targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were integrated to elucidate sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis in A. lancea. Up to 177 differentially expressed sesquiterpene metabolites and 80 genes associated with the synthesis pathway of sesquiterpenes were identified. Of these, 13 terpene synthases (TPSs), including AlTPS17, AlTPS20, and AlTPS13, appeared to be directly involved in the synthesis of sesquiterpenes accumulated in the rhizomes. Both AlTPS13 and AlTPS20 used farnesyl diphosphate as a substrate to generate sesquiterpenoids, while AlTPS13 catalyzed the biosynthesis of γ-elemene. This study analyzed the quality-generation pattern of A. lancea under seasonal variations and thereby laid a strong foundation to further elucidate the mechanism of sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis.PMID:40239246 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109822

J Agric Food Chem. 2025 Apr 16. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c01735. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTFumonisins, a class of mycotoxins, pose significant health risks due to widespread contamination. The presence of masked mycotoxins complicates risk assessments because of insufficient regulation and potential toxicity as well as in vivo transformation. This study aims to compare the toxic effects of continuous exposure to fumonisin B1 (FB1) and hydrolyzed FB1 (HFB1) on the gut-liver axis in mice. After 21 d of exposure to FB1 and HFB1, the distributions of FB1 and its metabolites in mice were analyzed, and their effects on intestinal morphology, gut microbial diversity, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), inflammatory factors, and hippocampal metabolites were assessed. The results revealed that the highest concentrations of FB1 (61.87%) and HFB1 (53.56%) were detected in the cecum, followed by the colon. Exposure to FB1 and HFB1 resulted in compromised intestinal integrity, villi atrophy, elevated levels of inflammatory factors, and decreased total SCFAs. Both FB1 and HFB1 led to a significant reduction in the Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio. Blood biochemical analysis and liver metabolomics indicated that FB1 and HFB1 also induced disturbances in the liver homeostasis. The complex correlations observed between the metabolomic and microbiota results underscore the involvement of the gut-liver axis in the disruption induced by these two mycotoxins. These findings highlight the systemic effects of FB1 and HFB1 on liver and gut health, providing valuable insights for further research into their mechanisms and health implications.PMID:40238996 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.5c01735

Sci Adv. 2025 Apr 18;11(16):eads1532. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ads1532. Epub 2025 Apr 16.ABSTRACTAging is associated with dysregulated methionine metabolism and increased levels of enzymes in the tyrosine degradation pathway (TDP). To investigate the efficacy of targeting either methionine metabolism or the TDP for healthspan improvement in advanced age, we initiated dietary MetR or TDP inhibition in 18-month-old C57BL/6J mice. MetR significantly improved neuromuscular function, metabolic health, lung function, and frailty. In addition, we confirmed improved neuromuscular function from dietary MetR in 5XFAD mice, whose weight was not affected by MetR. We did not observe benefits with TDP inhibition. Single-nucleus RNA and ATAC sequencing of muscle revealed cell type-specific responses to MetR, although MetR did not significantly affect mouse aging epigenetic clock markers. Similarly, an 8-week MetR intervention in a human trial (NCT04701346) showed no significant impact on epigenetic clocks. The observed benefits from late-life MetR provide translational rationale to develop MetR mimetics as an antiaging intervention.PMID:40238871 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.ads1532

PLoS One. 2025 Apr 16;20(4):e0312061. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312061. eCollection 2025.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) and fibromyalgia (FM) are leading causes of suffering, disability, and social costs. Current pharmacological treatments do not target molecular mechanisms driving CLBP and FM, and no validated biomarkers are available, hampering the development of effective therapeutics. Omics research has the potential to substantially advance our ability to develop mechanism-specific therapeutics by identifying pathways involved in the pathophysiology of CLBP and FM, and facilitate the development of diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic biomarkers. We will conduct a blood and urine multi-omics study in comprehensively phenotyped and clinically characterized patients with CLBP and FM. Our aims are to identify molecular pathways potentially involved in the pathophysiology of CLBP and FM that would shift the focus of research to the development of target-specific therapeutics, and identify candidate diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic biomarkers.METHODS: We are conducting a prospective cohort study of adults ≥18 years of age with CLBP (n=100) and FM (n=100), and pain-free controls (n=200). Phenotyping measures include demographics, medication use, pain-related clinical characteristics, physical function, neuropathic components (quantitative sensory tests and DN4 questionnaire), pain facilitation (temporal summation), and psychosocial function as moderator. Blood and urine samples are collected to analyze metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics. We will integrate the overall omics data to identify common mechanisms and pathways, and associate multi-omics profiles to pain-related clinical characteristics, physical function, indicators of neuropathic pain, and pain facilitation, with psychosocial variables as moderators.DISCUSSION: Our study addresses the need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia. Using a multi-omics approach, we hope to identify converging evidence for potential targets of future therapeutic developments, as well as promising candidate biomarkers for further investigation by biomarker validation studies. We believe that accurate patient phenotyping will be essential for the discovery process, as both conditions are characterized by high heterogeneity and complexity, likely rendering molecular mechanisms phenotype specific.PMID:40238742 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0312061

PLoS Pathog. 2025 Apr 16;21(4):e1013069. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1013069. eCollection 2025 Apr.ABSTRACTTrichinella spiralis (Ts) is known to cause cardiac fibrosis, which is a critical precursor to various heart diseases, and its progression is influenced by metabolic changes. However, the metabolic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we observed that Ts-infected mice exhibited cardiac fibrosis along with elevated succinate levels in the heart using metabolomic analysis. Administration of succinate exacerbated fibrosis during Ts infection, while deficiency in succinate receptor 1 (Sucnr1) alleviated the condition, highlighting the role of the succinate-Sucnr1 axis in fibrosis development. Furthermore, metagenomics sequencing showed that Ts-infected mice had a higher abundance ratio of succinate-producing bacteria to succinate-consuming bacteria in the intestines. Notably, the succinate-producer Bacteroides vulgatus was enriched in Ts group. Oral supplementation with B. vulgatus aggravated Ts-induced cardiac fibrosis. In summary, our findings underscore the succinate-Sucnr1 axis as a critical pathway in helminth-induced cardiac fibrosis and highlight the potential of targeting this axis for therapeutic interventions. This study presents novel insights into the gut-heart axis, revealing innovative strategies for managing cardiovascular complications associated with helminth infections.PMID:40238740 | DOI:10.1371/journal.ppat.1013069

J Med Food. 2025 Apr 16. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0233. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPostpartum women are in a state of physical weakness and suffering from fatigue. Metabolic disturbances in the postpartum period may lead to an increased prevalence of postpartum depression, hemorrhage, and obesity, underscoring the importance of prioritizing maternal health. The combination (Baizhu Xiaozhong San, BZXZS) of charred Atractylodis macrocephalae Koidz. (Baizhu, BZ) and charred Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Zhishi, ZS) has primary applications for invigorating the spleen and promoting diuresis. This study utilized serum/spleen metabolomics in conjunction with 16S rDNA sequencing analysis to investigate the endogenous metabolic alterations and intestinal homeostasis in postpartum rats exhibiting spleen-deficiency syndrome (SDS). The pathological symptoms of postpartum SDS rats in the administration groups were gradually restored, in particular, the symptoms of the BZXZS-H group rats improved significantly. As a result, 32 differential metabolites and 7 correlated metabolic pathways (impact value > 0.1) demonstrated the improvement effect of BZXZS on postpartum SDS rats mostly focusing on disorders of energy, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. 16S rDNA gene sequencing indicated that BZXZS had a significantly better regulatory effect on Lactobacillus faecis. The findings suggest that BZXZS exerts a positive impact on the intestinal health and the immune system of postpartum SDS rats through an intricate cascade of interactions with various targets.PMID:40238668 | DOI:10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0233

Foods. 2025 Apr 7;14(7):1284. doi: 10.3390/foods14071284.ABSTRACTSummer green tea often suffers from an inferior flavor, attributed to its bitterness and astringency. In this study, an integrated shaking and piling process was performed to improve the flavor of summer green tea. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the sweet and kokumi flavors, accompanied by a reduction in umami, astringency, and bitterness following the treatment. Additionally, the yellowness and color saturation were also enhanced by the treatment. A total of 146 non-volatile metabolites (NVMs) were identified during the study. The elevated levels of sweet-tasting amino acids (L-proline, L-glutamine, and L-threonine), soluble sugars, and peptides (such as gamma-Glu-Gln and glutathione) contributed to the enhanced sweetness and kokumi. Conversely, the decreased levels of ester-catechins, flavonoid glycosides, and procyanidins resulted in a reduction in umami, astringency, and bitterness. Furthermore, the decreased levels of certain NVMs, particularly ascorbic acid and saponarin, played a crucial role in enhancing the yellowness and color saturation of the summer green tea. Our findings offered a novel theoretical framework and practical guidelines for producing high-quality summer green tea.PMID:40238596 | DOI:10.3390/foods14071284

Foods. 2025 Apr 7;14(7):1280. doi: 10.3390/foods14071280.ABSTRACTTo elucidate the regional flavor characteristics of sun-dried green tea (SDT) and their underlying influencing factors, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using metabolomics and flavoromics approaches. This study systematically examined SDT samples and their corresponding tea garden soils from 13 distinct regions in Yunnan Province. The results revealed that the SDT samples could be classified into two distinct groups based on their flavor profiles. Compared to the regions of Pa Sha (PS), Bang Dong (BD), Dong Ban Shan (DBS), Dong Guo (DG), Su Hu (SH), Gua Feng Zhai (GFZ), and Wu Liang Shan (WLS), the regions of Xin Nong (XN), Ba Ka Nuan (BKN), Mang Ang (MA), Man Nuan (MN), Bing Dao (BDao), and Bin Shan (BS) exhibited a significant upregulation of the tea polyphenols (TP)/free amino acids (FAA) ratio. The former group was characterized by a sweet mellow taste, while the latter displayed a stronger taste profile. Furthermore, the analysis of volatile compounds demonstrated that geraniol and linalool were significantly upregulated in the PS, BD, DBS, DG, BS, and BDao regions, which were associated with tender and floral aromas. In contrast, isophorone, 2-pentyl furan, 1-octanol, D-limonene, and benzaldehyde were markedly enriched in the XN, BKN, MA, MN, SH, GFZ, and WLS regions, contributing to sweet and honey-like aromatic profiles. Altitude and mineral element phosphorus are potential key factors affecting the regional flavor differences in SDT. Specifically, SDT cultivated at higher altitudes and in soils with elevated available phosphorus content exhibited a greater likelihood of accumulating sweet mellow and floral compounds. This study provides scientific evidence for understanding the characteristic flavor profiles of SDT across different regions, offering valuable insights into the factors contributing to regional flavor differentiation in tea production.PMID:40238592 | DOI:10.3390/foods14071280

Clin Cancer Res. 2025 Apr 16. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-24-3782. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPURPOSE: Sarcopenia is a hallmark of cancer cachexia. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is associated with an inflammatory state that may exacerbate sarcopenia. The relationship between CAR T-cell therapy, sarcopenia, and metabolism is poorly understood.EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In 83 large B-cell lymphoma patients, the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured from clinical images obtained at baseline and days 30 and 90 post-therapy. Serum metabolomics (n=57 patients) was performed in the first 4 weeks.RESULTS: Baseline sarcopenia was present in over half of patients and associated with shorter median overall survival (OS) than for non-sarcopenic patients (10.5 versus 34.3 months; P=0.006). This reduction was due to increased non-relapse mortality (NRM) with all six NRM events occurring in patients with baseline sarcopenia. In the first 30 days after CAR T-cell therapy, 1/3 of patients experienced skeletal muscle loss greater than 10%. Muscle loss was associated with higher tumor burden and neurotoxicity but was not significantly associated with long term survival. Serum metabolomics revealed an early (weeks 1-2) increase in purine metabolites, followed by a later (weeks 3-4) increase in triglyceride levels. The serum metabolite with the highest fold-increase from baseline was adipic acid, attributed to the inpatient hospital menu of Jello and other tart beverages.CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle loss after CAR T-cell therapy is common and is associated with fatty acid catabolism. Patients with baseline sarcopenia have poor tolerance and reduced survival. Future studies of dietary and exercise interventions may improve CAR T-cell therapy outcomes.PMID:40238583 | DOI:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-24-3782

Foods. 2025 Apr 3;14(7):1247. doi: 10.3390/foods14071247.ABSTRACTMelatonin (MT) is an elicitor that stimulates phenolic compounds biosynthesis and accumulation in fruits and vegetables. However, its role in regulating phenolic compounds and the phenylpropane metabolism during pepper ripening is unclear. To investigate how exogenous MT regulates phenolic compounds biosynthesis during pepper ripening, pepper plant surfaces were sprayed with different MT concentrations (0 and 100 µmol·L-1) 10 days after anthesis. MT treatment improved pepper fruits quality. In particular, total phenolics and flavonoids compounds levels were elevated, indicating that MT affected phenolic compounds metabolism. Furthermore, metabolomics identified 15 substances exhibiting high fold-change values after MT treatment, including chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, cynarin, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, gentianic acid, benzoic acid, sinapic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Shikimate dehydrogenase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate-Coa ligase, chalcone synthase, and chalcone isomerase activities were also evaluated. MT upregulated the expression of genes involved in phenolic compounds synthesis during pepper ripening and that of corresponding genes involved in the endogenous MT anabolic pathway, promoting endogenous. The polyphenolics and carbohydrates are indicators of the botanical and geographical origin of Serbian autochthonous clones of red spice MT synthesis throughout pepper ripening. In summary, exogenous MT accelerates phenolic compounds synthesis in pepper fruits by activating phenylpropane metabolism and modulating endogenous hormone signaling networks. This is expected to offer a revolutionary strategy to reinforce pepper plants resistance and quality.PMID:40238541 | DOI:10.3390/foods14071247

Foods. 2025 Apr 3;14(7):1259. doi: 10.3390/foods14071259.ABSTRACTThis study investigated the changes in the physicochemical properties and metabolites of pickled purple radish during storage. Pickles of purple radish ('Boraking') prepared by the addition of acetic acid and sugar were stored in the dark at 4 °C for 60 days. The color of the pickled purple radish changed from purple to pink, while the pickling solution changed from pink to purple. During storage, sucrose content gradually decreased, while glucose and fructose levels increased. LC-ESI-QToF-MS metabolomic analysis indicated that metabolites, including organic acids, amino acids, sulfur-containing compounds, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and anthocyanins, were identified. The antioxidant capacity and color meter of pickled purple radish may undergo changes due to the altered levels of non-volatile compounds (cyanidins, adenosine, and amino acids) during storage. Anthocyanins had negative correlations with the color of pickled purple radish. The radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of pickled purple radish declined during storage. These findings emphasized the need for further research to develop processing and storage methods that enhance the bioactivity and stability of pickled purple radish.PMID:40238537 | DOI:10.3390/foods14071259

Foods. 2025 Apr 3;14(7):1261. doi: 10.3390/foods14071261.ABSTRACTHuangjiu is a traditional alcoholic beverage in China, but because of the differences in fermentation conditions and raw materials, how to optimize the flavor quality of Huangjiu is facing challenges. This study used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to investigate microbial diversity in Huangjiu brewed from glutinous rice from five regions in China. Metabolic pathway annotation, electronic senses, and metabolite analysis elucidated the relationships between rice variety, microbial communities, flavor profiles, and metabolic characteristics of Huangjiu. Statistically significant differences in microbial community structure and flavor profiles were observed across Huangjiu samples (p < 0.05), with ten dominant microbial genera identified. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) enriched in Guizhou and Hubei were positively correlated with higher organic acid (12.36 and 12.30 mg/mL, respectively) and lower amino acid levels (2985 and 2920 mg/L, respectively), contributing to a more pronounced sourness in these Huangjiu. Conversely, Huangjiu from Zhejiang, Guangxi, and Jilin exhibited higher concentrations of Saccharopolyspora, Saccharomonospora, Saccharomyces, and Bacillus, associated with elevated amino acid (3706, 3695, and 3700 mg/L, respectively) and reduced organic acid levels (10.11, 9.92 and 10.10 mg/mL, respectively), resulting in sweetness and bitterness. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing Huangjiu flavor and quality through targeted microbial and fermentation management.PMID:40238498 | DOI:10.3390/foods14071261

Foods. 2025 Mar 31;14(7):1224. doi: 10.3390/foods14071224.ABSTRACTA large number of non-volatile metabolites are produced during the growth of rice; however, few studies have focused on the changes in these metabolites at different harvest times. In this study, Nangeng 5718 (a rice variety) was taken as the research object to study the changes in rice metabolites at different harvest times. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to analyze the non-targeted metabolomics of rice at different harvest times in Nanjing, Huai'an, and Lianyungang in the Jiangsu Province of China. The results showed that 2111 metabolites were annotated by the human metabolome database (HMDB), accounting for 94.96% of the total number of metabolites. Rice metabolites included one categories, including 312 fatty acyls, 275 organooxygen compounds, 261 carboxylic acids and derivatives, etc. The results of the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway showed that autophagy-other, ABC transporters, and glycerophospholipid metabolism had a great effect on rice heading to harvest. The experiments showed that L-histidine in Nangeng 5718 was upregulated. These results provide comprehensive insights into the relationship between rice harvest time and changes in metabolites.PMID:40238409 | DOI:10.3390/foods14071224

Foods. 2025 Mar 29;14(7):1199. doi: 10.3390/foods14071199.ABSTRACTHMGR is a crucial enzyme in the biosynthesis of terpenoids. We cloned FaHMGR and found that FaHMGR expression in fruit was significantly higher than other tissues, especially during the coloring stage. Suppression of FaHMGR (FaHMGRR) promoted coloration by increasing anthocyanin content and produced five new components. In contrast, FaHMGR overexpression (FaHMGROE) downregulated most anthocyanin genes and reduced hexanoic acid methyl ester and linalool contents, thereby inhibiting coloring. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses showed that DEGs in HMGROE vs. HMGRC (pCAMBIA1302 empty vector transformant serving as a control) were significantly enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and pathways related to terpenoid metabolism and MeJA, suggesting MeJA as a potential mediator of HMGR's influence on terpenoid pathways. Additionally, DEGs in HMGRR vs. HMGRC were enriched in anthocyanin biosynthesis, particularly keracyanin and pelargonidin, which may explain the promoted coloration observed in HMGRR. WGCNA analysis identified five module genes with distinct expression patterns in HMGRR and HMGROE, including ERF118 and WRKY12, which may impact fruit quality by regulating HMGR activity.PMID:40238400 | DOI:10.3390/foods14071199