PubMed

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025 Mar 11;35:e2411071. doi: 10.4014/jmb.2411.11071.ABSTRACTType 2 diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder with serious health consequences, necessitating both enhanced diagnostic methodologies and comprehensive elucidation of its pathophysiological mechanisms. We compared fecal microbiome and urine metabolome profiles in type 2 diabetes patients versus healthy controls to evaluate their respective diagnostic potential. Using a cohort of 94 subjects (48 diabetics, 46 controls), this study employed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing for fecal microbiome analysis and GC-MS for urinary metabolomics. While fecal microbiome alpha diversity showed no significant differences between groups, urinary metabolomics demonstrated distinct structural patterns and higher evenness in type 2 diabetes patients. The study identified several diabetes-associated urinary metabolites, including elevated levels of glucose and inositol, along with decreased levels of 6 urine metabolites including glycolic acid, hippurate, and 2-aminoethanol. In the fecal microbiome, genera such as Escherichia-Shigella showed positive correlation with type 2 diabetes, while Lacticaseibacillus demonstrated negative correlation. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that urinary metabolites exhibited superior diagnostic potential compared to fecal microbiome features, with an area under the curve of 0.90 for the combined metabolite model versus 0.82 for the integrated bacterial taxa model. These findings suggest that urinary metabolomics may offer a more reliable approach for type 2 diabetes diagnosis compared to fecal 16S metabarcoding, while highlighting the potential of multi-marker panels for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.PMID:40147938 | DOI:10.4014/jmb.2411.11071

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2025 Feb 18;35:e2411085. doi: 10.4014/jmb.2411.11085.ABSTRACTUltraviolet (UV) radiation often causes skin aging, inflammation, cancer and other related skin diseases. In this study, the main components of Tricholoma matsutake extract (TME) were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and their anti-photoaging effects were assessed through UV-induced cell and animal models. The key components identified were D-mannitol (27.41%), DL-malic acid (14%), alginate (12.5%), isoleucine (4.82%), and phenylalanine (4.31%), all of which played roles in anti-aging and UV protection. TME (50-100 mg/ml) significantly alleviated UVA/UVB-induced erythema and wrinkles in mice. Pathological staining showed that TME suppressed UV-induced epidermal hyperplasia (p < 0.05), reduced collagen damage (p < 0.01), and decreased mast cell infiltration (p < 0.01), while down-regulating inflammatory markers such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. TME also upregulated type I collagen (COL-1). Flow cytometry results demonstrated that high-dose TME inhibited UV-induced apoptosis and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HaCaT cells (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence and scratch migration assays showed that TME promoted PPAR-α expression, reduced inflammation, and supported skin repair (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that TME regulated inflammation-related signaling pathways, helping to prevent skin aging. TME is a promising natural product for skin care and treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.PMID:40147922 | DOI:10.4014/jmb.2411.11085

J Ethnopharmacol. 2025 Mar 25:119701. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119701. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global health challenge with the high morbidity and mortality. Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a medicinal fungus that has been widely used in Asia for centuries. It has the effects of tonifying the lung and kidney, replenishing essence, resolving phlegm, and stopping bleeding. CM has been used clinically for alleviating COPD in China. However, the potential mechanism of CM in treating COPD remains indistinct.PURPOSE: This article aimed to evaluate the efficacy and investigate the underlying mechanism of CM in treatment of COPD.METHODS: The ingredients in CM were identified by LC Q/TOF-MS. The effect of CM in COPD was evaluated. Untargeted metabolomics assay and 16S rDNA sequencing were employed to examine the changes in metabolites and gut microbiota in COPD mice. Gut microbiota ablation experiment and quantification of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were integrated to elucidate the systematic mechanism of CM in treatment of COPD.RESULTS: A total of 22 ingredients were identified in CM. CM alleviated COPD significantly by improving lung function and inhibiting pulmonary inflammation. Subsequently, 11 differential metabolites regulated by CM were mainly associated with amino acid metabolism. CM ameliorated the dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in COPD mice, which contributed to the treatment of COPD. Moreover, CM increased the contents of SCFAs, including acetate, propionate, butyrate and isobutyrate. Spearman correlation indicated a close relationship among pulmonary function, differential metabolites, and gut microbiota.CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that CM alleviated COPD by regulating amino acid metabolism, ameliorating the imbalance of gut microbiota and increasing the SCFAs. These findings not only establish a foundation for the research of CM but also provide a basis for new treatment strategies of COPD.PMID:40147677 | DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2025.119701

Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 2025 Mar 25:111095. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2025.111095. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCrayfish (Procambarus clarkii) aquaculture is threatened by abrupt temperature decreases caused by climatic phenomena, such as cold waves and seasonal fluctuations. In this study, crayfish were exposed to an abrupt temperature change from 17 °C to 7 °C for 24 h to investigate the effects of acute low-temperatures on respiratory metabolism, antioxidants, and metabolomics. The results showed that acute low-temperatures significantly reduced the activities of pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase in the gills and hemolymph, associated with decreases in anaerobic and aerobic respiratory capacities, and significant decreases in oxygen consumption, ammonia excretion, and maximum metabolic rates. Antioxidant enzymes in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph initially increased then decreased within 24 h. Metabolomics revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor biosynthesis pathways responded to acute low-temperatures, with glycerophospholipids being the most significantly differentially expressed metabolites. These results supported the hypothesis that crayfish exhibit lower metabolic activity at low temperatures. Our data provide mechanistic insight into the biological changes induced by acute low-temperature and may provide insight into culture of P. clarkii in cold waters.PMID:40147539 | DOI:10.1016/j.cbpb.2025.111095

Cell Rep Med. 2025 Mar 22:102042. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102042. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTInterleukin-6 (IL-6) knockout mice and humans treated with IL-6 receptor blockade gain adipose tissue mass. This study investigates whether basal IL-6 activity (resting IL-6 levels) influences fat storage during fasting and postprandial states. Using stable-isotope tracer techniques and IL-6 receptor blockade with tocilizumab, we examine fat kinetics in humans. Blocking basal IL-6 activity reduces fasting whole-body lipolysis, decreases hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) phosphorylation and fatty acid release in adipose tissue, and impairs postprandial fatty acid uptake in the leg. These results suggest diminished fatty acid uptake and oxidation in skeletal muscle, along with enhanced fatty acid entrapment in adipose tissue, which may account for the increased adiposity in the absence of IL-6 activity. Additionally, IL-6 blockade increases the escape of meal-derived fatty acids into the bloodstream. Whether this affects fatty acid storage and lipotoxicity in other tissues warrants further investigation. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04687540).PMID:40147447 | DOI:10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102042

Neuron. 2025 Mar 24:S0896-6273(25)00175-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2025.03.003. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMetabolism is vital for brain function. However, a systematic investigation to understand the metabolic exchange between the human brain and circulatory system has been lacking. Here, we compared metabolomes and lipidomes of blood samples from the cerebral venous sinus and femoral artery to profile the brain's uptake and release of metabolites and lipids (1,365 metabolites and 140 lipids). We observed a high net uptake of glucose, taurine, and hypoxanthine and identified glutamine and pyruvate as significantly released metabolites by the brain. Triacylglycerols are the most prominent class of lipid consumed by the brain. The brain with cerebral venous sinus stenosis (CVSS) consumed more glucose and lactate and released more glucose metabolism byproducts than the brain with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Our data also showed age-related alterations in the uptake and release of metabolites. These results provide a comprehensive view of metabolic consumption and production processes within the human brain.PMID:40147438 | DOI:10.1016/j.neuron.2025.03.003

Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2025 Mar 23;337:126102. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2025.126102. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTraditionally, wine quality and certification have been assessed through sensory analysis by trained tasters. However, this method has the limitation of relying on highly specialized individuals who are typically trained to evaluate only specific types of products, such as those associated with a particular Denomination of Origin (D.O.), etc. While tasters can often identify instances of fraud, they are generally unable to pinpoint its origins or explain the mechanisms behind it. On the other hand, classical biochemistry has made significant progress in understanding various aspects of winemaking. However, it has yet to identify the specific metabolites responsible for the unique characteristics of wines, particularly those influenced by complex variables involving multiple compounds, such as geographical differences between regions or vineyards. The concept of the "Terroir fingerprint" has emerged as a novel approach to wine certification. The concept refers to the unique characteristics imparted to a wine by its geography, climate, and aging process. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology plays a pivotal role in establishing this "Terroir fingerprint" because it enables precise identification, quantification, and differentiation of the compounds present in wine. NMR provides a highly reproducible and specific method for certification. This work introduces an innovative project that combines NMR technology with Artificial Intelligence to create a profiling model for certifying the authenticity and quality of 'Jerez-Xérès-Sherry' wines.PMID:40147396 | DOI:10.1016/j.saa.2025.126102

Food Chem. 2025 Mar 22;481:143895. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143895. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTDue to their rich unsaturated fatty acids, nuts of Korean pine are widely popular in the market. With growing public awareness about forest conservation and healthy eating, the primary focus of Korean pine forest management has gradually shifted from timber to nut production. The lack of understanding of the process of unsaturated fatty acid synthesis in Korean pine kernels and unclear identification of the critical period have hindered efforts to improve yield and genetic modification. This study, through metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of five developmental stages of Korean pine kernels, identifies the critical period for the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, characterizes the gene expression spectrum, and identifies three gene co-expression modules highly correlated with unsaturated fatty acid synthesis. The findings not only provide new insights into the synthesis of oils in gymnosperm nuts but also offer valuable guidance for the cultivation and targeted improvement of high-quality Korean pine nut varieties.PMID:40147383 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143895

Food Chem. 2025 Mar 19;481:143937. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143937. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThis study investigates the metabolic profile of Hass avocado fruits from eight Iberian regions using an advanced UHPLC-TimsTOF MS/MS analytical platform, with the hypothesis that distinct edaphoclimatic conditions give rise to region-specific metabolomic signatures. A comprehensive profiling of the methanolic extracts was performed to construct a metabolic library incorporating ion mobility descriptors. By applying unsupervised chemometrics-assisted non-targeted metabolomics, avocado fruits clustered according to geographical proximity, with the most significant metabolic differences observed between the northern and southern regions. Despite this general trend, each region exhibited distinct metabolic patterns, even between neighbouring areas. To further delineate the region-specific metabolic compositions, multiple two-class orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were designed to identify the most influential variables in the projections, leading to the discovery of origin-specific biomarkers characteristic of avocados from each growing area. This research offers valuable information on how regional edaphoclimatic factors impact avocado quality and compositional diversity.PMID:40147382 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.143937

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Mar 22;223:109821. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109821. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMalus crabapple is highly regarded for its ornamental and garden applications, with leaf color changes serving as an essential indicator of aesthetic appeal. Despite this significance, studies focusing on crabapple leaf color transformations, particularly the fading of purplish-red hues, remain limited. This research investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms driving leaf color changes in crabapple through physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic assays. Leaf color was analyzed across 86 crabapple varieties, with three representative varieties in different color development paths (the color change from young to mature stage) selected for detailed examination of gene expression and metabolite accumulation within the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Our findings revealed greater variation in young leaves compared to mature ones, along with higher stability in the 'Purple to Purple' (P-P) color path compared to the 'Green to Green' (G-G) and 'Purple to Green' (P-G) paths. The comprehensive analysis highlighted anthocyanins, particularly pelargonidin and peonidin 3-glucoside in green crabapple leaves and cyanidin in purplish-red crabapple leaves, as central to leaf color regulation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the fading of purplish-red is attributable to decreased accumulation of total anthocyanin and degradation of cyanidin. This process is governed by the down-regulation of anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene and the up-regulation of the anthocyanin degradation gene, peroxidase (PRX). Additionally, two transcription factors potentially involved in the regulation of cyanidin biosynthesis and two transcription factors regulating pelargonidin biosynthesis were identified. This study identifies candidate genes influencing anthocyanin accumulation in purplish-red leaves, providing a foundation for future investigations into leaf coloration mechanisms and crabapple breeding efforts.PMID:40147329 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109821

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Mar 21;223:109818. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109818. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHedera helix L. is a traditional Chinese medicinal and industrial crop commonly used to treat coughs and upper respiratory tract diseases. Additionally, it can be utilized as insecticidal, mosquito repellent and biopesticide. Its primary components are pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins include oleanolic acid, hederagenin, hederacoside C, etc. Currently, cytochrome P450 (CYP450) has been shown to be closely associated with the structural diversification and functional modification of the triterpenoid. However, the research on H. helix is still shallow, especially the functional characterization of CYP450 gene in the stage of modifying pentacyclic triterpenoid skeleton. This study integrated analyzed transcriptome and the accumulation modes of the main metabolites of H. helix and screened six CYP450 candidate genes. RT-qPCR results showed that candidate genes exhibited tissue specificity and inducible expression specificity. Based on in vitro and in vivo validation, both HhCYP716A409 and HhCYP716S11 showed activity of oxidase in β-amyrin C-28, producing oleanolic acid by participating in the C-28 oxidization of β-amyrin. HhCYP72D57, HhCYP72A1140, and HhCYP72A1141 produced hederagenin by participating in the hydroxylation of oleanolic acid C-23. Additionally, HhCYP72D57, HhCYP72A1139, and HhCYP72A1141 were also involved in the hydroxylation of hederagenin C-16 to produce 16-OH hederagenin. This study confirms the pivotal roles of CYP716 and CYP72 families in oleanane-type triterpenoid biosynthesis and establishes a method to efficiently produce hederacoside C and derivatives, providing a genetic toolkit for metabolic engineering of H. helix to scale saponin production for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or synthetic biology-driven design of novel triterpenoid biopesticides.PMID:40147328 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109818

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Mar 22;223:109814. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109814. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTo throw light on the underlying strategies of Hydrocotyle verticillata coping with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) exposure. In this study, variations in the transcriptome and metabolomics of the leaves of plants exposed to various concentrations of copper ions (Cu2+) for 7 d were analyzed. Several crucial metabolic pathways involved in leaf defense against Cu2+ exposure were identified using integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis. The pathways for plants coping with Cu2+ exposure were associated with carotenoid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis, plant hormonal signal transduction, phenylpropanoid and terpenoid metabolisms. In the 90.0 μM Cu2+ treatment, abscisic acid 8'-hydroxylase was upregulated, reducing abscisic acid content, while downregulation of the BAK1 gene and pathogen-related protein genes triggered programmed cell death The positive role of antheraxanthin, γ-L-glutamylcysteine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and carnosine in the plant defense against 45.0 μM Cu2+ was observed. Lutein, 3,4-dihydrospheroidene, linoleic acid, glutamine, pyroglutamic acid, the gene encoding brassinosteroid resistant 1/2, and xyloglucan:xyloglucosyl transferase are involved in plant defense against 90.0 μM Cu2+. Compared to 0 mM, both Cu2+ treatments upregulated hexadecanedioic acid abundance and the gene encoding the auxin response protein. This study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms through which invasive plants defend against PTE exposure.PMID:40147326 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109814

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2025 Mar 22;223:109823. doi: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109823. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPlant leaves are considered an important sink for atmospheric microplastics (MPs) because they serve as a vital interface between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems. However, there is still a dearth of information regarding how plant-symbiotic microbe-soil systems are affected by foliar exposure to MPs. In this study, MPs (polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP)) were sprayed over soil-cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) four occasions, with final sprays containing 0.4 and 4 μg of MPs per plant. MPs had no discernible impact on lettuce growth as compared to the control group. However, MPs led to reductions in relative chlorophyll content from 16.91 to 30.64 % and net photosynthetic rate from 6.64 to 81.41 %. These results validate the phytotoxicity linked to MP exposure through foliar application. The presence of MPs triggered interspecific competition among phyllosphere microbial species and reduced microbial network complexity by forming ecological niches and regulating carbon- and nitrogen-related metabolic pathways. Furthermore, MPs inhibited the growth of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere soil, including a variety of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) such as Rhizobiales, Pseudomonadales, and Bacillales. This study identifies the ecological health risks associated with atmospheric MPs, which may have a detrimental impact on crop production and further compromise soil ecosystem security.PMID:40147322 | DOI:10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.109823

Water Res. 2025 Mar 18;280:123511. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2025.123511. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMicroorganisms drive essential biogeochemical processes in aquatic ecosystems and are sensitive to both salinity and hydrological changes. As climate change and anthropogenic activities alter hydrology and salinity worldwide, understanding microbial ecology and metabolism becomes increasingly important for managing aquatic ecosystems. Biogeochemical processes were investigated on sediment microbial communities during a significant flood event in the hypersaline Coorong lagoon, South Australia (the largest in the Murray-Darling Basin since 1956). Samples from six sites across a salinity gradient were collected before and during flooding in 2022. To assess changes in microbial taxonomy and metabolic function, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was employed alongside untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to assess changes in microbial taxonomy and metabolic function. Results showed a decrease in microbial richness and diversity during flooding, especially in hypersaline conditions. Pre-flood communities were enriched with osmolyte-degrading and methanogenic taxa, alongside osmoprotectant metabolites, such as glycine betaine and choline. Flood conditions favored taxa such as Halanaerobiaceae and Beggiatoaceae, inducing inferred metagenomic shifts indicative of sulfur cycling and nitrogen reduction pathways, while also enriching a greater diversity of metabolites including Gly-Phe dipeptides and guanine. This study demonstrates that integrating metabolomics with microbial community analysis enhances understanding of ecosystem responses to disturbance. These findings suggest microbial communities rapidly change in response to salinity reductions while maintaining key biogeochemical functions. Such insights are valuable for ecosystem management and predictive modelling under environmental stressors such as flooding.PMID:40147302 | DOI:10.1016/j.watres.2025.123511

Int Immunopharmacol. 2025 Mar 26;153:114547. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114547. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: Alterations in the gut microbiota may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a product of the esterification of caffeic acid and quinic acid, is one of the most abundant polyphenols in the human diet and has potential beneficial effects on gut function. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the pharmacological effects of CGA on colitis and the potential underlying mechanisms were investigated.METHODS: A mouse model of colitis was induced via the use of 4 % dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and the mice were treated with 200 mg/kg CGA. Body weight, colon length, colon tissue pathology, and plasma and colon inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed. RNA sequencing was used to detect changes in gene expression in mouse colon tissues, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the composition and structure of the gut microbiota. Fecal metabolomic analysis was performed, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to evaluate the contribution of the gut microbiota.RESULTS: CGA significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis, alleviating intestinal mucosal barrier damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis. It significantly enriched bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). CGA inhibited the accumulation of purine metabolites derived from the microbiota and suppressed immune-related signaling cascades, exerting immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, the gut microbiota of CGA-treated mice alleviated DSS-induced colitis through FMT.CONCLUSION: CGA alleviates colitis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner, potentially providing a new strategy for the treatment of IBD.PMID:40147263 | DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114547

Curr Opin Plant Biol. 2025 Mar 26;85:102708. doi: 10.1016/j.pbi.2025.102708. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPlant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are essential for various ecological interactions, including plant communication, pollinator attraction, and defense against herbivores. Some VOCs are active ingredients with significant economic and medicinal value. For example, monoterpenoids such as linalool, geraniol, menthol, camphor, borneol, citral, and thymol are well-known for their flavor and aroma. Most monoterpenoids have a strong scent and physiological activity; some compounds, like thymoquinone, have excellent anti-cancer activities, making them important for pharmaceuticals and also beneficial in food and cosmetics. VOCs encompass a diverse range of chemical classes, such as terpenoids, benzenoids/phenylpropanoids, amino acid derivatives, and fatty acid-derived compounds. With the development of genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic techniques, significant progress has been made in the discovery of genes for the biosynthesis of VOCs. Herein, recent advances in the biosynthesis of plant-derived VOCs, focusing on two main classes: benzenoids/phenylpropanoids and monoterpenes, are discussed. It highlights the identification of a peroxisomal enzyme, benzaldehyde synthase, in petunia that elucidates the biosynthetic pathway of benzaldehyde, and a bifunctional enzyme, geranyl/farnesyl diphosphate synthase (RcG/FPPS1), in roses (Rosa chinensis "Old Blush") that contributes to the production of cytosolic geranyl diphosphate. Current understanding about canonical and non-canonical pathways for monoterpene formation and some approaches that are useful for gene discovery have been discussed. Open questions and future perspectives in this field have also been presented.PMID:40147248 | DOI:10.1016/j.pbi.2025.102708

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Mar 26;974:179158. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179158. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMining and other essential economic activities have a long historical contamination impact on diverse aquatic environments, such as the Doce River Basin (DRB), in Southeast Brazil. High concentrations of metals combined with organic chemicals released from multiple sources of contaminants may trigger complex toxicity pathways that are complicated to interpret and distinguish. This study aimed to investigate mechanisms of toxicity of environmental chemicals from DRB using a comprehensive untargeted LC-HRMS metabolomics approach (data-independent acquisition of all ion-fragmentation mode), in fish embryos (Rhamdia quelen) exposed to complex chemical mixtures. The Regions of Interest (ROI) Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) approach was applied to compress and resolve data-independent acquisition (DIA) LC-MS/MS complex datasets mode. Fish embryos exposed for 96 h to 6 treatment sample groups showed a distinct pattern of responses when compared to controls, with downregulated essential metabolites, such as amino acids, as a main response, especially for metal exposure. Organic contaminants extracted from sediments combined with inorganic elements have shown non-additive effects, with inorganics possibly exerting greater influence on metabolic responses. The results helped to investigate and distinguish the effects of different complex mixtures of environmental chemicals on fish embryo samples. ROIMCR approach is shown to be a suitable strategy for the analysis of large metabolomics-derived data in the investigation of the effects of different classes of environmental chemicals on aquatic biota and ecosystems.PMID:40147241 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179158

Sci Total Environ. 2025 Mar 26;974:179220. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179220. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe proliferation of plastic waste, particularly in the form of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), has emerged as a significant environmental challenge with profound implications for agricultural ecosystems. These pervasive pollutants accumulate in soil, altering its physicochemical properties and disrupting microbial communities. MPs/NPs can infiltrate plant systems, leading to oxidative stress and cytotoxic effects, which in turn compromise essential physiological functions such as water uptake, nutrient absorption, and photosynthesis. This situation threatens crop yield and health, while also posing risks to human health and food security through potential accumulation in the food chain. Despite increasing awareness of this issue, substantial gaps still remain in our understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms that govern plant responses to MP/NP stress. This review employs integrative omics techniques including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics to elucidate these responses. High-throughput methodologies have revealed significant genetic and metabolic alterations that enable plants to mitigate the toxicity associated with MPs/NPs. The findings indicate a reconfiguration of metabolic pathways aimed at maintaining cellular homeostasis, activation of antioxidant mechanisms, and modulation of gene expression related to stress responses. Additionally, epigenetic modifications suggest that plants adapt to prolonged plastics exposure, highlighting unexplored avenues for targeted research. By integrating various omics approaches, a comprehensive understanding of molecular interactions and their effects on plant systems can be achieved. This review underscores potential targets for biotechnological and agronomic interventions aimed at enhancing plant resilience by identifying key stress-responsive genes, proteins, and metabolites. Ultimately, this work addresses critical knowledge gaps and highlights the importance of multi-omics strategies in developing sustainable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of MP/NP pollution in agriculture, thereby ensuring the integrity of food systems and ecosystems.PMID:40147233 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179220

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2025 Mar 26;294:118065. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118065. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPM2.5, recognized as a potential pathogenic factor for nervous system diseases, remains an area with many unknowns, particularly regarding its effects on human health. After five-month real-ambient PM2.5 exposure, we observed no significant pathological damage to the lung, liver, spleen, or kidney tissues. However, PM2.5 exposure led to neuronal degeneration in the hippocampal CA1 region of Brown Norway (BN) rats. The level of IL-6, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-4, GRO/KC, MIP-1α, CM-CSF significantly increased in lung lavage fluid (P < 0.05 for all). Notably, we detected a slight impairment in spatial learning ability, as evidenced by the Barnes maze training outcomes. There were no significant changes in the bacterial community in lung lavage fluid (P = 0.621), but the bacterial community in the gut significantly changed (P < 0.001), with more species identified (P < 0.05). The metabolomic analysis revealed 147 and 149 significantly changed metabolites in the pulmonary system and serum, respectively (P < 0.05). PM2.5 exposure caused a decrease in Nervonic acid (NA) in both the lung and serum, which likely contributed to spatial learning impairment (P < 0.01). The correlation between lung metabolites, gut bacterial species, and serum metabolites indicated that PM2.5 exposure likely impaired spatial learning through the lung-gut-brain axis pathway. Lung and serum metabolic disorders and intestinal microbial imbalance occurred in BN rats post-five-month real-ambient PM2.5 exposure. There were two potential ways that PM2.5 exposure caused the decline of spatial learning ability in wild-type BN rats: (1) PM2.5 exposure led to a significant decrease of neuroprotective Nervonic acid in lung and serum metabolites. (2) PM2.5 exposure likely led to reduced spatial learning ability through the lung-gut-brain axis.PMID:40147172 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118065

J Agric Food Chem. 2025 Mar 27. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c11286. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTUnderstanding how allelochemicals with herbicidal activity are released in plant interactions is key to developing sustainable weed control strategies. This study aimed to investigate the herbicidal activity and metabolic profile of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. leachates. In vitro bioassays were performed with P. tuberculatum leaf leachates to evaluate their effects on the germination and early growth of Bidens bipinnata L. and Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde. (DIGIN.). The leachate extracts were subsequently characterized via liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and molecular networking. The results showed that weed germination and seedling development were significantly affected by the P. tuberculatum leachates. Metabolomic analysis revealed that allelochemicals belonging to the classes of alkaloids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, steroids, and terpenoids are potentially involved in herbicidal activity. These findings suggest that P. tuberculatum could be explored as a natural alternative for sustainable weed management, potentially reducing the dependence on synthetic herbicides.PMID:40147006 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c11286