Fermented garlic (Allium sativum) represents a promising functional food with potential applications as a complementary nutritional intervention for malnourished populations. Through microbial fermentation and thermal processing two mechanistically distinct pathways, garlic undergoes significant biochemical transformations that enhance the availability of bioactive compounds, including S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), polyphenols, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which collectively contribute to improved antioxidant capacity and gut health. This comprehensive review examines the microbial ecology underlying garlic fermentation, the biochemical pathways that generate bioactive metabolites, and the mechanistic basis by which fermented garlic employed in the broader food fortification strategy or incorporated into fortified therapeutic food formulations targeting clinical malnutrition, may support nutritional recovery in the context of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED), the dominant gut pathology underlying stunting and wasting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Fermented garlic is a bioactive-dense nutritional adjuvant rather than a macronutrient source, its clinical relevance lies in potential enhancement of gut barrier integrity, reduction of mucosal inflammation, and support of micronutrient bioavailability, rather than direct caloric contribution. Preclinical evidence from animal models demonstrates improvements in intestinal morphology, metabolic parameters, and immune function, suggesting potential utility in nutritionally stressed populations. However, well-designed human clinical trials specifically examining fermented garlic in malnourished populations are currently underrepresented in the literature, and all translational implications discussed herein remain preliminary. Substantial research gaps persist regarding optimal dosage, long-term clinical safety, and standardization of fermentation protocols. This review identifies critical research priorities necessary to establish fermented garlic as a scalable, culturally acceptable food-based complementary intervention for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Laxatives are the primary treatment for functional constipation (FC), but they are not always effective and well-tolerated. Dietary fiber can represent a valid alternative. This study aimed to determine whether combining dietary fibers from different origins could be a valuable strategy for FC. Thus, the efficacy of a fiber-based formulation (MNS-36), composed of resistant dextrin from wheat starch (Triticum aestivum L.), pectin, and insoluble fibers from Citrus spp., and oat fibers (Avena sativa L.) was tested in a monocentric, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 54 adults with FC. Participants received two sachets of MNS-36 or a placebo daily for 28 days, with weekly visits and a follow-up. Compared to the placebo group, bowel movements, used as the primary outcome of the study, increased significantly between baseline and week 4 (β = 2.43 ± 0.23, p < 0.001). Similarly, Bristol Stool Form Scale scores significantly improved in the treatment group (p < 0.001), being normalized from week 2 onwards (p ≤ 0.008). In the treatment group, significant reductions were also observed in abdominal bloating (β = 1.21 ± 0.17, p < 0.001), abdominal distension (β = 1.66 ± 0.18, p < 0.001), heaviness (β = 1.39 ± 0.21, p < 0.001), and flatulence (β = 1.51 ± 0.26, p < 0.001), whereas abdominal pain did not differ significantly between groups. No adverse events were reported, and treatment adherence was high. These findings highlight the efficacy of combining soluble and insoluble fibers from different food origins in improving gut function, addressing both symptoms and tolerability, and underscore this strategy as a natural alternative approach to laxatives for managing FC.
Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder associated with impaired glucose, lipid metabolism and excessive visceral fat accumulation. Therefore, the development of effective dietary strategies, including functional foods, has attracted increasing interest. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and the metabolic effects of three food formulations (F1, F2, and F3) using a zebrafish model. The safety profile of the complex of active substances was assessed in zebrafish embryos and larvae by evaluating survival, hatching rate, spontaneous movement, morphological abnormalities, and cardiac function. To investigate metabolic effects, diet-induced obesity was established in adult zebrafish. Supplementation with F1, F2, or F3 did not toxicity or developmental defects at early life stages. It resulted in significant reductions in body weight, glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels compared to obese controls. Additionally, formulations reduced visceral fat content, while F1 and F2 also significantly decreased subcutaneous fat. These findings demonstrate that the tested food formulations are safe and exert beneficial effects on metabolic parameters and fat accumulation in zebrafish. The results suggest their potential as functional dietary interventions contributing to the amelioration of diet-induced obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.
The incorporation of functional ingredients, such as purple corn flour, into bakery products has attracted considerable attention due to its high content of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. However, technological limitations and possible impacts on sensory acceptance still represent significant challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purple corn flour incorporation on the physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of loaf bread, as well as to examine the relationship between compositional changes and consumer acceptance. Five bread formulations were developed: one control formulation (100% wheat flour) and four formulations with partial replacement of wheat flour at levels of 15 and 30% using purple or yellow corn flour. The analyses included proximate composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and instrumental texture profile. Phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sensory acceptance was evaluated by 100 consumers using a 9-point hedonic scale. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) was applied to correlate compositional parameters with sensory responses. The incorporation of purple corn flour, particularly at the 30% substitution level, significantly increased protein content (15.59 ± 1.33 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2.04 ± 0.05 g/100 g), total phenolic compounds (ranging from 58.22 ± 1.11 to 243.22 ± 9.57 μg GAE g-1), and antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis identified gallic and chlorogenic acids, with catechin as the predominant phenolic compound. Higher substitution levels resulted in increased hardness and adhesiveness. Sensory evaluation indicated that breads containing 15% substitution showed acceptance comparable to the control, whereas 30% substitution significantly reduced consumer preference. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that acceptance was positively associated with carbohydrate and energy content, while fiber, lipid, and moisture contents were negatively correlated with perceived quality. Moderate incorporation of purple corn flour represents a viable strategy to improve the nutritional and functional profile of bread while maintaining acceptable sensory quality. These findings reinforce the importance of balancing formulation strategies with consumer perception and support the application of purple corn flour in the development of functional bakery products.
As biosafety requirements continue to increase, there is a growing interest in foodborne-pathogen detection methods that can be operated safely. In this work, a dual-functional "sterilization-detection" photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensing platform is developed based on a Fe3O4/copper-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (Cu-BTC), which integrates efficient photothermal sterilization with excellent photoelectric performance. The aptamer-modified magnetic substrate is employed to specifically capture and magnetically separate Escherichia coli O157:H7, inducing a steric hindrance effect that decreases the photocurrent. Upon near-infrared irradiation, the composite exhibits a strong photothermal response, enabling efficient in situ sterilization of the captured bacteria. Subsequently, the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) released during bacterial lysis are adsorbed onto the Fe3O4/Cu-BTC surface via Cu-O-P bonds. The phosphate groups in LPS coordinate with Cu2+, passivating surface defects and suppressing nonradiative recombination, thereby prolonging carrier lifetime and boosting the photocurrent. The resulting ratiometric PEC sensing platform shows a linear range of 2.2 × 102-2.2 × 106 CFU/mL with detection limit as low as 41 CFU/mL. Thus, this work not only achieves the enhancement of PEC signals through in situ adsorption of LPS but also proposes an integrated strategy for the simultaneous inactivation and accurate quantification of foodborne pathogens. It demonstrates promising potential for on-site food safety monitoring and proactive biosafety control.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations characterized by high energy density, low nutritional quality, and the extensive use of additives, and their consumption has increased markedly worldwide. In many high-income countries, children and adolescents now derive up to 50-60% of their total daily energy intake from UPFs, raising major public health concerns. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on UPF consumption across critical life stages, with a particular focus on pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence, and examines its potential implications for short- and long-term health outcomes. Available evidence consistently links high UPF intake in pediatric populations to excess weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and early cardiovascular risk. Additional adverse outcomes include dental caries and a higher prevalence of allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. Several biological mechanisms may mediate these associations, including impaired satiety regulation, excessive intake of free sugars and saturated fats, disruption of the food matrix, and alterations in gut microbiota composition, immune function, and inflammatory pathways. Emerging research also indicates that exposure to UPFs may begin before birth, as maternal consumption during pregnancy and lactation has been associated with unfavorable offspring outcomes, including altered neurodevelopment, increased adiposity, and immune-related conditions. Familial, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors strongly influence early exposure to UPFs. Modifiable determinants such as breastfeeding duration, parental nutrition literacy, shared family meals, and screen time represent key targets for preventive interventions. Overall, the evidence highlights the urgent need for life-course-oriented nutritional strategies that promote unprocessed and minimally processed foods, reinforce family-based nutrition education, and support healthy dietary patterns from pregnancy through childhood and adolescence to reduce the long-term burden of non-communicable diseases.
Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) meal peptides (TMP) are bioactive peptides prepared by hydrolyzing tiger nut meal-a by-product of tiger nut oil extraction-with alkaline protease. These peptides have demonstrated promising immunomodulatory potential. In this study, proteins were extracted from tiger nut meal using the alkali dissolution and acid precipitation method. The enzymatic hydrolysis conditions were then optimized through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The optimal hydrolysis conditions were determined as follows: hydrolysis time 4 h, pH 10, enzyme dosage 9000 U/g, and temperature 46°C. Under these conditions, the degree of hydrolysis reached (24.87 ± 0.91%). Subsequently, a peptide fraction with a molecular weight of < 3 kDa was obtained via ultrafiltration. In vitro, this fraction significantly promoted the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes and induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In vivo experiments showed that TMP effectively improved immune function in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice, as indicated by increased immune organ indices, elevated serum levels of both pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4), and alleviated histopathological damage in spleen tissue. This study provides theoretical support for the development of TMP in immunomodulatory products and expands the potential application of tiger nut by-products in the functional food industry.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is generally exposed to high concentrations of dietary components, positioning diet as a key determinant of intestinal inflammation and barrier function, implicated in the onset of chronic systemic diseases. Procyanidins (PCAs), oligomeric flavan-3-ols abundant in plant-derived foods, exert GI health benefits despite poor systemic bioavailability. We previously found that galloylated PCA dimers protected intestinal epithelial integrity more effectively than non-galloylated dimers. However, the role of linkage type remains unclear. This study investigated the comparative effects of PCA dimers with distinct linkages (A1, A2, B1, B2) on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-induced barrier dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress in Caco-2 cell monolayers. At physiologically relevant concentrations (0.1-10 µM), all dimers attenuated TNFα-induced increases in monolayer permeability, preserved tight junction proteins, inhibited NOX1-associated oxidant production, and mitigated ERK1/2 activation. The B2 dimer was the most effective at inhibiting NF-κB activation and IL-1β, TNFα gene expression. In addition, B2 increased the mRNA abundance of NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes, including NQO1, GCLC, and GCLM, suggesting that B2 may upregulate antioxidant defenses and limit inflammatory oxidant responses. Collectively, these findings reveal structural specificity in PCA bioactivity and identify B2 as the most effective dimer at inhibiting intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, protecting barrier integrity under proinflammatory conditions.
This study developed a functional water kefir beverage flavored with grape pomace (Vitis labrusca.) and evaluated its physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties, alongside its functional effects in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Four treatments were tested: 0% (KC), 25% (K25), 37.5% (K37.5), and 50% (K50) pomace addition. Anthocyanin and phenolic contents were dose-dependent, peaking in K50 (33.56 mg L-1 and 4.31 mg g-1, respectively). During 21 days of refrigerated storage, a decrease in reducing sugars, pH (4.3 to 3.5), and a concomitant increase in acidity (up to 6.60%) were observed, reflecting continuous microbial metabolic activity. Due to excessive acidity and residual taste, K37.5 and K50 were deemed unfeasible. Consequently, K25 was selected for biological and sensory validation. In K25, yeast and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) maintained high viability (107 CFU mL-1), whereas lactic acid bacteria (LAB) remained below 105 CFU mL-1 due to the selective pressure of the grape pomace. K25 achieved a sensory acceptance index of 76.11% and a 65% purchase intention. These results indicate that water kefir flavored with 25% grape pomace is a viable probiotic carrier rich in bioactive compounds with promising sensory appeal.
Mungbean is an important legume and protein source, but its productivity is severely limited by the mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), and no MYMIV resistance gene has been cloned and functionally validated in mungbean. This study conducted extensive phenotypic variation research on the resistance of a newly developed mungbean multiparent advanced-generation intercross (MAGIC) population. Through an integrated genome-wide association study (GWAS), transcriptome analysis, and induced expression analysis, the candidate gene for MYMIV resistance was identified as VrADH, encoding alcohol dehydrogenase. Haplotype analysis revealed natural variation in VrADH, with VrADHHap1 being the elite haplotype that has undergone selection in regions severely affected by MYMIV. Functional validation demonstrated that VrADH significantly enhanced resistance by limiting excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing viral proliferation. Collectively, our results indicate that VrADH can contribute to MYMIV resistance, providing a valuable genetic resource for future molecular breeding and resistance improvement in mungbean.
Citrus fruits are widely cultivated globally due to their exceptional contributions in energy supply, nutritional value, and health supplementation. Citrus-derived secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, are crucial for human health due to their diverse bioactivities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. To fully utilize citrus secondary metabolites, multiple approaches are required for their extraction and quantitative determination, coupled with encapsulation systems to enhance their bioavailability and nutritional value. This review summarizes the diverse secondary metabolites in citrus fruits and their biological activities, presenting recent advances in extracting and quantifying these compounds. Additionally, this review summarizes common encapsulation systems for citrus secondary metabolites, detailing the formation principles, wall material selection, preparation methods, and advantages/disadvantages of different systems. These encapsulation systems feature high encapsulation efficiency, low production costs, and high bioavailability. Leveraging the unique advantages, applicable conditions, and consumer demand for health and nutrition across various encapsulation methods, diverse products can be developed. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for further research and rational utilization of citrus plant resources.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/ijfo/2895245.].
Recent advances in organoid technology have enabled the development of human-relevant models. However, their application in toxicity assessments remains limited. Our previous study employed a liver organoid platform to evaluate drug toxicity and subsequently suggested its utility as a model for toxicity assessment. Building on this, we aimed to assess the exploratory response of the liver organoid model using a panel of selected reference compounds, including substances classified according to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System acute toxicity criteria. Human liver organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells were exposed to a panel of reference compounds, and toxicity responses were evaluated using multiple endpoints, including cell viability assays, functional biomarker measurements, imaging, and transcriptomic analysis. Exposure to the reference compounds resulted in compound-specific changes across multiple endpoints, including cell viability, hepatic functional markers such as albumin secretion, and transcriptomic responses. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed compound-specific changes in gene expression associated with hepatotoxic responses, supporting the observed functional alterations. These findings suggest that liver organoids may capture compound-specific and multi-dimensional toxicity responses, supporting their potential as an in vitro platform for integrative toxicity assessment. However, this study was conducted using a limited set of reference compounds and did not include direct comparisons with established in vitro or in vivo models. In addition, functional metabolic capacity, including CYP activity, was not assessed. Therefore, the present results should be interpreted as an exploratory evaluation of platform performance rather than evidence of predictive capability. Future studies incorporating greater chemical diversity and functional validation are required to assess the broader applicability of this model.
We report the synthesis, structural characterization, and multifunctional properties of three new iron(II) spin-crossover (SCO) complexes based on the azo-functionalized ligand 2-{4-[trans-phenyldiazenyl]-pyridine-2-yl}-1H-benzimidazole (L): [Fe(L)3](ClO4)2·C3H6O (1), ([Fe(L)3](CF3SO3)2) (2) and [Fe(L)3](BF4)2·C6H14O (3). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals isostructural [Fe(L)3]2+ cations with octahedral {FeN6} coordination environments, adopting a low-spin state at 100 K. Temperature-dependent magnetic measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy demonstrate gradual thermal SCO behaviour, with transition temperatures tuneable by solvation and counter-anion effects. All three complexes exhibit light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) at low temperatures, with photo-conversion yields reaching up to 63%. The photoisomerization of the azo unit was investigated in solution and in solid thin films, revealing efficient trans → cis switching in solution and a remarkably stable cis form in the solid state under ambient conditions. Multireference computational studies supported by TDDFT calculations provide insight into the photoswitching mechanism and indicate possible triplet sensitisation of the azo bond located in the vicinity of the high-spin Fe(II) centre. Furthermore, the successful fabrication of Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer and multilayer films was demonstrated, with AFM and XPS confirming molecular-level film organization and preservation of metal-ligand coordination at the surface. Together, these results establish azo-functionalized pyridyl-benzimidazole ligands as a versatile platform for integrating thermal SCO, light responsiveness, and surface assembly, offering promising prospects for multifunctional molecular switches and surface-integrated photomagnetic devices.
Roasting profoundly influences the phytochemical composition of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) kernels, yet the interaction between processing and geographical origin remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of a dry roasting-like treatment at 140°C for 45 min on the bioactive profile, pigments, and antioxidant capacity of pistachios from Iran, Spain, the USA, and Turkey. Raw and roasted samples subjected to a dry roasting-like treatment were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), individual (poly)phenols by HPLC-DAD, antioxidant capacity using ABTS and DPPH assays, and pigments including chlorophylls and carotenoids. Results showed that geographical origin influenced all parameters. Among raw samples, Turkish pistachios exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, with ABTS and DPPH values of 1.05 and 3.73 mg TE/g dw, respectively, whereas Iranian samples showed the highest TPC, at 2.5 mg GAE/g dw. The dry roasting-like treatment induced marked compositional shifts, particularly in Turkish samples, with increases of 105% in ABTS, 255% in DPPH, and 255% in TPC. HPLC-DAD identified p-hydroxybenzoic acid as the predominant phenolic compound. The treatment affected individual (poly)phenol concentrations differently depending on origin: total quantified levels increased in USA samples from 140 to 156 μg/g dw but decreased markedly in Turkish samples, from 665 to 241 μg/g dw. Specifically, gallic acid increased across all origins, likely due to the thermal hydrolysis of complex phenolic structures, whereas protocatechuic acid decreased. In terms of pigments, chlorophylls underwent extensive degradation, while carotenoids remained relatively thermally stable. Overall, the dry roasting-like treatment triggered a compositional reconfiguration in which the degradation of thermolabile compounds may have been counterbalanced by the formation of Maillard reaction products, resulting in a net enhancement of functional quality. These findings elucidate the dynamic interaction between geographical origin and thermal processing and provide a scientific basis for promoting pistachios subjected to a dry roasting-like treatment as a functional food contributing to the dietary intake of bioactive phytochemicals.
Food safety surveillance for fresh produce requires analytical tools that operate directly on wet, curved plant and fruit surfaces, yet gold-standard methods and flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates are often destructive or unsuitable for in vivo use. Here, we present a bottom-up absorptive ultrathin plasmonic tape-SERS-active functional elastomeric (SAFE) tape-that conforms to wet surfaces and absorbs/transports analytes to plasmonic hotspots for quantitative, multiplex in vivo SERS readouts without substrate inversion. SAFE tape swells within seconds and achieves detection limits of 1 nM for pesticides and 1 μM for plant hormones, while maintaining high signal uniformity, mechanical durability, and long-term stability. Predictive models accurately quantify mixtures across a broad range (1 μM to 1 mM). The tape also detects Penicillium spp. up to two days before visible symptoms and enables real-time monitoring of pesticide and preservative degradation during growth and storage, providing a low-cost, field-deployable platform for food safety monitoring.
Omega fatty acids (FA) have been shown to benefit cognition during infancy and adulthood. However, adolescence remains under investigated, despite being a critical period for development of executive functions and emotion regulation. The current objective was to investigate the impact of daily treatment with a proprietary omega-FA blend on cognitive performance, mood, and emotion regulation in healthy adolescents aged 13-14 years. Using a parallel, double-blind, placebo controlled design, participants were randomly allocated to consume the omega blend (2 capsules/day providing 925 mg blend of algae-derived omega 3-, 7-, and 9-FAs) or a placebo (2 capsules/day of MCT oil) for 16 weeks. Episodic memory, executive function, mood, emotion regulation, EEG measures, and omega-3 index (O3I) were recorded at baseline and following 16 weeks of intervention. O3I increased significantly only in the omega blend group, indicating compliance with the intervention and improved O3I status. Improvements were observed for immediate word recall and delayed word recall aspects of episodic memory in the omega blend group only. Significantly faster reaction times were also observed on an attention network executive function task in the omega group. Alongside cognitive benefits, changes in EEG activity were observed, including increased N200 ERP deflections during 0-back task performance, and reduced PSD activity during sustained attention and at rest. Combined, these cognitive and physiological findings suggest that an omega-FA blend may support cognitive development in healthy adolescents aged 13 & 14, potentially through facilitation of brain maturation and more efficient allocation of neural resources. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05581108. Registration date: 11/10/2022.
Periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition affecting the tissue surrounding the teeth, has been associated with various systemic health issues. Dietary nitrate and nitrite are found in a range of plant and animal foods and, depending upon source, have been linked with both positive and negative health effects, including improved oral health with plant sources. This study aimed to investigate the associations between source-dependent (plant- and animal-sourced) nitrate and nitrite intake and odds of periodontal disease. We explored cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between tertiles of source-dependent nitrate and nitrite intake and the odds of periodontal disease using multivariable logistic regression models (cross-sectional analyses) and generalised estimating equations (longitudinal analyses) in 158,778 and 83,026 participants, respectively, from the UK Biobank. Dietary nitrate/nitrite intake was estimated from 24 h dietary assessments and a comprehensive food composition database. Higher intake of plant-derived nitrate was associated with significantly lower odds of periodontal disease in cross-sectional (OR [95%CI]: 0.925 [0.894-0.958]) and longitudinal (OR [95%CI]: 0.880 [0.840-0.921]) analyses compared with lower intakes. A similar pattern of association was observed for plant-derived nitrite. Animal-derived nitrate intake was not associated with odds of periodontal disease. Higher intake of animal-derived nitrite was associated with significantly higher odds of periodontal disease in cross-sectional analyses only (OR [95% CI]: 1.043 [1.009-1.078]). Plant-derived nitrate and nitrite were associated with lower odds of self-reported periodontal disease, whilst animal-derived nitrite showed adverse associations in cross-sectional analyses only. Associations between dietary nitrate and nitrite with oral health outcomes may therefore depend on food source. Further mechanistic and intervention research is needed to test causality.
Hibernation is a specialized adaptive energy-saving survival strategy evolved by animals to withstand winter cold stress and food scarcity. Its core feature lies in profound metabolic suppression, characterized by a drastic reduction in metabolic rate during hibernation, accompanied by the coordinated downregulation of multiple physiological functions such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. The establishment and maintenance of this deep metabolic suppression state essentially rely on the systemic reprogramming of energy metabolism, which serves as the core driving force of hibernation adaptation. During this reprogramming process, lipid metabolism acts as a key executive link: fats stored in adipose tissue not only function as the primary energy reserve pool during hibernation but also undergo precise regulatory remodeling in terms of their compositional characteristics, mobilization efficiency, and catabolic processes, thereby synchronously adapting to the demands of energy supply and environmental adaptation goals. Importantly, metabolic suppression often precedes cooling and can exceed Q10 predictions, indicating active regulatory control rather than passive thermal effects. Reliance on lipid oxidation and cyclic torpor-arousal transitions should heighten oxidative stress risk: electron leakage from mitochondrial complexes I/III during deep torpor, relative hypoxia from reduced perfusion, and rapid "metabolic restart" upon arousal may resemble ischemia-reperfusion. Yet hibernators show minimal oxidative damage, implying robust antioxidant and repair programs. This review summarizes recent advances in the metabolic remodeling of lipids, substrate conversion, and oxidative stress adaptation in hibernating animals. It reveals the evolutionary mechanisms underlying energy metabolism adaptation and provides potential insights for applications in metabolic diseases, cryobiology, and related fields.
To evaluate the effects of selenium-enriched tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) nuggets on anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory risk factors in ICM patients in Pakistan. A 12 weeks randomized controlled intervention study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan from May 2025 - July 2025, 120 ICM patients were assigned to either a tuna nugget intervention group (n = 60) or a control group receiving standard dietary care (n = 60). The developed tuna nuggets were high in protein (31.93%), low in fat (1.75%), and enriched with selenium and antioxidants. Anthropometric measures, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Mediation analyses evaluated the role of nutrient intake on cardiometabolic outcomes. The intervention group showed significant im-provements compared to controls: weight (-1.8 kg, P = 0.034), BMI (-0.7 kg/m2, P = 0.028), fasting glucose (-6.7 mg/dL, P = 0.012), total cholesterol (-14.1 mg/dL, P = 0.021), LDL-C (-12.9 mg/dL, P = 0.018), HDL-C (+4.6 mg/dL, P = 0.009), triglycerides (-14.1 mg/dL, P = 0.031), and hs-CRP (-0.9 mg/L, P = 0.004). Mediation analyses indicated that protein, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and total antioxidant capacity significantly contributed to these effects, mediating 25-56% of the intervention's impact. Sensory evaluation confirmed high acceptability of the tuna nuggets. Selenium-enriched tuna nuggets are a safe, palatable, and nutritionally effective dietary strategy to improve anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory risk factors in ICM patients. Functional food interventions like this offer a practical adjunct to conventional therapy, addressing cardiometabolic risk through targeted nutrient enhancement. Future long-term trials are warranted to evaluate sustained clinical benefits.