Studying the metabolic patterns underlying the key quality traits during the growth and development of melon is very important for the quality improvement and breeding of melon fruit. In this study, we employed transcriptomics and metabolomics to analyze the primary metabolic changes occurring in melon ('Xizhoumi 25') across five growth and development stages. We identified a total of 666 metabolites and their co-expressed genes, which were categorized into five different metabolic and gene modules. Through the analysis of these modules, the main metabolic pathways during the growth and development of melon were demonstrated from a global perspective. We also discussed the contribution of sucrose accumulation, the TCA cycle, and amino acid metabolism to the quality and flavor of melon. Enzymes related to amino acid metabolism were proposed, including Amine oxidase (AOC), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), tryptophan synthase (TRPB), etc. These results and data can provide new insights for further study on the metabolic regulation of melon quality and improve fruit quality.

In this work, the gastrointestinal digestive outcome of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFP) was examined using in vitro simulated experiments, together with its effect on the intestinal microbiota. TFP did not significantly alter during the stage of oral digestion, according to an in vitro digestion investigation. Nevertheless, glycosidic connections of TFP were broken throughout the intestinal and stomach digesting phases, which resulted in the dissociation of macromolecular aggregates, a marked rise in decreasing sugar content (CR), as well as a drop in molecular weight (Mw). Additionally, microbial community analysis following fecal fermentation in vitro indicated that TFP might control the alpha and beta diversity of gut microbiota and change the genus- and phylum-level community composition. It increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria including Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, and Bacteroides, and suppressed the growth of harmful bacteria like Escherichia-shigella and Fusobacterium, thus contributing to maintaining gut homeostasis. These results suggested that TFP could have a positive impact on health through enhancing the gut microbiota environment, giving a theoretical basis for its use as a prebiotic.

Fresh walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are challenging to store due to their high water content and delicate green appearance. It has been reported that sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a nitric oxide donor) can promote stress tolerance. However, whether SNP affects the postharvest quality of fresh walnuts remains unknown. This research showed that appropriate SNP treatment contributed to walnut preservation; in particular, 0.5 mmol/L SNP treatment resulted in a better appearance and less decay (59.7%). Compared with the control, this treatment not only increased the levels of proteases related to fresh walnut disease (chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase) but also increased the overall antioxidant level and reduced oxidant damage. Moreover, respiratory metabolism and ethylene release were greatly suppressed (9.5%), and the overall sensory evaluation did not reveal any adverse effects associated with a lower acid or peroxide content. Thus, it was inferred that the optimal SNP dose activated disease-related enzymes, mediated the physiological metabolism rate, regulated the ROS-redox balance and therefore reduced decay and maintained the walnut quality. This is the first report of SNP (NO) application for the preservation of fresh walnuts and may provide information to facilitate practical application of this potential innovation.

Arecoline, the principal active alkaloid in the areca nut, is known for its ability to induce euphoric sensations. Since ancient times, arecoline has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential in addressing psychiatric disorders and alleviating gastrointestinal ailments. However, in 2020, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified arecoline as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B carcinogen), supported by compelling mechanistic evidence. The mechanism of action of arecoline has been extensively studied, but the results of these studies are scattered and lack systematic integration and generalization. In this paper, we have systematically summarized the mechanism of arecoline within the oral cavity, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and digestion system, in terms of both health functions and toxic effects. In addition, we found some concentration-effect relationship between arecoline in the central nervous system and digestive system, i.e., low doses are beneficial and high doses are harmful. By summarizing the mechanisms of arecoline, this review is poised to provide in-depth and valuable insights into the clinical practice and targeted therapy of arecoline in the future.

International audience | The human intestine is home to a complex bacterial community known as the gut microbiota. This microbiota performs functions that are essential for maintaining our health, and has been shown to influence the host's physiology and metabolism. As a result, dysregulation of this intestinal microbiota, known as dysbiosis, could be implicated in the development of various diseases. However, studies analysing the microbiota rarely assess causality, which can be demonstrated by using germ-free (GF) animals and transplanting microbiota. Using these strategies, it has been shown that the intestinal microbiota may play a causal role in the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders, particularly liver diseases, including Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and Alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Indeed, by transplanting the gut microbiota from mice with or without MASLD to GF mice, we showed that the propensity to develop MASLD features including hyperglycaemia or steatosis is transmissible by the gut microbiota. Regarding ALD, we first showed that a specific dysbiosis is present in alcoholic patients with a severe alcoholic hepatitis. GF mice colonized with the gut microbiota from a patient with severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) developed more severe liver inflammation and higher liver necrosis, than GF mice colonized with the gut microbiota from an alcoholic patient without AH.In conclusion, we demonstrated that the individual susceptibility to liver diseases is driven, at least partly, by differences in intestinal microbiota composition. Our findings open new avenues for diagnostic procedures based on personalised medicine by the identification of patients at high risk of developing liver diseases. They also open new possibilities for liver diseases prevention and treatment through intestinal microbiota manipulation.

peer reviewed | Soybean is a crucial component of animal feed, especially for poultry and monogastric animals, because of its high protein and amino acid content. However, dependence on soybeans—particularly imported varieties—poses challenges, including price volatility and concerns regarding GMOs. Organic farming, which prohibits GMOs, faces even higher costs to source non-GMO soybean meal. To address these issues, alternative protein sources such as insects are attracting interest. Insects provide a rich supply of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, offering a sustainable substitute for both soybean and fishmeal. Key insect candidates for feed include the black soldier fly, housefly, and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM). Research indicates that insect meal can replace traditional feed sources without reducing productivity. This study, conducted at a poultry farm in Chemini, Bejaia, Algeria, examined 36 Isa-Brown laying hens, 40 weeks old. The hens were divided into 12 pens (3 control and 9 experimental), with experimental groups receiving feed supplemented with 1% (TM1), 2% (TM2), or 4% (TM4) mealworms. Over a four-week period, egg quality (physical and chemical properties) and feed conversion efficiency were evaluated. Data analysis, performed using SAS software with a significance threshold of P<0.05, revealed no significant differences in laying rates (P=0.48), although the TM4 group showed a slightly lower rate. However, TM4 achieved the best feed conversion ratio (P=0.03). Egg quality parameters, including weight and shell characteristics, remained consistent across all groups, with no significant differences in cholesterol or essential fatty acids. Incorporating mealworms into poultry feed thus appears to improve feed efficiency while maintaining egg quality, although there was a slight reduction in laying performance at higher inclusion rates. The relatively small sample size, however, limits the generalizability of these findings. | Le soja est un composant essentiel de l'alimentation animale, en particulier pour la volaille et les animaux monogastriques, en raison de sa teneur élevée en protéines et en acides aminés. Cependant, la dépendance au soja – en particulier aux variétés importées – pose des défis, notamment en termes de volatilité des prix et de préoccupations liées aux OGM. L’agriculture biologique, qui interdit les OGM, se heurte à des coûts encore plus élevés pour se procurer du tourteau de soja non-OGM. Afin de résoudre ces problèmes, des sources alternatives de protéines, telles que les insectes, suscitent de plus en plus d'intérêt. Les insectes offrent un apport riche en protéines, lipides, vitamines et minéraux, constituant une alternative durable au soja et à la farine de poisson. Parmi les insectes les plus prometteurs pour l’alimentation animale figurent la mouche soldat noire, la mouche domestique et le ver de farine jaune (Tenebrio molitor, TM). La recherche indique que la farine d'insectes peut remplacer les sources d'alimentation traditionnelles sans diminuer la productivité. Cette étude, menée dans une ferme avicole à Chemini, Béjaïa, en Algérie, a examiné 36 poules pondeuses Isa-Brown âgées de 40 semaines. Les poules ont été réparties dans 12 enclos (3 enclos témoins et 9 expérimentaux), les groupes expérimentaux recevant un aliment enrichi en vers de farine à raison de 1 % (TM1), 2 % (TM2) ou 4 % (TM4). Sur une période de quatre semaines, la qualité des œufs (caractéristiques physiques et chimiques) et l'efficacité de conversion alimentaire ont été évaluées. L'analyse des données, effectuée à l'aide du logiciel SAS avec un seuil de signification de P<0,05, n'a révélé aucune différence significative dans les taux de ponte (P=0,48), bien que le groupe TM4 ait montré un taux légèrement inférieur. Cependant, le groupe TM4 a obtenu le meilleur indice de conversion alimentaire (P=0,03). Les paramètres de qualité des œufs, y compris le poids et les caractéristiques de la coquille, sont restés constants dans tous les groupes, sans différences significatives au niveau du cholestérol ou des acides gras essentiels. L'incorporation de vers de farine dans l'alimentation des poules pondeuses semble donc améliorer l'efficacité alimentaire tout en maintenant la qualité des œufs, bien qu'une légère réduction de la performance de ponte ait été observée aux taux d'inclusion les plus élevés. Toutefois, la taille relativement réduite de l'échantillon limite la généralisation de ces résultats. | يُعتبر فول الصويا مكونًا أساسيًا في تغذية الحيوانات، وخاصةً الدواجن والحيوانات أحادية المعدة، نظرًا لمحتواه العالي من البروتين والأحماض الأمينية. ومع ذلك، فإن الاعتماد على فول الصويا – خاصةً الأصناف المستوردة – يطرح تحديات، بما في ذلك تقلب الأسعار والمخاوف المتعلقة بالكائنات المعدلة وراثيًا (OGM). كما تواجه الزراعة العضوية، التي تحظر استخدام الكائنات المعدلة وراثيًا، تكاليف أعلى للحصول على كُسب فول الصويا غير المعدل وراثيًا. وللتغلب على هذه المشكلات، تكتسب مصادر البروتين البديلة، مثل الحشرات، اهتمامًا متزايدًا. فالحشرات تُقدم مصدرًا غنيًا بالبروتينات والدهون والفيتامينات والمعادن، مما يجعلها بديلاً مستدامًا لفول الصويا وطحين السمك. ومن بين الحشرات الواعدة لتغذية الحيوانات نجد الذبابة الجندية السوداء، وذبابة المنزل، ودودة الطحين الصفراء (تينبريو موليتور، TM). وتشير الأبحاث إلى أن طحين الحشرات يمكنه استبدال المصادر الغذائية التقليدية دون التأثير على الإنتاجية. أُجريت هذه الدراسة في مزرعة دواجن بمنطقة شَمّيني، ولاية بجاية، الجزائر، واشتملت على 36 دجاجة بياضة من نوع Isa-Brown بعمر 40 أسبوعًا. تم توزيع الدجاجات على 12 حظيرة (3 حظائر كمجموعة ضابطة و9 حظائر كمجموعات تجريبية)، حيث تلقت المجموعات التجريبية علفًا مُضافًا إليه ديدان الطحين بنسبة 1% (TM1)، 2% (TM2) أو 4% (TM4). وعلى مدار فترة أربعة أسابيع، تم تقييم جودة البيض (الخصائص الفيزيائية والكيميائية) وكفاءة تحويل العلف. أظهرت نتائج التحليل الإحصائي، الذي أُجري باستخدام برنامج SAS مع مستوى دلالة P<0.05، عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في معدلات البيض (P=0.48)، على الرغم من أن مجموعة TM4 أظهرت معدلًا أقل قليلًا. ومع ذلك، حققت مجموعة TM4 أفضل معدل تحويل غذائي (P=0.03). بقيت خصائص جودة البيض، بما في ذلك الوزن وخصائص القشرة، متناسقة بين جميع المجموعات دون فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في مستويات الكوليسترول أو الأحماض الدهنية الأساسية. يبدو أن إدماج ديدان الطحين في علف الدجاج البياض يحسن كفاءة التغذية مع الحفاظ على جودة البيض، رغم حدوث انخفاض طفيف في أداء وضع البيض عند معدلات الإضافة الأعلى. ومع ذلك، فإن حجم العينة الصغير نسبيًا يحد من إمكانية تعميم هذه النتائج.