内容: Icariin is a natural product that possesses numerous pharmaceutical properties. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which icariin prevents ferroptosis in aged-related osteoporosis. Firstly, mRNA transcriptomics was used to analyze differentially expressed genes and ferroptosis markers. Next, a weighted correlation network analysis was conducted on these genes. Then, common genes among ferroptosis, Yinyanghuo, and differentially expressed genes were identified as target genes. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics were analyzed to evaluate expression changes of target genes in bone marrow. Furthermore, to validate the results of bioinformatics analysis, MC3T3-E1 cells were used to model the preventive effects of icariin in vitro, and ferroptosis markers and mitochondrial function were both examined. In vivo, 4-month-old mice were fed a diet containing icariin for 14 months, following which bone proteomics was assessed to identify essential proteins. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry assays were performed on mouse femurs. Finally, Western blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed to analyze the effects of icariin on ferroptosis target biomarkers. Ptgs2 and Hmox1 were identified as target genes related to both icariin and ferroptosis. The expression of ferroptosis-related genes was up-regulated with age. Moreover, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analyses revealed that up-regulation of these two genes inhibited osteogenic capability. The results of the in vitro experiments indicated that icariin mitigated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and β-galactosidase. Similarly, icariin prevented aberrant changes in the levels of ferroptosis-related proteins, consistent with the results of the in vivo experiments. Specifically, 10 mg/(kg·day) of icariin inhibited ferroptosis and osteoporosis in aged mice. Overall, this study revealed that icariin could serve as a dietary supplement to prevent age-induced osteoporosis. Furthermore, Ptgs2 and Hmox1 were identified as ferroptosis-related targets through which icariin exerts its protective effects.

内容: University students, transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, are at a critical stage where dietary habits and health behaviors are established, influencing long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the dietary intake and nutritional awareness of a population of Chinese university students (n = 833), comparing their consumption with national dietary guidelines and reference intakes, while exploring subgroup differences. Results indicated that males had significantly higher amounts of most food categories compared to females. Except for whole grains and legumes, ethnic minorities had lower compliance with the recommended intakes for several food categories compared to Han Chinese. Han males consumed more energy, protein, and fat than their ethnic minority counterparts. Obese participants showed higher protein and fat intake compared to those with normal body mass index (BMI). Additionally, BMI-related trends in macronutrient contributions showed that protein and fat contributed more to the total energy intake of individuals with higher BMI. Han individuals also had higher energy contributions from protein and fat and lower carbohydrate contributions compared to ethnic minorities. Nutrient intake was generally below recommended levels, with low proportions of participants meeting the recommended intake for vitamin A, C, calcium and dietary fiber. High proportions of participants exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels for iron and manganese. Nutritional awareness scores were also significantly higher among Han students, as well as those with higher BMIs and higher income levels. This study highlights significant disparities in dietary intake and nutritional awareness among Chinese university students, with variations across sex, ethnicity, BMI, and income categories.

内容: Lactococcus lactis, a major starter culture in the dairy industry, has been widely applied in food fermentation. While current research has primarily focused on evaluating its role during fermentation, genomic investigations into its genetic diversity and functional adaptability remain limited. In this study, 199 L. lactis strains isolated from Chinese traditional artisanal cheeses (72 bovine, 71 goat, and 56 yak milk cheese isolates) were subjected to comparative genomic analysis. Genomic characteristic analysis indicated that bovine milk strains possess larger genomes and the highest number of unique genes. Functional characterization further demonstrated notable differences in carbohydrate metabolism among strains from different sources, with yak milk strains enriched in enzymes involved in complex polysaccharide degradation, including members of the carbohydrate esterases family. Moreover, strains from different sources exhibit distinct strategies for lactose hydrolysis and metabolic utilization, reflecting adaptive evolution to their specific nutritional niches. Analysis of the antibiotic resistance profile suggests that L. lactis predominantly harbors glycopeptide and lincosamide resistance genes, encompassing four distinct resistance mechanisms. Collectively, this study reveals the genetic diversity and adaptive evolution of L. lactis strains from different sources and identifies key genes associated with carbohydrate degradation, lactose metabolism, and antibiotic resistance, providing concrete genetic evidence for the selection of efficient and safe industrial fermentation strains.