Search Results (531)

Background/Objectives: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in reducing suicide rates through dietary modification; however, the relationship between riboflavin intake and suicide risk remains unclear. This study aims to examine the association between dietary riboflavin and suicidal ideation. Methods: A total of 17,320 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014–2020 were included. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the ninth item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Riboflavin intake was evaluated through dietary assessments. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were conducted to explore the relationship between riboflavin intake and suicidal ideation. Results: There was a statistically significant association between riboflavin intake and suicidal ideation [OR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.77, 0.91), p < 0.001], after full adjustment for covariates. The linear trend test, using Q1 as the reference, showed ORs (95% CI) for Q2 and Q3 of 0.96 (0.81, 1.15) and 1.06 (0.80, 1.42), respectively. The RCS analysis revealed a non-linear pattern in the relationship between riboflavin intake and suicidal thoughts. This association was particularly significant among women and individuals younger than 60 years. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests indicated that the associations remained consistent across subgroups and were not influenced by factors other than anaerobic exercise. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a non-linear inverse relationship between riboflavin intake and suicidal ideation, with notable variations by sex and age. Modifying dietary riboflavin intake may be a crucial strategy for reducing suicide risk. Full article

Background: KeraVio, a portable corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment modality involving the use of violet light (VL)-emitting glasses, was originally used in conjunction with topical transepithelial riboflavin (BJO 2021). However, after our preliminary findings of endogenous riboflavin in the human cornea and the observation that the relatively low intensity of VL irradiation increased corneal stiffness in porcine corneas (TVST 2021), we evaluated the clinical results of KeraVio without riboflavin drops. Methods: Patients with progressive keratoconus were enrolled and randomly divided into a VL irradiation alone group (Group 1) and a no irradiation group (Group 2; control group) (jRCTs032190267). The eyes were exposed to VL (375 nm, irradiance 310 μW/cm²)-emitting glasses for 4.5 h daily for 6 months. Results: The mean changes in the maximum keratometry value (Kmax) from baseline to 6 months were 0.94 ± 2.65 diopters (D) and 1.76 ± 2.75 D in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p = 0.705). Conclusions: No differences were found between patients who did and did not receive VL irradiation in terms of the clinical outcomes of keratoconus. VL irradiation alone likely did not halt keratoconic progression, and the administration of riboflavin was necessary. Full article

The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, reared for sericulture, has gained attention as a promising, sustainable protein source. While studies have focused on pupal powders obtained through natural or artificial mulberry-based diets, this research builds on ethnoentomological knowledge of the use of dandelion as a short-term mulberry substitute, in a mixed mulberry–dandelion diet throughout larval development. Through proximate analyses, amino acid and fatty acid profiling, mineral and carbohydrate composition, as well as antioxidant activity assays, we investigated how dietary variation affects B. mori larvae. The mixed diet achieved a distinct nutritional profile, increasing total amino acids to 38.40 g/100 g compared to 32.37 g/100 g in the mulberry-only group, with differences in the content of essential amino acids like isoleucine (2.24 vs. 1.42 g/100 g) and phenylalanine (3.34 vs. 2.82 g/100 g). It also elevated linolenic acid to 74.33% of total fatty acids and introduced sorbitol (13.35 mg/g). Those two compounds were not detected in the larvae reared on a single-plant diet. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed phenolic acids, flavonoids, and riboflavin in both groups, which may serve as potential carriers of antioxidant activity. These preliminary findings demonstrate how dietary modifications can change nutritional profiles and antioxidant properties of B. mori. At the same time, they lay the foundation for further research to fully understand diet-induced effects in edible insects. Full article

Asthma has been extensively studied in humans and animals, but the molecular mechanisms underlying asthma in Meishan pigs, a breed with distinct genetic and physiological characteristics, remain elusive. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into veterinary medicine and human asthma research. We investigated asthma pathogenesis in Meishan pigs through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of blood samples taken during autumn and winter. Asthma in Meishan pigs is related to inflammation, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle disorders. Related genes include CXCL10, CCL8, CCL22, CCL21, OLR1, and ACKR1, while metabolites include succinic acid, riboflavin-5-phosphate, and fumaric acid. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed on panting and normal Meishan pigs, and differentially expressed genes underwent functional enrichment screening. Metabolomic analysis revealed differential metabolites and pathways between groups. Combined analyses indicated that lung inflammation is influenced by genetic, allergenic, and environmental factors disrupting oxidative phosphorylation in lung mitochondria, affecting the TCA cycle. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, glutathione S-transferases, arginase 1 and RORC in immune regulation, the Notch pathway, YPEL4 in cell proliferation, and MARCKS in airway mucus secretion play roles in asthma pathogenesis. This study highlights that many cytokines and signaling pathways contribute to asthma. Further studies are needed to elucidate their complex interactions. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the metabolic profile of a single dose of etodolac in healthy volunteers, focusing on pharmacokinetics, clinical parameters, and metabolomic variations to identify biomarkers and pathways linked to drug response, efficacy, and safety. Methods: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers, enrolled after rigorous health assessments, received a single dose of etodolac (Flancox^® 500 mg). Pharmacokinetic profiles were determined using tandem mass spectrometry analysis, and the metabolomic profiling was conducted using baseline samples (pre-dose) and samples at maximum drug concentration (post-dose) via liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Network analysis was employed to interpret the data. Results: Correlations were observed between metabolomic profiles and pharmacokinetic parameters as well as clinical characteristics. Notably, metabolites derived from arachidonic acid, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, were linked to etodolac’s pharmacokinetics. Other metabolites involved in pathways like cholesterol biosynthesis, bile salts, riboflavin, and retinoic acid signaling were correlated with hematological and liver function parameters. These findings are consistent with the infrequent adverse events reported by participants, including hematological and biochemical changes in liver function. Conclusions: A set of metabolites was identified in possible associations between specific pathways and unusual side effects, comparing the metabolic profiles before and after doses of etodolac. Our results highlight the importance of optimizing drug therapy and minimizing adverse events by taking into account individual metabolic profile information. Full article

Articular cartilage faces challenges in self-repair due to the lack of blood vessels and limited chondrocyte concentration. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) shows promise for promoting chondrocyte growth and cartilage regeneration, but its delivery has been limited to injections. Continuous PDRN delivery is crucial for effective cartilage regeneration. This study explores using gelatin methacrylate (gelMA) hydrogel, crosslinked with visible light and riboflavin 5′-phosphate sodium (RF) as a photoinitiator, for sustained PDRN release. GelMA hydrogel’s synthesis was confirmed through spectrophotometric techniques, demonstrating successful methacrylate group incorporation. PDRN-loaded gelMA hydrogels displayed varying pore sizes, swelling ratios, degradation rates, and mechanical properties based on gelMA concentration. They showed sustained PDRN release and biocompatibility, with the 14% gelMA-PDRN composition performing best. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) activity was higher in PDRN-loaded hydrogels, indicating a positive effect on cartilage formation. RT-PCR analysis revealed increased expression of cartilage-specific genes (COL2, SOX9, AGG) in gelMA-PDRN. Histological assessments in a rabbit cartilage defect model demonstrated superior regenerative effects of gelMA-PDRN hydrogels. This study highlights the potential of gelMA-PDRN hydrogels in cartilage tissue engineering, providing a promising approach for effective cartilage regeneration. Full article

Recently, photoactivated riboflavin (RF) treatments have been approved to improve resin–dentin bonding by enhancing dentinal collagen crosslinking. This study aimed to evaluate whether RF activated by blue light (BL, 450 nm) strengthens the collagen matrix, increases resistance to enzymatic degradation, and improves adhesion as effectively as ultraviolet A (UVA, 375 nm) activation. Six groups were examined: control (no treatment); RF0.1UV2 (0.1% RF with 2 min of UVA irradiation); RF0.1BL1, RF0.1BL2, RF1BL1, and RF1BL2 (0.1% and 1% RF with 1 or 2 min of BL irradiation). The effects of RF/BL on collagen crosslinking were validated by gel electrophoresis. A nanoindentation test showed that both RF/UVA and RF/BL treatments enhanced the elastic modulus and nanohardness of demineralized dentin. A zymography assay using collagen extracted from demineralized dentin also revealed significant matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibition across all RF treatments. Microtensile bond strength (µTBS) tests conducted both post-treatment and after 7-day enzymatic degradation showed that three RF0.1 groups (RF0.1UV2, RF0.1BL1, and RF0.1BL2) maintained high µTBS values after degradation, while RF0.1BL1 generated a significantly thicker hybrid layer compared to other groups. These findings suggest that RF/BL is as effective as RF/UVA in crosslinking dentinal collagen and resisting enzymatic degradation, with 0.1% RF proving superior to 1% RF in enhancing dentin bonding. Full article

Background: Diet and inflammation are both associated with hypertension. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the dietary inflammation index (DII), dietary patterns, and the risk of hypertension among Xinjiang residents. Methods: A total of 930 residents aged 20–80 from Shihezi and Tumushuk were selected as participants using a stratified whole cluster random sampling method. General demographic information, dietary data, and physical examination results were collected from the participants and DII scores were calculated. Restricted cubic spline was used to analyze the dose–response relationship between the DII and the risk of hypertension. LASSO regression was used to screen dietary factors associated with hypertension. Factor analysis was used to extract dietary patterns. Finally, logistic regression modeling was used to analyze the association between the DII, dietary patterns, and the risk of hypertension. Results: The DII was linearly and positively associated with the risk of developing hypertension. Logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of hypertension was 2.23 (95% CI: 1.53, 3.23) and 3.29 (95% CI: 2.26, 4.79) in the T2 and T3 groups, respectively, compared with the T1 group. Riboflavin and folate were associated with the risk of hypertension. In the vegetable–egg dietary pattern, the risk of hypertension was reduced by 33%, 39%, and 37% in groups Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, compared with group Q1 (Q2: OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.99; Q3: OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.92; Q4: OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.96). Conclusions: The higher the DII score, the higher the risk of hypertension among residents of Xinjiang. In addition, vegetable–egg dietary patterns can reduce the risk of hypertension. Therefore, local residents should be scientifically instructed to increase their intake of vegetables and eggs. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rise in chronic metabolic diseases has led to the exploration of alternative diets. The carnivore diet, consisting exclusively of animal products, has gained attention, anecdotally, for imparting benefit for inflammatory conditions beyond that possible by other restrictive dietary approaches. The aim was to assess the micronutrient adequacy of four versions of the carnivore diet against national nutrient reference values (NRVs). Methods: This study assessed the nutrient adequacy of the carnivore diet against national NRVs from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and New Zealand Ministry of Health. Four meal plans for hypothetical average Australian adults were developed and analysed using Foodworks.online (Version 1, Xyris Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Australia, 2024), dietary software. Two female and two male plans were included; one set including dairy products and the other set including offal. Results: The carnivore diet met several NRV thresholds for nutrients such as riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, selenium, and Vitamin A, and exceeded the sodium threshold. However, it fell short in thiamin, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin C, and in iron, folate, iodine and potassium in some cases. Fibre intake was significantly below recommended levels. Conclusion: The carnivore diet may offer benefits for managing certain chronic conditions. Whether the metabolic contexts from consuming such a diet facilitates a lower requirement of certain nutrients, or whether it poses risks of micronutrient inadequacies remains to be determined. Tailored nutritional guidance and supplementation strategies are recommended to ensure careful consideration of micronutrient intake to prevent deficiencies. Full article

Dormancy release is an important process for improving the quality of cut-flower lily production and promoting the factory production of lily bulbs. However, the regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes during the dormancy release of lily remain elusive. Anatomy, transcriptomic, molecular biology, and transient transformation techniques involving subcellular localization were applied in our study. There were significant results showing that 0.1 mM riboflavin promoted dormancy release and floral bud differentiation and influenced the flowering time of the Lilium ‘Siberia’. Moreover, some differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets (miR395-y: LoAPS1, miR529-z: LoSPL14, miR396-y: LoCFDP1, miR1863-z: LoFBA3, miR399-y: LoDIT1, and miR11525-z: Lopgm) were identified and predicted. Exogenous riboflavin may activate primary metabolic processes and promote dormancy release in Lilium ‘Siberia’ bulbs. Furthermore, riboflavin upregulated genes related to the riboflavin pathway, H3K4me3 methylation, dormancy control, and the flowering pathway and downregulated dormancy maintenance genes. Moreover, riboflavin promoted endogenous riboflavin and acetyl-CoA accumulation. LoPurple acid phosphatase17 (LoPAP17), a pivotal gene of the riboflavin metabolism pathway, was subsequently cloned. LoPAP17 was most closely related to the orthologous genes of Acorus calamus, Asparagus officinalis, and Musa acuminata. The LoPAP17 protein was subcellularly located in the nucleus. Our study revealed that miRNAs and their target genes might regulate the primary metabolic pathway, promote the accumulation of endogenous riboflavin and acetyl-CoA, and affect protein acetylation during the riboflavin-promoted release of dormancy and flower bud differentiation in the Lilium Oriental hybrid ‘Siberia’. Full article

Background: Oral candidiasis, predominantly caused by Candida albicans, presents significant challenges in treatment due to increasing antifungal resistance and biofilm formation. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using natural photosensitizers like riboflavin and hypericin offers a potential alternative to conventional antifungal therapies. Material and Methods: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin- and hypericin-mediated aPDT in reducing Candida infections. The PRISMA framework guided the selection and analysis of 16 eligible studies published between 2014 and 2024. Data on light parameters, photosensitizer concentrations, and outcomes were extracted to assess antifungal effects. Results: Both riboflavin- and hypericin-mediated aPDT demonstrated significant antifungal activity, achieving substantial reductions in Candida biofilm and planktonic cell viability. Riboflavin activated by blue light and hypericin activated by yellow or orange light effectively targeted fluconazole-resistant Candida strains with minimal cytotoxicity to host tissues. However, complete biofilm eradication remained challenging, and variations in protocols highlighted the need for standardization. Conclusions: Riboflavin- and hypericin-mediated aPDT present promising, biocompatible alternatives for managing antifungal resistance in Candida infections. Further clinical trials and standardized protocols are essential to optimize outcomes and confirm efficacy in broader clinical settings. Full article

The use of lactic acid bacteria for developing functional foods is increasing for their ability to synthesize beneficial metabolites such as vitamin B (riboflavin, RF) and postbiotic compounds. Here, the spontaneous mutant FS54 B2 was isolated by treatment of the dextran-producing Weissella confusa FS54 strain with roseoflavin. FS54 B2 overproduced RF (4.9 mg/L) in synthetic medium. The FMN riboswitch is responsible for the regulation of RF biosynthesis, and sequencing of the coding DNA revealed that FS54 B2 carries the G131U mutation. FS54 B2 retained the capacity of FS54 to synthesize high levels of dextran (3.8 g/L) in synthetic medium. The fermentation capacities of the two Weissella strains was tested in commercial oat-, soy- and rice-based beverages. The best substrate for FS54 B2 was the oat-based drink, in which, after fermentation, the following were detected: RF (2.4 mg/L), dextran (5.3 mg/L), potential prebiotics (oligosaccharides (panose (5.1 g/L), isomaltose (753 mg/L) and isomaltotriose (454 mg/L)) and the antioxidant mannitol (16.3 g/L). pH-lowering ability and cell viability after one month of storage period were confirmed. As far as we know, this is the first time that an RF-overproducing W. confusa strain has been isolated, characterized and tested for its potential use in the development of functional beverages. Full article

The Nutrient-upgraded Rodent Food Bar (NuRFB) is the standard diet for mice in NASA’s Rodent Research Project aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Given the nature of spaceflight and the lengthy production process of the food bars, a shelf-life assessment was conducted to evaluate nutritional stability over time (ranging from 0 to 27 months) and under different storage conditions (refrigerated, ambient, and refrigerated + ambient), where ambient is 22–23 °C. Lipid oxidation markers and fat- and water-soluble vitamins were assessed under various time and temperature conditions using AOAC International methods. Vitamin D levels showed a minor decrease, and riboflavin fluctuated slightly over time, but all vitamin levels remained above National Research Council (NRC) minimum requirements. Food bars stored at 4 °C showed significantly higher thiamine levels than the bars that underwent some degree of ambient temperature storage, but all met the NRC guidelines. Minimal lipid oxidation was observed for up to 18 months, and no mold or yeast growth occurred despite the high moisture content of the bars. This study confirms that NuRFBs maintain stable vitamin and lipid oxidation indices, ensuring adequate nutrition for rodents during spaceflight. Full article

Arsenic is a common toxic heavy metal contaminant that is widely present in the ocean, and seaweeds have a strong ability to concentrate arsenic, posing a potential risk to human health. This study first analyzed the arsenic content in two different seaweeds and then used an innovative method to categorize the seaweeds into low-arsenic and high-arsenic groups based on their arsenic exposure levels. Finally, a non-targeted metabolomic analysis based on mass spectrometry was conducted on seaweed from different arsenic exposure groups. The results indicated that as the arsenic concentration increased in the seaweeds, linolenic acid, tyrosine, pheophorbide a, riboflavin, and phenylalanine were upregulated, while arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), betaine, and oleamide were downregulated. The following four key metabolic pathways involving unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids were identified: isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism. The identification of biomarkers and the characterization of key metabolic pathways will aid in the selection and breeding of low-arsenic-accumulating seaweed varieties, providing insights into the metabolic and detoxification mechanisms of arsenic in seaweeds. Full article

Riboflavin analogs lacking one methyl group (7α or 8α) can still serve as a surrogate for riboflavin in riboflavin-deficient microorganisms or animals. The absence of both methyl groups at once completely abolishes this substitution capability. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon, we performed an adaptive laboratory evolution experiment (in triplicate) on an E. coli strain auxotrophic for riboflavin. As a result, the riboflavin requirement of the E. coli strain was reduced ~10-fold in the presence of 7,8-didemethyl-riboflavin. The whole genome sequencing of E. coli strains isolated from three experiments revealed two mutation hotspots: lpdA coding for the flavoenzyme dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (LpdA), and ompF coding for the major outer membrane protein. In order to investigate the essentiality of flavin’s methyl groups to LpdA, the wild type and mutant variants of lpdA were cloned. At least two lpdA mutants increased the fitness of E. coli, and when 7,8-didemethyl-flavin was added to the growth medium, the increase was significant. To the best of our knowledge, an adaptive laboratory evolution experiment running in triplicate as a tool for the identification of mutation hotspots in the genome of microorganisms exposed to metabolic stress challenges is described here for the first time. Full article