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Due to the low level of industrialization of traditional fermented food in china, people rely a lot on experience and knowledge in the production process, resulting in unstable product quality and a series of toxic substances that could affect food safety and may endanger human health. In order to reduce the content of toxic substances during the traditional fermented food processing, it is necessary to study the brief mechanism of its formation. This article briefly analyzes the formation mechanisms of six most representative toxic substances, which are biogenic amines, nitrosamines, ethyl carbamate, acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heterocyclic aromatic amines during the traditional fermented food processing. It is believed that this article will provide a theoretical basis for controlling these toxic substances in actual production, further giving a better quality and safety to the traditional fermented foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Maximal fat oxidation (MFO), its associated exercise intensity (Fatmax) and the cross-over point (COP) are known indirect calorimetry-based diagnostics for whole-body metabolic health and exercise. However, large inter- and intra-individual variability in determining their corresponding intensity makes their use inconsistent, whether the intensity is based on power output or oxygen uptake. Blood lactate concentration (BLC) has often reflected a range in MFO and COP, which may offer another non-indirect calorimetry dimension based on the near equilibrium between lactate and pyruvate at the molecular level, which biochemically determines an interchange between lactate and relative rate of carbohydrate (relCHO) and relative rate of fat utilization (relFAO). This paper proposes a new testing approach describing relCHO as a function of BLC, with an individualized half-maximal activation constant of relCHO (kel), to explain and predict the variability in MFO, Fatmax and COP. (2) Methods: Following ethical approval, twenty-one healthy males participated in the incremental cardiorespiratory maximal test, and capillary BLC was measured. Indirect calorimetry relCHO and relFAO were calculated, and a constant kel that reflected 50% of CHO saturation level was estimated as a sigmoid function of BLC (mmol·L−1): relCHO = 100/(1 + kel/BLC2). (3) Results: 86% of relCHO variability was explained by BLC levels. The individualized kel estimations, which were 1.82 ± 0.95 (min/max 0.54/4.4) (mmol·L−1)2 independently explained 55% MFO and 44% of COP variabilities. Multiple regression analysis resulted in kel as the highest independent predictor of Fatmax (adjusted r-square = 22.3%, p < 0.05), whilst classic intensity-based predictors (peak power, maximal oxygen uptake, fixed BLC at 4 mmol·L−1) were not significant predictors. (4) Conclusions: The BLC-relCHO model, with its predictor kel explains the inter- and intra-individual variability in MFO, its exercise intensity Fatmax and power outs at COP through dynamic changes in BLC, fat and carbohydrates regardless of the intensity at which exercise takes place. kel capability as a predictor of MFO, Fatmax and COP independently of their associated intensities provides a new diagnostic tool in physiological exercise testing for health and exercise performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Photosynthesis provides the energy basis for the life activities of plants by producing organic compounds, mainly sugar. As the main energy form of photosynthesis, sugar affects the growth and development of plants. During long-distance transportation, sucrose is the main form of transportation. The rate of sugar transport and the allocation of carbohydrates affect the biomass of crops and are closely related to the reproductive growth of crops. Main text: The transportation of sugar is divided into active transportation and passive transportation. So how does the sucrose transporters (SUT) genes, which are the main carriers of sucrose in active transportation, affect the performance of rice agronomic traits is still to be explored. In this article, we describe the structure of inflorescence and review the transport forms and metabolic processes of sucrose in rice, such as how CO2 is fixed, carbohydrate assimilation, and transport of organic matter. Sucrose transporters exhibited remarkable effects on the development of reproductive organs in rice. Conclusions: Here, the effects of different factors, such as the effects of anthers morphology on starch enrichment of pollen, effects of biotic and abiotic factors on sucrose transporters, effects of changes in trace elements on sucrose transporters, were discussed. Moreover, the regulation of transcription or translation level provides ideas for future research on sucrose transporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 is a dominant member of the gut bacterial core of species of the genus Dendroctonus , which is one of the most destructive pine forest bark beetles. The objectives of this study were identified in Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 genome the glycosyl hydrolase families involved in carbohydrate metabolism and specifically, the genes that participate in xylan hydrolysis, to determine the functionality of a putative endo -1,4-β-D-xylanase, which results to be bifunctional xylanase–ferulic acid esterase called R13 Fae and characterize it biochemically. The carbohydrate-active enzyme prediction revealed 25 glycoside hydrolases, 20 glycosyl transferases, carbohydrate esterases, two auxiliary activities, one polysaccharide lyase, and one carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). The R13 Fae predicted showed high identity to the putative esterases and glycosyl hydrolases from Rahnella species and some members of the Yersiniaceae family. The r13 fae gene encodes 393 amino acids (43.5 kDa), containing a signal peptide, esterase catalytic domain, and CBM48. The R13 Fae modeling showed a higher binding affinity to ferulic acid, α-naphthyl acetate, and arabinoxylan, and a low affinity to starch. The R13 Fae recombinant protein showed activity on α-naphthyl acetate and xylan, but not on starch. This enzyme showed mesophilic characteristics, displaying its optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 25°C. The enzyme was stable at pH from 4.5 to 9.0, retaining nearly 66–71% of its original activity. The half-life of the enzyme was 23 days at 25°C. The enzyme was stable in the presence of metallic ions, except for Hg2+. The products of R13 Fae mediated hydrolysis of beechwood xylan were xylobiose and xylose, manifesting an exo -activity. The results suggest that Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 hydrolyze xylan and its products could be assimilated by its host and other gut microbes as a nutritional source, demonstrating their functional role in the bacterial-insect interaction contributing to their fitness, development, and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Preterm infants need plenty of energy and nutrients supplied by carbohydrates, in particular glucose. Aims: The aim was to study the associations of the carbohydrate content in blood and in feces with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and different types of feeding in low birth weight (LBW) preterm infants. Subjects and Methods: This prospective study included 173 preterm infants with LBW, including those with IUGR. The dynamic monitoring of carbohydrates indicators in blood and feces, as well as the analysis of these parameters depending on the birth weight and type of feeding, have been performed. Results: Infants with LBW exhibited a higher excretion of carbohydrates with feces in preterm infants who received breast milk by the end of the neonatal period. The low level of glycemia in newborns during breastfeeding is explained by the fact that with this type of feeding the use of glucose is more intensive. Conclusions: LBW preterm infants had an increased level of carbohydrates in feces, which implied an enzymatic insufficiency that has persisted throughout the observation period. However, the level of excretion depended, first of all, on the type of feeding of the preterm infants. The level of hypoglycemia was significantly associated with the occurrence of IUGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 is a dominant member of the gut bacterial core of species of the genus Dendroctonus, which is one of the most destructive pine forest bark beetles. The objectives of this study were identified in Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 genome the glycosyl hydrolase families involved in carbohydrate metabolism and specifically, the genes that participate in xylan hydrolysis, to determine the functionality of a putative endo-1,4-β-D-xylanase, which results to be bifunctional xylanase–ferulic acid esterase called R13 Fae and characterize it biochemically. The carbohydrate-active enzyme prediction revealed 25 glycoside hydrolases, 20 glycosyl transferases, carbohydrate esterases, two auxiliary activities, one polysaccharide lyase, and one carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). The R13 Fae predicted showed high identity to the putative esterases and glycosyl hydrolases from Rahnella species and some members of the Yersiniaceae family. The r13 fae gene encodes 393 amino acids (43.5 kDa), containing a signal peptide, esterase catalytic domain, and CBM48. The R13 Fae modeling showed a higher binding affinity to ferulic acid, α-naphthyl acetate, and arabinoxylan, and a low affinity to starch. The R13 Fae recombinant protein showed activity on α-naphthyl acetate and xylan, but not on starch. This enzyme showed mesophilic characteristics, displaying its optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 25°C. The enzyme was stable at pH from 4.5 to 9.0, retaining nearly 66–71% of its original activity. The half-life of the enzyme was 23 days at 25°C. The enzyme was stable in the presence of metallic ions, except for Hg2+. The products of R13 Fae mediated hydrolysis of beechwood xylan were xylobiose and xylose, manifesting an exo-activity. The results suggest that Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 hydrolyze xylan and its products could be assimilated by its host and other gut microbes as a nutritional source, demonstrating their functional role in the bacterial-insect interaction contributing to their fitness, development, and survival.

Schisandrins are a group of chemical components, contained in Schisandra chinensis , determined as lignans. They involve: schisandrin A, B, C and schisandrol A. Those substances, which are well-known in traditional Chinese medicine, are hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antineoplastic. Furthermore, there is a wide array of trials and analyses performed on animal models, which makes us presume that after running trials on a human model, schisandrins will be used as sport supplements. Those components stimulate skeletal muscles hypertrophy; there is a proved impact on soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, as well as the protective and regenerative role. Lignans decrease triglycerides and total cholesterol levels, leading to body mass reduction. They are also hypoglycemic, facilitate the transport and metabolism of glucose as GLUT-2 activators or adiponectin antagonists. They enhance the sensitivity to insulin, lowering the levels of interleukin 1, interleukin 2 and interleukin 6. The components have also nephroprotective activity in hyperglycemic states, arresting the progression of the disorder. Schisandrins influence the endocrine system, decreasing cortisol level and slightly increasing testosterone level. In our review we juxtapose the trials, emphasizing the schisandrins impact on the efficiency of human body. Effects of use of schisandrins are very promising, however, there is still not enough of good evidences to use these substances without any doubts. There are also reports of interactions with CYP3A4 or induction of hypertriglyceridemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fig trees (Ficus carica L.) are commonly grown in the Mediterranean area, where salinity is an increasing problem in coastal areas. Young, fruiting plants of cv. Dottato were subjected to moderate salt stress (100 mM NaCl added to irrigation water) for 48 days before fruit sampling. To clarify the effect of salinity stress, we investigated changes in the transcription of the main sugar metabolism-related genes involved in the synthesis, accumulation and transport of soluble carbohydrates in ripe fruits by quantitative real-time PCR as well as the content of soluble sugars by quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A general increase in the transcript levels of genes involved in the transport of soluble carbohydrates was observed. Alkaline-neutral and Acid Invertases transcripts, related to the synthesis of glucose and fructose, were up-regulated in ripe fruits of NaCl-stressed plants without a change in the content of D-glucose and D-fructose. The increases in sucrose and D-sorbitol contents were likely the result of the up-regulation of the transcription of Sucrose-Synthase- and Sorbitol-Dehydrogenase-encoding genes.

Municipal wastewater treatment often lacks carbon source, while carbon-rich organics in food waste are deficiently utilized. In this study, the food waste fermentation liquid (FWFL) was step-fed into a bench-scale step-feed three-stage anoxic/aerobic system (SFTS-A/O), to investigate its performance in nutrients removal and the response of microbial community as a supplementary carbon source. The results showed that the total nitrogen (TN) removal rate increased by 21.8–109.3% after step-feeding FWFL. However, the biomass of the SFTS-A/O system was increased by 14.6% and 11.9% in the two phases of the experiment, respectively. Proteobacteria was found to be the dominant functional phyla induced by FWFL, and the increase of its abundance attributed to the enrichment of denitrifying bacteria and carbohydrate-metabolizing bacteria was responsible for the biomass increase. Azospira belonged to Proteobacteria phylum was the dominant denitrifying genera when step-fed with FWFL, its abundance was increased from 2.7% in series 1 (S1) to 18.6% in series 2 (S2) and became the keystone species in the microbial networks. Metagenomics analysis revealed that step-feeding FWFL enhanced the abundance of denitrification and carbohydrates-metabolism genes, which were encode mainly by Proteobacteria. This study constitutes a key step towards the application of FWFL as a supplementary carbon source for low C/N municipal wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • The total nitrogen removal rate increased by 22–109% after step-feeding FWFL. • Step-feeding FWFL increased the biomass of the wastewater treatment system. • Proteobacteria was found to be the dominant phyla induced by FWFL. • Denitrifying genera Azospira became the keystone taxa in the microbial networks. • Proteobacteria mainly involved in denitrification and carbohydrates metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the main and interactive effects of chromium(III) propionate complex (Cr3) supplementation and different iron supply on the carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile and other selected biochemical parameters of rats. The experiment was carried out in a two-factor design, in which rats were fed a diet with different proportions of Fe(III) and Cr(III) for six weeks. Fifty-four healthy female Wistar rats were divided into nine experimental groups with different Fe(III) levels, i.e. adequate—control group (45 mg/kg)—100% recommended daily dietary dose of Fe for rodents, deficient (5 mg/kg) and oversupply (180 mg/kg—400%). At the same time they were supplemented with Cr(III) of doses 1 (adequate), 50 and 500 mg/kg of diet. The activity and concentrations of most biochemical parameters were measured with standard enzymatic, kinetic, and colorimetric methods. HOMA-IR and QUICKI indexes were calculated according to appropriate formulas. It was found that there was an interactive effect of high Cr(III) doses and different Fe(III) levels in the diet on the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes. The presented results suggested that iron deficient diet fed animals led to insulin resistance; however, an effect is attenuated by Cr(III) supplementation at high doses. There were no significant changes in the rats’ lipid profile (except for the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level) and most of the other biochemical parameters, such as the leptin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total protein (TP), creatinine (Crea) and the urea (BUN) concentrations. The study proved that the Cr(III) supplementation, independently and in combination with diversified Fe(III) content in the diet, affected the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes but did not affect lipid profile and most of the other biochemical parameters in healthy rats. The findings proved the role of Fe and Cr(III) and their interactions on disturbances carbohydrates metabolism.

The terrestrial gastropod Bulimulus tenuissimus is widespread in South America. It is an intermediate host of many parasites, but there are no records of infection of this snail by Angiostrongylus cantonensis , despite the occurrence of this parasite and angiostrongyliasis cases in the same areas in which B. tenuissimus occurs. For this reason, it is important investigate the susceptibility of B. tenuissimus to A. cantonensis -infection, since it can be used as intermediate host of A. cantonensis , increasing the list of terrestrial gastropods that infect wild and domestic animals and humans with this parasite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of B. tenuissimus to experimental infection with L1 larvae of A. cantonensis . The snails were exposed to 1200 L1 larvae and it was possible observe many developing larvae in the cephalopedal mass and mantle tissues, with intense hemocyte infiltration and collagen deposition, but no typical granuloma structures were formed. The glucose content and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the hemolymph varied, indicating an increase of anaerobic energy metabolism in the middle of infection, but with a tendency to return to normal values at the end of pre-patent period. This was corroborated by the marked reduction in the glycogen content in the cephalopedal mass and digestive gland in the first and second week after exposure, followed by a slight increase in the third week. The content of pyruvic acid in the hemolymph was 14.84% lower at the end of pre-patent period, and oxalic acid content was 41.14% higher. These results indicate an aerobic to anaerobic transition process. The PAS reaction showed a large amount of glycogen inside the developing larvae and muscular tissues of the cephalopedal mass, indicating that despite the high consumption of this polysaccharide by the parasite, the snail is able to maintain its energy metabolism based on carbohydrates. The results reveal that B. tenuissimus is a robust host, which can live with the developing larvae of A. cantonensis and overcome the metabolic damages resulting from parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islet-Neogenesis Associated Protein-Pentadecapeptide (INGAP-PP) increases β-cell mass and enhances glucose and amino acids-induced insulin secretion. Our aim was to demonstrate its effect on liver metabolism. For that purpose, adult male Wistar rats were injected twice-daily (10 days) with saline solution or INGAP-PP (250 μg). Thereafter, serum glucose, triglyceride and insulin levels were measured and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and hepatic insulin sensitivity (HIS) were determined. Liver glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) expression and activity, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) expression, phosphofructokinase-2 (PFK-2) protein content, P-Akt/Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (P-GSK3/GSK3) protein ratios and glycogen deposit were also determined. Additionally, glucokinase activity and G-6-Pase and PEPCK gene expression were also determined in isolated hepatocytes from normal rats incubated with INGAP-PP (5 μg/ml). INGAP-PP administration did not modify any of the serum parameters tested but significantly increased activity of liver glucokinase and the protein level of its cytosolic activator, PFK-2. Conversely, INGAP-PP treated rats decreased gene expression and enzyme activity of gluconeogenic enzymes, G-6-Pase and PEPCK. They also showed a higher glycogen deposit and P-GSK3/GSK3 and P-Akt/Akt ratio. In isolated hepatocytes, INGAP-PP increased GK activity and decreased G-6-Pase and PEPCK expression. These results demonstrate a direct effect of INGAP-PP on the liver acting through P-Akt signaling pathway. INGAP-PP enhances liver glucose metabolism and deposit and reduces its production/output, thereby contributing to maintain normal glucose homeostasis. These results reinforce the concept that INGAP-PP might become a useful tool to treat people with impaired islet/liver glucose metabolism as it occurs in T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-talk between tissues plays key roles in development of organisms; however, there are few researches on cross-talk between tissues in insects. Our previous studies showed that the pupal body weight was elevated after knocking out the fibroin heavy chain gene ( BmFib-H), whereas the gene specifically expressed in silk glands of silkworm. Hence, the mutant is a good material for studying the cross-talk between tissues. It is considered that the fat body of silkworm during larval stage is used to store nutrients for pupal development. Herein, comparative proteomic of fat body on the 5th day of fifth instar was performed between BmFib-H gene knock-out Bombyx mori line (FGKO) and its wide-type Dazao. These results revealed that a single gene knock-out in silk gland triggered large-scale metabolic pathways changes in fat body. The levels of proteins involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, and glycine-serine biosynthetic pathway were down-regulated in the FGKO fat body. In contrast, the abundances of many proteins participating in protein synthesis, including ribosomal proteins, eukaryotic translation initiation factor, and elongation factor, were up-regulated. Moreover, the concentrations of glycogen and proteins in the FGKO fat body were greatly increased. These findings provided a novel insight into the cross-talk between silk gland and fat body in silkworm, and the presence of cross-talk between silk gland and fat body could regulate the redistribution of nutrients in the FGKO fat body leading to the increase of the pupal weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of sourdough returned to be popular due to its beneficial nutritional, sensorial properties and physical features. In this study, two types of experiments aimed to evaluate comparatively the efficiency of two Lactobacillus ( Lb.) strains, Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Lactobacilus casei ATCC 393, to metabolize different carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, maltose and sucrose) in vitro and to compare their efficiency, combined with/without Saccharomyces cerevisiae on sourdough fermentation. Their efficiency was monitored by cellular growth dynamics, pH values and metabolite production (lactic and acetic acid, volatile derivatives) determined by HPLC and GC-MS analysis. Lb. plantarum ATCC 8014 was, generally, more efficient than Lb. casei for carbohydrate consumption in vitro and release of lactic acid. Unexpected, Lb. casei was able to produce trehalose in vitro, especially when glucose and sucrose were added in media. During sourdough fermentation, Lb. plantarum had a superior growth dynamic and a dominant nonaerobic fermentation, opposite to Lb. casei. By the addition of yeast to lactobacilli after a short-time lactic fermentation, a combined nonaerobic and aerobic fermentation was noticed, reflected by a more complex mixture of volatile derivatives. In vitro, both Lb. strains produced seven volatile compounds (carbonyl derivatives), but during sourdough fermentation, especially after yeast addition, a complex mixture of alcohols, carbonyl derivatives and acetate esters were determined. Lb. strains (especially Lb. plantarum) determined a moderate volatiles production dominated by alcohols, while addition of yeast to Lb. intensified the volatiles' production and increase the alcohols proportion against carbonyl derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Litopenaeus vannamei were reared in close cycle over seven generations and tested for their capacity to digest starch and to metabolise glucose at different stages of the moulting cycle. After acclimation with 42.3% of carbohydrates (HCBH) or 2.3% carbohydrates (LCBH) diets and at high salinity (40 g kg−1) or low salinity (15 g kg−1), shrimp were sampled and hepatopancreas (HP) were stored. Total soluble protein in HP was affected by the interaction between salinity and moult stages (p<0.05). Specific activity of α-amylase ranged from 44 to 241 U mg protein−1 and a significant interaction between salinity and moult stages was observed (p<0.05), resulting in highest values at stage C for low salinity (mean value 196.4 U mg protein−1), and at D0 in high salinity (mean value 175.7 U mg protein−1). Specific activity of α-glucosidase ranged between 0.09 and 0.63 U mg protein−1, an interaction between dietary CBH and salinity was observed for the α-glucosidase (p<0.05) and highest mean value was found in low salinity–LCBH diet treatment (0.329 U mg protein−1). Hexokinase specific activity (range 9–113 mU mg protein−1) showed no significant differences when measured at 5 mM glucose (p>0.05). Total hexokinase specific activity (range 17–215 mU mg protein−1) showed a significant interaction between dietary CBH and salinity (p<0.05) with highest value (mean value 78.5 mU mg protein−1) found in HCBH–high salinity treatment, whereas in the other treatments the activity was not significantly different (mean value 35.93 mU mg protein−1). A synergistic effect of dietary CBH, salinity and moult stages over hexokinase IV-like specific activity was also observed (p<0.05). As result of this interaction, the highest value (135.5±81 mU mg protein−1) was observed in HCBH, high salinity at D0 moult stage. Digestive enzymes activity is enhanced in the presence of high starch diet (HCBH) and hexokinase can be induced at certain moulting stages under the influence of blood glucose level. Perspectives are opened to add more carbohydrates in a growing diet, exemplifying the potential approach for less-polluting feed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fig trees (Ficus carica L.) are commonly grown in the Mediterranean area, where salinity is an increasing problem in coastal areas. Young, fruiting plants of cv. Dottato were subjected to moderate salt stress (100 mM NaCl added to irrigation water) for 48 days before fruit sampling. To clarify the effect of salinity stress, we investigated changes in the transcription of the main sugar metabolism-related genes involved in the synthesis, accumulation and transport of soluble carbohydrates in ripe fruits by quantitative real-time PCR as well as the content of soluble sugars by quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A general increase in the transcript levels of genes involved in the transport of soluble carbohydrates was observed. Alkaline-neutral and Acid Invertases transcripts, related to the synthesis of glucose and fructose, were up-regulated in ripe fruits of NaCl-stressed plants without a change in the content of D-glucose and D-fructose. The increases in sucrose and D-sorbitol contents were likely the result of the up-regulation of the transcription of Sucrose-Synthase- and Sorbitol-Dehydrogenase-encoding genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the main and interactive effects of chromium(III) propionate complex (Cr3) supplementation and different iron supply on the carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile and other selected biochemical parameters of rats. The experiment was carried out in a two-factor design, in which rats were fed a diet with different proportions of Fe(III) and Cr(III) for six weeks. Fifty-four healthy female Wistar rats were divided into nine experimental groups with different Fe(III) levels, i.e. adequate—control group (45 mg/kg)—100% recommended daily dietary dose of Fe for rodents, deficient (5 mg/kg) and oversupply (180 mg/kg—400%). At the same time they were supplemented with Cr(III) of doses 1 (adequate), 50 and 500 mg/kg of diet. The activity and concentrations of most biochemical parameters were measured with standard enzymatic, kinetic, and colorimetric methods. HOMA-IR and QUICKI indexes were calculated according to appropriate formulas. It was found that there was an interactive effect of high Cr(III) doses and different Fe(III) levels in the diet on the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes. The presented results suggested that iron deficient diet fed animals led to insulin resistance; however, an effect is attenuated by Cr(III) supplementation at high doses. There were no significant changes in the rats' lipid profile (except for the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level) and most of the other biochemical parameters, such as the leptin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total protein (TP), creatinine (Crea) and the urea (BUN) concentrations. The study proved that the Cr(III) supplementation, independently and in combination with diversified Fe(III) content in the diet, affected the carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance indexes but did not affect lipid profile and most of the other biochemical parameters in healthy rats. The findings proved the role of Fe and Cr(III) and their interactions on disturbances carbohydrates metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transcriptome and sRNA-seq characterized C. cinerea early germ tube outgrowth. • Carbohydrate, protein and energy metabolisms: upregulated at germination initiation. • Glycogen and trehalose were key energy sources during germ tubes outgrowth. • MiRNA-like RNAs were identified. • MilRNA roles were validated by milRNA mimic transfection and RT-qPCR. Coprinopsis cinerea is a model mushroom-forming basidiomycete which produces basidiospores during sexual reproduction. This fungus is widely used to study fruiting body formation and development. Molecular mechanisms controlling its growth from vegetative mycelium to multicellular mature fruiting body have been studied extensively. However, little is known about the underlying biological processes during germ tube outgrowth or the transition from basidiospores to multinucleate hyphae. To better understand sexual spore germination in fungi, here we examined the time-dependent cellular events at resting, germinating and fully germinated basidiospores of C. cinerea by genome-wide transcriptional and post-transcriptional analyses and by carbohydrate composition analysis. Our results revealed a high demand of protein degradation, and biosynthesis of various compounds at the early stage of basidiospore gemination and dynamic changes of carbohydrate metabolism throughout the germination process. Seven microRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) were identified in the resting basidiospores of C. cinerea , six of which were basidiospore-specific. Glycogen and trehalose were shown to be the carbon sources supporting the initiation of germ tube outgrowth. One basidiospore-specific milRNA, cci-milR-37, was found to be a potential regulator of glycogen metabolic pathways related to vegetative hyphal growth. Our results demonstrated the mRNA and miRNA-mediated regulation on energy production, protein and carbohydrate metabolisms at the early developmental stages of germ tube to form totipotent hyphae. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show the roles of miRNAs in mushroom basidiospore germination and out-growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Nordic walking training on the indices of bone and carbohydrate metabolism in relation to 25(OH)D levels in postmenopausal women that were subjected to the outdoor systematic physical activity. The study was performed in 10 postmenopausal women, who participated in a 12-week Nordic walking exercise program, taking place during spring months (March to June). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the training program. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroksycholekalciferol (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin, glucose, osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), and calcium were determined. After the Nordic walking exercise program, a significant increase in the serum levels of 25(OH)D and CTX and a decrease in body mass, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and PTH concentrations were observed. The findings of the present study suggest that 25(OH)D, as important metabolic regulator, plays a role in the modification of bone markers' responses after the outdoor training program, independent of the physical activity effects.