Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a gut-microbiota-dependent metabolite after ingesting dietary choline, has been identified as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis through inducing vascular inflammation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Using an in vitro vascular cellular model, we found that the TMAO-induced inflammation responses were correlated with an elevation of ROS levels and downregulation of SIRT1 expression in VSMCs and HUVECs. The overexpression of SIRT1 could abrogate both the stimulation of ROS and inflammation. Further studies revealed that AMPK was also suppressed by TMAO and was a mediator upstream of SIRT1. Activation of AMPK by AICAR could reduce TMAO-induced ROS and inflammation. Moreover, the GSH precursor NAC could attenuate TMAO-induced inflammation. In vivo studies with mice models also showed that choline-induced production of TMAO and the associated glycolipid metabolic changes leading to atherosclerosis could be relieved by NAC and a probiotic LP8198. Collectively, the present study revealed an unrecognized mechanistic link between TMAO and atherosclerosis risk, and probiotics ameliorated TMAO-induced atherosclerosis through affecting the gut microbiota. Consistent with previous studies, our data confirmed that TMAO could stimulate inflammation by modulating cellular ROS levels. However, this was not due to direct cytotoxicity but through complex signaling pathways involving AMPK and SIRT1.

Soy sauce aroma type baijiu (also known as Maotai-flavor baijiu) is one of the most popular types of baijiu in China. Traditionally, it is mainly produced in Southwest China. However, in recent decades, some other regions in China have also been able to produce high-quality soy sauce aroma type baijiu, but their microbial flora characteristics during fermentation are still unclear. Here, the bacterial microbial community structure of fermented grains in different rounds of Lutaichun soy sauce aroma type baijiu produced in North China was studied by high-throughput sequencing technology, and the potential probiotics strains with good characteristics (alcohol tolerance, etc.) were screened. The results showed that lactic acid bacteria were the main bacteria in the process of baijiu fermentation. However, as the number of repeated fermentation rounds increased, the proportion of lactic acid bacteria decreased. Firmicutes (96.81%) were the main bacteria in baijiu fermentation at the phylum level, and Lactobacillus (66.50%) were the main bacteria at the genus level. Finally, two strains with high resistance to alcohol stress, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LTJ12 and Pediococcus acidilactici LTJ28, were screened from 48 strains of lactic acid bacteria in the fermented grains. The survival rates of L. plantarum LTJ12 and P. acidilactici LTJ28 under the 8% alcohol stress treatment were 59.01% and 55.50%, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal the microbial succession of fermented grains in different rounds of soy sauce aroma type baijiu from North China, and has the benefit of explaining the deep molecular mechanism in the process of baijiu fermentation. In addition, the obtained lactic acid bacteria strains with high alcohol tolerance could be conducive to the development of new products such as active probiotic alcoholic beverages and may have important industrial development prospects also.

Seaweed fertilizer, formulated primarily with seaweed extract as its main ingredient, has been extensively studied and found to significantly improve nutrient use efficiency, increase crop yield and quality, and enhance soil properties under field conditions. This growing body of evidence shows that seaweed fertilizer is a suitable option for sustainable agriculture in China. However, a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the overall effects of seaweed fertilizer application in China is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant studies on the effects of seaweed fertilizers under field conditions in China with MetaWin and SPSS software. Our analysis examined the effects of seaweed fertilizers on crop yield, quality, and growth under different preparation methods, application techniques, and regions. Our results showed that the application of seaweed fertilizer led to a significant average increase in crop yield of 15.17% compared with the control treatments. Root & tuber crops exhibited the most pronounced response, with a yield boost of 21.19%. Moreover, seaweed fertilizer application significantly improved crop quality, with elevations in the sugar-acid ratio (38.32%) vitamin C (18.07%), starch (19.65%), and protein (11.45%). In addition, plant growth parameters such as height, stem thickness, root weight, and leaf area showed significant enhancement with seaweed fertilizer use. The yield-increasing effect of seaweed fertilizers varied depending on their preparation and use method, climate, and soil of application location. Our study provides fundamental reference data for the efficient and scientific application of seaweed fertilizers in agricultural practices.

The DNA damage response (DDR) and cellular metabolism exhibit a complex, bidirectional relationship crucial for maintaining genomic integrity. Studies across multiple organisms, from yeast to humans, have revealed how cells rewire their metabolism in response to DNA damage, supporting repair processes and cellular homeostasis. We discuss immediate metabolic shifts upon damage detection and long-term reprogramming for sustained genomic stability, highlighting key signaling pathways and participating molecules. Importantly, we examine how DNA repair processes can conversely induce metabolic changes and oxidative stress through specific mechanisms, including the histone H2A variant X (H2AX)/ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) pathway and repair-specific ROS signatures. The review covers organelle-specific responses and metabolic adaptations associated with different DNA repair mechanisms, with a primary focus on human cells. We explore the implications of this DDR–metabolism crosstalk in cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases, and discuss emerging therapeutic opportunities. By integrating recent findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between DDR and cellular metabolism, offering new perspectives on cellular resilience and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.