Probiotics are living microorganisms recognized for conferring health benefits on the host by modulating the gut microbiota. They interact with various signaling pathways, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which plays a crucial role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and immune function. The activation of AhR by probiotics has been associated with benefits such as improved intestinal barrier function, reduced inflammation, and modulation of immune responses. This systematic review aims to summarize current knowledge on the signaling of AhR, mediated by probiotics in physiological conditions and gastrointestinal pathologies. We conducted a comprehensive search across databases, including PubMed and Embase, up until July 2024. Out of 163 studies screened, 18 met the inclusion criteria. Our findings revealed in healthy populations that probiotic consumption increases the production of AhR ligands promoting intestinal immune tolerance. Furthermore, in populations with gastrointestinal pathologies, probiotics ameliorated symptoms through AhR activation by Trp metabolites, leading to the upregulation of the anti-inflammatory response.

The identification and selection of genetically superior animals for residual feed intake (RFI) could enhance productivity and minimize environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to use RNA-seq data to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), known non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specific biomarkers and enriched biological processes associated with RFI of the liver in Nellore cattle in two genetic groups. In genetic group 1 (G1), 24 extreme RFI animals (12 low RFI (LRFI) versus 12 high RFI (HRFI)) were selected from a population of 60 Nellore bulls. The RNA-seq of the samples from their liver tissues was performed using an Illumina HiSeq 2000. In genetic group 2 (G2), 20 samples of liver tissue of Nellore bulls divergent for RFI (LRFI, n = 10 versus HRFI, n = 10) were selected from 83 animals. The raw data of the G2 were chosen from the ENA repository. A total of 1811 DEGs were found for the G1 and 2054 for the G2 (p-value ≤ 0.05). We detected 88 common genes in both genetic groups, of which 33 were involved in the immune response and in blocking oxidative stress. In addition, seven (B2M, ADSS, SNX2, TUBA4A, ARHGAP18, MECR, and ABCF3) possible gene biomarkers were identified through a receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) considering an AUC > 0.70. The B2M gene was overexpressed in the LRFI group. This gene regulates the lipid metabolism protein turnover and inhibits cell death. We also found non-coding RNAs in both groups. MIR25 was up-regulated and SNORD16 was down-regulated in the LRFI for G1. For G2, up-regulated RNase_MRP and SCARNA10 were found. We highlight MIR25 as being able to act by blocking cytotoxicity and oxidative stress and RMRP as a blocker of mitochondrial damage. The biological pathways associated with RFI of the liver in Nellore cattle in the two genetic groups were for energy metabolism, protein turnover, redox homeostasis and the immune response. The common transcripts, biomarkers and metabolic pathways found in the two genetic groups make this unprecedented work even more relevant, since the results are valid for different herds raised in different ways. The results reinforce the biological importance of these known processes but also reveal new insights into the complexity of the liver tissue transcriptome of Nellore cattle.

Aging is associated with increased oxidative stress, which contributes to cellular dysfunction and age-related diseases. Pomegranate extract (PE), rich in antioxidant polyphenols, may help mitigate oxidative damage. This study evaluated whether PE supplementation modulates oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in white blood cells of aging mice. Aged mice (18 months) were supplemented with PE for four months, and cytoplasmic and mitochondrial ROS levels were assessed in leukocytes under basal conditions and oxidative stress conditions induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) using flow cytometry. Our results indicate that aged mice exhibit increased basal ROS levels in both the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic compartments, which were mitigated by PE supplementation. Furthermore, PE reversed the increase in hydrogen peroxide levels induced by τ-BHP and protected neutrophils by reducing mitochondrial ROS levels. These findings suggest that PE supplementation modulates the oxidative stress response, potentially improving immune function in aging. Given the central role of oxidative stress in age-related decline, PE may represent a valuable nutritional strategy to promote healthy aging.

T‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are comparatively understudied in large conduit artery function relative to the well‐characterized L‐type channel subtype. This study investigates the vascular roles of T‐type VGCCs in the aorta and renal artery of healthy rabbits using functional reactivity assays and immunofluorescence and further elucidates the interaction between T‐type VGCC activity and the nitric oxide (NO) signalling pathway. T‐type VGCCs contributed to contractile responses induced by phenylephrine and angiotensin II in both arteries. Moreover, in the renal artery, the contribution of T‐type VGCCs in response to phenylephrine increased in the absence of NO and was associated with endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed co‐localization of Ca _V 3.1 with endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the renal artery, but not in the aorta, suggesting a vasodilatory role in renal circulation. These findings highlight vascular bed‐specific functions of T‐type VGCCs and their interaction with endothelial pathways in the renal artery.

La falsificación e identificación incorrecta de productos farmacéuticos supone un reto creciente para la salud pública. Para fomentar el pensamiento crítico y la capacidad de análisis normativo, se diseñó una actividad de innovación docente en la asignatura de Legislación y Deontología Farmacéutica de la Universitat de València. Participaron estudiantes de cuarto curso del Grado en Farmacia y de quinto del Doble Grado en Farmacia y Nutrición Humana y Dietética. La actividad se desarrolló en cuatro fases: (1) pretest con siete preguntas tipo test, (2) visualización de un vídeo explicativo sobre tipos de productos farmacéuticos, (3) dinámica grupal con rol de inspector/a de sanidad para clasificar productos según su etiquetado, y (4) postest y encuesta de valoración. Los resultados evidenciaron una mejora significativa en la comprensión del contenido (aumento del 68,6% en la puntuación media), una reducción del 31,2% en el tiempo de respuesta y una alta satisfacción del alumnado. Esta experiencia destaca la utilidad de las metodologías activas y la simulación en el aprendizaje profundo y el compromiso estudiantil.