CWP8, an active protein component isolated from camel milk, ameliorates liver injury in T2DM rats by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and stimulates glycogen synthesis to improve lipid accumulation in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells.

Pomegranate, native to Iran and Central Asia, has a long history of cultivation and widespread dissemination through trade. Its extensive geographic distribution highlights its ecological adaptability and economic importance. The fruit contains about 80% water, 12-20% carbohydrates, and 10-60 mg of dietary fiber per 100 g. It is rich in vitamins, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Pomegranate also contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. The concentration of bioactive compounds varies by genotype and environmental conditions, with Punicalagin ranging from 16.67 to 245.47 mg/g and Ellagic acid between 0.44 and 3.04 mg/g. Genotypic variations significantly influence the bioactive potential. Historically consumed as fresh fruit or juice, pomegranate's by-products, such as peels and leaves, also contain bioactive compounds. Recent research has expanded its applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and high-tech industries, promoting sustainable resource utilization. This review provides an overview of pomegranate's cultivation, composition, bioactive substances, and research advancements for further development.

Background: Blue light-induced retinal photodamage represents a growing public health concern globally. Lactic acid bacteria and their bioactive metabolites represent a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating such damage. Methods: This study evaluated the protective efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum IOB802 and Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum IOB602 against blue light-induced retinal injury using both in vitro and in vivo models. Results: In ARPE-19 cells exposed to blue light, treatment with postbiotics from IOB802 and IOB602 significantly restored cell viability (p < 0.05), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT, p < 0.05), and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and VEGF, p < 0.05). Subsequent validation in a murine blue light-induced retinal damage model demonstrated that IOB802 notably preserved retinal architecture, upregulated antioxidant defenses, and promoted the expression of tight junction proteins. Mechanistically, IOB802 suppressed inflammation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the IκBα/NF-κB pathway. Through 16S rDNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiling, IOB802 was further shown to restore gut microbial diversity, increase beneficial bacteria, including Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae (p < 0.05), and elevate concentrations of key SCFAs (butyrate, acetate, and propionate; p < 0.05), underscoring the role of the gut–retina axis in mediating retinal protection. Conclusions: In summary, IOB802 and its postbiotics alleviate blue light-induced retinopathy through antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating mechanisms, offering novel insights into microbiome-based interventions for retinal diseases.