Perturbations of the gut microbiome are often intertwined with the onset and development of diverse metabolic diseases. It has been suggested that gut microbiome perturbation could be a potential mechanism through which environmental chemical exposure induces or exacerbates human diseases. Microplastic pollution, an emerging environmental issue, has received ever increasing attention in recent years. However, interactions between microplastic exposure and the gut microbiota remain elusive. This study aimed to decipher the responses of the gut microbiome upon microplastic polystyrene (MP) exposure by integrating 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing with metabolomic profiling techniques using a C57BL/6 mouse model. The results indicated that MP exposure significantly perturbed aspects of the gut microbiota, including its composition, diversity, and functional pathways that are involved in xenobiotic metabolism. A distinct metabolite profile was observed in mice with MP exposure, which probably resulted from changes in gut bacterial composition. Specifically, untargeted metabolomics revealed that levels of metabolites associated with cholesterol metabolism, primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were changed significantly. Targeted approaches indicated significant perturbation with respect to the levels of short-chain fatty acids derived from the gut microbiota. This study can provide evidence for the missing link in understanding the mechanisms behind the toxic effects of microplastics.

Dietary modulation of the gut microbiota has recently received considerable attention. It is well established that consumption of berries confers a number of health benefits. We previously reported that a black raspberry (BRB)-rich diet effectively modulates the gut microbiota. Given the role of anthocyanins in the health benefits of berries, coupled with interactions of gut microbial metabolites with host health, the objective of this follow-up study was to further characterize the profile of functional metabolites in the gut microbiome modulated by anthocyanins. We utilized a berry-derived classic anthocyanin, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), combined with a mouse model to probe C3G-associated functional metabolic products of gut bacteria through a mass spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling technique. Results showed that C3G substantially changed the gut microbiota of mice, including its composition and metabolic profile. A distinct metabolic profile in addition to a variety of key microbiota-related metabolites was observed in C3G-treated mice. Microbial metabolites involved in protein digestion and absorption were differently abundant between C3G-treated and control mice, which may be linked to the effects of berry consumption. Results of the present study suggest the involvement of the gut microbiota in the health benefits of C3G, providing evidence connecting the gut microbiota with berry consumption and its beneficial effects.

Asthenopia is a syndrome based on the symptoms of eye discomfort that has become a chronic disease that interferes with and harms people’s physical and mental health. Lutein is an internationally recognized “eye nutrient”, and studies have shown that it can protect the retina and relieve visual fatigue. In this study, lutein was extracted from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) and saponified. The purified lutein concentration measured by HPLC was 50.12 mg/100 g. Then, purified lutein was modified to be water-soluble by nanoscale modification and microencapsulation technology. Water-soluble lutein was then mixed with a leaching solution of Chinese wolfberry and chrysanthemum to make a functional beverage. The effects of this beverage on hepatic antioxidant enzymes and the alleviation of visual fatigue in a rat model of diabetes were investigated for 4 weeks. Lutein intake of 0.72 (medium-lutein beverage group) and 1.44 mg/mL (high-lutein beverage group) relieved visual fatigue, ameliorated turbidity symptoms of impaired crystalline lenses, reduced hepatic MDA concentration, increased hepatic GSH concentration, and significantly increased the activities of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GR in rats. These data suggest that a lutein-rich beverage is an effective and harmless way to increase the total anti-oxidation capacity of lenses and alleviate visual fatigue.

Mounting evidence has linked berries to a variety of health benefits. We previously reported that administration of a diet rich in black raspberries (BRBs) impacted arsenic (As) biotransformation and reduced As-induced oxidative stress. To further characterize the role of the gut microbiota in BRB-mediated As toxicity, we utilized the dietary intervention of BRBs combined with a mouse model to demonstrate microbial changes by examining associated alterations in the gut microbiota, especially its functional metabolites. Results showed that BRB consumption changed As-induced gut microbial alterations through restoring and modifying the gut microbiome, including its composition, functions and metabolites. A number of functional metabolites in addition to bacterial genera were significantly altered, which may be linked to the effects of BRBs on arsenic exposure. Results of the present study suggest functional interactions between dietary administration of black raspberries and As exposure through the lens of the gut microbiota, and modulation of the gut microbiota and its functional metabolites could contribute to effects of administration of BRBs on As toxicity.

In the realm of plant genomics, virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology emerges as a potent tool, employing a reverse genetic strategy to elucidate plant gene functions. Recognized for its simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, and broad applicability, VIGS facilitates the exploration of novel genes in vegetable crops and unveils mechanisms underlying disease resistance and stress response. Moreover, it offers vital support for crop enhancement and molecular breeding. In the context of tomato biology, VIGS holds promise for transformative advancements, spanning from genomics and variety improvement to molecular breeding. This review comprehensively analyzes the pivotal breakthroughs achieved in tomato physiology through global applications of VIGS and explores its strengths and limitations. Future prospects suggest VIGS's pivotal role in reshaping tomato biology, modulating secondary metabolism, and bolstering stress resilience. By delineating diverse applications of VIGS technology, this review fosters innovation in tomato research, opening new vistas for its utilization in plant gene functional analysis.