The dietary recommendation encourages reducing saturated fatty acids (SFA) in diet and replacing them with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) n–3 (omega–3) and n–6 (omega–6) to decrease the risk of metabolic disturbances. Consequently, excessive n–6 PUFAs content and high n–6/n–3 ratio are found in Western-type diet. The importance of a dietary n–6/n–3 ratio to prevent chronic diseases is linked with anti-inflammatory functions of linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n–3) and longer-chain n–3 PUFAs. Thus, this review provides an overview of the role of oxylipins derived from n–3 PUFAs and oxylipins formed from n–6 PUFAs on inflammation. Evidence of PUFAs’ role in carcinogenesis was also discussed. In vitro studies, animal cancer models and epidemiological studies demonstrate that these two PUFA groups have different effects on the cell growth, proliferation and progression of neoplastic lesions.

Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, pose a significant global health concern due to their frequent presence in crops, food, and feed—especially under climate change conditions. This review addresses the growing threat of aflatoxins by analyzing recent advances in detection and mitigation. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on bioremediation, physical and chemical detoxification, and fungal growth inhibition strategies. The occurrence of aflatoxins in water systems was also examined, along with current detection techniques, removal processes, and regulatory frameworks. Emerging technologies such as molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, biosensors, and chromatographic methods are discussed for their potential to improve monitoring and control. Key findings highlight the increasing efficacy of integrative approaches combining biological and technological solutions and the potential of AI-based tools and portable devices for on-site detection. Intelligent packaging and transgenic crops are also explored for their role in minimizing contamination at the source. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of continued interdisciplinary research and the development of sustainable, adaptive strategies to mitigate aflatoxin risks, thereby supporting food safety and public health in the face of environmental challenges.

According to the Regulation No. 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and European Union Council, the use of antibiotics as a dietary supplements has been prohibited. It seems that the administration of prebiotics, instead of antibiotics, into the pig's diet, may regulate the intestinal microbiota and has a long-term health-related impact on the host. Inulin-type fructans can stimulate mineral absorption from the gut. Additionally, it may regulate energy metabolism and activate enzymatic mechanisms preventing oxidative stress. The goal of the present study was to estimate the influence of dietary supplementation with dried chicory root or native chicory inulin on 1) liver histology; 2) liver and kidney lipid metabolism indices, activity of selected enzymes, concentration of macro- and micronutrients and heavy metals; 3) blood plasma, liver and kidney oxidative stress biomarkers and 4) blood plasma water-electrolyte homeostasis indices in growing pigs. The nutritional study was conducted on 24 piglets assigned to 3 dietary groups (n = 8): control (C) fed a basal diet and two experimental groups receiving basal diet supplemented with 2% of inulin (IN) either 4% of dried chicory root (CR). The animals were fed with a group-specific diets for 40 days and then subjected to euthanasia. Subsequently, blood, liver and kidney samples were harvested for further processing. In the control and experimental groups, no apparent morphological abnormalities in the liver tissues were seen. The percent of periodic acid Schiff positive glycogen liver cells was significantly lower in the CR group as compared to C and IN groups (P < 0.001). Chicory root supplementation improved blood plasma prooxidative-antioxidative balance - PAB (P < 0.001) and liver PAB (P < 0.01) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (P < 0.05). Feeding the CR diet increased calcium (P < 0.001) and potassium (P < 0.05) and decreased cadmium (P ≥ 0.05) content in the liver when compared to the C group. Administration of the CR and IN diets increased selenium (Se) and sodium concentrations, whereas decreased zinc content both in the liver (P < 0.01; P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively) and in the kidney (P < 0.01; P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) of pigs. Additionally, a higher concentration of lead (P < 0.05) was observed in the kidney of pigs fed the CR diet. In conclusion, both dietary supplements had a potential to significantly improve the Se status and oxidoreductive homeostasis in growing pigs.

Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, are widespread contaminants in food and feed, with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) recognized as the most potent carcinogen. Climate change increases the risk of contamination by promoting fungal proliferation. While the hepatotoxic and enterotoxic effects of aflatoxins are well established, emerging evidence highlights their immunosuppressive and neurotoxic potential. Notably, AFB1 disrupts gut microbiota, compromises intestinal barrier integrity, and induces neuroinflammation via the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Probiotics have shown promise in mitigating these effects by modulating microbial balance, enhancing barrier function, and reducing neuroinflammatory responses. This review summarizes current findings on the systemic toxicity of aflatoxins—particularly their impact on the gut–brain axis—and evaluates the therapeutic potential of probiotics in counteracting aflatoxin-induced damage.

Background. Bladder cancer diagnosis and surveillance includes cystoscopy and cytology. New methods for the detection of bladder cancer are needed, because cystoscopy is invasive and expensive, and because urine cytology is not sensitive enough. Objectives. The aim of the study was to select potential plasma protein markers for bladder cancer which could be useful in developing a specific laboratory test to improve diagnosis and to establish treatment strategies in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Material and methods. Plasma proteome maps were prepared based on 2-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), combined with image gel analysis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry of plasma samples from patients with urothelial bladder cancer, and they were compared to normal samples. Results. The analyses of bladder cancer plasma samples allowed us to distinguish 3 groups of proteins whose relative abundance differed from that in normal samples. The 1st one comprised modified forms of plasma transferrin, fibrinogen gamma and complement C3b, which were absent in normal plasma. The 2nd group comprised haptoglobin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, vitamin D-binding protein, and pigment epithelium-derived factor, which occurred in the cancerous samples in large quantities. The 3rd group consisted of 3 molecular forms of immunoglobulin M (IgM), the relative abundance of which was significantly lower in the cancerous plasma samples. Conclusions. The data indicated potential plasma biomarkers associated with inflammation, immunity and coagulation processes accompanying bladder cancer. They could be used for the development of a laboratory test(s) useful in clinical practice.