GPX4 x TrxR1

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of selenomethionine (SeMet) on the growth performance and the quality, redox status, and lipid metabolism of breast meat in Pekin ducks. A total of 300 one-day-old male meat ducks were selected and randomly divided into three groups (10 replicates per cage of 10 birds): the selenium-deficient (SD) group and two groups supplemented with 0.30 mg/kg sodium selenite (SS) and SeMet. The experimental period lasted from d 1-42, during which a basal diet (3.0% fat) was provided from d 1-14, followed by a high-fat diet (9.0% fat) from d 15-42. Compared to the SD and SS groups, the SeMet group presented significant increases (P < 0.05) in serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity and thioredoxin reductase activity on d 42, muscle redness at 45 min, yellowness at 45 min and 24 h, serum and tissue selenium content, as well as palmitoleic acid (C16:1), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, DHA) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents. Additionally, GSH-PX activity, total glutathione content, reduced glutathione content, and the relative expression of FASD2, GPX1, GPX4, TXNRD2, and SELENOP mRNA significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the SeMet group. Conversely, compared with those in the SD and SS groups, the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, malondialdehyde and lipid peroxidation contents in the SeMet group were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with those in the SD group, the feed-to-gain ratios during the periods of d 15- 42 and 1-42, as well as breast muscle cooking loss and drip loss were significantly lower (P < 0.05), whereas n-3 PUFAs, redness at 24 h, and ELOVL2, TXNRD1, and DIO1 mRNA expression levels were significantly greater (P < 0.05). In summary, SeMet enhances the growth performance and meat quality of Pekin ducks, which is closely associated with its effects on selenoprotein expression and lipid metabolism in muscle tissue.

Schisanhenol (Sal) is a lignan component derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Schisandra rubrifora (Franch.). Pharmacological research has highlighted that Sal exhibits pronounced neuroprotection against oxidative stress-triggered damage. An in vivo mice model of Parkinson's disease (PD) was developed using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), and in vitro studies employed 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) as a neurotoxin in SH-SY5Y cells. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, biochemical analyses, cell viability assays, and Western blot were applied. Sal (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) markedly alleviates behavioral disorders in mice. The quantity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells and TH protein levels in the substantia nigra (SN) were significantly augmented, while alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) declined. Iron content in SN was reduced, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity was enhanced, and protein Nrf2, TrxR1, and GPX4 were upregulated. In vitro findings showed that Sal (25 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM) significantly restored cell viability, ‌replenished GSH/GSSG ratio, and reduced MDA levels. Molecularly, Sal administration upregulated GPX4, HO-1, Nrf2, and TrxR1 expression, as well as enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential. Particularly, Sal treatment heightened Nrf2 protein entry to the nucleus and upregulated TrxR1 expression. The nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was reversed by Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Meanwhile, The neuroprotective effect of Sal was reversed by ML385 and TrxR1 inhibitor Auranofin. Sal exhibits significant therapeutic potential in mitigating MPTP-induced PD in mice and MPP⁺-induced Dopaminergic (DA) neuron toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, as it protects DA neurons while inhibiting ferroptosis. These outcomes are likely associated with the Nrf2/TrxR1/GPX4 pathway.

Instant tea powder is a convenient, shelf-stable product with growing global popularity, yet the impact of cultivar type on its composition and functionality remains underexplored. This study compared two instant green tea powders from green-leaf (ZYQ) and purple-leaf (ZY) cultivars in terms of metabolite profiles, sensory attributes, and anti-inflammatory effects. Metabolomics and sensory evaluation revealed distinct characteristics: ZYQ contained higher levels of epicatechin, proanthocyanidins, total flavonoids, etc., while ZY was enriched in anthocyanin glycosides and EGCG. ZYQ showed greater umami, sweetness, and harmony, whereas ZY exhibited stronger bitterness, astringency, and a purplish-red infusion. Both powders significantly alleviated LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages by inhibiting NF-κB and ferroptosis-related oxidative stress, reducing ROS, MDA, iron, and inflammatory mediators. ZY induced stronger upregulation of Nrf2, Gpx4, and Txnrd1, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense. These findings demonstrate that cultivar selection shapes instant tea's flavour and bioactivity, with purple-leaf products offering distinctive functional advantages.