Pin Gong

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are persistent pollutants that widely exist in a variety of environmental media and can enter organisms through a variety of exposure pathways. An increasing number of experimental studies suggest that MNPs may have an effect on reproductive processes. This review will integrate recent research and explore the mechanisms of MNPs and their related chemicals in the reproductive system, including male and female germ cells, embryos, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis‐related pathways. The aim is to gain a clearer understanding of the reproductive toxicity mechanisms of MNPs and to provide ideas and references for future research. Animal experiments and cell models are mainly used to summarize the toxic effects and mechanisms of MNPs on the reproductive system of both sexes, as well as the abnormal embryonic development caused by maternal exposure and developmental exposure. In terms of mechanism, MNPs can lead to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory signaling, endocrine disorders, and activation of apoptosis‐related pathways. In addition, the degree and performance of reproductive effects are also affected by factors such as particle size, shape, polymer type, and multiple physicochemical properties of the material itself. Overall, the current evidence supports that MNP‐related reproductive toxicity is characterized by model dependence and multimechanism involvement, rather than being dominated by a single mechanism. Future studies should strengthen the standardization of particle characterization and long‐term exposure studies at environmentally relevant doses, clearly distinguish between association evidence and intervention mechanism evidence, and further improve the source control and exposure reduction strategies.

The poor stability and limited water dispersibility of ozonated oil constrain its antifungal applications. To overcome these limitations, we formulated an ozonated oil nanoemulsion (Nano-Ozo) and elucidated its antifungal mechanism against Candida albicans. Nano-Ozo was characterized by particle size, zeta potential, microstructure, and ozone retention capacity. Antifungal efficacy was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), membrane integrity assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, metabolomics, and a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The nanoemulsion had a uniform size (98.28 ± 5.23 nm), a high zeta potential (53.20 ± 0.28 mV), and prolonged ozone stability. It showed potent antifungal activity (MIC = 31.25 μL/mL) by disrupting membrane integrity, provoking an ROS burst, and inducing ferroptosis, as indicated by changes in SOD, MDA, LDH, and GSH levels. Metabolomic analysis revealed the inhibition of glycolysis and the TCA cycle. In the VVC model, Nano-Ozo markedly reduced vaginal fungal burden and ameliorated tissue inflammation. Given its excellent stability, biological efficacy, and multi-targeted antifungal action, Nano-Ozo holds great potential for developing localized antifungal therapies, such as topical or vaginal formulations. These findings underscore Nano-Ozo as a promising nanoengineering-based antifungal strategy.

Post‐prandial glycemia is an important indicator of metabolic health and early glucose dysregulation. Mushroom‐derived β‐glucans have potential as functional ingredients for glycemic control, but their comparative efficacy and regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, β‐glucans from oyster mushroom (OMBG), Ganoderma lucidum (GBG), and Hericium erinaceus (HEBG) were evaluated using structural characterization, functional assays, simulated digestion, colonic fermentation, and in vivo experiments, with oat β‐glucan (OBG) included as a reference. OBG showed strong glucose diffusion‐retarding and enzyme‐inhibitory activities in vitro, whereas HEBG exhibited the best overall performance among mushroom‐derived β‐glucans, particularly in glucose adsorption, glucose diffusion retardation, and α‐glucosidase inhibition. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion, HEBG reduced starch hydrolysis and glucose release, and during colonic fermentation it supported microbial growth and carbohydrate utilization. In mice, HEBG improved oral glucose tolerance without affecting body weight, food intake, or organ indices. HEBG treatment was associated with reduced intestinal Sglt‐1 expression, enhanced barrier‐related markers, including tight junction proteins and Muc2, and increased GLP‐1 and PYY secretion. Multi‐omics analyses further indicated that HEBG altered gut microbiota composition, particularly enriching Akkermansia muciniphila , and was associated with changes in serum metabolites related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that HEBG may improve post‐prandial glucose homeostasis in association with a gut microbiota–metabolite–gut hormone network. Practical Applications: HEBG may serve as a mushroom‐derived functional ingredient for post‐prandial glycemic management and could be incorporated into supplements, beverages, or starch‐based foods to help delay starch digestion and glucose release. Further studies should assess its processing stability and functional retention during food manufacturing.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), harmful compounds formed via the Maillard reaction during food processing, are known to accumulate in vivo and contribute to diabetic complications and chronic diseases. The identification of natural anti‐glycation components offers promising dietary intervention strategies. In this study, the inhibitory effects of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp) on AGEs formation were systematically investigated both in vitro (using a BSA‑fructose model) and in a real food system (cookies), and the underlying molecular mechanisms were elucidated. Through multistage analysis of glycation intermediates, detection of protein oxidation markers, and structural characterization, combined with fluorescence quenching and thermodynamic assays, the key molecular targets of LbGp were identified. Its practical efficacy was further validated in a biscuit model. Results showed that LbGp dose‑dependently suppressed the formation of fructosamine, α‑dicarbonyl compounds, and fluorescent AGEs in the BSA‐fructose model. Mechanistically, LbGp chelated Fe ^{2 +} , preserved protein‐free sulfhydryl and carbonyl groups, maintained the α‑helical structure of BSA, and inhibited the formation of β‑sheet cross‑linked aggregates. In cookies, the addition of 4% LbGp reduced AGE content by 33.55%, while it also reduces their hardness and increases their moisture content. This study demonstrates the multi‐target and synergistic anti‐glycation activity of LbGp in both chemical and food model systems. These findings provide experimental support for its potential application as a functional food additive to mitigate AGE formation during thermal food processing, thereby improving food quality and safety.

This study comprehensively evaluated the effect of a Shiitake Stalk Isolated Polysaccharide (LEP) coating on Agaricus bisporus. The study findings revealed that the application of 1.5% LEP reduced weight loss, maintained firmness and chewiness, as well as the nutritional indices of mushrooms, extended the shelf life by 9 days, and maintained freshness for up to 15 days compared to the control. In addition, LEP enhanced the activities of various ROS metabolism-related enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) and significantly reduced the accumulation of hydroxides. LEP treatment during storage maintained high antioxidant activity. Additionally, LEP treatment is associated with increased activity of CCO, SDH, H⁺-ATPase, and Ca²⁺/ATPase. LEP also preserved mitochondrial membrane structural integrity, which helps to prolong shelf life. The results suggest that the LEP’s polysaccharide component may serve as a beneficial additive to prevent the deterioration of mushrooms during preservation and provide an opportunity to expand the use of LEP in edible mushroom preservation.