The complex roles of m^(6)A modifications in neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal and implications for memory and neurodegenerative diseases

N6-methyladenosine(m^(6)A), the most prevalent and conserved RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, profoundly influences virtually all aspects of mRNA metabolism. mRNA plays crucial roles in neural stem cell genesis and neural regeneration, where it is highly concentrated and actively involved in these processes. Changes in m^(6)A modification levels and the expression levels of related enzymatic proteins can lead to neurological dysfunction and contribute to the development of neurological diseases. Furthermore, the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, as well as nerve regeneration, are intimately linked to memory function and neurodegenerative diseases. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the roles of m^(6)A in neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal, as well as its implications in memory and neurodegenerative diseases. m^(6)A has demonstrated divergent effects on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. These observed contradictions may arise from the time-specific nature of m^(6)A and its differential impact on neural stem cells across various stages of development. Similarly, the diverse effects of m^(6)A on distinct types of memory could be attributed to the involvement of specific brain regions in memory formation and recall. Inconsistencies in m^(6)A levels across different models of neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, suggest that these disparities are linked to variations in the affected brain regions. Notably, the opposing changes in m^(6)A levels observed in Parkinson's disease models exposed to manganese compared to normal Parkinson's disease models further underscore the complexity of m^(6)A's role in neurodegenerative processes. The roles of m^(6)A in neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal, and its implications in memory and neurodegenerative diseases, appear contradictory. These inconsistencies may be attributed to the timespecific nature of m^(6)A and its varying effects on distinct brain regions and in different environments.

Structural characterization and prebiotic potential of polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum

Polygonatum sibiricum has been widely used due to its excellent biological activities.We prepared a novel polysaccharide from P.sibiricum(PSP)in this study.According a monosaccharide composition analysis,PSP was mainly composed of fructose and glucose with a molar percentage of 93.81:5.12.The main linkage types were identified asα-D-Glcp-1→and→2-β-D-Fruf-1→.The molecular weight of PSP showed no significant change after simulated salivary and gastrointestinal digestion.However,PSP could be broken down by intestinal bacteria.Our findings revealed that PSP administration increased the abundance of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium.Furthermore,the results showed that gut microbes could utilize PSP to produce short-chain fatty acids including acetic acid,propionic acid,and butyric acid.Also,the PSP fermentation broth displayed an excellent scavenging effect on free radicals,including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical,superoxide radical,and hydroxyl radical.In summary,this study will help to promote the application of PSP as prebiotics in functional food and the medical industry.

Model informed precision medicine of Chinese herbal medicines formulas-A multi-scale mechanistic intelligent model

Recent trends suggest that Chinese herbal medicine formulas(CHM formulas)are promising treatments for complex diseases.To characterize the precise syndromes,precise diseases and precise targets of the precise targets between complex diseases and CHM formulas,we developed an artificial intelligence-based quantitative predictive algorithm(DeepTCM).DeepTCM has gone through multilevel model calibration and validation against a comprehensive set of herb and disease data so that it accurately captures the complex cellular signaling,molecular and theoretical levels of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).As an example,our model simulated the optimal CHM formulas for the treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD)with depression,and through model sensitivity analysis,we calculated the balanced scoring of the formulas.Furthermore,we constructed a biological knowledge graph representing interactions by associating herb-target and gene-disease interactions.Finally,we experimentally confirmed the therapeutic effect and pharmacological mechanism of a novel model-predicted intervention in humans and mice.This novel multiscale model opened up a new avenue to combine“disease syndrome”and“macro micro”system modeling to facilitate translational research in CHM formulas.

Revealing the role of honokiol in human glioma cells by RNA-seq analysis

Background:Glioma is a kind of tumor that easily deteriorates and originates from glial cells in nerve tissue.Honokiol is a bisphenol compound that is an essential monomeric compound extracted from the roots and bark of Magnoliaceae plants.It also has anti-infection,antitumor,and immunomodulatory effects.In this study,we found that honokiol induces cell apoptosis in the human glioma cell lines U87-MG and U251-MG.However,the mechanism through which honokiol regulates glioma cell apoptosis is still unknown.Methods:We performed RNA-seq analysis of U251-MG cells treated with honokiol and control cells.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis was performed,and the 10 top hub unigenes were examined via real-time quantitative PCR.Furthermore,MAPK signaling and ferroptosis were detected via western blotting.Results:332 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were found,comprising 163 increased and 169 decreased genes.Analysis of the DEGs revealed that various biological processes were enriched,including‘response to hypoxia’,‘cerebellum development cellular response to hypoxia,’‘iron ion binding,’‘oxygen transporter activity,’‘oxygen binding,’‘ferric iron binding,’and‘structural constituent of cytoskeleton.’Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were enriched in the following pathways:‘mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)’,‘Hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)’,‘ferroptosis,’‘Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),’‘Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(Akt),’and‘phagosome.’Among these pathways,the MAPK signaling pathway and ferroptosis were verified.Conclusion:This study revealed the potential mechanism by which honokiol induces apoptosis and provided a comprehensive analysis of DEGs in honokiol-treated U251-MG cells and the associated signaling pathways.These data could lead to new ideas for future research and therapy for patients with glioma.

Herb pair of Huangqi-Danggui exerts anti-tumor immunity to breast cancer by upregulating PIK3R1

Background:According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),drugs supplementing the vital energy,Qi,can eliminate tumors by restoring host immunity.The objective of this study is to investigate the underlying immune mechanisms of anti-tumor activity associated with Qi-supplementing herbs,specifically the paired use of Huangqi and Danggui.Methods:Analysis of compatibility regularity was conducted to screen the combination of Qi-supplementing TCMs.Using the MTT assay and a transplanted tumor mice model,the anti-tumor effects of combination TCMs were investigated in vitro and in vivo.High content analysis and flow cytometry were then used to evaluate cellular immunity,followed by network pharmacology and molecular docking to dissect the significant active compounds and potential mechanisms.Finally,the anti-tumor activity and the mechanism of the active ingredients were verified by molecular experiments.Results:There is an optimal combination of Huangqi and Danggui that,administered as an aqueous extract,can activate immunity to suppress tumor and is more effective than each drug on its own in vitro and in vivo.Based on network pharmacology analysis,PIK3R1 is the core target for the anti-tumor immunity activity of combined Huangqi and Danggui.Molecular docking analysis shows 6 components of the combined Danggui and Huangqi extract(quercetin,jaranol,isorhamnetin,kaempferol,calycosin,and suchilactone)that bind to PIK3R1.Jaranol is the most important component against breast cancer.The suchilactone/jaranol combination and,especially,the suchilactone/kaempferol combination are key for immunity enhancement and the anti-tumor effects of the extract.Conclusions:The combination of Huangqi and Danggui can activate immunity to suppress breast cancer and is more effective than the individual drugs alone.

Mechanisms of liver injuries caused by traditional Chinese medicines

Drug-induced liver injury(DILI)is a common adverse drug reaction,which can even result in liver failure[1,2].The Chinese Medical Association issued the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of DILI based on the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method(RUCAM)in 2015[3].A previous study reported that traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs),herbal and dietary supplements,and antituberculosis drugs were the main causes of DILI in China[4].Herb-induced liver injury(HILI)refers to liver injury caused by TCMs,natural drugs,and their related preparations[5].

Mesenchymal stem cells and their derived exosomes for the treatment of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is an acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).SARS-CoV-2 infection typically presents with fever and respiratory symptoms,which can progress to severe respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure.In severe cases,these complications may even lead to death.One of the causes of COVID-19 deaths is the cytokine storm caused by an overactive immune response.Therefore,suppressing the overactive immune response may be an effective strategy for treating COVID-19.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and their derived exosomes(MSCs-Exo)have potent homing abilities,immunomodulatory functions,regenerative repair,and antifibrotic effects,promising an effective tool in treating COVID-19.In this paper,we review the main mechanisms and potential roles of MSCs and MSCs-Exo in treating COVID-19.We also summarize relevant recent clinical trials,including the source of cells,the dosage and the efficacy,and the clinical value and problems in this field,providing more theoretical references for the clinical use of MSCs and MSCs-Exo in the treatment of COVID-19.

The role of FMO3 in metabolic diseases

Flavin containing monooxygenase 3(FMO3)is a member of the flavin monooxygenase family,which can oxidize the precursor Trimethylamine(TMA)provided from food to produce Trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO).The autosomal recessive inherited disease caused by partial functional loss of Fmo3 gene,which leads to excessive excretion of TMA in body fluids and emits fishy odor,is called Fish Odor Syndrome or Trimethylaminuria.This disease has been documented for 3,000 years ago and was first reported in the case report in 1970.FMO3 mainly exists in the liver and can participate in the TMA-TMAO metabolic balance in intestinal microorganisms,liver,and kidneys,closely related to insulin resistance,diabetes,cholesterol metabolism,and cardiovascular disease.Due to its wide range of catalytic substrates and low susceptibility to metabolite accumulation,its role in drug metabolism,new drug development,and discovery of new drug targets are increasingly valued.This review will summarize the research progress on the metabolic process and localization of FMO3,congenital genetic defects,metabolic diseases,and its related possible mechanisms.

Research Progress of Aromatic Bed Curtains for Aiding Sleep Based on Lavender Microcapsule Technique

In this paper, the preparation technique of lavender essential oil microcapsules and the construction method of aromatic textiles were expounded, and the research status of bed curtains and lavender microcapsules at home and abroad was analyzed and studied from the perspective of application in textiles. The application of lavender essential oil to bed curtains through the microcapsule technique was put forward to allow lavender essential oil to play its role of helping sleep in bed curtains. This paper expounded the material selection and preparation technique of lavender microcapsule agents, and put forward the preparation method of microcapsules with mixed solutions of pure Chinese medicine extracts and natural essences as core material and high-viscosity epoxy resin as wall materials. The post-processing techniques and the spray ironing method for clothing were studied and developed, and these techniques and methods were applied to bed curtains, and good results were obtained.

Unveiling the dynamic role of innate and adaptive immune cells in COPD pathogenesis induced by cigarette smoke

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory cascade within the respiratory system,primarily triggered by exposure to harmful particles and gases,notably from cigarette smoke.This inflammatory response is orchestrated by innate immune cells like macrophages and epithelial cells,which recognize danger signals released from damaged cells.Prolonged inflammation prompts an adaptive immune reaction mediated by dendritic cells,culminating in the formation of lymphoid follicles and involving a complex interplay of T and B cells,as well as cytotoxic activity.Additionally,both viral and bacterial infections exacerbate COPD by further igniting inflammatory pathways,perpetuating the chronic inflammatory state.This comprehensive review encapsulates the intricate interplay between innate and adaptive immunity in COPD,with a particular focus on the role of cigarette smoke in its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.

A hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel nerve guidance conduit promotes regeneration and functional recovery of injured sciatic nerves in rats

A hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel can promote neuronal and astrocyte colony formation and axonal extension in vitro,suggesting that the hydrogel can simulate an extracellular matrix structure to promote neural regeneration.However,in vivo experiments have not been conducted.In this study,we transplanted a hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel nerve guidance conduit to repair a 10-mm long sciatic nerve gap.The Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale,sciatic nerve compound muscle action potential recording,Fluoro-Gold retrograde tracing,growth related protein 43/S100 immunofluorescence staining,transmission electron microscopy,gastrocnemius muscle dry/wet weight ratio,and Masson’s trichrome staining results showed that the nerve guidance conduit exhibited similar regeneration of sciatic nerve axons and myelin sheath,and recovery of the electrophysiological function and motor function as autologous nerve transplantation.The conduit results were superior to those of a bulk hydrogel or silicone tube transplant.These findings suggest that tissue-engineered nerve conduits containing hyaluronic acid granular hydrogels effectively promote the morphological and functional recovery of the injured sciatic nerve.The nerve conduits have the potential as a material for repairing peripheral nerve defects.

Polyphyllin D induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest via Dysfunction of Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Liver Cancer Cells

Liver cancer is a frequently occurring malignancy with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths[1]. Many chemotherapeutic drugs are extensively used to treat liver cancer, such as doxorubicin and cisplatin. However, these drugs have shown poor treatment effects in clinical trials because of acquired resistance and the high heterogeneity of liver cancer[2]. Therefore.

Comparison of Microdroplet Digital PCR Assays with Real-time Fluorescence Quantitative PCR for Clostridioides difficile Detection

Clostridioides difficile(C.difficile),is an anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium found in the human intestine.Prolonged use of antibacterial drugs can result in C.difficile infection(CDI)[1],which is one of the most important hospital-acquired diseases affecting all wards.Isolation-and-culture-based identification and the cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay(CCNA)are considered the“gold standard”for detecting toxins or pathogenic strains[2],with long and time-consuming incubation times.Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR)is commonly used in clinical laboratory tests[3].However,the sensitivity,accuracy,and resolution of detection are limited by low-copy target gene molecules and subtle differences in template concentration.As C.difficile is distributed in feces in the natural environment and the sample matrix is complex,it is difficult to detect pathogens at low levels.Accurately quantifying C.difficile and implementing effective measures to combat C.difficile infections are of utmost importance.

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically enhance the immunosuppressive capacity of human umbilical-cordderived mesenchymal stem cells by increasing PD-L1 expression

BACKGROUND The immunosuppressive capacity of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)is dependent on the“license”of several proinflammatory factors to express immunosuppressive factors such as programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1),which determines the clinical therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for inflammatory or immune diseases.In MSCs,interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)is a key inducer of PD-L1 expression,which is synergistically enhanced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α);however,the underlying mechanism is unclear.AIM To reveal the mechanism of pretreated MSCs express high PD-L1 and explore the application of pretreated MSCs in ulcerative colitis.METHODS We assessed PD-L1 expression in human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs(hUC-MSCs)induced by IFN-γand TNF-α,alone or in combination.Additionally,we performed signal pathway inhibitor experiments as well as RNA interference experiments to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which IFN-γalone or in combination with TNF-αinduces PD-L1 expression.Moreover,we used luciferase reporter gene experiments to verify the binding sites of the transcription factors of each signal transduction pathway to the targeted gene promoters.Finally,we evaluated the immunosuppressive capacity of hUC-MSCs treated with IFN-γand TNF-αin both an in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture assay,and in vivo in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis.RESULTS Our results suggest that IFN-γinduction alone upregulates PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs while TNF-αalone does not,and that the co-induction of IFN-γand TNF-αpromotes higher expression of PD-L1.IFN-γinduces hUCMSCs to express PD-L1,in which IFN-γactivates the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway,up-regulates the expression of the interferon regulatory factor 1(IRF1)transcription factor,promotes the binding of IRF1 and the PD-L1 gene promoter,and finally promotes PD-L1 mRNA.Although TNF-αalone did not induce PD-L1 expression in hUCMSCs,the addition of TNF-αsignificantly enhanced IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1/IRF1 activation.TNF-αupregulated IFN-γreceptor expression through activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway,which significantly enhanced IFN-γsignaling.Finally,co-induced hUC-MSCs have a stronger inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation,and significantly ameliorate weight loss,mucosal damage,inflammatory cell infiltration,and up-regulation of inflammatory factors in colitis mice.CONCLUSION Overall,our results suggest that IFN-γand TNF-αenhance both the immunosuppressive ability of hUC-MSCs and their efficacy in ulcerative colitis by synergistically inducing high expression of PD-L1.

Cell-free DNA in the management of prostate cancer:Current status and future prospective

Objective:With the escalating prevalence of prostate cancer(PCa)in China,there is an urgent demand for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.Extensive investigations have been conducted on the clinical implementation of circulating free DNA(cfDNA)in PCa.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the present state of cfDNA as a biomarker for PCa and to examine its merits and obstacles for future clinical utilization.Methods:Relevant peer-reviewed manuscripts on cfDNA as a PCa marker were evaluated by PubMed search(2010-2022)to evaluate the roles of cfDNA in PCa diagnosis,prognosis,and prediction,respectively.Results:cfDNA is primarily released from cells undergoing necrosis and apoptosis,allowing for non-invasive insight into the genomic,transcriptomic,and epigenomic alterations within various PCa disease states.Next-generation sequencing,among other detection methods,enables the assessment of cfDNA abundance,mutation status,fragment characteristics,and epigenetic modifications.Multidimensional analysis based on cfDNA can facilitate early detection of PCa,risk stratification,and treatment monitoring.However,standardization of cfDNA detection methods is still required to expedite its clinical application.Conclusion:cfDNA provides a non-invasive,rapid,and repeatable means of acquiring multidimensional information from PCa patients,which can aid in guiding clinical decisions and enhancing patient management.Overcoming the application barriers of cfDNA necessitates increased data sharing and international collaboration.

Thymic lipofibroadenomas:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Thymic lipofibroadenomas are extremely rare.In this study,we investigated the clinicopathological characteristics of thymic lipofibroadenomas.CASE SUMMARY This study included three patients with thymic lipofibroadenomas.We retrospectively analyzed the patient data to determine the clinicopathological characteristics of thymic lipofibroadenomas.The study included one man and two women[mean age,43(33–59)years].All patients were non-smokers and presented with well-defined anterior mediastinal tumors.The cut surfaces of the tumors were solid,with a mixture of yellow and white areas.Microscopic evaluation of resected specimens showed scattered cord-like structures of epithelial cells embedded within abundant fibrotic and hyaline stroma admixed with variable quantities of adipose tissue.One patient showed hyperplastic thymic tissue in a part of the tumor.CONCLUSION Thymic lipofibroadenomas are an extremely rare type of benign thymic tumor.Surgical removal of lipofibroadenomas is usually curative.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Effects of curcumin on uterine leiomyoma in a rat model by inhibiting β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway

Background:Women with uterine leiomyomas may suffer severe symptoms.To avoid risks of side effects,it is necessary to develop an optimal agent to shrink leiomyomas with fewer side effects and a lower recurrence rate.Curcumin may have a lower side effect in uterine leiomyoma treatment.Methods:We established the estrogen-and-progesterone-induced murine model of uterine leiomyoma.Next,we determined the expression of related genes of the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway by western blot,reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and immunohistochemistry.We also noticed the morphological changes in uterine tissues by hematoxylin-eosin staining.Results:Curcumin plays an important role in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related expression including β-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli,glycogen synthase kinase-3β,Wnt-11,and serum hormone concentrations.Conclusions:Curcumin could the down-regulation of serum hormone concentrations and inhibition of the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway in the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.

Advances in Tongue Diagnosis Objectification of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tongue diagnosis is a non-invasive,efficient,and accurate method for determining a person’s physical condition,and plays an essential role in disease diagnosis and health management.However,tongue diagnosis is easily influenced by the subjective experience of the practitioner and the light environment.In addition,tongue diagnosis lacks clear quantitative indicators and objective records.This all limits the transmission and development of tongue diagnosis.Therefore,the acquisition and analysis of tongue information using image equipment,image processing and computer vision have become a hot research topic for the objectification of tongue diagnosis.This paper reviews the research progress of tongue diagnosis objectification in Traditional Chinese medicine.The tongue image acquisition,color correction,segmentation,feature extraction and analysis,and disease prediction included in the study of tongue diagnosis objectification are reviewed.The shortcomings of current automated tongue diagnosis systems and future research ideas are also summarized to provide a reference for further development of tongue diagnosis objectification.

Application of medium-chain fatty acids in metabolic diseases

Medium-chain fatty acids(MCFAs),which are important dietary fats,can be rapidly metabolized to efficiently produce a high amount of energy owing to their unique transportation system.MCFAs have thus become high-value functional foods.MCFAs also have antibac-terial and immunoregulatory effects,help to maintain intestinal health,and have shown benefits for disease prevention and treatment.Therefore,they have the potential to be used for a variety of purposes.We herein describe the metabolic pathways involving MCFAs and their main biological functions in the human body.In addition,the effects of MCFAs as adjuvant therapy for different diseases,such as obesity,polycystic ovary syndrome,sarcopenia,and malignancy are summarized,and the likely mechanisms of action are discussed.Finally,we describe possible future clinical applications of MCFAs in the field of metabolic diseases.