The EuroBiotech Journal Feed

Precision Medicine and Multi-Omics Integration: Transforming Drug Discovery Through FAIR-Enabled Systems

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Precision medicine is transforming drug discovery from empirical, population-based approaches toward data-driven, mechanistically informed strategies tailored to individual molecular profiles. Central to this transformation is multi-omics integration—the systematic analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenomic data—which enables comprehensive characterization of disease mechanisms, therapeutic vulnerabilities, and inter- and intra-patient (single-cell) heterogeneity. By moving beyond reductionist, single-layer analyses, multi-omics captures emergent properties of biological systems, revealing causal relationships between molecular variation and clinical phenotypes that are essential for robust target discovery, validation, and lead optimization. This mini-review examines how precision medicine and multi-omics are reshaping the drug discovery pipeline, emphasizing the critical roles of artificial intelligence (AI), FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable), and governance frameworks. We highlight advances in network-based integration, multi-view machine learning, and AI-driven target prioritization, demonstrating how these approaches accelerate hypothesis generation while maintaining reproducibility and traceability. Real-world applications—from HER2-targeted therapies in breast cancer to PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutated tumors—illustrate the clinical impact of multi-omics-guided drug development. Emerging technologies, including single-cell and spatially resolved multi-omics, promise unprecedented resolution for dissecting tissue heterogeneity, microenvironmental context, and therapeutic resistance mechanisms. Integration of these modalities with foundation models and knowledge graphs comprised of FAIR data will enable cross-modal reasoning, predictive modeling, and patient stratification at scale. However, persistent challenges—data heterogeneity, computational complexity, ethical considerations, and regulatory frameworks—require coordinated solutions. By synthesizing conceptual advances, practical applications, and emerging challenges, we articulate a vision for FAIR-enabled, AI-driven precision medicine as the foundation for next-generation therapeutic discovery.

All-trans Retinoic Acid Attenuates High Glucose-Induced VEGFA Expression via Inhibition of p38 MAPK and NF-κB in ARPE-19 Cells

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss, is characterized by retinal inflammation, vascular leakage, and pathological neovascularization, with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) playing a central role in its progression. While anti-VEGF therapies are effective, their invasive nature and associated risks emphasize the need for safer and more accessible alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the potential of all-trans retinoic acid (RA), a bioactive metabolite of vitamin A, to suppress high glucose-induced VEGFA expression in retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. ARPE-19 cells were treated with high glucose (30 mM) in the presence or absence of RA (5 or 20 μM). Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay, while VEGFA mRNA and protein levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. The activation of p38 MAPK and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was evaluated through Western blot analysis. RA treatment significantly reduced high glucose-induced VEGFA expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, without affecting cell viability. Mechanistically, RA inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, suggesting that these pathways contribute to VEGFA regulation under hyperglycemic conditions. These findings highlight the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects of RA in ARPE-19 cells and propose RA as a potential, safe, and non-invasive therapeutic candidate for the early intervention of diabetic retinopathy. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate its clinical applicability.

A novel Ifnar1 knockout mouse model generated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The type I interferon receptor gene (Ifnar1) encodes a subunit of the heterodimeric receptor complex responsible for mediating type I interferon (IFN-α/β) signaling, a critical pathway in antiviral defense and immune regulation. Ifnar1 knockout (KO) mice are widely used in immunology and virology research to study host-pathogen interactions, immune signaling, and inflammatory processes. Although a conventional Ifnar1 KO model was generated decades ago, advances in genome engineering technologies now allow for more efficient and precise generation of genetically modified animals. We employed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to generate a novel Ifnar1 knockout mouse line. Single-guide RNAs targeting the third exon of mouse Ifnar1 gene were electroporated into fertilized C57BL/6J zygotes along with Cas9 protein. The newborn founder mice were screened by PCR and Sanger sequencing to identify mutations at the target site. We successfully established a mouse line harboring a 14-nucleotide deletion in the third exon of Ifnar1. This deletion causes a frameshift mutation, introducing a premature stop codon that is predicted to produce a truncated, non-functional protein. The mutation was confirmed by direct sequencing of the targeted locus. Homozygous mutant mice are viable and fertile. This newly generated Ifnar1 knockout mouse model provides a CRISPR-engineered alternative to the original targeted deletion model described by Müller et al. (1994). The frameshift mutation is expected to ablate IFNAR1 protein function. The model will serve as a valuable resource for immunology and virology research, particularly in studies focused on interferon signaling, antiviral responses, and host-pathogen interactions.

Bioactive Hydrogel for Regenerative Wound Healing: Evaluating Angiogenesis and Toxicity

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Scar-free wound healing remains a major challenge in regenerative medicine. In this study, a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based hydrogel nanocomposite containing silver nanoparticles (CMC@Ag) was developed, along with a phytocompound-enriched variant (CMC@Ag+P) incorporating aloe vera, curcumin, and plantain peel extracts. The phytocompound-infused hydrogel exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and scar-free healing potential, supporting tissue regeneration. An in vitro scratch assay using the A375 cell line showed 89% cell proliferation and migration at high doses and 69% at low doses of CMC@Ag+P. Zebrafish toxicity assays confirmed its safety, with hatchability rates of 82% (low dose) and 71% (high dose). The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay demonstrated strong angiogenic activity, particularly in CMC@ Ag+P, indicating improved vascularization essential for tissue repair. Statistical analysis using the Student’s t-test revealed significant differences between hydrogel-treated groups and controls (p < 0.05), confirming the enhanced healing and scar-minimization effects. Previous animal studies further validated the scar-free wound healing potential of these hydrogel highlighting the synergistic role of phytocompounds in promoting effective tissue regeneration.

The European Biotechnology Congress 2025

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Using Convolutional Neural Networks with Image-Based Representations of Amino Acid Sequences for Predicting the Effects of Genetic Variants

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Proteins are one of the fundamental molecules that regulate cellular processes in living organisms. Given the pivotal role played by protein-protein, DNA-protein, and RNA-protein interactions in a significant proportion of biological processes, variants occurring in the regions where these interactions occur have the potential to give rise to serious consequences for the phenotype. Various supervised learning techniques are employed to ascertain the correlation between protein variants and the development of a specific disease. In this study, a convolutional neural network-based prediction model is proposed to predict the pathogenicity effect of variants on the phenotype. This is achieved by converting amino acid sequences into two-dimensional images. A protein embedding method utilizing transfer learning (TAPE) was employed to generate the feature vector. The feature vector was transformed into a square-shaped, single-channel image and trained with a deep learning algorithm comprising a convolutional neural network. This study performed a binary classification (benign versus pathogenic) using missense variants in the BRCA1 protein obtained from the open-access ClinVar database as the dataset. The findings demonstrate that the developed prediction model is highly effective in predicting the pathogenicity effects of variants within the functional regions of the BRCA1 protein on phenotype. The evaluation of the model’s prediction results demonstrated that variants in the benign class can be classified with 91% accuracy (93% sensitivity). Furthermore, the model demonstrated robust performance in classifying both benign and pathogenic variants, with an AUC value of 92%. These findings suggest that the developed prediction model may offer potential in classifying BRCA1 variants and assessing their potential pathogenicity. The variant effect prediction model obtained in this study shows promise and may benefit from further refinement in future research.

Mini-review: Current Applications of In Vitro-Induced Somaclonal Variation for Plant Genetic Improvement, with Emphasis on Advances in Pineapple

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Plant genetic improvement integrates conventional breeding with advanced biotechnological approaches to enhance traits such as yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. Among these, in vitro-induced somaclonal variation—genetic and epi-genetic alterations arising during tissue culture—has emerged as a valuable tool for crop improvement. This variation can lead to novel phenotypes suitable for selection and propagation. Recent studies have demonstrated its utility in crops such as sugarcane, rice, banana, potato, wheat, tomato, barley, chrysanthemum, soybean, and maize. This review distinguishes itself by providing the first integrated evaluation of somaclonal variation applications across major crops alongside a detailed case study of pineapple, a species seldom emphasised in prior reviews. As one of the most widely cultivated tropical fruits with significant commercial value in both fresh and processed markets, pineapple plays a vital role in the agricultural economies of many developing countries. We highlight results from somaclonal variants derived from the Red Spanish cultivar, including P3R5 and Dwarf, which exhibited significant morphological and physiological differences. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism confirmed genetic divergence, with Dwarf showing enhanced water-use efficiency and antioxidant activity. These findings underscore somaclonal variation’s potential as a complementary strategy to conventional breeding, contributing to crop diversification and agricultural resilience.

Biological engineering as an approach to construct smart nanostructured systems

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this short review we explore the design of smart nanostructured systems that are assembled with inspiration from biology. Here we consider the design and assembly of smart nanostructured systems based on “biological engineering”, which was a term introduced formally in 1970 with the intention to integrate engineering with biological systems to move beyond single disciplinary areas such as medicine, agriculture, or fermentation engineering. We further refine the discipline of “biological engineering” to be one that embodies the approach of assembling smart nanostructured systems by utilizing biological proteins, molecules and lipids in combination with synthetic materials. This approach is illustrated with two examples of smart nanostructured systems that utilize ion channels as control elements; the first by genetically modifying a liver cell to secrete insulin, and the second by assembling an artificial cell with purified ion channels incorporated in a lipid bilayer membrane. These examples of smart nanostructured systems are taken from my plenary presentation made at the European Biotechnology Congress that was held at the Harbiye Military Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, from 3rd to 5th October 2024.

In Silico Analysis of Ergosterol as Antiviral Agents Targeting Monkeypox Methyltransferase, Phosphatase and A42R Profilin-like Protein Receptors

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Phytosterols derived from medicinal mushrooms have emerged as promising therapeutic agents due to their high pharmacological effects, low toxicity, and high bioavailability. The increased concern about virus spread and treatment strategies following the pandemic has necessitated the discovery of new antiviral agents against various concerning viral species. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of ergosterol and its derivative phytosterols on monkeypox target proteins through in silico methods. For comparative analysis, two FDA-approved monkeypox drugs, Tecovirimat and Cidofovir, were used as controls. Key findings revealed that β-ergosterol effectively inhibited the methyltransferase VP39 protein with a binding affinity of −8.9 kcal/mol. Ergosterol peroxide showed the highest affinity for the A42R profilin-like protein, with a binding score of −8.1 kcal/mol, while ergosterol exhibited strong binding with phosphatase, also at −8.1 kcal/mol. These findings indicate that these phytosterols may serve as antiviral agents due to their comparable binding affinities. Compared to the control groups, ergosterol and its derivatives demonstrated significant in silico antiviral activity against monkeypox. Further preclinical studies, including experimental validation, are recommended to confirm these findings and explore their therapeutic potential.

Tissue Engineering of 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Breast Cancer Research: A Study on Cell Viability and Adhesion

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Objective Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies among women worldwide, underscoring the need for physiologically relevant in vitro models that closely mimic the tumor microenvironment. While two-dimensional (2D) cultures are commonly used, they fall short in replicating in vivo conditions. This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional (3D) breast cancer model using various biomaterial-based scaffolds to evaluate their effects on cell viability, morphology, and adhesion. Material and Method MCF-7 breast cancer cells were cultured on five different 3D printed scaffolds composed of PLA, PCL, PET, HIPS, and TPU. Scaffold designs were created using SolidWorks and Slic3r, followed by 3D printing. Cell viability was assessed using the crystal violet assay, and morphological analysis was conducted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. Results Among all tested scaffolds, TPU scaffolds exhibited superior performance, significantly enhancing MCF-7 cell viability compared to HIPS, PCL, and PET (***p ≤ 0.001), and slightly outperforming PLA (ns, p > 0.05). SEM analysis revealed enhanced cell spreading and surface attachment on TPU, while HIPS showed minimal interaction. Confocal imaging further confirmed superior nuclear localization and mitochondrial activity on TPU scaffolds, indicating improved metabolic activity and 3D cellular organization. Conclusion The findings confirm that TPU scaffolds provide the most supportive microenvironment for MCF-7 cells in 3D culture, offering superior viability, morphology, and cellular interaction. PLA also showed promising results but was slightly less effective than TPU. In contrast, HIPS was the least effective and appears unsuitable as a standalone scaffold material. These results support the use of TPU for physiologically relevant 3D in vitro models of breast cancer for future research and therapeutic applications.

Extracellular Vesicles in Viral Infections: Mechanisms, Diagnostics, and Therapeutic Perspectives for Pandemic Preparedness (SDG 3)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, are released by virus-infected cells and are readily absorbed by other cells. Drugs based on cell-to-cell communication can reduce morbidity and mortality, supporting WHO’s “One Health” approach. Consequently, addressing diseases like cardiovascular issues, pulmonary and renal complications, autoimmune syndromes, prion diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, COVID-19, osteoporosis, and cancers is essential for achieving the UN-SDG Agenda 2030. This review on exosomes and their function in viral infections focuses on their purification, patho-physiological pathways, genetic biomarkers, and immunological features.. This review outlines precision diagnostics, elimination strategies, and future research directions for viral eradication therapies. The biogenesis of exosomes and how they can inhibit virus replication are critical for advancing viral eradication strategies, particularly for HIV and SARS-CoV-2. This review highlights key clinical implications and emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of host responses to enhance physician-led management and reduce global mortality.

Messaging malignancy: Tumour-derived exosomes at the nexus of immune escape, vascular remodelling and metastatic competence

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by all varieties of living cells, have emerged as pivotal mediators of intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. While exosomes significantly contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, immune modulation, and resistance to therapy, the mechanisms of cargo selection and clinical translation remain controversial and insufficiently resolved. Recent high-throughput technologies have enabled detailed profiling of exosomal cargo; however, substantial challenges persist in their clinical application due to issues in isolation and standardization. This review systematically dissects these molecular biogenesis controversies, the roles of tumor-derived exosomes in modulating angiogenesis, immune escape, metastasis, and therapy resistance, and critically evaluates barriers hindering their clinical adoption.

Artificial Intelligence and Humanoid Robotics: Bioethical Implications of Replacing Human Agency in Healthcare and beyond

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics into healthcare represents a critical evolution in biotechnology with profound societal implications. This review explores the bioethical implications of these technologies, and their potential to displace human agency in life-critical decisions. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach encompassing ethics, law, and technology. The review examines how innovations in AI and robotics might shift autonomy from humans to machines, and addresses the accountability challenges inherent in such transitions. We synthesize discussions on the ethical management of AI and robotics, underscoring the importance of maintaining human oversight and integrating ethical standards in technology development to prevent worsening of social inequalities. While AI and robotics present challenges to traditional concepts of autonomy, ethical responsibility, and justice, careful and inclusive policymaking and ethical oversight can harness these technologies to enhance human well-being. This analysis highlights the necessity for continued cross-disciplinary research to navigate the complex ethical landscapes these technologies create, emphasizing that the proactive engagement of diverse stakeholders is essential to guide AI and robotics towards improving human health.

An Ensemble Fuzzy-MCDM Approach for Evaluation of Approved Monkeypox Vaccines

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Objective: Monkeypox, a disease caused by a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) based virus (MPXV) has posed global health challenges to the entire populace. MPXV is a zoonotic disease with public health concerns, rapid prevalence, and geographical spread resulting in swift preventive techniques, especially for vulnerable nations (population). Its incidence and global widespread have necessitated immediate intervention thus the use of vaccination. This study analyzed three globally recommended monkeypox vaccines, LC16m8, ACAM2000, and JYNNEOS, by assessing their safety and effectiveness in controlling monkeypox. Methods: Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods; the fuzzy Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (fuzzy PROMETHEE) and the fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarities to Ideal Solution (fuzzy TOPSIS), were applied for the evaluation of these vaccines considering 20 different criteria, mainly focusing on the route of administration, dosage, safety, adverse effects, affordability, and overall effectiveness of the vaccine. Results: LC16m8 ranked the most preferable vaccine from both MCDM methods with a net outranking flow of 0.4365 and Closeness coefficient value of 0.7916 (95% CI, 0.242-0.894). In terms of safety, both LC16m8 and JYNNEOS vaccines showed equal performance in their profiles mostly in vulnerable populations like human immunodeficiency virus-positive populations, pregnant women, and children, as well as cardiovascular disease patients. Conclusion: The MCDM models could be flexibly applied to other areas of public health as it has shown their reliability in assessing the monkeypox vaccines and can provide a decision guide for different health policy agencies.

ClioMD: An artificial intelligence model for ciliopathies

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Cilia are highly specialized cellular organelles that serve multiple functions in human development and health. Their central importance in the body is demonstrated by the emergence of various developmental disorders resulting from defects in cilia structure and function caused by different inherited mutations in more than 150 different genes. Genomic analysis has rapidly improved our understanding of ciliopathies’ intracellular molecular biological basis over the past two decades, and new technological advances have accelerated this progress. However, most of the time, in correlation of phenotypic results with genetic variation and environmental factors, patient phenotypes do not match with the thought disease despite being a basic search in genomic medicine, candidate variants are in genes not characterized by disease, and model organisms are insufficient to explain the disease, many obstacles continue to hinder rapid and accurate diagnosis. Using advanced computing tools, artificial intelligence models can phenotypically identify overlapping disease models, such as ciliopathies, in research and diagnostic contexts. Large-scale integration of model organisms and clinical trial data can provide a wealth of knowledge unavailable in individual sources and contextualize data back to these sources. In this context, with the machine learning platform we designed, ClioMD, a program that is compatible with the HPO guideline, OMIM, GeneCards, and ClinVar databases, provides treatment and genetic counseling recommendations online in English, enabling individuals affected by ciliopathies such as Joubert syndrome, Cornelia de Lange, Bardetp Biedl syndrome, etc. to get a fast and accurate diagnosis. In conclusion, the ClioMD platform enables you to explore the relationship between phenotype and genotype for disease and as a tool to help you make an accurate diagnosis.

Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Paederia Foetida L. In Gout Treatment Through Network Pharmacology And Molecular Docking

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The global incidence of gout has been steadily increasing. Paederia foetida L., a traditional medicine, is used to treat gout in Vietnam, though its active compounds’ molecular mechanisms remain uncertain. This study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict the potential targets and pathways of P. foetida bioactive components in gout treatment, providing insights for clinical applications. Compounds and targets of P. foetida were identified using the TCMSP database, while targets associated with gout were obtained from GeneCards, TTD, and OMIM databases. A Venn diagram was employed to determine the common targets, and Cytoscape software was used to construct the compound-target-pathway interaction network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to identify key biological processes and pathways. AutoDockTools was used to verify molecular docking between active compounds of P. foetida and core targets. Five active compounds and 49 common targets were identified. GO enrichment analysis revealed that P. foetida influenced multiple biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. KEGG analysis elucidated that the primary mechanism of P. foetida in gout treatment may be primarily related to the IL-17 signaling pathway and several other anti-inflammatories signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding (affinity < -5 kcal/mol) between five active compounds and core protein targets, including TP53, IL6, HSP90AA1, TNF, IL1B, BCL2, PTGS2, MAPK1, and MAPK8. Among the targets, the docking scores of MAPK8 (7.2-10.1 kcal/mol) were the best. Active compounds such as quercetin, beta-sitosterol, kaempferol, pelargonidin, and paederosidic acid methyl ester exhibited potential therapeutic effects on gout. Through in silico screening, the mechanism of action of P. foetida in treating gout can be determined to act on multiple targets through multiple pathways. This provides more ideas for in vitro and in vivo experiments to develop herbal medicines for gout treatment.

The Potential of Night Jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) Flower Extract as a Functional Ingredient in Yogurt Production: The Effects on Fermentation, Rheology, Sensory, and Antioxidant Properties of Yogurt

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Nyctanthes arbour-tristis, commonly known as Harsinghar or Night Jasmine Flower (NJF), holds a prominent place in traditional medicine due to its diverse biological activities. With the growing trend of fortifying yogurt with natural herbs to enhance nutritional and health benefits, this research aimed to optimize herbal yogurt with NJF extract using response surface methodology (RSM). Twenty experiments were conducted with varying percentages of NJF extract, inoculum sizes, and temperatures. The NJF-fortified yogurt was evaluated for sensory, textural, and physicochemical analyses, along with an ESI-MS assessment of bioactive components. Results showed that properties varied with NJF extract percentage, with trial T18 (3.68% NJF extract, 1.5 ml inoculum size, and 41°C temperature) achieving the highest sensory score and acceptability, as well as superior textural and antioxidant properties compared to control yogurt. T18 was identified as the optimized product with protein-3.1%, fat-3.4%, moisture-72.8%, ash-0.87%, pH-4.65, and titratable acidity (TA)-0.72. The antioxidant activity of T18 and CY was 72.32% and 12.62%, respectively, and the total phenolic content was found to be 85.17 mg GAE/g, underscoring its potential as a health-enhancing yogurt variant.

Colony-Forming and Cell Viability Assay to Assess Nanotoxicity of Maleic Acid and N-vinyl Caprolactam-Based Nanoarchitectures

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Organo-montmorillonite (Org-MMT) is a widely used silicate in polymer nanotechnology, enhancing the durability of nanocomposites by improving polymer strength and thermal stability. This study evaluates the anticancer effects of poly(maleic anhydride-alt-N-vinyl caprolactam) [poly(MA-alt-VCL)]-Org-MMT nanocomposites synthesized with varying clay concentrations. The cytotoxicity of Org-MMT, poly(MA-alt-VCL), and their nanocomposites were tested on HeLa (cervical carcinoma), A549 (lung cancer), and HDF (human dermal fibroblast) cells using MTT and colony formation assays. Our results indicate that cell viability is significantly inhibited in both cancer cell types with an IC50 value of 2 mg/mL especially in A549 cells, while 10 mg/mL in HDF cells. Nanocomposites significantly inhibited colony formation in both cancer cell lines, particularly in the HeLa cell line. The data indicated an inverse correlation between clay content in the copolymer complex and cell viability. The copolymer complex without clay had no negative impact on the cells. These findings suggest organo-clay nanocomposites as promising candidates for anticancer drug research.

Effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. on Broiler Growth Performance, Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics, Blood biochemistry, and Hematological Parameters: A Systematic Review

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this systematic review, 79 research articles focusing on the impact of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) supplementation in broilers were meticulously examined, assessing growth performance, slaughter and carcass traits, and blood parameters. Out of these, 12 studies met the predefined criteria. Licorice supplementation, particularly in the absence of specific dietary constraints, signifi-cantly improved feed consumption, body weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency in broilers. The addition of licorice influ-enced slaughter and carcass traits, increasing the dressing percentage, although results varied based on dosage and form of supplementation. Effects on abdominal fat and spleen weights were inconsistent, while liver, heart, and gizzard weights gen-erally increased. Licorice supplementation affected blood biochemistry, showing varied impacts on markers like glucose, cho-lesterol, and triglycerides. Notably, licorice exhibited potential antioxidant properties by reducing malondialdehyde levels, in-dicating decreased oxidative stress. The review highlighted diverse outcomes across growth performance, slaughter traits, car-cass parameters, and blood biochemistry due to licorice supplementation. Variability in dosage, form, and administration methods underscored the need for standardized protocols. Future research should concentrate on uncovering underlying mechanisms, expanding geographical diversity, and exploring interactions with other feed additives, especially in antibiotic-free diets. Despite its promise, further investigation is necessary to optimize licorice’s role in poultry production.

European Biotechnology Congress 2024

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT