Protective effects of N-acetylcysteine on intestinal functions of piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide. Amino Acids. 2012;43:1233-1242. [PMID: 22180025 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-011-1191-9]

A Preliminary Study on the Qualitative and Quantitative Changes of Amino Acids in Whole Apple, Apple Peel, and Flesh Samples Grown in Lithuania

Amino acids are vital gradient compounds involved in protein synthesis and the regulation of physiological functions. Ten essential amino acids cannot be produced endogenously and must be obtained through dietary sources of animal or plant origin. Apples are among the most widely consumed fruits globally and contain not only vital nutrients such as carbohydrates, fatty acids, organic acids, and amino acids but also a rich variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic and triterpenic acids. Due to their diverse range of health-promoting compounds, apples could serve as a potential plant-based source of amino acids. Scientific literature provides fragmented data describing the qualitative and quantitative variation of amino acid composition in apples and their different parts. The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in the qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids in whole apples, as well as in their peel and flesh samples, grown under Lithuanian climatic conditions. This study investigated 10 different apple cultivars, grown in Lithuania. A total of 15 free amino acids were identified using the UHPLC-MS/MS methodology, including 7 essential and 8 nonessential amino acids. In the apple sample, the predominant amino acid was aspartic acid (Asp). The highest content of Asp was found in apple flesh (742.73 ± 37.14 μg/g dw, p < 0.05), followed by whole apple (705.32 ± 35.27 μg/g dw, p < 0.05), and apple peel (370.78 ± 18.54 μg/g dw, p < 0.05) samples of the 'Lodel' cultivar. The distribution of total amino acid content (TAAC) in different apple parts is presented in descending order: apple flesh > whole apple > apple peel. The Lithuanian apple cultivars-'Alva' (547.26 ± 27.36 μg/g dw-998.13 ± 49.91 μg/g dw), 'Lodel' (561.85 ± 28.09 μg/g dw-954.24 ± 47.62 μg/g dw), and 'Rubin' (132.92 ± 6.65 μg/g dw-835.08 ± 41.75 μg/g dw)-were identified as those that accumulated the highest TAAC in their fruit samples.

Music intervention mitigates LPS-induced gut barrier disruption and immune stress in broilers via TLR4/NF-κB regulation

Immune stress induced by harsh environment in intensive farming can impair broiler intestinal health. Although music as an environmental intervention can alleviate short-term stress injury, its long-term regulatory mechanism on intestinal inflammation has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of a music-enriched environment on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immunostressed broilers. AA broilers were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CON), music-enriched environment group (MUC), LPS-induced immune stress group (LPS) and music-enriched environment + LPS group (MUC+LPS). On the 14th, 16th and 18th days, the LPS and MUC+LPS groups were injected intraperitoneally with 500 μg of LPS to construct an immune stress model, and the CON and MUC groups were injected with an equal amount of saline. On day 28, the birds were sacrificed to detect the indicators associated with intestinal barrier and inflammation. The LPS group showed a significant decrease in performance from 14 to 28 days, with elevated serum levels of CORT, ACTH, DAO, and d-LA, and a decrease in the activity of intestinal mucosal SOD/GSH-Px, and impaired gut morphology. impaired; music remission significantly alleviated the decline in production performance, reduced the levels of stress hormones and markers of intestinal barrier damage, while elevating jejuno-ileal GSH-Px activity and improving intestinal morphology. Significant inflammatory gene expression characteristics were observed in jejunum and ileum tissues after LPS injection: upregulation of TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and significant suppression of jejunal IL-10 expression. Notably, IL-10 and IFN-γ expression in the ileum did not show statistical differences. Inflammation-related gene expression showed an overall down-regulation trend after the music intervention, but was still significantly different from the control group. Music intervention on the regulation of jejunal MYD88 and ileal TNF-α - the LPS group did not show statistically significant differences in the expression of these two key inflammatory nodes with the LPS+MUS group. Mechanistic studies have shown that LPS triggers an oxidative stress cascade through activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling axis, leading to disruption of intestinal barrier integrity. In contrast, music exposure exerts a protective effect through a dual mechanism: on the one hand, it helps to enhance the expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1/Occludin to repair the physical barrier; on the other hand, it inhibits the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which can effectively alleviate LPS-induced immunopathological damage.

Intestinal microbiome alterations in pediatric epilepsy: Implications for seizures and therapeutic approaches

The intestinal microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health through its involvement in gastrointestinal, immune, and central nervous system (CNS) functions. Recent evidence underscores the bidirectional communication between the microbiota, the gut, and the brain and the impact of this axis on neurological diseases, including epilepsy. In pediatric patients, alterations in gut microbiota composition-called intestinal dysbiosis-have been linked to seizure susceptibility. Preclinical models revealed that gut dysbiosis may exacerbate seizures, while microbiome-targeted therapies, including fecal microbiota transplantation, pre/pro-biotics, and ketogenic diets, show promise in reducing seizures. Focusing on clinical and preclinical studies, this review examines the role of the gut microbiota in pediatric epilepsy with the aim of exploring its implications for seizure control and management of epilepsy. We also discuss mechanisms that may underlie mutual gut-brain communication and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome as a novel approach to improve outcomes in pediatric epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Reciprocal communication between the brain and the gut appears to be dysfunctional in pediatric epilepsy. The composition of bacteria in the intestine -known as microbiota- and the gastrointestinal functions are altered in children with drug-resistant epilepsy and animal models of pediatric epilepsies. Microbiota-targeted interventions, such as ketogenic diets, pre-/post-biotics administration, and fecal microbiota transplantation, improve both gastrointestinal dysfunctions and seizures in pediatric epilepsy. These findings suggest that the gut and its microbiota represent potential therapeutic targets for reducing drug-resistant seizures in pediatric epilepsy.

Seleno-chitooligosaccharide-induced modulation of intestinal barrier function: Role of inflammatory cytokines, tight junction proteins, and gut microbiota in mice

This study aimed to explore the function of Seleno-chitooligosaccharide (SOA) on the intestinal barrier through regulation of inflammatory cytokines, tight junction protein, and gut microbiota in mice. The results of ELISA assay demonstrated that SOA significantly increased the levels of IL-2, IL-10, and IFN-γ in serum and ileum. Meanwhile, SOA increased the levels of IL-4 in the ileum (p < 0.05). In addition, Diamine Oxidase (DAO) concentration was decreased in ileum by SOA treatments (p < 0.05). The administration of SOA significantly upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin in the ileum (p < 0.05). By 16S rDNA sequencing, reduced ratio of Bacillota/Bacteroidota was observed in SOA treated mice. Within the phylum of Bacteroidota, SOA increased the relative abundance of Deferribacterota, uncultured Bacteroidales bacterium, and Bacteroides. Within the phylum of Bacillota, increased relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium and Lachnoclostridium, and reduced relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 were observed with SOA supplement. In summary, SOA has the potential to modulate the function of intestinal barrier function and prevent intestinal diseases.

Zinc Oxide Administration Relieves the Diarrhea of ETEC K88-Infected Piglets by Reducing Ileal Apoptosis and Maintaining Gut Microbial Balance

The impact of ZnO as a feed additive on growth-performance and intestinal function of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88-infected piglets remains unclear. Fecal scores of piglets in ETEC group were significantly increased compared to control group. ETEC K88 significantly damages the small intestine, including a reduction in villus height in the jejunum, duodenum, and ileum, and a decrease in total superoxide dismutase activity in the jejunum and catalase activity in the ileum and jejunum. Compared to control group, ETEC K88 infection significantly elevated the mRNA level of gene IL-1β and the level of ileal epithelial cell apoptosis. ZnO administration significantly alleviated these negative effects and improved the antioxidative capability of the ileum. Moreover, ZnO supplementation alleviated the imbalance of gut microbiota by restoring the reduced amount of Enterococcus and Lactobacillus in the jejunum, Clostridium in the ileum, and Lactobacillus in the cecum, as well as the increased amount of total eubacteria in the ileum and Enterococcus in the cecum induced by the ETEC K88 infection. In conclusion, ZnO administration can reduce the diarrhea of piglets infected with ETEC K88 by reducing the structural damage of the intestine, attenuating intestinal oxidative stress and epithelial cell apoptosis, and modulating the gut microbiota.

Effects of extruded corn distillers dried grains with solubles on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, and microbiota diversity in weaned piglets

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of extruded distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 144 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, initial body weight (BW) 6.60 ± 0.35 kg) were randomly assigned to 3 treatments based on BW. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed diets supplemented with 8% and 16% extruded corn DDGS for 28 d. The results showed that feeding diets containing extruded corn DDGS had no significant impact on piglet growth performance (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy, day matter, organic matter, and crude protein between the 8% extruded corn DDGS group and the control group (P > 0.05). However, 16% DDGS supplementation reduced the digestibility of these nutrients (P < 0.05). Both the 8% and 16% extruded corn DDGS groups increased the ATTD of ether extract (EE) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 8% extruded corn DDGS group increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver and jejunum, as well as upregulated total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity and the levels of immune factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The expression of tight junction-associated proteins, such as claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1, was also upregulated in this group (P < 0.05). The 16% DDGS supplementation had no significant effect on these indicators, but it reduced the villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Additionally, the inclusion of extruded corn DDGS increased the diversity of microorganisms in colonic digesta, significantly reducing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Sharpea, while promoting the enrichment of Turicibacter, norank_f_Erysipelotrichae, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, and Marvinbryantia (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that extruded corn DDGS have no adverse effects on growth performance. The addition of 8% extruded corn DDGS can enhance jejunal immunity and barrier function, increase intestinal microbial diversity, and improve EE digestibility by modulating the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. Therefore, extruded corn DDGS could be considered a feasible ingredient to replace corn and soybean meal in piglet diets, thereby reducing feed costs.

Dietary supplementary with ellagic acid improves the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chicken challenged with E. coli K88

Ellagic acid (EA) contributes to the immunity and anti-oxidant function of body, whereas there are few reports about its effect on the intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chickens. Hence, the present study was arranged to investigate the effect of dietary supplementary with EA on the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88). A total of 216 healthy 1-day-old, Ross 308 broilers with uniform weight were randomly assigned into three treatment groups, six replicates in each group and twelve birds in each replicate. Broilers in the control (CTR) group and E. coli K88 infected group (ETEC) were fed with the basic diet, and 200 mg/kg EA was supplemented into the diet of the E. coli K88 infected group treated with EA (EAETEC). The animal trial had lasted for 42 days, and the outcomes showed that the ADG and ADFI during the animal trial, the jejunal villi height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) tended to be decreased with E. coli K88 treated (P< 0.05). Additionally, the level of serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated, the activity of intestinal total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the mRNA levels in jejunal claudin-1 and occludin were down-regulated with E. coli K88 treated as well as the transcription levels of ileal Mucin-2, aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) and Na+/H+ exchanger proteins-3 (NHE-3) (P< 0.05). In addition, E. coli K88 down-regulated the α-diversity index of cecal flora, the ratio of Bacteroidota to Firmicutes and the relative abundance of Barnesiella were up-regulated and it of Alistipes was descended with E. coli K88 treated (P< 0.05). Beyond that, the content of propionic acid in the cecal chyme was decreased and the amino acid metabolic pathways were inhibited with E. coli K88 challenged (P< 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between the relative abundance of Alistipes and the levels of butyric acid in the caecal chyme and the activity of GSH-Px in the intestine (P< 0.05). Interestingly, dietary supplementary with EA could reshape the intestinal flora structure and alleviate the above negative effects of E. coli K88 on broiler chickens. In conclusion, dietary supplementary with ellagic acid improved the intestinal barrier function and flora structure of broiler chickens challenged with E. coli K88.

Dietary supplementation with N-acetylcysteine confers a protective effect on muscle and liver in lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a well-established antioxidant that offers exciting opportunities for intestinal health in weaned piglets, while the effects of NAC on muscle and liver has not been fully characterized. Therefore, the present study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with NAC on muscle and liver in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Twenty-four piglets (24-day-old) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, the piglets in the control (CTR) and LPS- challenged (LPS) groups were fed the basal diet and those in the LPS+ NAC group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg NAC. The animal trial lasted for 21 days. At the end of the trial, piglets in the LPS and LPS+ NAC groups were injected intraperitoneally with LPS (100 μg/kg body weight) and piglets in the CTR group were administrated with an equal volume of normal saline. 3 h later, the blood was collected and tissue samples were obtained after 6 h of LPS or normal saline treatment. The results showed that the level of IL-1β, and the mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the liver were up-regulated, and the mRNA levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), total glutathione (T-GSH), and the ratio of total protein to DNA in the liver were decreased under LPS challenge (P < 0.05). At the same time, LPS increased the level of H2O2 and decreased the content of T-GSH and DNA in the longissimus dorsi and gastrocnemius muscles (P < 0.05). In addition, the percentage of monocytes and the level of epidermal growth factor (EGF) were down-regulated in the LPS treatment (P < 0.05). Interestingly, dietary NAC supplementation reversed the above changes induced by LPS (P < 0.05). Furthermore, NAC might alleviate the muscle and liver injury in LPS-challenged piglets by regulating the expression of genes related to the type I interferon signaling pathway, as well as hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2). Our findings suggested that dietary supplementation with NAC could benefit the health of muscle and liver in LPS-challenged weaned piglets.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation and Cell Apoptosis via the MKK3/6-P38 Pathway in a Piglet Model

This study investigates the underlying mechanism through which dietary supplementation of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ) alleviates intestinal inflammation and cell apoptosis in piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Seventy-two barrows were divided into three groups: control (CTRL), LPS challenged (LPS), and LPS challenged with PQQ supplementation (PQQ + LPS). On d 7, 11, and 14, piglets received intraperitoneal injections of LPS or 0.9% of NaCl (80 μg/kg). After a 4 h interval following the final LPS injection on d 14, blood samples were obtained, and all piglets were euthanized for harvesting jejunal samples. The results showed that dietary supplementation of PQQ improved the damage of intestinal morphology, increased the down-regulated tight junction proteins, and reduced the increase of serum diamine oxidase activity, the intestinal fatty acid binding protein, and TNF-α levels in piglets challenged with LPS (p < 0.05). The proteomics analysis revealed a total of 141 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), consisting of 64 up-regulated DEPs and 77 down-regulated DEPs in the PQQ + LPS group compared to the LPS group. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated enrichment of the tight junction pathway and the apoptosis pathway (p < 0.05). Compared to the LPS group, the piglets in the PQQ + LPS group had increased levels of Bcl-2 protein, reduced positive apoptosis signals, and a decrease in the abundance of MKK 3/6 and p-p38 proteins (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of PQQ could alleviate jejunal inflammatory damage and cell apoptosis in piglets challenged with LPS through the MKK3/6-p38 signaling pathway.

Ningxiang Pig-Derived Microbiota Affects the Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota, and Serum Metabolome of Nursery Pigs

The gut microbiota is crucial for maintaining the host's intestinal homeostasis and metabolism. This study investigated the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from Ningxiang pigs on the growth performance, fecal microbiota, and serum metabolites of the same-old DLY pigs. The results indicated that the average daily gain of FMT pigs was significantly greater than that of the control (CON) group. Compared to the CON group, the FMT group significantly improved the apparent digestibility of crude fiber, crude ash, gross energy, and calcium of the pigs. The analysis of serum antioxidant status revealed that the activities of total superoxide dismutase and catalase in the serum of pigs in the FMT group were significantly elevated, whereas the level of malondialdehyde was significantly reduced. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the Ningxiang pig-derived microbiota altered the fecal microbiota structure and modulated the diversity of the gut microbiota in the DLY pigs. Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics demonstrated that pigs in the FMT group exhibited distinct metabolomic profiles compared to those in the CON group. Significant changes were observed in key metabolites involved in amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, a correlation analysis between serum differential metabolites and the gut microbiota revealed that the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Corynebacterium was highly correlated with lipid compounds. In conclusion, Ningxiang pig-derived microbiota can alleviate oxidative stress and enhance growth performance in DLY pigs by modulating their gut microbiota and metabolic features.

The relationship between oxidative balance scores and chronic diarrhea and constipation: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is closely related to gut health. Exposures to oxidative stress in one's diet and lifestyle can be evaluated by the oxidative balance score (OBS). However, the relationship between OBS and intestinal habits is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between OBS and intestinal habits (chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation) and the underlying mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005 to 2010, we included a total of 8065 participants. Twenty dietary and lifestyle factors were selected for the OBS calculates. Chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea were defined using the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) types 1 and 2 and the BSFS 6 and 7, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between OBS and defecation habits. Finally, we used mediation analysis to explore the indirect effects of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers on these associations.

RESULTS

After adjusting for all the covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that OBS was negatively correlated with diarrhea (OR = 0.57; 95%CI = 0.39-0.83; P = 0.008)and positively correlated with constipation (OR = 1.75; 95%CI = 1.19-2.25; P = 0.008). The RCS showed a nonlinear relationship between OBS and diarrhea (P for nonlinearity = 0.02) and a linear relationship between OBS and constipation (P for nonlinearity = 0.19). Mediation analysis showed that the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and white blood cell (WBC) count mediated the correlation between OBS and diarrhea by 6.28% and 6.53%, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

OBS is closely related to changes in patients' defecation habits. Oxidative stress and inflammation may play a role in the relationship between the two. This result emphasizes the importance of the public adjusting their lifestyle and dietary habits according to their own situation. However, further prospective studies are needed to analyze the relationship between oxidative stress and changes in defecation habits.

Identification of an epilepsy-linked gut microbiota signature in a pediatric rat model of acquired epilepsy

A dysfunctional gut microbiota-brain axis is emerging as a potential pathogenic mechanism in epilepsy, particularly in pediatric forms of epilepsy. To add new insights into gut-related changes in acquired epilepsy that develops early in life, we used a multi-omics approach in a rat model with a 56% incidence of epilepsy. The presence of spontaneous seizures was assessed in adult rats (n = 46) 5 months after status epilepticus induced by intra-amygdala kainate at postnatal day 13, by 2 weeks (24/7) ECoG monitoring. Twenty-six rats developed epilepsy (Epi) while the remaining 20 rats (No-Epi) did not show spontaneous seizures. At the end of ECoG monitoring, all rats and their sham controls (n = 20) were sacrificed for quantitative histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of the gut structure, glia and macrophages, as well as RTqPCR analysis of inflammation/oxidative stress markers. By comparing Epi, No-Epi rats, and sham controls, we found structural, cellular, and molecular alterations reflecting a dysfunctional gut, which were specifically associated with epilepsy. In particular, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio and number of Goblet cells were reduced in the duodenum of Epi rats vs both No-Epi rats and sham controls (p < 0.01). Villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.01) were increased in No-Epi vs both Epi and sham controls. We also detected enhanced Iba1-positive macrophages, together with increased IL1b and NFE2L2 transcripts and TNF protein, in the small intestine of Epi vs both No-Epi and sham control rats (p < 0.01), denoting the presence of inflammation and oxidative stress. Astroglial GFAP-immunostaining was similar in all experimental groups. Metagenomic analysis in the feces collected 5 months after status epilepticus showed that the ratio of two dominant phyla (Bacteroidota-to-Firmicutes) was similarly increased in Epi and No-Epi rats vs sham control rats. Notably, the relative abundance of families, genera, and species associated with SCFA production differed in Epi vs No-Epi rats, describing a bacterial imprint associated with epilepsy. Furthermore, Epi rats showed a blood metabolic signature characterized by changes in lipid metabolism compared to both No-Epi and sham control rats. Our study provides new evidence of long-term gut alterations, along with microbiota-related metabolic changes, occurring specifically in rats that develop epilepsy after brain injury early in life.

Alleviative effect of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate on lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell apoptosis in Cyprinus carpio

In this study, the alleviative effects of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in bioflocs on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated. Common carp were irregularity divided into 5 groups and fed five diets with 0 % (CK), 2 %, 4 %, 6 % and 8 % PHB. After 8-week feeding trial, LPS challenge was executed. Results showed that appropriate level of PHB enhanced serum immune function by reversing LPS-induced the decrease of C3, C4, IgM, AKP, ACP and LZM in serum, alleviated LPS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by decreasing the levels of 5-HT, D-LA, ET-1 and DAO in serum, increasing ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-3 and Claudin-7 mRNA, improving intestinal morphology. Moreover, dietary PHB reversed LPS-induced the decrease of AST and ALT in hepatopancreas, while in serum exhibited the opposite trend. Suitable level of PHB reversed LPS-induced the reduction of GSH-PX, CAT, T-SOD and T-AOC in intestines and hepatopancreas, whereas MDA showed the opposite result. PHB alleviated LPS-induced the decrease of Nrf2, HO-1, CAT, SOD and GSH-PX mRNA, the increase of Keap1 mRNA. Appropriate level of PHB alleviated LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis by up-regulating TGF-β, IL-10 and Bcl-2 mRNA, down-regulating NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 mRNA. Furthermore, PHB inhibited activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes by reducing the levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA and protein. In addition, the increases of dietary PHB linearly and quadratically affected LPS-induced adverse effects on common carp. Summary, this study suggested that appropriate level of dietary PHB alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in common carp. And the appropriate level of PHB in common carp diets was 4 %.

The Use of Fruit and Vegetable by-Products as Enhancers of Health Status of Piglets after Weaning: The Role of Bioactive Compounds from Apple and Carrot Industrial Wastes

At weaning, piglets are exposed to a large variety of stressors, from environmental/behavioral factors to nutritional stress. Weaning transition affects the gastrointestinal tract especially, resulting in specific disturbances at the level of intestinal morphology, barrier function and integrity, mucosal immunity and gut microbiota. All these alterations are associated with intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress and perturbation of intracellular signaling pathways. The nutritional management of the weaning period aims to achieve the reinforcement of intestinal integrity and functioning to positively modulate the intestinal immunity and that of the gut microbiota and to enhance the health status of piglets. That is why the current research is focused on the raw materials rich in phytochemicals which could positively modulate animal health. The composition analysis of fruit, vegetable and their by-products showed that identified phytochemicals could act as bioactive compounds, which can be used as modulators of weaning-induced disturbances in piglets. This review describes nutritional studies which investigated the effects of bioactive compounds derived from fruit (apple) and vegetables (carrot) or their by-products on the intestinal architecture and function, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress at the intestinal level. Data on the associated signaling pathways and on the microbiota modulation by bioactive compounds from these by-products are also presented.

Cysteine Attenuates the Impact of Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative Damage on Growth Performance and Intestinal Function in Piglets

Bisphenol A (BPA), a kind of environmental toxin, widely impacts daily life. Cysteine (Cys) is a nutritionally important amino acid for piglets. However, it remains unclear whether Cys can alleviate BPA-induced oxidative damage in piglets. The aim of the present study was to explore the protective effects of Cys in BPA-challenged piglets. A total of twenty-four piglets were divided into four groups that were further subdivided based on the type of exposure (with or without 0.1% BPA) in a basal or Cys diet for a 28 d feeding trial. The results showed that BPA exposure decreased the piglets' average daily weight gain by 14.9%, and decreased dry matter, crude protein and ether extract digestibility by 3.3%, 4.5% and 2.3%, respectively; these decreases were attenuated by Cys supplementation. Additionally, Cys supplementation restored BPA-induced decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, in the serum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Moreover, BPA decreased the jejunal mRNA expression of antioxidant genes, which were restored by Cys supplementation (p < 0.05). Cys also restored BPA and increased serum D-lactate levels and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, and BPA decreased jejunal disaccharidase activity (p < 0.05). Further investigations in this study showed that the protective effects of Cys were associated with restoring intestinal barrier integrity by improving the jejunal morphology and enhancing the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results herein demonstrated that Cys supplementation attenuated the impact of BPA-induced oxidative damage on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal function.

Alfalfa leaf meal as a new protein feedstuff improves meat quality by modulating lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs

The effects of alfalfa leaf meal (ALM) on the meat quality of finishing pigs are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of ALM diet on meat quality by replacing 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of soybean meal in the diet of finishing pigs, respectively. The findings showed that 25% ALM diet increased the IMF, cooked meat rate, a* and antioxidant capacity of longissimus dorsi (LD), improved amino acid composition, increased MUFA content, and increased LD lipid synthesis and mRNA expression of antioxidation-related genes. At the same time, ALM diet altered serum lipid metabolism (TG, FFA). Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with meat quality. In addition, metabolomic analysis of LD showed that the main metabolites of 25% ALM diet altered stachydrine and l-carnitine were associated with meat quality and antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, ALM replacing 25% soybean meal diet can improve the meat quality of pigs.

N-Acetylcysteine and Its Immunomodulatory Properties in Humans and Domesticated Animals

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an acetylated derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, has been widely used as a mucolytic agent and antidote for acetaminophen overdose since the 1960s and the 1980s, respectively. NAC possesses antioxidant, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucolytic properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for a wide range of diseases in both humans and domesticated animals. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a major role in the onset and progression of all these diseases. NAC's primary role is to replenish glutathione (GSH) stores, the master antioxidant in all tissues; however, it can also reduce levels of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-∝) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), inhibit the formation of microbial biofilms and destroy biofilms, and break down disulfide bonds between mucin molecules. Many experimental studies have been conducted on the use of NAC to address a wide range of pathological conditions; however, its effectiveness in clinical trials remains limited and studies often have conflicting results. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise overview of promising NAC usages for the treatment of different human and domestic animal disorders.

Exploring the Benefits of Probiotics in Gut Inflammation and Diarrhea-From an Antioxidant Perspective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by an abnormal immune response, includes two distinct types: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Extensive research has revealed that the pathogeny of IBD encompasses genetic factors, environmental factors, immune dysfunction, dysbiosis, and lifestyle choices. Furthermore, patients with IBD exhibit both local and systemic oxidative damage caused by the excessive presence of reactive oxygen species. This oxidative damage exacerbates immune response imbalances, intestinal mucosal damage, and dysbiosis in IBD patients. Meanwhile, the weaning period represents a crucial phase for pigs, during which they experience pronounced intestinal immune and inflammatory responses, leading to severe diarrhea and increased mortality rates. Pigs are highly similar to humans in terms of physiology and anatomy, making them a potential choice for simulating human IBD. Although the exact mechanism behind IBD and post-weaning diarrhea remains unclear, the oxidative damage, in its progression and pathogenesis, is well acknowledged. Besides conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, certain probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains, have been found to possess antioxidant properties. These include the scavenging of reactive oxygen species, chelating metal ions to inhibit the Fenton reaction, and the regulation of host antioxidant enzymes. Consequently, numerous studies in the last two decades have committed to exploring the role of probiotics in alleviating IBD. Here, we sequentially discuss the oxidative damage in IBD and post-weaning diarrhea pathogenesis, the negative consequences of oxidative stress on IBD, the effectiveness of probiotics in IBD treatment, the application of probiotics in weaned piglets, and the potential antioxidant mechanisms of probiotics.

Dietary Supplementation with Puerarin Improves Intestinal Function in Piglets Challenged with Escherichia coli K88

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of puerarin supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal function of piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. Twenty-four ternary crossbred piglets were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: control group, ETEC group (challenged with ETEC K88 on day 8), and ETEC + Puerarin group (supplemented with 5 mg/kg puerarin and challenged with ETEC K88 on day 8). All piglets were orally administered D-xylose (0.1 g/kg body weight) on day 10, and blood samples were collected after 1 h. Subsequently, piglets were killed and intestinal samples were collected for further analysis. The results showed that puerarin supplementation significantly decreased the adverse effects of ETEC K88-challenged piglets; significantly improved growth performance; increased the number of Bifidobacterium in the colon and Lactobacillus in the jejunum, cecum and colon; decreased the number of Escherichia coli in the jejunum and cecum; reduced the hydrogen peroxide content in the jejunum and myeloperoxidase activity in the jejunum and ileum; and increased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the jejunum and ileum. In addition, puerarin supplementation alleviated ETEC K88-induced intestinal injury in piglets, significantly downregulated the mRNA level of Interleukin-1β and upregulated the mRNA levels of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, myxovirus resistance protein 1, myxovirus resistance protein 2, and guanylate-binding protein-1 in the small intestine of piglets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with puerarin could attenuate ETEC K88-induced intestinal injury by increasing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity and the number of beneficial intestinal bacteria in piglets.

Positive effects of selenized-oligochitosan on zearalenone-induced intestinal dysfunction in piglets

This paper assessed the positive effects of selenized-oligochitosan (SOC) on zearalenone(ZEN)-induced intestinal dysfunction in piglets. Sixty piglets were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group C was fed the basal diet as a control and Group Z was supplemented with 2 μg/g ZEN in the basal diet; Group ZS1 and ZS2 were supplemented with 0.3 or 0.5 μg/g SOC (calculated by selenium), in addition to 2 μg/g ZEN in the basal diet. After 42 days, ileal mucosal structure, digestive enzyme activities, tight junction protein mRNA expressions, plasma D-lactate and D-xylose contents, and plasma diamine oxidase activities were determined. Compare with Group C, ileal villus height, value of villus height/crypt depth, trypsin, lipase and α-amylase activities, occluding, claudin-1 and ZO-1 mRNA expressions, and plasma D-xylose levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in piglets of group Z; while compare to Group C, ileal crypt depth, plasma D-lactate contents and diamine oxidase activities were significantly increased in piglets of group Z (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Compare with Group Z, ileal villus height, lipase and α-amylase activities, occluding, claudin-1 and ZO-1 mRNA expressions, and plasma D-xylose levels were significantly elevated in piglets of group ZS1 and ZS2 (p < 0.01); while compare to Group Z, plasma D-lactate and diamine oxidase contents were significantly reduced in piglets of group ZS1 and ZS2 (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Compare with Group Z, value of villus height/crypt depth and trypsin activity were significantly promoted in piglets of group ZS2 (p < 0.01); whereas ileal crypt depth was significantly reduced in piglets of group ZS2 (p <0.01).Thus, SOC can mitigate ZEN-induced intestinal dysfunction in piglets.

Protective effects of α-terpineol and Bacillus coagulans on intestinal function in weaned piglets infected with a recombinant Escherichia coli expressing heat-stable enterotoxin STa

This study was to investigate the impact of α-terpineol (α-TPN) and Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans) on weaned piglets infected with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Thirty-two weaned piglets were assigned into four treatments: Control group (basal diet), STa group (basal diet + 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU ETEC), TPN+STa group (basal diet + 0.01% α-TPN + ETEC) and BC+STa group (basal diet + 2 × 10⁶ CFU B. coagulans + ETEC). Result showed that both α-TPN and B. coagulans could alleviate diarrhea (decreased diarrhea rate), intestinal injury (improved intestinal morphology, decreased blood I-FABP concentration, increased protein expression level of Occludin), oxidative stress (increased GSH-Px activity and decreased MDA content) and inflammation (altered concentration of TNF-α, IL-1β in blood) induced by ETEC infection. Mechanism investigation further demonstrated that the beneficial effects of α-TPN and B. coagulans supplementation upon ETEC infection may be achieved by decreasing the protein expression levels of caspase-3, AQP4 and p-NF-κB and decreasing the gene expression levels of INSR and PCK1. Besides, α-TPN supplementation could specifically decreased expression level of gene b ^0,+ AT, and B. coagulans supplementation could specifically decreased expression level of gene AQP10 and protein HSP70 in ETEC-infected weaned piglets. These results suggested that α-TPN and B. coagulans can be used as antibiotic alternatives against ETEC infection in weaned piglets.

Comparative effects of dietary methionine and cysteine supplementation on redox status and intestinal integrity in immunologically challenged-weaned pigs

Sulfur-containing amino acids such as methionine and cysteine play critical roles in immune system and redox status. A body of evidence shows that metabolic aspects of supplemented Met and Cys may differ in the body. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Met and Cys supplementation in immunologically challenged weaned pigs. Forty weaned piglets (6.5 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups. The treatment included: (1) sham-challenged control (SCC), (2) challenged control (CC), (3) MET (CC + 0.1% _DL-Met), (4) CYS (CC + 0.1% _L-Cys), and (5) MET + CYS (CC + 0.1% _DL-Met + 0.1% _L-Cys). On day 7, all pigs were intramuscularly injected with either Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or phosphate-buffered saline. Blood, liver, and jejunum samples were analyzed for immune response and redox status. The CC group had lower (P < 0.05) villus surface area and higher (P < 0.05) flux of 4-kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FD4) than the SCC group. A lower (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentration was observed in the jejunum of pigs in the CC group than those in the SCC group. Dietary Cys supplementation increased (P < 0.05) villus surface area, GSH levels, and reduced (P < 0.05) the flux of FD4 in the jejunum of LPS-challenged pigs. Dietary Met supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) hepatic GSH content. Pigs challenged with LPS in the MET group had lower serum IL-8 concentration than those in the CC group. There was a Met × Cys interaction (P < 0.05) in serum IL-4 and IL-8 concentrations, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. Dietary _L-Cys supplementation restored intestinal integrity and GSH levels that were damaged by lipopolysaccharides administration. Dietary _DL-Met supplementation improved hepatic GSH and reduced systemic inflammatory response, but antagonistic interaction with dietary _L-Cys supplementation was observed in the inflammatory response and redox status.

Dietary supplementation with a complex of cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and thymol negatively affects the intestinal function in LPS-challenged piglets

Background

The effects of cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and thymol complex (CCT) on the growth performance and intestinal function of piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were determined. Colistin sulphate (CS) was as a positive control.

Method

Piglets (n = 24, 32 days of age) were allocated to four treatments: Control group (fed basal diet), LPS group (fed basal diet), CS+LPS group (fed basal diet + 50 mg/kg CS), and CCT+LPS group (fed basal diet + 50 mg/kg CCT).

Results

Results showed that diarrhea rates of piglets were significantly reduced by CCT and CS supplementation respectively. Further research showed that CS supplementation tended to improve the intestinal absorption function in LPS-challenged piglets. Moreover, CS supplementation significantly reduced the contents of cortisol in blood and malondialdehyde in the duodenum and the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the duodenum and ileum and total nitric oxide synthase in the ileum in LPS-challenged piglets. CS supplementation significantly increased the activities of sucrase in the ileum and myeloperoxidase in the jejunum in LPS-challenged piglets. CS supplementation significantly alleviated the reduced mRNA levels of immune-related genes (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) in mesenteric lymph nodes and jejunum and mucosal growth-related genes (IGF-1, mTOR, ALP) in LPS-challenged piglets. These results suggested that CS supplementation improved the intestinal function in LPS-challenged piglets by improving intestinal oxidative stress, immune stress, and absorption and repair function. However, although CCT supplementation improved oxidative stress by reducing (p < 0.05) the content of malondialdehyde and the activity of nitric oxide synthase in the duodenum, CCT supplementation tended to aggravate the intestinal absorption dysfunction in LPS-challenged piglets. Furthermore, compared with the control and LPS groups, CCT supplementation remarkably elevated the content of prostaglandin in plasma and the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factor IL-6 in mesenteric lymph nodes and jejunum, and reduced the activity of maltase in the ileum in LPS-challenged piglets. These results suggested that CCT supplementation had a negative effect on intestinal function by altering intestinal immune stress response and reducing disaccharidase activity in LPS-challenged piglets.

Conclusions

Compared to CS, CCT supplementation exhibited a negative effect on intestinal function, suggesting whether CCT can be as an effective feed additive still needs further study.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Vitamin A on Antioxidant and Intestinal Barrier Function of Broilers Co-Infected with Coccidia and Clostridium perfringens

Necrotic enteritis (NE) impairs poultry production and causes great economic loss. The nutritional regulation of diets has the potential to alleviate NE. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin A (VA) on the antioxidant and intestinal barrier function of broilers co-infected with coccidia and C. perfringens (CCP). In a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 336 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were divided into four treatments with two levels of VA (0 or 12,000 IU/kg) and challenged with or without CCP. The animal trial lasted for 42 days. The results showed that dietary supplemental VA improved body weight gain (BWG) and the feed intake (FI), and the FI was negatively affected by CCP. Additionally, the levels of catalase (CAT) in the serum, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and CAT in the jejunum and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the liver decreased with the CCP challenge (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px1, and GSH-Px3 in the liver and jejunum were upregulated by the CCP challenge (p < 0.05). In addition, the level of serum diamine oxidase (DAO), and the mRNA level of ZO-1 were also upregulated with the CCP challenge. Dietary supplementation with VA contributed to the intestinal villi height and the mRNA level of Mucin-2 in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary VA had the ability to alleviate the upregulation of SOD in the liver and SOD, CAT, GSH-Px1, GSH-Px3, ZO-1, and claudin-1 in the jejunum with the CCP challenge (p < 0.05). However, the mRNA level of GSH-Px3 and the levels of SOD in the liver and jejunum were downregulated with the VA supplementation in the diet. In conclusion, dietary VA improved the growth performance and the intestinal barrier function; nonetheless, it failed to alleviate the negative effects of CCP on the antioxidant function in broilers.

Effects of maternal T-2 toxin exposure on microorganisms and intestinal barrier function in young mice

T-2 toxin belongs to the trichothecenes group A compound, mainly produced by Fusarium fungi. It has been shown that T-2 toxin could cross the placental barrier and breast milk, thus endangering the health of offspring. The present study aimed to explore the effects of maternal T-2 toxin exposure on the integrity of the intestinal barrier and the intestinal microflora of young mice. From late pregnancy (GD 14) to lactation (LD 21), pregnant mice were given T-2 toxin daily at 0, 0.005, or 0.05 mg T-2 toxin/kg BW. Postnatal day 21 (PND21), PND28, and PND56 young mice were chosen as objects to detect the influences of maternal T-2 toxin exposure to mice on the offspring. The results showed that maternal exposure to T-2 toxin disturbed the balance of the intestinal microbial flora of the young mice. Villous adhesions and fusion of ileum were observed in T-2-treated groups. In addition, supplementation of T-2 toxin significantly decreased the gene expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, Tjp1, Il10, Il6, and Tnf in PND 21. However, in PND 28, the expressions of Tnf were significantly increased. The expressions of Claudin 1, Occludin, Tjp1, Il10, Il6 and Tnf were significantly increased after T-2 toxin treatment in PND 56. These results suggested that maternal exposure to T-2 toxin has negative influences on the intestine of young mice, which may be due to the alterations of microbial composition.

Morphological Assessment and Biomarkers of Low-Grade, Chronic Intestinal Inflammation in Production Animals

Simple Summary

Production animals are continuously exposed to environmental and dietary factors that might induce a state of low-grade, chronic intestinal inflammation. This condition compromises the productive performance and well-fare of these animals, requiring studies to understand what causes it and to develop control strategies. An intestinal inflammatory process is generally associated with alterations in the structure and functionality of its wall, resulting in the release of cellular components into the blood and/or feces. These components can act as biomarkers, i.e., they are measured to identify and quantify an inflammatory process without requiring invasive methods. In this review we discuss the mechanisms of low-grade inflammation, its effects on animal production and sustainability, and the identification of biomarkers that could provide early diagnosis of this process and support studies of useful interventional strategies.

Abstract

The complex interaction between the intestinal mucosa, the gut microbiota, and the diet balances the host physiological homeostasis and is fundamental for the maximal genetic potential of production animals. However, factors such as chemical and physical characteristics of the diet and/or environmental stressors can continuously affect this balance, potentially inducing a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut, where inflammatory parameters are present and demanding energy, but not in enough intensity to provoke clinical manifestations. It’s vital to expand the understanding of inflammation dynamics and of how they compromise the function activity and microscopic morphology of the intestinal mucosa. These morphometric alterations are associated with the release of structural and functional cellular components into the feces and the blood stream creating measurable biomarkers to track this condition. Moreover, the identification of novel, immunometabolic biomarkers can provide dynamic and predictors of low-grade chronic inflammation, but also provide indicators of successful nutritional or feed additive intervention strategies. The objective of this paper is to review the mechanisms of low-grade inflammation, its effects on animal production and sustainability, and the biomarkers that could provide early diagnosis of this process and support studies of useful interventional strategies.

Luteolin and Chrysin Could Prevent E. coli Lipopolysaccharide-Ochratoxin A Combination-Caused Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in In Vitro Porcine Intestinal Model

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intake can cause gastrointestinal disorders. Polyphenolic chrysin (CHR) and luteolin (LUT) display anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Porcine intestinal epithelial (jejunal) IPEC-J2 cells were treated with OTA (1 µM, 5 µM and 20 µM), E. coli LPS (10 µg/mL), CHR (1 µM) and LUT (8.7 µM) alone and in their combinations. Cell viabilities (MTS assay) and extracellular (EC) hydrogen-peroxide (H2O2) production (Amplex red method) were evaluated. Intracellular (IC) reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed using a 2′-7′dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) procedure. ELISA assay was used to evaluate IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. OTA decreased cell viabilities (p < 0.001) which could not be alleviated by LUT or CHR (p > 0.05); however, EC H2O2 production was successfully suppressed by LUT in IPEC-J2 cells (p < 0.001). OTA with LPS elevated the IC ROS which was counteracted by CHR and LUT (p < 0.001). IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was elevated by LPS + OTA (p < 0.001) which could be inhibited by LUT (p < 0.01 for IL-6; p < 0.001 for IL-8). Based on our results, CHR and LUT exerted beneficial effects on IC ROS levels and on cytokine secretion (LUT) in vitro; thus, they might be used as dietary and feed supplements to avoid OTA- and LPS-related health risks.

Dietary supplementation with sodium gluconate improves the growth performance and intestinal function in weaned pigs challenged with a recombinant Escherichia coli strain

Background

The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of sodium gluconate (SG) on the growth performance and intestinal function in weaned pigs challenged with a recombinant Escherichia coli strain expressing heat-stable type I toxin (STa).

Results

Pigs (n = 24, 21 days of age) were randomly allocated to three treatments: Control group (pigs were fed basal diet), STa group (pigs were fed basal diet and challenged with a recombinant E. coli strain expressing STa), and SG group (pigs were fed basal diet supplemented with 2500 mg/kg sodium gluconate and challenged with a recombinant E. coli strain expressing STa). The trial period lasted for 15 days. On days 12 and 13, pigs in the STa and SG groups were orally administered with the recombinant Escherichia coli strain, while those in the control group were orally administered with normal saline at the same volume. On day 15, blood, intestinal tissues and colonic contents were collected for further analysis. Results showed that dietary SG supplementation had a tendency to increase average daily gain, and reduced (P < 0.05) feed to gain ratio, plasma glucose concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration as compared with control group on days 0-10 of trial. Additionally, dietary SG supplementation attenuated(P < 0.05) the morphological abnormalities of small intestinal and the increase of the number of eosinophils in blood of pigs challenged with the recombinant Escherichia coli strain on day 15 of trial. Compared with control group, diarrhea rate and the number of eosinophils in blood and the concentrations of malondialdehyde in the jejunum were increased (P < 0.05). The height, width and surface area of the villi of the duodenum, the width and surface area of villi of jejunum and the height and width of villi of ileum were decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs challenged with the recombinant Escherichia coli strain in the STa group compared with those in control group on day 15 of trial. However, these adverse effects were ameliorated (P < 0.05) by SG supplementation in the SG group on day 15 of trial. Furthermore, dietary SG supplementation could reduce (P < 0.05) the total bacterial abundance in the colon, but SG did not restore the recombinant Escherichia coli-induced microbiota imbalance in colon.

Conclusions

In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SG could improve piglet growth performance and alleviate the recombinant Escherichia coli-induced intestinal injury, suggesting that SG may be a promising feed additive for swine.

Impact of every-day versus skip-a-day feeding of broiler breeder pullets during rearing on body weight uniformity and reproductive performance

Genetic selection for increased growth rate in broilers makes feed restriction programs such as skip-a-day (SAD) feeding, for broiler breeders essential to managing body weight, flock uniformity, and reproductive performance. The objective of this experiment was to compare intestinal development, weight gain of breeder pullets, and reproductive performance (22-45 wk) when fed a high fiber diet (3.8% crude fiber) on either an every-day (ED) or SAD basis during rearing. The same developer ration and feed amounts were fed to both treatments. Day-old Ross 708 pullet chicks (n = 912) were randomly distributed into 4 floor pens (n = 228/pen, 2 pens/treatment). At 20 wk of age all birds were weighed, and the coefficient of variation (CV) and average body weight was calculated for each treatment. Birds were then distributed into 10 lay pens (n = 35 birds/pen, 5 pens/treatment) at 21.5 wk of age. Light was increased from 8 h to 15.25 h at move to the lay facility, and all birds were daily fed for the remainder of the study. Data were analyzed by SAS SLICE using a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. During lay, 25% of the birds from each treatment were weighed weekly to adjust feed and monitor body weight. At 21 wk the ED fed pullets were more uniform (P = 0.0007) than the SAD fed pullets. Eggs were collected daily and set for hatch every 4 wk from 28 to 42 wk of age. No significant difference in the hatch data were observed. The ED fed birds achieved first egg at 166 d of age while the SAD fed birds achieved first egg at 173 d of age. Specific gravity was measured every 2 wk from 30 to 40 wk, with ED reared birds having better overall eggshell quality (P = 0.02) and greater egg weight (P < 0.0001) than those fed SAD. Feeding a high fiber diet on an ED basis during rearing, improved body weight uniformity in rearing, encouraged early lay, improved eggshell quality and increased egg weight.

Intake of a Chicken Protein-Based or Soy Protein-Based Diet Differentially Affects Growth Performance, Absorptive Capacity, and Gut Microbiota in Young Rats

SCOPE

Both plant and animal products provide protein for human demands. However, the effect of protein sources on the physiological responses and the composition and functions of the gut microbiota during the early stage of life have received little attention.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the present study, chicken protein and soy protein are fed to young weaning rats for 14 days based on the AIN-93G diet formulation. The growth performance is recorded, and the morphology of the small intestine is analyzed to estimate the absorptive capacity. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing is applied to analyze the cecal microbiota. The chicken protein-based diet (CHPD) enhances growth performance and absorptive capacity in young rats compared to the soy protein-based diet (SPD). The CHPD maintains higher levels of Lactobacillus species, associated with glutathione synthesis.

CONCLUSION

The CHPD seems favorable for young growing rats in relation to growth performance and absorptive capacity, correlated with changes in the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiota.

Effect of Immune Stress on Growth Performance and Immune Functions of Livestock: Mechanisms and Prevention

Simple Summary

Immune stress is an important stressor in domestic animals that leads to decreased feed intake, slow growth, and reduced disease resistance of pigs and poultry. Especially in high-density animal feeding conditions, the risk factor of immune stress is extremely high, as they are easily harmed by pathogens, and frequent vaccinations are required to enhance the immunity function of the animals. This review mainly describes the causes, mechanisms of immune stress and its prevention and treatment measures. This provides a theoretical basis for further research and development of safe and efficient prevention and control measures for immune stress in animals.

Abstract

Immune stress markedly affects the immune function and growth performance of livestock, including poultry, resulting in financial loss to farmers. It can lead to decreased feed intake, reduced growth, and intestinal disorders. Studies have shown that pathogen-induced immune stress is mostly related to TLR4-related inflammatory signal pathway activation, excessive inflammatory cytokine release, oxidative stress, hormonal disorders, cell apoptosis, and intestinal microbial disorders. This paper reviews the occurrence of immune stress in livestock, its impact on immune function and growth performance, and strategies for immune stress prevention.

Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis Alleviate Intestinal Inflammation and Microbial Disorder Induced by ETEC in a Murine Model

The purpose of this research is to explore the positive effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis on the tissue damage and microbial community in mice challenged by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Twenty-four mice were divided into four groups randomly: the CON group, ETEC group, LP-ETEC group and LB-ETEC group. Our results demonstrated that, compared with the ETEC group, the LP-ETEC and LB-ETEC groups experienced less weight loss and morphological damage of the jejunum. We measured proinflammatory factors of colonic tissue and found that L. plantarum and L. brevis inhibited the expression of proinflammatory factors such as IL-β, TNF-α, and IL-6 and promoted that of the tight junction protein such as claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1. Additionally, L. plantarum and L. brevis altered the impact of ETEC on the intestinal microbial community of mice, significantly increased the abundance of probiotics such as Lactobacillus, and reduced that of pathogenic bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Clostridia, Epsilonproteobacteria, and Helicobacter. Therefore, we believe that L. plantarum and L. brevis can stabilize the intestinal microbiota and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thus protecting mice from the gut inflammation induced by ETEC.

Use of low dosage amino acid blends to prevent stress-related piglet diarrhea

Weaning is a challenging period for piglets associated with reduced feed intake, impairment of gut integrity, and diarrhea. Previous studies demonstrate that supplementation with single functional amino acids (AA) promote piglets' performance due to the improvement of intestinal health. Thus, we hypothesized that a combination of functional AA provided beyond the postulated requirement for growth could facilitate the weaning transition. Ninety piglets, initially stressed after weaning by 100 min overland transport, received a control diet or the same diet supplemented with a low-dosed (0.3%) mixture of AA (AAB-1: L-arginine, L-leucine, L-valine, L-isoleucine, L-cystine; AAB-2: L-arginine, L-leucine, L-valine, L-isoleucine, L-cystine, and L-tryptophan) for 28 days. Fecal consistency was ranked daily, growth performance was assessed weekly. On days 1 and 14 of the trial, blood samples were collected from a subset of 10 piglets per group to assess concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1. After 28 days of feeding, tissues were obtained from the same piglets to analyze gut morphology and relative mRNA expression of genes related to gut function. Even if the stress response as indicated by rectal temperature was not different between the groups, pigs supplemented with AAB-2 showed firmer feces after weaning and less days with diarrhea compared to control. Furthermore, the jejunal expression of the MUC-2 gene was reduced (P < 0.05) in group AAB-2. Both AA mixtures increased crypt depth in the duodenum. Collectively, the given results indicate that 0.3% extra AA supplementation might alleviate postweaning diarrhea but did not alter growth performance of weanling piglets.

Research Progress on Oxidative Stress and Its Nutritional Regulation Strategies in Pigs

Oxidative stress refers to the dramatic increase in the production of free radicals in human and animal bodies or the decrease in the ability to scavenging free radicals, thus breaking the antioxidation-oxidation balance. Various factors can induce oxidative stress in pig production. Oxidative stress has an important effect on pig performance and healthy growth, and has become one of the important factors restricting pig production. Based on the overview of the generation of oxidative stress, its effects on pigs, and signal transduction pathways, this paper discussed the nutritional measures to alleviate oxidative stress in pigs, in order to provide ideas for the nutritional research of anti-oxidative stress in pigs.

The influence on oxidative stress markers, inflammatory factors and intestinal injury-related molecules in Wahui pigeon induced by lipopolysaccharide

INTRODUCTION

The intestinal structure is the foundation for various activities and functions in poultry. An important question concerns the changes in the intestinal status under endotoxin stimulation. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of intestinal injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Wahui pigeons.

METHODS

Thirty-six 28-day-old healthy Wahui pigeons were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group was injected with LPS (100 μg/kg) once per day for five days, and the control group was treated with the same amount of sterile saline. Blood and the ileum were collected from pigeons on the first, third, and fifth days of the experiment and used for oxidative stress assessment, inflammatory factor detection, histopathological examination, and positive cell localization. In addition, intestinal injury indices and mRNA expression levels (tight junction proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and factors related to autophagy and apoptosis) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Villi in the ileum were shorter in the LPS group than in the control group, and D-lactic acid levels in the serum were significantly increased. Glutathione and catalase levels significantly decreased, but the malondialdehyde content in the serum increased. TNF-α and IL-10 were detected at higher levels in the serum, with stronger positive signals and higher mRNA expression levels, in the LPS group than in the control group. In addition, the levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and HMGB1 in the inflammatory signaling pathway were also upregulated. Finally, the mRNA expression of Claudin3, Occludin, and ZO-1 was significantly decreased; however, that of Beclin1 and Atg5 was increased in the LPS group.

CONCLUSION

Ileal pathological changes and oxidative stress were caused by LPS challenge; it is proposed that this triggering regulates the inflammatory response, causing excessive autophagy and apoptosis, promoting intestinal permeability, and leading to intestinal injury in Wahui pigeons.

Puerarin enhances intestinal function in piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus

Puerarin has been reported to be an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, but the potential effect of puerarin on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is unclear. This study aimed to determine whether puerarin could alleviate intestinal injury in piglets infected with PEDV. A PEDV (Yunnan province strain) infection model was applied to 7-day-old piglets at 104.5 TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose). Piglets were orally administered with puerarin at the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg body weight from day 5 to day 9. On day 9 of the trial, piglets were inoculated orally with PEDV. Three days later, jugular vein blood and intestinal samples were collected. Results showed puerarin reduced morbidity of piglets infected with PEDV. In addition, puerarin reduced the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase to serum alanine aminotransferase, the number of white blood cells and neutrophils, and the plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as protein abundances of heat shock protein-70 in PEDV-infected piglets. Moreover, puerarin increased D-xylose concentration but decreased intestinal fatty acid-binding protein concentration and diamine oxidase activity in the plasma of piglets infected with PEDV. Puerarin increased the activities of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, while decreasing the activities of myeloperoxidase and concentration of hydrogen peroxide in both the intestine and plasma of PEDV-infected piglets. Puerarin decreased mRNA levels of glutathione S-transferase omega 2 but increased the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Furthermore, puerarin increased the abundance of total eubacteria (16S rRNA), Enterococcus genus, Lactobacillus genus and Enterobacteriaceae family in the intestine, but reduced the abundance of Clostridium coccoides in the caecum. These data indicate puerarin improved intestinal function in piglets infected by PEDV and may be a promising supplement for the prevention of PEDV infection.

Impact of N-Acetylcysteine on the Gut Microbiota in the Piglets Infected With Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus

This study was to investigate the impact of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the gut microbiota in the healthy piglets and the piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Forty seven-day-old piglets were allocated into four groups: control group, NAC group (supplemented with 50 mg/kg body weight NAC), PEDV group (inoculated with 10^4.5 TCID₅₀ PEDV), and PEDV+NAC group (PEDV infection + NAC supplementation). The intestinal content was collected for DNA extraction and Illumina sequencing. The PEDV-infected piglets displayed distinct bacterial communities compared to the healthy piglets. PEDV infection decreased the abundance of Shigella and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Odoribacter, Anaerovibrio, Helicobacter, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, and Sutterella; affected several functions associated with metabolism, barrier, and immune. NAC supplementation decreased the abundance of unclassified Rikenellaceae and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus in the healthy piglets, decreased the abundance of Oscillospira and Prevotella and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus in the PEDV-infected piglets; altered multiple functions involving in amino acid metabolism, cell signaling, cellular community, disease-related pathways, endocrine, and excretory system. In conclusion, PEDV infection caused severe dysbiosis of gut microbiome, whereas NAC supplementation played a positive role in regulating the gut microbiome during PEDV infection. Therefore, substances that can regulate gut microbiota could be ideal candidates to prevent or treat PEDV infection.

Imbalanced dietary methionine-to-sulfur amino acid ratio can affect amino acid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of piglets

Animal protein sources such as fishmeal and plasma powder are excellent and indispensable sources of energy, amino acids, and minerals in animal production. Amino acid imbalance, especially methionine-to-sulfur amino acid (Met:SAA) ratio, caused by an imbalance of animal protein meal leads to growth restriction. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of imbalanced Met:SAA ratio supplementation of different animal protein source diets on growth performance, plasma amino acid profiles, antioxidant capacity and intestinal morphology in a piglet model. Twenty-four weaned piglets (castrated males; BW = 10.46 ± 0.34 kg), assigned randomly into 3 groups (8 piglets/group), were fed for 28 d. Three experimental diets of equal energy and crude protein levels were as follows: 1) a corn-soybean basal diet with a Met:SAA ratio at 0.51 (BD); 2) a plasma powder diet with a low Met:SAA ratio at 0.41 (L-MR); 3) a fishmeal diet with a high Met:SAA ratio at 0.61 (H-MR). Results revealed that compared to BD, L-MR significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the activities of plasma total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase, plasma amino acid profiles, and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum. Additionally, L-MR significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression level of solute carrier family 7 member 9 (SlC7A9) in the ileum, and significantly increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the duodenum, and Claudin-1, ZO-1, sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporters 2 (SNAT2) and SlC7A7 in the jejunum. H-MR significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma SAA levels, and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, villus height, and villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio in the ileum compared to BD. In conclusion, L-MR may result in oxidative stress and villous atrophy but proves beneficial in improving intestinal barrier function and the activity of amino acid transporters for compensatory growth. H-MR may impair intestinal growth and development for weaned piglets. The research provides a guidance on the adequate Met:SAA ratio (0.51) supplementation in diet structure for weaned piglets.

The effects of zinc amino acid complex on biomarkers of gut integrity, inflammation, and metabolism in heat-stressed ruminants

Study objectives were to evaluate the effects of replacing 40 mg/kg of dietary Zn from Zn sulfate (ZS) with Zn amino acid complex (ZA; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN) on inflammation and intestinal integrity in heat-stressed and pair-fed (PF) ruminants. Forty Holstein steers (173.6 ± 4.9 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary-environmental treatments: (1) thermoneutral (TN) ad libitum with 75 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) ZS (ZSCON); (2) TN pair-fed with 75 mg/kg DM ZS (ZSPF); (3) TN pair-fed with 40 mg/kg DM ZA and 35 mg/kg DM ZS (ZAPF); (4) heat stress (HS) ad libitum with 75 mg/kg DM ZS (ZSHS); and (5) HS ad libitum 40 mg/kg DM ZA and 35 mg/kg DM ZS (ZAHS). Before study initiation, calves were fed their respective diets for 21 d. Following the pre-feeding phase, steers were transferred into environmental chambers and were subjected to 2 successive experimental periods. During period 1 (5 d), all steers were fed their respective diets ad libitum and housed in TN conditions (20.2 ± 1.4°C, 30.4 ± 4.3% relative humidity). During period 2 (6 d), ZSHS and ZAHS steers were exposed to cyclical HS conditions (27.1 ± 1.5°C to 35.0 ± 2.9°C, 19.3 ± 3.5% relative humidity), whereas the ZSCON, ZSPF, and ZAPF steers remained in TN conditions and were fed ad libitum or pair-fed relative to their ZSHS and ZAHS counterparts. Overall, steers exposed to HS had markedly increased rectal temperature (0.83°C), respiration rate (26 breaths per min), and skin temperature (8.00°C) relative to TN treatments. Rectal temperature from ZAHS steers was decreased (0.24°C) on d 4 to 6 of HS relative to ZSHS steers. Regardless of diet, HS decreased DMI (18%) relative to ZSCON steers. Circulating glucose from HS and PF steers decreased (16%) relative to ZSCON steers. Heat stress and nutrient restriction increased circulating nonesterified fatty acids 2- and 3-fold, respectively, compared with ZSCON steers. Serum amyloid A increased ~2-fold in PF relative to ZSCON and HS steers. We detected no treatment effect on blood pH; however, ZAHS steers had increased HCO₃ relative to ZSHS. Relative to ZSHS, ZAHS steers had increased jejunum villi height (25%), a tendency for increased ileum villi height (9%), and decreased duodenal villi width (16%). In summary, ZA supplementation has some beneficial effects on thermal indices, intestinal architecture characteristics, and biomarkers of leaky gut in heat-stressed steers, indicative of an ameliorated heat load, and thus may be a nutritional strategy to minimize negative consequences of HS.

Betulinic Acid Ameliorates the T-2 Toxin-Triggered Intestinal Impairment in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

T-2 toxin, a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium, is widely distributed in crops and animal feed and frequently induces intestinal damage. Betulinic acid (BA), a plant-derived pentacyclic lupane-type triterpene, possesses potential immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological properties. The current study aimed to explore the protective effect and molecular mechanisms of BA on intestinal mucosal impairment provoked by acute exposure to T-2 toxin. Mice were intragastrically administered BA (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks and then injected intraperitoneally with T-2 toxin (4 mg/kg) once to induce an intestinal impairment. BA pretreatment inhibited the loss of antioxidant capacity in the intestine of T-2 toxin-treated mice by elevating the levels of CAT, GSH-PX and GSH and reducing the accumulation of MDA. In addition, BA pretreatment alleviated the T-2 toxin-triggered intestinal immune barrier dysregulation by increasing the SIgA level in the intestine at dosages of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, increasing IgG and IgM levels in serum at dosages of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg and restoring the intestinal C3 and C4 levels at a dosage of 1 mg/kg. BA administration at a dosage of 1 mg/kg also improved the intestinal chemical barrier by decreasing the serum level of DAO. Moreover, BA pretreatment improved the intestinal physical barrier via boosting the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin mRNAs and restoring the morphology of intestinal villi that was altered by T-2 toxin. Furthermore, treatment with 1 mg/kg BA downregulated the expression of p-NF-κB and p-IκB-α proteins in the intestine, while all doses of BA suppressed the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNAs and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine expression of IL-10 mRNA in the intestine of T-2 toxin-exposed mice. BA was proposed to exert a protective effect on intestinal mucosal disruption in T-2 toxin-stimulated mice by enhancing the intestinal antioxidant capacity, inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and repairing intestinal mucosal barrier functions, which may be associated with BA-mediated inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway activation.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 attenuates intestinal mucosal barrier injury through the MLCK/pMLC signaling pathway in a piglet model

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), an intestinotrophic hormone, has drawn considerable attention worldwide due to its potential to promote intestinal development. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of GLP-2 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation and injury both in vitro and in vivo. Forty healthy piglets weaned at the age of 28 days with similar body weight (BW) were assigned to four in vivo treatments with ten piglets each: (i) nonchallenged control; (ii) LPS-challenged control; (iii) LPS + low dose GLP-2; and (iv) LPS + high dose GLP-2. Piglets were subcutaneously injected with phosphate-buffered saline supplemented with GLP-2 at doses of 0, 0, 2, and 10 nmol/kg BW per day for seven consecutive days. The piglets were challenged with an intraperitoneal injection with 100 μg/kg LPS on day 14 to induce intestinal damage. After that, the gene and protein expression levels of representative tight junction proteins and myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK)/phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC), as well as proinflammatory cytokine levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. A high dose of GLP-2 pretreatment increased intestinal permeability by downregulating and redistributing tight junction proteins (p < .05), for example, zona occluden-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. GLP-2 decreased the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines genes including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α in small intestines (p < .05). GLP-2 prevented the LPS-induced increase in the expression of MLCK dose-dependently and the increase in pMLC levels in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. To assess further the protective effect of GLP-2 on LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury after weaning and its possible mechanism, an in vitro intestinal epithelial barrier model was established with IPEC-J2 monolayers and treated with 100 μg/ml LPS with or without 1 × 10^-8  mol/L GLP-2 pretreatment. The in vitro analysis included control, LPS, and GLP-2 + LPS treatments. GLP-2 treatment alleviated the destructive effect of LPS on barrier permeability by restoring the expression and ultrastructure of ZO-1 and occludin (p < .05). In addition, GLP-2 reversed the LPS-induced MLCK hyperexpression and pMLC hyperphosphorylation (p < .05). Taken together, our findings revealed a mechanism by which GLP-2 alleviated LPS-challenged intestinal barrier injury and inflammation in weaned piglets and IPEC-J2 cells via the MLCK/pMLC signaling pathway.

Dietary β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate improves intestinal function in weaned piglets after lipopolysaccharide challenge

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on intestinal function of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets.

METHODS

Forty weaned piglets were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The major factors were challenge (saline or LPS) and diet (basal diet or 0.6% HMB-Ca diet). After 15 d of treatment with LPS or HMB, blood and intestine samples were obtained.

RESULTS

The results showed that in LPS-injected pigs, HMB supplementation significantly increased jejunal villus height and ileal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio and decreased ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05). HMB also improved intestinal function indicated by elevated activities of intestinal mucosal disaccharidase and tricarboxylic acid cycle key enzymes. Furthermore, HMB significantly downregulated mRNA expression of Sirt1 in jejunum and mRNA expression of AMPKα1 and Sirt1 in ileum (P < 0.05), with a concurrent decrease of AMPKα phosphorylation in jejunum and ileum. Microbiota analysis indicated that HMB supplementation significantly increased α-diversity and affected relative abundances of Romboutsia and Sarcina at the genus level, accompanied by increased concentrations of all short-chain fatty acids except propionate in the terminate ileum of LPS-injected piglets.

CONCLUSION

Dietary HMB supplementation could improve intestinal integrity, function, microbiota communities, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations in LPS-challenged piglets, suggesting its potential usage as a feed additive in weaned piglets to alleviate intestinal dysfunction triggered by immune stress.

Pravastatin Alleviates Radiation Proctitis by Regulating Thrombomodulin in Irradiated Endothelial Cells

Although radiotherapy plays a crucial in the management of pelvic tumors, its toxicity on surrounding healthy tissues such as the small intestine, colon, and rectum is one of the major limitations associated with its use. In particular, proctitis is a major clinical complication of pelvic radiotherapy. Recent evidence suggests that endothelial injury significantly affects the initiation of radiation-induced inflammation. The damaged endothelial cells accelerate immune cell recruitment by activating the expression of endothelial adhesive molecules, which participate in the development of tissue damage. Pravastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug, exerts persistent anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects on irradiated endothelial cells and inhibits the interaction of leukocytes and damaged endothelial cells. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of pravastatin on radiation-induced endothelial damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cell and a murine proctitis model. Pravastatin attenuated epithelial damage and inflammatory response in irradiated colorectal lesions. In particular, pravastatin improved radiation-induced endothelial damage by regulating thrombomodulin (TM) expression. In addition, exogenous TM inhibited leukocyte adhesion to the irradiated endothelial cells. Thus, pravastatin can inhibit endothelial damage by inducing TM, thereby alleviating radiation proctitis. Therefore, we suggest that pharmacological modulation of endothelial TM may limit intestinal inflammation after irradiation.

Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Antiviral and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Puerarin in Piglets Infected With Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has caused enormous economic losses to the swine industry worldwide in recent years. Puerarin (PR), a major isoflavonoid isolated from the Chinese herb Gegen, possesses many pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral activities. This study was conducted with both PEDV-infected African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and neonatal pigs to determine the effect of PR on PEDV infection and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by using proteomic analyses. Twenty-four piglets fed a milk replacer were randomly allocated into one of three groups (Control, PEDV, and PEDV + PR). After a 5-day period of adaption, piglets (n = 8/group) in the PEDV + PR were orally administered with PR (0.5 mg/kg body weight) between days 5 and 9, whereas piglets in the other two groups received the same volume of liquid milk replacer. On day 9, piglets were orally administered with either sterile saline or PEDV (Yunnan province strain) at 10^4.5 TCID₅₀ (50% tissue culture infectious dose) per pig. On day 12 of the trial, jugular vein blood and intestinal samples were collected. In addition, Vero cells were assigned randomly into three groups (Control, PEDV, PEDV + PR). Cells in the PEDV and PEDV + PR groups were infected with PEDV at a multiplicity of infection of 0.01, while cells in the control group were treated with the same volume of sterile saline. One hour later, cells in the Control and PEDV groups were cultured in serum-free DMEM, while cells in the PEDV + PR group were supplemented with PR. After 36 h of culture, cells were harvested. PR attenuated the reductions in cell proliferation in vitro and growth performance in PEDV-infected piglets, and inhibited PEDV replication and the expression of several cytokines (including IL-8) both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomic analyses identified that the abundances of 29 proteins in the ileum were altered by PEDV infection and restored to the control level by PR. Pathway analyses revealed that PR restored the expression of several interferon-stimulated genes and selectively upregulated the expression of guanylate-binding proteins. Western blot analyses showed that PR supplementation inhibited the PEDV-induced NF-κB activation. Collectively, these results indicate that PR could exert antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in piglets infected with PEDV and have the potential to be an effective antiviral feed additive.

Microarray analysis reveals the inhibition of intestinal expression of nutrient transporters in piglets infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection can induce intestinal dysfunction, resulting in severe diarrhea and even death, but the mode of action underlying these viral effects remains unclear. This study determined the effects of PEDV infection on intestinal absorption and the expression of genes for nutrient transporters via biochemical tests and microarray analysis. Sixteen 7-day-old healthy piglets fed a milk replacer were randomly allocated to one of two groups. After 5-day adaption, piglets (n = 8/group) were orally administrated with either sterile saline or PEDV (the strain from Yunnan province) at 10^4.5 TCID₅₀ (50% tissue culture infectious dose) per pig. All pigs were orally infused D-xylose (0.1 g/kg BW) on day 5 post PEDV or saline administration. One hour later, jugular vein blood samples as well as intestinal samples were collected for further analysis. In comparison with the control group, PEDV infection increased diarrhea incidence, blood diamine oxidase activity, and iFABP level, while reducing growth and plasma D-xylose concentration in piglets. Moreover, PEDV infection altered plasma and jejunal amino acid profiles, and decreased the expression of aquaporins and amino acid transporters (L-type amino acid transporter 1, sodium-independent amino acid transporter, B(°^,+)-type amino acid transport protein, sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter 1, sodium-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter 3, and peptide transporter (1), lipid transport and metabolism-related genes (lipoprotein lipase, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein A4, apolipoprotein C2, solute carrier family 27 member 2, solute carrier family 27 member 4, fatty acid synthase, and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (3), and glucose transport genes (glucose transporter-2 and insulin receptor) in the jejunum. However, PEDV administration increased mRNA levels for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1, argininosuccinate synthase 1, sodium/glucose co-transporter-1, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the jejunum. Collectively, these comprehensive results indicate that PEDV infection induces intestinal injury and inhibits the expression of genes encoding for nutrient transporters.

Influence of supplemented coated-cysteamine on morphology, apoptosis and oxidative stress status of gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND

Cysteamine was coated to cover its odor and maintain the stability. However, coated cysteamine (CC) has not been clearly evaluated for its effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa status. We hypothesize that the appropriate CC supplementation in diet impacts the stomach and intestinal mucosa variously through regulating the morphology, apoptosis, and oxidative stress status in model of pigs.

RESULTS

The results showed that villus height increased (P < 0.05), and crypt depth decreased (P < 0.05) in the ileum when pigs were fed the diet with low cysteamine (LCS) compared with the control diet. The ileal lesion score in the LCS group was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than that in the control group, while the gastric lesion score in the CC group was significantly (P < 0.01) higher compared with that of the control group. It also showed that the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and diamine oxidase (DAO) were upregulated (P < 0.05) in the LCS group. In addition, Bax and caspase 3 immunore-activity increased (P < 0.01), and Bcl-2 immunoreactivity decreased (P < 0.01) in the gastric mucosa of pigs fed the diet with high cysteamine (HCS). The Bax and caspase 3 immunoreactivity decreased (P < 0.01), and Bcl-2 immunoreactivity increased (P < 0.01) in ileum mucosa of pigs fed the HCS diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Although moderate dietary coated cysteamine showed positive effects on GI mucosal morphology, apoptosis, and oxidative stress status, the excess coated cysteamine may cause apoptosis leading to GI damage in pigs.

Rhein protects against barrier disruption and inhibits inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Intestinal epithelial barrier and intestinal inflammation play indispensable roles in the development of intestinal diseases. The major aims of the current study were to investigate the potential of rhein, a major flavonoid compound isolated from Rheum rhabarbarum, in the treatment of intestinal diseases and its underlying mechanisms in vitro.

METHODS

The protective role of rhein on intestinal epithelial barrier was evaluated in a monolayer of IEC-6 cells stimulated by TNF-α, while the anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in an IEC-6 cell model with LPS stimulation.

RESULTS

Rhein inhibited the increase of phenol red flux and the decrease of TEER, as well as recovered the expression and distribution of ZO-1 and weakened MLC phosphorylation, MLCK expression and NF-κB activation. Meanwhile, LPS-stimulated IL-1β and IL-6 were down-regulated, expression levels of TLR4, NLRP3 and cleaved caspase1 were weakened and NF-κB was inactivated.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that rhein has potential therapeutic effects against intestinal diseases by maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier and suppressing intestinal inflammation.