The structural characteristics of dietary fibers from Tremella fuciformis and their hypolipidemic effects in mice

In this study,Tremella fuciformis residues as raw material,dietary fibers from tremella were prepared by multiple enzymes.The structure of dietary fibers from tremella was studied by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).We analyzed their lipidlowering properties in vitro(water holding,oil holding swelling cholesterol and sodium cholate binding capacitises)and the hypolipidemic effects in mice.The results showed that tremella dietary fibers presented the infrared absorption spectrum characteristics of polysaccharides and the characteristic diffraction peaks of cellulose type I.SEM results indicated that the surface of insoluble dietary fiber(IDF)was porous,while the soluble dietary fiber(SDF)was relatively compact and spongy.IDF exhibited significantly higher water holding,oil holding,and swelling binding capacities than the corresponding SDF.However,SDF exhibited significantly higher viscosity than IDF.The results showed tremella dietary fibers were significant in swelling,water holding and oil holding,cholesterol and bile acids.In vivo experiment results in mice indicated that SDF has the best effect on hyperlipidemia mice than IDF and total dietary fiber(TDF).SDF showed that the total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)contents dropped by 28.33%,18.65%,and 48.97%,respectively,while high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)content increased by 43.80%.Compared with the high-fat control(HCM)group,the arteriosclerosis index(AI)and liver index(LI)of the SDF group mice showed significant differences,indicating that SDF has a good auxiliary effect of lowering blood lipids.The administration of tremella fibers improved the lipid metabolism disorderly situation of hyperlipidemia mice.These results provide a reference for further research and rational development of T.fuciformis.

Dietary fibers with low hydration properties exacerbate diarrhea and impair intestinal health and nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets

Background:This study aimed to investigate the hydration properties of different-source fibrous materials by com-paring their water-binding capacity(WBC),water swelling capacity(WSC),viscosity,and in vivo effects of selected samples on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,diarrhea,and intestinal health in weaned piglets.Methods:A total of 13 commercially available fibrous materials were first compared in chemical composition and in vitro hydration property.Subsequently,40 weaned piglets were randomized to five experimental dietary groups(8 piglets per group):control diet(a basal diet without dietary fiber,CON),basal diet supplemented with 5%microcrys-talline cellulose(MCC),5%wheat bran(WB),5%Moringa oleifera leaf powder(MOLP),or 5%sugar beet pulp(SBP),fol-lowed by analyzing their growth performance and diarrhea rate in a 28-d experiment.After the feeding experiment,anaesthetized piglets were killed,and their intestinal and colon content or plasma samples were analyzed in nutrient digestibility,intestinal morphology,intestinal barrier,short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),and bacterial population.Results:In vitro studies showed low hydration properties for WB and MCC,while medium hydration properties for MOLP and SBP.In vivo studies indicated that compared with medium hydration property groups,low hydration prop-erty groups showed(1)exacerbated diarrhea,impaired intestinal health,and reduced apparent fecal digestibility of dry matter,gross energy,acid detergent fiber,and neutral detergent fiber;(2)decreased SCFAs concentration and rela-tive levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium,but increased levels of Escherichia coli and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in colon contents.Additionally,SBP showed optimal performance in reducing diarrhea and increasing SCFAs produc-tion.Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation of fiber hydration properties with in vitro SCFAs production,and diarrhea index and nutrient digestibility were negatively and positively correlated with SCFAs levels in the colon contents of weaned piglets,respectively.Conclusions:Different-source dietary fibers varied in their hydration properties and impacts on diarrhea,microbial composition and SCFAs production in weaned piglets.WB and MCC could exacerbate diarrhea and impair nutrient digestibility,probably because their low hydration properties were detrimental to gut microbial homeostasis and fermentation.Our findings provide new ideas for rational use of fiber resources in weaned piglets.

Comparison of Hypolipidemic Effect of Refined Konjac Meal With Several Common Dietary Fibers and Their Mechanisms of Action

The effects of RKM in comparison with pectin, algin and agar on lipid levels in serum and liver and on liver histopathology in rats were studied. In addition, the effects of all the tested materials on the composition and output of fecal bile acid were observed. All four kinds of dietary fiber were given at a level of 5% of diet to young male rats of Wistar strain fed on a lipid-rich diet contalning 5 % lard, 1% cholesteral and 0. 25 % cholate. All the dietary fibers tested have similar effects on serum lipid composition. In all groups, these substances prevent ed increases in total cholesterol in fasting serum, but the level of triglyceride was tmchangd.The concentrations of totaI cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver were lower in the RKM group than in the control group and the other three groups. Hepatic histopathological exami nation also showed the most significant lipotropic effect in the RKM group. The daily output of fecal bile acids (CDCA+GDCA) was significantly increased in the four experimental groups than in the normal group and the control group. The increase of CDCA was more significant than GDCA, suggesting that the increase of fecal bile acids, especially CDCA, may be one of the mechanisms by which RKM and the other three dietary fibers exerts a hypocholesterolemic effect

Modifi cation of wheat bran insoluble and soluble dietary fibers with snail enzyme

Insoluble dietary fiber(IDF)and soluble dietary fiber(SDF)extracted from wheat bran were modifi ed by snail enzyme and their physicochemical properties(water retention capacity and oil retention capacity),functional properties(cholesterol adsorption capacity,glucose adsorption capacity and antioxidant activity)and structural characterizations were evaluated.The results showed that snail enzyme modification led to the significant increase in oil retention capacity of IDF,glucose adsorption capacity and cholesterol adsorption capacity of IDF and SDF.Enzymatic modification also markedly improved the DPPH radical scavenging capacity and reducing power of IDF and SDF.Meanwhile,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis indicated the microstructures of IDF and SDF powders were signifi cantly changed.Fourier transfer-infrared spectrometry(FT-IR)showed that snail enzyme modifi cation could degrade the part of cellulose and hemicellulose of IDF and SDF.All these improved physicochemical and functional properties of IDF and SDF might depend on their structural changes.It suggested that snail enzyme modifi cation could effectively improve physicochemical and functional properties of IDF and SDF from wheat bran.

Dietary fiber intake and its association with diabetic kidney disease in American adults with diabetes:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Dietary fiber(DF)intake may have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes(T2D);however,its relationship with diabetic kidney disease(DKD)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the potential association between DF intake and the prevalence of DKD in individuals diagnosed with T2D.METHODS This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 2005 and 2018.DF intake was assessed through 24-h dietary recall interviews,and DKD diagnosis in individuals with T2D was based on predefined criteria,including albuminuria,impaired glomerular filtration rate,or a combination of both.Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between DF intake and DKD,and comprehensive subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.RESULTS Among the 6032 participants,38.4%had DKD.With lower DF intake-T1(≤6.4 g/1000 kcal/day)-as a reference,the adjusted odds ratio for DF and DKD for levels T2(6.5-10.0 g/1000 kcal/day)and T3(≥10.1 g/1000 kcal/day)were 0.97(95%CI:0.84-1.12,P=0.674)and 0.79(95%CI:0.68-0.92,P=0.002),respectively.The subgroup analysis yielded consistent results across various demographic and health-related subgroups,with no statistically significant interactions(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION In United States adults with T2D,increased DF intake may be related to reduced DKD incidence.Further research is required to confirm these findings.

Impact of Inulin Extracted, Purified from (Chicory and Globe Artichoke) Roots and the Combination with Maltodextrin as Prebiotic Dietary Fiber on the Functional Properties of Stirred Bio-Yogurt

Inulin is a prebiotic dietary fiber that plays an integral role in producing functional dairy products with improved health benefits. Therefore, the objectives of this study are as follows: extract and purify inulin from chicory roots and globe artichoke roots;evaluate the physicochemical, functional properties and functional groups of the purified inulin;determine the functional properties of chicory roots inulin-maltodextrin and globe artichoke roots inulin-maltodextrin and compare it with that of the commercial inulin;examine the impact of various inulin on physiochemical, microstructural, textural, sensory characteristics and as prebiotic dietary fiber on probiotic bacteria’s viability of stirred bio-yogurt. The characteristics of the microstructure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy to detect the functional group. The resulting inulin exhibited a high yield and purity along with enhanced functional properties. Stirred bio-yogurt fortified with chicory roots inulin or globe artichoke roots inulin showed enhanced physicochemical, microstructural, microbiological, and overall sensorial acceptability followed by chicory roots inulin-maltodextrin or globe artichoke roots inulin-maltodextrin and the commercial inulin as compared to the control. Stirred bio-yogurt samples can offer various health benefits and wide applications as supplement of prebiotic dietary fiber in dairy industry.

Dietary fiber during gestation improves lactational feed intake of sows by modulating gut microbiota

Background The feed intake of sows during lactation is often lower than their needs.High-fiber feed is usually used during gestation to increase the voluntary feed intake of sows during lactation.However,the mechanism underlying the effect of bulky diets on the appetites of sows during lactation have not been fully clarified.The current study was conducted to determine whether a high-fiber diet during gestation improves lactational feed intake(LFI)of sows by modulating gut microbiota.Methods We selected an appropriate high-fiber diet during gestation and utilized the fecal microbial transplanta-tion(FMT)method to conduct research on the role of the gut microbiota in feed intake regulation of sows during lactation,as follows:high-fiber(HF)diet during gestation(n=23),low-fiber(LF)diet during gestation(n=23),and low-fiber diet+HF-FMT(LFM)during gestation(n=23).Results Compared with the LF,sows in the HF and LFM groups had a higher LFI,while the sows also had higher peptide tyrosine tyrosine and glucagon-like peptide 1 on d 110 of gestation(G110 d).The litter weight gain of piglets during lactation and weaning weight of piglets from LFM group were higher than LF group.Sows given a HF diet had lower Proteobacteria,especially Escherichia-Shigella,on G110 d and higher Lactobacillus,especially Lactobacil-lus_mucosae_LM1 and Lactobacillus_amylovorus,on d 7 of lactation(L7 d).The abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was reduced by HF-FMT in numerically compared with the LF.In addition,HF and HF-FMT both decreased the perinatal concentrations of proinflammatory factors,such as endotoxin(ET),lipocalin-2(LCN-2),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).The concentration of ET and LCN-2 and the abundance of Proteobacteria and Escheri-chia-Shigella were negatively correlated with the LFI of sows.Conclusion The high abundance of Proteobacteria,especially Escherichia-Shigella of LF sows in late gestation,led to increased endotoxin levels,which result in inflammatory responses and adverse effects on the LFI of sows.Add-ing HF during gestation reverses this process by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus,especially Lactobacil-lus_mucosae_LM1 and Lactobacillus_amylovorus.

The effects of dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility in growing pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of total dietary fiber level on nutrient digestibility and the relationship between apparent total tract digestibility of total dietary fiber, and soluble dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber and available energy. Sugar beet pulp was as the only fiber source. The experiment was designed as a 6 x 6 Latin square with an adaptation period of 7 d followed by a 5-d total collection of feces and urine. Feed intake tended to decrease （P =0.] O） as total dietary fiber level increased. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy decreased （P 〈0.0]） when total dietary fiber increased but the digestibility of soluble dietary fiber and insoluble dietary fiber increased （P 〈0.01）. The digestible energy and metabolizable energy content of diets decreased （P 〈0.01） as the total dietary fiber increased.

Dietary fiber in poultry nutrition and their effects on nutrient utilization,performance,gut health,and on the environment:a review

Dietary fiber(DF)was considered an antinutritional factor due to its adverse effects on feed intake and nutrient digestibility.However,with increasing evidence,scientists have found that DF has enormous impacts on the gastrointestinal tract(GIT)development,digestive physiology,including nutrient digestion,fermentation,and absorption processes of poultry.It may help maintain the small and large intestine’s integrity by strengthening mucosal structure and functions and increasing the population and diversity of commensal bacteria in the GIT.Increasing DF content benefits digestive physiology by stimulating GIT development and enzyme production.And the inclusion of fiber at a moderate level in diets also alters poultry growth performance.It improves gut health by modulating beneficial microbiota in the large intestine and enhancing immune functions.However,determining the source,type,form,and level of DF inclusion is of utmost importance to achieve the above-noted benefits.This paper critically reviews the available information on dietary fibers used in poultry and their effects on nutrient utilization,GIT development,gut health,and poultry performance.Understanding these functions will help develop nutrition programs using proper DF at an appropriate inclusion level that will ultimately lead to enhanced DF utilization,overall health,and improved poultry growth performance.Thus,this review will help researchers and industry identify the sources,type,form,and amount of DF to be used in poultry nutrition for healthy,costeffective,and eco-friendly poultry production.

Inclusion of purified dietary fiber during gestation improved the reproductive performance of sows

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impacts of guar gum and cellulose as the source of dietary fiber during gestation on the reproductive performance of sows.Methods: A total of 210 sows(parities 3–6) were randomly allocated into six diets(n = 35) throughout gestation to feed graded levels of dietary fiber(DF), including a corn-soybean meal-based control diet with no wheat bran inclusion(CON, 12.5% DF), a wheat bran-rich diet(DF1, 17.4% DF), and another 4 diets(DF2, 17.7% DF;DF3, 18.1%DF;DF4, 18.4% DF;DF5, 18.8% DF) in which wheat bran were equally substituted by 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% purified FIBER MIX(guar gum and cellulose, 1:4). All sows received similar DE and other nutrients throughout gestation.Results: DF treatment during gestation resulted in normal fecal score(1 to 5 with 1 = dry and 5 = watery) in sows compared with those received the CON diet(P < 0.05). The number of total born piglets had a tendency to be affected by dietary treatment(P = 0.07), and correlation analysis revealed a linear response of total born to dietary fiber levels during gestation(P < 0.01). Sows received the DF2, DF3, and DF5 diets during gestation had a greater ADFI during lactation compared with those in the CON group(P < 0.05) without affecting the daily body weight gain of suckling piglets. Gut microbiota compositions were dramatically changed by the gestation stage and some of those were changed by DF inclusion. Fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate of sows were markedly increased in late gestation, and butyrate contents in feces of gestating sows were significantly affected by DF levels(P < 0.01).Serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory TNF-α were decreased and anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased on day30 of gestation by DF levels(P < 0.05).Conclusions: In summary, increasing dietary fiber levels by guar gum and cellulose during gestation improved the reproductive performance of sows, which might be related to changes in immunity and gut microbiota of sows.

Mini-review on edible mushrooms as source of dietary fiber:Preparation and health benefits

Dietary fiber and high-fiber food products have attracted great attention because of their significant health benefits to consumers.Mushrooms are valuable resources for food,medicine and nutraceuticals.Edible mushroom is considered as a novel source of dietary fiber.The dietary fiber content and composition in edible mushroom vary greatly with its morphological stages including fruit body,mycelium and sclerotium.The focus of this mini-review is on the preparation of dietary fiber from edible mushroom with emphasis on the sclerotium which has the highest level of non-starch polysaccharides.The possible health benefits of mushroom dietary fiber in relationship with boosting the immune system,anticancer functions as well as the control of blood lipids and glucose levels are also discussed.©2013 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Effects of dietary fiber on human health

Dietary fiber(DF)is believed to provide important health benefits and it has become a research hotspot.DF exists in most natural foods,including fruits(16.74%-91.24%),vegetables(6.53%-85.19%),grains(9.76%-69.20%)and so on.DF has different physicochemical properties such as water holding capacity(WHC)(2.01-25.03 g/g),water swelling capacity(WSC)(0.95-23.90 mL/g),oil holding capacity(OHC)(0.65-29.00 g/g),glucose adsorption capacity(GAC)(0.17-4.65 mmol/g),cholesterol adsorption capacity(CAC)(0.03-37.10 mg/g)and viscosity,which make it exhibits different physiological functions such as reducing the risk of obesity,diabetes,cancer,and intestinal diseases.On the basis of consulting related databases,the physicochemical properties of DF and its derived physiological functions are reviewed.It is found that DF has effect on the prevention and treatment of obesity due to good WHC,WSC,OHC and CAC.Good GAC can relieve the symptoms of diabetes.The physicochemical properties of WHC and WSC can reduce the risk of cancer.The WHC,WSC and viscosity are beneficial to intestinal health.

Effect of wheat bran insoluble dietary fiber with different particle size on the texture properties, protein secondary structure, and microstructure of noodles

This study was conducted to explore how the insoluble dietary fiber(IDF)of wheat bran with different particle size affects the texture properties,water distribution,protein secondary structure and microstructure of noodles.The results suggested that IDF addition increased the cooking loss and decreased the sensory evaluation because of the damage on dough structure,while as the IDF particle size decreased,the sensory score increased from 78.8 to 82.3 and cooking loss decreased from 8.65%to 7.65%,which could be attributed to that small particle-sized IDF limited the damage on protein network structure,decreased the T22 and t-structure,and increased the β1-structure.Moreover,IDF particle size had a significant correlation with protein secondary structures,texture properties and evaluation score of noodles.In conclusion,adding appropriate particle sizewould be an effectiveway of enhancing the nutritional and textural properties of noodles.

Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Functional and Structural Properties of Dietary Fiber from Peanut Shell

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the drying methods,functional and structure properties of dietary fiber( DF) from peanut shells.[Methods]Peanut shells were used as a raw material to prepare peanut shell dietary fiber( DF) by hot air drying( HA) and vacuum freeze drying( VF),respectively,and their functional and structural characteristics were compared in detail. [Results]The solubility,water holding capacity,oil holding capacity and swelling capacity of HA-DF and VF-DF were 2. 15 %,7. 63 g/g,7. 73 g/g,10. 35 ml/g and 3. 85 %,14. 98 g/g,15. 25 g/g,15. 85 ml/g,respectively. The total phenol contents were 2. 623 and 5. 173 mg GAE/g,respectively. The IC(50) values of ·OH,O2^-· and DPPH free radicals were 4. 16 and 4. 09 mg/ml,7. 90 and 3. 32 mg/ml,and 3. 19 and 3. 09 mg/ml,respectively. The molecular weight of VF-DF was smaller,and it had narrow molecular weight distribution and denser particles. Electron microscopy showed that VF-DF had a porous network like honeycomb and swelled structure. [Conclusions]This study can provide a theoretical basis for the functional modification and comprehensive utilization of peanut shell dietary fiber.

Effects of insoluble dietary fiber from wheat bran on noodle quality

Benefiting from its favorable effects in promoting intestinal peristalsis,increasing satiety and reducing postprandial blood sugar,wheat bran insoluble dietary fiber(IDF)could be added to noodles to improve the nutrition value of noodle products.However,the addition of IDF usually results in an adverse effect on the quality characteristics of fiber fortified products,leading to unfavorable texture and consumption drop.It was found that IDF could weaken dough characteristics,thereby causing the quality deterioration of noodles,but the mechanism is unclear as yet.This study aimed to investigate the effects of different amounts of IDF on the texture quality and cooking quality of noodles.The water distribution,rheological properties,pasting properties and cooking properties of the noodles were determined by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance(LF-NMR),dynamic rheometer,and rapid visco-analyzer.The results of the LF-NMR showed that the increased IDF in the noodles resulted in a contraction of relaxation time and an increase in the proportion of loosely bound water.At a high amount of IDF,the water absorption and tensile distance of the noodles significantly decreased and the cooking loss rate increased,with a downward trend in peak viscosity,final viscosity and setback values.Moreover,IDF could improve the storage modulus and loss modulus of sheeted dough and enhance the texture of noodles.Furthermore,the correlations between IDF addition amounts and rheological properties as well as cooking properties were analyzed,and the results confirmed that noodles with the IDF amount of 2%–4%had higher nutrition and quality.This study provides the basis for future development and improvement of IDF-enriched health foods.

Microbial and metabolomic mechanisms mediating the effects of dietary inulin and cellulose supplementation on porcine oocyte and uterine development

Background:Dietary fiber(DF)is often eschewed in swine diet due to its anti-nutritional effects,but DF is attracting growing attention for its reproductive benefits.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DF intake level on oocyte maturation and uterine development,to determine the optimal DF intake for gilts,and gain microbial and metabolomic insight into the underlying mechanisms involved.Methods:Seventy-six Landrace×Yorkshire(LY)crossbred replacement gilts of similar age(92.6±0.6 d;mean±standard deviation[SD])and body weight(BW,33.8±3.9 kg;mean±SD)were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatment groups(n=19);a basal diet without extra DF intake(DF 1.0),and 3 dietary groups ingesting an extra50%(DF 1.5),75%(DF 1.75),and 100%(DF 2.0)dietary fiber mixture consisting of inulin and cellulose(1:4).Oocyte maturation and uterine development were assessed on 19 d of the 2nd oestrous cycle.Microbial diversity of faecal samples was analysed by high-throughput pyrosequencing(16S r RNA)and blood samples were subjected to untargeted metabolomics.Results:The rates of oocytes showing first polar bodies after in vitro maturation for 44 h and uterine development increased linearly with increasing DF intake;DF 1.75 gilts had a 19.8%faster oocyte maturation rate and a 48.9 cm longer uterus than DF 1.0 gilts(P<0.05).Among the top 10 microbiota components at the phylum level,8increased linearly with increasing DF level,and the relative abundance of 30 of 53 microbiota components at the genus level(>0.1%)increased linearly or quadratically with increasing DF intake.Untargeted metabolic analysis revealed significant changes in serum metabolites that were closely associated with microbiota,including serotonin,a gut-derived signal that stimulates oocyte maturation.Conclusions:The findings provide evidence of the benefits of increased DF intake by supplementing inulin and cellulose on oocyte maturation and uterine development in gilts,and new microbial and metabolomic insight into the mechanisms mediating the effects of DF on reproductive performance of replacement gilts.

Study on Functional and Structure Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber Modified by Extrusion-expansion Technology from Peanut Shells

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using modified peanut dietary fiber as a functional food ingredient. [Methods]Using peanut shells as a test material,the process parameters of soluble dietary fiber( SDF) modified by extrusion and expansion were studied,and the functional and structural characteristics of SDF before and after modification were discussed. [Results] The optimum conditions were as follows: screw speed 200 rpm,temperature 130 ℃ and moisture content 20 %,and the SDF extraction yield was 22. 3%. The modified SDF showed BCmax values of( 378. 5 ± 5. 3),( 278. 3 ± 3. 2)and( 167. 2 ± 2. 5) μmol/g and BCmin of( 30. 4 ± 1. 3),( 63. 4 ± 3. 7) and( 71. 3 ± 4. 2) μmol/L,for Pb,As and Cu,respectively,indicating that the adsorption to the three heavy metals was enhanced. The modified SDF had a porous network like honeycomb and swelled structure. [Conclusions]Therefore,it is feasible to modify SDF by extrusion and expansion.

Review: Effects of Dietary Fiber Levels and Composition on the Intestinal Health of Finishing Pigs

Despite the fact that dietary fiber is predominant in common feedstuff, its level in the diets of monogastrics has seen a proportional increment with the inclusion of co-products. The source and composition of DF could be liable for enormous varieties in their use. A study carried out by scientists proposed that three major components constitute gut health: the diet, the mucosa, and the commensal microbiota. 70% of total body immune cells constitute the gastrointestinal tract of pigs, therefore it is important that it is included when defining intestinal health. Gut health is of substantial importance in the maintenance of growth performance and overall health of monogastrics. The fermentation of DF results in SCFA which enhances mucosal epithelial proliferation and villus height. Nonetheless, supplementing dietary fiber to the diet in moderation may result in an increase in gut size, volume, length and morphological structure of pigs and other non-ruminants. Gut health maintenance exhibits a certain level of complexity and a subtle balance between mucosa, diet, the commensal microflora, including the digestive epithelium and along with mucous overlaying it. The microbial changes of dietary fiber to monosaccharides in the gut include various principal occasions (reactions) intervened by the enzymatic collection of particularized groups from the gut microbiota. Because fermentation is dependent upon source, structure and physio-chemical properties of dietary fiber, it is therefore of great importance to have as much data as possible on various types of dietary fiber and how intestinal health can be enhanced by them. Thus, there is growing evidence that dietary fiber may have prebiotic effects in pigs. In addition, dietary fiber in diets improves pigs well-being by increasing satiety, influencing behaviour and improving overall health. This review aims to shed more light on the dietary fiber levels and composition on the intestinal health of finishing pigs.

A Review of the Associations between Dietary Fiber Intake and Cancer Prevention or Prognosis

The increase in tumor incidence is closely related to dietary factors.In recent years,many researchers have carried out in-depth research to investigate whether increasing the intake of dietary fiber can prevent tumors and improve the prognosis,but the results have been unclear.We herein searched the literature in common academic databases and incorporated and summarized the relevant articles.The literature clearly indicates that dietary fiber can protect against the following cancers:colorectal cancer,breast cancer,pancreatic cancer,ovarian cancer,and head and neck cancer.There is also evidence that dietary fiber intake can exert protective effects against cancers of the liver,lung,stomach,small bowel,kidney,and esophagus,as well as lymphoma,but the data have so far been relatively limited.The effects on endometrial cancer and prostate cancer still remain uncertain.In terms of the effects on the cancer prognosis,dietary fiber does not appear to have an impact on colorectal cancer or breast cancer.Although more research is needed for some kinds of cancer,it is clear that increasing the intake of dietary fiber is beneficial for preventing the occurrence and development of several major types of cancer,with no major adverse effects.We therefore recommend that most of individuals increase their intake of dietary fiber.

Effects of dietary protein restriction on muscle fiber characteristics and m TORC1 pathway in the skeletal muscle of growing-finishing pigs

Background： To investigate the effects of dietary crude protein（CP） restriction on muscle fiber characteristics and key regulators related to protein deposition in skeletal muscle, a total of 18 growing-finishing pigs（62.30 ± 0.88 kg）were allotted to 3 groups and fed with the recommended adequate protein（AP, 16 % CP） diet, moderately restricted protein（MP, 13 % CP） diet and low protein（LP, 10 % CP） diet, respectively. The skeletal muscle of different locations in pigs, including longissimus dorsi muscle（LDM）, psoas major muscle（PMM） and biceps femoris muscle（BFM） were collected and analyzed.Results： Results showed that growing-finishing pigs fed the MP or AP diet improved（P 〈 0.01） the average daily gain and feed： gain ratio compared with those fed the LP diet, and the MP diet tended to increase（P = 0.09） the weight of LDM. Moreover, the ATP content and energy charge value were varied among muscle samples from different locations of pigs fed the reduced protein diets. We also observed that pigs fed the MP diet up-regulated（P 〈 0.05） muscular m RNA expression of all the selected key genes, except that myosin heavy chain（My HC） IIb,My HC IIx, while m RNA expression of ubiquitin ligases genes was not affected by dietary CP level. Additionally, the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1（m TORC1） pathway was stimulated（P 〈 0.05） in skeletal muscle of the pigs fed the MP or AP diet compared with those fed the LP diet.Conclusion： The results suggest that the pigs fed the MP diet could catch up to the growth performance and the LDM weight of the pigs fed the AP diet, and the underlying mechanism may be partly due to the alteration in energy status, modulation of muscle fiber characteristics and m TORC1 activation as well as its downstream effectors in skeletal muscle of different locations in growing-finishing pigs.