The histochemical localization of nitric oxide synthase in mouse intestines

In the present study,the localization of nitric oxide synthase(NOS) in the mouse intestines(duodenum,jejunum,ileum and proximal segment of large intestine) was observed using NADPH-diaphorase(ND) histochemical technique.The results showed that the NOS-pos

Stimulating Effect of Red Beetroot (<i>Beta vulgaris</i>) Juice, Fractioned by Membrane Ultrafiltration, on Iron Absorption in Chicken Intestines

Iron deficiency is one of the leading risk factors for disability and death worldwide. Targeted iron supplementation with pharmaceuticals is widely used, but oral iron salt ingestion often causes side effects—nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. The present study demonstrated that red beetroot juice (RBRJ) contains a compound or compound complex with the ability to specifically stimulate duodenal iron absorption, shown in experiments in vitro, in situ and in vivo. The effect does not depend on juice sugar and ascorbic acid concentration. Fractionated RBRJ impact on iron absorption is dose dependent. This phenomenon is described for the first time.

Effect of Xylanase on mRNA Expression of Cationic Amino Acid Transporters in Intestines of Broilers

480 healthy 1-day-old male yellow-feathered chickens were selected and assigned randomly into groups A and B,each having 6 pens with 40 birds per pen.The birds in group A were fed with wheatbased diet and group B with wheat-based diet supplemented with xylanase(1.2×l0~4 U/kg diet).On day 16,two birds per replication with average live weight were selected and sacrificed.Tissue samples of jejunum and ileum were collected to detect mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters using RT-PCR.The results showed that xylanase significantly increased the abundance of mRNA for rBAT and CAT4 in the intestines of broilers fed with wheat-based diets(P<0.05)and had a tendency to increase the mRNA expression of y^+LAT2 and CAT1 in jejunum(P>0.05),y^+LAT2,CAT1 and CAT4 in ileum(P>0.05).The treatment had no effect on the expression of rBAT mRNA in ileum(P>0.05).

Prevention of La^(3+) on DNA Damage Caused by Hg^(2+) from Fish Intestines

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rare earth elements （REEs） in preventing Hg^2＋ pollution, using fish intestinal DNA in vitro and study the mechanism of the interactions between Hg^2＋ , La^3＋ , the mixture of La^3＋ and Hg^2＋ and DNA by spectroscopy. The interactions between Hg^2＋ , La^3＋ , the mixture of La^3＋ and Hg^2＋ and DNA from fish intestine in vitro was investigate by using absorption spectrum and fluorescence emission spectrum. Ultraviolet absorption spectra indicated that the addition of Hg^2＋ , La^3＋ , and the mixture of La^3＋ and Hg^2＋ to DNA generated obvious hypochromic effect. Meanwhile, the 205.2 nm peak of DNA blue and the 258.2 nm peak of DNA red shifted. The hypochromic effect and peak shift was caused by these ions in an order of Hg^2＋ 〉 Hg^2＋ ＋ La^3＋ 〉 La^3＋ . The fluorescence emission spectra showed that as the addition of Hg^2＋ , La^3＋ , and the mixture of La^3＋ and Hg^2＋ , the emission peak at about 416.2 nm of DNA did not obviously change, but the fluorescence intensity reduced gradually with the order in treatment was Hg^2＋ 〉 Hg^2＋ 〉 La^3＋ 〉 La^3＋ . Hg^2＋ , La^3＋ , and the mixture of La^3＋ and Hg^2＋ had 1.12, 0.58, and 0.81 binding sites to DNA, the fluorescence quenching of DNA caused by them all attributed to static quenching. The binding constants KA of binding sites were 3.82×10^4 and 4.22×10^2 L·mol^-1 ; 2.50×10^4 and 2.95×10^3 L·mol^-1 ; 3.05×10^4 and 1.00×10^3 L·mol^-1. The results showed that La^3＋ could relieve destruction caused by Hg^2＋ on the DNA structure.

The Expression of Surfactant Proteins A and D in the Intestines and Pancreas of Murine Fetuses

Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of surfactant proteins in the intes-tines and pancreas of murine fetuses. Methods: Immunostaining for SP-A and SP-D was assessed in the small intestine and pancreas of ICR murine fetuses on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation (normal duration of pregnancy: 19 - 21 days). RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of spa and spd mRNA in the small intestine and pancreas on day 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Results: Immunoreactivity for SP-A and SP-D in the acinar cells of pancreas and intestinal mucosal surface were positive on day 16 of gestation onward. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of spa and spd mRNA was significant in the pancreas but weak in the small intestine. Conclusions: Our data revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the fetal intestines and pancreas and that a significant expression of spa and spd mRNA is detected in the fetal pancreas. Pancreas may be a possible organ involved in the synthesis and secretion of surfactant proteins into the intestinal lumen.

Histological and Morphological Study of the Intestines of Wistar Rat Fetuses in a Modified Gastroschisis Experimental Model

In gastroschisis (G), the lesion degree of exposed intestinal segments is related to the time of its contact with the amniotic fluid (AF) and exposure to meconium which is the cause of intestinal morphological and histological alterations. The outcome of these alterations is intestinal hypoperistalsis and nutrient absorption deficiency, which contribute to increased morbidity and high medical-hospital costs. In this study, morphological and histological intestine alterations were identified at two different contact occasions with AF. Experimental gastroschisis (G) was performed on Wistar rat fetuses at a single gestational age on day 18.5th. The fetuses were removed on the 20.5th (G-1) and 21.5th days (G-2). Fetuses of both groups were divided in 3 sub-groups: control (C), gastroschisis (G) and sham (S). Measurements were taken of the Whole Set including fetus, placenta and membranes with AF (WS), fetus body weight (BW), intestinal weight (IW) and their diameters (DI). The objective of the present study is to test a new gastroschisis experimental model and identify differences in morphological and histological alterations in these two gestational periods that may be directly related to intestinal motility disorders in G. The WS and BW presented no significant statistical difference when compared G1 and G2. The results of the intestine average weight of G2 fetuses were significantly higher when compared to G1 fetuses in all subgroups (C: p = 0.02;G: p = 0.01;S: p = 0.02, Mann Whitney). The results of the intestinal average diameters (D/d) in G1 and G2 presented significant statistical difference only in G subgroup (p Kruskal Wallis). When compared intestinal average diameters, there was significant statistical difference of G fetuses in G1 and G2 (p Mann Whitney). In conclusion, the present experimental G model was adequate to reproduce G in rat fetuses. All G fetuses presented significant statistical difference when compared to other group in their subgroup and when compared G1 and G2 (p < 0.05). These alterations can explain the difficulties in accomplishing adequate peristalsis in G neonate bearers.

CXCR5^(+)PD-1^(++)CD4^(+)T cells colonize infant intestines early in life and promote B cell maturation

Gastrointestinal infections are a major cause for serious clinical complications in infants.The induction of antibody responses by B cells is critical for protective immunity against infections and requires CXCR5+PD-1++CD4+T cells(TFH cells).We investigated the ontogeny of CXCR5+PD-1++CD4+T cells in human intestines.While CXCR5+PD-1++CD4+T cells were absent in fetal intestines,CXCR5+PD-1++CD4+T cells increased after birth and were abundant in infant intestines,resulting in significant higher numbers compared to adults.These findings were supported by scRNAseq analyses,showing increased frequencies of CD4+T cells with a TFH gene signature in infant intestines compared to blood.Co-cultures of autologous infant intestinal CXCR5+PD-1+/−CD4+T cells with B cells further demonstrated that infant intestinal TFH cells were able to effectively promote class switching and antibody production by B cells.Taken together,we demonstrate that functional TFH cells are numerous in infant intestines,making them a promising target for oral pediatric vaccine strategies.

EFFECTS OF TRANSPORT STRESS ON THE INTESTINES INVOLVING NEURONAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE

Transport stress is commonly suffered by animals with gastrointestinal dysfunction a common symptom.Currently,the mechanisms of transport stress-induced intestine impairment are largely unknown.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transport stress on the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS)and the distribution of nNOS-positive neurons of the intestines in rats and to explore the neuroendocrine mechanism of transport stress.In this study,Sprague Dawley rats(n=6)were subjected on a constant temperature shaker for 1(S1d)or 3 d(S3d).Rats exhibited increased serum glucose and diminished total number of leukocytes,in which lymphocytes level was also decreased in the S1d group(P<0.05).Also,normal intestinal morphology was disrupted in the S1d rats,and the thickness of muscle layers was decreased in duodenum,jejunum and colon of S3d rats.In addition,it was found that nNOS expression,as well as the number of nNOSpositive neurons in the myenteric plexus were downregulated in duodenum,jejunum and colon of S3d rats compared with that of unstressed rats(P<0.05).These data reveals that transport stress induced intestinal damage and uncovers potential action mechanisms that nNOS-positive neurons and nNOS expression might be involved in modulating this process.

Blautia producta displays potential probiotic properties against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

Blautia has attracted attention because of its potential efficacy in ameliorating host energy metabolism and inflammation.This study aims to investigate the influences of Blautia producta D4 on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)and to reveal the underlying mechanisms.Results showed that B.producta D4 intervention significantly relieved body weight loss,and suppressed the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines(including interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β))and excessive oxidative stress(myeloperoxidease(MPO)activity,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity,glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)activity,and malondialdehyde(MDA)level)in colitis mice.Moreover,the concentrations of tight junction proteins(occludin,claudin-1,and ZO-1)related to the intestinal barrier were obviously elevated,and colitis-related TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation was remarkably inhibited after B.producta D4 intervention.The intestinal microbial disorder was evidently ameliorated by increasing the relative abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1,Bifidobacterium,GCA-900066225,Enterorhabdus,and reducing the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group.In conclusion,oral administration of B.producta D4 could ameliorate DSS-induced colitis by suppressing inflammatory responses,maintaining the intestinal barrier,inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway,and regulating intestinal microbiota balance.These results are conducive to accelerate the development of B.producta D4 as a functional probiotic for colitis.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis contributes toα-synuclein-related pathology associated with C/EBPβ/AEP signaling activation in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunction.Gastrointestinal dysfunction can precede the onset of motor symptoms by several years.Gut microbiota dysbiosis is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease,whether it plays a causal role in motor dysfunction,and the mechanism underlying this potential effect,remain unknown.CCAAT/enhancer binding proteinβ/asparagine endopeptidase(C/EBPβ/AEP)signaling,activated by bacterial endotoxin,can promoteα-synuclein transcription,thereby contributing to Parkinson’s disease pathology.In this study,we aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiota in C/EBPβ/AEP signaling,α-synuclein-related pathology,and motor symptoms using a rotenone-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease combined with antibiotic-induced microbiome depletion and fecal microbiota transplantation.We found that rotenone administration resulted in gut microbiota dysbiosis and perturbation of the intestinal barrier,as well as activation of the C/EBP/AEP pathway,α-synuclein aggregation,and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuron loss in the substantia nigra in mice with motor deficits.However,treatment with rotenone did not have any of these adverse effects in mice whose gut microbiota was depleted by pretreatment with antibiotics.Importantly,we found that transplanting gut microbiota derived from mice treated with rotenone induced motor deficits,intestinal inflammation,and endotoxemia.Transplantation of fecal microbiota from healthy control mice alleviated rotenone-induced motor deficits,intestinal inflammation,endotoxemia,and intestinal barrier impairment.These results highlight the vital role that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays in inducing motor deficits,C/EBPβ/AEP signaling activation,andα-synuclein-related pathology in a rotenone-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.Additionally,our findings suggest that supplementing with healthy microbiota may be a safe and effective treatment that could help ameliorate the progression of motor deficits in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Qualitative exploration of home life experiences and care needs among elderly patients with temporary intestinal stomas

BACKGROUND This study employed a phenomenological research approach within qualitative research to explore the challenges encountered by elderly individuals with temporary colostomies in managing their daily lives and care needs.Protecting the anus surgery combined with temporary colostomy has emerged as a prevalent treatment modality for low rectal cancer.However,the ileostomy is susceptible to peri-stoma skin complications,as well as fluid,electrolyte,and nutritional imbalances,posing challenges to effective management.The successful selfmanagement of patients is intricately linked to their adjustment to temporary colostomy;nonetheless,there remains a dearth of research examining the factors influencing self-care among temporary colostomy patients and the obstacles they confront.AIM To investigate the lived experiences,perceptions,and care requirements of temporary colostomy patients within their home environment,with the ultimate goal of formulating a standardized management protocol.METHODS Over the period of June to August 2023,a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 12 patients with temporary intestinal stomas from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai,China.Employing a phenomenological research approach,a semi-structured interview guide was developed,and qualitative interviews were conducted using in-depth interview techniques.The acquired data underwent coding,analysis,organization,and summarization following Colaizzi’s seven-step method.RESULTS The findings of this study revealed that the experiences and needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas can be delineated into four principal themes:Firstly,Temporary colostomy patients bear various burdens and concerns about the uncertainty of disease progression;secondly,patients exhibit limited self-care capabilities and face information deficits,resulting in heightened reliance on healthcare professionals;thirdly,patients demonstrate the potential for internal motivation through proactive self-adjustment;and finally,patients express a significant need for emotional and social support.CONCLUSION Home-living patients with temporary intestinal stomas confront multifaceted challenges encompassing burdens,inadequate self-care abilities,informational deficits,and emotional needs.Identifying factors influencing patients’self-care at home and proposing strategies to mitigate barriers can serve as a foundational framework for developing and implementing nursing interventions tailored to the needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas.

Dietary supplementation of benzoic acid and essential oils combination enhances intestinal resilience against LPS stimulation in weaned piglets

Background The benefits of combining benzoic acid and essential oils(BAO)to mitigate intestinal impairment during the weaning process have been well established,while the detailed underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.Previous research has primarily focused on the reparative effects of BAO on intestinal injury,while neglecting its potential in enhancing intestinal stress resistance.Methods In this study,we investigated the pre-protective effect of BAO against LPS-induced stress using a modified experimental procedure.Piglets were pre-supplemented with BAO for 14 d,followed by a challenge with LPS or saline to collect blood and intestinal samples.Results Our findings demonstrated that BAO supplementation led to significant improvements in piglets’final weight,average daily gain,and feed intake/body gain ratio.Additionally,BAO supplementation positively influenced the composition of intestinal microbiota,increasing beneficial Actinobacteriota and Alloprevotella while reducing harmful Desulfobacterota,Prevotella and Oscillospira.Furthermore,BAO supplementation effectively mitigated oxidative disturbances and inflammatory responses induced by acute LPS challenge.This was evidenced by elevated levels of T-AOC,SOD,and GSH,as well as decreased levels of MDA,TNF-α,and IL-6 in the plasma.Moreover,piglets subjected to LPS challenge and pre-supplemented with BAO exhibited significant improvements in intestinal morphological structure and enhanced integrity,as indicated by restored expression levels of Occludin and Claudin-1 compared to the non-supplemented counterparts.Further analysis revealed that BAO supplementation enhanced the jejunal antioxidative capacity by increasing GSH-Px levels and decreasing MDA levels under the LPS challenge and stimulated the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.Additionally,the reduction of TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways activation and proinflammatory factor were also observed in the jejunal of those piglets fed with BAO.Conclusions In summary,our study demonstrates that pre-supplementation of BAO enhances the anti-stress capacity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal microbiota composition,reinforcing the intestinal barrier,and enhancing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities.These effects are closely associated with the activation of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.

Composition,function,and timing:exploring the early‑life gut microbiota in piglets for probiotic interventions

Background The establishment of a robust gut microbiota in piglets during their early developmental stage holds the potential for long-term advantageous effects.However,the optimal timeframe for introducing probiotics to achieve this outcome remains uncertain.Results In the context of this investigation,we conducted a longitudinal assessment of the fecal microbiota of 63 piglets at three distinct pre-weaning time points.Simultaneously,we gathered vaginal and fecal samples from 23 sows.Employing 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing methodologies,we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the fluctuation patterns in microbial composition,functional capacity,interaction networks,and colonization resistance within the gut microbiota of piglets.As the piglets progressed in age,discernible modifications in intestinal microbial diversity,composition,and function were observed.A source-tracking analysis unveiled the pivotal role of fecal and vaginal microbiota derived from sows in populating the gut microbiota of neonatal piglets.By D21,the microbial interaction network displayed a more concise and efficient configuration,accompanied by enhanced colonization resistance relative to the other two time points.Moreover,we identified three strains of Ruminococcus sp.at D10 as potential candidates for improving piglets’weight gain during the weaning phase.Conclusions The findings of this study propose that D10 represents the most opportune juncture for the introduction of external probiotic interventions during the early stages of piglet development.This investigation augments our comprehension of the microbiota dynamics in early-life of piglets and offers valuable insights for guiding forthcoming probiotic interventions.

Dietary supplementation of zinc oxide modulates intestinal functionality during the post-weaning period in clinically healthy piglets

Background To improve our understanding of host and intestinal microbiome interaction,this research investigated the effects of a high-level zinc oxide in the diet as model intervention on the intestinal microbiome and small intestinal functionality in clinically healthy post-weaning piglets.In study 1,piglets received either a high concentration of zinc(Zn)as zinc oxide(Zn O,Zn,2,690 mg/kg)or a low Zn concentration(100 mg/kg)in the diet during the post weaning period(d 14–23).The effects on the piglet's small intestinal microbiome and functionality of intestinal tissue were investigated.In study 2,the impact of timing of the dietary zinc intervention was investigated,i.e.,between d 0–14 and/or d 14–23 post weaning,and the consecutive effects on the piglet's intestinal functionality,here referring to microbiota composition and diversity and gene expression profiles.Results Differences in the small intestinal functionality were observed during the post weaning period between piglets receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content.A shift in the microbiota composition in the small intestine was observed that could be characterized as a non-pathological change,where mainly the commensals inter-changed.In the immediate post weaning period,i.e.,d 0–14,the highest number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in intestinal tissue were observed between animals receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content,i.e.,23 DEGs in jejunal tissue and 11 DEGs in ileal tissue.These genes are involved in biological processes related to immunity and inflammatory responses.For example,genes CD59 and REG3G were downregulated in the animals receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content in both jejunum and ileum tissue.In the second study,a similar result was obtained regarding the expression of genes in intestinal tissue related to immune pathways when comparing piglets receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content.Conclusions Supplementing a diet with a pharmaceutical level of Zn as Zn O for clinically healthy post weaning piglets influences various aspects intestinal functionality,in particular in the first two weeks post-weaning.The model intervention increased both the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiome and the expression of a limited number of genes linked to the local immune system in intestinal tissue.The effects do not seem related to a direct antimicrobial effect of Zn O.

Rosemary extract improves egg quality by altering gut barrier function,intestinal microbiota and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens

Background Rosemary extract(RE)has been reported to exert antioxidant property.However,the application of RE in late-phase laying hens on egg quality,intestinal barrier and microbiota,and oviductal function has not been systematically studied.This study was investigated to detect the potential effects of RE on performance,egg quality,serum parameters,intestinal heath,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal gene expressions in late-phase laying hens.A total of 21065-week-old“Jing Tint 6”laying hens were randomly allocated into five treatments with six replicates and seven birds per replicate and fed basal diet(CON)or basal diet supplemented with chlortetracycline at 50 mg/kg(CTC)or RE at 50 mg/kg(RE50),100 mg/kg(RE100),and 200 mg/kg(RE200).Results Our results showed that RE200 improved(P<0.05)Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk,serum superoxide dismutase(SOD)compared with CON.No significant differences were observed for Haugh unit and n-6/n-3 of egg yolk among CTC,RE50,RE100 and RE200 groups.Compared with CTC and RE50 groups,RE200 increased serum SOD activity on d 28 and 56.Compared with CON,RE supplementation decreased(P<0.05)total cholesterol(TC)level.CTC,RE100 and RE200 decreased(P<0.05)serum interleukin-6(IL-6)content compared with CON.CTC and RE200 increased jejunal m RNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin compared with CON.The biomarkers of cecal microbiota and metabolite induced by RE 200,including Firmicutes,Eisenbergiella,Paraprevotella,Papillibacter,and butyrate,were closely associated with Haugh unit,n-6/n-3,SOD,IL-6,and TC.PICRUSt2 analysis indicated that RE altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism of cecal microbiota and increased butyrate synthesizing enzymes,including 3-oxoacid Co A-transferase and butyrate-acetoacetate Co A-transferase.Moreover,transcriptomic analysis revealed that RE200 improved gene expressions and functional pathways related to immunity and albumen formation in the oviductal magnum.Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg RE could increase egg quality of late-phase laying hens via modulating intestinal barrier,cecal microbiota and metabolism,and oviductal function.Overall,RE could be used as a promising feed additive to improve egg quality of laying hens at late stage of production.

A sphingolipid message promotes neuronal health across generations

Maternal nutrition can affect brain function of offspring in later life(Fitzgerald et al.,2020).Emerging studies have also shown that the maternal environment can modify susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease(Boots et al.,2023).Transmission of environmental information from mother to offspring depends on maternal nutrient provisioning.In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans,maternal yolk,which is synthesized in the intestine and transferred to nourish oocytes and early embryos,can provide extranuclear inheritance factors to mediate phenotypic plasticity across generations.However,the molecular mechanisms of regulating such intergenerational effects remain largely unknown.

Effects of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides on growth performance,intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers under heat stress

Background Global warming leading to heat stress(HS)is becoming a major challenge for broiler production.This study aimed to explore the protective effects of seaweed(Enteromorpha prolifera)polysaccharides(EPS)on the intestinal barrier function,microbial ecology,and performance of broilers under HS.A total of 144 yellow-feathered broilers(male,56 days old)with 682.59±7.38 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups:1)TN(thermal neutral zone,23.6±1.8℃),2)HS(heat stress,33.2±1.5℃ for 10 h/d),and 3)HSE(HS+0.1%EPS).Each group contained 6 replicates with 8 broilers per replicate.The study was conducted for 4 weeks;feed intake and body weights were measured at the end of weeks 2 and 4.At the end of the feeding trial,small intestine samples were collected for histomorphology,antioxidant,secretory immunoglobulin A(s Ig A)content,apoptosis,gene and protein expression analysis;cecal contents were also collected for microbiota analysis based on 16S r DNA sequencing.Results Dietary EPS promoted the average daily gain(ADG)of broilers during 3–4 weeks of HS(P<0.05).At the end of HS on broilers,the activity of total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD),glutathione S-transferase(GST),and the content of s Ig A in jejunum were improved by EPS supplementation(P<0.05).Besides,dietary EPS reduced the epithelial cell apoptosis of jejunum and ileum in heat-stressed broilers(P<0.05).Addition of EPS in HS group broilers'diet upregulated the relative m RNA expression of Occludin,ZO-1,γ-GCLc and IL-10 of the jejunum(P<0.05),whereas downregulated the relative m RNA expression of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-1βof the jejunum(P<0.05).Dietary EPS increased the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1,whereas it reduced the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and MLCK(P<0.01)and tended to decrease the protein expression of TNF-α(P=0.094)in heat-stressed broilers.Furthermore,the proportions of Bacteroides and Oscillospira among the three groups were positively associated with jejunal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression(P<0.05)and negatively correlated with jejunal Occludin level(P<0.05).However,the proportions of Lactobacillus,Barnesiella,Subdoligranulum,Megasphaera,Collinsella,and Blautia among the three groups were positively related to ADG(P<0.05).Conclusions EPS can be used as a feed additive in yellow-feathered broilers.It effectively improves growth performance and alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by relieving inflammatory damage and improving the tight junction proteins expression.These beneficial effects may be related to inhibiting NF-κB/MLCK signaling pathway activation and regulation of cecal microbiota.

Bowel function and inflammation: Is motility the other side of the coin?

Digestion and intestinal absorption allow the body to sustain itself and are the emblematic functions of the bowel.On the flip side,functions also arise from its role as an interface with the environment.Indeed,the gut houses microorganisms,collectively known as the gut microbiota,which interact with the host,and is the site of complex immune activities.Its role in human pathology is complex and scientific evidence is progressively elucidating the functions of the gut,especially regarding the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal diseases and inflammatory conditions affecting various organs and systems.This editorial aims to highlight and relate the factors involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal and systemic inflammation.

Responses of growth performance,antioxidant function,small intestinal morphology and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein to dietary iron in yellow-feathered broilers

This study aimed to investigate the dose-effect of iron on growth performance,antioxidant function.intestinal morphology,and mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein in 1-to21-d-old yellow-feathered broilers.A total of 7201-d-old yellow-feathered maleb roilers were allocated to 9 treatments with 8 replicate cages of 10 birds per cage.The dietary treatments were consisted of a basal diet(contained 79.6 mg Fe kg^(-1))supplemented with 0,20,40,60,80,160,320,640,and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)in the form of FeSO_(4)·7H_(2)O.Compared with the birds in the control group,birds supplemented with 20mg Fe kg^(-1)had higher average daily gain(ADG)(P<0.0001).Adding 640 and 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)significantly decreased ADG(P<0.0001)and average daily feed intake(ADFI)(P<0.0001)compared with supplementation of 20mg Fe kg^(-1).Malondialdehyde(MDA)concentration in plasma and duodenum increased linearly(P<0.0001),but MDA concentration in liver and jejunum increased linearly(P<0.05)or quadratically(P<0.05)with increased dietary Fe concentration.The villus height(VH)in duodenum and jejunum,and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(V/C)in duodenum decreased linearly(P?0.05)as dietary Feincreased.As dietary Fe increased,the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of claudin-1 decreased linearly(P=0.001),but the jejunal relative mRNA abundance of zona occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin decreased linearly(P?0.05)or quadratically(P?0.05).Compared with the supplementation of 20 mg Fe kg^(-1),the supplementation of640 mg Fe kg^(-1)or higher increased(P?0.05)MDA concentrations in plasma,duodenum,and jejunum,decreased VH in the duodenum and jejunum,and the addition of 1,280 mg Fe kg^(-1)reduced(P?0.05)the jejunal tight junction protein(claudin-1,ZO-1,occludin)mRNA abundance.In summary,640 mg of supplemental Fe kg^(-1)or greater was associated with decreased growth performance,increased oxidative stress,disrupted intestinal morphology,and reduced mRNA expression of jejunal tight junction protein.

Debaryomyces hansenii supplementation in low fish meal diets promotes growth,modulates microbiota and enhances intestinal condition in juvenile marine fish

Background The development of a sustainable business model with social acceptance,makes necessary to develop new strategies to guarantee the growth,health,and well-being of farmed animals.Debaryomyces hansenii is a yeast species that can be used as a probiotic in aquaculture due to its capacity to i)promote cell proliferation and differen-tiation,ii)have immunostimulatory effects,iii)modulate gut microbiota,and/or iv)enhance the digestive function.To provide inside into the effects of D.hansenii on juveniles of gilthead seabream(Sparus aurata)condition,we inte-grated the evaluation of the main key performance indicators coupled with the integrative analysis of the intestine condition,through histological and microbiota state,and its transcriptomic profiling.Results After 70 days of a nutritional trial in which a diet with low levels of fishmeal(7%)was supplemented with 1.1%of D.hansenii(17.2×10^(5) CFU),an increase of ca.12%in somatic growth was observed together with an improve-ment in feed conversion in fish fed a yeast-supplemented diet.In terms of intestinal condition,this probiotic modu-lated gut microbiota without affecting the intestine cell organization,whereas an increase in the staining intensity of mucins rich in carboxylated and weakly sulphated glycoconjugates coupled with changes in the affinity for certain lectins were noted in goblet cells.Changes in microbiota were characterized by the reduction in abundance of several groups of Proteobacteria,especially those characterized as opportunistic groups.The microarrays-based transcrip-tomic analysis found 232 differential expressed genes in the anterior-mid intestine of S.aurata,that were mostly related to metabolic,antioxidant,immune,and symbiotic processes.Conclusions Dietary administration of D.hansenii enhanced somatic growth and improved feed efficiency param-eters,results that were coupled to an improvement of intestinal condition as histochemical and transcriptomic tools indicated.This probiotic yeast stimulated host-microbiota interactions without altering the intestinal cell organization nor generating dysbiosis,which demonstrated its safety as a feed additive.At the transcriptomic level,D.hansenii pro-moted metabolic pathways,mainly protein-related,sphingolipid,and thymidylate pathways,in addition to enhance antioxidant-related intestinal mechanisms,and to regulate sentinel immune processes,potentiating the defensive capacity meanwhile maintaining the homeostatic status of the intestine.