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Zearalenone (ZEN), a non-steroidal Fusarium graminearum with an estrogen effect, can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, immune organs, liver, and reproductive system. Further analysis of the mechanism of ZEN has become an important scientific issue. We have established in vivo and in vitro models of ZEN intervention, used AMPK/mTOR as a targeted pathway for ZEN reproductive toxicity, and explored the molecular mechanism by which ZEN may induce uterine hypertrophy in weaned piglets. Our study strongly suggested that ZEN can activate the phosphorylation of AMPK in uterine endometrial epithelium cells, affect the phosphorylation level of mTOR through TSC2 and Rheb, induce autophagy, upregulate the expression of proliferative genes PCNA and BCL2, downregulate the expression of apoptotic gene BAX, promote uterine endometrial epithelium cells proliferation, and ultimately lead to thickening of the endometrial and myometrium, increased density of uterine glands, and induce uterine hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zearalenone (ZEN), also known as the F-2 toxin, is a common contaminant in cereal crops and livestock products. This experiment aimed to reveal the changes in the proteomics of ZEN-induced intestinal damage in weaned piglets by tandem mass spectrometry tags. Sixteen weaned piglets either received a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 3.0 mg/kg ZEN in a 32 d study. The results showed that the serum levels of ZEN, α-zearalenol, and β-zearalenol were increased in weaned piglets exposed to ZEN (p < 0.05). Zearalenone exposure reduced apparent nutrient digestibility, increased intestinal permeability, and caused intestinal damage in weaned piglets. Meanwhile, a total of 174 differential proteins (DEPs) were identified between control and ZEN groups, with 60 up-regulated DEPs and 114 down-regulated DEPs (FC > 1.20 or <0.83, p < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis revealed that DEPs were mainly involved in substance transport and metabolism, gene expression, inflammatory, and oxidative stress. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that DEPs were significantly enriched in 25 signaling pathways (p < 0.05), most of which were related to inflammation and amino acid metabolism. Our study provides valuable clues to elucidate the possible mechanism of ZEN-induced intestinal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts and probiotics play a vital role in maintaining animal intestinal health. However, their joint compatibility program still needs to be further explored. In our study, thirty two piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected to divided into four treatments, which included basal diet, basal diet + 1000 mg/kg probiotics with added glucose oxidase (PGO), basal diet + 500 mg/kg Illicium verum extracts (IVE), and basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE + 1000 mg/kg PGO. All the piglets were housed individually for the 42-d trial period after 7-d adaptation. Results showed that dietary supplementation of PGO and IVE increased the digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and lysine (p < 0.05). Likewise, the net protein utilization (NPU) was also improved (p < 0.05). What is more, adding PGO and IVE reduced crypt depth, increased villus length, and chrionic gland ratio of piglets (p < 0.05). Additionally, IVE or PGO that was applied alone can increase the expression of Occludin, Zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), and Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 1 (SGLT1) in jejunum (p < 0.05). Our results strongly suggest that the combination of IVE and PGO can improve the nutrient digestibility of weaned piglets by increasing the expression of nutrient transport vectors (SGLT1 and CAT1) and tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1) in the jejunum. In conclusion, the combination of plant extracts and probiotics is a vital strategy to improve animal health before the advent of antibiotic substitutes with absolute advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Illicium verum extracts (IVE) or Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (ELE) on nutrient availability, duodenal and jejunal antioxidant ability of Duroc ×Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) and Chinese native Licha‐black (LCB) piglets was investigated. Ninety‐six piglets (48 DLY and 48 LCB respectively) without significant difference in body weight (11.22 ± 0.32 kg) were used in a 2 × 4 factorial design. Animals were randomly allocated to four treatments, and each had four replicates with three DLY and three LCB piglets. Treatments were basal diet (CON) and basal diet with 500 mg/kg IVE, 250 mg/kg ELE and 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CHL) respectively. Animals were placed individually for 7‐days adaptation following 42‐days test. Results showed the significant interaction (p < 0.05) between dietary treatments and pig species in activity of total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and α‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2/TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in duodenum and jejunum of DLY and LCB piglets. The IVE and ELE increased (p < 0.05) activity of GSH‐Px and T‐SOD, and the Nrf2/TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level, however, the decreased (p < 0.05) MDA content, and TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in duodenum and jejunum were observed. The CHL decreased (p < 0.05) activity of GSH‐Px and T‐SOD, TNF‐α and Nrf2 at mRNA and protein level in duodenum, but increased (p < 0.05) MDA content and Nrf2/TNF‐α in jejunum. DLY piglets had higher (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility (organic matter, crude protein and gross energy), availability (biological value and net protein utilization), MDA content, and TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in jejunum, and had lower (p < 0.05) activity of GSH‐Px and T‐SOD, and Nrf2 and Nrf2/TNF‐α at mRNA and protein level in duodenum and jejunum than LCB. In conclusion, the 500 mg/kg IVE and 250 mg/kg ELE improved the nutrient availability, and the improvement of antioxidant capacity is realized by activating the Nrf2/TNF‐α of duodenum and jejunum. The CHL had adverse effects on antioxidant ability of DLY and LCB piglets. The results showed that the nutrient digestion and absorption capacity of DLY were stronger than that of LCB piglets, but the antioxidant capacity was lower than that of LCB piglets. Therefore, the IVE and ELE are recommended as a new potential alternative to antibiotics in piglets' diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts are considered to be an effective alternative to antibiotics in response to weaning stress in piglets. This study evaluated the effect of Illicium verum extracts (IVE) or Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (ELE) on growth performance, serum and liver antioxidant ability of nursery piglets, as well as the difference of IVE and ELE on Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) and Chinese native Licha‐black (LCB) piglets. A total of 96 nursery piglets (48 DLY and 48 LCB piglets) with an average body weight of 11.22 ± 0.32 kg were randomly divided into four treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial design. Each treatment had four replicates with 3 DLY and 3 LCB piglets per replicate respectively. Treatments included: basal diet, basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE, basal diet + 250 mg/kg ELE and basal diet + 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CHL). All piglets were housed individually for the 42 days trial period after 7 days adaptation. Results showed that there were significant interactions (p <.05) between piglets species and dietary treatments in average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency, serum and hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic integral optical density (IOD) of α‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α), hepatic relative mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/TNF‐α and protein expression of TNF‐α. Regardless of piglets species, supplementation with IVE and ELE increased (p <.05) ADG and feed efficiency, T‐SOD and GSH‐Px in serum and liver, hepatic IOD of Nrf2, hepatic mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2/TNF‐α. However, CHL treatment resulted in lower (p <.05) serum GSH‐Px and hepatic mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2/TNF‐α, and higher hepatic MDA and IOD of TNF‐α. Compared to LCB, DLY piglets had higher (p <.05) ADG and feed efficiency, serum and hepatic MDA, and protein expression of TNF‐α, but lower (p <.05) ADFI, liver index, serum and hepatic GSH‐Px, hepatic IOD of TNF‐α, mRNA expressions of Nrf2/TNF‐α were observed. In conclusion, Illicium verum (500 mg/kg) and Eucommia ulmoides leaf (250 mg/kg) extracts can increase the growth performance and antioxidant ability of DLY and LCB piglets, while chlortetracycline produces undesirable side‐effects on the antioxidant ability of DLY and LCB piglets. Illicium verum and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts produced different antioxidant effects in DLY and LCB piglets with the Chinese native Licha‐black pig responding better than Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA), as a kind of widely exerted environmental hazardous material, brings toxicity to both humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate the role of glutamine (Gln) in intestinal inflammation and microbiota in BPA-challenged piglets. Thirty-two piglets were randomly divided into four groups according to 2 factors including BPA (0 vs. 0.1%) and Gln (0 vs. 1%) supplemented in basal diet for a 42-day feeding experiment. The results showed BPA exposure impaired piglet growth, induced intestinal inflammation and disturbed microbiota balance. However, dietary Gln supplementation improved the growth performance, while decreasing serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in BPA-challenged piglets. In addition, Gln attenuated intestinal mucosal damage and inflammation by normalizing the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-p38/MAPK-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway caused by BPA. Moreover, dietary Gln supplementation decreased the abundance of Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria, and attenuated the decreased abundance of Roseburia , Prevotella , Romboutsia and Phascolarctobacterium and the content of short-chain fatty acids in cecum contents caused by BPA exposure. Moreover, there exerted potential relevance between the gut microbiota and pro-inflammatory cytokines and cecal short-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, Gln is critical nutrition for attenuating BPA-induced intestinal inflammation, which is partially mediated by regulating microbial balance and suppressing the TLR4/p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling. [Display omitted] • BPA exposure impairs piglet growth and induces intestinal inflammation. • Gut microbiota is implicated in intestinal inflammation induced by BPA exposure. • Dietary Gln supplementation attenuates adverse effects of BPA exposure on piglet colitis and gut microbiota. • The beneficial effects of Gln are associated with normalizing TLR4-p38/MAPK-NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effects of exposure to different dosages of zearalenone (ZEA) on cecal physical barrier functions and its mechanisms based on the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in weaned piglets. Thirty-two weaned piglets were allotted to four groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with ZEA at 0, 0.15, 1.5, and 3.0 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed that 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg ZEA damaged cecum morphology and microvilli, and changed distribution and shape of M cells. Moreover, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg ZEA decreased numbers of goblet cells, the expressions of TFF3 and tight junction proteins, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Interestingly, the 0.15 mg/kg ZEA had no significant effect on cecal physical barrier functions but decreased the expressions of Smad3, p-Smad3 and Smad7. Our study suggests that high-dose ZEA exposure impairs cecal physical barrier functions through inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, but low-dose ZEA had no significant effect on cecum morphology and integrity through inhibiting the expression of smad7. These findings provide a scientific basis for helping people explore how to reduce the toxicity of ZEA in feeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidences indicate that plant extracts and probiotics are effective antioxidant substitutes which play important roles in animal production. However, the comparative study of the mechanism underlying the antioxidant property of Illicium verum extracts (IVE) and probiotics with added glucose oxidase (PGO) on piglets remains to be explored. This study evaluated the difference and the interaction effect of IVE and PGO on serum, liver, and jejunum antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. A total of 32 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) at the age of 28 d with an average body weight of 14.96 ± 0.32 kg were randomly divided into four treatments with eight replicates per treatment in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments included basal diet (IVE−PGO−), basal diet + 1,000 mg/kg PGO (IVE−PGO+), basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE (IVE+PGO−), and basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE + 1,000 mg/kg PGO (IVE+PGO+). All the piglets were housed individually for the 42-d trial period after 7-d adaptation. The piglets were euthanized at the end of the experiment and the liver and jejunum samples were taken and subjected to immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, as well as antioxidant and qRT-PCR analysis. Significant interactions were observed between IVE and PGO for total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum (42 d), liver, and jejunum; malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum (21 d); and mRNA and protein expression of kelch sample related protein-1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor (Nrf2)/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum (P < 0.05). Both IVE and PGO improved (P < 0.05) T-SOD and GSH-Px in the serum (42 d), liver, and jejunum, and the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum, but decreased (P < 0.05) MDA in the serum (21 d) and the mRNA and protein expression of Keap1 in the liver and jejunum. Immunohistochemical results confirmed that IVE and PGO enhanced the positive reactions of Nrf2 but weakened Keap1 in both the liver and jejunum. In conclusion, the results confirmed that IVE (500 mg/kg) and PGO (1,000 mg/kg) can improve the antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets and that the interaction effect between IVE and PGO is significant. At the same time, the fact that IVE and PGO activate the Nrf2/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum signaling pathway suggests that they play an important role in the ameliorative antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. Therefore, the combination of IVE and PGO could be recommended as a new potential alternative to antibiotics in piglets' diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study was conducted to assess the effects of five diets with different doses and sources of zinc (Zn) on the growth performance (average daily gain, average daily food intake and gain to feed ratio), apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, serum metabolites and immune functions of weaned piglets. The control diet contained 100 mg/kg inorganic Zn from ZnSO4. The total dose of Zn in experimental diets was lower than that of the control diet, and the inorganic Zn from ZnSO4 was gradually replaced by organic Zn from ZnMet. Therefore, the experimental diets were a basal diet containing 75 + 12.5, 50 + 25, 25 + 37.5, and 0 + 50 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4 and ZnMet, respectively. No differences were observed in growth performance, nutrient digestibility and serum metabolites. However, Zinc digestibility and parameters relating to body immune functions were improved when at least 50 mg of inorganic Zn was replaced by organic Zn. Thus supplementing 50 mg of inorganic Zn from ZnSO4 plus 25 mg of organic Zn from ZnMet to piglets would be the best strategy to benefit the immune system and maintain growth performance under the conditions of the current study. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) with a lower level of zinc methionine (ZnMet) on the growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, serum metabolites and immune functions of weaned piglets. Thirty-five weaned Duroc × Landrace × Large White male piglets (10.69 ± 0.26 kg) were randomly allotted to five diets. The control diet was supplemented with 100 mg/kg of Zn from ZnSO4, and experimental diets included 75 + 12.5, 50 + 25, 25 + 37.5, and 0 + 50 mg/kg of Zn from ZnSO4 and ZnMet, respectively. The results showed that no differences were observed in growth performance, ATTD of nutrients and serum metabolites among treatments, while serum white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, IgM contents and spleen index were higher (p < 0.01) in piglets fed with 50 + 25 mg/kg of Zn. Zinc digestibility (p < 0.05), IgA content (p < 0.001) and thymus index (p < 0.05) were increased when at least 50% of ZnSO4 was replaced by ZnMet. All the results indicated that using a lower level of ZnMet in weaned piglet's diet instead of ZnSO4 had no adverse impacts on ATTD of nutrients and serum metabolites; and a 50 + 25 mg/kg of Zn (from ZnSO4 and ZnMet, respectively) diet showed the best advantages for parameters relating to immune functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Zearalenone (ZEA), commonly present in corn and its derived products for animals, has caused significant economical impact on swine reproduction in China. The present study therefore attempted to reveal the adverse effects of ZEA (1.3mg/kg diet) exposure from a viewpoint of damages focusing on the liver and kidney of female piglets. The efficacy of dietary montmorillonite clay in preventing ZEA-induced adverse effects was also determined. Treatments were 1) control; 2) control+2.5g/kg clay; 3) control+1mg/kg ZEA; 4) control+1mg/kg ZEA+1.25g/kg clay; 5) control+1mg/kg ZEA+2.5g/kg clay; 6) control+1mg/kg ZEA+5.0g/kg clay; 7) control+1mg/kg ZEA+10g/kg clay. Results showed that pigs fed ZEA-contaminated diet reduced (P <0.05) platelets, haemoglobin, globulin, triglycerides and high density lipoproteins (HDL) in serum, and increased (P <0.05) all enzymes activities, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine. Degeneration of the liver and kidney tissues was also found in female piglets fed 1.3mg/kg ZEA-contaminated diet. Dietary addition of clay showed a positive protection effect on ZEA feeding, and the linear or quadratic effect (P <0.05) on neutralizing detrimental effects of clay in ZEA feeding were observed. It suggested that feeding ZEA at 1.3mg/kg diet for 24-d may result in a deleterious effect in female piglets, and clay addition at 5 or 10g/kg diet can effectively protect against the detrimental effects of the ZEA feeding. These results may have implications for human and animals consuming ZEA-contaminated food or feed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Numerous reports have provided evidence that zearalenone (ZEN) can increase the weight of genital organs. These findings have been confirmed by many studies in which the ghrelin gene was expressed in the ovary and was implicated in the control of cells in reproductive tissues. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an important marker of cell proliferation. The present study investigates the effects of a ZEN-treated diet on the development of ovaries in post-weaning piglets by the detection of ghrelin and PCNA protein and relative abundance of mRNA using optical microscopy, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR). A total of 20 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned at 28 d, with an average body weight of 8.74 ± 0.26 kg ( P = 0.919) were used in this study. Piglets in the control group ( n = 10) were fed a normal basal diet, and those in the treatment group ( n = 10) were fed a diet containing ZEN (1.04 mg/kg), for 35 d. The proportion of growing follicles and diameter of the largest growing follicle in ovaries were greater in piglets fed the diet with ZEN. The total integrated optical densities of protein and mRNA of ghrelin and PCNA were greater with the feeding of the ZEN-treatment diet. The results suggested that 1.04 mg/kg ZEN could promote the autocrine action or expression of the ghrelin gene in piglet ovary, and further accelerate the development of ovaries (follicles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]