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Dietary oxidized fat contains harmful materials such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA). Excessive oxidized fat intake during pregnancy and lactation not only leads to maternal body injury but also damages offspring health. Our previous study demonstrated that vitamin D (VD) had antioxidative capability in sows. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal VD and inulin supplementation in oxidized oil diet on the growth performance and oxidative stress of their offspring. Sixty 5-month-old C57BL/6N female mice were randomly divided into five groups: Control group (basal diet, n = 12), OF group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet, n = 12), OFV group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet + 7000 IU/kg VD, n = 12), OFI group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet + 5% inulin, n = 12) and OFVI group (oxidized-soybean-oil-replaced diet + 7000 IU/kg VD + 5% inulin, n = 12). Mice were fed with the respective diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were then slaughtered on day 21 of age at weaning. Results showed that a maternal oxidized oil diet impaired body weight and liver weight gain of offspring during lactation compared to the control group, while maternal VD, inulin or VD and inulin mixture supplementation reversed this effect. In addition, the activity of T-AOC in the liver of offspring was lower in the OF group than that in the control group, but could be restored by maternal VD and inulin mixture supplementation. Furthermore, the gene expression of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as Il-6, Tnfα and Il-10, in offspring liver were downregulated by a maternal oxidized oil diet compared with the control group, but they were restored by maternal VD or VD and inulin mixture supplementation. The expressions of Vdr and Cyp27a1 were decreased by a maternal oxidized oil diet compared with the control group, while they could be increased by VD or VD and inulin mixture supplementation. Conclusion: maternal oxidized oil diet intake could impair the growth performance by inducing oxidative stress, but this can be relieved by maternal VD and inulin supplementation.

This experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition, digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and the apparent total tract (ATTD) of nutrients in six extruded full fat soybean (EFSB) samples from different sources fed to non-gestating, gestating and lactating sows. Forty-two non-gestating sows (Landrace ×Yorkshire; parity 3 to 5), 42 gestating sows (Landrace ×Yorkshire; parity 3 to 5; day 90 of gestation) and 42 lactating sows (Landrace ×Yorkshire; parity 3 to 5; day 6 of lactation) were assigned to seven dietary treatments including a corn-based diet and six diets containing 30.24% EFSB from different sources in a completely randomized design with six replicate sows per dietary treatment. Total fecal and urine collection method was used during non-gestation and gestation, and the index method was used during lactation (0.3% chromic oxide). Differences in the chemical composition of the six EFSB samples from different sources were mainly reflected in ether extract (EE), ash, crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total dietary fiber (TDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and vitamin and micro minerals content, with a coefficient of variation (CV) ≥8.37%. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) solubility of the six EFSB samples varied from 66.60 to 85.55%. There were no differences in ATTD of NDF between different EFSB samples. Additionally, there were no differences in ME values and ME/DE ratios between different physiological stages, but ATTD of NDF were higher for non-gestating and gestating sows than lactating sows (P

Adequate dietary fiber intake during gestation is critical for maternal-fetal health. This experiment aims to uncover the impacts of maternal long-term intake of inulin on fetal development and its underlying mechanism. Eighty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either a fiber-free diet or an inulin diet (inulin) for three parities. On the 19

Context In-feed antibiotics are commonly used to improve growth and gut health of weaning pigs. Due to anti-microbial resistance by extensively using antibiotics, however, in-feed antibiotics have been banned in Europe and China. Tremella fuciformis is a traditional edible fungus in China. Recent studies have found that Tremella fuciformis extract (TFE) has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune-modulatory functions. Therefore, there is the potential to develop Tremella fuciformis as an alternative to antibiotics. Aims The study was performed to explore the effects of TFE on growth performance, and biochemical and immunological parameters of weaned piglets under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Methods Forty-eight weaned piglets were assigned into two groups with six pens (four piglets per-pen), receiving a control diet or a control diet with 400 mg/kg TFE (TFE), respectively. After 28 days of the trial, two piglets per pen were selected to be injected with LPS (50 μg/kg of BW) or an equivalent amount of sterile saline. Blood samples were collected at 0 and 3 h after LPS challenge. Key results The results showed that TFE supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain (P

Obesity-related hyperglycemia, with hepatic insulin resistance, has become an epidemic disease. Central neural leptin signaling was reported to improve hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hepatic leptin signaling on controlling hyperglycemia.First, the effect of leptin signaling on gluconeogenesis was investigated in primary mouse hepatocytes and hepatoma cells. Second, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, blood glucose levels, and hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression were analyzed in obese mice overexpressing hepatic OBRb. Third, expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-3, phosphorylation level of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) were analyzed in hepatocytes and mouse liver. Fourth, the role of MKP-3 in hepatic leptin signaling regulating gluconeogenesis was analyzed. Lastly, the role of ERK and STAT3 in the regulation of MKP-3 protein by leptin signaling was analyzed.Activation of hepatic leptin signaling suppressed gluconeogenesis in both hepatocytes and obese mouse liver, and improved hyperglycemia, insulin tolerance, and glucose tolerance in obese mice. The protein level of MKP-3, which can promote gluconeogenesis, was decreased by leptin signaling in both hepatocytes and mouse liver. Mkp-3 deficiency abolished the effect of hepatic leptin signaling on suppressing gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes. STAT3 decreased the MKP-3 protein level, while inactivation of STAT3 abolished the effect of leptin signaling on reducing the MKP-3 protein level in hepatocytes. Moreover, STAT3 could combine with MKP-3 and phospho-ERK1/2, which induced the degradation of MKP-3, and leptin signaling enhanced the combination.Hepatic leptin signaling could suppress gluconeogenesis at least partially by decreasing the MKP-3 protein level via STAT3-enhanced MKP-3 and ERK1/2 combination.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term maternal intake of inulin on intestinal morphology, permeability, inflammation and microbiota of offspring rats treated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Sixteen female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to two groups receiving the fiber-free diet (FFD) or inulin diet (INU, 5% inulin) for three parities. The offspring weaned rats (third-parity) were fed with the same diet for four weeks until receiving 6% DSS for 7 days; the four groups were as follows: FFD, FFD + DSS, INU and INU + DSS. The results showed that maternal intake of inulin increased the histopathology score and activity of diamine oxidase (DAO) in serum, and the highest histopathology scores and activity of DAO were observed in INU + DSS rats. Maternal intake of inulin increased the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors and protein expression of IL-1β in colonic tissues. Likewise, INU + DSS rats had the highest activity of MPO and mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors in colonic tissues. Maternal intake of inulin increased the abundances of

Maternal VD3 supplementation during gestation stimulated the expression of intestinal VDR, IGF-1 and IGF-1R, increased gut beneficial microbes and SCFAs, and enhanced the development and immunity function of the intestine in their suckling piglets.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of feeding levels on amino acid (AA) digestibility of extruded full fat soybeans (EFSB) fed to non-gestating sows and to provide a reference for setting feed intake level when evaluating the quality of nutrients in the feed ingested by sows. Twelve non-gestating sows (parity 3 to 5) were fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum. After recovery, sows were assigned to a replicated 6 × 3 incomplete Latin square design using two diets (nitrogen-free and EFSB) and three levels of feed intake (1.3, 2.0, and 3.4 times the maintenance requirement for metabolizable energy (ME)). The design included six dietary treatments and three periods, and each period contained two replicates for a total of six replicate sows per treatment. All diets contained 0.3% chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. In each period, ileal digesta samples were collected continuously for 12 h on days 6 and 7 after 5 days of acclimation to the experimental diet. Results of the experiment indicated that different feeding levels (1.3, 2.0, and 3.4 times the maintenance requirement for ME) had no effects on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of AA and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA, but feeding level did affect the endogenous AA loss estimated using the nitrogen-free diet method. Endogenous phenylalanine excretion was greater with 1.3 times than with 3.4 times the maintenance requirement for ME (P = 0.03), and endogenous tyrosine excretion was greater with 1.3 and 2.0 times than with 3.4 times the maintenance requirement for ME (P = 0.01). Increasing feed consumption resulted in greater loss of total endogenous AAs and crude protein (CP). In conclusion, feeding levels of 1.3 to 3.4 times the maintenance requirement for ME did not affect the AID and SID of AA of EFSB fed to non-gestating sows.

This study determined the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standard ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) of six cottonseed meal (CSM) samples in pregnant and non-pregnant sows. Two CSM samples were processed by expelling with a CP level of 40.67% (ECSM41) and 44.64% (ECSM45), and four samples were processed by solvent-extracted which contained graded CP levels of 45% (SECSM45), 51.16% (SECSM51), 56.44% (SECSM56), and 59.63% (SECSM60). Landrace ×Yorkshire third parity sows, 7 at gestation and 14 non-pregnant, were fitted with T-cannula in the distal ileum. Pregnant sows were allotted to a 7 × 6 Latin square design with a cornstarch-based nitrogen-free (NF) diet and the six CSM diets, and non-pregnant sows were allotted to a replicated 7 × 3 Latin square design with seven diets and three periods, respectively, resulting in a total of six replicates per treatment. All experimental sows were fed 3.0 kg/d of the experimental diets. The AID of CP in ECSM41 (75.58%) was lower than in SECSM51 (80.42%), SECSM56 (80.50%), and SECSM60 (82.44%) diets for pregnant sows (P < 0.05). The AID of CP in ECSM41 (77.88%) was significantly lower than in SECSM60 (81.87%) diets for non-pregnant sows (P < 0.05). The physiological phase did not affect the AID of CP (P > 0.05). The SID of CP was affected by diets for both pregnant (P < 0.01) and non-pregnant sows (P = 0.06). The physiological phase also affected the SID of CP (P < 0.01). The AID of histidine, leucine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan significantly differed between different CSM samples in both pregnant (P < 0.05) and non-pregnant sows (P < 0.05). The AID of dispensable AA aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, serine, and tyrosine differed between different CSM samples of both pregnant (P < 0.05) and non-pregnant sows (P < 0.05). For pregnant sows, the indispensable AA cysteine, glycine, proline, and tyrosine had significantly different SID between different groups (P < 0.05). For non-pregnant sows, the SID of arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, aspartic acid, cysteine, and serine had different values among different diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the current study presented that the ileal AA digestibility of CSM fed to pregnant and non-pregnant sows increased with the decreased of fiber content, and the current findings can contribute to a precise formulation of diets for sows using CSM.

To determine the chemical composition, nutritional value, and bioactivities of Pleurotus cornucopiae, the effects of six different cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, stir-frying, frying, and roasting) on nutrients, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities were, for the first time, evaluated using in vitro simulated digestion. In contrast to frying, microwaving caused the lowest nutrients loss rate (protein: 11.81%, fat: 13.26%) and produced the highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The fatty acid composition differed from that of undigested samples, frying and stir-frying released the most unsaturated fatty acids (especially oleic and linoleic acids), while steaming and microwaving released the most saturated fatty acids. Microwaving caused a lower mineral loss, whereas frying released the highest mineral content after digestion. Water-based cooking methods (boiling, steaming, and microwaving) had the lowest antioxidant activities but the highest hypoglycemic activities. The above data provides a valuable reference for the scientific cooking of P. cornucopiae.

The use of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is fast becoming an emerging curing technology in the meat industry. The aim of this study was to assess CAP-assisted curing of beef meat roasted by charcoal (CR) and superheated steam (SR) in terms of flavor quality and heterocyclic amines (HAs) using electronic nose, GC-MS and UPLC-MS-MS. The CAP-assisted curing increased redness value by 46% and 8% in SR and CR meat respectively. Although CAP-assisted curing had little influence on the odor profile of SR meat, it influenced the odor profile of CR meat. Lipid oxidation-derived off-flavors in CR meat were not significantly (P 0.05) changed after CAP treatment. However, these off-flavors were significantly (P 0.05) reduced in SR meat. In addition, CAP-assisted curing did not increase the HAs contents in SR meat. CAP-assisted curing of SR meat improved flavor and did not increase toxic risk of SR meat.

It is well established that bile acids play important roles in lipid metabolism. In recent decades, bile acids have also been shown to function as signaling molecules via interacting with various receptors. Bile acids circulate continuously through the enterohepatic circulation and go through microbial transformation by gut microbes, and thus bile acids metabolism has profound effects on the liver and intestinal tissues as well as the gut microbiota. Farnesoid X receptor and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 are two pivotal bile acid receptors that highly expressed in the intestinal tissues, and they have emerged as pivotal regulators in bile acids metabolism, innate immunity and inflammatory responses. There is considerable interest in manipulating the metabolism of bile acids and the expression of bile acid receptors as this may be a promising strategy to regulate intestinal health and disease. This review aims to summarize the roles of bile acids and their receptors in regulation of gut health and diseases.

This study investigated the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a mutton intramuscular fat model system containing epicatechin under various reaction conditions using multivariate statistical analysis, and established the optimal equations for PAHs prediction. Results indicated that at 100-180 °C for 10-60 min, epicatechin inhibited the formation of naphthalene, acenaphthylene, phenanthrene, anthracene, benz[a]anthracene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene by 10-37 %, 11-32 %, 9-100 %, 27-56 %, 100 % and 6-18 %, respectively. Polynomial equation third-order model with R

In this study, we investigated the effects of six different cooking methods on the nutrient composition, subsequent bioaccessibility, and biological activities of Boletus auripes using in vitro digestion. The cooking methods used included steaming, boiling, microwaving, stir-frying, frying, and roasting. The results indicated that the degree of protein hydrolysis and amino acid bioaccessibility were lowest during frying, while the opposite was true for microwaving. The fatty acid composition associated with cooking methods changed after digestion, especially linoleic acid, which significantly decreased (e.g., 53.34% to 21.32%, boiled). Mineral bioaccessibility varied by species and cooking method, with the lowest Fe (13.33%) and highest Mg (91.43%) in boiling. Cooking promoted carbohydrates release heavily, but not digestion, such as the superior bioaccessibility (17.21%) and inferior digestibility (6.23%) in roasting. Microwaving, with the lowest antioxidant activity, possessed notable hypoglycemic activity. The above study lays the foundation for choosing the appropriate cooking methods for B. auripes.

A precise understanding of the nutritive value of soybean meal (SBM) for pregnant sow is required for accurate feeding. Hence, we evaluated the nutritive value of 11 SBM samples from different sources for sows during mid and late gestation. In total, 24 mid-gestating sows (parity three; 230.3 ± 12.0 kg on day 37 of gestation) and 24 late-gestating sows (parity three; 238.8 ± 20.9 kg on day 72 of gestation) were assigned to a replicated 12 × 3 Youden square design with 12 diets and 3 periods. The 12 diets included a corn-based diet and 11 diets containing 25.50% SBMs from different sources. After 5-d adaptation, urine and feces were collected for 5 d. Although the chemical characteristics of SBM varied between samples, no differences were observed in digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, gross energy, crude fiber, and neutral detergent fiber values in SBMs fed to both animal groups. However, de-hulled SBM 4 from Brazil displayed greater ATTD for nitrogen (N) in late-gestating sows (P0.05); animals displayed significantly (P0.01) greater ME, ME:DE ratio, and N net utilization values when compared with mid-gestating sows. The chemical composition of SBMs can be used to predict DE and ME values. In conclusion, ME, ME:DE ratio, and N net utilization SBM values for late-gestating sows were greater than in mid-gestating sows. Therefore, we should consider differences in ME values for SBMs when formulating diets for sows in mid and late gestation periods.Soybean meal (SBM) is the most commonly used protein source in swine diets, with high available energy. Sows have crucial roles in the pig industry, therefore precise knowledge of actual SBM nutritive values at different gestation stages is vital for efficient livestock production and management. In our study, we evaluated the nutritive value of SBMs from different sources in mid- and late-gestating sows, and generated prediction equations for digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) values. We identified no differences in DE and ME values in SBMs from different sources when fed to sows during mid- and late gestation. However, regardless of the pregnancy stage, DE and ME SBM values for sows, identified in this study, were greater than values published by NRC (2012). Also, ME, ME:DE ratio, and nitrogen (N) net utilization SBM values for late-gestating sows were greater than in mid-gestating sows. The chemical composition of SBMs can be used to predict DE and ME values. Our study data can be used to accurately formulate diets for pregnant sows.

Vitamin D

Background Replacement gilts are typically fed ad libitum, whereas emerging evidence from human and rodent studies has revealed that time-restricted access to food has health benefits. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of meal frequency on the metabolic status and ovarian follicular development in gilts. Methods A total of 36 gilts (Landrace × Yorkshire) with an age of 150±3 d and a body weight of 77.6±3.8 kg were randomly allocated into one of three groups (n = 12 in each group), and based on the group allocation, the gilts were fed at a frequency of one meal (T1), two meals (T2), or six meals per day (T6) for 14 consecutive weeks. The effects of the meal frequency on growth preference, nutrient utilization, short-chain fatty acid production by gut microbial, the post-meal dynamics in the metabolic status, reproductive hormone secretions, and ovarian follicular development in the gilts were measured. Results The gilts in the T1 group presented a higher average daily gain (+ 48 g/d, P P P P P P Conclusions The current findings revealed the benefits of a lower meal frequency equal feed intake on nutrient utilization and reproductive function in replacement gilts, and thus provide new insights into the nutritional strategy for replacement gilts, and the dietary pattern for other mammals, such as humans.

Various studies have evaluated the relationship between cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and reproductive performance. This study aimed at investigating the effects of maternal D3 supplementation during gestation on reproductive performance and antioxidant capacities of gilts and their offsprings. Twenty-three Landrace × Yorkshire gilts were randomly allocated into two groups and fed on one of the following two diets during gestation: control diet or D3 supplemented diet. It was found that D3 supplementation had a tendency to increase the number of total born and born alive piglets. Moreover, it elevated serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations in gilts and newborn piglets. Besides, D3 supplementation improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, T-AOC and T-SOD) in the blood of gilts, umbilical cord and newborn piglets and piglets’ liver, while serum malondialdehyde concentrations of gilts and umbilical cord were reduced in the D3 group. In addition, D3 supplementation upregulated the expression of antioxidant related genes in the placenta and piglets’ liver. In conclusion, D3 supplementation during gestation might improve antioxidant capacities in gilts, placenta and in newborn piglets. Therefore, D3 supplementation has the potential to enhance the reproductive performance of gilts.HIGHLIGHTS D3 supplementation has a significant role in the nutrition of gilts. Maternal D3 supplementation during gestation increased the number of born and born alive piglets. Maternal D3 supplementation during gestation improved the antioxidant capacities of gilts, placenta and newborn piglets.

The thymus and spleen are the main reservoir for T lymphocytes, which can regulate the innate immune response and provide protection against pathogens and tissue damage. Oxidative stress, excessive inflammation, abnormal autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can all lead to dysfunction of the thymus and spleen. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA, an organic Se source) supplementation during pregnancy on the selenoprotein expression, inflammation, ER stress and autophagy of their young offspring's thymus and spleen. Thirty sows were randomly assigned to receive one of the following two diets during gestation: control diet (control, basal diet, n = 15) or HMSeBA supplemented diet (HMSeBA, basal diet +0.3 mg Se kg-1 as HMSeBA, n = 15). Tissues of thymus and spleen were collected from the offspring at birth and weaning after the lipopolysaccharide challenge. Results showed that maternal HMSeBA supplementation significantly up-regulated the gene expression of selenoproteins in the thymus and spleen of newborn piglets compared with the basal diet (p < 0.05), as well as the protein abundance of GPX1 and GPX4 (p < 0.05). In addition, maternal HMSeBA supplementation effectively decreased the expression of inflammation and autophagy related proteins in the thymus and spleen of newborn piglets as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In weaning piglets, maternal HMSeBA significantly increased the antioxidative capacity of thymus and spleen (p < 0.05), and reversed LPS induced MDA content as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, maternal HMSeBA supplementation during gestation reversed the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway, ER stress and autophagy induced by the LPS challenge in the thymus and spleen of weaning piglets (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal HMSeBA supplementation during gestation could decrease the level of inflammation, autophagy and ER stress in the thymus and spleen of young offspring by improving the antioxidative capacity and selenoprotein expression in these tissues. Therefore, maternal HMSeBA supplementation during gestation might be beneficial for the immune function of their offspring by alleviating inflammation, autophagy and ER stress levels in the thymus and spleen. This study showed more evidence for the function of Se on mater-offspring integrated nutrition.

The present study aimed to investigate the inhibition mechanism of polyphenols from Phyllanthus emblica Linn. fruit (PEF, family Euphorbiaceous) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Interaction assay, enzyme kinetics, spectroscopic methods, and molecular simulations were performed. Results showed that myricetin, quercetin, fisetin, and gallic acid were the most active components in PEF, because of their low docking scores and strong inhibition ability on AChE with IC

This study aimed to better understand the impact of microbial growth and metabolism on rice sourdough and their relationship with quality characteristics of rice breads. Therefore, this research determined the microbial compositions and biochemical characteristics of indica rice (IR), japonica rice (JR) and waxy rice (WR) sourdough within 72 h fermentation. And the effects of different fermentation time and dosage of rice sourdough on rheology of rice doughs, quality characteristics of rice breads were studied. The results showed that the dominant bacteria Leuconostoc changed the processing properties of rice doughs through producing organic acids and reducing sugars. Adding 30 % rice sourdough had the best effect on improving specific volume of rice breads. And IR and JR breads with sourdough fermented 48 h had the highest chewiness, cohesiveness, resilience and the lowest hardness, while WR breads had high viscosity and poor overall structure, which was not suitable for making gluten-free bread.

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis PB6 (B. subtilis PB6) during late gestation and lactation on sow reproductive performance, antioxidant indices, and gut microbiota. A total of 32 healthy Landrace × Yorkshire sows on d 90 of gestation were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 16 replicates per group, receiving basal diet (CON) or the basal diet + 0.2% B. subtilis PB6, containing 4.0 × 108 CFU/kg of feed (BS). The litter sizes (total born) and numbers of piglets born alive were larger in the BS group (P

In order to study the effect of l-arginine on testicular development in boars and its underlying mechanism, thirty 30-day-old Duroc boars (7.0 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly allocated to either a basal diet (CON, n = 15) or a 0.8% arginine diet (ARG, n = 15). Blood samples were collected and weight measurements were done regularly to every pig during the experimental period. Testes were collected for histological and proteomic analysis from 150-day-old boars. Results showed that dietary supplementation with arginine significantly increased testicular weight, the number of spermatogonia, and the height of the seminiferous epithelium (P 0.05). The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were also significantly increased in the ARG group (P 0.05). A total of 154 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, 76 of them were upregulated and 78 were downregulated. Mainly enriched metabolic pathways were the mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways. Functional annotation suggested that 18 DEPs were related to male reproduction. Western blotting results further validated the results from proteomics. This study may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which arginine promotes male testicular development.

Silymarin has been shown to be a multiple-functional plant extract having antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects. In recent years, the galactagogue effects of silymarin in animals and humans have also been revealed. This research was conducted to test whether dietary inclusion of silymarin during transition and lactation could impact reproductive performance of sows and to explore the underlying mechanisms. From day 108 of gestation to weaning, sows were randomly assigned to receive dietary treatment of silymarin (40 g/day) or not and were designated as control group (CGP, n = 55) or treatment group (TGP, n = 55). The results showed that piglets' average daily gain and average weaning weight were higher in TGP than CGP sows. In comparison with the CGP sows, the TGP sows had higher serum concentrations of catalase (CAT) on day 18 of lactation and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) on day 7 of lactation. The TGP sows had lower concentration of TNF-α on day 7 of lactation and significantly lower concentration of IL-1β on day 18 of lactation than CGP sows. There was significantly higher serum concentration of PRL on day 7 of lactation in sows consuming silymarin than sows from the CGP group. On day 18 of lactation, the protein and urea contents in milk were significantly increased while the serum urea concentration was significantly decreased in TGP sows. In summary, our results indicate that silymarin supplementation during transition and lactation can increase circulating concentrations of PRL transiently, reduce oxidative stress, increase feed intake and enhance protein metabolism, thereby significantly increasing milk yield of sows and subsequently improving growth performance of their offsprings.

To investigate the effects of dietary fibre on follicular atresia in pigs fed a high-fat diet, we fed thirty-two prepubescent gilts a basal diet (CON) or a CON diet supplemented with 300 g/d dietary fibre (fibre), 240 g/d soya oil (SO) or both (fibre + SO). At the 19th day of the 4th oestrus cycle, gilts fed the SO diet showed 112 % more atretic follicles and greater expression of the apoptotic markers, Bax and caspase-3, and these effects were reversed by the fibre diet. The abundance of SCFA-producing microbes was decreased by the SO diet, but this effect was reversed by fibre treatment. Concentrations of serotonin and melatonin in the serum and follicular fluid were increased by the fibre diet. Overall, dietary fibre protected against high fat feeding-induced follicular atresia at least partly via gut microbiota-related serotonin–melatonin synthesis. These results provide insight into preventing negative effects on fertility in humans consuming a high-energy diet.

Bile acids (BA) have emerged as signalling molecules regulating intestinal physiology. The importance of intestinal microbiota in production of secondary BA, for example, lithocholic acid (LCA) which impairs enterocyte proliferation and permeability, triggered us to determine the effects of oral probiotics on intestinal BA metabolism. Piglets were weaned at 28 d of age and allocated into control (CON,n14) or probiotic (PRO,n14) group fed 50 mg ofLactobacillus plantarumdaily, and gut microbiota and BA profile were determined. To test the potential interaction of LCA with bacteria endotoxins in inducing damage of enterocytes, IPEC-J2 cells were treated with LCA, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LCA + LPS and expressions of genes related to inflammation, antioxidant capacity and nutrient transport were determined. Compared with the CON group, the PRO group showed lower total LCA level in the ileum and higher relative abundance of theLactobacillusgenus in faeces. In contrast, the relative abundances ofBacteroides,Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1,ParabacteroidesandRuminococcus_1, important bacteria genera in BA biotransformation, were all lower in the PRO than in the CON group. Moreover, PRO piglets had lower postprandial glucagon-like peptide-1 level, while higher glucose level than CON piglets. Co-administration of LPS and LCA led to down-regulated expression of glucose and peptide transporter genes in IPEC-J2 cells. Altogether, oralL. plantarumaltered BA profile probably by modulating relative abundances of gut microbial genera that play key roles in BA metabolism and might consequently impact glucose homoeostasis. The detrimental effect of LCA on nutrient transport in enterocytes might be aggravated under LPS challenge.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary live yeast (LY) supplementation during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum and milk composition, blood biochemical and immunological parameters of sows. A total of 40 multiparous sows were randomly fed either the control (CON) diet or the CON diet supplemented with LY at 1 g/kg from d 90 of gestation to weaning. Results showed that the number of stillborn piglets and low BW piglets were significantly decreased in the LY-supplemented sows compared with sows in the CON group (P

New generation, multicomponent parenteral lipid emulsions provide key fatty acids for brain growth and development, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), yet the content may be suboptimal for preterm infants. Our aim was to test whether DHA and AA-enriched lipid emulsions would increase activity, growth, and neurodevelopment in preterm piglets and limit brain inflammation. Cesarean-delivered preterm pigs were given three weeks of either enteral preterm infant formula (ENT) or TPN with one of three parenteral lipid emulsions: Intralipid (IL), SMOFlipid (SMOF) or an experimental emulsion (EXP). Activity was continuously monitored and weekly blood sampling and behavioral field testing performed. At termination of the study, whole body and tissue metrics were collected. Neuronal density was assessed in sections of hippocampus (HC), thalamus, and cortex. Frontal cortex (FC) and HC tissue were assayed for fatty acid profiles and expression of genes of neuronal growth and inflammation. After 3 weeks of treatment, brain DHA content in SMOF, EXP and ENT pigs was higher (P < 0.01) in FC but not HC vs. IL pigs. There were no differences in brain weight or neuron density among treatment groups. Inflammatory cytokine TNFα and IL-1β expression in brain regions were increased in IL pigs (P < 0.05) compared to other groups. Overall growth velocity was similar among groups, but IL pigs had higher percent body fat and increased insulin resistance compared to other treatments (P

Adipose tissue inflammation plays an important role in the regulation of glucose and lipids metabolism. It is unknown whether Ursolic acid (UA) could regulate adipose tissue inflammation, though it can regulate inflammation in many other tissues. In this study, 3T3-L1 adipocytes, DIO mice and lean mice were treated with UA or vehicle. Gene expression of inflammatory factors, chemokines and immune markers in adipocytes and adipose tissue, cytokines in cell culture medium and serum, and inflammation regulatory pathways in adipocytes were detected. Results showed that UA increased the expression of interleukins and chemokines, but not TNFα, in both adipocytes and adipose tissue. IL6 and MCP1 levels in the cell culture medium and mouse serum were induced by UA treatment. Cd14 expression level and number of CD14+ monocytes were higher in UA treated adipose tissue than those in the control group. Glucose tolerance test was impaired by UA treatment in DIO mice. Mechanistically, UA induced the expression of Tlr4 and the phosphorylation levels of ERK and NFκB in adipocytes. In conclusion, our study indicated that short-term UA administration could induce CD14+ monocytes infiltration by increasing the production of interleukins and chemokines in mouse adipose tissue, which might further impair glucose tolerance test.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in humans and sows, having a biological function mediated in part by its incorporation into selenoproteins. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA), an organic Se source, on reproductive performance, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory status of sows and their offspring. Forty-three Landrace × Yorkshire sows were randomly allocated to receive one of the following three diets during gestation: control diet (control, basal diet, n = 15), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) supplemented diet (Na2SeO3, basal diet + Na2SeO3 at 0.3 mg Se per kg, n = 13), and HMSeBA supplemented diet (HMSeBA, basal diet + HMSeBA at 0.3 mg Se per kg, n = 15). Blood samples of sows and piglets, placentas and piglet liver samples were analyzed for selenium status, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory cytokines. Results showed that, as compared to the control group, HMSeBA supplementation increased the number of born alive piglets and plasma concentrations of total selenium and selenoprotein P in both sows and piglets. Besides, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the blood of sows, umbilical cord and piglets, placentas and piglets' liver were increased by dietary HMSeBA supplementation as compared to the control group, while malondialdehyde concentration (p < 0.05) was decreased in the blood of sows, umbilical cord and newborn piglets. In addition, maternal HMSeBA intake during gestation up-regulated antioxidant-related selenoprotein gene expression in the placenta (GPx2, GPx3, p < 0.05) and in the liver of newborn piglets (GPx1, GPx2, GPx3, TXNRD2, p < 0.05). Moreover, as compared to the control group, sows and newborn piglets in the Na2SeO3 and HMSeBA groups had a lower serum interleukin-6 (p < 0.05) concentration, and placentas in the HMSeBA group had lower IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal supplementation of HMSeBA during pregnancy improved antioxidant capacities and reduced the inflammation level in mater, placenta, and fetus. This finding may highlight the important role of selenoproteins (especially GPXs) in preventing negative consequences of over-production of free radicals and inflammatory cytokines during gestation and at births.

Prolonged parturition duration has been widely demonstrated to be a risk factor for incidence of stillbirth. This study evaluated the supply of dietary fibre on the parturition duration, gut microbiota and metabolome using sows as a model. A total of 40 Yorkshire sows were randomly given diet containing normal level of dietary fibre (NDF, 17·5 % dietary fibre) or high level of dietary fibre (HDF, 33·5 % dietary fibre). Faecal microbiota profiled with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, SCFA and metabolome in the faeces and plasma around parturition were compared between the dietary groups. Correlation analysis was conducted to further explore the potential associations between specific bacterial taxa and metabolites. Results showed that HDF diet significantly improved the parturition process as presented by the shorter parturition duration. HDF diet increased the abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes and multiple genera. Except for butyrate, SCFA levels in the faeces and plasma of sows at parturition were elevated in HDF group. The abundances of fifteen and twelve metabolites in the faeces and plasma, respectively, markedly differ between HDF and NDF sows. These metabolites are involved in energy metabolism and bacterial metabolism. Correlation analysis also showed associations between specific bacteria taxa and metabolites. Collectively, our study indicates that the improvement of parturition duration by high fibre intake in late gestation is associated with gut microbiota, production of SCFA and other metabolites, potentially serving for energy metabolism.

Trivalent chromium (Cr) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium(III) yeast (CrYst) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat traits, antioxidant status, immune traits, and serum biochemical parameters of grow-finish pigs. A total of 72 commercial hybrid barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) of approximately 50 kg body weight were allocated into two dietary treatments randomly, which received a corn-soybean meal basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg CrYst/kg. The trial duration was 11 weeks divided into three periods from body weights of 50-75 kg, 75-100 kg, and 100-110 kg, respectively. The results revealed that supplemental CrYst did not affect growth performance. Organic CrYst supplementation significantly decreased the backfat depth and increased the meat tenderness score and juiciness score values in pigs (P 0.05), while other carcass traits and meat traits indexes were unaffected. CrYst addition significantly decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content of pigs in the whole growth phase; significantly increased the serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in growing pigs; and also increased the serum IgG, IgM, and GSH concentrations in pigs during the finishing phase (P 0.05). Additionally, diets supplemented with CrYst significantly decreased the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content in growing pigs and significantly increased the serum LDL-C level at the fattening period (P 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed for the other serum biochemical indexes compared to the control pigs. In conclusion, CrYst supplementation could reduce lipid peroxidation and backfat thickness and improve the meat tenderness and juiciness, immune traits, and antioxidant status of pigs.

Polysaccharides as a functional prebiotic have numerous activities such as regulating intestinal microorganisms and polysaccharide is one of the functional active components in tea has been known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of polysaccharides from four kinds of Tibetan teas at simulated digestion stages and the effect on the microbiota of fecal fermentation stages in vitro. The results revealed that Tibetan tea polysaccharides were partially digested during digestion. Additionally, during in vitro fecal microbial fermentation, Tibetan tea polysaccharides can promote the growth of some beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Prevotella and Phascolarctobacterium to change the composition of intestinal microorganisms and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Finally, a strong correlation was found between the production of SCFAs and microorganisms including Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Lachnoclostridium. These results suggest that Tibetan tea polysaccharides could be developed as a prebiotic to regulate human gut microbiota.

Growing evidence suggests that dietary fiber enhances short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing gut microbes, improving lung immunity against invading pathogens via the gut–lung axis. This study investigated the effects of dietary fiber on lung immune stress after challenge with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) containing killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thirty-six healthy hybrid Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire male piglets (9.7 ± 1.07 kg, 35 ± 3 days) were randomly fed a low fiber (LF) diet formulated with semipurified corn starch, soy protein concentrate, and fishmeal or a high fiber (HF) diet composed of 1,000 g LF diet plus 20 g inulin, and 100 g cellulose. Piglets were housed individually in the metabolism cages with eighteen replicates per group, with one pig per cage. All the piglets received similar levels of digestible energy and lysine and had similar weight gain. After dietary treatment for 28 days, nine piglets per group were intravenously administered CFA (0.4 mg/kg) or an equivalent amount of sterile saline in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. In piglets fed the LF diet, CFA caused lung damage and elevated serum C-reactive protein and relative mRNA expression of genes related to lung inflammation (NLRP3, Casp1, ASC, IL1β, IL18, Bax). Compared with the LF diet, the HF diet increased bacterial diversity and Deferribacteres (p = 0.01) in the phylum level and unidentified_Ruminococcaceae (p = 0.03) and Catenisphaera (p < 0.01) in the genus level. The HF diet improved increased short-chain fatty acids in feces, blood, cecal, and colonic digesta; reduced lung damage; and promoted lung recovery. Overall, dietary fiber deprivation enhanced the risk of piglets to lung immune stress, demonstrating the importance of dietary fiber in gut–lung health.

Melatonin (MT) is a bio-antioxidant that has been widely used to prevent pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and IUGR during gestation. This experiment evaluated the impacts of dietary MT supplementation during pregnancy on reproductive performance, maternal–placental–fetal redox status, placental inflammatory response, and mitochondrial function, and sought a possible underlying mechanism in the placenta. Sixteen fifth parity sows were divided into two groups and fed each day of the gestation period either a control diet or a diet that was the same but for 36 mg of MT. The results showed that dietary supplementation with MT increased placental weight, while the percentage of piglets born with weight < 900 g decreased. Meanwhile, serum and placental MT levels, maternal–placental–fetal redox status, and placental inflammatory response were increased by MT. In addition, dietary MT markedly increased the mRNA levels of nutrient transporters and antioxidant-related genes involved in the Nrf2/ARE pathway in the placenta. Furthermore, dietary MT significantly increased ATP and NAD+ levels, relative mtDNA content, and the protein expression of Sirt1 in the placenta. These results suggested that MT supplementation during gestation could improve maternal–placental–fetal redox status and reproductive performance by ameliorating placental antioxidant status, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Tibetan tea is not only a national product of geographical identity, but also a traditional beverage inherits Chinese tradition. This study evaluated the metabolic profiles and biological activity in four Tibetan teas. 83 non-volatile metabolites were identified as differentially expressed metabolites, including amino acids and their derivatives, phenolic acids, flavonoids, nucleotides and their derivatives, terpenes, alkaloids, organic acids, lipids and others. CC and 131 were rich in terpenoids and lipids. MZ contained the highest contents of amino acids and their derivatives, phenolic acids and flavonoids. 26 key volatile compounds were considered as odor-active compounds. MZ showed the highest level of antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity. Statistics analysis indicated that polyphenols, flavonoids and catechins were significantly correlated (|r| ≥ 0.7, P 0.05) with biological activities. This study indicated significant differences in the metabolic profiles of various types of Tibetan tea, which provided a clear database for quality detection of Tibetan tea.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement effects of milk powder (MK) and fish meal (FM) by enzymatic soybean (ESB) in diets on growth performance, immunological parameters, SCFAs production and gut microbiome of weaned piglets. Methods A total of 128 piglets with initial body weight at 6.95 ± 0.46 kg, were randomly assigned into 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates per treatment and 4 piglets per replicate for a period of 14 d. Piglets were offered iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic diets as follows: CON diet with MK and FM as high quality protein sources, ESB plus FM diet with ESB replacing MK, ESB plus MK diet with ESB replacing FM, and ESB diet with ESB replacing both MK and FM. Results No significant differences were observed in growth performance among all treatments (P > 0.05). However, piglets fed ESB plus FM or ESB diet had increased diarrhea index (PP Pg_Peptococcus, g_Veillonella and g_Helicobacter. Conclusion The inclusion of ESB in diet did not markedly affect growth performance of piglets, but the replacement of MK or both MK and FM by ESB increased diarrhea index, which could be associated with lower nutrients digestibility and more gut pathogenic bacteria. However, piglets fed diet using ESB to replace FM did not markedly affect gut health-related parameters, indicating the potential for replacing FM with ESB in weaning diet.