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Formulation and preparation of larval feed according to the requirement of Indian major carp is a prerequisite for improving the survival (%) and growth during early developmental stages. A feeding trial of 50 days in a replicate of five was conducted to determine the optimal inclusion levels of fish oil (lipid) in the larval diet of Labeo rohita. Four isonitrogenous (50% CP) nanoparticulate diets with four lipid inclusion levels, L5 (5%), L7 (7%), L9 (9%), and L11 (11%) were prepared and fed to four groups of rohu (Labeo rohita) larvae. At the end of feeding trial, survival (%), growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, gut morphology, and expression of growth and feed intake genes were evaluated. All pairwise comparisons among groups indicated higher growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, and daily weight gain), survival (%), and IGF-1 gene expression of the L9 group followed by the L7 while the L11 showed poor performance even less than L5. All studied intestinal enzymes except amylase showed a similar trend. Amylase showed comparable results among L7, L9, and L5, while L11 showed the lowest value. The intestinal villi length also showed higher values in L9 followed by L7, and lowest in the L11 group. Feed intake regulating genes, leptin showed lipid inclusion level upregulation, while ghrelin showed the highest expression in the L9 group. Based on growth performance, gut morphology, intestinal enzyme activity, and gene expression analysis, 9% dietary lipid could be recommended to ensure the optimum growth and survival of L. rohita larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mugil liza juveniles (6.69 ± 0.06 g) were subjected to dietary citral (0-control, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL per kg feed) for 45 days, and its possible effects on zootechnical and metabolic parameters, digestive enzymes, innate immunity, oxidative status and liver damage were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, fish fed 2.0 mL citral per kg feed showed a greater weight gain and protein retention efficiency, as well as enhanced activities of pepsin (stomach) and amylase (intestine) compared with control fish. Citral supplementation decreased liver lipoperoxidation and increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase in the gills, liver and brain. The highest level of citral inclusion augmented non-protein thiol content in the brain and gills. Myeloperoxidase activity was lower in fish offered 1.0 and 2.0 mL citral per kg feed. Dietary citral did not influence the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase or the hepatic histology. As it improved growth, the activity of digestive enzymes and general health, dietary citral may be recommended for M. liza at 2.0 mL per kg feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current understanding of site-specific digestion of carbohydrates in mammals is that whereas starch can be degraded by mammalian enzymes, other complex carbohydrates (e.g. pectin, inulin, xylan or cellulose) are typically digested by the enzymes of symbiotic microbes. To test whether the previously reported presence of complex carbohydrate-digesting enzymes in the small intestine of sheep represents actual small intestinal enzyme activity or just outflux of microbial enzymes from the forestomach, we applied the same methodology of isolating enzymes from gastrointestinal contents and applying them in vitro to test substrates in the nutria (Myocastor coypus), a hindgutfermenting rodent without a forestomach. No enzymatic activity against carbohydrates was detected in the stomach, excluding an effect of coprophagy on the presence of the investigated enzymes. While - as expected - starch digestion was highest in the small intestine, and that of the other carbohydrates was highest in the caecum, there was nevertheless detectable enzymatic activity against pectin, inulin, xylan and cellulose in the small intestine. While further research is warranted, we suggest that these results indicate a certain degree of unspecific carbohydrase activity by small intestinal enzymes that plays no relevant role in vivo due to the short residence time of digesta in the small intestine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mugil liza juveniles (6.69 ± 0.06 g) were subjected to dietary citral (0-control, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL per kg feed) for 45 days, and its possible effects on zootechnical and metabolic parameters, digestive enzymes, innate immunity, oxidative status and liver damage were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, fish fed 2.0 mL citral per kg feed showed a greater weight gain and protein retention efficiency, as well as enhanced activities of pepsin (stomach) and amylase (intestine) compared with control fish. Citral supplementation decreased liver lipoperoxidation and increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase in the gills, liver and brain. The highest level of citral inclusion augmented non-protein thiol content in the brain and gills. Myeloperoxidase activity was lower in fish offered 1.0 and 2.0 mL citral per kg feed. Dietary citral did not influence the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase or the hepatic histology. As it improved growth, the activity of digestive enzymes and general health, dietary citral may be recommended for M. liza at 2.0 mL per kg feed.

Aquaculture is becoming a more concentrated industry with fewer but larger operating farms. In aquaculture, fishes sharing a tank or cage are often given oral therapeutic doses of antibiotics for a short period of time, but many problems arise when using them. The increase in bacterial antibiotic resistance and antibiotic residues is a global problem that requires the development of alternative therapies against bacterial pathogens in animal production, especially in aquaculture. In view of this, this study investigated the effect of oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotic on growth, haematology, digestive enzyme activity and serum biochemical parameters of GIFT fry. Fish with mean initial weights of 4.57 ± 0.50 g and 4.60 ± 0.52 g were fed a control diet and a 0.065% OTC diet at a feeding rate of 7% for 60 days. Our analysis revealed some important and interesting trends in fish overall, while indicating a strong influence of OTC. Antibiotic-fed fish had higher weight gain (11.63 ± 0.16 g), ADG (0.19 ± 0.01 g), SGR (2.10 ± 0.02) and lowest FCR (1.88 ± 0.03) compared to controls. Likewise, haematological parameters i.e.; leukocytes, differential leukocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocytes, serum biochemical indices and digestive enzyme activity (including amylase, lipase, protease) were higher, but the results indicated that these patterns had significant effects on growth, haematology. The influence of parameters, serum biochemical indicators and digestive enzyme activity because of the f-value (f > 0.4) showed that OTC had a great influence on GIFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze in vitro growth of Lactobacillus spp. with crude extract from yellow yam (Dioscorea cayennensis; CEYY) at different concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) and the growth performance and metabolic responses of tambaqui juveniles fed with diets containing different CEYY concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 g kg–1). In the in vitro assay, there was no effect on the Lactobacillus spp. growth. The inclusion of 80 g CEYY kg diet–1 increased growth performance, plasma lysozyme activity and intestinal lactate levels. Hepatic glycogen levels were higher with 60 g CEYY kg diet–1. The lipase and nonspecific alkaline protease enzymes displayed the highest activity in the control group. There was no influence on the hematologic parameters, plasma glucose and amylase enzyme. In conclusion, the supplementation of 80 g CEYY kg diet–1 could be indicated for tambaqui, as it improved growth performance, plasma lysozyme and intestinal lactate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water temperature plays a crucial role in the growth, survival, and reproduction of fish species, as they make up the majority of aquatic fauna. In this study, the effects of low temperature were studied on the functional state of juvenile golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) under low-temperature stress. The study was conducted at 28°C in the control group and 18°C in the cold group for 14 d to determine the intestinal tissue, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, and metabolites of juvenile fish. The results showed that: (1) the swelling degree of the muscle layer deepened and was congested with a longer low-temperature stress period. The folds were sparse, from slight swelling to shedding and deformation. The intestinal mucosa was necrotic and had vacuoles, and the number gradually increased. Serious erosion of the villi occurred. (2) The specific activities of digestive enzymes showed a downward trend. (3) The intestinal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity showed an upward trend. The intestinal catalase (CAT) activity showed a downward trend. (4) Compared with the control group, there were 28 metabolites in the cold group showing significant differences, among which Z, 11Z, 14Z-eicosatrienoic acid, stearic acid, and adrenic acid showed an upward trend. In contrast, spermidine and uracil showed a downward trend. Among the enriched metabolic pathways, the main differential pathways were unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and β-alanine metabolism. According to metabolomic analysis, under low-temperature stress, the fish body improved the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids to adapt to a low-temperature environment and consumed spermidine to improve its immune ability to clear the peroxide generated by the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in the body so that the cells were protected from oxidative damage. After 14 days, low-temperature stress affected metabolites and enzyme activity indices in juvenile golden pompano. Low-temperature stress causes changes in intestinal antioxidants and digestive enzymes and damage intestinal tissues. As a result of this exploration of how low temperatures affect the juvenile golden pompano, the foundation is laid for future studies, such as the molecular mechanisms of low-temperature adaptation in fish species.

The current study carried out to investigate the effects of adding salt (NaCl) in the diet of beluga, Huso huso and its impacts both on the function of intestinal enzymes and growth indices and food efficiency. In this regard, 480 species of Huso huso with a mean weight of 173.8 ± 0.49 g stocked in 12 fiberglasses 2000-liter tanks for 12 weeks. They fed a diet containing different levels of NaCl including 0, 3, 6 and 9 percent. Growth indices including final weight, SGR and daily growth showed significant differences in fishes of all treatments, except the fishes fed the diet containing comparing control group (p < 0.05) Weight gain percentage of fed fish at 6% sodium chloride level was significantly higher than fish fed control but no statistically significant difference was observed between other treatments. The mean FCR in fishes of control group was significantly higher than other treatments (p < 0.05). The mean rates ofrate of intestinal enzymes including Alkaline phosphatase, protease, lipase and amylase in the fishes fed by different levels of NaCl were significantly more than control group (p < 0.05). It is suggested to achieve a higher growth rate, improve food efficiency, reduction of production costs and enhancement of intestinal enzymes function. appropriate percentage of added NaCl is to be 3-6% per kilogram of diet for farmed beluga of at 150 to 700 g.

The glucose-regulated protein GRP94 is a molecular chaperone that is located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we demonstrate in pull down experiments an interaction between GRP94 and sucrase-isomaltase (SI), the most prominent disaccharidase of the small intestine. GRP94 binds to SI exclusively via its mannose-rich form compatible with an interaction occurring in the ER. We have also examined the interaction GRP94 to a panel of SI mutants that are associated with congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID). These mutants exhibited more efficient binding to GRP94 than wild type SI underlining a specific role of this chaperone in the quality control in the ER. In view of the hypoxic milieu of the intestine, we probed the interaction of GRP94 to SI and its mutants in cell culture under hypoxic conditions and observed a substantial increase in the binding of GRP94 to the SI mutants. The interaction of GRP94 to the major carbohydrate digesting enzyme and regulating its folding as well as retaining SI mutants in the ER points to a potential role of GRP94 in maintenance of intestinal homeostasis by chaperoning and stabilizing SI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate growth, biochemical, hematological and intestinal enzymes responses and survival of Nile tilapia juveniles fed a diet containing the essential oil of lemongrass Cymbopogum flexuosus (EOCF) and infected by Aeromonas hydrophila. Five diets were evaluated (in quadruplicate) with increasing levels of EOCF (0.0 - control; 0.25; 0.50; 1.0 and 2.0 mL kg diet-1). On day 45, eight fish per treatment were sampled and blood, liver and intestine samples were taken. Others eight fish per treatment were infected with A. hydrophila followed by a 15-day period of observation. Citral is the main constituent of EOCF. The inclusion of 2.0 mL EOCF kg diet-1 increased specific growth rate and survival after A. hydrophila infection and decreased feed conversion ratio of Nile tilapia. In general, higher concentrations of EOCF in the diet reduced plasma glucose and triglycerides levels, and increased plasma amino acids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hepatic ALT levels, hematological parameters, and the activity of intestinal enzymes. It was concluded that the inclusion of 2.0 mL EOCF kg diet-1 improved growth performance, biochemical and physiological responses and decreased mortality of Nile tilapia after A. hydrophila infection.

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The objective of this study was to determine the effects of lactose (LA) and a prototype Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product (FP) on growth performance, diet digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, and intestinal function of weaned pigs. Twenty-eight newly weaned pigs [approximately 21 d of age; initial body weight (BW) = 5.20 ± 0.15 kg] were housed in metabolism crates and assigned to one of four treatments (n = seven pigs per treatment) corresponding to a 2 × 2 factorial design: with (LA + ; 15% inclusion) or without (LA−) LA and with (FP+) or without (FP−) the prototype FP (1 g of FP per kilogram of diet; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. At day 5, pigs were orally given lactulose and mannitol to assess small intestinal permeability. Fecal samples were collected on days 5–9 to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and N. Total urine output and fecal samples were collected on days 10–13 to determine N retention. On day 15, all pigs were euthanized to collect intestinal lumen and tissue samples. Data were analyzed for the main effects of LA and FP and their interaction using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Lactose improved average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.017), the ATTD of DM (P = 0.014), the ATTD of GE (P = 0.028), and N retention (P = 0.043) and tended to increase the butyric acid concentration in the colon (P = 0.062). The FP tended to increase the digestibility of N (P = 0.090). Neither LA nor the FP affected intestinal barrier function or inflammation markers. The interaction between LA and FP affected intestinal morphology: in the jejunum, pigs fed LA+FP− had increased villus height compared with those fed LA+FP+ and LA−FP−, whereas LA+FP+ was intermediate (interaction P = 0.034). At the terminal ileum, pigs fed LA−FP+ and LA+FP− had increased villus height and villus: crypt compared with those fed LA−FP−, whereas LA+FP+ was intermediate (interaction P = 0.007 and P = 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, the addition of LA brings important nutritional attributes to nursery diets by improving feed intake, digestibility of DM and GE, and the N retention of weaned pigs; however, the functional capacity of LA to improve markers of intestinal function is limited. On the other hand, the FP showed only a mild increase in the digestibility of N but a limited capacity to improve markers of intestinal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Southeast Asian recipes for everyday meals incorporate the use of several spices such as onions, red chillies, turmeric, coriander, cumin, black pepper, garlic and ginger, while cardamom, cinnamon, aniseed, caraway, clove etc are added when preparing festive dishes. The regular use of seasoning spices raises the question of how they may interact and influence the digestive process. The objective of this study was to find out the effect of fourteen seasonal spices on the three intestinal phosphatases: alkaline phosphatase (AlkPase), adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and acid phosphatase. Methods: The experiment was conducted on rabbits since they are not exposed to spices. A homogenate was made out of the intestines of rabbits. Fourteen commonly used spices were ground, dried, and aqueous and lipid extracts of each spice were prepared. Alk’pase, Acid’pase and ATP’ase were assayed with and without spices using a calorimetric method. Results: Spices, in general, decreased the activity of enzymes. Lipid extracts are the active portion of spices, as they produced significant activation and inhibition. Lipid extract of garlic activated all three enzymes. General inhibition of the phosphatases was produced by the extracts of cinnamon, caraway and clove. Lipids of chillies activated Acid’paseand Alk’pase, while their aqueous extract inhibited both. Ginger inhibited Alk’pase and ATP’ase, while cumin, coriander, anise and turmeric inhibited Acid’pase and ATP’ase. Conclusion: Generally, spices influence the activity of enzymes by either inhibiting or activating them. However, more focused studies need to be conducted on spices and their influence on physiological process for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the future.

Highlights • Effect of proteases on proteinous materials of D. salina and S. platensis. • S. plantesis protein was more rapidly hydrolysed than D. salina protein. • S. plantesis proteins were more suitable than D. salina protein for protease. • Chymotrypsin can act better and faster than trypsin on the microalgae proteins. Abstract Protein composition and molecular weight play an important role in the digestibility of microalgae proteins. In this study for the first time, proteinous materials of Dunaliella salina and Spirulina platensis were extracted and purified by fast protein liquid chromatography. Then, they are affected by trypsin and chymotrypsin as indicator intestinal enzymes. The results showed that the extracted protein from S. plantesis (ProS) was more rapidly hydrolysed than proteins from D. salina (ProD) because of their lower molecular weight and likely their greater flexibility and open structure. Also, the extent of hydrolysis by trypsin and chymotrypsin of ProS were higher and faster than ProD due to the more number of hydrolytic sites in ProS for both enzymes. The catalytic efficiency and k cat displayed that ProS were more suitable substrate than ProD for intestinal enzymes. The results exhibited that chymotrypsin can act better and faster than trypsin on peptide bonds of proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestine microbiota and enzyme activities have crucial effects on host's health and behavior. In order to provide evidences for the toxicology of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on human's health objectively, the influence of AFB1 on intestine microbiota and enzyme activities was conducted. Thirty-two Kunming mice were randomly placed into control group, low-dosage group, middle-dosage group, and high-dosage group after being fed for 4 days adaptively. Then they were fed intragastrically with 0.4 mL of 0 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L, 4 mg/L, and 10 mg/L of AFB1 solutions, twice a day for 62 days. Following this, the intestine contents were collected and the microorganisms and enzyme activities were analyzed. The results showed that the number of bacteria in the low-dosage (p =.024), the middle-dosage (p =.016) and the high-dosage (p =.000) groups and the number of Bifidobacterium spp. in the high-dosage group (p =.001) increased significantly in comparison with the control group. Compared to the control group, the activities of amylase in all AFB1 groups increased significantly (p =.000), the activities of xylanase (p =.005) and cellulase (p =.002) increased also in the high-dosage group. These results indicated that AFB1 destroyed the intestinal microecological balance and increased the activities of intestinal enzymes, but there were no significant effects on the weight of mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Due to the intensification of tilapiculture, problems attributed to health of fish stocks have become more frequent. The objective of the present study was to evaluate growth, physiological responses and survival of Nile tilapia juveniles fed a diet containing the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum (EOOB) and infected by Aeromomas hydrophila. Five diets (in quadruplicates) were evaluated with increasing levels of EOOB (0.0 - control; 0.25; 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0 kg diet−1). On day 45, three fish from each tank were sampled and blood, intestine and liver samples were taken. On day 46, nine fish from each tank were infected with A. hydrophila followed by a 15-day period of observation. An addition of 2.0 mL EOOB in the diet improved the growth performance and increased haematological variables and activity of intestinal enzymes. Higher concentrations of EOOB in the diet reduced plasma triglycerides and glucose and hepatic glycogen and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and increased plasma total proteins and ALT levels and lysozyme post-infection activity. The survival of fish after A. hydrophila infection was not influenced by the addition of EOOB in the diet. The use of 1.0 mL EOOB kg diet−1 seems to be more suitable than 2.0 mL EOOB kg diet−1 since the latter may be related to liver damage. Highlights • We evaluated essential oil of Ocimum basilicum (EOOB) in the diet on growth and health responses of Nile tilapia • The dietary increase of EOOB improved growth performance and intestinal enzymes of Nile tilapia • The highest concentration of EOOB in the diet could cause liver damage • Haemoglobin values and lysozyme post-infection activity were increased with EOOB in the diet [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional ontogeny of the digestive system of Pseudoplatystoma punctifer through the analysis of the activity of the main intestinal (alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidase N, maltase and leucine-alanine peptidase), pancreatic (trypsin, chymotrypsin, total alkaline proteases, bile-salt activated lipase and amylase) and gastric (pepsin) enzymes. Larvae were raised in triplicate in a recirculation system from 4 to 27 days post fertilization (dpf) at an initial density of 90 larvae L−1, 27.8 ± 0.7 °C and 0 L: 24D photoperiod. Larvae were fed from 4 to 17 dpf with Artemia nauplii and weaned onto an experimentally formulated feed (crude protein content ~ 45%; crude fat content ~ 10%; crude carbohydrate ~ 8%) within 3 days, then continued with the same diet until the end of the trial. P. punctifer showed an exponential growth pattern with two different growth rates: a slower one from hatching to 12 dpf followed by a faster one from 12 to 27 dpf. The specific and total activities of the pancreatic and intestinal enzymes were detected from hatching. The digestive system was functional at 12 dpf, indicating the transition from the larval to the juvenile stage (alkaline to acid digestion). Therefore individuals could be weaned from that day onwards. The variations observed in the enzymatic activity from 17 dpf reflected the adaptation of the enzymatic machinery to the new diet supplied. P. punctifer larvae showed a fast digestive system development with an enzymatic profile typical of a tropical and carnivorous species. Highlights • The ontogeny of digestive enzyme activity was studied in P. punctifer , an Amazonian catfish with high aquaculture potential. • P. punctifer showed a fast digestive system development with an enzymatic profile typical of carnivorous species. • Digestive system was functional at 12 days post fertilization, hence P. punctifer could be weaned from that day onwards. • Results contribute to developing a feeding protocol adapted to the changing digestive capacities during early life stages. • An adequate feeding protocol is needed to reduce cannibalism, the main bottleneck for fingerling mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii (L. delbrueckii) on growth performance, body composition, intestinal enzyme activities and gene expression of Cyprinus carpio Huanghe var. Fish (mean 1.05 ± 0.03 g in triplicate) were conducted for 8 weeks with five treatments in triplicate. The fish in the control were fed a basal diet, and those in D2, D3, D4 and D5 were fed basal diet containing L. delbrueckii at 1 × 10 CFU/g, 1 × 10 CFU/g, 1 × 10 CFU/g and 1 × 10 CFU/g. The growth performance and the hepatic IGF‐I expression of fish increased significantly as L. delbrueckii level increased from 0 to 1 × 10 CFU/g, but decreased significantly with further increasing L. delbrueckii levels. The whole body protein, lipid contents, intestinal digestive and absorptive enzyme activities were significantly affected by dietary L. delbrueckii levels with the highest values observed in fish fed diet containing 1 × 106 CFU/g L. delbrueckii. The carbohydrate content showed the opposite trend. The results suggest that supplementation of L. delbrueckii as probiotic in the diet at approximately 1 × 10 CFU/g can improve growth performance, intestinal enzyme activities and the growth‐related gene expression in Cyprinus carpio Huanghe var. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The global abuse and misuse of antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections has resulted in the ubiquitous existence of these drugs in aquatic environments, which causes frequent antimicrobial resistance and pollution in ecosystems. However, the chronic effects of antimicrobial agents on aquatic animal growth and health have not been fully evaluated. In the present study, three typical antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin, and norfloxacin) were administered orally to juvenile sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus for 45 days, to mimic the long-term use of antibiotics. As a result, tetracycline and erythromycin promoted the growth and digestive activity of lipase, pepsin, and trypsin, but norfloxacin did not show significant prompting effect on digestive activity and even retarded the weight gain of the sea cucumbers. The mortality was higher in antibiotic treated groups between the 2nd and 4th days after challenge with Vibrio splendidus. At the same time, lower immune-related parameters were found in antibiotic feeding juveniles, suggesting that the use of antibiotics might weaken the immune defense system of sea cucumbers. This study revealed that antibiotic administration could facilitate the growth of sea cucumbers to varying degrees yet coupled with high risks of impaired immune function and compromised disease resistance. Highlights • Tetracycline and erythromycin promoted growth but norfloxacin was counterproductive. • The mortality of A. japonicus infected by pathogen elevated after antibiotic exposure. • Long term antibiotic treatment suppressed immune function of sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant barrier to oral insulin delivery is its enzymatic degradation in the gut. Nano-sized polymer-insulin polyelectrolyte complexes (PECS) have been developed to protect insulin against enzymatic degradation. Poly(allylamine) (Paa) was trimethylated to yield QPaa. Thiolation of Paa and QPaa was achieved by attaching either N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or thiobutylamidine (TBA) ligands (Paa-NAC/QPaa-NAC and Paa-TBA/QPaa-TBA thiomers). PEC formulations were prepared in Tris buffer (pH 7.4) at various polymer: insulin mass ratios (0.2:1-2:1). PECS were characterized by %transmittance of light and photon correlation spectroscopy. Insulin complexation efficiency and enzyme-protective effect of these complexes were determined by HPLC. Complexation with insulin was found to be optimal at mass ratios of 0.4-1:1 for all polymers. PECS in this mass range were positively-charged (20-40 mV), nanoparticles (50-200 nm), with high insulin complexation efficiency (>90%). Complexation with TBA polymers appeared to result in disulfide bridge formation between the polymers and insulin. In vitro enzymatic degradation assays of QPaa, Paa-NAC, and QPaa-NAC PECS showed that they all offered some protection against insulin degradation by trypsin and α-chymotrypsin, but not from pepsin. QPaa-NAC complexes with insulin are the most promising formulation for future work, given their ability to offer protection against intestinal enzymes. This work highlights the importance of optimizing polymer structure in the delivery of proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two forage sources supplemented either from Day 3 or Day 15 of age on growth performance, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, intestinal enzymes and incidence of diarrhoea in Holstein bull calves. Forty neonatal male Holstein calves (40.6 ± 5.8 kg BW) were randomly assigned to five treatments, with eight replicates each, including calves fed starter feed without any forage provision (Control; CON), and the same starter plus either chopped alfalfa hay started fed from Day 3 (AE) or Day 15 of age (AL) or chopped oat hay fed from Day 3 (OE) or Day 15 of age (OL). The study finished when all calves were weaned at 56 days of age. During the experimental period average daily gain, starter intake and total dry matter intake were similar among calves fed either of five dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Empty rumen weight (proportional to bodyweight) was greater in CON calves than in OL calves (P < 0.05). The AL calves had a lighter small intestine compared with CON, OL and AE calves, but similar to OE. Frequency of diarrhoea was not affected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Rumen concentration of total volatile fatty acids and pH were similar among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Control calves had a lower molar proportion of acetate compared with OL calves, but similar to the other calves (P < 0.05). Forage-fed calves had similar molar proportion of butyrate to CON calves. Acetate to propionate ratio was higher in OL-fed calves than in those fed CON and AE diets (P < 0.05). Rumen concentration of NH3-N tended to be higher (P = 0.059) in CON calves than in forage-fed calves. During experimental period, serum concentrations of globulin, total protein, glucose and total cholesterol were similar among dietary treatments. Calves fed OE had lower serum concentration of albumin than those fed other diets (P < 0.01). Serum concentration of triglycerides (P < 0.05) was greater in calves fed AE followed by those fed AL and then those fed CON, OL and OE. The AL-fed calves had a higher serum lactate dehydrogenase compared with AE and OE fed calves, but similar to calves fed OL and CON. Duodenum amylase concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in AE-fed calves compared with CON-fed calves, but similar to calves fed AL, OL and OE. Calves fed OL had greater (P < 0.05) ileum lipase concentration than those fed OE, but similar to calves fed AL, AE and CON. In conclusion, provision of chopped alfalfa or oat hay to calves either from Day 3 or Day 15 of age resulted in similar starter intake and total dry matter intake and feed efficiency and physical development of the reticulorumen compared with calves fed the CON diet, which justifies the supply of forage to young calves, even at an early age, as forages are generally cheaper than starter concentrates. There is still much controversy concerning whether forage should be included in the calf diet during the pre-weaning period. The aim of this study was to determine the responses of calves to forage type and forage provision age. The results indicate that forage provision had no negative effect on calves, which justifies the supply of forage to young calves, even at an early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of citrus extract (CE) on plasma free amino acids, intestinal morphology and enzymes activity, fecal nitrogen and phosphorus emissions in piglets. The experiment was performed on 144 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) divided into three groups. Control (CON), fed a basic diet; Antibiotic (ANTI), fed a basic diet supplemented with 75 g/t chlortetracycline; Citrus extract (CE), fed a basic diet supplemented with 300 mL/t CE. The albumin content of the CE group was significantly higher than the CON group. Compared with the CON and ANTI groups, the CE group had increased concentrations of plasma total essential amino acids and threonine. Compared with the CON group, CE increased the α-aminoadipic acid concentration, while compared with ANTI group, it increased the 3-methylhistidine concentration. Compared with the CON group, the crypt depth of duodenum, jejunum and ileum decreased, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of ileum increased in the ANTI and CE groups. CE increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase and lipase in duodenum, and the activity of alkaline phosphatase and trypsin in jejunum. In brief, CE improved the absorption and utilization of nitrogen, intestinal morphology and digestive enzymes activity.

Background Species beloging to the genus Pomacea (Ampullariidae), often referred as apple snails, are freshwater, amphibious snails native to South, Central and North America. Some species such as P. canaliculata have become a driver of ecosystem changes in wetlands and an important rice and taro pest after its introduction to Asia and other parts of the world. Females deposit colored egg clutches above the waterline, a reproductive strategy that exposes the eggs to harsh conditions and terrestrial predation. However, eggs have no reported predators in their native range, probably because of the acquisition of unparalleled biochemical defenses provided by a set of proteins (perivitellins) that nourish embryos and protect them from predators and abiotic factors. Notably, ingestion of egg perivitelline fluid (PVF) decreases rat growth rate and alters their gastrointestinal morphology. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of apple snail egg PVF on mice gut digestive activity, morphology and nutrient absorption. Methods Carbohydrate digestion by intestinal disaccharidases (sucrase-isomaltase and maltase-glucoamylase) was evaluated ex vivo in mice gavaged with 1 or 4 doses of PVF. Changes in gut morphological and absorptive surface were measured. In addition, alteration on nutrient absorption rates, transport pathways and intestinal permeability was evaluated by luminal perfusions of small intestine with radiolabeled L-proline (absorbed by paracellular and transcellular pathways) and L-arabinose (absorbed exclusively by paracellular pathway). Results Perivitelline fluid affected mice displayed significant morphological changes in the small intestine epithelium inducing the appearance of shorter and wider villi as well as fused villi. This resulted in a diminished absorptive surface, notably in the proximal portion. Likewise, the activity of disaccharidases diminished in the proximal portion of the intestine. Total absorption of L-proline increased in treated mice in a dose-dependent manner. There were no differences neither in the ratio of paracellular-to-transcellular absorption of L-proline nor in gut permeability as revealed by the clearance of L-arabinose. Discussion Oral administration of apple snail PVF to mice adversely alters gut morphophysiology by reducing the intestinal absorptive surface, affecting enzymes of sugar metabolism and increasing the absorption rate of nutrients without affecting the relative contribution of the absorption pathways or gut permeability. These results further support the role of PVF in passive anti-predator defenses in Pomacea snail eggs that target the digestive system.

Abstract: A 60‐day feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fishmeal (FM) replacement with cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on growth, digestion and intestinal histology of juvenile Chinese soft‐shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Five diets were formulated to replace 0, 50, 100, and 150 g/kg fishmeal protein by CPH (CPH0, CPH5, CPH10, CPH15) and CPH15L (CPH15 with micro capsule‐L‐lysine). Weight gain, feed conversion rate and protein efficiency ratio showed no significant differences compared to control group (p > .05). The highest feed intake indicated in CPH15 (p < .05). The composition of whole‐body varied slightly in each groups (p > .05). The trypsin activity significantly elevated when dietary fishmeal protein was replaced by CPH at 30–90 g/kg (p < .05). A significantly higher lipase activities in CPH5 than control group (p < .05). The CPH5‐10 groups showed higher villus height than the other groups (p < .05). The microvillus length in turtles with CPH showed a significant increasing length (p < .05). The results indicated that replacing up to 90 g/kg of dietary fishmeal protein with CPH did not hamper growth or reduce feed intake of turtles. Moreover, CPH replaced 60 g/kg FMP can increase intestine digestive enzymes activities and improve intestinal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Species beloging to the genus Pomacea (Ampullariidae), often referred as apple snails, are freshwater, amphibious snails native to South, Central and North America. Some species such as P. canaliculata have become a driver of ecosystem changes in wetlands and an important rice and taro pest after its introduction to Asia and other parts of the world. Females deposit colored egg clutches above the waterline, a reproductive strategy that exposes the eggs to harsh conditions and terrestrial predation. However, eggs have no reported predators in their native range, probably because of the acquisition of unparalleled biochemical defenses provided by a set of proteins (perivitellins) that nourish embryos and protect them from predators and abiotic factors. Notably, ingestion of egg perivitelline fluid (PVF) decreases rat growth rate and alters their gastrointestinal morphology. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of apple snail egg PVF on mice gut digestive activity, morphology and nutrient absorption. Methods. Carbohydrate digestion by intestinal disaccharidases (sucrase-isomaltase and maltase-glucoamylase) was evaluated ex vivo in mice gavaged with 1 or 4 doses of PVF. Changes in gut morphological and absorptive surface were measured. In addition, alteration on nutrient absorption rates, transport pathways and intestinal permeability was evaluated by luminal perfusions of small intestine with radiolabeled L-proline (absorbed by paracellular and transcellular pathways) and L-arabinose (absorbed exclusively by paracellular pathway). Results. Perivitelline fluid affected mice displayed significant morphological changes in the small intestine epithelium inducing the appearance of shorter and wider villi as well as fused villi. This resulted in a diminished absorptive surface, notably in the proximal portion. Likewise, the activity of disaccharidases diminished in the proximal portion of the intestine. Total absorption of L-proline increased in treated mice in a dose-dependent manner. There were no differences neither in the ratio of paracellular-to-transcellular absorption of L-proline nor in gut permeability as revealed by the clearance of L-arabinose. Discussion. Oral administration of apple snail PVF to mice adversely alters gut morphophysiology by reducing the intestinal absorptive surface, affecting enzymes of sugar metabolism and increasing the absorption rate of nutrients without affecting the relative contribution of the absorption pathways or gut permeability. These results further support the role of PVF in passive anti-predator defenses in Pomacea snail eggs that target the digestive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Prescription stimulants are vulnerable to oral and parenteral abuse. Intravenous forms of abuse may be most detrimental due to an enhanced risk of dependence, overdose, and infectious diseases. Our objective was to discover an orally active prodrug of a stimulant that would not be easily converted to its parent when injected, thus hindering intravenous abuse.Methods: Following an initial analysis of stimulant structures, the fencamfamine isomer [(-)-FCF; (N-ethyl-3-phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-amine)] was chosen as a parent drug due to its favorable biochemical properties. Subsequently, PRX-P4-003 {(-)-N-(Octadecanoyloxymethoxycarbonyl)-N-ethyl-3-phenylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-amine} qualified for further development. Experimental testing of PRX-P4-003 included radioligand binding assays, stability studies, and rodent pharmacokinetic and locomotor assays.Results: Prodrug PRX-P4-003 is a pharmacologically inactive, hydrophobic compound, whereas its parent (-)-FCF is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor with weaker effects on norepinephrine reuptake (Ki = 0.07 and 0.80 μM, respectively). PRX-P4-003 is metabolized to (-)-FCF in simulated intestinal fluid (with pancreatin) but not in simulated gastric fluid (with pepsin). Finally, PRX-P4-003 shows a significant oral but no intravenous increase in locomotion, correlating with its pharmacokinetics by these different routes of administration.Conclusions: PRX-P4-003 is a novel prodrug stimulant enzymatically activated in the gut. Our data suggest a pancreatic, lipase-based mechanism of activation and as only 1% of this enzyme is found in the systemic circulation, PRX-P4-003 is unlikely to be bioactive if injected intravenously. Enzymatic release of (-)-FCF is needed prior to its systemic absorption, which may discourage oral abuse (e.g., by chewing). PRX-P4-003 is being developed for apathy in Alzheimer's disease and binge eating disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reveal the effects of l -tryptophan (Trp) on the physiology and immune response of sea cucumber ( Apostichopus japonicus Selenka) exposed to crowding stress, four density groups of sea cucumbers (i.e. 4, 8, 16 and 32 individuals per 40 L water, represented as L, ML, MH and H) were fed with diets containing 0, 1, 3 and 5% l -tryptophan respectively for 75 days. The results showed that the specific growth rates (SGR) of the sea cucumber fed with diet with 3% Trp (L, 2.1; ML, 1.76; MH, 1.2; H, 0.7) were significantly higher than those fed with basal diet without Trp supplementation ( P  < .05). Peak amylase activity occurred at H stress density at 3% dietary Trp. Trypsin activity was higher in diet 3% in ML and MH densities than the controls, which increased by 66.4% and 53.8%. However, the lipase activity first increased and then decreased from the stocking density L to H, with highest values of 3% Trp group showed the highest value than other groups. Compared to those fed with the basal diet, sea cucumber fed diets with Trp (3%) had significantly higher phagocytic activities (0.28 OD540/10 6  cells, H) in coelomic fluid and respiratory burst activities (0.105 OD630/10 6  cells, MH) ( P  < .05). The results suggested that Trp cannot improve superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at L, ML and MH densities. The alkaline phosphatase activity (AKP) significantly decreased at H stress density. Under the experimental conditions, the present results confirmed that a diet supplemented with 3% Trp was able to enhance intestinal enzyme activities, non-specific immune response and higher growth performance of A. japonicus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increased appreciation for the diverse roles of the microbiome-gut-brain axis on mammalian growth and health throughout the lifespan. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome and their metabolites are extensively involved in the communication between brain and gut. Association study of brain metabolome and gut microbiome is an active field offering large amounts of information on the interaction of microbiome, brain and gut but data size and complicated hierarchical relationships were found to be major obstacles to the formation of significant, reproducible conclusions. This study addressed a two-level strategy of brain metabolome and gut microbiome association analysis of male Wistar rats in the process of growth, employing several analytical platforms and various bioinformatics methods. Trajectory analysis showed that the age-related brain metabolome and gut microbiome had similarity in overall alteration patterns. Four high taxonomical level correlated pairs of "metabolite type-bacterial phylum", including "lipids-Spirochaetes", "free fatty acids (FFAs)-Firmicutes", "bile acids (BAs)-Firmicutes", and "Neurotransmitters-Bacteroi-detes", were screened out based on unit - and multivariant correlation analysis and function analysis. Four groups of specific "metabolite-bacterium" association pairs from within the above high level key pairs were further identified. The key correlation pairs were validated by an independent animal study. This two-level strategy is effective in identifying principal correlations in big data sets obtained from the systematic multiomics study, furthering our understanding on the lifelong connection between brain and gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth depends on an animal's capacity to digest and assimilate ingested nutrients, and insufficient supply and impairment will constrain lamb growth. Eight groups of Alpine Finewool lambs were harvested on 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56 d to measure pH and enzymatic activities in the duodenum, proximal jejunum, middle jejunum, distal jejunum, and ileum mucosa or digesta. From the duodenum to the ileum the pH of intestinal mucosa and digesta increased, whereas pH changed very little with age. The trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, lactase, and α-amylase activities observed at birth decreased by d 3, followed by a nonuniform enzymatic response in the small intestine. The trypsin activity increased from d 3 to peak, at d 21, followed by a decline. Chymotrypsin activity followed the same general trend but with smaller responses in activities. Trypsin demonstrated greater enzymatic activity than chymotrypsin at the same age. The lipase activity of small intestinal mucosa and digesta changed little with age. The lactase activity was high at birth, decreased by d 3, and then increased, followed by a decrease as lambs approached weaning. α-Amylase activity was similar in the small intestinal mucosa and digesta at birth but increased with age for the duodenum and proximal jejunum. Plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK), secretin, and gastrin were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with ileal mucosa lipase activity. Plasma concentration of CCK, secretin, gastrin, and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with ileal mucosa lactase activity. Plasma concentration of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with lactase activity in the middle jejunum and ileal mucosa. Plasma concentrations of CCK, secretin, gastrin, and GIP were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with α-amylase activity in the ileal mucosa but negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with duodenum, prejejunum, and middle jejunum. Plasma PP concentrations were positively correlated (P < 0.01) with α-amylase activity of duodenum, middle jejunum, and postjejunum mucosa but not with the enzyme activity of postjejunum and ileal mucosa (P > 0.05). Small intestinal enzymatic activities exist and may be sufficient to enhance lamb growth via appropriate nutrient supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nestling house sparrows near fledging age (12 days) were previously found to reversibly modulate the activity of their intestinal digestive enzymes in response to changes in diet composition. However, it is not known how quickly nestlings can adjust to new diets with different substrate compositions, nor is it known how early in life nestlings can modulate their enzyme activity in response to changes in diet. In the present study, 3-day-old nestlings were captured from the wild and fed and switched among contrasting diets - one high in protein and low in carbohydrate and another higher in carbohydrate and with lower, but adequate, protein - in order to determine (1) how quickly house sparrow nestlings could adjust to changes in diet composition, (2) how early in life nestlings could modulate their digestive enzyme activity in response to these changes and (3) which digestive enzymes could be modulated in house sparrow nestlings earlier in life. We found that house sparrow nestlings as young as 3 days posthatch were capable of modulating their intestinal disaccharidase activity within 24 h of a change in diet composition, and nestlings gained the ability to modulate aminopeptidase-N by 6 or 7 days of age. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of digestive enzyme modulation completed within 24 h of a change in diet in an avian species and the first study to show intestinal digestive enzyme modulation in response to changes in diet composition in any animal this early in development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestive capabilities, such as the rates nutrient hydrolysis and absorption, may affect energy intake and ultimately feeding behavior. In birds, a high diversity in gut biochemical capabilities seems to support the existence of a correlation between the morphology and physiology of the intestinal tract and chemical features of the natural diet. However, studies correlating the activity of digestive enzymes and the feeding habits at an evolutionary scale are scarce. We investigated the effect of dietary habits on the digestive physiological characteristics of eight species of passerine birds from Central Chile. The Order Passeriformes is a speciose group with a broad dietary spectrum that includes omnivorous, granivorous and insectivorous species. We measured the activity of three enzymes: maltase, sucrase and aminopeptidase-N. Using an autocorrelation analysis to remove the phylogenetic effect, we found that dietary habits had no effect on enzymatic activity. However, we found that granivorous and omnivorous species had higher levels of disaccharidase activities and insectivores had the lowest. The major difference in enzymatic activity found at the inter-specific level, compared to the reported lower magnitude of enzyme modulation owing to dietary acclimation, suggests that these differences to some extent have a genetic basis. However, the lack of a clear association between diet categories and gut physiology suggested us that dietary categorizations do not always reflect the chemical composition of the ingested food.

The study of enzymes activity of membranous intestinal digestion has been carried out. The condition of ultrastructure of mucous membrane of a small bowel in patients with chronic pancreatitis taking into account duration of disease is presented. It is shown, that signs of lesion of a small bowel in case of chronic pancreatitis are caused by disturbances in the first stage of membranous intestinal digestion, observed at early stages of disease and begin to progress with the disease duration.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of two macroalgae as dietary ingredients on growth, body composition, intermediate metabolism, intestinal enzymes and gut histology of Sparus aurata juveniles. Six isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets incorporating 5%, 15% or 25% of Gracilaria cornea or Ulva rigida meal were tested against a control diet. Duplicate groups of fifteen fish (14 g) were fed the experimental diets for 70 days. Growth performance showed an inverse linear relationship with the inclusion level of Gracilaria. Feed conversion ratio increased significantly in fish fed 25% Gracilaria. Ulva presented a quadratic relationship with the lowest SGR at 15% of inclusion. Fish fed 25% Ulva exhibited significantly lower lipid content than those fed control diet. Overall, metabolites did not show differences with specimens fed control diet, except for plasmatic glucose and muscle lactate. Intestinal proteolytic activity was reduced with the macroalgae inclusion level, but all fish showed the same enzyme pattern. The histological study revealed no negative effect on liver and intestine structure by the macroalgae inclusion. The present work demonstrated that these ingredients can be used in practical diets for sea bream, but a more comprehensive research is needed to determine the optimum dietary level in a longer feeding trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for plants, containing compounds with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, we found that a methanolic extract from the leaves and twigs of Archidendron clypearia (Jack.) Nielsen significantly inhibited rat intestinal sucrase in vitro. A phytochemical investigation of the aqueous layer of an A. clypearia extract led to the isolation of 14 compounds ( 1 – 14 ). Their structures were established through extensive 1D and 2D NMR, CD data, and MS analysis. The methanolic extract, as well as the water layer at a concentration of 3.0 mg/mL, showed potent sucrase inhibitory activity, with 67.78 ± 2.53% and 95.33 ± 2.15% inhibition, respectively. In addition, compounds 6 , 7 , and 10 (1.0 mM) showed potent sucrase inhibition (88.36 ± 1.15%, 81.57 ± 1.07%, and 66.32 ± 4.73% inhibition, respectively), which was comparable to that of the positive control, acarbose, which exhibited 89.54 ± 0.91% inhibition. Other compounds showed moderate or weak inhibitory activity at the same concentration. The sucrase inhibitory activity of the extracts and purified compounds may provide a novel opportunity to develop a new class of antidiabetic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementary surfactin on growth performance, intestinal digestive enzymes activities and some serum biochemical parameters of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Three hundred and twenty fish were randomly divided into four treatment groups with four replicates in each group and 20 fish in each replicate. The dietary surfactin levels of four treatment groups were 0 (control group), 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The trial period was 7 weeks. Compared with the control group, final body weight, daily feed intake, weight gain rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were improved significantly by surfactin supplementation (p < 0.05). No significant differences of survival rate were found between the control group and all surfactin supplementation groups (p > 0.05). The activities of protease and lipase in intestine of surfactin supplementation groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05), the amylase activities were similar among all treatment groups (p > 0.05). The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were decreased significantly by dietary surfactin supplementation (p < 0.05), the levels of blood urea nitrogen, triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while lysozyme activity and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level were increased significantly by the surfactin supplementation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrated a promotion of growth performance and improvement of intestinal digestive enzymes activities and some serum biochemical parameters of tilapia fingerlings by dietary surfactin supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although much speculation has surrounded intestinally expressed FcRn as a means for systemic uptake of orally administered immunoglobulin G (IgG), this has not been validated in translational models beyond neonates or in FcRn-expressing cells in vitro. Recently, IgG1 intestinal infusion acutely in anesthetized cynomolgus resulted in detectable serum monoclonal antibody ( mAb) levels. In this study, we show that IgG2 has greater protease resistance to intestinal enzymes in vitro and mice in vivo, due to protease resistance in the hinge region. An IgG2 mAb engineered for FcRn binding, was optimally formulated, lyophilized, and loaded into enteric-coated capsules for oral dosing in cynomolgus. Small intestinal pH 7.5 was selected for enteric delivery based on gastrointestinal pH profiling of cynomolgus by operator-assisted IntelliCap System®. Milling of the lyophilized IgG2 M428L FcRn-binding variant after formulation in 10 mmol/L histidine, pH 5.7, 8.5% sucrose, 0.04% PS80 did not alter the physicochemical properties nor the molecular integrity compared to the batch released in PBS. Size 3 hard gel capsules (23.2 mg IgG2 M428L ~3 mg/kg) were coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate for rapid dissolution at pH 7.5 in small intestine and FcRn binding of encapsulated mAb confirmed. Initial capsule dosing by endoscopic delivery into the small intestine achieved 0.2 + 0.1 ng/mL ( n = 5) peak at 24 h. Weekly oral capsule dosing for 6 weeks achieved levels of 0.4 + 0.2 ng/mL and, despite increasing the dose and frequency, remained below 1 ng/mL. In conclusion, lyophilized milled mAb retains FcRn binding and molecular integrity for small intestinal delivery. The low systemic exposure has demonstrated the limitations of intestinal FcRn in non-human primates and the unfeasibility of employing this for therapeutic levels of mAb. Local mAb delivery with limited systemic exposure may be sufficient as a therapeutic for intestinal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is a potent epithelium-specific intestinal growth factor. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the prolonged effect of GLP-2 on the growth performance of weaned piglets. Forty piglets weaned at the age of 28 d with an average BW of 6.8 ± 0.4 kg were assigned to four treatments: (i) non- challenged control; (ii) LPS-challenged control; (iii) LPS + low GLP-2; and (iv) LPS + high GLP-2. Piglets in groups (i), (ii), and (iv) were s.c. injected with PBS supplemented with human [Gly2]GLP-21-34 at doses of 0, 2 and 10 nmol/kg BW per day for seven consecutive days. BW, gain:feed ratio (G:F), and plasma GLP-2 levels were determined on d 0, 7, and 14 after weaning. Piglets were challenged with i.p. administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose of 100 µg/kg on d 14 to induce intestinal damage. Twenty-four hours later, intestinal tract samples were collected to assess intestinal morphology and quantify enzyme activity. Results: Plasma GLP-2 levels decreased after weaning, but in the high GLP-2 group, plasma GLP-2 was maintained on d 7 and even increased to a level higher than the preweaning level on d 14 (P< 0.05). High GLP-2 treatment significantly increased the duodenal, jejunal and ileal weight, as well as the gross weight of the small intestine (SI), and the SI weight index (P< 0.05). LPS caused villous atrophy and disrupted intestinal morphology in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. GLP-2 also significantly increased the villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio (VCR) of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05). Histological examination revealed that in GLP-2-treated groups, the integrity of the villus was maintained, and the villus was protected against LPS-induced damage. GLP-2 significantly increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), and pancreatic lipase in the duodenum and jejunum (P< 0.05). GLP-2 treatment also significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) and G:F of piglets at 0 to 7, 7 to 14, as well as 0 to14 d (P< 0.05), resulting in a significant increase of final BW in high GLP-2 pigs (P= 0.016). Conclusions: Exogenous GLP-2 improved the growth of weaned piglets and protected them against LPS-induced intestinal damage. These effects may be due to the ability of GLP-2 to promote the secretion of endogenous GLP-2 to stimulate the small intestinal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species show diet-induced flexibility of activity of intestinal enzymes; however, molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for such modulation are less known, particularly in altricial birds. The goal of our study was to test whether a diet-induced increase in activity of intestinal maltase and sucrase in house sparrow nestlings is matched with an increase in maltase-glucoamylase ( MG) and sucrase-isomaltase ( SI) complex mRNAs respectively. Both enzyme activities were significantly higher in mid-intestine of nestlings fed a medium-starch ( MS) diet compared to those fed a starch-free ( SF) diet. In contrast to the similar pattern of dietary induction for both enzyme activities, diet MS elevated significantly only the level of MG mRNA, but not SI mRNA. The coordinated increase in activity of maltase and in MG mRNA is consistent with the hypothesis that dietary induction of this enzyme is under transcriptional control. In contrast, the lack of such coordination for changes in activity of sucrase and SI mRNA suggests that upregulation of this enzyme may be achieved by post-translational factor(s). We conclude that genetic mechanisms responsible for diet-induced flexibility of digestive enzymes in birds may differ from that observed in mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary choline supplementation on growth, lipid deposition and intestinal enzyme activities of Megalobrama amblycephala. Fish were fed four diets with two lipid levels (50 and 150 g kg−1) and two choline supplementations (600 and 1600 mg kg−1) for 8 weeks. Feed conversion ratio ( FCR), viscerosomatic index ( VSI), hepatosomatic index ( HSI), intraperitoneal fat ( IPF) ratio, whole-body and muscle lipid contents, intestinal lipase activities and lipoprotein lipase ( LPL) activities all increased significantly ( P < 0.05) as lipid levels increased, whereas the opposite was true for whole-body and muscle moisture contents and intestinal amylase activities. VSI, IPF ratio and whole-body lipid contents all decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) with increasing dietary choline supplementations. Weight gain, muscle moisture content all increased significantly ( P < 0.05) with increasing dietary choline supplementations when dietary lipid levels reached 150 g kg−1, whereas the opposite was true for FCR, IPF ratio, IPF and liver LPL activities. In addition, abnormal hepatocytes were found in the liver of fish fed 150 g kg−1 lipid with 600 mg kg−1 choline supplementation. The result of this study indicated that extra choline supplementation can improve growth performance, intestinal enzymes activities and reduce excessive lipid deposition of M. amblycephala fed high lipid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isoflavone genistein has been shown to act as topoisomerase II poison in various cell lines. Here, we address the question whether genistein is able to affect topoisomerase II in vivo . Juvenile male Wistar rats received either a single dose of genistein subcutaneously (s.c.; 10 mg/kg BW) or a lifelong isoflavone-rich diet encompassing in utero , lactation phase and 10 days of oral consumption, whereas genistein was mainly taken up as glycosides (25–50 mg/kg BW). The effects on the level of covalent topoisomerase II–DNA-complexes in the duodenum and colon were measured using the “Isolation of in vivo complexes of enzyme to DNA” (ICE)-bioassay. Simultaneously, serum as well as tissue concentrations of genistein and its metabolites were quantified by LC–MS. Genistein (s.c.) significantly increased the amount of covalent topoisomerase IIα and β-DNA complexes in the gut, showing more persistent effects in the colon than in the duodenum. In case of a lifelong dietary isoflavone exposure, no effects on the stabilization of cleavage complexes was observed, except a slight increase of topoisomerase IIα–DNA-complexes in the colon. The differences between the exposure routes might be attributed to the higher serum concentration of the genistein aglycon after subcutaneous treatment probably due to circumvention of first-pass metabolism compared to oral consumption of an isoflavone-rich diet. These data indicate that subcutaneously administrated genistein clearly possesses topoisomerase poisoning properties in vivo , whereas an isoflavone-rich diet containing genistein only caused a slight effect which relevance has to be clarified in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin is a flavonoid with antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties, poorly absorbed when administered orally. To increase its bioavailability and optimize its release in the intestine, a hybrid system made of liposomes coated with cross-linked chitosan, named TPP-chitosomes, was developed and characterized by light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and Turbiscan® technology. The TPP-chitosomes were nanosized (∼180 nm), fairly spherical in shape and unilamellar. The actual coating of the surface of liposomes with the cross-linked chitosan was demonstrated by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering. The release of quercetin in simulated gastric and intestinal pH was investigated, the results showing that the system provided resistance to acidic conditions, and promoted the release in alkaline pH, mimicking the intestinal environment. The proposed hybrid system represents a promising combination of nanovesicles and chitosan for the delivery of quercetin to the intestine in the therapy of oxidative stress/inflammation related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of phenylalanine on growth, digestive and absorptive ability and antioxidant status of young grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella). Young grass carp were fed diets containing 3.4 (basal diet), 6.1, 9.1, 11.5, 14.0 and 16.8 g phenylalanine kg−1 diet with a fixed of 10.7 g tyrosine kg−1 diet for 8 weeks. Percent weight gain ( PWG), feed efficiency and feed intake of fish were the lowest in fish fed the basal diet ( P < 0.05). Trypsin, lipase and amylase activities in the hepatopancreas, and antioxidants including glutathione contents and glutathione reducase activities in the hepatopancreas and intestine were all the highest in fish fed 11.5 g phenylalanine kg−1 diet ( P < 0.05). Trypsin, chymotrypsin and amylase activities in whole intestine, and creatine kinase, Na+, K+- ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the proximal intestine, and superoxide dismutase activities in the hepatopancreas and intestine were all the highest when phenylalanine at level of 9.1 g kg−1 diet ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, phenylalanine improved growth, digestive and absorptive ability, and antioxidant capacity of young grass carp. The phenylalanine requirement of young grass carp (256-629 g) based on PWG was 10.4 g kg−1 diet or 3.44 g 100 g−1 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Columba livia, original from Europe, is at present widely distributed all over the world. These granivores colonized urban environments where the availability of crops and seeds is not always permanent and, for that are forced to exploit other resources with different composition, e.g. high protein foodstuff. Thus, feral pigeons should have the ability to survive on a diet rich in protein as they do with starchy items by having an adequate digestive biochemical machinery to process it. Phylogenetical and functional hypothesis has been proposed linking dietary flexibility and enzyme lability. All Passeriformes studied to date show the expected positive correlation between aminopeptidase-N and dietary protein but not for intestinal carbohydrases. Conversely, all the non-passerine species modulate intestinal carbohydrases, but not peptidases. Moreover, different scenarios may be posed as the output of a phylogenetical effect, e.g., adding constraints to a lability scheme in certain groups or just determining it (e.g., intestinal disaccharidases modulated in Galloanserae and peptidases modulated in Passeriformes). Consequently, we tested the prediction that feral pigeons adjust digestive enzyme activities according to the level of the respective substrate (e.g., carbohydrates, protein) in the diet. Birds were fed for 15 days with two different diets, one with high protein content (low in starch) (HP) and the other rich in starch and low in proteins (HS). Pigeons fed on the HP were able to survive with no other dietary supplement, as predicted. Pancreatic enzymes did not change between diet treatments. Birds fed on HP exhibited the predicted upward modulation of aminopeptidase-N activity, when compared to birds on HS, while intestinal carbohydrases did not show differences between diets. These results give an apparent support to the functional hypothesis, but are not enough to reject that the observed intestinal protease lability has a phylogenetical component, because feral pigeons are closely related to Passeriformes. Finally, feral pigeons have the ability to take full advantage of the energy content from proteins, having enough pancreatic proteases activity and modulating the intestinal aminopeptidase-N. These abilities may allow them to use effectively the nutrients found in the cities surviving even when grains are not available along the yearLa paloma doméstica, originaria de Europa, está distribuida alrededor del mundo. Estas aves granívoras colonizan zonas urbanas donde granos y semillas no están disponibles todo el año, por lo que deben explotar recursos con una composición química diferente, (e.g., ricos en proteínas). Entonces, estas aves debieran poseer la capacidad de sobrevivir con una dieta proteica, utilizando una maquinaria bioquímica digestiva adecuada. Se han propuesto dos hipótesis, una funcional y otra filogenética, para explicar la flexibilidad dietaria y la labilidad de las enzimas intestinales en aves. Los Paseriformes estudiados al momento muestran una correlación positiva entre N-aminopeptidasa y las proteínas de la dieta, aunque esto no es aparente para las carbohidrasas intestinales. Por el contrario, todas las especies no-paseriformes estudiadas modulan las carbohidrasas intestinales, pero no las peptidasas. A su vez se pueden representar diferentes escenarios como producto de la filogenia, por ejemplo, agregando limitaciones a patrones de labilidad o directamente determinándolos (e.g., la modulación de las disacaridasas en Galloanserae y la modulación de las peptidasas en Paseriformes. Por esto, sometimos a prueba que las palomas ajustan la actividad de las enzimas digestivas de acuerdo al nivel de su respectivo sustrato (carbohidratos o proteínas) en la dieta. Dos grupos de palomas fueron alimentadas 15 días con dietas diferentes, una rica en proteínas y pobre en almidón (HP) y otra rica en almidón y pobre en proteínas (HS). Las palomas alimentadas con HP sobrevivieron sin suplementos dietarios adicionales. Las enzimas pancreáticas fueron iguales entre tratamientos. Las palomas alimentadas con HP exhibieron una actividad de N-aminopeptidasa mayor que la de HS, mientras que las carbohidrasas fueron iguales entre dietas. Estos resultados dan soporte a la hipótesis funcional, pero también, son insuficientes para rechazar que la labilidad de la proteasa intestinal constituye un efecto filogenético, ya que estas aves constituyen un grupo cercano a los Passeriformes. En síntesis, las palomas poseen la capacidad de utilizar las proteínas debido a que poseen una actividad proteásica pancreática adecuada y modulan la N-aminopeptidasa. Estas características permiten que las palomas domésticas aprovechen efectivamente alimentos que ofrecen las ciudades y sobrevivan aun cuando la disponibilidad de granos sea escasa