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ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of the early administration of enrofloxacin (E) or doxycycline (D) for the first 5 consecutive days of life, or the continuous administration of the coccidiostat monensin (M) throughout the rearing period on gastrointestinal function in turkeys infected with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in an early or later stage of rearing. Experiment 1 lasted 21 d, and turkeys in groups E, D, and M were infected with APEC on d 15. Experiment 2 lasted 56 d, and it had a factorial arrangement of treatments where birds in groups E, D, and M were infected with APEC on d 15 or d 50. In both experiments, control groups (C) consisted of infected and uninfected birds without antibiotic or coccidiostat administration. On d 21 (Experiment 1) and d 56 (Experiment 2), 8 birds from each subgroup were killed, and the ileal and cecal digesta were sampled to analyze the activity of bacterial enzymes and the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The experimental treatments did not affect the final body weight or body weight gain of birds. Both experiments demonstrated that APEC contributed to an increase in ammonia levels of the cecal digesta (means from 2 experiments: 0.311 vs. 0.225 mg/g in uninfected birds) and ileal pH (6.79 vs. 6.00) and viscosity (2.43 vs. 1.83 mPa⋅s). Moreover, the E. coli challenge enhanced the extracellular activity of several cecal bacterial enzymes, especially in older turkeys infected with APEC in a later stage of life. The continuous administration of monensin throughout the rearing period resulted in a weaker gastrointestinal response in older birds, compared with the other 2 antibiotics administered for the first 5 d of life. The results of the study are inconclusive as both desirable and undesirable effects of preventive early short-term antibiotic therapy were observed in turkeys, including normalization of ileal viscosity and cecal ammonia concentration (positive effect), and disruption in cecal SCFA production (negative effect).

Background: Previous studies have highlighted that copper supplementation at 200% of the recommended daily dietary allowance modified vascular contraction and relaxation through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin formation, which modified the antioxidant status of middle-aged Wistar rats. Methods: In this study, young (1 month old) male Wistar rats (n/group = 10) received a diet supplemented with 6.45 mg copper/kg (100% of daily recommendation—Group A) for 8 weeks. The experimental group received 12.9 mg copper/kg of diet (200% of the daily recommendation—Group B). Results: Experimental supplementation with 200% copper modified the copper concentration in the blood (1.21-fold, p = 0.04), liver (1.15-fold, p = 0.032), and kidneys (1.23-fold, p = 0.045), potentiated the ROS formation in the aortic rings, and enhanced the sensitivity of the aortic rings to the vasodilator acetylcholine. We observed an increased participation of nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in vascular contraction and a decreased net effect of vasodilator prostanoids derived from cyclooxygenase-2 in vascular relaxation. In rat kidneys, the concentrations of potassium (1.08-fold, p = 0.001) and iron (1.13-fold, p = 0.046) were higher, while, calcium (0.88-fold, p = 0.001) and chromium (0.77-fold, p = 0.005) concentrations were lower. In the rat liver, magnesium (1.06-fold, p = 0.012) was higher. No differences were observed in the concentrations of sodium, zinc, manganese, selenium, cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium. The antioxidant activity of water- and lipid-soluble compounds; total antioxidant status in the blood; and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels in the heart did not change. Conclusions: In young rats, prolonged supplementation with 200% copper had a lesser effect than anticipated on oxidative stress and vascular reactivity. Detailed data on the status of trace elements and their interactions in patients of different age groups are strongly required for effective nutritional and therapeutic intervention.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of returning to a balanced diet combined with chromium picolinate (CrPic) or chromium nanoparticles (CrNPs) supplementation at a pharmacologically relevant dose of 0.3 mg/kg body weight on the expression level of selected genes and bone turnover markers in the blood and bones of rats fed an obese diet. The results of the study showed that chronic intake of a high-fat obesogenic diet negatively affects bone turnover by impairing processes of both synthesis and degradation of bones. The switch to a healthy diet proved insufficient to regulate bone metabolism disorders induced by an obesogenic diet, even when it was supplemented with chromium, irrespective of its form. Supplementation with CrPic with no change in diet stimulated bone metabolism only at the molecular level, towards increased osteoclastogenesis (bone resorption). In contrast, CrNPs added to the high-fat diet effectively regulated bone turnover by increasing both osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, with these changes directed more towards bone formation. The results of the study suggest that unfavourable changes in bone metabolism induced by chronic intake of a high-fat diet can be mitigated by supplementation with CrNPs, whereas a change in eating habits fails to achieve a similar effect.

Copper (Cu), being an essential mineral, plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological homeostasis across multiple bodily systems, notably the cardiovascular system. However, an increased Cu level in the body may cause blood vessel dysfunction and oxidative stress, which is unfavorable for the cardiovascular system. Middle-aged (7–8 months old) male Wistar rats (n/group = 12) received a diet supplemented with 6.45 mg Cu/kg (100% of the recommended daily dietary quantity of copper) for 8 weeks (Group A). The experimental group received 12.9 mg Cu/kg of diet (200%—Group B). An ex vivo study revealed that supplementation with 200% Cu decreased the contraction of isolated aortic rings to noradrenaline (0.7-fold) through FP receptor modulation. Vasodilation to sodium nitroprusside (1.10-fold) and acetylcholine (1.13-fold) was potentiated due to the increased net effect of prostacyclin derived from cyclooxygenase-1. Nitric oxide (NO, 2.08-fold), superoxide anion (O2•−, 1.5-fold), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 2.33-fold) measured in the aortic rings increased. Blood serum antioxidant status (TAS, 1.6-fold), Cu (1.2-fold), Zn (1.1-fold), and the Cu/Zn ratio (1.4-fold) increased. An increase in Cu (1.12-fold) and the Cu/Zn ratio (1.09-fold) was also seen in the rats’ livers. Meanwhile, cyclooxygenase-1 (0.7-fold), cyclooxygenase-2 (0.4-fold) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (0.5-fold) decreased. Moreover, a negative correlation between Cu and Zn was found (r = −0.80) in rat serum. Supplementation with 200% Cu did not modify the isolated heart functioning. No significant difference was found in the body weight, fat/lean body ratio, and organ weight for either the heart or liver, spleen, kidney, and brain. Neither Fe nor Se, the Cu/Se ratio, the Se/Zn ratio (in serum and liver), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (iCAM-1) (in serum) were modified. Supplementation with 200% of Cu potentiated pro-oxidant status and modified vascular contractility in middle-aged rats.

Abstract No study has demonstrated the use of dietary Cannabis-derived cannabidiol (CBD) to alter the stress response in chickens or examined its effects on meat volatile compounds (VOCs). Here, we subjected chickens to dysbiosis via C. perfringens infection or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and investigated the potential link between meat VOCs and cecal bacterial activity and the ameliorative effect of CBD. The cecal bacterial production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was closely correlated with meat VOCs. CBD supplementation reduced the formation of breast meat spoilage VOCs, including alcohols, trimethylamine and pentanoic acid, in the challenged birds, partly by decreasing cecal putrefactive SCFA production. Meat VOC/cecal SCFA relationships differed according to the challenge, and CBD attenuated the effects of C. perfringens infection better than the effects of LPS challenge on meat VOCs. These findings provide new insights into the interactions among bioactive agent supplementation, gut microbiota activity and meat properties in birds.

This study investigated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with graded levels of pea seeds (PS) on the gastrointestinal function of turkeys. Seeds of 2 pea varieties, a colored-flowered variety and a white-flowered variety (CFP and WFP, respectively) were fed to 56-d-old birds for 8 wk. A total of 539 female Hybrid turkeys were allocated to 7 groups, each group consisted of 7 pens with 11 birds per pen. The experiment had a 2-factorial design, with 3 dietary inclusion levels of PS (100, 200 and 300 g/kg) and 2 pea varieties (CFP and WFP). The control group (diets without PS) was compared with CFP and WFP treatments by simple contrast analysis. In comparison with CFP seeds, WFP seeds contained 7-fold less tannins (0.67 vs. 4.66 g/kg) and less non-starch polysaccharides (NSP, 117.8 vs. 132.7 g/kg), but more trypsin inhibitors (1.34 vs. 0.98 g/kg) and starch (489 vs. 455 g/kg). A rise in the PS content of diets from 100 to 200 and 300 g/kg increased the weight of the small intestine (P = 0.031) and the dry matter (DM) content of intestinal digesta (P = 0.001), but it had no effect on the pH of digesta. Only the highest PS content differentiated the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the small intestinal digesta (WFP > CFP, P = 0.008), whereas PS did not cause any changes in the morphological parameters of the small intestinal mucosa. The dietary inclusion of PS had no influence on the levels of acetate, butyrate, putrefactive SCFAs or total SCFAs in the cecal contents. Apart from increasing the activities of β-glucosidase (P = 0.017) and β-galactosidase (P = 0.025), pea varieties did not affect the activities of the analyzed cecal microbial enzymes. However, CFP seeds decreased the DM content (P = 0.041) and increased the pH of cecal digesta, compared with WFP seeds (P = 0.013). The results of this study, pointing to a few differences in the functional parameters of the small intestine and cecum, indicate that tannins are not a factor differentiating the suitability of CFP and WFP seeds in the nutrition of finisher turkeys. The inclusion of PS at 200 and 300 g/kg of the diet reduces the content of SBM and wheat in turkey diets, which has a positive effect on gastrointestinal function.

The metabolism of chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) is interconnected, and their deficiency or excessive accumulation may lead to various disturbances, including anemia and diabetes. The current research was undertaken to determine whether low-fat or high-fat diets with the Cr(III) addition in the form of picolinate (CrPic) or nanoparticles (CrNPs) have an interactive effect on the retention and accumulation of this element in organs and the content of P, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn in the blood plasma of rats. The experiment was performed using 48 outbred male Wistar rats fed a low-fat or high-fat semi-purified rat diet with dietary addition of chromium at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg body weight. The obtained results point to the paramount importance of the dietary Cr form on the excretion pattern of this microelement. It has been found that CrNPs were to a greater extent excreted from the rat’s body via urine and feces in comparison to CrPic, as indicated by the values of the Cr retention index (44.4 vs . 65.9%, respectively). The additional dietary Cr, irrespective of its form and diet type, was not accumulated in the analyzed internal organs, i.e. brain, spleen, kidneys, liver, thigh bone, and thigh muscle. It should be stressed that dietary CrPic, unlike CrNPs, added to the high-fat diet adversely reduced plasma concentration of vital minerals in comparison to the levels observed in rats fed the low-fat diet, i.e. Zn (60.5 vs. 69.9 µM), Cu (13.6 vs. 15.7 µM), and P (1.12 vs. 1.30 µM). In turn, the CrNPs, but not CrPic, added to the high-fat diet decreased plasma Fe level (1.41 vs. 2.43 µM).

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine how feeding rats a high-fat diet (F) supplemented with various forms of chromium affects the responses of the immune and redox systems, as well as epigenetic changes in the ileal tissue and the course of fermentation processes in the caecum. The rats received a pharmacologically relevant dose 0.3 mg Cr/kg body weight in form of chromium(III) picolinate (Cr-Pic), chromium (III)-methionine (Cr-Met), or chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NPs). The F increased DNA oxidation and raised the level of interleukin IL-6. The F was shown to reduce the intensity of fermentation processes in the caecum while increasing the activity of potentially harmful enzymes in the faeces. The addition of Cr in the form of Cr-NPs and Cr-Met in rats fed F beneficially increased mobilization of enzymes of the DNA repair pathway. All forms of Cr, but especially Cr-NPs, beneficially decreased the activity of caecal bacterial β-glucuronidase, faecal β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase. However, due to the increase in level of cytokine IL-2 in small intestinal wall, induced by all tested forms of chromium, it is difficult to state conclusively that this element can mitigate unfavourable pro-inflammatory and oxidative changes induced by a F in the small intestinal wall.

The present study assessed the changes in faecal microbial activity in obese Wistar rats fed high-fat or low-fat diets supplemented with various forms of chromium (picolinate or nanoparticles). The 18-week study was divided into two phases: an introductory period (9 weeks; obesity status induction via a high-fat diet) and an experimental period (9 weeks; maintained on a high-fat diet or switched to a low-fat diet and Cr supplementation). During the experimental period (10–18 weeks of feeding), samples of fresh faeces were collected on chosen days. The bacterial enzymatic activity and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration were assessed to characterise the dynamism of the changes in faecal microbial metabolic activity under the applied dietary treatments. The results indicated that faecal microbial metabolic activity displayed several adaptation mechanisms in response to modifications in dietary conditions, and a beneficial outcome resulted from a pro-healthy dietary habit change, that is, switching from a high-fat to a low-fat diet. Dietary supplementation with chromium nanoparticles further modulated the aforementioned microbial activity, i.e., diminished the extracellular and total enzymatic activities, while the effect of chromium picolinate addition was negligible. Both the high-fat diet and the addition of chromium nanoparticles reduced SCFA concentrations and increased the faecal pH values.

We aimed to analyze how supplementation with a standard (recommended, 6.5 mg/kg) or enhanced (two-times higher, 13 mg/kg) dose of copper (Cu), in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) along with dietary intervention via the implementation of diverse types of fiber, affects the cardiovascular system in rats. Nine-week-old male Wistar Han rats (n/group = 10) received, for an additional 6 weeks, a controlled diet with cellulose as dietary fiber and ionic Cu (in the form of carbonate salt). The experimental groups received cellulose, pectin, inulin, and psyllium as dietary fiber, together with CuNPs (6.5 or 13 mg/kg diet). After the experimental feeding, samples of blood, hearts, and thoracic arteries were collected for further analysis. Compared to pectin, and under a standard dose of CuNPs, inulin and psyllium beneficially increased the antioxidant capacity of lipid- and water-soluble compounds in the blood, and decreased heart malondialdehyde. Moreover, pectin decreased heart catalase (CAT) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in the aortic rings compared to inulin and psyllium under standard and enhanced doses of copper. When the dose of CuNPs was enhanced, inulin and psyllium potentiated vasodilation to acetylcholine by up-regulation of COX-2-derived vasodilator prostanoids compared to both cellulose and pectin, and this was modulated with selective inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor for psyllium only. Moreover, inulin decreased heart CAT compared to psyllium. Our results suggest that supplementation with dietary fiber may protect the vascular system against potentially harmful metal NPs by modulating the antioxidant mechanisms.

In the current study, it was hypothesized that the addition of strawberry polyphenol-rich fractions to a high-fructose diet mitigates disorders in liver functions, lipid metabolism, and in the antioxidant and pro-inflammatory status of rats. Therefore, a fraction rich in ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins (EP), and a fraction containing compounds of both mentioned classes of polyphenols and additionally anthocyanins (EPA), in doses of 0.28 and 0.70 g/100 g, respectively, were added to a standard or a high-fructose diet administered to rats for six weeks. The EPA fraction was more beneficial in alleviating the consequences of consuming excess fructose in the diet than the EP fraction. Probably, that fraction containing considerable amounts of carbohydrates was more extensively metabolized by intestinal bacteria, which resulted in higher levels of cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as cecal and urinal ellagitannin metabolites. As a further consequence, diet supplementation with the EPA fraction caused more favorable changes in the levels of serum interleukin 6 and serum antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances (ACW), in atherogenicity index lg((triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), hepatic oxidized glutathione as well as reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio). Efforts should be made to develop strawberry polyphenol-rich preparations containing the preferred anthocyanins, which is, however, difficult due to the instability of this class of phenolic compounds during the technological process.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the effects of early and short-term administration of an antibiotic or feeding a diet containing a coccidiostat on gastrointestinal function and the blood levels of selected hormones in young turkeys. A total of 1540 Hybrid Converter turkeys were allocated to 4 groups on the day of hatch. Each group consisted of 7 pens with 55 birds per pen. Group ENR was treated with enrofloxacin for the first 5 d of life, group DOX received doxycycline for 5 d and group MON was administered monensin for 84 d. CON birds served as a control group without any antibiotic treatment or MON administration. An analysis of the activity of bacterial enzymes revealed that the cecal microbiota of turkeys were less sensitive to MON than to the other 2 antibiotics. Turkeys subjected to ENR and DOX treatments were characterized by lower (P < 0.05) extracellular activity of cecal bacterial β-glucosidase, compared with groups CON and MON. The extracellular activity of cecal bacterial α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase decreased significantly in response to the experimental treatment with DOX (P < 0.05 vs. CON). Turkeys treated with ENR had higher total activity of bacterial β-galactosidase than those administered DOX or MON. Despite the differences in the enzymatic activity of microbiota, the use of antibiotics did not affect the concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids or ammonia in the cecal digesta of turkeys. A diet containing MON and the early administration of ENR or DOX induced an increase in blood noradrenaline levels (P = 0.004) in 56-day-old turkeys. Early DOX use increased plasma cortisol concentrations (P < 0.001) and decreased plasma serotonin levels (P = 0.006) in 56-day-old turkeys. Over the entire experiment (up to 12 wk of age), the use of MON improved the BW gain of turkeys (P = 0.055) and feed conversion (P = 0.016), compared with the DOX treatment.

Previous studies showed that chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NPs) might be used as dietary compounds against some obesity-related disorders; however, there is little information on how these compounds influence the gut microenvironment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the negative effects of a high-fat diet in the large intestine of rats might be mitigated by switching to a low-fat diet and supplementation with Cr-NPs. Microbiota sequencing analysis revealed that the main action of the Cr-NPs was focused on changing the gut microbiota’s activity. Supplementation with nanoparticles decreased the activity of β-glucuronidase and enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of dietary oligosaccharides and, thus, lowered the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the cecum. In this group, there was also an elevated level of cecal lithocholic acid. The most favorable effect on the regulation of obesity-related disorders was observed when a high-fat diet was switched to a low-fat diet. This dietary change enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids, reduced the level of secondary bile acids, and increased the microbial taxonomic richness, microbial differences, and microbial enzymatic activity in the cecum. To conclude, supplementation of a high-fat diet with Cr-NPs primarily had an effect on intestinal microbial activity, but switching to a low-fat diet had a powerful, all-encompassing effect on the gut that improved both microbial activity and composition.

Previous studies suggested that dietary supplementation with prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) and polyphenols could mitigate disorders related to the first stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by an obesogenic diet. Therefore, this experiment aimed to address whether the health-promoting potential of raspberry polyphenols together with FOSs can regulate advanced-stage NAFLD in Zucker rats genetically predisposed to develop obesity. The addition of FOSs and raspberry polyphenolic extract to the diet reduced liver fat accumulation and triglyceride, free fatty acid, and total cholesterol levels in the liver. The elevated GSH/GSSG ratio and reduced malondialdehyde content indicated that the liver antioxidant potential was considerably increased. The treatment also lowered the plasma aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities and collagen type IV levels. Insulin levels were decreased, but glucose levels remained constant, indicating greater insulin sensitivity. These changes may result from the upregulation of FXR and AHR receptors in the liver, which are responsible for regulating lipid metabolism and glucose and bile acid synthesis. The reduced bile acid levels in the cecal contents confirmed the activation of liver mechanisms. In conclusion, dietary enrichment with FOSs and raspberry polyphenolic extract has sufficient health-promoting potential to regulate liver metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation related to NAFLD development in obese Zucker rats.

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of different forms and dosages of copper on the levels of markers depicting the neurodegenerative changes in the brain and the jejunum. The experiment was performed using 40 male Wistar rats fed a typical rat diet with two dosages of Cu used as CuCO3 (6.5 and 13 mg/kg diet) and dietary addition of two CuNP dosages (standard 6.5 and enhanced 13 mg/kg diet), randomly divided into four groups. The levels of neurodegenerative markers were evaluated. Nanoparticles caused a reduction in the level of glycosylated acetylcholinesterase (GAChE), an increase the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a reduction in β-amyloid (βAP) in the brain and in the intestine of rats and a reduction in Tau protein in the brain of rats. The highest levels of AChE, the ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC) and LRP1 and lower levels of toxic GAChE, β-amyloid, Tau, hyper-phosphorylated Tau protein (p-Tau) and the complex of calmodulin and Ca2+ (CAMK2a) were recorded in the tissues of rats receiving a standard dose of Cu. The neuroprotective effect of Cu can be increased by replacing the carbonate form with nanoparticles and there is no need to increase the dose of copper.

The industry of vegetable processing generates large amounts of by-products, which often emerge seasonally and are susceptible to microbial degradation. Inadequate management of this biomass results in the loss of valuable compounds that are found in vegetable by-products that can be recovered. Considering the possibility of using waste, scientists are trying to reuse discarded biomass and residues to create a product of higher value than those processed. The by-products from the vegetable industry can provide an added source of fibre, essential oils, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics. Many of these compounds have bioactive properties, such as antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity, which could be used, especially in the prevention or treatment of lifestyle diseases connected with the intestinal milieu, including dysbiosis and immune-mediated diseases resulting in inflammation. This review summarises the key aspects of the health-promoting value of by-products and their bioactive compounds derived from fresh or processed biomass and extracts. In this paper, the relevance of side streams as a source of beneficial compounds with the potential for promoting health is considered, particularly their impact on the microbiota, immune system, and gut milieu because all of these fields interact closely to affect host nutrition, prevent chronic inflammation, and provide resistance to some pathogens.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of silkworm pupae meal (SPM) on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, gastrointestinal physiology and blood biochemical parameters in rabbits. Thirty Termond White rabbits were divided into three groups: SBM – fed a diet containing 10% soybean meal (SBM), SPM5 – fed a diet containing 5% SBM and 5% SPM, and SPM10 – fed a diet containing 10% SPM. Results Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention decreased with increasing SPM inclusion levels in rabbit diets. The dietary inclusion of SPM caused a significant increase in the stomach pH. Group SPM10 rabbits were characterized by the highest cecal tissue and digesta weights. The lowest cecal pH was noted in group SPM5. The relative weights of colonic tissue and digesta tended to increase with increasing levels of SPM. The total and intracellular activity of bacterial α-galactosidase decreased significantly in both SPM groups. The replacement of SBM with SPM led to a decrease in the activity of bacterial β-glucuronidase in the cecal digesta. The intracellular activity of bacterial α-arabinofuranosidase increased, and its release rate decreased in the cecum of rabbits in SPM groups. The extracellular activity of bacterial β-xylosidase in the cecal digesta tended to decrease in group SPM10. The highest extracellular and intracellular activity of bacterial β-cellobiosidase in the cecal digesta was noted in the SPM5 treatment. The lowest and the highest activity of bacterial N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) was observed in groups SBM and SPM10. The SPM10 treatment contributed to a decrease in the cecal concentrations of butyric, iso-valeric and valeric acids. The lowest total concentration of putrefactive short-chain fatty acids (PSCFAs) was observed in group SPM10. The cecal concentration of propionic acid tended to increase in group SPM5, whereas the cecal concentration of iso-butyric acid tended to decrease in group SPM10. The colonic concentration of iso-valeric acid was lowest in group SPM5. SPM treatments resulted in a significant increase in plasma albumin concentration. Plasma urea concentration was significantly higher in group SPM10 than in SBM and SPM5. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that rabbit diets can be supplemented with SPM at up to 5%.

Due to the increasing microbial tolerance to commonly used food preservatives, as well as growing consumer awareness of their adverse impact on human health, alternative methods of pathogens reduction in food are widely investigated. The aim of this research was to examine the antimicrobial activity of red raspberry pomace and seed preparations against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes , and probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain. The combined action of LAB (lactic acid bacteria) and raspberry preparations on the pathogenic species was also evaluated. The results of our study showed no or weak antibacterial effect of raspberry preparations on the pathogenic bacteria tested. Regardless of preparation concentration (1.0 or 2.0 mg/mL), the bacteria number after 48-h incubation was usually higher than in the culture at the initial stage and varied from 10 5 to 10 7 cfu/mL. On the other hand, probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain caused a significant reduction in the enteric pathogen count after 24-h co-culture with LAB. The concentrations of both Salmonella serotypes were below the detection limit of the analytical methods applied. Moreover, the combined use of LAB and raspberry preparations resulted in the total elimination of Salmonella strains and the reduction in L. monocytogenes number from 10 5 to 10 2 -10 4 cfu/mL after 24-h co-culture. EHEC revealed the highest resistance to the mixed culture effect. The synergic antimicrobial effect suggests the possibility of applying probiotic bacteria and berry preparations as natural antimicrobial agents in the food industry.

The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis regarding the effect of recommended (6.5 mg/kg) or enhanced (13 mg/kg) level of CuNPs in the diet in combination with different types of dietary fibre—cellulose (control), inulin, pectin or psyllium—on selected biological parameters of intestinal integrity in rats. Rats were randomly divided into 10 groups. The first two groups were fed a control diet that contained cellulose, and a mineral mixture with standard or enhanced content of CuCO3. Experimental groups were fed a diet supplemented with CuNPs (6.5 or 13 mg/kg) and combined with different types of fibre (cellulose, pectin, inulin or psyllium). After the feeding period, blood and small intestine samples were collected for further analysis. Replacing CuCO3 by CuNPs in the diet positively reduced the level of lactic acid and apoptosis markers in the small intestine; however, it also resulted in the intensification of DNA oxidation. The most beneficial effect on DNA repair mechanisms is related to inulin, while pectin has the greatest ability to inhibit inflammatory processes that induce the apoptotic death of cells in the small intestine. Our results suggest that dietary fibre supplementation protects the small intestine against potentially harmful, oxidative effects of CuNPs by intensifying the intestinal barrier.

The study on Wistar rats was conducted to investigate the effects of a pharmacologically relevant dose 0.3 mg/kg body weight of chromium supplementation (commonly used picolinate or novel form as nanoparticles) and switching away from obesogenic dietary habits on the parameters of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in liver and plasma. Favorable effects related to dietary changes from the obesogenic diet were considerably enhanced when the diet was supplemented with chromium nanoparticles. This combination exerted the strongest fat content and cholesterol reduction in the liver. Moreover, in this group, a favorable antioxidative effect was observed through GSH/GSSG elevation in the liver as well as ALT activity reduction in the plasma and IL-6 levels in the liver. The molecular mechanisms associated with regulating lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation might be related to lower expression of HIF-1α, COX-2, and LOX-1 and upregulation of PPARα in the liver. Supplementation with chromium nanoparticles without changes in the obesogenic diet also favorably affected lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in the liver; however, the examined effects were moderate. In conclusion, the favorable effects of switching from an obesogenic to a balanced diet on hepatic lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation induced by an obesogenic diet might be enhanced by supplementation with chromium nanoparticles.

Abstract Background Fruit pomaces are by-products rich in polyphenol compounds and dietary fiber. They seem to play an important role in regulating the gut microbiota, morphology and physiology. The aim of this study was to assess whether apple (A), blackurrant (B) or strawberry (S) pomaces could be suitable ingredients in broiler diets and their effect on gut health. A total of 480 male broilers were randomly allotted to 8 dietary treatments with lower (3%-L) or higher (6%-H) dietary fiber content: two control groups (CL/CH), two A diets (AL/AH), two B diets (BL/BH), two S diets (SL/SH). Diet and fruit pomaces were chemically analyzed to assess polyphenol concentration and fibre fraction content. After the evaluation of growth performance, 6 birds/group were slaughtered at 35 days of age. Morphometric and histopathological investigations were performed on duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Excreta were collected to perform microbiota evaluation by 16S DNA sequencing. Weight, viscosity, enzymatic activity, short chain fatty acid (SCFAs) and ammonia concentration were determined in ileum and/or ceca content. Results A pomace and A diets showed the lowest polyphenol content and the highest content of soluble fibre fraction. No significant differences were observed for growth performance, gut morphometry and histopathology (P > 0.05). Dietary fruit pomace inclusion increased the weight of ileum and ceca and the ileum digesta viscosity (P 0.05). At genus level, an increase of Weissella in AH and Erwinia in S/B diets, as well as a decrease of Lactobacillus in all fruit pomace groups were recorded (P

The amount of berry polyphenols required to exert health-promoting effects seems to be difficult to achieve by fresh fruit ingestion, so polyphenol-rich extracts could be considered a dietary alternative. In the present study, laboratory rats were fed high-fat diets supplemented with 0.1 or 0.3% raspberry polyphenols from pomace, with the former dose reflecting the amount of polyphenols consumed with a glass of fresh raspberries. It was hypothesized that beneficial changes in blood and hepatic tissue related to lipid metabolism would accompany both treatments, but the health-promoting effect would be more noticeable with the higher dose of extract. This hypothesis was confirmed, and the high dose of raspberry polyphenols was better than the low dose extract in terms of decreased epididymal white adipose tissue weight, hepatic triglyceride content, PPARγ and SREBP-1c expression in the liver, and plasma IL-6 concentration, as well as increased acetic acid concentration in the cecal digesta. These effects might be partially associated with the enhanced content of ellagitannin and anthocyanin metabolites found in the blood plasma of rats administered the high dose of the extract. The results showed that this extract could be considered a dietary vehicle to provide an amount of raspberry polyphenols that could promote health.

The different duration of a strawberry phenolic fraction intake and different post-intake time were experimental factors affecting the concentrations of ellagitannin metabolites in the urine and blood serum of rats. For four days, the animals were gavaged once a day as follows: group C (water, days 1-4), group F1-4 (fraction, days 1-4), group F1-3 (fraction, days 1-3; water, day 4), group F1-2 (fraction, days 1, 2; water, days 3, 4), group F3-4 (water, days 1, 2; fraction, days 3, 4), and group F4 (water, days 1-3; and fraction, day 4). The daily dosage of the fraction gavaged to one rat was 20 mg/kg of body weight. The fraction contained monomers and dimers of ellagitannins as well as proanthocyanidins. The caecal, urinal, and blood serum ellagitannin metabolites were analysed 12 h after the last treatment. Ellagic acid, urolithin A, and nasutin A were detected in the caecal digesta. In turn, urolithin A, nasutin A, and their glucuronide conjugates were detected in the urine, while urolithin A glucuronide, nasutin A glucuronide, and ellagic acid dimethyl ether glucuronide were found in the serum. The highest caecal and urinal concentrations of ellagitannin metabolites followed the F1-4 treatment. In the serum, the highest concentrations of the metabolites were determined in the rats administered the phenolic fraction during days 1-4 and 3-4. No metabolites were found in the rats following the C and F1-2 treatments. The results suggest that the presence of ellagitannin metabolites in the rat’s urine and serum largely reflects the concentrations of caecal metabolites and the number of subsequent days of strawberry phenolic fraction administration.

We aimed to evaluate how feeding a high-fat–low-fiber (F) diet to rats and dietary intervention with the implementation of a standard-fat-and-fiber (S) diet affects the response of the cardiovascular system to chromium (III) picolinate (Cr–Pic) and, alternatively, chromium nanoparticles (Cr–NPs). Young male Wistar Han rats (n/group = 12) from either the fatty group (18 weeks on F diet) or the intervention group (9 weeks on F diet + 9 weeks on S diet) received a pharmacologically relevant dose of 0.3 mg Cr/kg body weight in the form of Cr–Pic or Cr–NPs for 9 weeks. Our study on rats confirmed the pro-inflammatory effect of an F diet administered for 18 weeks. In the intervention group, both Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs decreased heart glutathione ratio (GSH+GSSG), enhanced participation of nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in vascular relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh), increased the vasodilator net effect of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-derived prostanoids, and increased the production of superoxide anion (O2.−) in aortic rings. Meanwhile, in the fatty group, there was increased heart superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased heart catalase (CAT), and reduced sensitivity in pre-incubated aortic rings to endogenous prostacyclin (PGI2). The factors that significantly differentiated Cr–NPs from Cr–Pic were (i) decreased blood antioxidant capacity of water-soluble compounds (0.75-fold, p = 0.0205), (ii) increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production (1.59-fold, p = 0.0332), and (iii) modified vasodilator response due to PGI2 synthesis inhibition (in the intervention group) vs. modified ACh-induced vasodilator response due to (iv) COX inhibition and v) PGI2 synthesis inhibition with thromboxane receptor blockage after 18 weeks on F diet (in the fatty group). Our results show that supplementation with Cr–Pic rather than with Cr–NPs is more beneficial in rats who regularly consumed an F diet (e.g., for 18 weeks). On the contrary, in the intervention group (9 weeks on F diet + 9 weeks of dietary fat normalization (the S diet)), Cr–Pic and Cr–NPs could function as pro-oxidant agents, initiating free-radical reactions that led to oxidative stress.

Over the past few years, the interest in the application of the ketogenic diet (KD) for obesity management is growing. Although many studies have been performed on the effects of KD, the metabolic and physiological impact of KD is still not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of calorie-restricted KD on the body weight and composition, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) assessed in an animal model with young Wistar rats. KD was followed for 4 weeks in maturity after an obesity-inducing high-fat diet during adolescence, resulting in a slowing down of the weight gain but higher adiposity compared to a standard diet. Increased adiposity resulted in an deterioration of liver parameters, suggesting negative changes in this organ. No adverse effects of KD were determined in haematological parameters in young rats. KD did not affect AGEs; however, a decrease in oxidative stress was observed. Based on the presented results, it can be concluded that KD applied for weight loss in obesity induced in adolescence may reduce oxidative stress without compromising the haematological status; however, caution may be required to control adiposity, glucose level and liver health. Thus, KD therapy should be carefully controlled, especially in young subjects.

Myo-inositol is the most popular inositol in living organisms, where it is present as a sugar alcohol, in a free form, and can also be described as a lipid. The aim of this study was to check the concentration change of a myo-inositol solution from the time of oral administration and over a 48 h period in Wistar-type rats. All rats received 2 g/kg of inositol as a solution in distilled water by oral gavage. Estimated parameters were based on the serum concentration of myo-inositol observed in nine individual rats with regard to time. Observations were described as a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model with first-order absorption and zero-order endogenous input of checked inositol. The highest myo-inositol concentration was observed in the first hour after oral administration in the serum of all tested rats. Then, the concentration began decreasing immediately after the maximal peak. The inositol concentration continued to decrease, but after 24 h its level was still higher than before the administration. The plasma profile of the myo-inositol concentration showed a rapid decline over time, possibly due to the metabolism of this compound.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of chicory root inulin-rich meal (containing polyphenolic fraction as well) and pure fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on necrotic colitis induced with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in Wistar rats. Both chicory preparations significantly reduced the pH of colonic digesta and favourably lowered the caecal activity of bacterial β-glucuronidase as well as the caecal concentration of putrefactive short-chain fatty acids in comparison to the control TNBS rats. Both chicory preparations enhanced the production of total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA pool) and concentration of anti-inflammatory propionic acid in the caecal digesta. Nevertheless, only dietary chicory meal favourably increased the total SCFA concentration and thus decreased the pH of caecal digesta. Increased caecal SCFA production may explain observed greater reduction in mucosal necrosis and increase in glandular mucosal regeneration in rats fed a diet with chicory root meal. Both chicory preparations beneficially regulated physiological parameters in the lower part of the rat intestinal tract after TNBS-induced colitis, however the dietary treatment with chicory meal showed stronger reduction of mucosal disturbances caused by colitis. Those beneficial effects might be related to higher polymerization of inulin vs. FOS and presence of biologically active compounds in the meal, i.e., phenolic compounds, which have strong impact on intestinal microbial activity and thus indirectly alleviated mucosal disturbances caused by colitis.

The aim of this experiment was to test the effect of the partial or complete replacement of traditional CuCO3 in the diet of rats with copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the biochemical parameters, redox status, and histomorphometry of their tissues. Normotensive male Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY) were allocated to three groups. Three analogous groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were also formed. The WKY and SHR rats received copper in a standard daily dose—6.5 mg/kg CuCO3 or CuNPs (100% replacement) or 3.25 mg/kg CuCO3 plus 3.25 mg/kg CuNPs (50% replacement)—for 8 weeks. Next, blood, heart, small intestine, liver, and kidney samples were collected. The activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase and the content of creatinine and urea acid were measured in the plasma. The collected tissues were subjected to a histological evaluation, and redox status parameters (catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde and glutathione content) were determined. The replacement of CuCO3 with CuNPs in the diet may exacerbate the negative changes induced by hypertension in the heart, liver, and intestines. However, it seems that it is only in the case of the liver where the observed changes may be due to an increase in oxidative reactions resulting from the inclusion of CuNPs.

The effects of acid whey concentrates after nano- or ultrafiltration on the nutritional and physiological indices of rats were analysed. The ultrafiltration concentrate was characterized by a higher protein and lactoferrin content, and lower lactose content compared to the nanofiltration concentrate. In vivo, a diet incorporating the ultrafiltration concentrate instead of the nanofiltration concentrate seemed to be more beneficial to rats in terms of a good growth rate and utilization of the diet, higher concentration of butyric acid and lower concentration of putrefactive short chain fatty acids in the caecum, increased bacterial enzyme activities in the caecum, lower blood glucose levels and reduced levels of triglycerides, and greater antioxidant capacity of blood serum. Both acid whey concentrates fulfilled the recommendations for powder intended for direct consumption or further processing in food production and showed potential health benefits.

The aim of the study was to determine how a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium affects hematological and immune parameters of the blood of rats. The rats received a standard diet or a high-fat diet supplemented with chromium at 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) in the form of chromium(III) picolinate, chromium(III)-methionine or nano-sized chromium. Selected hematological parameters were determined in the blood of the rats, including total white blood cell (WBC) count, leukogram, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin level (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT) and platelet percentage (PCT), as well as immune parameters: levels of immunoglobulins A and E (IgA and IgE), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp); and levels of caspase 3 and 8 (Casp3 and Casp8). Feeding rats a high-fat diet increased blood markers of induction of inflammation, ie pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and also significantly increased IgE. The diet had no effect on the blood count, except for an increase in the number of neutrophils. The chromium compounds tested, particularly Cr-Met and Cr-NPs, stimulated the immune system of the rats, as indicated by increased concentrations of IgA, IgE, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and Cp. Given the increase in inflammatory mediators induced by chromium, it should not be used to mitigate the effects of a high-fat diet. Moreover, chromium picolinate and chromium nanoparticles were shown to increase the content of caspase 3 and 8 in the blood of rats, which indicates a pro-apoptotic effect. The effects of the use of chromium nanoparticles include reductions in the WBC count and in the thrombocyte count (leuko- and thrombopenia). Taking account these data the use of chromium as dietary supplement should be reconsidered.

Cardiovascular alterations can be improved by the long-term use of fish oil (FO), as well as an adequate supply of copper (Cu). Recently, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), as an alternative to ionic forms (CuCO3) were found to decrease the level of protein/DNA oxidation.Male Wistar rats were supplemented for 8 weeks with FO (7 g/kg) together with 40 nm sized CuNPs and CuCO3 (6.5 mg Cu/kg).FO with CuNPs modified the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decreased Cu concentration in the blood. Meanwhile noradrenaline-induced contraction of an isolated aorta was not altered, but acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was reduced.FO with CuCO3 increased the antioxidant capacity of blood, and Zn concentration, however decreased the level of triglycerides. Noradrenaline-induced contraction was improved with no change in acetylcholine-induced response.Since the modifications induced by the FO-supplemented diet corresponded with different Cu formulations, the interaction between FO and CuNPs may follow the replacement of CuCO3 with CuNPs.

We aimed to study the physiological effects of diet supplemented with copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs). During the eight weeks of the experiment, young Wistar rats (at seven weeks of age, n = 9) were supplemented with 6.5 mg of Cu either as NPs or carbonate salt (Cu6.5). A diet that was not supplemented with Cu served as a negative control (Cu0). The impact of nano Cu supplementation on lipid (reflected as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-TBARS) and protein peroxidation (thiol and carbonyl groups) in blood plasma as well as the influence on the vasodilatory mechanism(s) of isolated rat thoracic arteries were studied. Supplementation with Cu enhanced lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in NP6.5 (x2.4) and in Cu6.5 (x1.9) compared to the negative control. Significant increase in TBARS was also observed in NP6.5 (x1.3) compared to the Cu6.5 group. The level of thiol groups increased in NP6.5 (x1.6) compared to Cu6.5. Meanwhile, significant (x0.6) decrease was observed in the Cu6.5 group compared to the negative control. Another marker of protein oxidation, carbonyl groups increased in NP6.5 (x1.4) and Cu6.5 (x2.3) compared to the negative control. However significant difference (x0.6) was observed between NP6.5 and Cu6.5. Arteries from Cu supplemented rats exhibited an enhanced vasodilation to gasotransmitters: nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). An enhanced vasodilation to NO was reflected in the increased response to acetylcholine (ACh) and calcium ionophore A23187. The observed responses to ACh and CO releasing molecule (CORM-2) were more pronounced in NP6.5. The activator of cGMP-dependent protein kinases (8-bromo-cGMP) induced similar vasodilation of thoracic arteries in NP6.5 and Cu0 groups, while an increased response was observed in the Cu6.5 group. Preincubation with the inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) synthase inhibitor- 1400W, decreased the ACh-induced vasodilation in NP6.5, exclusively. Meanwhile the eicosanoid metabolite of arachidonic acid (20-HETE) synthesis inhibitor-HET0016, enhanced vasodilation of arteries from Cu0 group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that supplementation with nano Cu influences oxidative stress, which further has modified the vascular response.

A food product matrix and functional additives used to manufacture it are one of the key factors influencing the fermentation processes in the intestine and the bioavailability of minerals. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of acidified and non-acidified milk gels with highly-purified (1-3)-, (1-3)(1-4)-, and (1-3)(1-6)-β-glucan on: gastrointestinal tract parameters, intestinal metabolic activity, and bioavailability of minerals in growing rats. Concentrations of ammonia, short-chain volatile fatty acids as well as bacterial enzyme activity, blood biochemistry, and bioavailability of Ca, Zn, Mn and Fe were significantly affected by β-glucan structure. The availability of minerals was higher upon the use of branched β-glucans. Milk gel acidity significantly influenced body weight gain, activity of faecal bacterial enzymes, blood levels of triglycerides and glucose, and bioavailability of all investigated mineral compounds. The use of branched β-glucans resulted in the most and least intense fermentation processes in the caecum, respectively.

Recently, the addition of copper nanoparticles (NPs) in a daily diet (6.5 mg/kg) was studied in different animal models as a possible alternative to ionic forms. Male Wistar–Kyoto rats (24-week-old, n = 11) were fed with copper, either in the form of carbonate salt (Cu6.5) or metal-based copper NPs (NP6.5), for 8 weeks. The third group was fed with a half dose of each (NP3.25 + Cu3.25). The thoracic aorta and blood plasma was studied. Supplementation with NP6.5 decreased the Cu (×0.7), Cu/Zn-ratio (×0.6) and catalase (CAT, ×0.7), and increased Zn (×1.2) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, ×1.4). Meanwhile, NP3.25 + Cu3.25 decreased the Cu/Zn-ratio (×0.7), and CAT (×0.7), and increased the daily feed intake (×1.06). Preincubation with either the selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, or the non-selective COX-1/2 inhibitor attenuated vasodilation of rat thoracic aorta in the NP6.5 group exclusively. However, an increased vasodilator response was observed in the NP6.5 and NP3.25 + Cu3.25 group of rats after preincubation with an inhibitor of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) formation, and the thromboxane receptor (TP) antagonist. Significant differences were observed between the NP6.5 and NP3.25 + Cu3.25 groups of rats in: dietary intake, acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, and response to COX-inhibitors. Copper NPs in a standard daily dose had more significant effects on the mechanism(s) responsible for the utilization of reactive oxygen species in the blood plasma with the participation of prostanoids derived from COX-2 in the vascular relaxation. Dietary copper NPs in both doses modified vasodilation through the vasoconstrictor 20-HETE and the TP receptors.

Arginine (Arg) and lysine (Lys) may be important for the overall health of turkeys. The aim of this study was to determine whether low (consistent with the guidelines) and high (10% higher than recommended) levels of dietary Arg and Lys can modulate performance and the functional status of the gut. Female turkeys were allocated to four dietary treatments (two levels of Lys (low or high) and two levels of Arg (low or high)) for a 16 wk feeding period. The treatments did not affect turkey performance determined separately for four feeding phases and for the entire 16 wk experiment (p > 0.05). They had no significant influence on carcass yield, meat characteristics or the associated traits either (p > 0.05). High-Lys diets contributed to a decrease in cecal pH, a significant increase in the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and a decrease in the concentrations of putrefactive SCFA and ammonia in the cecum. High dietary levels of both amino acids significantly enhanced the activity of cecal microbiota evaluated based on extracellular enzyme activity. These findings indicate that the higher dietary level of Lys was more effective in modulating the physiological status of the gut in turkeys than Arg.

The carry-over of zearalenone (ZEN) to the myocardium and its effects on coronary vascular reactivity in vivo have not been addressed in the literature to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the hypothesis that low ZEN doses (MABEL, NOAEL and LOAEL) administered per os to prepubertal gilts for 21 days affect the accumulation of ZEN, α-ZEL and β-ZEL in the myocardium and the reactivity of the porcine coronary arteries to vasoconstrictors: acetylcholine, potassium chloride and vasodilator sodium nitroprusside. The contractile response to acetylcholine in the presence of a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, indomethacin and / or an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME was also studied. The results of this study indicate that the carry-over of ZEN and its metabolites to the myocardium is a highly individualized process that occurs even at very low mycotoxin concentrations. The concentrations of the accumulated ZEN metabolites are inversely proportional to each other due to biotransformation processes. The levels of vasoconstrictors, acetylcholine and potassium chloride, were examined in the left anterior descending branch of the porcine coronary artery after oral administration of ZEN. The LOAEL dose clearly decreased vasoconstriction in response to both potassium chloride and acetylcholine (P < 0.05 for all values) and increased vasodilation in the presence of sodium nitroprusside (P = 0.021). The NOAEL dose significantly increased vasoconstriction caused by acetylcholine (P < 0.04), whereas the MABEL dose did not cause significant changes in the vascular response. Unlike higher doses of ZEN, 5 μg/kg had no negative influence on the vascular system.

The objective of the study was to determine the influence of dextrin obtained from potato starch on the numbers and relative proportions of enteric bacteria belonging to the phyla Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Moreover, basic indicators of gastrointestinal function and short-chain fatty acids were analyzed. Dextrin decreases feed consumption of rats and is intensively metabolized by bacteria in their distal intestine. Dextrin also reduces the level of putrefaction-related SCFAs in the distal intestine provided that it is consumed together with a high-fat diet; it also stimulates the growth of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria strains, while reducing the number of Firmicutes strains regardless of the dietary regimen. These results show that potato dextrin lowers feed intake and leads to modifications in the distal intestine which may help support intestinal health and prevent overweight and obesity.

The present study compared the effects of orange (OR) and purple (PU) carrot preparations obtained from roots and by-products (pomace) on gastrointestinal, blood and tissue biomarkers in Wistar rats. The OR preparations were characterized by higher concentrations of carotenes, while the PU preparations contained higher concentrations of phenolic acids, especially anthocyanins. From examined preparations PU exerted greater effects on microbial activity through higher production of propionic, butyric acids and lower activity of β-glucuronidase in caecum. The PU preparations also improved serum lipid profile by reducing triglycerides and atherogenic index. Both preparations considerably improved antioxidant status in rats. The OR preparations, enhanced the GSH/GSSG ratio in the liver, while the PU preparations reduced the value of hepatic TBARS and enhanced the ACL value in serum. In conclusion, the PU preparations exerted greater health-promoting effects on intestinal microbial activity, serum lipid profile and antioxidant status in rats than the OR preparations.

We hypothesised that the dietary addition of the bioactive antimicrobial protein lactoferrin (LF) and peptides melittin (MT) or cecropin A (CR) at a dosage of 100 mg/kg to the diet of Wistar rats would result in strong modulatory effects on faecal microbial enzymatic activity, short-chain fatty acid and ammonia concentrations. To date, the changes in bacterial extracellular and intracellular enzymatic activities upon addition of dietary AMPs have not yet been studied. This experiment lasted 15 days; during the first 5 day period, the rats were fed the control diet (S) and diets supplemented with LF, MT or CR. On days 6–15, all rats were fed the control S diet. The faecal fermentation processes were substantially stopped after two days of treatment, on average, in all rats receiving LF and two AMPs. The deepest suppression effect was observed on the last day of treatment (day 5) and persisted through days 5–8. The highest decreases in faecal bacterial β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase activities as well as in SCFA and ammonia concentrations were observed in the rats fed the CR diet. Only in the CR animals did the mechanism of suppressed microbial fermentation involve diminished enzyme release from bacterial cells to the digesta.

In recent years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disorders have become one of the most common liver pathologies; therefore, it is necessary to investigate the dietary compounds that may support the regulation of liver metabolism and related inflammatory processes. The present study examines the effect of raspberry polyphenolic extract (RE) combined with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) or pectins (PECs) on caecal microbial fermentation, liver lipid metabolism and inflammation in rats with fatty liver induced by an obesogenic diet. The combination of RE with FOSs or PECs reduced the production of short-chain fatty acids in the caecum. RE combined with FOSs exerted the most favourable effects on liver lipid metabolism by decreasing liver fat, cholesterol, triglyceride content and hepatic steatosis. RE and FOSs reduced lobular and portal inflammatory cell infiltration and IL-6 plasma levels. These effects might be related to a decrease in the hepatic expressions of PPARγ and ANGPTL4. In conclusion, PECs and FOSs enhanced the effects of RE against disorders related to nonalcoholic fatty liver; however, the most effective dietary treatment in the regulation of liver lipid metabolism and inflammation caused by an obesogenic diet was the combination of RE with FOSs.

Due to the demonstrated intestinal microbial transformation of strawberry ellagitannins (ET) into bioactive metabolites, in the current study on rats, we hypothesised that the dietary addition of a strawberry ET-rich extract (S-ET) to a high-fat diet (HFD) would attenuate disturbances in the redox and lipid status as well as in the inflammatory response. We randomly distributed 48 Wistar rats into six groups and used two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effects of two main factors—diet type (standard and high-fat) and ET dosage (without, low, and 3× higher)—applied to rats for 4 weeks. In relation to the hypothesis, irrespective of the dosage, the dietary application of ET resulted in the desired attenuating effects in rats fed a HFD as manifested by decreased body weight gain, relative mass of the epididymal pad, hepatic fat, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations as well as desired modifications in the blood plasma parameters. These beneficial changes were enhanced by the high dietary addition of ET, which was associated with considerably higher concentrations of ET metabolites in the urine and plasma of rats. The results indicated that S-ET could be effectively used for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disturbances associated with obesity, dyslipidaemia, redox status imbalance, and inflammation.

The effects of blackcurrant and strawberry fibre on high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders in rats were compared. The blackcurrant and strawberry preparations were obtained from fruit pomace and contained 66.5 and 51.3% dietary fibre and 4.9 and 5.5% polyphenols, respectively. A high-fat diet was supplemented with the blackcurrant or strawberry fibre for the entire 8 weeks of experimental feeding or for 4 weeks, starting at week 5. Obesity, dyslipidaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and altered microbial metabolism in the distal intestine were noted in rats fed a high-fat diet. The 8-week supplementation with blackcurrant fibre decreased body weight, whereas both fibres decreased epididymal fat mass, increased the caecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids, prevented hyperinsulinaemia and decreased cholesterolaemia. Thus, pomace-derived blackcurrant and strawberry fibre attenuate disorders induced by a high-fat diet; however, initial dietary supplementation is more efficient than the same, but delayed, intervention.

Raspberry pomace is a source of polyphenols, which nutritional and health promoting properties are not sufficiently known. The aim of this 8-weeks study was to scrutinize if raspberry extracts (REs) with different ellagitannins to flavan-3-ols ratios might favorably affect the caecal fermentation processes and blood lipid profile in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were fed with a standard diet or its modification with two types of REs (E1 and E2) characterized by different ratios of ellagitannins to flavan-3-ols (7.7 and 3.1 for E1 and E2, respectively) and added to a diet at two dosages of polyphenolic compounds (0.15 and 0.30% of a diet; L and H treatments, respectively). Irrespective of polyphenols dietary level, both REs reduced the activity of bacterial β-glucuronidase, increased production of butyric acid in the caecum and reduced triacylglycerols in blood plasma. The E1 treatment at both dosages caused more effective reduction in the concentration of ammonia and elevated acetate level in the caecal digesta than E2. On the other hand, only the E2 treatment lowered value of the atherogenic index when compared with control group. When comparing dosages of REs, a higher one was more potent to reduce the activity of bacterial β-glucosidase, β-, α-galactosidase and lowered value of the HDL profile in plasma. To conclude, REs may favorably modulate the activity of the caecal microbiota and blood lipid profile in rats; however, the intensity of these effects may be related to the dosages of dietary polyphenols and to their profile, e.g., ellagitannins to flavan-3-ols ratio.

The present study investigated the effects of apple (A), blackcurrant (B) and strawberry (S) dried pomaces on meat quality, blood chemistry and redox status of broiler chickens. A total of 480 Ross-308 male broilers were divided into 8 dietary treatments containing 3% and 6% of cellulose preparation (C), A, B or S. Six birds/group were slaughtered at 35 days of age and blood samples were collected. Carcass traits and meat quality were determined on the Pectoralis major muscles, recording nonsignificant differences. Antioxidant activity was evaluated in serum, liver and breast muscle. In serum, fruit pomaces lowered triglycerides, creatinine and atherogenic index (p < 0.05). Regarding redox status, in serum, ACW (antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances) and ACL (antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble substances) were greater in A (p < 0.001). In breast, ACW and ACL were higher in B and S compared to C (p < 0.05). In liver, ACL was greater in B and S compared to C (p < 0.001) and in higher dosage compared to low (p = 0.036). GSSG (oxidized glutathione) concentration was lower in A, whereas A, B and S presented a higher GSH (reduced glutathione)/GSSG ratio. The results showed that fruit pomaces could represent promising feed ingredients for broilers, improving serum, meat and tissue antioxidant parameters.

In recent years, dietary products with quinoa and buckwheat have attracted attention mostly due to the high nutritive value of their protein fraction. However, their dietary effect on intestinal microbiota activity and related systemic responses are still poorly understood. Therefore, a 2 week study of twenty-eight growing male Wistar rats was conducted to investigate the effects of quinoa (QU) and buckwheat (BK) protein-rich flours on the growth parameters, intestinal microbial activity, plasma lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. The biological value of protein and body weight gain were considerably increased in the QU and BK groups compared with those in the soy protein isolate group. Moreover, both flours increased the microbial activity of α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and α-galactosidase and the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the caecum. The studied flours favourably reduced the plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. In rats fed a diet with QU, elevated levels of plasma interleukin 6 and alanine transaminase were observed. The effect of QU on inflammatory markers may be related to the increased expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the liver and to the decreased level of plasma albumin. In conclusion, quinoa and buckwheat protein-rich flours are valuable sources of proteins that favourably affect growth parameters, gut metabolism, and blood lipid profile in rats; however, only the buckwheat flour has no effect on inflammatory processes.

This experiment investigated the potential inclusion of fermented rapeseed cake (FRC) in turkey diets. The turkeys received diets either not supplemented (C) or supplemented with raw rapeseed cake (RRC) or FRC at 150 g/kg diet. In comparison with RRC, turkeys receiving FRC achieved significantly higher final BW comparable with that noted in the control group. The dietary inclusion of FRC increased the concentrations of propionic and valeric acid in the cecal digesta compared with the control group, and increased the proportion of butyric acid in SCFA profile compared with RRC group. The activities of glycolytic bacterial enzymes in the cecal digesta, were lowest in turkeys fed FRC. Experimental diets did not cause a shift in the relative abundances of the main bacterial phyla or orders in the cecal digesta. FRC increased the abundance of Bacteroidaceae at the family level, but decreased the abundance of Lactobacillus at the genus level compared with birds fed RRC. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of FRC at 150 g/kg did not compromise bird performance, did not excessively stimulate bacterial activity, and did not cause shifts in the bacterial composition in the cecum. Actually, FCR exerted several beneficial effects that contributed to maintaining gut health in turkeys, which points to its advantage over RRC.

The aim of the study was to determine how feeding rats a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium affects DNA methylation and oxidation reactions as well as the histology of heart and brain tissue. The rats received standard diet or high-fat diet and chromium at 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) in form of chromium (III) picolinate, chromium (III)-methionine, or nano-sized chromium. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), the level of global DNA methylation and the activity of selected DNA repair enzymes were determined in the blood. In the brain and heart, the content of MDA, PC, 8-OHDG, and levels of global DNA methylation were determined. The brain was subjected to histological examination. The use of a high-fat diet was found to intensify epigenetic changes and oxidation reactions in the heart and brain. It was concluded that epigenetic changes and oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA in the heart and brain of rats resulting from the use of a high-fat diet cannot be limited by supplementing the diet with chromium. It was established that the use of chromium to supplement a high-fat diet intensifies the negative epigenetic and oxidative changes in the heart and brain, especially in the case of chromium nanoparticles.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the dietary inclusion of hemp seed oil (HO) and poppy seed oil (PO) on the lipid metabolism and antioxidant status of lean and genetically obese Zucker rats. The rats were fed a control diet for laboratory rodents or a modification with HO or PO. Both oils reduced body and epididymal fat and liver cholesterol levels and promoted oxidative stress in the liver of obese rats. The HO reduced plasma triglycerides and had a stronger liver cholesterol-lowering effect in obese rats than PO. In the lean rats, HO and PO had no effects on the body fat content, plasma lipid profile, or lipid metabolism in the liver. HO considerably elevated the content of α-linolenic acid in the liver and increased the liver ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in the lean rats. In conclusion, the regular consumption of both oils increases the accumulation of essential fatty acids in the liver of healthy animals, whilst not having any adverse effects on the body, whereas in genetically obese rats, the effects of both dietary oils on the lipid metabolism and antioxidant status are unequivocal and only partially beneficial.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective role of ground raspberry seeds (RBS) as a source of polyphenols and essential fatty acids on blood plasma enzymatic antioxidant status, lipid profile, and endothelium-intact vasodilation during physiological and pathological conditions. Young normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKYs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) at ten weeks of age were fed with either a control diet or were supplemented with added 7% RBS for six weeks (n = 6). The main component of RBS was dietary fiber (64%) and the main polyphenols were ellagitannins (1.2%) and flavan-3-ols (0.45%). Irrespective of the rat model, ground RBS decreased liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (0.9-fold) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity (Catalase, 0.9-fold). In supplemented SHRs, preincubation with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor 1400W, nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398, prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP), thromboxane receptor (TP) antagonist SQ-29548, thromboxane synthesis inhibitor furegrelate, and 20-HETE synthesis inhibitor HET0016 induced the same relaxant response to acetylcholine as in the nonsupplemented control group. In supplemented WKYs, atherogenic index was decreased (0.8-fold), while iNOS and COX-2-derived PGI2 increased acetylcholine-induced vasodilation. These effects of ground RBS may constitute a potential mechanism for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of diet containing the polyphenol-rich material on intestinal enzyme activity, oxidative stress markers, lipid metabolism and antioxidant status of laboratory rats. The animals were fed high-fat diet supplemented with freeze-dried water extracts of raw and roasted cocoa beans of Forastero variety. The observed changes indicated the biological activity of polyphenols and other components of the prepared cocoa beans extracts (CBEs). The presence of raw and roasted CBEs in the diets diversified the activity of the enzymes of the cecal microflora of rats. Both CBEs beneficially affect the antioxidant status of the serum, even in relation to the control standard group. The experimental cocoa bean preparations showed no significant effect on the mass of rats’ liver, heart, and kidneys, but varied some parameters of the antioxidant status of their organisms. The raw CBE in rats fed with the high-fat diet shows a high ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in heart and more effectively increases hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations compared to the roasted CBE, which did not show any significant effect. Moreover, supplementation with both CBEs significantly affects the volatile fatty acids concentration in the rats’ cecum. Results of this study contribute to the evidence that dietary supplementation with raw and roasted CBEs can exert health-promoting effects, however further studies are necessary.