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Background: Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency (OMIM 237300), an autosomal recessive rare and severe urea cycle disorder, is associated with hyperammonemia and high mortality. Methods: Herein we present 12 genetic variants identified in seven clinically well-characterized Chinese patients with CPS1 deficiency who were admitted to the Children's Medical Center of Peking University First Hospital from September 2014 to August 2023. Results: Seven patients (two male and five female patients including two sisters) experienced symptoms onset between 2 days and 13 years of age, and they were diagnosed with CPS1 deficiency between 2 months and 20 years. Peak blood ammonia levels ranged from 160 to 1,000 µmol/L. Three patients showed early-onset CPS1 deficiency, with only one surviving after treatment with sodium phenylbutyrate, N-carbamoyl-L-glutamate, and liver transplantation at 4 months, showing a favorable outcome. The remaining four patients had late-onset CPS1 deficiency, presenting with mental retardation, psychiatric symptoms, and self-selected low-protein diets. Among the 12 CPS1 variants identified in these patients, 10 were novel, with all patients exhibiting compound heterozygosity for CPS1 mutant alleles. Seven variants (c.149T > C, c.616 A > T, c.1145 C > T, c.1294G > A, c.3029 C > T, c.3503 A > T, and c.3793 C > T) resulted in single amino acid substitutions. Three frameshift variations (c.2493del, c.3067dup, and c.3241del) were identified, leading to enzyme truncation. One mutation (c.3506_3508del) caused an in-frame single amino acid deletion, while another (c.2895 + 2T > C) resulted in aberrant splicing. Conclusions: Except for two known variants, all other variants were identified as novel. No hotspot variants were observed among the patients. Our data contribute to expanding the mutation spectrum of CPS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: T-sheep and H-sheep exhibit different environmental adaptability and production performance. The rumen microbiome has co-evolved with hosts and plays a vital role in nutrient digestion and energy metabolism. In our previous study, we found that T-sheep have a higher efficiency in energy metabolism than H-sheep, but the rumen microbial community remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we determined the rumen bacterial profile and rumen fermentation parameters to reveal the bacterial profiles and predictive functions among breeds and diets with four different energy levels, as well as the correlation between bacterial profiles and rumen fermentation characteristics. Results: The results showed that the rumen total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetate, butyrate, total branched-chain VFAs, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate were higher in T-sheep than H-sheep. The alpha diversity of ruminal bacteria is not affected by dietary energy, but it shows a distinction between the sheep breeds. Specifically, T-sheep rumen bacteria exhibit higher alpha diversity than H-sheep. The beta diversity of ruminal bacteria is not influenced by dietary energy or sheep breeds, indicating similar communities of ruminal bacteria between different diets and sheep breeds. The phyla of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes predominate in the rumen, with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes observed in T-sheep than H-sheep. The two most abundant genera in the rumen were Prevotella 1 and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. Prevotella 1 is the predominant bacterial genus in the rumen of H-sheep, while the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group dominates in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial co-occurrence network analysis reveals that variations in rumen fermentation characteristics result from differences in module abundance, with a higher abundance of VFA-producing modules observed in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial function prediction analysis showed that dietary energy rarely alters the functional composition of rumen bacteria. However, there were differences in the functions of rumen bacteria between sheep breeds, with T-sheep showing a greater emphasis on energy metabolism-related functions, while H-sheep showed a greater emphasis on protein metabolism-related functions. Discussion: These findings provide evidence of the special rumen microbial community that helps T-sheep efficiently obtain energy from low-protein and low-energy diets, enabling them to survive in the extreme environment of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that pigs fed a low-protein diet containing 6% spray-dried plasma during phase 1 have improved growth performance and intestinal health if fed a low-protein diet during phase 2 containing spray-dried plasma. Low-protein phase 1 diets contained 0 or 6% spray-dried plasma, whereas low-protein, as well as normal-protein, phase-2 diets contained 0 or 2.5% spray-dried plasma. Including spray-dried plasma in low-protein diets improved growth performance during the initial 14 d post-weaning, but not during the combined phase 1 and phase 2 periods. Pigs fed a low-protein diet with spray-dried plasma in phase 1 and then a normal protein diet with spray-dried plasma in phase 2 had an improved growth performance compared with pigs fed a diet without spray-dried plasma, and the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio in the jejunum was reduced. Diarrhea and pro-inflammatory cytokines were lower in pigs fed diets with spray-dried plasma or diets low in protein compared with pigs fed diets without spray-dried plasma and with normal protein, indicating less intestinal inflammation. The hypothesis that pigs fed a low crude protein (CP) diet with 6% spray-dried plasma (SDP) in phase 1 will have improved growth and intestinal health if the phase-2 diet contains 2.5% SDP was tested. Three hundred weaned pigs were used. Growth performance, feces, blood, and intestinal tissue were evaluated. Pigs fed 6% SDP in phase 1 had improved average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (BW), but had reduced villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio in phase 2 if 2.5% SDP was included in the normal-CP diet (p < 0.05), but not in the low-CP diet. Diarrhea incidence was less (p < 0.05) with 2.5% SDP in the phase 2 diet and for the low-CP diet. Ileal mucosa interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β decreased (p < 0.05) for pigs fed the phase-1 diet with 6% SDP compared with pigs fed the diet without SDP. Addition of 2.5% SDP in phase 2 reduced (p < 0.05) IL-1β compared with the diet without SDP. Although the combination of SDP and low CP did not affect intestinal health in phase 2, diarrhea incidence and pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced in pigs fed SDP in phase 1 or phase 2 or if a low-CP diet was fed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An increasing number of studies shown that inadequate energy intake causes an increase in adverse incidents in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on low-protein diets (LPD). The study aimed to investigate the relationship between energy intake and cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients on a LPD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, a total of 4264 CKD patients were enrolled from the NHANES database between 2009 and 2018. Restricted cubic spline plots and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze the association between energy intake and cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients on a LPD. Additionally, a nomogram was constructed to estimate cardiovascular survival in CKD patients on a LPD. Results: Among CKD patients on a LPD in the United States, 90.05% had an energy intake of less than 25 kcal/kg/day, compared to 36.94% in CKD patients on a non-LPD. Energy intake and cardiovascular mortality showed a linear relationship in CKD patients on a LPD, while a 'U-shaped' relationship was observed in CKD patients on a non-LPD. Multifactorial Cox regression models revealed that for Per-standard deviation (Per-SD) decrement in energy intake, the risk of cardiovascular mortality increased by 41% (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.77; P = 0.004) in CKD patients on a LPD. The concordance index of the nomogram was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75, 0.83). Conclusion: CKD patients, especially those on a LPD, have significantly inadequate energy intake. Lower energy intake is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients on a LPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-protein diets (LPDs) seem to improve metabolic complications of advanced CKD, thus postponing kidney replacement therapy (KRT) initiation. However, the nutritional safety of LPDs remains debatable in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), especially in the elderly. This is a sub-analysis of a prospective unicentric interventional study which assessed the effects of LPD in patients with advanced DKD, focusing on the feasibility and safety of LPD in elderly patients. Ninety-two patients with DKD and stable CKD stage 4+, proteinuria >3 g/g creatininuria, good nutritional status, with confirmed compliance to protein restriction, were enrolled and received LPD (0.6 g mixed proteins/kg-day) supplemented with ketoanalogues of essential amino acids for 12 months. Of the total group, 42% were elderly with a median eGFR 12.6 mL/min and a median proteinuria 5.14 g/g creatininuria. In elderly patients, proteinuria decreased by 70% compared to baseline. The rate of kidney function decline was 0.1 versus 0.5 mL/min-month before enrolment. Vascular events occurred in 15% of cases, not related to nutritional intervention, but to the severity of CKD and higher MAP. LPDs seem to be safe and effective in postponing KRT in elderly patients with advanced DKD while preserving the nutritional status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens. Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may improve fat deposition, but this also decreases the laying performance of hens. This study investigated the mechanism by which different energy levels in the low-protein diet influences liver lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens through the enterohepatic axis to guide feed optimization and nutrition strategies. A total of 288 laying hens were randomly allocated to the normal-energy and normal-protein diet group (positive control: CK) or 1 of 3 groups: low-energy and low-protein diet (LL), normal-energy and low-protein diet (NL), and high-energy and low-protein diet (HL) groups. The energy-to-protein ratios of the CK, LL, NL, and HL diets were 0.67, 0.74, 0.77, and 0.80, respectively. Results: Compared with the CK group, egg quality deteriorated with increasing energy intake in late-phase laying hens fed low-protein diet. Hens fed LL, NL, and HL diets had significantly higher triglyceride, total cholesterol, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase levels, but significantly lower hepatic lipase levels compared with the CK group. Liver transcriptome sequencing revealed that genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation (ACOX1, HADHA, EHHADH, and ACAA1) were downregulated, whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis (SCD, FASN, and ACACA) were upregulated in LL group compared with the CK group. Comparison of the cecal microbiome showed that in hens fed an LL diet, Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were enriched, whereas riboflavin metabolism was suppressed. Cecal metabolites that were most significantly affected by the LL diet included several vitamins, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantethine (vitamin B5 derivative), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and 4-pyridoxic acid. Conclusion: A lipid metabolism disorder due to deficiencies of vitamin B2 and pantethine originating from the metabolism of the cecal microbiome may be the underlying reason for fat accumulation in the liver of late-phase laying hens fed an LL diet. Based on the present study, we propose that targeting vitamin B2 and pantethine (vitamin B5 derivative) might be an effective strategy for improving lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens fed a low-protein diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental plasticity allows organisms to increase the fit between their phenotype and their early-life environment. The extent to which such plasticity also enhances adult fitness is not well understood, however, particularly when early-life and adult environments differ substantially. Using a cross-factorial design that manipulated diet at two life stages, we examined predictions of major hypotheses—silver spoon, environmental matching, and thrifty phenotype—concerning the joint impacts of early-life and adult diets on adult morphology/display traits, survival, and reproductive allocation. Overall, results aligned with the silver spoon hypothesis, which makes several predictions based on the premise that development in poor-quality environments constrains adult performance. Males reared and bred on a low-protein diet had lower adult survivorship than other male treatment groups; females' survivorship was higher than males' and not impacted by early diet. Measures of allocation to reproduction primarily reflected breeding diet, but where natal diet impacted reproduction, results supported the silver spoon. Both sexes showed reduced expression of display traits when reared on a low-protein diet. Results accord with other studies in supporting the relevance of the silver spoon hypothesis to birds and point to significant ramifications of sex differences in early-life viability selection on the applicability/strength of silver spoon effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lowering dietary protein content is a promising strategy to reduce N excretions in cattle but it requires improved N utilization by the animal. Feed enzymes (e.g., exogenous α-amylase) and plant extracts (e.g., essential oils [EO]) are 2 additives that may enhance rumen function and possibly also microbial protein yield. This may increase fat- and protein-corrected milk yield (MY) and milk nitrogen efficiency and thus lower N losses from dairy cows. Both types of additives were studied in an experiment including 39 Holstein cows that had (average ± SD) 40.7 ± 7.95 kg/d MY, 89 ± 43 DIM, 2.7 ± 1.5 lactations, and 677 ± 68.6 kg of BW, consisting of a covariate (4 wk) and treatment period (5 wk). During the whole experiment cows were fed a typical Benelux diet (CTRL), supplemented with concentrates to meet individual requirements for energy and MP, which were fulfilled for 100% and 101%, respectively. The total diet was low in CP (15.5%) and relatively high in starch (22.6% and 6.6% rumen bypass starch). Cows were balanced for parity, DIM, MY, and roughage intake and randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, which received the following treatments in the treatment period: (1) CTRL (n = 13); (2) CTRL + 14 g/cow per day Ronozyme RumiStar α-amylase enzyme (AMEZ, n = 13; DSM); and (3) CTRL + 2.5 g/cow per day Crina Protect, a blend of EO components (ESOL, n = 13; DSM). Animal performance, ruminal pH, and enteric gas emissions were monitored throughout the experiment. During the last week of the covariate and treatment periods, nitrogen balances were conducted, total-tract nutrient digestibility was determined, and urinary allantoin and uric acid were determined as indicators for microbial N production. The statistical model applied to these variables contained group and DIM during treatment period as fixed effects and the values from the covariate period as covariate. Post hoc Dunnet-corrected comparisons between each treatment group and the control group were explored. The α-amylase enzyme tended to increase apparent total-tract starch digestibility and increased milk lactose concentration. The EO blend tended to increase MY and increased milk N output, milk nitrogen efficiency, and feed efficiency. Therefore, when feeding reduced dietary protein levels, EO have potential to improve the N-use efficiency in cattle, whereas the α-amylase enzyme might increase starch digestibility and milk lactose. However, additional research is necessary to substantiate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the dietary crude protein (CP) could effectively reduce pressure on protein ingredient supplies. However, few data have been reported about the extent to which CP can be reduced and whether limiting the use of soybean meal leads to electrolyte imbalance. In this experiment, using the low protein (LP) diet [2% lower than NRC (2012)], seventy‐two piglets (35 days old) were randomly divided into 2 groups with 6 replicates of 6 piglets each: CON group (CP = 18.5%) and LP group (CP = 16.5%), to investigate the effect of the LP diet on electrolyte balance, acid‐base balance, intestinal structure and amino acid transport in piglets. The results revealed that the LP diet decreased the average daily gain and dietary CP digestibility, and damaged the villi structure of the small intestine. Compared with the CON diet, the potassium content decreased and the chlorine content increased in the LP diet, and similar trends were shown in piglet serum. The arterial pH, pCO2, HCO3−, and base excess of piglets in the LP group were lower than those in the CON group, while pO2 was higher than those in the CON group. Interestingly, the LP diet significantly increased the lysine content in piglet serum and significantly decreased the levels of arginine, leucine, and glutamic acid. Furthermore, the LP diet significantly affected the expression of some amino acid transport vectors (B0AT1, EAAC1, and y+LAT1). In summary, these findings suggested that the LP diet leads to acid‐base imbalance, amino acid transport disorder and amino acids imbalance in piglets, and the dietary electrolyte may be a key factor in the impact of the LP diet on piglet growth performance and intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The serious shortage of protein feed resources and greenhouse gases emissions from livestock production system have become two major bottlenecks restricting the high-quality and sustainable devel‐ opment of animal husbandry in China. Low-protein diet technology is based on the precise nutrient re‐ quirement of animals to achieve stable or improved production performance by lowering the feed cost. Methane is an inevitable product of ruminant physiological metabolism, representing not only an impor‐ tant energy loss, but also a critical source of greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, the research on the effect of low-protein diet on production performance, enteric methane emissions of ruminants have increasingly become an important area. Therefore, this paper briefly summarized the definition and characteristics of low-protein diet used for ruminants in recent years, and reviewed the impact of low-protein diet on growth performance, milk pro‐ duction, and enteric methane emissions, and explored the possible mechanism of action behind the low-protein diet to provide theoretical reference for the research and application of this technology in ruminant production regimes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tryptophan plays an important role in the pig industry but has the potential to improve performance in the poultry industry. However, the effects of tryptophan in a diet of different protein levels remain poorly understood. This study assessed the effect of tryptophan supplementation in diets with different protein levels on the growth performance and serum glycolipid metabolism-related parameters of broilers. A medium-protein diet with more tryptophan can improve male broiler performance; a low-protein diet with more tryptophan may temporarily reduce the feed intake of female broilers in the early stage of the experiment. Tryptophan plays an important role in the pig industry but has the potential to improve performance in the poultry industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tryptophan supplementation in diets with different protein levels on the feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (F/G) of broilers. A total of 180 twenty-one-day-old broilers (half male and half female) were weighed and randomly allocated to twelve groups, with six male and six female groups. Each group consisted of 15 broilers. The broilers were fed low- (17.2%), medium- (19.2%), or high- (21.2%) protein diets with or without extra tryptophan (up to 0.25%) during the 28-day experiment. Food intake and body weight were measured weekly during the trial period. Male broilers fed a medium-protein diet containing more tryptophan showed a lower F/G. In the low-protein diet groups, additional tryptophan caused a significant reduction in the feed intake of female broilers during the first two weeks. Moreover, the serum GLP-1, cholesterol, and bile acid levels, as well as the expression of FXR mRNA in the ileum, were significantly increased. Additionally, the FXR mRNA in the hypothalamus and the GCG and GLP-1R mRNAs in the ileum tended to increase in these broilers. In summary, the tryptophan concentration in the diet can influence the feed intake and metabolism of broilers. Under a standard diet, an appropriate amount of tryptophan is beneficial to the F/G of male broilers, while under a low-protein diet, tryptophan supplementation may cause a short-term reduction in the feed intake of female broilers by increasing serum GLP-1 and bile acid signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of the circadian clock plays an important role in influencing physiological conditions. While it is reported that the timing and quantity of energy intake impact circadian regulation, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of dietary protein intake on peripheral clocks. Firstly, transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate molecular targets of low-protein intake. Secondly, mPer2::Luc knock-in mice, fed with either a low-protein, normal, or high-protein diet for 6 weeks, were analyzed for the oscillation of PER2 expression in peripheral tissues and for the expression profiles of circadian and metabolic genes. Lastly, the candidate pathway identified by the in vivo analysis was validated using AML12 cells. As a result, using transcriptomic analysis, we found that the low-protein diet hardly altered the circadian rhythm in the central clock. In animal experiments, expression levels and period lengths of PER2 were different in peripheral tissues depending on dietary protein intake; moreover, mRNA levels of clock-controlled genes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress genes were affected by dietary protein intake. Induction of ER stress in AML12 cells caused an increased amplitude of Clock and Bmal1 and an advanced peak phase of Per2. This result shows that the intake of different dietary protein ratios causes an alteration of the circadian rhythm, especially in the peripheral clock of mice. Dietary protein intake modifies the oscillation of ER stress genes, which may play key roles in the regulation of the circadian clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensive raising model for meat duck production has widely adopted cascading cages. However, investigations on low-protein diets for Pekin ducks under this model are scarce. Thus, a 3 × 6 factorial experiment was conducted using six dietary crude protein (CP) levels (17.61%, 16.25%, 15.34%, 14.55%, 13.38%, and 12.64%, analyzed) and three cage layers (lower, middle, and upper). The study aimed to examine the effects of dietary CP reduction with crystalline amino acid supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in growing Pekin ducks from 21 to 42 days of age housed at different cage layers. A total of 1620 21-day-old Pekin ducks were randomly divided into 18 groups, each with six replicates of 15 ducks per replicate. Ducks were distributed across different cage layers and were fed one of six experimental diets, respectively, each varying in dietary CP levels but maintaining similar dietary energy and amino acid profiles. The results showed that the reduction in dietary CP levels affected growth performance (p < 0.05), while weight gain, feed intake, and feed/gain of Pekin ducks had no difference among 17.61%, 16.25%, and 15.34% CP groups (p > 0.05). As dietary CP decreased, abdominal fat yield increased (p < 0.05), but breast and leg meat yields were unaffected (p > 0.05). CP intake, nitrogen intake, and nitrogen excretion decreased linearly (p < 0.05) with decreasing dietary CP levels, while apparent nutrient digestibility in Pekin ducks increased proportionally (p < 0.05). Additionally, body weight, weight gain, feed intake, CP intake, nitrogen intake, and nitrogen excretion of Pekin ducks decreased (p < 0.05) due to different cage layers, while carcass characteristics remained unaffected by cage layer (p > 0.05). In summary, it is feasible to reduce the dietary CP level with crystalline amino acid supplementation in growing Pekin ducks from 21 to 42 days of age housed in cascading cages, while the cage layers affected growth performance of ducks. Based on broken-line models, it was determined that the optimal dietary CP requirement for achieving maximum weight gain and feed efficiency in growing Pekin ducks is approximately 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary nutrient manipulation (e.g. protein fractions) could lower the environmental footprints of ruminants, especially reactive nitrogen (N). This study investigated the impacts of dietary soluble protein (SP) levels with decreased crude protein (CP) on intestinal N absorption, hindgut N metabolism, fecal microbiota and metabolites, and their linkage with N metabolism phenotype. Thirty-two male Hu sheep, with an age of six months and an initial BW of 40.37 ± 1.18 kg, were randomly assigned to four dietary groups. The control diet (CON), aligning with NRC standards, maintained a CP content of 16.7% on a dry matter basis. Conversely, the experimental diets (LPA, LPB, and LPC) featured a 10% reduction in CP compared with CON, accompanied by SP adjustments to 21.2%, 25.9%, and 29.4% of CP, respectively. Our results showed that low-protein diets led to significant reductions in the concentrations of plasma creatinine, ammonia, urea N, and fecal total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) (P

Abstract Maternal malnutrition has been associated with neurodevelopmental deficits and long-term implications on the offspring’s health and behavior. Here, we investigated the effects of maternal low-protein diet (LPD) or obesity-inducing maternal high-fat diet (HFD) on dyadic social interactions, group organization and autism-related behaviors in mice. We found that maternal HFD induced an autism-related behavioral phenotype in the male offspring, including a robust decrease in sociability, increased aggression, cognitive rigidity and repetitive behaviors. Maternal LPD led to a milder yet significant effect on autism-related symptoms, with no effects on olfactory-mediated social behavior. Under naturalistic conditions in a group setting, this manifested in altered behavioral repertoires, increased magnitude in dominance relations, and reduced interactions with novel social stimuli in the HFD male offspring, but not in the LPD offspring. Finally, we found HFD-induced transcriptomic changes in the olfactory bulbs of the male offspring. Together, our findings show that maternal malnutrition induces long-lasting effects on aggression and autism-related behaviors in male offspring, and potential impairments in brain regions processing chemosensory signals.

Abstract Background The energy/protein imbalance in a low-protein diet induces lipid metabolism disorders in late-phase laying hens. Reducing energy levels in the low-protein diet to adjust the energy-to-protein ratio may improve fat deposition, but this also decreases the laying performance of hens. This study investigated the mechanism by which different energy levels in the low-protein diet influences liver lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens through the enterohepatic axis to guide feed optimization and nutrition strategies. A total of 288 laying hens were randomly allocated to the normal-energy and normal-protein diet group (positive control: CK) or 1 of 3 groups: low-energy and low-protein diet (LL), normal-energy and low-protein diet (NL), and high-energy and low-protein diet (HL) groups. The energy-to-protein ratios of the CK, LL, NL, and HL diets were 0.67, 0.74, 0.77, and 0.80, respectively. Results Compared with the CK group, egg quality deteriorated with increasing energy intake in late-phase laying hens fed low-protein diet. Hens fed LL, NL, and HL diets had significantly higher triglyceride, total cholesterol, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and fatty acid synthase levels, but significantly lower hepatic lipase levels compared with the CK group. Liver transcriptome sequencing revealed that genes involved in fatty acid beta-oxidation (ACOX1, HADHA, EHHADH, and ACAA1) were downregulated, whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis (SCD, FASN, and ACACA) were upregulated in LL group compared with the CK group. Comparison of the cecal microbiome showed that in hens fed an LL diet, Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were enriched, whereas riboflavin metabolism was suppressed. Cecal metabolites that were most significantly affected by the LL diet included several vitamins, such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), pantethine (vitamin B5 derivative), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and 4-pyridoxic acid. Conclusion A lipid metabolism disorder due to deficiencies of vitamin B2 and pantethine originating from the metabolism of the cecal microbiome may be the underlying reason for fat accumulation in the liver of late-phase laying hens fed an LL diet. Based on the present study, we propose that targeting vitamin B2 and pantethine (vitamin B5 derivative) might be an effective strategy for improving lipid metabolism in late-phase laying hens fed a low-protein diet.

ABSTRACT: Lowering dietary protein content is a promising strategy to reduce N excretions in cattle but it requires improved N utilization by the animal. Feed enzymes (e.g., exogenous α-amylase) and plant extracts (e.g., essential oils [EO]) are 2 additives that may enhance rumen function and possibly also microbial protein yield. This may increase fat- and protein-corrected milk yield (MY) and milk nitrogen efficiency and thus lower N losses from dairy cows. Both types of additives were studied in an experiment including 39 Holstein cows that had (average ± SD) 40.7 ± 7.95 kg/d MY, 89 ± 43 DIM, 2.7 ± 1.5 lactations, and 677 ± 68.6 kg of BW, consisting of a covariate (4 wk) and treatment period (5 wk). During the whole experiment cows were fed a typical Benelux diet (CTRL), supplemented with concentrates to meet individual requirements for energy and MP, which were fulfilled for 100% and 101%, respectively. The total diet was low in CP (15.5%) and relatively high in starch (22.6% and 6.6% rumen bypass starch). Cows were balanced for parity, DIM, MY, and roughage intake and randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, which received the following treatments in the treatment period: (1) CTRL (n = 13); (2) CTRL + 14 g/cow per day Ronozyme RumiStar α-amylase enzyme (AMEZ, n = 13; DSM); and (3) CTRL + 2.5 g/cow per day Crina Protect, a blend of EO components (ESOL, n = 13; DSM). Animal performance, ruminal pH, and enteric gas emissions were monitored throughout the experiment. During the last week of the covariate and treatment periods, nitrogen balances were conducted, total-tract nutrient digestibility was determined, and urinary allantoin and uric acid were determined as indicators for microbial N production. The statistical model applied to these variables contained group and DIM during treatment period as fixed effects and the values from the covariate period as covariate. Post hoc Dunnet-corrected comparisons between each treatment group and the control group were explored. The α-amylase enzyme tended to increase apparent total-tract starch digestibility and increased milk lactose concentration. The EO blend tended to increase MY and increased milk N output, milk nitrogen efficiency, and feed efficiency. Therefore, when feeding reduced dietary protein levels, EO have potential to improve the N-use efficiency in cattle, whereas the α-amylase enzyme might increase starch digestibility and milk lactose. However, additional research is necessary to substantiate our findings.

Low protein intake (LPI) has been suggested as a treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, protein intake is essential for bone health. We studied the database of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2010. Basic variables, metabolic diseases, and bone density of different femoral areas were stratified into four subgroups according to different protein intake (DPI) (that is, <0.8, 0.8–1.0, 1.0–1.2, and >1.2 g/kg/day). Significant differences were found among all lumbar area bone mineral density (BMD) and T-scores (p < 0.0001). There was an apparent trend between a decreasing BMD in the CKD groups with increasing DPI in all single lumbar spines (L1, L2, L3, and L4) and all L spines (L1-L4). Compared with DPI (0.8–1.0 g/day/kg), higher risks of osteoporosis were noticed in the subgroup of >1.2 g/day/kg over L2 (relative risk (RR)=1.326, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.062–1.656), subgroup >1.2 g/day/kg over L3 (RR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.057–1.622), subgroup <0.8 g/day/kg over L4 (RR = 1.276, 95%CI = 1.015–1.605), subgroup <0.8 g/day/kg over all L spines (RR = 11.275, 95%CI = 1.051–1.548), and subgroup >1.2 g/day/kg over all L spines (RR = 0.333, 95%CI = 1.098–1.618). However, a higher risk of osteoporosis was observed only in the non-CKD group. There was an apparent trend of higher DPI coexisting with lower BMD and T scores in patients with CKD. For osteoporosis (reference:0.8–1.0 g/day/kg), lower (<0.8 g/day/kg) or higher DPI (>1.2 g/day/kg) was associated with higher risks in the non-CKD group, but not in the CKD group. In the CKD group, LPI for renal protection was safe without threatening L spine bone density and without causing a higher risk of osteoporosis. A low-protein diet should be encouraged in patients with CKD, but protein is essential for bone health. In this study, we showed that a low-protein diet did not affect lumbar bone density. Therefore, in the care of CKD, a low-protein diet is beneficial for renal function and without harm to lumbar bone health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and low-protein diet that exerts antiepileptic effects by attenuating spontaneous recurrent seizures, ameliorating learning and memory impairments, and modulating the gut microbiota composition. However, the role of the gut microbiome in the antiepileptic effects of a KD on temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced by lithium-pilocarpine in adult rats is still unknown. Our study provides evidence demonstrating that a KD effectively mitigates seizure behavior and reduces acute-phase epileptic brain activity and that KD treatment alleviates hippocampal neuronal damage and improves cognitive impairment induced by TLE. We also observed that the beneficial effects of a KD are compromised when the gut microbiota is disrupted through antibiotic administration. Analysis of gut microbiota components via 16S rRNA gene sequencing in fecal samples collected from TLE rats fed either a KD or a normal diet. The Chao1 and ACE indices showed decreased species variety in KD-fed rats compared to TLE rats fed a normal diet. A KD increased the levels of Actinobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota and Proteobacteria and decreased the level of Bacteroidetes. Interestingly, the abundances of Actinobacteriota and Verrucomicrobiota were positively correlated with learning and memory ability, and the abundance of Proteobacteria was positively correlated with seizure susceptibility. In conclusion, our study revealed the significant antiepileptic and neuroprotective effects of a KD on pilocarpine-induced epilepsy in rats, primarily mediated through the modulation of the gut microbiota. However, whether the gut microbiota mediates the antiseizure effects of a KD still needs to be better elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduced nutrient digestibility of low-protein (LP) diets has been shown to be caused by the weakened fermentative capacity of the post-gut flora. The dynamic regulation of dietary protein contents on post-gut microbial population and fermentative metabolism is unclear. Twelve growing barrows (19.9 ± 0.8 kg) fitted with a T-cannula at the blind end of the cecum were randomly administered a high-protein (HP, 21.5% crude protein [CP]) diet or an LP (15.5% CP) diet for 28 d. The cecal content and feces were collected at d 1, 14, and 28 of the experiment for microflora structures and metabolite concentrations analysis. The nutrient digestibility coefficient and plasma biochemical parameters were also determined. Compared with the HP treatment, the LP treatment showed decreased plasma urea nitrogen concentration and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, gross energy, and CP (P

ABSTRACT: Low crude protein (CP) diets might be fed to dairy cows without affecting productivity if the balance of absorbed AA were improved, which would decrease the environmental effect of dairy farms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing ruminally protected Lys (RPL) and Met (RPM) at 2 levels of dietary CP on nutrient intake, milk production, milk composition, milk N efficiency (MNE), and plasma concentrations of AA in lactating Holstein cows and to evaluate these effects against the predictions of the new NASEM (2021) model. Fifteen multiparous cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. The 3 treatments were (1) a high-protein (HP) basal diet containing 16.4% CP (metabolizable protein [MP] balance of −130 g/d; 95% of target values), (2) a medium-protein diet containing 15% CP plus RPL (60 g/cow per day) and RPM (25 g/cow per day; MPLM; MP balance of −314 g/d; 87% of target values), and (3) a low-protein diet containing 13.6% CP plus RPL (60 g/cow per day) and RPM (25 g/cow per day; LPLM; MP balance of −479 g/d; 80% of target values). Dry matter intake was less for cows fed MPLM and LPLM diets compared with those fed the HP diet. Compared with the HP diet, the intake of CP, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter, but not starch, was lower for cows fed MPLM and LPLM diets. Milk production and composition were not affected by MPLM or LPLM diets relative to the HP diet. Milk urea N concentrations were reduced for the MPLM and LPLM diets compared with the HP diet, indicating that providing a low-protein diet supplemented with rumen-protected AA led to greater N efficiency. There was no significant effect of treatment on plasma AA concentrations except for proline, which significantly increased for the MPLM treatment compared with the other 2 treatments. Overall, the results supported the concept that milk performance might be maintained when feeding lactating dairy cows with low CP diets if the absorbed AA balance is maintained through RPL and RPM feeding. Further investigations are needed to evaluate responses over a longer time period with consideration of all AA rather than on the more aggregated MP and the ratio between Lys and Met.

ObjectivesMethodsResultsDiscussionThe present study aims to evaluate the impact of early exposure to brain injury and malnutrition on episodic memory and behavior.For this, a systematic review was carried out in the Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS databases with no year or language restrictions.Initially, 1759 studies were detected. After screening, 53 studies remained to be read in full. The meta-analysis demonstrated that exposure to double insults worsens episodic recognition memory but does not affect spatial memory. Early exposure to low-protein diets has been demonstrated to aggravate locomotor and masticatory sequelae. Furthermore, it reduces the weight of the soleus muscle and the muscle fibers of the masseter and digastric muscles. Early exposure to high-fat diets promotes an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, increasing anxiety- and depression-like behavior and reducing locomotion.Epigenetic modifications were noted in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex depending on the type of dietetic exposure in early life. These findings demonstrate the impact of the double insult on regions involved in cognitive and behavioral processes. Additional studies are essential to understand the real impact of the double insults in the critical period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary protein is a critical regulator of metabolic health and aging. Low protein diets are associated with healthy aging in humans, and dietary protein restriction extends the lifespan and healthspan of mice. In this study, we examined the effect of protein restriction (PR) on metabolic health and the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the 3xTg mouse model of AD. Here, we show that PR promotes leanness and glycemic control in 3xTg mice, specifically rescuing the glucose intolerance of 3xTg females. PR induces sex-specific alterations in circulating and brain metabolites, downregulating sphingolipid subclasses in 3xTg females. PR also reduces AD pathology and mTORC1 activity, increases autophagy, and improves the cognition of 3xTg mice. Finally, PR improves the survival of 3xTg mice. Our results suggest that PR or pharmaceutical interventions that mimic the effects of this diet may hold promise as a treatment for AD. There is growing need for ways to slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, the authors demonstrate that a low protein diet can protect against metabolic dysfunction, slow AD progression, and preserve cognitive function in a mouse model of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-protein diet was an important direction for the development of livestock and poultry nutrition. The feed formula for broilers based on the standard ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) calculation can more accurately and reasonably reflect the digestion ability of poultry to feed protein and reduce nitrogen excretion. Therefore, using standard ileal amino acid digestibility to design a dietary formula is a prerequisite for low protein nutrition. The article reviews the recently research and the existing problems on determination of standard ileal amino acid digestibility in poultry, in order to provide a reference for establishing a database of standard ileal amino acid digestibility parameters for feed ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The yak (Bos grunniens) is a multi-tasking grazing ruminant species playing vital roles for Tibetan nomads living in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Yaks are subjected to undernutrition in traditional pasture management systems during long winters due to inadequate forage intakes. This results in animals losing 25.7~30.2% of their live weight. Large ruminant animals have high intakes of feed and water. The utilization of dietary nitrogen efficiency of yaks is only about 25.9%, and a large amount of nitrogen is excreted in their feces and urine. Changes in nutritional measurement could improve the utilization of dietary nutrients and regulate the synthesis of proteins in yaks. Methionine and lysine are the first two limiting amino acids in a corn–soybean-meal-based diet for ruminants; therefore, we added rumen-protected methionine and lysine to low- and high-protein diets and found that the low-protein diet supplemented with rumen-protected methionine and lysine is beneficial for rumen and body health, physiological response, and metabolic status in yaks. This study investigated the effects of the dietary protein level and rumen-protected methionine and lysine (RPML) on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and serum indexes of yaks. Thirty-six male yaks were randomly assigned to a two by three factorial experiment with two protein levels, 15.05% and 16.51%, and three RPML levels: 0% RPML; 0.05% RPMet and 0.15% RPLys; and 0.1% RPMet and 0.3% RPLys. The trial lasted for sixty days. The results showed that the low-protein diet increased the DMI and feed conversion ratio of yaks. The diet supplemented with RPML increased the activities of IGF1 and INS and nutrient digestibility. The high-protein diet decreased the rumen butyrate concentration and increased the rumen isovalerate concentration. The low-protein diet supplemented with RPML increased the rumen pH and the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, butyrate and NH3-N; the high-protein diet supplemented with a high level of RPML decreased the rumen pH and the concentrations of isobutyrate, isovalerate, propionate and NH3-N. The low-protein diet supplemented with RPML increased the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity, along with the concentrations of malondialdehyde and amino acids such as aspartic acid, lysine, cysteine, etc. In conclusion, a low-protein diet supplemented with RPML is beneficial for rumen and body health, physiological response, and metabolic status in yaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Organic pig production aims to ensure high animal health and welfare standards. Despite this, diseases such as post-weaning diarrhoea may affect piglets after weaning. Given that the use of drugs is limited on organic farms, other prevention strategies, like nutritional interventions, have become a promising approach to preventing post-weaning diarrhoea. In this study, we fed the animals with three diets: high crude protein feed, low crude protein feed, and low crude protein feed supplemented with liquid whey. These diets were given to the piglets four weeks after they were weaned, and their diarrhoea incidence, health, behaviour, and intestinal microbiota composition were assessed. The results of this study showed that the diet did not affect diarrhoea incidence. However, the piglets receiving the diet supplemented with liquid whey showed increased growth as well as changes in their behavioural patterns, such as a lower percentage of negative social behaviours and drinking. In addition, there was an increase in beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microbiota of piglets fed liquid whey. These results altogether indicate that liquid whey could be a valuable supplement for pigs in organic farming, showing positive effects on some behaviour patterns, microbiota composition, and performance efficiency. Organic livestock farming is committed to high environmental and animal welfare standards, although pathologies such as post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) may appear. The main objective of this study was to assess nutritional strategies to prevent PWD in organic piglets. A total of 134 weaned piglets were fed one of three diets: high crude protein (17.8%, HCP), low crude protein (16.8%, LCP), and low crude protein supplemented with liquid whey (LCP+W). Piglets were assessed weekly for four weeks on the following parameters: diarrhoea incidence, additional health parameters, average daily gain, and behaviour. Faecal samples were taken to analyse the intestinal microbiota composition. Data were analysed using LMM and GLMM models and Shannon and Whittaker indexes. No significant effect of diet on diarrhoea incidence was found, but the LCP+W diet increased average daily gain. Pigs fed the LCP+W diet presented a lower percentage of drinking and negative social behaviour compared with the HCP diet, and LCP pigs presented higher exploration compared with HCP. In addition, LCP+W piglets showed a higher abundance of the beneficial genus Frisingicoccus. Although liquid whey did not reduce diarrhoea incidence, the benefits found in growth, microbiota composition, and reduced negative social behaviour indicate that it could be an optimal supplement to organic diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the levels of dietary protein is an effective nutritional approach in lowering feed cost and nitrogen emissions in ruminants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary Lys/Met ratio in a low protein diet (10%, dry matter basis) on the growth performance and hepatic function (antioxidant capacity, immune status, and glycolytic activity) in Tibetan lambs. Ninety two-month-old rams with an average weight of 15.37 ± 0.92 kg were randomly assigned to LP-L (dietary Lys/Met = 1:1), LP-M (dietary Lys/Met = 2:1) and LP-H (dietary Lys/Met = 3:1) treatments. The trial was conducted over 100 d, including 10 d of adaption to the diets. Hepatic phenotypes, antioxidant capacity, immune status, glycolytic activity and gene expression profiling was detected after the conclusion of the feeding trials. The results showed that the body weight was higher in the LP-L group when compared to those on the LP-M group (P < 0.05). In addition, the activities of the catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the LP-L group were significantly increased compared with the LP-M group (P < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in LP-H group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with LP-H group, both hepatic glycogen (P < 0.01) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P < 0.05) were significantly elevated in LP-L group. For the LP-L group, the hepatocytes were arranged radially with the central vein in the center, and hepatic plates exhibited tight arrangement. Transcriptome analysis identified 29, 179, and 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the LP-M vs. LP-L, LP-H vs. LP-M, and LP-H vs. LP-L groups, respectively (Q-values < 0.05 and |log2Fold Change| > 1). Gene Ontology (GO) and correlation analyses showed that in the LP-L group, core genes (C1QA and JUNB) enriched in oxidoreductase activity were positively correlated with antioxidant indicators, while the MYO9A core gene enriched in the immune response was positively associated with immune indicators, and core genes enriched in molecular function (PDK3 and PDP2) were positively correlated with glycolysis indicators. In summary, low-protein diet with a low Lys/Met ratio (1:1) could reduce the hepatic oxidative stress and improve the glycolytic activity by regulating the expression of related genes of Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to investigate the interactive effect of a glycine equivalent (Glyequi) and standardized ileal digestible threonine (SID Thr) levels in low crude protein diets on performance, blood biochemistry, pectoral muscular creatine content and oxidative stability of meat in broiler chickens from 21 to 42 days. Methods: A total of 1,500, twenty-one-day-old Cobb-Vantress male broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized 5×3 factorial arrangement of Glyequi×SID Thr with five replicates of 20 birds each. Fifteen dietary treatments of 16.5% CP were formulated to contain five levels of total Glyequi (1.16%, 1.26%, 1.36%, 1.46%, and 1.56%) and three levels of SID Thr (0.58%; 0.68% and 0.78%). Results: Interaction effects (p<0.05) of Glyequi and SID Thr levels were observed for weight gain, carcass yield, pectoral muscular creatine content and serum uric acid. Higher levels of Glyequi increased (p = 0.040) weight gain in 0.58% and 0.68% SID Thr diets compare to the 0.78% SID Thr diet. The SID Thr level at 0.68% improved (p = 0.040) feed conversion compared to other SID Thr diets. Levels of Glyequi equal to or above 1.26% in diets with 0.78% SID Thr resulted in birds with higher (p = 0.033) pectoral muscular creatine content. The breast meat yield observed in the 0.68% SID Thr diet was higher (p = 0.05) compared to the 0.58% SID Thr diet. There was a quadratic effect of Glyequi levels for pectoral pectoral muscular creatine content (p = 0.008), breast meat yield (p = 0.030), and serum total protein concentrations (p = 0.040), and the optimal levels were estimated to be 1.47%, 1.35%, and 1.40% Glyequi, respectively. The lowest (p = 0.050) concentration of malondialdehyde in the breast meat was found in 0.68% SID Thr diets at 1.36% Glyequi. Conclusion: The minimum dietary level of Glyequi needed to improve performance in low crude protein diets is 1.26% with adequate SID Thr levels for broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate how a low-protein diet during pregnancy and lactation affects the islet function in the female offspring mice, and to explore the potential mechanisms using transcriptome sequencing technology. Methods Thirty-three female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups according to a random number table method on the day of conception and given a control diet (22% protein) (13 mice) and a low-protein diet (9% protein) (20 mice) throughout pregnancy and lactation, respectively. After weaning, all offspring were given a standard diet. The female offspring were divided into the control diet group (CD group, 20 mice) and the low protein diet group (LPD group, 20 mice) based on their maternal diet. Body weight and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) data of the female offspring were collected. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), simultaneous serum insulin release test (IRT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) were performed to assess the function of the offspring islets and their insulin sensitivity. Long non-cody RNA (LncRNA) from the offspring primary islets were extracted for transcriptome sequencing. The bioinformatics analysis applied between the targeted genes and the differentially expressed messenger RNA (mRNA). Experimental verification of biosignature analysis was performed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. To verify the expression of (lactate dehydrogenase A) Ldha, a common differential gene of mRNA and LncRNA predicted target genes, we performed immunofluorescence staining on paraffin sections of pancreatic tissue. Thereafter, LncRNA Gm38850 knockdown Min6 cell model was constructed to study the effect of Gm38850 on islet function and its regulatory relationship with Ldha. Group comparisons were conducted using either independent samples t-test or corrected t-test. Results The LPD group showed impaired glucose tolerance (P<0.05) and reduced insulin release (P<0.05) at week 17 of age compared to the CD group. However, no significant differences were observed in FPG and blood glucose area under curve of IPITT. Whole transcriptome sequencing screened a total of 55 differentially expressed mRNAs (42 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated) and 4 differentially expressed LncRNA (all down-regulated) in islet cells between the two groups. The pathway enrichment analysis suggested that these differentially expressed RNAs were mainly involved in the biological functions of the pyruvate metabolism, interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, glucagon pathway, advanced glycation end-products-receptor for advanced glycation end-products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. The experimental validation results of pancreatic tissues were consistent with the trend of the biosignature analysis results. Among them, immunofluorescence staining showed that Ldha expression was up-regulated in the pancreatic islets of mice in the LPD group, and that cellular Ldha expression was up-regulated after knockdown of the LncRNA Gm38850 in Min6 cells. We also observed a significant reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the Gm38850 knock-down cells. Conclusion A low-protein diet during pregnancy and lactation may impair islet function in the offspring female mice, possibly due to epigenetic changes in the islets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The first and second limiting amino acids in ruminants 66 are methionine and lysine, respectively, and an appropriate lysine-to-methionine ratio is necessary for amino acid balance in a low-protein diet. A Lys/Met ratio of 1:1 increased the antioxidant capacity and the activities of digestive enzymes and reduced the production of ammonia nitrogen in Tibetan sheep. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that a Lys/Met ratio of 1:1 significantly increased the Ace and Chao1 indices, and non-target metabolomics analysis revealed that cis-jasmone and Val-Asp-Arg could be involved in mediating the antioxidant capacity and increasing the activity of digestive enzyme activities in Tibetan sheep rumen. Phosphoric acid, one of the metabolic products, increased cellulase activity by regulating the abundance of Succiniclasticum through the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. In ruminants, supplementing appropriate amounts of amino acids improves growth, feed utilization efficiency, and productivity. This study aimed to assess the effects of different Lys/Met ratios on the ruminal microbial community and the metabolic profiling in Tibetan sheep using 16S rDNA sequencing and non-target metabolomics. Ninety-two-month-old Tibetan rams (initial weight = 15.37 ± 0.92 kg) were divided into three groups and fed lysine/methionine (Lys/Met) of 1:1 (LP-L), 2:1 (LP-M), and 3:1 (LP-H) in low-protein diet, respectively. Results: The T-AOC, GSH-Px, and SOD were significantly higher in the LP-L group than in LP-H and LP-M groups (p < 0.05). Cellulase activity was significantly higher in the LP-L group than in the LP-H group (p < 0.05). In the fermentation parameters, acetic acid concentration was significantly higher in the LP-L group than in the LP-H group (p < 0.05). Microbial sequencing analysis showed that Ace and Chao1 indicators were significantly higher in LP-L than in LP-H and LP-M (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group flora and Succiniclasticum were significantly higher in LP-L than in LP-M group (p < 0.05). Non-target metabolomics analyses revealed that the levels of phosphoric acid, pyrocatechol, hydrocinnamic acid, banzamide, l-gulono-1,4-lactone, cis-jasmone, Val-Asp-Arg, and tropinone content were higher in LP-L. However, l-citrulline and purine levels were lower in the LP-L group than in the LP-M and LP-H groups. Banzamide, cis-jasmone, and Val-Asp-Arg contents were positively correlated with the phenotypic contents, including T-AOC, SOD, and cellulase. Phosphoric acid content was positively correlated with cellulase and lipase activities. In conclusion, the Met/Lys ratio of 1:1 in low-protein diets showed superior antioxidant status and cellulase activity in the rumen by modulating the microbiota and metabolism of Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term intake of a high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD), even a high-fat, high-fructose but low-protein diet (HFFD + LP), could cause obesity associated with cognitive impairments. In the present study, rats were subjected to a normal diet (ND), an HFFD diet, an HFFD + LP diet, and an HFFD with kidney bean protein (KP) diet for 8 weeks to evaluate the effect of KP on HFFD- or HFFD + LP-induced obesity and cognitive impairment. The results demonstrated that compared with the HFFD diet, KP administration significantly decreased the body weight by 7.7% and the serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels by 14.4% and 46.8%, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, KP suppressed HFFD-induced cognitive impairment, which was evidenced by 8.7% less time required to pass the water maze test. The 16s RNA analysis of the colonic contents showed that the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Alloprevotella was increased by KP by 5.9, 44.2, and 79.2 times. Additionally, KP supplementation primarily affected the choline metabolic pathway in the liver, and the synthesis and functional pathway of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby improving obesity and cognitive function in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recessive T allele of the missense polymorphism rs709596309 C > T of the leptin receptor gene is associated with intramuscular fat. However, its overall impact on pork production is still partial. In this work, we investigated the all-round effects of the TT genotype on lean growth efficiency and carcass, meat and fat quality using data from an experiment that compared the performance of 48 TT and 48 C– (24 CT and 24 CC) Duroc barrows. The TT pigs were less efficient for lean growth than the C– pigs. Although heavier, their carcasses had less lean content, were shorter and had lighter loins. Apart from increasing marbling and saturated fatty acid content, changes caused by the TT genotype in meat and fat quality are likely not enough to be perceived by consumers. The effect on visual marbling score exceeded that on intramuscular fat content, which suggests a direct influence of the T allele on the pattern of fat distribution in muscle. With current low-protein diets, the T allele is expected to be cost-effective only in niche markets where a very high level of marbling is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Building on our previous work, we investigate how dietary shifts affect gut microbial essential amino acid (EAA) provisioning in the lactating cockroach Diploptera punctata. Method: To that end, we fed cockroaches three distinct diets: a plant-only Gari diet composed of starchy and granulated root tuber Yucca (Manihot esculenta), a dog food diet (DF), and a cellulose-amended dog food (CADF) diet. We anticipated that the high carbohydrate, low protein Gari would highlight increased microbial EAA supplementation to the host. Results: By day 28, we observed distinct profiles of 14 bacterial families in the insect gut microbiomes of the three dietary groups. CADF-fed insects predominantly harbored cellulolytic and nitrogen-fixing bacteria families Streptococcaceae and Xanthomonadaceae. In contrast, Gari-fed insects were enriched in anaerobic lignocellulolytic bacteria families Paludibacteraceae and Dysgonomonadaceae, while DF-fed insects had a prevalence of proteolytic anaerobes Williamwhitmaniaceae and sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrionaceae. Furthermore, we confirmed significantly higher EAA supplementation in Gari-fed insects than in non-Gari-fed insects based on Î'13C-EAA offsets between insect and their diets. The Î'13C-EAA offsets between DF and CADF were nearly indistinguishable, highlighting the relevance of using the plant-based Gari in this experiment to unequivocally demonstrate this function in this insect. These results were underscored by lower standard metabolic rate (SMR) relative to the DF insect in Gari-fed (intermediate SMR and dietary quality) and CADF (least SMR and dietary quality) insects. Discussion: The influence of diet on EAA provisioning and SMR responses in insects underscores the need for further exploration into the role of gut microbial functions in modulating metabolic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, several risk factors contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction (ED), which can be described as an alteration in the cell structure or in the function of the endothelium. Among the well-known CKD-related risk factors capable of altering the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, we include asymmetric dimethylarginine increase, reduced dimethylarginine dimethylamine hydrolase enzyme activity, low-grade chronic systemic inflammation, hyperhomocysteinemia, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, alteration of calcium phosphorus metabolism, and early aging. In this review, we also examined the most important techniques useful for studying ED in humans, which are divided into indirect and direct methods. The direct study of coronary endothelial function is considered the gold standard technique to evaluate if ED is present. In addition to the discussion of the main pharmacological treatments useful to counteract ED in CKD patients (namely sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist), we elucidate innovative non-pharmacological treatments that are successful in accompanying the pharmacological ones. Among them, the most important are the consumption of extra virgin olive oil with high intake of minor polar compounds, adherence to a plant-dominant, low-protein diet (LPD), an adaptive physical activity program and, finally, ketoanalogue administration in combination with the LPD or the very low-protein diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was to investigate the effects of low protein diet based on amino acid balance on the milk production efficiency, milk quality, and carbon and nitrogen emission of dairy cows. A total of 60 healthy dairy cows with 2~3 parturients, 80 days of lactation, and a milk yield of 42~43 kg were randomly divided into two groups: A control group (high protein group, 17.5% CP) and a test group (low protein group, 16% CP + rumen lysine, rumen digestion rate 85%, intestinal absorption rate 95%), with five replicates in each group and six cows in each replicate. The preliminary trial period was seven days, and the formal trial period was 90 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the dry matter intake of the test group had an increasing trend, but there were no significant differences in milk yield and milk production efficiency ( P>0.05). Lactose in milk composition of the test group was higher than that of control group at the 30th days and the 60th days ( P<0.05), the MUN content of the test group was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and other milk composition between the control group and the test group ( P>0.05). During the experiment, the concentrations of CO2 and NH3 in the test group were both lower than those in the control group. The study indicates that the addition of rumen lysine in diets with low protein level can reduce carbon and nitrogen emissions without affecting production level and product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Chicken adipose tissue is essential in maintaining energy homeostasis and is also associated with the development of fatty liver. The liver and adipose tissue cooperatively promote energy balance, metabolic stability, and hormonal regulation in the body. This study investigated the effects of a high-energy low-protein (HELP) diet on laying hens as well as explored the dynamic changes in metabolism and inflammation in the liver and abdominal adipose tissue (AAT). The results showed that lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses occur simultaneously in the liver and AATs of laying hens fed a HELP diet. This suggests a potential reciprocal regulation between the liver and AAT during the development of fatty liver in laying hens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a high-energy low-protein (HELP) diet on lipid metabolism and inflammation in the liver and abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) of laying hens. A total of 200 Roman laying hens (120 days old) were randomly divided into two experimental groups: negative control group (NC group) and HELP group, with 100 hens per group. The chickens in the NC group were fed with a basic diet, whereas those in the HELP group were given a HELP diet. Blood, liver, and AAT samples were collected from 20 chickens per group at each experimental time point (30, 60, and 90 d). The morphological and histological changes in the liver and AAT were observed, and the level of serum biochemical indicators and the relative expression abundance of key related genes were determined. The results showed that on day 90, the chickens in the HELP group developed hepatic steatosis and inflammation. However, the diameter of the adipocytes of AAT in the HELP group was significantly larger than that of the NC group. Furthermore, the results showed that the extension of the feeding time significantly increased the lipid contents, lipid deposition, inflammatory parameters, and peroxide levels in the HELP group compared with the NC group, whereas the antioxidant parameters decreased significantly. The mRNA expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis such as fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-coA desaturase (SCD), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) increased significantly in the liver and AAT of the HELP group, whereas genes related to lipid catabolism decreased significantly in the liver. In addition, the expression of genes related to lipid transport and adipokine synthesis decreased significantly in the AAT, whereas in the HELP group, the expression levels of pro-inflammatory parameters such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) increased significantly in the liver and AAT. Conversely, the expression level of the anti-inflammatory parameter interleukin-10 (IL-10) decreased significantly in the liver. The results indicated that the HELP diet induced lipid peroxidation and inflammation in the liver and AAT of the laying hens. Hence, these results suggest that chicken AAT may be involved in the development of fatty liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to assess whether low-protein (LP) diets regulate food intake (FI) and thermogenesis differently during thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) conditions. Two-hundred-day-old male broiler chicks were weight-matched and assigned to 36 pens with 5–6 chicks/pen. After 2 weeks of acclimation, birds were subjected into four groups (9 pens/group) including (1) a normal-protein diet under TN (ambient temperature), (2) an LP diet under TN, (3) a normal-protein diet under HS (35 °C for 7 h/day), and (4) an LP diet under HS, for 4 weeks. During HS, but not TN, LP tended to decrease FI, which might be associated with a lower mRNA abundance of duodenal ghrelin and higher GIP during HS. The LP group had a higher thermal radiation than NP under TN, but during HS, the LP group had a lower thermal radiation than NP. This was linked with higher a transcript of muscle β1AR and AMPKα1 during TN, but not HS. Further, LP increased the gene expression of COX IV during TN but reduced COX IV and the sirtuin 1 abundance during HS. The dietary protein content differentially impacted plasma metabolome during TN and HS with divergent changes in amino acids such as tyrosine and tryptophan. Compared to NP, LP had increased abundances of p_Tenericutes, c_Mollicutes, c_Mollicutes_RF9, and f_tachnospiraceae under HS. Overall, LP diets may mitigate the negative outcome of heat stress on the survivability of birds by reducing FI and heat production. The differential effect of an LP diet on energy balance during TN and HS is likely regulated by gut and skeletal muscle and alterations in plasma metabolites and cecal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in the modern poultry industry is primarily caused by nutrition. Despite encouraging progress on FLHS, the mechanism through which nutrition influences susceptibility to FLHS is still lacking in terms of epigenetics. Results: In this study, we analyzed the genome-wide patterns of trimethylated lysine residue 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) enrichment by chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), and examined its association with transcriptomes in healthy and FLHS hens. The study results indicated that H3K27me3 levels were increased in the FLHS hens on a genome-wide scale. Additionally, H3K27me3 was found to occupy the entire gene and the distant intergenic region, which may function as silencer-like regulatory elements. The analysis of transcription factor (TF) motifs in hypermethylated peaks has demonstrated that 23 TFs are involved in the regulation of liver metabolism and development. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in fatty acid metabolism, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism. The hub gene identified from PPI network is fatty acid synthase (FASN). Combined ChIP-seq and transcriptome analysis revealed that the increased H3K27me3 and down-regulated genes have significant enrichment in the ECM-receptor interaction, tight junction, cell adhesion molecules, adherens junction, and TGF-beta signaling pathways. Conclusions: Overall, the trimethylation modification of H3K27 has been shown to have significant regulatory function in FLHS, mediating the expression of crucial genes associated with the ECM-receptor interaction pathway. This highlights the epigenetic mechanisms of H3K27me3 and provides insights into exploring core regulatory targets and nutritional regulation strategies in FLHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein diet on the growth performance, nitrogen balance, fecal microbiota, and metabolomic profiles of finishing pigs. A total of 90 finishing pigs were assigned to one of three dietary treatments including a normal protein diet (CON) as well as two experimental diets in which a low-protein diet supplemented with 0 (LP) or 1% Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein feed (FLP). In comparison with CON, the LP and FLP significantly increased average daily gain (P = 0.044), significantly decreased feed to gain ratio (P = 0.021), fecal nitrogen (P < 0.01), urine nitrogen (P < 0.01), and total nitrogen (P < 0.01), respectively. The LP group exhibited increased abundances of unclassified_f_Selenomonadaceae, Coprococcus, Faecalibacterium, and Butyricicoccus, while the abundances of Verrucomicrobiae, Verrucomicrobiales, Akkermansiaceae, and Akkermansia were enriched in the FLP group. Low-protein diet-induced metabolic changes were enriched in sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis and Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein feed-induced metabolic changes were enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and arginine biosynthesis. Overall, low-protein diet and Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein diet improved the growth performance and reduce nitrogen excretion, possibly via altering the fecal microbiota and metabolites in the finishing pigs. The present study provides novel ideas regarding the application of the low-protein diet and Lactobacillus-fermented low-protein diet in swine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tracked the consequences of in utero protein restriction in mice throughout their development and life course using a luciferase-based allelic reporter of imprinted Cdkn1c. Exposure to gestational low-protein diet (LPD) results in the inappropriate expression of paternally inherited Cdkn1c in the brains of embryonic and juvenile mice. These animals were characterised by a developmental delay in motor skills, and by behavioural alterations indicative of reduced anxiety. Exposure to LPD in utero resulted in significantly more tyrosine hydroxylase positive (dopaminergic) neurons in the midbrain of adult offspring as compared to age-matched, control-diet equivalents. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging revealed an increase in striatal dopamine synthesis capacity in LPD-exposed offspring, where elevated levels of dopamine correlated with an enhanced sensitivity to cocaine. These data highlight a profound sensitivity of the developing epigenome to gestational protein restriction. Our data also suggest that loss of Cdkn1c imprinting and p57KIP2 upregulation alters the cellular composition of the developing midbrain, compromises dopamine circuitry, and thereby provokes behavioural abnormalities in early postnatal life. Molecular analyses showed that despite this phenotype, exposure to LPD solely during pregnancy did not significantly change the expression of key neuronal- or dopamine-associated marker genes in adult offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction of crude protein (CP) content of broiler diets with balanced amino acid supply can increase the nitrogen (N) utilization efficiency and reduce ammonia emission, the risk of many health problems in birds. Feeding low protein (LP) diets without the impairment of performance traits needs the optimized dietary levels of threonine (Thr) and the non-essential amino acid (AA) glycine (Gly) and serine (Ser). However, the required concentrations and interactions of Thr and Gly + Ser, expressed as Gly equivalent (Glyequi), in LP diets are not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three LP (LP1-3) grower (11-24 days) and finisher (25-35 days) diets with 2% CP reduction compared to the control (C), differing in standardized ileal digestible (SID) Thr to lysine (Lys) ratio (C, LP1, LP3: 63%, LP2: 72%) and Glyequi levels (C: 15.65 g/kg, LP1: 13.74 g/kg, LP2: 13.70 g/kg, LP3: 15.77). The LP treatments did not impair the performance traits of broilers. The LP2 treatment with increased SID Thr-to-Lys ratio (+9.0%) resulted in significantly higher body weight gain and a more advantageous feed conversion ratio in the whole fattening compared to the control treatment with normal CP level (p < 0.05). The LP3 treatment containing swine meat meal with similar Glyequi levels compared to the normal CP treatment led to the most advantageous feed conversion ratio in the finisher phase and the highest nitrogen retention efficiency (p < 0.05). However, the LP3 treatment with a high starch-to-CP ratio negatively influenced the relative carcass weight and the ratio of abdominal fat of broilers (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paternal diet can influence the phenotype of the next generation, yet, the dietary components inducing specific responses in the offspring are not identified. Here, we use the Nutritional Geometry Framework to determine the effects of pre-conception paternal dietary macronutrient balance on offspring metabolic and behavioral traits in mice. Ten isocaloric diets varying in the relative proportion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates are fed to male mice prior to mating. Dams and offspring are fed standard chow and never exposed to treatment diets. Body fat in female offspring is positively associated with the paternal consumption of fat, while in male offspring, an anxiety-like phenotype is associated to paternal diets low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Our study uncovers that the nature and the magnitude of paternal effects are driven by interactions between macronutrient balance and energy intake and are not solely the result of over- or undernutrition. The dietary factors causing varying intergenerational responses are not fully identified. Here, the authors show that the relative proportion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates in paternal diets before conception differentially influences the phenotype of the next-generation offspring on energy metabolism and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (ASLD) is a recessive metabolic disorder caused by variants in ASL. In an essential step in urea synthesis, ASL breaks down argininosuccinate (ASA), a pathognomonic ASLD biomarker. The severe disease forms lead to hyperammonemia, neurological injury, and even early death. The current treatments are unsatisfactory, involving a strict low-protein diet, arginine supplementation, nitrogen scavenging, and in some cases, liver transplantation. An unmet need exists for improved, efficient therapies. Here, we show the potential of a lipid nanoparticle-mediated CRISPR approach using adenine base editors (ABEs) for ASLD treatment. To model ASLD, we first generated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from biopsies of individuals homozygous for the Finnish founder variant (c.1153C>T [p.Arg385Cys]) and edited this variant using the ABE. We then differentiated the hiPSCs into hepatocyte-like cells that showed a 1,000-fold decrease in ASA levels compared to those of isogenic non-edited cells. Lastly, we tested three different FDA-approved lipid nanoparticle formulations to deliver the ABE-encoding RNA and the sgRNA targeting the ASL variant. This approach efficiently edited the ASL variant in fibroblasts with no apparent cell toxicity and minimal off-target effects. Further, the treatment resulted in a significant decrease in ASA, to levels of healthy donors, indicating restoration of the urea cycle. Our work describes a highly efficient approach to editing the disease-causing ASL variant and restoring the function of the urea cycle. This method relies on RNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles, which is compatible with clinical applications, improves its safety profile, and allows for scalable production. [Display omitted] Harnessing CRISPR to correct a metabolic inherited disease, we developed a therapeutically relevant method to precisely edit the Finnish Founder pathogenic variant responsible for argininosuccinate lyase deficiency. By lipid-nanoparticle-mediated delivery of the adenosine base editor RNA, we achieve efficient gene editing and metabolic normalization in patient fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Reduced crude protein (CP) diets offer potential benefits such as optimized feed efficiency, reduced expenses, and lower environmental impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal on a low-protein diet for duck performance, blood biochemical, intestinal morphology, gastrointestinal development, and litter. Methods: The experiment was conducted for 42 days. A total of 210-day-old male hybrid ducklings (5 replicate pens, 7 ducks per pen) were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments (3x2 factorial arrangements) in randomized design. The factors were CP level (18%, 16%, 14%) and protein source feed soybean meals (SBM), black soldier fly larvae meals (BSFLM). Results: Reduced dietary CP levels significantly decreased growth performance, feed intake, the percentage of nitrogen, pH (p<0.05), and tended to suppress ammonia in litter (p = 0.088); increased lipid concentration; and enhanced relative weight of gastrointestinal tracts (p<0.05). In addition, dietary BSFL as a source of protein feed significantly increased lipid concentration and impacted lowering villus height and crypt depth on jejunum (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the use of BSFLM in a low-protein diet was found to have a detrimental effect on growth performance. However, the reduction of 2% CP levels in SBM did not have a significant impact on growth performance but decreased nitrogen and ammonia concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low crude protein (CP) diets might be fed to dairy cows without affecting productivity if the balance of absorbed AA were improved, which would decrease the environmental effect of dairy farms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing ruminally protected Lys (RPL) and Met (RPM) at 2 levels of dietary CP on nutrient intake, milk production, milk composition, milk N efficiency (MNE), and plasma concentrations of AA in lactating Holstein cows and to evaluate these effects against the predictions of the new NASEM (2021) model. Fifteen multiparous cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. The 3 treatments were (1) a high-protein (HP) basal diet containing 16.4% CP (metabolizable protein [MP] balance of −130 g/d; 95% of target values), (2) a medium-protein diet containing 15% CP plus RPL (60 g/cow per day) and RPM (25 g/cow per day; MPLM; MP balance of −314 g/d; 87% of target values), and (3) a low-protein diet containing 13.6% CP plus RPL (60 g/cow per day) and RPM (25 g/cow per day; LPLM; MP balance of −479 g/d; 80% of target values). Dry matter intake was less for cows fed MPLM and LPLM diets compared with those fed the HP diet. Compared with the HP diet, the intake of CP, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter, but not starch, was lower for cows fed MPLM and LPLM diets. Milk production and composition were not affected by MPLM or LPLM diets relative to the HP diet. Milk urea N concentrations were reduced for the MPLM and LPLM diets compared with the HP diet, indicating that providing a low-protein diet supplemented with rumen-protected AA led to greater N efficiency. There was no significant effect of treatment on plasma AA concentrations except for proline, which significantly increased for the MPLM treatment compared with the other 2 treatments. Overall, the results supported the concept that milk performance might be maintained when feeding lactating dairy cows with low CP diets if the absorbed AA balance is maintained through RPL and RPM feeding. Further investigations are needed to evaluate responses over a longer time period with consideration of all AA rather than on the more aggregated MP and the ratio between Lys and Met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Bacteroides on liver lipid metabolism in laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) induced by high-energy and low-protein diet. Eighty 210-day-old Dawu Jinfeng laying hens weighing (1.5±0.2) kg were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates in each group and four hens in each replicate. The control group (Group C) was fed with basal diet, the model group (Group M) was fed with high energy and low protein (HELP) diet, the low dose Bacteroides group (Group BL) was fed with HELP diet + 1 x 109 CFU/mL Bacteroides, and the high dose Bacteroides group (Group BH) was fed with HELP diet + 1 x 1011 CFU/mL Bacteroides. The trial period was 70 days. The results showed that compared with Group C, the liver of Group M was greasy, brittle and fragile, with a large number of fat vacuoles and red-stained fat droplets, the liver index and abdominal fat rate increased significantly (P<0.05), and the serum TG, TC, LDL-C concentrations and AST, ALT activities increased significantly (P<0.05), while HDL-C concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with Group M, Group BL and Group BH showed significant improvement in liver fat vacuoles and red stained lipid droplets in laying hens, the liver index significantly decreased (P<0.05), the levels of serum TG, TC, LDL-C, as well as the activities of AST and ALT, were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of HDL-C were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with Group BH, serum TG, TC concentrations and AST activity in BL group decreased significantly (P<0.05), while HDL-C concentration increased significantly (P<0.05). Study shows that Bacteroides can improve lipid metabolism disorder and liver function damage caused by FLHS. Bacteroides with 1 x 109 CFU/mL is more effective in regulating liver lipid metabolism in FLHS laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The only treatment proven to be renoprotective in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist (V2RA). However, aquaresis-associated side effects limit tolerability. We investigated whether salt and/or protein intake influences urine volume and related endpoints in V2RA-treated ADPKD patients. Methods In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover trial, ADPKD patients treated with maximally tolerated dose of a V2RA were included. While on a low salt and low protein diet, patients were given additional salt and protein to mimic regular intake, which was subsequently replaced by placebo in random order during four 2-week periods. Primary endpoint was change in 24-h urine volume. Secondary endpoints were change in quality of life, measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR), blood pressure and copeptin level. Results Twelve patients (49 ± 8 years, 25.0% male) were included. Baseline salt and protein intake were 10.8 ± 1.3 g/24-h and 1.2 ± 0.2 g/kg/24-h, respectively. During the low salt and low protein treatment periods, intake decreased to 5.8 ± 1.6 g/24-h and 0.8 ± 0.1 g/kg/24-h, respectively. Baseline 24-h urine volume (5.9 ± 1.2 L) decreased to 5.2 ± 1.1 L (–11%, P  = .004) on low salt and low protein, and to 5.4 ± 0.9 L (–8%, P  = .04) on low salt. Reduction in 24-h urine volume was two times greater in patients with lower urine osmolality (–16% vs –7%). Polyuria quality of life scores improved in concordance with changes in urine volume. mGFR decreased during the low salt and low protein, while mean arterial pressure did not change during study periods. Plasma copeptin decreased significantly during low salt and low protein periods. Conclusion Lowering dietary salt and protein intake has a minor effect on urine volume in V2RA-treated ADPKD patients. Reduced intake of osmoles decreased copeptin concentrations and might thus increase the renoprotective effect of a V2RA in ADPKD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of dietary macronutrients and energy intake in the aging process has been well‐established. However, previous research has mainly focused on the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and individual macronutrients, while the effects of macronutrient composition on LTL remain unclear. This cross‐sectional analysis involved 4130 US adults (44.8 ± 17.0 years; 51% female) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 1999–2002. A single 24‐h dietary recall is used to collect dietary data. The relationship between dietary macronutrient composition and LTL is examined using three‐dimensional generalized additive models. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, education, physical activity, BMI, and dietary quality, a three‐dimensional association of macronutrient composition with LTL (P = 0.02) is revealed. Diets lower in protein (5–10%), higher in carbohydrates (75%), and lower in fat (15–20%) are associated with the longest LTL corresponding to 7.7 years of slower biological aging. Diets lowest in protein (5%) and carbohydrate (40%), while highest in dietary fat (55%) are associated with the shortest LTL, corresponding to accelerated biological aging of 4.4 years. The associations appeared magnified with higher energy intake. These findings support a complex relationship between dietary macronutrients and biological aging independent of diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition management is fundamental for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fluid balance and low-protein and low-sodium diets are the more stressed fields from a nutritional point of view. At the same time, the role of micronutrients is often underestimated. Starting from the causes that could lead to potential micronutrient deficiencies in these patients, this review considers all micronutrients that could be administered in CKD to improve the prognosis of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]