Energy metabolism in the intestinal crypt epithelial cells of piglets during the suckling period

Qiye Wang,Qiang Tu,Jianzhong Li,Xia Xiong,Huansheng Yang,Yulong Yin

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-31068-3

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that energy metabolism in the intestinal crypt epithelial cells of piglets changes during the suckling period. The experiment began with 24 piglets from 8 litters (3 piglets per litter). One piglet from each litter was randomly selected and euthanized at 7, 14, or 21 d of age, respectively. Crypt cells were isolated from the mid-jejunum and protein synthesis was analyzed using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification. The production of proteins related to glycolysis was mainly decreased from Days 7 to 14 before increasing up to Day 21. Synthesis of proteins involved in fatty acids, amino acids (glutamate and glutamine), and citrate cycle metabolism was generally down-regulated for samples collected on Days 14 and 21 when compared with levels on Day 7. These results indicate that energy metabolism in the intestinal crypt epithelial cells changes during the suckling period. Furthermore, this pattern of metabolism varies among glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids. Therefore, these findings may be useful in efforts to regulate the intestinal development of piglets.

Highlights

Postnatal development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in piglets (Sus scrofa) is a very dynamic process[1]
The intestine has a high rate of energy utilization because the portal-drained viscera (PDV), which contribute less than 5% of body weight (BW), account for approximately 30% of the whole-body energy expenditure and most of the energy that is utilized by the intestine[11,12]
Understanding the changes in energy metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) during the suckling period is very important for regulating intestinal mucosal development of the neonate

Summary

Introduction

Postnatal development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in piglets (Sus scrofa) is a very dynamic process[1]. The intestinal mucosal weight and structure are closely associated with the cellular population[5], which is progressively enhanced with age as the DNA content rises from 84 to 154% during the first 3 d Such dramatic alterations may partly result from changes in epithelial cell turnover along with increased mitosis and inhibition of apoptosis[4,6]. The intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) undergo continual cell turnover that involves the highly coordinated processes of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis along the crypt-villus axis (CVA)[1,7,8]. This renewal is modulated by various factors that are genetic, nutritional, and hormonal[1,9,10]. Our results provide a description of the dynamics of the proteome related to nutrient uptake in the crypt cells during the suckling period

Methods

Results

Conclusion