PSIX-25 Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection impairs intestinal nutrient transport in piglets

Abstract

Abstract Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection can occur in all ages of pigs, but neonatal piglets are the most susceptible and sensitive to the virus. PEDV infection can cause intestinal dysfunction, severe diarrhea and even death in piglets. This study determined the effects of PEDV infection on the absorptive function and gene expression of nutrient transporters in the small intestine of piglets by microarray assay. Sixteen 7-day-old healthy piglets fed with milk replacer and were randomly allocated to one of two treatments (the Control and PEDV groups). After a 5-day adaptation period, piglets (n = 8) were orally administrated with either sterile saline or PEDV (Yunnan province strain) solution at 104.5TCID50 (50% tissue culture infectious dose) per piglet. On day 5 of the trial, D-xylose (0.1 g/kg BW) was orally administrated to all piglets. One hour later, jugular vein blood samples were collected, and then all piglets were killed to obtain the intestinal samples. Compared with the control, PEDV infection increased (P < 0.05) incidence of diarrhea, plasma DAO activity and iFABP level, while decreased (P < 0.05) plasma D-xylose concentration of piglets. Moreover, PEDV infection altered the amino acids profiles (P < 0.05), and decreased (P < 0.05) the gene expression of AQPs (AQP4, AQP8 and AQP10), amino acids transporters (y+LAT1, b0’+AT, and PepT1), molecules associated with lipid transport and metabolism (LPL, SLC27A2, and ACSL3), and glucose transport and metabolism (GLUT2 and INSR). However, PEDV infection enhanced (P < 0.05) the gene epression of PCK1, ASS1, SGLT1, and CFTR in the jejunum of piglets. Collectively, these comprehensive results indicate that PEDV infection impairs intestinal absorptive function and inhibits the expression of genes associated with nutrient transport and metabolism in piglets.