Butyric Research Articles

Light up heart-type fatty acid binding protein (FABP3) with a novel fluorine-18 labelled selective FABP3 ligand.

Heart-type fatty acid binding proteins (FABP3) constitute a family of lipid chaperone proteins. They are found in the cytosol and enhance cellular fatty acid solubilisation, transport, and metabolism. FABP3 is highly expressed in the myocardium and is released from myocytes during myocardial damage. As FABP3 content in the myocardium is closely related to the metabolic state of fatty acids, we hypothesised that targeting of FABP3 with a radiolabelled small organic compound would visualise myocardium. The selective FABP3 inhibitor, 4-(4-fluoro-2-(1-phenyl-5-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenoxy)butanoic acid (LUF), was radiolabelled via a two-step reaction comprising copper-mediated 18F-fluorination of an arylboronic precursor followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the ethoxy protecting group. [18F]LUF was successfully synthesised by automated synthesiser with sufficient activity yields (14.0 ± 1.8 GBq) and high quality (molar activity, > 250 GBq/µmol and radiochemical purity, > 99.6%). Biological assessment of [18F]LUF as an in vivo myocardial imaging agent included evaluations of biodistribution, metabolite analysis, and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of small animals. [18F]LUF clearly visualised the myocardium with high contrast against background tissues such as the lung and liver. [18F]LUF also showed a high absolute myocardial uptake equivalent to that of the promising myocardial perfusion tracer [18F]flurpiridaz and excellent metabolic stability in the body. These properties are ideal for stable and noise-less imaging of the heart. PET imaging of rat surgical permanent myocardial infarction (MI) and experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) was also performed. [18F]LUF successfully visualised lesions of permanent MI and EAM. Our results showed for the first time that the 18F-labelled FABP3 selective small organic compound clearly visualised myocardium with good quality. To determine the clinical utility of [18F]LUF for cardiovascular disease in clinical practice, it will be necessary to evaluate a greater variety of cardiovascular disease models and elucidate the accumulation mechanism, particularly in relation to fatty acid metabolism in the myocardium.

Effects of adding niacinamide to diets with normal and low protein levels on the immunity, antioxidant, and intestinal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nicotinamide (NAM) applied to diets with different crude protein levels on immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora in growing-finishing pigs. Forty barrows (37.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10 per group). The diets in the two phases consisted of a basal diet with 30 mg/kg NAM, a basal diet with 360 mg/kg NAM, a low-protein diet with 30 mg/kg NAM, and a low-protein diet with 360 mg/kg NAM. The results showed that dietary addition of 360 mg/kg NAM decreased IL-12, malondialdehyde, IgG and IgM contents in the plasma and increased total superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant capacity in the colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Supplementing the diet with 360 mg/kg NAM increased mRNA expression of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and protein expression of nuclear factor kappa-B and toll-like receptor 4 in the colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). The concentrations of acetic acid and butyric acid in the colonic contents and the abundance of Actinobacteriota in the colon at the phylum level were significantly decreased by feeding low-protein diets (P < 0.05). Additionally, the addition of 360 mg/kg NAM to diets increased (P < 0.05) the Sobs, Ace, and Chao indices of colonic microorganisms in pigs. Overall, the rational use of NAM can improve inflammatory status, enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function, and increase colonic microbial diversity in growing-finishing pigs.

Protective effects of YCHD on the autoimmune hepatitis mice model induced by Ad-CYP2D6 through modulating the Th1/Treg ratio and intestinal flora

BackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver inflammatory disease mediated by autoimmune reactions, the pathogenesis of AIH is probably related to the imbalance of intestinal flora. Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) has been used to relieve AIH. However, the mechanisms underpinning YCHD’s hepatoprotective effects with the gut microbito have not been fully revealed.ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of YCHD in treating AIH based on changes in the intestinal flora and Th1/Treg ratio in the spleen and hepatic hilar lymph nodes.MethodsThe AIH mice model induced by the adenovirus vectors that overexpress human cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily D member 6 (Ad-CYP2D6) was established (untreated group). One week after the Ad-CYP2D6 injection, the AIH model mice were treated by administering YCHD by gavage for 14 days (YCHD-treated group). The therapeutic efficacy of YCHD on AIH was evaluated by detecting the histopathological changes of the liver, serum transaminases (ALT and AST), inflammatory factors (TNF-α,IL-17 and IFN-γ), and autoantibodies (including LKM-1 and LC-1). The ratio of Th1 to Treg within the spleen and hepatic hilar lymph nodes of the mice was detected by flow cytometry. The changes in the species and abundance of intestinal flora and intestinal flora metabolites were analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to reveal the protective mechanism of YCHD on liver injury.ResultYCHD decreased the transaminase activity (AST and ALT), the content of autoantibodies (LC-1 and LKM-1), and the serum TNF-α, IL-12, and IL-17 levels in AIH mice. The degree of inflammatory infiltration in the YCHD-treated group was significantly less than that in the untreated group. YCHD can effectively reverse the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in AIH mice and affect the release of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyric acid. Moreover, the flow cytometry results showed that YCHD could also decline the ratio of Th1/Treg, which probably be induced by SCFAs via the G protein-coupled receptor (GPR).ConclusionYCHD may affect the release of SCFAs by regulating the intestinal microbiota, thereby affecting the differentiation of Th1 and Treg, and achieving the effect of alleviating liver damage.

Effect of calf separation on gut microbiome and fecal metabolome of mother in the captive Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis).

Social separation, or the absence of social support, can cause physical and psychological health issues. Social separation is crucial for the welfare of the Yangtze finless porpoise (YFP) in captivity because they face many challenges like frequent social separation, noise from visitors, and animal replacement, which can cause psychological and physiological stress. This research is aimed at assessing the potential negative impacts of social separation on the gut microbiome and metabolome of captive YFP, focusing on the potential imbalances caused by mother-calf separation. The study found that social separation did not alter the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbes but increased the abundance of disease-associated taxa such as Romboutsia, Terrisporobacter, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_13 in the MC (mother-calf) group while increasing Paeniclostridium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 associated with host health in the MS (mother-separated) group. The fecal metabolome underwent significant changes during social separation, with stress-associated metabolites like kainic acid, phenethylamine glucuronide, and paxilline upregulated in the MC group and host health-associated metabolites like butyric acid, 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid, and fosinopril downregulated in the MS group. In addition, there was a strong association between the fecal microbiome and the metabolome of captive YFPs. The study enhances our comprehension of the detrimental effects of social separation, which result in disruptions in the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome. The study is aimed at introducing a new method for assessing the health and welfare of endangered mammals in captivity.

Lingguizhugan decoction alleviates obesity in rats on a high-fat diet through the regulation of lipid metabolism and intestinal microbiota

BackgroundIndividuals with obesity often experience elevated blood lipid levels, leading to a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, exacerbating liver oxidative stress, and increasing the risk of various metabolic diseases. Recent evidence suggests that intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play crucial roles in the development and progression of obesity. While the mechanisms by which Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZGD) intervenes in obesity by improving lipid metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammatory responses are well-documented, its potential in intestinal microbiota and SCFAs remains unclear. This study aims to explore the impact of LGZGD on high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in rats and its regulatory effects on intestinal microbiota and SCFAs, providing new insights for obesity prevention and treatment.MethodsFifty-one male SD rats were randomly divided into groups, with six in the normal control group (NC) receiving a ddH2O treatment and a standard diet. The remaining 45 rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) using D12451 feed. After 10 weeks, the rats on the HFD gained 20% more weight than the NC group, confirming the successful modeling of obesity. These rats were then randomly divided into the following groups: ddH2O high-fat diet model group (MC), 20 mg/kg/day Orlistat positive control group (Orlistat), 1.62 g/kg/day low-dose LGZGD group (LGZGL), and 3.24 g/kg/day high-dose LGZGD group (LGZGH) for 8 weeks. We evaluated changes in body weight, serum total cholesterol (TC), total triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels. Fat and liver tissues were collected for pathological analysis. Intestinal contents were aseptically collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to assess gut microbiota and SCFA levels.ResultsLGZGD reduces body weight, TC, TG, LDL, and HDL levels, significantly reducing hepatic steatosis. Besides, it restored the richness and diversity of gut microbiota, which was reduced by HFD, altering the overall structure. Specifically, LGZGD significantly promoted the growth of Muribaculaceae and Dubosiella while inhibiting the growth of Christensenellaceae_R_7_group and UCG_005. It also restricts the production of caproic acid. Correlation analysis indicated positive correlations: Muribaculaceae with Butyric acid and Isovaleric acid; UCG_005 with TC, LDL, and HDL; and Christensenellaceae_R_7_group with TC and LDL.ConclusionLGZGD increased the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota in HFD-induced obese rats, improved gut microbiota dysbiosis, and inhibited the increase in caproic acid content. These results suggest that LGZGD can mitigate HFD-induced obesity, and its active components warrant further investigation.

Effect of Dietary Xylanase Inclusion on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Digesta Viscosity of Weaned Pigs Fed Wheat–Soybean Meal-Based Diets

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary xylanase addition on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids, and digesta viscosity at different digestive sites in weaned pigs fed wheat–soybean meal-based diets with reduced metabolizable energy. (2) Methods: A total of 312 weaned pigs (5.1 ± 0.9 kg, 20 ± 2 days of age) were assigned to one of six dietary treatments. The experimental diets were formulated in a three-phase nursery feeding program: phase 1 (d0–d7), phase 2 (d8–d21), and phase 3 (d22–d42). The experimental diets consisted of a wheat–soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet pig requirements (positive control, PC); the PC diet with a reduction of 100 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) (negative control, NC); and the NC diet with either 900, 1800, 3600, or 7200 units of xylanase. Feed disappearance and body weight were measured at d7, 14, 21, and 42 in the nursery phase. The pen fecal score was assessed daily from d0 to d14 and three times a week from d15 to d28. On d21–d24 of the experiment (12 pigs per day), one pig per pen was selected for sample collection: ileal, cecal, and mid-colon digesta for viscosity and ileal digesta, feces for nutrient digestibility, and feces and cecal digesta for the measurement of volatile fatty acid. (3) Results: The addition of xylanase to the NC diets did not improve pig growth performance (body weight, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain; p &gt; 0.10) during the entire nursery phase. In Week 2 and Week 3, pigs fed xylanase had a lower (χ2 &lt; 0.05) incidence of fecal scores 3 and 4 (diarrhea) than the PC and NC diets. In addition, the apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased linearly (p &lt; 0.1) in response to xylanase addition. Xylanase addition (900 to 7200 U) decreased digesta viscosity in the colon compared to the PC and NC diets. Furthermore, xylanase addition resulted in a lower (p &lt; 0.05) concentration of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, and total volatile fatty acid in cecal samples compared to PC. The addition of xylanase resulted in greater acetic and valeric acid concentrations in cecal samples compared to the NC group (p &lt; 0.10). (4) Conclusions: Xylanase addition can improve nutrient digestibility, particularly at the total tract level, and reduce viscosity in the hindgut, which could be related to decreasing the occurrence of looseness. However, its impact on growth performance was minimal in wheat–soybean meal-based diets with a reduction of 100 kcal of ME.

Reduction of oxidative damage caused by Fusarium falciforme and Fusarium foetens in schefflera plants using chitosan nanoparticles loaded with l-proline or indole butyric acid

Abstract Background Root rot, wilt diseases, and rooting processes have been the major factors that constrain schefflera production. This study focuses on the impact of innovative applications of eco-friendly materials like chitosan nanoparticles loaded with l-proline or indole butyric acid to replace traditional chemical fungicides in controlling root rot and wilt diseases, as well as the vegetative propagation success of leafy stem schefflera cuttings. Results Fusarium foeten (strain 1) and Fusarium falciforme (strains 2 and 4) were first identified as root rot and wilt pathogens of schefflera in Egypt based on morphological features and confirmed with molecular analyses. Fusarium foetens (strain 1) and F. falciforme (strain 2) have the most aggressive action, as the infection percentages significantly increased in the pathogenicity test. The disease incidence reached 38.88 and 44.44%, respectively, whereas the disease severity was 18.51 and 26.84%, respectively. Chitosan nanoparticles at a concentration of 25 mg/L were the most effective dose, leading to a significant reduction in disease incidence to 25.00%, disease severity to 4.17%, and playing a vital role in activating plant defense, which correlates well with improved growth characteristics. The novel strategy of L-proline loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (LP-CSNPs) application occupied the first rank at protective influence against root rot and wilt disease-induced oxidative stress, signaling a defensive function that was freelance verified. L-proline loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (LP-CSNPs) at 0.125–0.25 g/L had a significant impact on reducing the incidence and severity of root rot and wilt diseases, as well as improving photosynthetic pigments and free radical scavenging activities, which included strengthening plant defense and further validating the findings from the biochemical trait analysis. The TT biplot graph was an influential statistical tool to study the impacts of treatments on schefflera production and its attributes and to discover the interrelationships among them. Conclusions Applying LP-CSNPs is one of the best techniques to manage schefflera root rot and wilt diseases, since it can be utilized as a growth stimulator and defense activator with sustainable increased efficiency. Graphical Abstract

Effect of Culture Supernatant of Clostridium butyricum TO-A on Human DNA-Repair-Factor-Encoding Gene Promoters

In this study, Clostridium butyricum TO-A culture supernatant (CBCS) or butyric acid was added to a culture medium of human cervical carcinoma HeLa S3 cells, and changes in DNA-repair-related gene promoter activities were investigated. The HeLa S3 cells were transfected with a luciferase (Luc) expression vector containing approximately 500 bp of the 5′-upstream region of several human DNA-repair-related genes and cultured with a medium containing the CBCS (10%) or butyric acid (2.5 mM). The cells were harvested after 19 to 42 h of incubation. A Luc assay revealed that the human ATM, PARG, PARP1, and RB1 gene promoter activities were significantly increased. A Western blot analysis showed that the amounts of the proteins encoded by these genes markedly increased. Furthermore, 8, 24, and 48 h after the addition of the CBCS (10%), total RNA was extracted and subjected to RNAseq analysis. The results showed that the expression of several inflammation- and DNA-replication/repair-related genes, including NFKB and the MCM gene groups, decreased markedly after 8 h. However, the expression of the histone genes increased after 24 h. Elucidation of the mechanism by which the CBCS and butyrate affect the expression of genes that encode DNA-repair-associated proteins may contribute to the prevention of carcinogenesis, the risk of which rises in accordance with aging.

Development of effective micropropagation protocols for endangered Gentiana lutea and Gentiana boissieri (endemic to Türkiye)

Abstract Gentiana spp. are ornamental as well as valuable medicinal plants. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of different cytokinin and auxin treatments on shoot propagation and rooting of both G. lutea and G. boissieri, and to establish the most appropriate micropropagation protocols for these species. For this purpose, MS media containing benzyl adenine (BA) (1, 2, 3, and 4 mg/l), zeatin (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg/l), and kinetin (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg/l) were used for shoot propagation, and the optimal cytokine applications were determined by examining shoot number per explant (SN/E) and shoot length (SL). To determine rooting ability, shoots were transferred to MS media containing indole acetic acid (IAA), indole butyric acid (IBA), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at different concentrations (1, 2, 3, and 4 mg/l). The optimum auxin applications for root and plant development were determined by examining the rooting percentage (%, RP), root number per shoot (RN /S), root length (RL), shoot length (SL), and plant fresh weight (FW). As a result of the study, it was found that the media containing 3 mg/l and 2 mg/l BA were the most suitable shoot propagation media for G. lutea and G. boissieri, respectively. The media containing 4 mg/l IBA and 1 mg/l AgNO3 gave the highest rooting and growth parameters for G. lutea, while G. boissieri had the best rooting and growth values in media supplemented with 2 mg/l NAA. In addition, G. boissieri was found to be superior to G. lutea in both shoot propagation and rooting.

The Lachnospiraceae-butyric acid axis and its role in glucocorticoid-associated osteonecrosis.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are key inducers of osteonecrosis, yet not all patients treated with GCs develop glucocorticoid-associated osteonecrosis (GAON). The factors mediating this relationship are unclear. Studies have shown that gut microbiota and their metabolites influence bone metabolism, but their role in GAON is unclear. This study aimed to explore the connection between GAON and gut microbiota. Through bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis, we identified 14 gut microbial taxa, including Lachnospiraceae (IVW, P = 0.011), associated with GAON. RNA-seq analysis revealed that GAON differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched for intestinal inflammatory response mechanisms. We then compared patients who developed GAON (17 cases), those who did not (GAnON, 15 cases), and those untreated with GCs (Blank, 15 cases) for gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and serum inflammatory factors. Our findings indicated a decrease in Lachnospiraceae abundance (GAON 17.13%, GAnON 12.51%, Blank 24.52%) in GC-treated patients. Serum inflammatory factors (IL-17A, IL-33, and TNF-α) associated with GAON (59.603 ± 12.147, 89.337 ± 20.714, 42.584 ± 9.185) showed significant differences between Blank (1.446 ± 0.683, 11.534 ± 4.705, 4.682 ± 1.48) and GAnON (25.353 ± 8.181, 32.527 ± 7.352, 12.49 ± 3.217) groups, with a negative correlation between these factors and Lachnospiraceae levels. Butyric acid levels in SCFAs varied among groups (P<0.01) and correlated with Lachnospiraceae and inflammatory factors. Controlled experiments in GAON rats demonstrated butyric acid's osteoprotective role in GAON development (P<0.01). In conclusion, our study suggests that reduced Lachnospiraceae and butyric acid levels, along with increased inflammation due to GCs use, contribute to GAON. Butyric acid may mediate the effects of Lachnospiraceae and inflammation. Butyrate supplementation could potentially reduce GAON incidence, offering a novel approach for its clinical management.

Pharmacology and Articular Cartilage Regeneration: A New Strategy for Osteoarthritis

ABSTRACT Background: Osteoarthrosis is a slowly progressive, multifactorial, and non-inflammatory degenerative disease affecting synovial joints and is typically associated with aging or previous joint damage. Method: Fifty male Sprague Dawley rats were utilized in the study and divided into five groups, with ten rats in each group. The experiment was divided into two phases: in Phase 1, ten animals received 50 μL of saline in the left tibiotarsal joint and served as the control group (SAL), while the other four groups (n = 40) received a single dose of 50 μL complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to induce monoarthritis. In Phase II, after the induction of monoarthritis, from the fourth week onward, the rats in the four CFA-induced monoarthritis groups were treated with 20 μl of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), serotonin (SERO), or a neurotransmitter cocktail (NTC) which were given intra-articularly once for three consecutive weeks, while one group was kept as an experimental control. The animals were monitored throughout the experiment, for ankle diameter, gait, and radiological assessment, and were then euthanized and subjected to histopathological evaluation at the conclusion of the study. Results: The study found that there were statistically significant differences in the degree of inflammation between the CFA group and the groups treated with GABA, SERO, and NTC. The CFA group exhibited the most severe and persistent inflammation, whereas the NTC group showed a milder and shorter inflammatory response than the control group (SAL). In terms of gait score, the NTC treatment resulted in a significant reduction in score compared to the treatments with GABA and SERO administered separately. The radiological scores revealed that NTC was the most effective treatment in mitigating radiographic evidence of joint damage, with a significant decrease in bone destruction. The histopathological examination showed that the NTC group had minimal tissue damage or inflammation and had a regenerative effect compared to the other treatment groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, the local administration of neurotransmitters was found to be effective in reversing inflammation, improving gait score, and mitigating radiological changes in CFA-induced arthritis in the murine model.

Changes in the growth performance, serum biochemistry, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota community, and intestinal development in weaned goats during rumen-protected methionine treatment

Rumen-protected methionine (RPM) such as coated methionine (CM) and 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi) was usually used in dairy cows, but how RPM affects meat goats remains unclear. In this study, thirty weaned male Jianzhou Da’er goats were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: fed basal diet or basal diet supplemented with 0.12% CM or 0.22% HMBi, with the aim of examining their impact on growth performance, serum biochemistry, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota, and intestinal development in meat goats. The findings indicate that HMBi supplementation led to an increase in body weight, feed intake, and feed-to-gain ratio, whereas CM only resulted in an increase in feed intake (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Both CM and HMBi resulted in an increase in serum total cholesterol (TC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albeit with a decrease in serum triglycerides (TG) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB, all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Both CM and HMBi supplementation decreased the rumen butyric acid concentration (both p &amp;lt; 0.05). The 16S rRNA sequencing showed that HMBi supplementation significantly increased the total abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Both CM and HMBi supplements increased the abundance of Rikenella and Proteiniphilum but decreased the abundance of Eisenbergiella, Enterocloster, Massilioclostridium, Eubacterium, Angelakisella, Blastopirellula, Christensenella, and Pseudoruminococcus. CM supplementation specifically increased the abundance of Desulfobulbus, Sodaliphilus, and Coprococcus while decreasing the prevalence of Anaerocella, Mogibacterium, and Collinsella. The supplementation of HMBi significantly enhanced the abundance of Paraprevotella, Bacilliculturomica, Lachnoclostridium, Dysosmobacter, Barnesiella, and Paludibacter, while decreasing the abundance of Butyrivibrio and Pirellula. Moreover, the administration of both CM and HMBi supplementation resulted in an increase in the ammonia-producing and sulfate-reducing bacteria, whereas a decrease was observed in the ammonia-oxidating, health-associated, and disease-associated bacteria. Correlational analysis revealed that TG and BHB had a positive correlation with disease-associated and ammonia-oxidating bacteria, whereas they had a negative correlation with ammonia-producing bacteria. The serum BUN, ALP, and AST were positively correlated with ammonia-producing bacteria but were negatively correlated with ammonia-oxidating bacteria. Furthermore, both CM and HMBi supplementation improve the development of the small intestine, with HMBi having a better effect. In summary, this study indicates that both CM and HMBi supplementation improve lipid metabolism, nitrogen utilization, and intestinal development. The growth promotion effect of HMBi supplementation may be attributed to the increased abundance of volatile fatty acid-producing and nitrogen-utilizing bacteria and improved intestinal development.

Utilization of Purple Napier Grass Silage on Milk Quality and Blood Antioxidant Activity in Lactating Dairy Goats

In this study, our subjects were 18 female crossbred Saanen lactating goats; the goats weighed approximately 43.25 ± 2.35 kg and had been producing milk for 14 ± 2 days. They were assigned to three equally sized experimental groups based on the cycle of the lactation period. In accordance with the randomized complete block design (RCBD), six animals were randomly assigned to the treatments in each block. There were three treatments: (1) control = Napier Pakchong-1 grass silage (NPS); (2) = sweet grass silage (SGS); and (3) = purple Napier silage (PNS). Our findings show that the goats fed with purple Napier grass silage had a higher DM intake (1805.97 g/day) than those that underwent a different treatment (1312.76 and 1443.43 g/day). The goats fed with purple Napier grass silage had higher protein digestibility (79.85) than those fed with Napier Pakchong-1 and sweet grass silage. There were significant differences in the ruminal ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen. Nevertheless, purple Napier grass silage significantly increased butyric acid 2 and 4 h after feeding and increased the number of microorganisms. In the dairy goats fed purple Napier grass silage, we observed a reduction in protozoa and methanogen populations. The levels of antioxidants shown by the plasma indices differed in the goats fed with purple Napier grass silage and showed enhanced milk composition, higher levels of total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the plasma, reduced protozoa methanogen, and a decreased level of malondialdehyde in the plasma. This study highlights that purple Napier grass silage has the potential to be a beneficial source of roughage for lactating dairy goats.

Fasting-Mimicking Diet Prevents Pancreatic Carcinogenesis via Gut Microbiota and Metabolites.

The incidence of pancreatic cancer has been increasing globally in recent years and dietary is a well-defined factor contributing to its carcinogenesis. In this study, we showed that in a cerulein-induced KC (Pdx1-cre; LSL-Kras G12D/+) mouse model, a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD)─comprising fasting for 3 days followed by 4 days of refeeding, repeated over three 1-week cycles─significantly retards the progression of pancreatic carcinogenesis. FMD treatment altered gut microbiota, notably boosting butyrate-producing bacteria and elevating butyric acid levels in pancreatic tissues. Furthermore, lysine pan-crotonylation (pan-Kcr) expression was markedly upregulated in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) tissues from FMD-treated mice. Treatment of normal pancreatic duct and pancreatic cancer cells with sodium butyrate also upregulated pan-Kcr expression while reducing cell proliferation. Our findings reveal the pivotal role of dietary factors in the carcinogenesis of the pancreas and support further clinical studies of FMD as an antineoplastic therapeutic measure.

The association between circulating short-chain fatty acids and blood pressure in Chinese elderly population

The gut microbiome primarily generates short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by fermenting dietary fibers. Though previous studies have linked SCFAs to blood pressure, there remains a lack of research on the relationship between SCFAs levels in the serum of elderly individuals and blood pressure. Based on this, we investigated the associations of serum SCFAs with blood pressure in Chinese older adults in a cross-sectional study. In this report, we recruited 1013 older adults over 60 years of age from June to September 2016 in Lu 'an City, China. Using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Exactive-Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-Orbitrap MS), we measured the level of various SCFAs, including acetic acid (AA), propanoic acid (PA), butyric acid (BA), isobutyric acid (iso-BA), valeric acid (VA), isovaleric acid (iso-VA), and caproic acid (CA), in serum samples collected from Chinese elderly adults. The study recruited 1013 older adults in total. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows that AA (OR = 0.696, 95%CI: 0.501–0.966) and VA (OR = 0.713, 95%CI: 0.516–0.985) are negatively associated with hypertension. Linear regression analysis shows a negative correlation between AA (β = -3.89, 95% CI: -7.12 – -0.66) and the systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels, and a significant negative association between iso-VA (β = -2.11, 95% CI: -3.94 – -0.29) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels. Whether in unadjusted or adjusted linear regression models, we all observe significant positive associations between CA and blood pressure levels. In the Bayesian kernel-machine regression (BKMR) models, the trends between the mixture of SCFAs and hypertension, SBP are inverse, but not significant; we also observe a significant negative correlation between AA and SBP, and a significant negative association between iso-VA and DBP levels, while CA is significantly positively correlated with SBP and DBP. Collectively, our results advocate for considering SCFA as a potential intervention to lower blood pressure, and especially AA may be a possible target for research. This may provide new perspectives for understanding the role of SCFAs in hypertension.

β-Hydroxy β-Methyl Butyric Acid (HMB) and Its Potential Doping Relevance: A Pilot Study on Its Urinary Excretion Profile.

β-hydroxy β-methyl butyric acid (HMB), either as the free acid or in the form of its calcium salt, is a component of several dietary supplements marketed to enhance sports performance, due to its role in protein synthesis. In this pilot study, we investigated the urinary excretion profile of HMB, an endogenous metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. The endogenous reference ranges of HMB, in human urine samples, were monitored by collecting samples from 20 volunteers. Data obtained were compared with those from controlled excretion studies, following the intake of a 3-g oral dose of HMB. Urine samples were analyzed through a targeted procedure employing a conventional GC-MS system operating in SIM mode. Our results show that the excreted urinary concentration of HMB significantly exceeds the range of endogenous concentrations for at least 24 h, making possible to detect its exogenous origin.

Effects of moringa polysaccharides on growth performance, immune function, rumen morphology, and microbial community structure in early-weaned goat kids

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of adding moringa polysaccharides (MOP) on the growth performance, immune function, rumen tissue morphology, and rumen microbial community in early-weaned goat kids. Twenty-one 7-day-old Leizhou male goat kids weighing (3.05 ± 0.63) kg, were randomly divided into a control group (CON group), a low-dose group (LOW group), and a high-dose group (HIG group). MOP was added to the goat kids’ milk replacer (MR) at 0, 0.15, and 0.3% (on dry matter basis),fed until 60 days of age, and four goat kids in each group with body weights close to the mean of each group were selected for slaughter. The results showed that, compared to the CON group, the MOP groups significantly improved final body weight, body measurements, daily weight gain, and feed intake of the early weaned goat kids; significantly reduced the content of propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and ammoniacal nitrogen; and in addition, the addition of MOP could significantly increase the height of rumen nipple, the content of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum. The HIG group significantly increased rumen pH, rumen muscularis layer thickness, rumen wall thickness, and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM). In conclusion, the addition of MOP positively impacted the growth performance, serum immune function, and rumen tissue morphology in early-weaned goat kids.

Synbiotic Effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 and Prebiotics on the Intestinal Microecology of Children with Obesity.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 (L. paracasei K56) is a probiotic with weight-loss effects. However, symbiosis research on the combined effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei K56 and prebiotics is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of L. paracasei K56, xylooligosaccharide (XOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), polyglucose (PG), and their synbiotic combinations (XOS + K56, GOS + K56, and PG + K56) on metabolism and gut composition in children with obesity, using an in vitro fermentation model. Fecal samples were collected from 14 children with obesity for in vitro fermentation, and the effects of the various treatments in gas production and short chain fatty acid synthesis (SCFAs) were assessed. Treatment with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics regulated gut microbiota and metabolites in children with obesity. GOS and XOS had higher degradation rates than PG + K56 synbiotics in the gut microbiota of children with obesity. Moreover, treatment with XOS, GOS, and their synbiotic combinations, (XOS + K56) and (GOS + K56), significantly reduced the production of gas, propionic acid, and butyric acid compared with PG + K56 treatment. Treatments with GOS + K56 and XOS + K56 altered the composition of the gut microbiota, improved the abundance of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and reduced the abundance of Escherichia/Shigella. Overall, this study provides a theoretical foundation for the use of K56-based synbiotics.

Study on Evaluation of Fruit Aroma of Plum Variety Resources Based on Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

To explore the characteristics of and variations in aroma components across different plum varieties and maturity stages, this study employed headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). This method was used to systematically analyze the aroma components of 12 early-maturing, 15 medium-maturing, and 11 late-maturing plum varieties. The variations in volatile components among these three germplasm types were then compared using multivariate statistical methods. The examination revealed that 138 aromatic components were meticulously identified and quantified, such as 26 aldehydes, 63 esters, 13 ketones, 30 alcohols, and six other compounds. Thirteen main aroma compounds including acetic acid hexyl ester, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol acetate, hexanal, 1-hexanol, 3-hexenal, butanoic acid butyl ester, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, hexanoic acid butyl ester, propanoic acid butyl ester, (E)-2-hexenal, L-.alpha.-terpineol, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol acetate, and 1-butanol were considered dominant. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) combined with variable importance projection (VIP) results showed that 24 differential aroma compounds were screened out from 38 varieties of plum fruits based on their differences in aroma components, which can be used to distinguish plum fruits at different ripening times. Twenty-four aroma-contributing compounds were identified based on their odor activity values (OAVs). Among these, 14 key aroma components with OAVs ≥ 10 were highlighted. In summary, the aroma compounds of early- and late-maturing plum germplasm exhibited rich diversity, with significant differences in aroma components between plums of varying maturity and germplasm. These differences can serve as indicators for identifying different plum germplasm.

Elevated levels of butyric acid in the jejunum of an animal model of broiler chickens: from early onset of Clostridium perfringens infection to clinical disease of necrotic enteritis

BackgroundNecrotic enteritis (NE) is an economically important disease of broiler chickens caused by Clostridium perfringens (CP). The pathogenesis, or disease process, of NE is still not clear. This study aimed to identify the alterations of metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with subclinical or clinical NE in CP infected birds and to investigate the possible variations in the metabolic profile of birds infected with different isolates of CP.MethodologyUsing a well-established NE model, the protein content of feed was changed abruptly before exposing birds to CP isolates with different toxin genes combinations (cpa, cpb2, netB, tpeL; cpa, cpb2, netB; or cpa, cpb2). Metabolomics analysis of jejunal contents was performed by a targeted, fully quantitative LC-MS/MS based assay.ResultsThis study detected statistically significant differential expression of 34 metabolites including organic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, and biogenic amines, including elevation of butyric acid at onset of NE in broiler chickens. Subsequent analysis of broilers infected with CP isolates with different toxin gene combinations confirmed an elevation of butyric acid consistently among 21 differentially expressed metabolites including organic acids, amino acids, and biogenic amines, underscoring its potential role during the development of NE. Furthermore, protein-metabolite network analysis revealed significant alterations in butyric acid and arginine-proline metabolisms.ConclusionThis study indicates a significant metabolic difference between CP-infected and non-infected broiler chickens. Among all the metabolites, butyric acid increased significantly in CP-infected birds compared to non-infected healthy broilers. Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between butyric acid (coefficient: 1.23, P < 0.01) and CP infection, while showing a negative association with amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that butyric acid could be a crucial metabolite linked to the occurrence of NE in broiler chickens and may serve as an early indicator of the disease at the farm level. Further metabolomic experiments using different NE animal models and field studies are needed to determine the specificity and to validate metabolites associated with NE, regardless of predisposing factors.