Butyric Acid Concentration Research Articles

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 > 0.10) during the entire nursery phase. In Week 2 and Week 3, pigs fed xylanase had a lower (χ2 < 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 < 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 < 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 < 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.

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 < 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 < 0.05). Both CM and HMBi supplementation decreased the rumen butyric acid concentration (both p < 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.

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.

The effects of compound probiotics on production performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota of Hu sheep

Fungal probiotics have the potential as feed additives, but less has been explored in ruminant feed up to date. This study aimed to determine the effect of compound probiotics (CPs) with Aspergillus oryzae 1, Aspergillus oryzae 2 and Candida utilis on Hu sheep’s growth performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota. A total of 120 male Hu sheep, aged 2 months and with the body weight of 16.95 ± 0.65 kg were divided into 4 groups. Each group consisted of 5 replicates, with 6 sheep per replicate. Group A was the control group fed with the basal diet. Group B, C and D was supplemented with the basal diet by adding 400, 800 and 1,200 grams per ton (g/t) CPs, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 60 days after a 10-day adaptation period. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of sheep in the CPs groups were significantly higher, the feed/gain were significantly lower than those in group A in the later stage and the overall period. The addition of CPs increased the economic benefit. The levels of CD4+ and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the CPs groups were higher than those in Group A. The levels of GSH, IgG, IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ in group C were significantly elevated compared with group A. Group B showed a significant increase in rumen NH3-N and cellulase activity. There was no difference in VFAs content between group A and group B, however, with the increasing addition of CPs, the butyric acid and isobutyric acid content tended to decrease. The rumen microbiota analysis indicated that the CPs addition increased the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria abundances, decreased the Bacteroidetes abundance. The correlation analysis showed that Prevotella was negatively correlated with ADG, and the addition of 400 CPs in group B reduced Prevotella’s relative abundance, indicating CPs increased sheep growth by decreasing Prevotella abundance. The CPs addition reduced caspase-3, NF-κB and TNF-α expression in liver, jejunum and rumen tissues. In conclusion, the addition of CPs increased the sheep production performance, reduced inflammation, improved rumen and intestinal health. Considering the above points and economic benefits, the optimal addition of CPs as an additive for Hu sheep is 800 g/t.

Fustin, a Potent Phytochemical, Attenuates Scopolamine-induced Memory Impairment and Neurodegeneration by Modulating Neuroinflammation and Neurotransmitters.

Fustin, a photogenic flavanol found in the plant Rhus verniciflua Stokes, has been involved in multiple disease ailments and has a beneficial pharmacological effect and a history of use in traditional medicine. The present research aimed to study the impact of fustin on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced memory impairment and neurodegeneration by modulating neuroinflammation and neurotransmitters in rats. A total of 30 healthy Wistar rats were allocated into five groups (n=6). Group I- served as control and received saline solution (1mL/kg i.p.), group -II- fustin (100 mg/kg, orally), group -III -SCOP (1 mg/kg, i.p.), and group -IV and V were given fustin (50 and 100 mg/kg/p.o.) with SCOP (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14-days. After 14 days, 2 hours after SCOP injection, the Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were performed. After behavioral tests rats were subsequently euthanized, and brain supernatants were used to estimate choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH)], and total protein, oxidative stress markers [nitrate and malondialdehyde (MDA)], pro-inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and Interleukins-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6]. Also, neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), ϒ-amino butyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (Ach), and noradrenaline (NA) contents were performed. Fustin exhibited substantial behavioral improvement in the Y-maze measures spontaneous alterations percentage (SA%) and decreased latency time following the acquisition and prolonged time spent in the probe trial in the MWM test. Moreover, fustin inhibits enhanced neuroinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers and improves the neurotransmitters. The findings of this study suggest that fustin inhibits SCOP impact on cognitive abilities in rats. The present investigation demonstrates that fustin, a potent phytochemical, effectively mitigated the behavioral and physiological changes induced by SCOP in rats. This was primarily achieved by modulating the levels of inflammatory response and neurotransmitters.

The efficacy of preemptive multimodal analgesia in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of preemptive multimodal analgesiain elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to December 2022. A total of 133 patients were included according to the criteria and randomly divided into preemptive analgesia (PRA) group (test group, 67patients) and postoperative analgesia (POA) group (control group, 66patients). Results The Visual Analog Scale (VAS)scores of PRA group 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after operation were lower than those of POA group, and the difference was statistically significant, P < 0.001.The incidences of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) and postoperative delirium (POD)in PRA group were 13.43% and 8.98%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in POA group (31.82% and 24.24%), P < 0.05. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in PRA group after the operation were 17.54 ± 2.13 ng/L and 15.57 ± 1.71 ng/L respectively, which were lower than those in POA group (25.45 ± 2.95 ng/L and 23.45 ± 1.88 ng/L), P < 0.05. The level of acetylcholinesterase(AchE) was 56.34 ± 5.62 nmol/L in the POA group, which was significantly higher than that in the POA group (49.59 ± 5.52 nmol/L), P < 0.001. Conclusion Preemptive multimodal analgesia can reduce the incidence of POGD and POD in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrocolic surgery, improve the recovery process of postoperative gastrointestinal function, increase the concentrations of propionic acid and butyric acid in short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the number of beneficial intestinal bacteria.

Effects of Wilting and Exogenous Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community of Plantago lanceolata Silage

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of wilting and exogenous lactic acid bacteria treatments on the chemical composition, fermentation quality, and microbial community composition of Plantago lanceolata silage (PS). This experiment was carried out in the Guizhou Extension Station of Grassland Technology (25°38′48″ N, 106°13′6″ E). The PS samples were divided into four treatment groups, namely control PS (C-PS), wilting-treated PS (W-PS), Lactobacillus brucei-treated PS (LB-PS), and wilting + L. brucei-treated PS (WLB-PS) groups, and analyzed after 60 d of treatment. The W-PS and WLB-PS groups showed significantly lower ether extract, ash, and Neutral detergent fiber contents but significantly higher water-soluble carbohydrate content compared to the C-PS and LB-PS groups (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the W-PS group had significantly lower propionic acid content but significantly higher butyric acid content compared to the other groups (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the WLB-PS group had the highest lactic acid content, the lowest pH, and no butyric acid content (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the WLB-PS group showed a high proliferation of beneficial bacterial species (Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus plantarum) and decreased proliferation of undesirable bacterial species (Clostridium lutlcellarli and Clostridium tyrobutyricum). In conclusion, the combination treatment with wilting and L. brucei increased beneficial microorganisms and inhibited undesirable microorganisms during ensiling, thereby improving the fermentation quality of PS. Therefore, the combination treatment with wilting and L. brucei may be an effective Plantago lanceolata silage modulation technique.

Moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training alleviate glycolipid metabolism through modulation of gut microbiota and their metabolite SCFAs in diabetic rats

Glucose and lipid metabolism disorders are typical of diabetic patients and are important factors leading to macrovascular and microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of different exercises on glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats and the role of gut flora in metabolic maintenance. We measured glycolipid metabolic indices and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content and sequenced and analyzed gut microbes after 8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs in type 2 diabetic rats(T2DM). We found that Enterococcaceae, Enterococcus, Subdoligranulum, Kurthia, Bacillales, and Planococcaceae may be key bacterial taxa related to T2DM and that both programs of exercise regulated the intestinal flora of rats with T2DM, improved their glycolipid metabolism, increased the abundance of SCFA-producing intestinal bacteria, and it was found that the PWY-5676 and P163-PWY pathways which are closely related to production of SCFAs were significantly upregulated in the exercise groups. Notably, MICT appeared to be more effective than HIIT in increasing the homogeneity of rat intestinal flora, enriching species, and increasing acetic acid and butyric acid content. These results suggest that exercise improves glycolipid metabolism in diabetic rats, which may be attributed to alterations in the structure of their intestinal flora.

Adding red propolis to the diet of Lacaune lambs: Effects on animal health, ruminal environment, performance, and meat quality

This study determined the influence of red propolis ethanolic extract in lambs' diets on the ruminal environment, animal health, and growth. Two experiments were carried out to achieve these objectives. Pilot study: Twenty-four female Lacaune lambs were divided into four groups, with three replicates and two animals per replicate (pen): T0 (Control), TP1.3, TP2.7, and TP5.3, representing 0, 1.3, 2.7, and 5.3 mL of propolis extract per animal/day, respectively. The highest daily weight gain was observed in lambs that consumed 2.7 mL of propolis extract per day, and they also had the lowest feed conversion rate compared to the control. Lower total leukocyte counts were observed in lambs that consumed propolis extract compared to control due to lower granulocyte and lymphocyte counts. Ceruloplasmin and C-reactive protein levels were lower in the serum of lambs that consumed propolis compared to the control. Lambs that consumed 1.3 and 2.7 mL of propolis extract had lower TBARS levels than the control. The effect of treatment was observed for ruminal pH, which was higher in lambs that consumed propolis extract than in control. A lower concentration of short-chain fatty acids was observed in lambs that consumed propolis than the control due to lower concentrations of acetic and butyric acid. In experiment II, 36 male Lacaune lambs were selected and divided into two groups: MONENSIN (23.45 ppm of monensin per kg/dry matter (DM)) and PROPOLIS (3.8 mL of propolis per animal/day). The animals that consumed propolis extract had greater body weight, weight gain, and average daily gain. These also had a shorter time to reduce methylene blue, thus demonstrating more significant bacterial activity in the rumen. Furthermore, they had lower counts of Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and Enterobacteria. The meat's fatty acid profile in animals fed the red propolis extract showed higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, adding red propolis extract to the concentrate increased weight gain, average daily gain, and oxidative balance with an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.

Diethyl ethylphosphonate retardants disturbed the gut microbiome and metabolite SCFAs in vitro based on simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem

Diethyl ethylphosphonate (DEEP) as a novel organophosphorus flame retardant received increasing attention and its structure was discovered. But there are currently insufficient studies on how DEEP exposure affects the gut microbiome. In this study, the effects of DEEP on the structure and function of the human gut microbiota were examined using the SHIME system. Results from high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene show that the high dose DEEP exposure reduced the Shannon and Simpson index in the transverse and descending colon. The Bacillota had the highest proportion while the proportion of Proteobacteria gradually decreased at the phylum level. The abundance of Escherichia, Prevotella, and Bilophila at the genus level increased with increasing doses of DEEP exposure. On the contrary, the abundance of Megasphaera, Klebsiella, and Phascolarctobacterium decreased. The short-chain fatty acids had a significant shift. With increasing doses of DEEP exposure, the concentration of acetic acid and propionic acid increased, while the concentration of butyric acid reached the highest at the medium dose of exposure. In addition, Bilophila, Psychrobacter, Escherichia, and Nostoe showed strong beneficial associations with acetic and propionic acids under DEEP exposure. Phocaeicola, Agathobacter, Klebsiella, Megasphaera, Phascolarctobacterium, and Bacteroides were negatively association with acetic and propionic acids. In a word, the study verified that exposure to different doses of DEEP can cause changes in the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolite SCFAs, which provides ideas for the investigation of other potential hazards of DEEP on human beings.

Impact of Gut Microbiota and SCFAs in the Pathogenesis of PCOS and the Effect of Metformin Therapy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder that impacts both the endocrine and metabolic systems, often resulting in infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of intestinal flora and its metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the development of PCOS, and to assess the effects of metformin therapy on these components. SCFA levels in fecal and blood samples from women with PCOS (n=69) and healthy controls (n=18) were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for precise measurement. Fecal microbiota were quantitatively detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To assess the efficacy of six months of metformin treatment, changes in the microbiota and SCFAs in the PCOS group (n=69) were also evaluated. The results revealed that women with PCOS exhibited a significant reduction in beneficial bacteria (namely, the C. leptum group and Prevotella spp.) alongside a notable overgrowth of opportunistic microorganisms (C. perfringens, C. difficile, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp.). An overproduction of acetic acid (AA, FC=0.47, p<0.05) and valeric acid (VA, FC=0.54, p<0.05) suggests a link between elevated SCFAs and the development of obesity and PCOS. Interestingly, AA in the bloodstream might offer a protective effect against PCOS by ameliorating key symptoms such as high body mass index (r=-0.33, p=0.02), insulin resistance (r=-0.39, p=0.02), and chronic inflammation. Although serum SCFA levels showed non-significant changes following metformin treatment (p>0.05), the normalization of AA in the gut underscores that metformin exerts a more pronounced effect locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the study identified the most effective model for predicting the success of metformin therapy, based on serum concentrations of butyric acid (BA) and VA, achieving a 91% accuracy rate, 100% sensitivity, and 80% specificity. These promising findings highlight the potential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatments, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for women with PCOS.

Neuroprotective effects of punicalagin and/or micronized zeolite clinoptilolite on manganese-induced Parkinson's disease in a rat model: Involvement of multiple pathways.

Manganism, a central nervous system dysfunction correlated with neurological deficits such as Parkinsonism, is caused by the substantial collection of manganese chloride (MnCl2) in the brain. To explore the neuroprotective effects of natural compounds, namely, micronized zeolite clinoptilolite (ZC) and punicalagin (PUN), either individually or in combination, against MnCl2-induced Parkinson's disease (PD). Fifty male albino rats were divided into 5 groups (Gps). Gp I was used as the control group, and the remaining animals received MnCl2 (Gp II-Gp V). Rats in Gps III and IV were treated with ZC and PUN, respectively. Gp V received both ZC and PUN as previously reported for the solo-treated plants. ZC and/or PUN reversed the depletion of monoamines in the brain and decreased acetyl choline esterase activity, which primarily adjusted the animals' behavior and motor coordination. ZC and PUN restored the balance between glutamate/γ-amino butyric acid content and markedly improved the brain levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 and decreased glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta activity. ZC and PUN also inhibited inflammatory and oxidative markers, including nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, Toll-like receptor 4, nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 and caspase-1. Bcl-2-associated X-protein and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2) can significantly modify caspase-3 expression. ZC and/or PUN ameliorated PD in rats by decreasing the levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (p-protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK), glucose-regulated protein 78, and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)) and enhancing the levels of an autophagy marker (Beclin-1). ZC and/or PUN mitigated the progression of PD through their potential neurotrophic, neurogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities and by controlling ER stress through modulation of the PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 pathway.

Modulating the Rhizosphere Medium and Indole − 3−butyric Acid Supply Influence Rooting, Nutrients and Biochemical Constituents and Histological Features of Pedilanthus tithymaloids

AbstractPedilanthus tithymaloids is a popular temperate indoor succulent ornamental plant and is highly marketable. However, the appropriate propagation techniques should be adopted to solve the rooting issues of cuttings. Therefore, the present research was designed to specify the optimal indole − 3−butyric acid (IBA) concentration and rooting medium type for obtaining good rooting and healthy plants. Three IBA levels (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g L− 1) and five growing mediums (sand, sand: clay, sand: peat moss, sand: perlite, and sand: vermiculite as 1:1, v/v) were used. The experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design in three replications. The obtained data illustrated that roots number per cutting and rooting percentage reached the maximum values by treating P. tithymaloids cuttings with 3.0 g L− 1 IBA x sand: perlite or sand: vermiculite medium. Cultivating the treated-IBA 3.0 g L− 1 cuttings of P. tithymaloids in sand: perlite showed the most enhancements in plant height, branches number and leaves number, leaf area and herb dry weight. However, the heaviest root dry weight was noticed with IBA 3.0 g L− 1 x sand: peat moss medium. Except sand medium, all other tested media in combination with IBA at 1.0, 2.0–3.0 g L− 1 showed remarkable stimulation effect on chlorophyll content. Sand: vermiculite mixture x IBA at 2.0 g L− 1 was the effective practice for improving carbohydrates percentage. By studying the anatomical changes of the adventitious root of P. tithymaloids plant, it was found that there was an increase in the root diameter, phloem and xylem tissues and xylem vessels diameter due to growing in sand: perlite x 3.0 g L− 1 IBA. In conclusion, dipping the cuttings bases of P. tithymaloids in 3.0 g L− 1 IBA and cultivation in sand: perlite considered the most effective combination practice for better rooting ability and growth and could be advisable for commercial production.

Biofilm biofertilizer enhances bioactive compounds including antioxidant activity in hybrid rice grains

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CF) in rice cultivation has adversely affected soil and crop productivity and human and environmental health. This has led to the introduction of bio-organic inputs like biofilm biofertilizers (BFBF), which have been shown to increase crop yields and soil quality with reduced CF use. However, the effect of the BFBF on rice grain quality has been understudied. The present study investigated the effect of BFBF on bioactive compounds in rice grains, including antioxidants, which are essential in protecting against diseases related to oxidative stress. The study compared two practices i.e. CF practice and BFBF practice, using six hybrid rice varieties. Harvested grain samples were analyzed for total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) contents, and antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results showed that the BFBF significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased TPC, TFC, and GABA in most rice varieties. The TAC was also significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher (30-200%) in the rice grains produced by the BFBF practice. In conclusion, the BFBF alters the biochemical processes of the rice plant leading to improved medicinal properties showing its potential to produce high-quality rice, which is essential to improve human health.

Effects of xylo-oligosaccharide supplementation on the production performance, intestinal morphology, cecal short-chain fatty acid levels, and gut microbiota of laying hens

This study investigated the effects of xylo-oligosaccharide supplementation on the production performance, intestinal morphology, cecal short-chain fatty acid levels, and gut microbiota of laying hens. A total of 800 Lohmann pink layers, each 48 wk old, were randomly divided into 5 dietary treatment groups, namely XOS at 0 (CON), 100 (XOS1), 200 (XOS2), 300 (XOS3) and 400 (X0S4) mg/kg. The experimental period was 24 wk. The results revealed that the egg production rate and the number of eggs laid by each layer between 1 to 12 wk increased as the XOS concentration increased (Plinear < 0.05). The sand-shell egg percentage decreased significantly from 1 to 12 wk in the XOS1, XOS2, and XOS3 groups (PANOVA < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the 4 XOS dosage groups presented significant increases in the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum (PANOVA < 0.05), whereas a linear decrease in jejunal crypt depth (Plinear < 0.05) was noted. In addition, XOS supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of butyric acid and isovaleric acid in the caeca (PANOVA < 0.05). High-throughput sequencing analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA revealed that dietary XOS supplementation influenced the cecal microbiota. The alpha diversity analysis indicated that the richness of cecal bacteria was greater in the laying hens fed XOS. The modulation of the cecal microbiota composition upon the addition of XOS was characterized by an increased abundance of Firmicutes and Bifidobacteriaceae, and decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, dietary XOS supplementation resulted in decreases in the abundances of Bacteroides and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and an increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus. In conclusion, dietary XOS supplementation improved the production performance of laying hens by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids and improving their intestinal morphology, which was achieved mainly through changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. The recommended level of XOS in the diet of laying hens is 200 mg/kg.

Changes in Type 1 Diabetes-Associated Gut Microbiota Aggravate Brain Ischemia Injury by Affecting Microglial Polarization Via the Butyrate-MyD88 Pathway in Mice.

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a significantly elevated risk of stroke, but the mechanism through which T1D worsens ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the roles of T1D-associated changes in the gut microbiota in aggravating ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanism. Fecal 16SrRNA sequencing indicated that T1D mice and mice with transplantation of T1D mouse gut microbiota had lower relative abundance of butyric acid producers, f_Erysipelotrichaceae and g_Allobaculum, and lower content of butyric acid in feces. After middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), these mice had poorer neurological outcomes and more severe inflammation, but higher expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the ischemic penumbra; moreover, the microglia were inclined to polarize toward the pro-inflammatory type. Administration of butyrate to T1D mice in the drinking water alleviated the neurological damage after MCAO. Butyrate influenced the response and polarization of BV2 and decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines via MyD88 after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. Knocking down MyD88 in the brain alleviated neurological outcomes and decreased the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the brain after stroke in mice with transplantation of T1D mouse gut microbiota. Poor neurological outcomes and aggravated inflammatory responses of T1D mice after ischemic stroke may be partly due to differences in microglial polarization mediated by the gut microbiota-butyrate-MyD88 pathway. These findings provide new ideas and potential intervention targets for alleviating neurological damage after ischemic stroke in T1D.

Hydrophobic interaction-induced self-assembly of V-type lotus starch with butyric acid into stable structures: Regulation by butyric acid concentration

V-amylose is a modified helical structure capable of interacting with butyric acid (BA), which typically shows limited affinity for native amylose. The encapsulation of BA within V-amylose enhances its enzymatic resistance while facilitating the delivery of BA to the gut, where it can exert beneficial health effects. Consequently, enhancing the incorporation of BA into starch-based food is a crucial strategy for achieving these objectives. The concentration of guest BA plays a critical role in the hydrophobic interaction-induced complexation with V-amylose, and understanding the structural changes involved in this process is essential for the design of optimal products. In this study, V-amylose derived from high-amylose lotus starch was utilized to form complexes with BA. The structure and in vitro digestibility of the complexes formed at varying BA concentrations were investigated. The results demonstrate that higher BA concentrations weakened the hydrophobic interactions in the V-amylose system. Nevertheless, the highest complex index (i.e., 11.7 g/100 g) of V-amylose was attained at a 50 % BA concentration, indicating a balance between BA-regulated hydrophobic aggregation and the density of BA during complexation. These V-amylose complexes produced with elevated BA content exhibited high crystallinity and molecular order, along with enhanced thermal stability and resistance to enzymolysis. These findings support the feasibility of loading BA into V-amylose and provide valuable insights into the hydrophobic complexation regulated by BA concentration.

A superior chitin product: Black soldier fly larvae chitin, beneficial to growth performance, muscle quality and health status of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, in comparison to shrimp chitin

We appraised the effects of black soldier fly larvae chitin (BSFC) with four levels (0.4 %, 0.8 %, 1.2 % and 1.6 %) and shrimp chitin (SC) with three levels (0.4 %, 0.8 % and 1.6 %) in diets on the growth performance, nutrient composition and health status of largemouth bass (8.00 ± 0.29 g) fed for 56 days. The results showed that the dietary 0.4 % BSFC distinctly increased the specific growth rate and weight gain rate of fish (P < 0.05), and evidently promoted the deposition of C22:1n-9, C24:1n-9 and increased total monounsaturated fatty acid content in the muscle (P < 0.05). BSFC and SC distinctly stimulated the secretion of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase in the hindgut (P < 0.05). The antioxidant status of fish was improved by BSFC and SC, which was attributed to the decreased malonaldehyde contents in the muscle and midgut and the increased total superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the midgut. The 1.2 %–1.6 % BSFC and 0.8 %–1.6 % SC enhanced the non-specific immunity of fish, which was attributed to the marked promotion of lysozyme, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities by BSFC and the distinct enhancement of lysozyme activity by SC in the serum or midgut (P < 0.05). BSFC and SC notably reduced the abundance of potential pathogenic bacterium Vibrio and Photobacterium (P < 0.05), and 0.4 %, 1.2 %, 1.6 % BSFC and 0.4 % SC markedly increased the abundance of probiotic bacterium Cetobacterium (P < 0.05), and the BSFC and SC of 0.8 % significantly increased the abundance of the probiotics Bifidobacterium and Bacillus respectively (P < 0.05). The increase of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid concentrations in the hindgut might be related to the increase of intestinal probiotics, and 0.8 %–1.6 % BSFC and 0.4 % SC obviously increased the total short-chain fatty acid levels in the hindgut (P < 0.05). BSFC and SC remarkably reduced muscle fiber area and diameter (P < 0.05), while fiber densities were significantly increased under 0.4 %, 0.8 % BSFC and 0.4 % SC supplementation (P < 0.05), which was accordant with increased mRNA expression levels of myod, myf-5, smad-2, tgf-β1 and decreased mRNA expression levels of myos in the muscle. Collectively, BSFC and SC had no negative effect on the growth of largemouth bass, and improved the health status of fish. The dietary 0.4 % BSFC supplementation was beneficial to fish growth and muscle quality, and BSFC was a superior chitin product in comparison to SC.

Effects of Interactions between Feeding Patterns and the Gut Microbiota on Pig Reproductive Performance.

The feeding mode is an important factor affecting the reproductive performance of pigs. The composition and expression of the intestinal microbiota are closely related to the physiological and biochemical indicators of animals. Therefore, to explore the impact of different feeding patterns on the reproductive performance of pigs, this study collected reproductive performance data from 1607 Yorkshire pigs raised under different feeding patterns and conducted a fixed-effect variance analysis. Among them, 731 were in the artificial feeding (AM) group and 876 were in the feeding station feeding (SM) group. Additionally, 40 Yorkshire sows in the late gestation period were randomly selected from each feeding mode for intestinal microbiota analysis. The results of the analysis showed that, in the AM group, both the number of birth deformities (NBD) and the number of stillbirths (NSB) were significantly greater than they were in the SM group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the total number born (TNB) in the AM group was significantly lower than that in the SM group (p < 0.05). The results of the intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that at the phylum level, there were significant differences in nine bacterial taxa between the AM and SM groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of a variety of beneficial bacteria related to reproductive performance in the SM group was significantly greater than that in the AM group. Finally, fecal metabolomic analysis revealed that the contents of butyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and isobutyric acid, which are associated with reproductive performance, in the feces of sows in the SM group were significantly higher than those in the AM group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that different feeding methods can affect the gut microbiota composition of Yorkshire pigs and further influence the reproductive performance of pigs through the gut microbiota-metabolic product pathway. The results of this study provide valuable insights for further exploring the relationships between feeding modes, intestinal microbial composition, and host phenotypes.

Prebiotic inulin controls Th17 cells mediated central nervous system autoimmunity through modulating the gut microbiota and short chain fatty acids

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination occurring in the central nervous system (CNS). Inulin is a common prebiotic that can improve metabolic disorders by modulating the gut microbiota. However, its capacity to affect CNS autoimmunity is poorly recognized. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a classical mouse model of MS. Herein, we found that oral administration of inulin ameliorated the severity EAE in mice, accompanied by reductions in inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination in the CNS. These reductions were associated with decreased proportion and numbers of Th17 cells in brain and spleen. Consistent with the findings, the serum concentrations of IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced in inulin treated EAE mice. Moreover, the proliferation of auto-reactive lymphocytes, against MOG35-55 antigen, was attenuated ex vivo. Mechanistically, inulin treatment altered the composition of gut microbiota. It increased Lactobacillus and Dubosiella whereas decreased g_Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group at the genus level, alongside with elevated concentration of butyric acid in fecal content and serum. In vitro, butyrate, but not inulin, could inhibit the activation of MOG35-55 stimulated lymphocytes. Furthermore, fecal microbiota transplantation assay confirmed that fecal contents of inulin-treated normal mice had an ameliorative effect on EAE mice. In contrast, antibiotic cocktail (ABX) treatment diminished the therapeutic effect of inulin in EAE mice as well as the reduction of Th17 cells, while supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri restored the amelioration effect. These results confirmed that the attenuation of inulin on Th17 cells and inflammatory demyelination in EAE mice was dependent on its modulation on gut microbiota and metabolites. Our findings provide a potential therapeutic regimen for prebiotic inulin supplementation in patients with multiple sclerosis.