Body Weight Gain Research Articles

Using carcass information as a predictor variable of empty body weight, empty body weight gain and retained energy of hair sheep

Abstract The objective was to develop equations to predict carcass weight (CW), use CW to predict empty body weight (EBW); and carcass gain (CG) to predict empty body weight gain (EBWG) and retained energy (RE) in hair sheep. To generate the prediction models, a data set was composed of individual measurements from 569 sheep encompassing intact males (n = 416), castrated males (n = 51), and females (n = 102). Validation analyses were performed by using the Model Evaluation System (MES). The prediction equations for CW, EBW, and EBWG were not influenced by sex class (P > 0.05), and the following equations were generated, respectively: CW (kg) = − 0.234 (±1.1358) + 0.485 (±0.0387) × FBW; EBW (kg) = 1.367 (±0.5472) + 1.681 (±0.0210) × CW and EBWG (kg) = 0.004 (±0.0026) + 1.679 (±0.0758) × CG. There was an effect of sex class on the intercept (P = 0.0013) of the relationship between RE and CG: RE (MJ/day) = 1.448 (±0.0657) × EBW0.75 × CG0.797 (±0.0399); RE (MJ/day) = 1.522 (±0.0699) × EBW0.75 × CG0.797 (±0.0399) and RE (MJ/day) = 1.827 (±0.0739) × EBW0.75 × CG0.797 (±0.0399) for intact males, castrated males and females, respectively. This study highlights the importance of incorporating carcass information into EBW, EBWG, and RE predictions. Replacing empty body weight gain with carcass gain might be a suitable alternative to estimate the retained energy of hair sheep. In addition, the generated equations will provide support for meat production systems in carcass weight prediction.

Effect of Fiber Drink Consumption Containing Glucomannan and Isomaltooligosaccharide on Digesta Profile and Gut Microbiota

Dietary fibers have long been recognized for their numerous health benefits, including supporting gut health, aiding in weight management, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Glucomannan, derived from konjac and porang tubers, has gained attention for its diverse health-promoting properties. However, its application in beverages is limited due to its high viscosity. Combining glucomannan with isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) is suggested to synergistically enhance functionality, particularly improving gastrointestinal health. This study investigates the functional effects of porang glucomannan and isomaltooligosaccharide-containing fiber drinks (GIFD) on body weight, feed intake, digesta profiles (digesta weight, moisture content, pH) and gut microbiota using in vivo method. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, including control, inulin, and 2 doses of glucomannan and isomaltooligosaccharide fiber drink (GIFD). Rats were fed with AIN-93M. Adaptation was carried out for 5 days followed by 28 days of intervention. Results indicate that GIFD consumption led to reduced feed intake, likely due to increased satiety effects and glucomannan’s gel-forming ability, resulting in lower body weight gain compared to other groups. While GIFD did not significantly alter digesta weight and moisture contents, it significantly decreased pH values. Analysis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) showed a shift in propionic acid levels, suggesting a beneficial effect on weight control. Moreover, GIFD treatment reduced abundance percentages of enteric bacteria like E. coli and Clostridium, possibly due to increased SCFA production. However, GIFD consumption did not significantly alter sIgA concentration, although there was a trend towards increased levels in GIFD-2, suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects. Overall, it was indicated that porang glucomannan and IMO-containing fiber drinks has the potential to be used as beverages to support body weight regulation and to help maintaining digestive tract health. HIGHLIGHTS Glucomannan and isomaltooligosaccharide-containing fiber drinks (GIFD) reduced feed intake. Consumption of GIFD induced the shift of molar proportion of SCFAs suggesting beneficial health effect. GIFD treated groups showed lower abundance percentages of coli and Clostridium compared to control. GIFD is potential to be developed as weight management product. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Safety assessment of (S)-Equol: Subchronic toxicity study in Sprague Dawley Rats

(S)-Equol is a chemically synthesized nutraceutical compound and its consumption provides several health benefits for humans. The new nutraceutical, enantiopure (S)-Equol was studied for acute and sub-chronic toxicity in Sprague Dawley Rats. The oral acute toxicity study showed that (S)-Equol is safe > 2000–5000 mg/kg body weight and it classified into GHS category 5/Unclassified. The repeated dose administration of (S)-Equol at dose levels of 20, 60, and 160 mg/kg body weight for 14 days and 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 90-consecitve days. The 14 days repeated-dose toxicity study showed no adverse effects in Sprague Dawley rats. The 90-day repeated dose toxicity study showed a reduction in body weight gain than that of control group. No treatment-related contrary effects were perceived on haematology, clinical chemistry, coagulation, urine parameters analysed, organ weights (absolute and relative), neurological and ophthalmological examination. No treatment-related abnormal gross pathological findings were obtained from gross necropsy. However, as a treatment-related effect, a significant decrease in cholesterol levels for 14 and 90 days of repeated dose administration was observed, which is considered as a pharmacological class effect of the (S)-Equol. In comparison to the corresponding vehicle control group, the high dose treatment group for both sexes showed no treatment-related histopathological abnormalities. For female rats, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) was 250 mg/kg/day and for male rats, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) was 250 mg/kg/day.

The effects of garlic as a feed additive on ruminal fermentability and ruminant performance: A meta-analysis

Garlic exhibits antimicrobial activity and it may serve as a feed additive for ruminants, yet quantitative summaries of its effects are lacking. Therefore, the current study evaluated the addition of various garlic products as feed additives on ruminal fermentability and ruminant performance using a meta-analysis method. The database was compiled from 37 articles with 157 comparison studies in Scopus and PubMed. The data sets were analysed using a random-effects model in OpenMEE software and the bias publication was evaluated by using Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) software. The results revealed that garlic significantly increased the percentage of propionate, butyrate, valerate and iso-butyrate, as well as the total number of rumen bacteria, dry matter intake, crude protein intake and ruminant average daily gain (p < 0.05). In contradiction, garlic addition in ruminant feeds led to decreases in methane production, percentage of acetate, the ratio of acetate to propionate, in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility and the total number of protozoa (p < 0.05). The subgroup analysis indicated that garlic oil, garlic powder and garlic bulb decreased methane emissions, while garlic powder and garlic bulb raised the percentage of propionate. In conclusion, garlic products altered the percentage of total volatile fatty acids and total number of rumen microflora, while increasing the feed intake and body weight gain. Thus, garlic products could be used as a dietary additive to support sustainable ruminant animal production.

Lactobacillus murinus alleviates insulin resistance via promoting L-citrulline synthesis.

The role of Lactobacillus murinus as a potential probiotic is being explored. Our objectives were to explore the effects of Lactobacillus murinus on insulin resistance and the underlying mechanism. Insulin resistance animal models were applied to study the effect of L. murinus and the underlying mechanism by six weeks of treatment. Metformin was administered in vitro to analyze the growth and metabolites of L. murinus. Serum metabolites were further analyzed after L. murinus administration. The effect of L-citrulline and the underlying mechanism in alleviating insulin resistance were evaluated. L. murinus not only reduced body weight gain and postprandial blood glucose (PBG) but improved impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance. Moreover, L. murinus inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) while promoted the secretion of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10). Further, L. murinus promoted the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1) while inhibited phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). A total of 147 metabolites of L. murinus were identified, in which the content of L-citrulline increased to 7.94 times after metformin regulation. Further, the serum concentration of L-citrulline significantly increased after L. murinus administration. Similarly, L-citrulline reduced body weight gain and PBG, improved IGT and insulin resistance. Additionally, L-citrulline improved inflammation, promoted CPT1 while inhibited PCK and G6Pase. L. murinus mediated by L-citrulline alleviated insulin resistance via promoting fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting gluconeogenesis, suggesting that supplementation of L. murinus could be a potential therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes related to insulin resistance.

Interrogating the Antiobesity Efficacy of Flacourtia Inermis Roxb. Fruits in High Fat Diet-induced Obese Rats

Background Flacourtia inermis Roxb. (Salicaceae) is an underutilized edible fruit known for its antioxidant-rich bioactive compounds. This study explores the antiobesity potential of F. inermis ethanolic fruit extract (FF2) in a high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity model using Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as the normal control and received a normal diet (ND), while Groups II–V were induced with obesity by being fed an HFD for 10 weeks. Group II acted as the obese control, receiving 100% HFD throughout the study. Groups III, IV, and V also received HFD throughout the study but were supplemented with Orlistat (30 mg/kg b.w), and FF2 extract at doses of 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, from week 11 until week 15. Treatment impact of FF2 on body weight, body mass index (BMI), serum lipid levels, glucose levels, liver function parameters, and histopathological evaluations of liver and adipose tissue were investigated. Results The study unveiled that F. inermis fruits exerted potent antiobesity effects, with FF2 treatment (at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) substantially decreasing body weight gain and BMI in comparison to the HFD group. Supplementation of FF2 alongside an HFD reduced body weight gain, glucose levels, and serum lipid profile. Both doses of FF2 counteracted the adverse effects induced by HFD, with lower triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels, and higher HDL cholesterol levels in the treated groups compared to the positive control. Additionally, FF2 extract showed dose-dependent improvements in serum lipid and glucose levels, as well as, hepatic profile, indicated by decreased AST, ALP, and ALT levels, suggesting potential benefits in managing dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and liver health associated with obesity. Histological examination of white adipose tissue provided further evidence of the antiobesity effect. Conclusion The study highlights FF2’s therapeutic potential in managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Further investigations into FF2’s mechanisms and clinical application are essential for its development as an antiobesity therapeutic agent in functional food formulations.

Bioflavonoid Tangeretin regulates RANK/RANKL/OPG Signaling Proteins via Stimulating Estrogenic Activity in Ovariectomized Rats

Background: Globally, osteoporosis has arisen as a significant health hazard, impacting over 200 million individuals. It is often reported in women, especially those who are in the postmenopausal stage. Even though numerous reasons are linked with osteoporosis etiology, estrogen deprivation is the prime inducer of osteoporosis. Purpose: The present research was intended to detect the bioflavonoid tangeretin potency against ameliorating osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Ovariectomy was performed in healthy female Sprague rats and treated with two different doses of the drug tangeretin. The body weight gain obtained by the experimental animals was noted throughout the experimental period. The uterus and vagina, the organ responsible for estrogen production and activity, were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical properties of the femur were evaluated to study the impact of tangeretin. Bone biomarkers estradiol, bone GLA protein, and acid phosphatase were quantified to assess the impact of tangeretin on bone turnover. Serum phosphorous, calcium, creatinine, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), which are the osteoporosis risk factors, were analyzed in tangeretin-treated ovariectomized rats. Signaling proteins involved in the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway, which is responsible for bone turnover, were quantified. Results: Tangeretin treatment significantly inhibited excess weight gain and increased the uterus and vaginal weight. BMD and biomechanical analysis of the femur prove tangeretin treatment increased the BMD and upgraded the biomechanical properties in ovariectomized animals. Tangeretin increased the estradiol and decreased the bone GLA protein and acid phosphatase. It also increased serum phosphorous, calcium, and creatinine and decreased the TRAP levels, confirming its ameliorative potency against bone turnover. It inhibited RANKL protein and increased the levels of OPG and its signaling molecules in ovariectomized rats. The anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid tangeretin attenuated the inflammatory stimulating cytokines in ovariectomized rats. Conclusion: Overall, our analysis confirms tangeretin possesses antiosteoporotic potency which effectively elevates estradiol and attenuates the bone turnover signaling pathway RANK/RANKL/OPG proteins in ovariectomized rats. The results of our research prove the establishment of a treatment strategy using tangeretin can improve bone health and prevent osteoporosis in menopausal women.

Development of a horizontal transmission model to assess the effects of exposure to pathogenic E. cecorum during the hatching phase in broiler chickens

Due to the emergence of virulent Enterococcus cecorum (EC) in young broiler chicken flocks, the transmissibility of EC during late embryogenesis needs to be defined. The purpose of the present study was to develop a horizontal transmission model to simulate exposure to virulent EC during the hatching phase. In Exp 1, EC5, EC7, or EC11B (∼104 CFU/embryo) was administered to a subset of the embryos, deemed seeders, by in ovo injection into the amniotic cavity at day 19 of embryogenesis. Seeders were comingled with non-infected embryos, or contacts, for the remainder of embryogenesis. The experiment consisted of 7 treatment groups: (1) non-challenged control (NC), (2) EC5 Contacts, (3) EC5 Seeders, (4) EC7 Contacts, (5) EC7 Seeders, (6) EC11B Contacts, and (7) EC11B Seeders. Increased EC recovery from gut and liver/spleen at hatch for Groups 2-7 indicated that horizontal transmission occurred. Exp 2 was conducted to assess the effect of direct or indirect exposure to EC during late embryogenesis on disease progression and 26-day performance. CHROMagar™ Orientation agar was used to determine EC recovery followed by MALDI-TOF. The ANOVA was used to determine significant differences (P<0.05) for average body weight (BW) and average body weight gain (BWG) and EC quantification (Log10 CFU) with means being further separated using Student's t test. Chi-square was used to evaluate significant differences for hatchability, mortality, macroscopic lesions, and EC incidence. BWG was significantly (P<0.05) lower for Groups 2-5 compared to NC. Splenic EC recovery was increased in Groups 2-5, with detection being highest in Groups 3 and 5. More notably, EC recovery from the FTV was significantly higher across Groups 2-7 compared to NC at d26. Gross lesions were observed for the heart, liver, and spleen across Groups 2-7. These results suggest that horizontal transmission of EC in commercial hatch cabinets could be possible, and that persistent EC colonization and organ involvement may affect performance and disease progression in young broiler chickens depending on the EC strain. Novel strategies to control EC infections pre- and post-hatch could be evaluated using the model developed herein.

Investigation on the Effect of Sacoglottis gabonensis on Blood Glucose, Body Weight and Behavioural Changes of Mice Exposed to Non-nutritive Sweeteners during Gestation Period

Aim: Aim of this research was to investigate the role of Sacoglotts gabonensis on blood sugar, body weight and behavioural changes of mice exposed to artificial sweeteners. Study Design: A total of 16 female mice (mean weight 18.6±2.32g) divided into four groups were used in this study. Methodology: Group A received no sweeteners or S. gabonensis, B received 50mg of sweeteners only, C received 50mg of sweeteners and 250mg/kg/bw of S. gabonensis, D received 250mg/kg/bw of S. gabonensis only for 8weeks. Results: show that group A and D had significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in blood glucose concentration with 7.27±3.53 mmol/L and 8.22±1.87 mmol/L respectively compared to group B and C with 9.12±1.03 mmol/L and 8.22±1.87 mmol/L. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in body weight in groups A 32.60±7.34g and B 31.38±4.53g compared to groups C, 22.45±15.49g and D, 24.00±14.71g. Gestation length was between 19 and 20 days for the different groups and behavioural changes such as climbing, running, nesting and restlessness were observed in all the groups. Conclusion: The administration of S. gabonensis did not alter gestation length and behavioural changes during gravid period in experimental animals but altered the blood glucose concentrations However, administration of S. gabonensis is recommended for individuals who are at risk of developing high blood glucose concentration and increased body weight as it has shown modulatory effect on blood glucose and body weight gain.

Sequential fermentation of Ginkgo biloba seeds by Bacillus subtilis natto and Lactobacillus plantarum enhanced nutrition, flavor and lipid-lowering activity.

Ginkgo biloba seeds (GBS) are rich in flavonoids, proteins and reducing sugar, and have been consumed as food and medicinal nuts for thousands of years. However, the presence of ginkgotoxins and their poor palatability limit people's consumption of them. This study used solid-state fermentation with Bacillus subtilis natto and Lactobacillus plantarum to enhance the safety and benefits of GBS. Optimized fermentation conditions increased the content of beneficial components like total flavonoids, soluble protein and reducing sugar while eliminating unpleasant odors (isoamyl aldehyde and hexanal) and reducing the toxin 4'-O-methylpyridoxine by 91.17%. Fermentation of GBS powder can significantly enhance its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro (P < 0.001). Furthermore, it exhibits a dose-dependent effect within a certain concentration range. Mixed fermentation (FBnLp) was evaluated for its effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome in mice fed a high-fat diet. FBnLp significantly reduced body and liver weight gain, prevented dyslipidemia and decreased inflammatory and oxidative stress compared to unfermented GBS. Histological analysis showed that FBnLp improved liver health by reducing fat accumulation and preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Meanwhile, it was found that feeding FBnLp increased the expression of CPT-1α, which regulates energy expenditure and fat breakdown, and downregulated the expression of SREBP-1c, FAS and ACC, which regulate fat synthesis. This research provides new insights and technological support for the application and development of FBnLp as a functional product, addressing key issues in its use and industry growth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Skinny fat model of metabolic syndrome induced by a high-salt/sucrose diet in young male rats.

Childhood and puberty can affect metabolism, leading to tissue injury and malfunction later in life. The consumption of high-processed foods rich in salt and sugar is increasing in middle- and high-income countries, especially among young people. It is necessary to evaluate the effects of high salt and sugar levels in the youth on most injured organs during metabolic challenges. We aimed to investigate whether high salt/sucrose intake affects whole-body development and leads to end-organ injury. Weaned Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group fed a standard diet (CO) and tap water, and an experimental group (SS) fed a standard diet and a beverage containing 1.8% NaCl and 20% sucrose instead of tap water. The animals were treated for 60 days, starting after weaning at 21 days of age, after which the animals were subjected to glucose and insulin tolerance tests, urine collection, and heart rate monitoring, and euthanized for sample collection at 81 days of age. SS showed reduced body weight gain and increased food intake of sodium/sucrose solution. Interestingly, high salt/sucrose intake led to increased body adiposity, liver lipid inclusion, heart rate, and renal dysfunction. SS exhibits increased levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha to counterbalance the hypertrophy of brown adipose tissue. Our findings reveal that the SS rat model exhibits non-obvious obesity with end-organ damage and preserved brown adipose tissue function. This model closely parallels human conditions with normal BMI but elevated visceral adiposity, providing a relevant tool for studying atypical metabolic disorders.

Effects of dietary curcumin levels on the growth, intestinal morphology and microbiota, waste production and feed costs of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus

This study investigated the effects of dietary curcumin levels on the growth, feed utilization, body composition, waste production, fishery resource input, feed costs, intestinal morphology and intestinal microbiota in golden pompano. A fishmeal-based diet was supplemented with different amounts of curcumin to create diets R (0 g/kg), S1 (0.5 g/kg), S2 (1 g/kg), S3 (2 g/kg), S4 (4 g/kg), S5 (8 g/kg), and S6 (10 g/kg). No statistically differences were found in feed conversion ratio, retention efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus, condition factor, viscerasomatic index, body proximate composition, and waste output of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus among different treatments. Values of final body weight (FBW) and weight gain in treatments S1-S6 tended to be higher than in treatment R, and the highest values of FBW and weight gain were found in treatment S3. Higher economic conversion ratio (ECR) was found in treatments S4-S6 than that in treatment R, while no significant difference was found in ECR between treatments S1-S3 and treatment R. Treatments S3 and S6 exhibited higher intestinal villus height compared with treatment R. Treatments S2 and S3 exhibited comparable intestinal villus height, goblet cells number, and ratio of intestinal villus height to crypt depth compared with treatment R. Treatments S2 and S3 showed higher relative abundance of the genus Ralstonia and Paraclostridium, and the species of Ralstonia_insidiosa and Paraclostridium_bifermentans_ATCC_638. These results indicate that suitable dietary curcumin has beneficial effects on the growth, intestinal morphological structure, and intestinal probiotics abundance in golden pompano.

Evaluation of gestational weight gain in women with twin pregnancies and its relationship to neonatal birth weight. A pilot study

BackgroundTo date, there have been no studies in Poland on weight gain in women with twin pregnancies in relation to recommendations.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the gestational weight gain of women with twin pregnancies depending on their body weight before pregnancy, and to assess the relationship between the observed weight gain and the neonatal birth weight.Material and MethodsThe study was conducted among 50 women in twin pregnancies and their 100 newborns delivered after 36 weeks of gestation. Gestational weight gain was assessed based on the American Institute of Medicine guidelines for women in twin pregnancies. Data on the pre-pregnancy body weight and gestational weight gain were collected by interviewing the patients. Neonatal data were obtained from the hospital medical records.ResultsNormal gestational weight gain was observed only in 38% of the women. In women with monochorionic pregnancy, too low body weight gain occurred almost 3 times more often than in women with dichorionic pregnancy (74% vs. 26%), (p&lt;0.001). Women with monochorionic pregnancies also gave birth to statistically significantly more newborns with low birth weight (&lt;2500 g), compared to women with dichorionic pregnancies (62.5% vs. 37.5%) (p=0.007). The mean birth weight of newborns born to mothers with excessive weight gain was 151 g higher than children born to mothers with normal weight gain (2727 g vs. 2576 g) (p=0.035).ConclusionsIn the majority of studied women in twin pregnancies, gestational weight gain was not compliant with the current recommendations. The risk of insufficient weight gain is higher in women with monochorionic pregnancies compared to women with dichorionic pregnancies.

Positive effect of fermented sorghum on productivity, jejunal histomorphology, and tight junction gene expression in broiler chickens

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary fermented sorghum (FS) as a substitute for corn on growth performance, jejunal histomorphology, cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and gene expression of tight junctions in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old male New Lohmann Indian River chicks were randomly divided into five groups, with each group receiving different dietary treatments: a control group (CTRL) with a basal diet, groups supplemented with 10% (NFS10) and 20% (NFS20) non-fermented sorghum, and groups supplemented with 10% (FS10) and 20% (FS20) fermented sorghum. Each group was further divided into six replications, with eight birds per replicate. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the feed treatments (fermented sorghum and non-fermented sorghum) to the control. The results revealed that the inclusion of 20% fermented sorghum significantly increased feed intake (FI, P = 0.005), body weight (BW; P = 0.025), and body weight gain (BWG; P = 0.010) compared to other groups. Additionally, the FS20 group exhibited a notable increase in villus height (P = 0.001). There were significant differences in cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production among the treatment groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, fermented sorghum notably upregulated the gene expression of occludin (OCLN, P = 0.008), without significant impacts on the expression of claudin-1 (CLDN-1), junctional adhesion molecules-2 (JAM-2), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). In conclusion, addition of 20% fermented sorghum in broiler diets could enhance growth performance and intestinal histomorphology, indicating its potential as a beneficial feed ingredient for poultry production.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y44 Complex Fermented Milk Regulates Lipid Metabolism in Mice Fed with High-Fat Diet by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

The benefits of fermented milk containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) Y44, known for its weight loss properties, remain unclear. For this, we evaluated the effects of the complex fermented milk (Y44-CFM), obtained through the cofermentation of cow's milk and soybean milk with L. plantarum Y44 and traditional starters, on high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice. Our study found that the oral administration of Y44-CFM significantly reduced body weight gain and hepatic lipid accumulation in HFD-fed mice while also mitigating liver injury. Additionally, Y44-CFM regulated the expression of enzymes associated with lipid metabolism in the serum, as well as the corresponding or related genes in the liver, such as fatty acid synthase. Furthermore, HFD-induced systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and intestinal barrier dysfunction were improved. The primary alterations in hepatic metabolism involved glycerophospholipids and amino acids, including the biosynthesis of valine, leucine, and isoleucine. The diversity and overall structure of the gut microbiota were also regulated, resulting in a significant decrease in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, along with a notable increase in Oscillospiraceae. The correlation analysis indicated that Y44-CFM influenced hepatic lipid metabolism by mediating intestinal flora and its production of short-chain fatty acids, ultimately leading to weight reduction.

Lactobacillus plantarum KAD protects against high-fat diet-induced hepatic complications in Swiss albino mice: Role of inflammation and gut integrity.

Hepatic complications are the major health issues associated with dietary intake of calorie saturated food e.g. high-fat diet (HFD). Recent studies have revealed the beneficial effects of probiotics in HFD fed mice with hepatic complications. Some probiotic Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) e.g. Lactobacillus plantarum have drawn our attention in managing hepatic complications. Here, we aim to elucidate the protective effects of L. plantarum KAD strain, isolated from ethnic fermented food 'Kinema' in HFD-fed mice as, a preventive approach. Eighteen Swiss albino mice were equally divided into 3 groups: Normal Diet (ND), negative control (HFD), and HFD-fed with oral L. plantarum KAD supplementation (LP). All the experimental groups were subjected to specific diet according to grouping for eight weeks. After completion of the regime, subjects were anesthetized and sacrificed. Organs, blood, and fecal samples were collected and stored appropriately. Physical indices, including body weight gain, organ co-efficients were calculated along with assessment of glycemic, lipidomic, hepatic, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and histological parameters. Gut microbiota analysis was performed using 16s V3-V4 fecal metagenomic profiling, and sequencing were done using Illumina Miseq system. Oral administration of L. plantarum KAD is found to significantly (p<0.05) restore metabolic health by normalizing glycemic, lipidomic, hepatic parameters, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. Moreover, LP group (7.08±0.52 mg/g) showed significantly (p<0.001) decreased hepatic triglyceride level compared to HFD group (20.07±1.32 mg/g). L. plantarum KAD improved the adipocytic, and colonic histomorphology with significantly better scoring pattern. LP group (1.83±0.41) showed a significantly (p<0.001) reduced hepatic score compared to negative control group (5.00±0.63), showing reduced hepatosteatosis, and immune infiltration. The strain modulated gut health by altering its microbial composition positively towards normalization. In conclusion, the results of the experiment suggest that prophylactic L. plantarum KAD administration has beneficial effects on the onset of HFD induced hepatic complications in mice. Further studies are needed, on this strain for its clinical use as dietary supplement.

Abstract 4135662: Dietary Inulin Improves Glucose Metabolism and Energy Balance in Obese Mice via Adipocyte Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 (FFAR2)

Background: Inulin is a non-digestible prebiotic dietary fiber that can promote metabolic health including reduced body weight and improved glucose metabolism via effects on gut microbiota. We hypothesize that inulin prevents obesity-associated cardiometabolic alterations by augmenting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) from gut microbiota, which activate free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), a major SCFA receptor, in murine adipose tissue. Methods: 8-week-old male C57BL/6J (wild-type, WT; n=34) and adipocyte FFAR2-knockout (Ad-FFAR2 KO; n=25) mice were fed a high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet for 8 weeks, then randomized into experimental groups to receive either continued HFHS (n=8-13), or HFHS containing inulin (10% w/w chicory root inulin; n=17-21) for a further 5 weeks. Body weight was recorded weekly, food intake, body composition, and indirect calorimetry were assessed before and after the inulin intervention, and intraperitoneal glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. Subcutaneous and visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) samples were collected at the study termination. Results: HFHS-fed Ad-FFAR2 KO mice showed higher body weight (7.4%), fat mass, and WAT weight due to increased food intake, with worse glucose tolerance compared to WT mice. In WT mice, inulin significantly reduced body weight gain and body adiposity. These effects were associated with reduced locomotor activity and respiratory quotient (RQ) without effects on energy expenditure and were accompanied by improvements in glucose tolerance. Strikingly, inulin had no effect on body weight or body adiposity in Ad-FFAR2 KO mice but reduced RQ, locomotor activity, and improved glucose tolerance similar to WT mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FFAR2 signaling in adipose tissue is crucial for improving cardiometabolic outcomes in obesity and that gut metabolites responsive to dietary interventions, such as inulin, are potential targets for obesity treatment strategies.

N-Carbamoyl Glutamate Prevents Ammonia Intoxication in Piglets with Reduced Liver Function

Ammonia as the end product of protein catabolism has a depressing effect on neurons. Ammonia neutralization in mammals occurs in the ornithine cycle, the activity of which is regulated mainly at the level of synthesis of N-Carbamoyl phosphate. The Krebs cycle is coupled with the ornithine cycle through a common substrate—arginine succinate. Therefore, the effects of ammonia neutralization and the processes of amino acid and energy metabolism are largely interrelated. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an N-carbamoyl glutamate additive in terms of optimizing metabolic processes and improving ammonia neutralization in suckling piglets. The experiment was conducted on two groups of piglets (n=15) formed at the age of 24 hours. Piglets in the experimental group were fed with an aqueous solution of the drug at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight once daily. The duration of feeding the supplement was 30 days; the average daily gain in body weight was determined at weaning at the age of 30 days. An analysis of the blood biochemical composition was carried out on the 30th day from the onset of the experiment. At the end of feeding the supplement in the experimental group, a decrease in the content of ammonia (p&lt;0.05) and urea in blood plasma, an increase in the concentration of arginine (p&lt;0.05) and triacylglycerols (p&lt;0.05) in comparison with the control group was revealed. The N-carbamoyl glutamate additive under study stimulates the endogenous production of the arginine essential amino acid, neutralizes ammonia formed in metabolic processes, and optimizes the amount of metabolic energy spent on binding ammonia in the urea cycle.

Enhanced Prenatal and Postnatal Development Study in Marmoset Monkeys Following Administration of Felzartamab.

Felzartamab is a recombinant fully human immunoglobulin G1 anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody under clinical investigation for immune-mediated diseases. In support of felzartamab clinical development, toxicology studies were conducted in marmoset monkeys, which was the most relevant species based on CD38 binding affinity, pharmacologic activity, and target expression. The felzartamab toxicology program included an enhanced prenatal and postnatal development (ePPND) study to identify potential reproductive and postnatal development risks. In this ePPND study, pregnant marmoset monkeys were randomized to receive vehicle (0mg/kg) or felzartamab at two dose levels (15mg/kg and 75mg/kg) twice per week until parturition, and maternal animals and infants were evaluated for 6 months thereafter. Felzartamab exposure was confirmed in maternal animals and infants in both dosing groups. Overall, felzartamab was well tolerated by pregnant animals at the evaluated doses, with no effect on body weight or body weight gain during pregnancy. No felzartamab-related effects on pregnancy loss or stillbirth rate were observed, and litter counts and numbers of liveborn infants were similar between the vehicle and felzartamab groups. Among infants, there were no felzartamab-related malformations or variations in external anatomy or skeletal morphology and no felzartamab-related observations in histopathology, hematologic and immune cell development, or humoral immune response to vaccination. In conclusion, among pregnant marmoset monkeys dosed with felzartamab, the lack of reproductive toxicity and felzartamab-related effects on offspring supports the clinical evaluation of felzartamab in women of childbearing potential and further demonstrates the suitability of the marmoset monkey for ePPND studies.

Dietary omega-3 fatty acids affect the growth performance of broiler chickens reared at high stocking density

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in broiler chickens exposed to high stocking density (SD) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, breast meat quality, blood biochemical indices, nutrient digestibility and litter quality. A total of 420 one-day-old broilers were used in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements with 2 levels of SD (low: 9 birds/ m2 and high: 17 birds/ m2) and 2 levels of omega-3 fatty acids (low and high omega-3; 0.057 and 0.5% of the diet, respectively) in a completely randomized design with 5 replicates for each treatment. Live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded periodically. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), digestibility of crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), and lipid of experimental diets, were measured from days 30 to 37 of age. The results showed that body weight gain (BWG) and FCR was improved (P < 0.05) in high SD broilers during the grower phase (days 15–24).The BWG of broilers under high SD and dietary omega-3 fatty acids was higher than others (P < 0.05) during the finisher phase (d 25-40). Carcass and total heart weight were higher in birds fed diets containing omega-3 fatty acids under high SD than in birds fed a diet low in omega-3 fatty acids at low or high SD (P < 0.05). The serum concentration of cholesterol in broilers with high SD fed diets high in omega-3 fatty acids was lower than broilers with high SD fed diets low in omega-3 fatty acids (P < 0.05). High SD decreased AME and CP digestibility (P < 0.05). Dietary omega-3 fatty acids, increased AME and digestibility of OM and lipid (P < 0.05). In broiler chickens raised at low stocking density, feeding a high-omega-3 diet reduced litter nitrogen levels compared to feeding a low omega-3 diet (P < 0.05). In summary, omega-3 fatty acid may have the potential to reduce negative effects of high SD on broiler production by enhancing the nutrient digestibility and litter quality.