Chain Fatty Acid Concentrations Research Articles

Gut microbiota response to consumption of milks fermented with specific strains of Lactococcus lactis with hypocholesterolemic effect

The alteration of structure and function of gut microbiota (dysbiosis) appears to be a major factor associated with metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and subsequent development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the consumption of fermented milks is a promising strategy to enhance health and restore the function of gut microbiota; specifically, in individuals with intestinal dysbiosis and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential association between gut microbiota and the hypocholesterolemic effect of fermented milks with Lactococcus lactis NRRL B-571 (FM-571), NRRL B-572 (FM-572) and NRRL B-600 (FM-600) in Sprague–Dawley rats. Fermented milks were administered to hypercholesterolemic Sprague–Dawley rats during seven weeks. At the end of the experimental period, fecal and colonic microbiota were characterized using 16S RNA gene sequencing. Also, the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content was quantified in feces. Results showed that a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) altered the bacterial community in both fecal and mucosal samples. The consumption of fermented milks, specifically FM-572 promoted changes in the structure (beta diversity) in fecal, but not in mucosal microbiota. The levels of SCFAs in feces were improved after fermented milks consumption. From all SCFAs, butyrate was negatively correlated with total cholesterol, LDL-C (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with HDL-C (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Oscillospiraceae families, were negatively associated with total cholesterol, LDL-C (p < 0.05) and positively associated with HDL-C (p < 0.05). The abundance of these families was increased in groups treated with fermented milks, particularly with FM-572 (p < 0.05). Thus, the in vivo hypocholesterolemic effect after the consumption of milks fermented with Lactococcus lactis strains may be related with the modulation of fecal microbiota associated with the increase of butyrate-producing bacteria. Furthermore, these associations may suggest that butyrate may influence the cholesterol metabolism, resulting in the decreasing cholesterol levels.Graphical

Performance, digestibility and meat quality from lambs fed diets with plantago lanceolata, Italian ryegrass or sainfoin herbages.

Plantago species, which is known to adapt to different climatic conditions, drought, temperature and different soil types. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of P. lanceolata herbage on fattening performance, rumen variables, digestibility, meat quality, meat nutrients and meat textural variables in lambs with the values of Italian ryegrass and sainfoin herbages. The lambs were fed total mix ration (TMR) with concentrated feed (about 30%) plus forage (about 70%) (P. lanceolata, PLA, Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum); IRY or sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) herbages, SAI). Twenty-four male lambs (Akkaraman breed) were assigned to three treatments with 8 lambs in each group. Fattening performance parameters, digestibility and carcass variables were determined. Meat quality and shelf life variables (oxidation, fatty acid profile and textural variables) was detected in the loin (Musculus longissimus), shoulder (M. deltoideus) and leg (M. semitendinosus) muscle samples, which were rested for 24 h +4°C and stored at -20°C for one week, one month, three months and six months. The dry matter (DM) intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass yield values of lambs, the DM and organic matter (OM) digestions (DMD and OMD) of TMRs, and the pH value, ammonia-nitrogen and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations of rumen fluid in lambs consuming PLA were similar to those of IRY and SAI (p > 0.05). PLA increased water holding capacity (WHC) and decreased cooking loss of meat compared to feeding with those of IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). The peroxide value (PV) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased with the stocking time in the meats (p < 0.05). Therefore, PV and MDA concentrations of shoulder, leg and loin meats up to 6th months for PLA were lower than those of IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). The linoleic acid concentration of loin and shoulder meats in PLA were higher than those of IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). The average oleic acid and ∑ω6 fatty acids concentration of meat in PLA was lower than those in IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). Atherogenic index and thrombogenic index values and palmitic acid levels of meat in PLA were similar to those in IRY, but lower than those in SAI (p < 0.05). Springiness, cohesiveness, resilience, hardness and chewiness values of the textural analysis parameters in meat of PLA were lower than those of IRY and SAI. As a result, effect of P. lanceolata on the fattening performance and rumen fermentation of lambs were similar with those of Italian ryegrass (Gramineae family) and sainfoin (Leguminosae family) forages and, it had a positive effect on meat quality (water holding capacity, cooking loss) and meat shelf life criteria (MDA, PV, fatty acid profile and textural variables). For functional lamb meat production, P. lanceolata can be included in the diet of lamb fattening.

Protective Effect of Egg Yolk Lipids against Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis: The Key Role of Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids.

Egg yolk lipids significantly alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome, reversing gut microbiota dysbiosis, and increasing short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations. However, the role of gut microbiota and the relationship between SCFAs and NLRP3 inflammasome are still unknown. Here, this study confirms that antibiotic treatment abolishes the protective effect of egg yolk lipids on DSS-induced colonic inflammation, intestinal barrier damage, and lipopolysaccharide translocation. Fecal microbiota transplantation also supports that egg yolk lipids alleviate colitis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Then, the study investigates the relationship between SCFAs and NLRP3 inflammasome, and finds that SCFAs significantly suppress colitis via inhibiting colonic NLRP3 inflammasome activation and proinflammatory cytokines secretions (interleukin, IL)-1β and IL-18, and combined treatment of SCFAs and MCC950 (NLRP3 inhibitor) shows a better activity against colitis and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Together, these findings provide positive evidence for gut microbiorta-SCFAs-NLRP3 axis as a novel target involving in the therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

Effect of Black Glutinous Rice Fermented Beverage on Short-Chain Fatty Acid Levels in Metabolic Syndrome Rats

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) represents a combination of metabolic factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). The high prevalence of MetS results in a significant socio-economic burden. However, current management approaches have limitations, prompting the exploration of functional foods and nutraceuticals as promising alternatives. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of Black Glutinous Rice Fermented Beverage (BGRFB) on Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA) concentration in a MetS rat model. Rats were induced with a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA) to induce MetS conditions. BGRFB was administered as a treatment to the MetS rat group. The results showed that the Negative Control (NC) group exhibited a significant decrease in SCFA levels compared to the normal group (N). However, administration of BGRFB to the T2 group resulted in a significant increase in SCFA levels. The SCFA levels in the T2 group were higher but not significantly different from the Positive Control (PC) group treated with metformin. Increasing SCFA production could be an effective strategy in addressing Mets. This study demonstrates the potential of BGRFB as a therapy to enhance SCFA production and improve MetS. The outcomes of this investigation are anticipated to provide insights into novel dietary approaches for MetS management.

Effect of a probiotic and an antibiotic on the mobilome of the porcine microbiota.

Introduction: To consider the growing health issues caused by antibiotic resistance from a "one health" perspective, the contribution of meat production needs to be addressed. While antibiotic resistance is naturally present in microbial communities, the treatment of farm animals with antibiotics causes an increase in antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in the gut microbiome. Pigs are among the most prevalent animals in agriculture; therefore, reducing the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the pig gut microbiome could reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance. Probiotics are often studied as a way to modulate the microbiome and are, therefore, an interesting way to potentially decrease antibiotic resistance. Methods: To assess the efficacy of a probiotic to reduce the prevalence of ARGs in the pig microbiome, six pigs received either treatment with antibiotics (tylvalosin), probiotics (Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M; Biopower® PA), or a combination of both. Their faeces and ileal digesta were collected and DNA was extracted for whole genome shotgun sequencing. The reads were compared with taxonomy and ARG databases to identify the taxa and resistance genes in the samples. Results: The results showed that the ARG profiles in the faeces of the antibiotic and combination treatments were similar, and both were different from the profiles of the probiotic treatment (p < 0.05). The effects of the treatments were different in the digesta and faeces. Many macrolide resistance genes were detected in a higher proportion in the microbiome of the pigs treated with antibiotics or the combination of probiotics and antibiotics. Resistance-carrying conjugative plasmids and horizontal transfer genes were also amplified in faeces samples for the antibiotic and combined treatments. There was no effect of treatment on the short chain fatty acid content in the digesta or the faeces. Conclusion: There is no positive effect of adding probiotics to an antibiotic treatment when these treatments are administered simultaneously.

Physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of recombined butter substituted by fat rich in mono- and diacylglycerol from coconut stearin

ABSTRACT Butter is generally made from milk fat, which contains high levels of saturated fatty acids, thus providing health risks. Therefore, alternatives are needed, namely recombined butter by substituting other healthier saturated fats, namely fat rich in monoacylglycerols (MAG) and diacylglycerols (DAG) from glycerolysis of coconut stearin which is rich in medium chain fatty acids, which are then called MAG-DAG fat (MDF). This research aimed to determine the effect of MDF substitution in recombined butter, which produced the best physicochemical and sensorial properties. The substitution of MDF was carried out at concentrations 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Substitution of MDF had a significant effect on physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability. Recombined butter with substitution of MDF-5% produced good physicochemical properties and was liked by the panelists. Recombined butter of MDF-5% contained MAG, DAG, and triacylglycerol (TAG) of 0.48%, 8.71%, and 90.81%, respectively, and it had a higher medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) content, namely 10.72% compared to the MDF-0% (control) which was only 7.45%. The hardness, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness of recombined butter of MDF-5% were about 1247.44 N, −671.28 N, and 0,09 N, respectively. The crystal microstructure was in the form of small spherulites in large quantities, and polymorphism showed a mixture of β’- and β-crystals. Substitution of MDF-5% did not change the new functional groups, but increased the intensity of the hydroxyl groups. Substitution of MDF in recombined butter was suitable to produce butter with good characteristics and potentially healthier.

Maternal prebiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation modifies the microbiome and short chain fatty acid profile of both mother and infant

Background & AimsImproving maternal gut health in pregnancy and lactation is a potential strategy to improve immune and metabolic health in offspring and curtail the rising rates of inflammatory diseases linked to alterations in gut microbiota. Here, we investigate the effects of a maternal prebiotic supplement (galacto-oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides), ingested daily from <21 weeks’ gestation to six months’ post-partum, in a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial. MethodsStool samples were collected at multiple timepoints from 74 mother-infant pairs as part of a larger, double-blinded, randomised controlled allergy intervention trial. The participants were randomised to one of two groups; with one group recieving 14.2 g per day of prebiotic powder (galacto-oligosaccharides GOS and fructo-oligosaccharides FOS in ratio 9:1), and the other receiving a placebo powder consisting of 8.7 g per day of maltodextrin. The faecal microbiota of both mother and infants were assessed based on the analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V4 region) sequences, and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in stool. ResultsSignificant differences in the maternal microbiota profiles between baseline and either 28-weeks’ or 36-weeks’ gestation were found in the prebiotic supplemented women. Infant microbial beta-diversity also significantly differed between prebiotic and placebo groups at 12-months of age. Supplementation was associated with increased abundance of commensal Bifidobacteria in the maternal microbiota, and a reduction in the abundance of Negativicutes in both maternal and infant microbiota. There were also changes in SCFA concentrations with maternal prebiotics supplementation, including significant differences in acetic acid concentration between intervention and control groups from 20 to 28-weeks’ gestation. ConclusionMaternal prebiotic supplementation of 14.2 g per day GOS/FOS was found to favourably modify both the maternal and the developing infant gut microbiome. These results build on our understanding of the importance of maternal diet during pregnancy, and indicate that it is possible to intervene and modify the development of the infant microbiome by dietary modulation of the maternal gut microbiome.

Identification of QTLs associated with very-long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) content via linkage mapping and BSA-seq in peanut.

Three major QTLs qA01, qB04.1 and qB05 for VLCFA content and their corresponding allele-specific markers will benefit peanut low VLCFA breeding, and a candidate gene Arahy.IF1JV3 was predicted. Peanut is a globally significant oilseed crop worldwide, and contains a high content (20%) of saturated fatty acid (SFA) in its seeds. As high level SFA intake in human dietary may increase the cardiovascular disease risk, reducing the SFA content in peanut is crucial for improving its nutritional quality. Half of the SFAs in peanut are very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), so reducing the VLCFA content is a feasible strategy to decrease the total SFA content. Luoaowan with extremely low VLCFA (4.80%) was crossed with Jihua16 (8.00%) to construct an F2:4 population. Three major QTLs including qA01, qB04.1 and qB05 for VLCFA content were detected with 4.43 ~ 14.32% phenotypic variation explained through linkage mapping. Meanwhile, three genomic regions on chromosomes B03, B04 and B05 were identified via BSA-seq approach. Two co-localized intervals on chromosomes B04 (100.10 ~ 103.97Mb) and B05 (6.39 ~ 10.90Mb) were identified. With markers developed based on SNP/InDel variations in qA01 between the two parents, the remaining interval was refined to 103.58 ~ 111.14Mb. A candidate gene Arahy.IF1JV3 encoding a β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase was found in qA01, and its expression level in Luoaowan was significantly lower than that in Jihua16. Allele-specific markers targeting qA01, qB04.1 and qB05 were developed and validated in F4 population, and an elite line with high oleic, low VLCFA (5.05%) and low SFA (11.48%) contents was selected. This study initially revealed the genetic mechanism of VLCFA content, built a marker-assisted selection system for low VLCFA breeding, and provided an effective method to decrease the SFA content in peanut.

The impact of 5-hydroxytryptophan supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Background and AimsSleep quality is a pivotal part of health and there is growing evidence on the association between gut microbiota composition and sleep quality. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is known as a precursor of the sleep regulating neurotransmitter and hormone however, efficacy of 5-HTP supplementation for improving sleep quality in older adults is unclear. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of 5-HTP supplementation on sleep quality and gut microbiota composition in older adults. MethodsThis is a single-blinded, 12-week parallel randomized controlled. Thirty older adults (66 ± 3 years) in Singapore were randomly assigned to either consume or not consume 100 mg 5-HTP daily. Every 4 weeks, sleep quality was assessed via both subjective (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index) and objective (actigraphy watch) measures. A global sleep score (GSS) was obtained from the PSQI, where a GSS>5 defines as poor sleeper while a GSS≤5 defines as good sleeper. Blood serotonin level, urine melatonin concentration, gut microbiota composition and stool short chain fatty acids (SCFA) content was assessed at week 0 and 12. This study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04078724 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04078724) Results5-HTP supplementation showed an overall favorable effect on certain sleep quality components and an increase in serum serotonin concentration. In particular, at week 12, not good sleepers but poor sleepers with 5-HTP supplementation were able to significantly improve subjective GSS (ΔSL5-HTP: -2.80 ± 1.10 mins, p-value=0.005). In addition, they showed an increase in microbiota diversity (Simpson5-HTP vs. SimpsonControl: 0.037 ± 0.032 a.u. vs. -0.007 ± 0.022 a.u.; pinteraction: 0.013) and relative abundance of SCFA producing bacteria in the gut. Conclusions5-HTP supplementation can improve certain sleep quality components in older adults and this benefit was more prominently observed in poor sleepers. 5-HTP was also able to improve the gut microbiota composition in poor sleepers.

Effects of Salmonella Outer Membrane Vesicles on Intestinal Microbiota and Intestinal Barrier Function.

Salmonella enterica is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens causing foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are lipid-bilayer vesicles produced by Gram-negative bacteria, which contain biologically active components. We hypothesized that OMVs are an important weapon of S. enterica to initiate enteric diseases pathologies. In this study, the effects of S. enterica OMVs (SeOMVs) on intestinal microbiota and intestinal barrier function were investigated. In vitro fecal culture experiments showed that alpha diversity indexes and microbiota composition were altered by SeOMV supplementation. SeOMV supplementation showed an increase of pH, a decrease of OD630 and total short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. In vitro IPEC-J2 cells culture experiments showed that SeOMV supplementation did not affect the IPEC-J2 cell viability and the indicated genes expression. In vivo experiments in mice showed that SeOMVs had adverse effects on average daily gain (p < 0.05) and feed:gain ratio (p < 0.05), and had a tendency to decrease the final body weight (p = 0.073) in mice. SeOMV administration decreased serum interleukin-10 level (p < 0.05), decreased the relative abundance of bacteria belonging to the genera BacC-u-018 and Akkermansia (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SeOMV administration damaged the ileum mucosa (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that SeOMVs play an important role in the activation of intestinal inflammatory response induced by S. enterica, and downregulation of SCFA-producing bacteria is a possible mechanism.

Potassium sodium hydrogen citrate intervention on gut microbiota and clinical features in uric acid stone patients

The high recurrence rate of renal uric acid stone (UAS) poses a significant challenge for urologists, and potassium sodium hydrogen citrate (PSHC) has been proven to be an effective oral dissolution drug. However, no studies have investigated the impact of PSHC on gut microbiota and its metabolites during stone dissolution therapy. We prospectively recruited 37 UAS patients and 40 healthy subjects, of which 12 patients completed a 3-month pharmacological intervention. Fasting vein blood was extracted and mid-stream urine was retained for biochemical testing. Fecal samples were collected for 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content determination. UAS patients exhibited comorbidities such as obesity, hypertension, gout, and dyslipidemia. The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota were significantly decreased in UAS patients, Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were dominant genera while Subdoligranulum and Bifidobacterium were poorly enriched. After PSHC intervention, there was a significant reduction in stone size accompanied by decreased serum uric acid and increased urinary pH levels. The abundance of pathogenic bacterium Fusobacterium was significantly downregulated following the intervention, whereas there was an upregulation observed in SCFA-producing bacteria Lachnoclostridium and Parasutterella, leading to a significant elevation in butyric acid content. Functions related to fatty acid synthesis and amino acid metabolism within the microbiota showed upregulation following PSHC intervention. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association between stone pathogenic bacteria abundance and clinical factors for stone formation, while a negative correlation with SCFAs contents. Our preliminary study revealed that alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites were the crucial physiological adaptation to PSHC intervention. Targeted regulation of microbiota and SCFA holds promise for enhancing drug therapy efficacy and preventing stone recurrence.Key points• Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were identified as dominant genera for UAS patients• After PSHC intervention, Fusobacterium decreased and butyric acid content increased• The microbiota increased capacity for fatty acid synthesis after PSHC intervention

Essential Amino Acid, Short Chain Fatty Acid and Omega Content of Skipjack Tuna Offal Meal and its Effects on the Nutrient Digestibility of Local Chicken

Essential Amino Acid, Short Chain Fatty Acid and Omega Content of Skipjack Tuna Offal Meal and its Effects on the Nutrient Digestibility of Local Chicken

Biomass attachment and microbiota shifts during porcine faecal in vitro fermentation of almond and macadamia nuts differing in particle sizes.

Nuts are highly nutritious and good sources of dietary fibre, when consumed as part of a healthy human diet. Upon consumption, nut particles of various sizes containing lipids entrapped by the plant cell walls enter the large intestine where they are fermented by the resident microbiota. This study investigated the microbial community shifts during in vitro fermentation of almond and macadamia substrates, of two particle sizes including fine particles (F = 250-500 μm) and cell clusters (CC = 710-1000 μm). The aim was to determine how particle size and biomass attachment altered the microbiota. Over the 48 h fermentation duration, short chain fatty acid concentrations increased due to particle size rather than nut type (almond or macadamia). However, nut type did change microbial population dynamics by stimulating specific genera. Tyzzerella, p253418B5 gut group, Lachnospiraceae UCG001, Geotrichum, Enterococcus, Amnipila and Acetitomaculum genera were unique for almonds. For macadamia, three unique genera including Prevotellaceae UCG004, Candidatus Methanomethylophilus and Alistipes were noted. Distinct shifts in the attached microbial biomass were noted due to nut particle size. Bacterial attachment to nut particles was visualised in situ during fermentation, revealing a decrease in lipids and an increase in attached bacteria over time. This interaction may be a pre-requisite for lipid breakdown during nut particle disappearance. Overall, this study provides insights into how nut fermentation alters the gut microbiota and the possible role that gut microbes have in lipid degradation.

Anti-obesity effects of mulberry leaf extracts on female high-fat diet-induced obesity: Modulation of white adipose tissue, gut microbiota, and metabolic markers

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are reported to have beneficial effects in modulating obesity in male models. However, the impact of different types of mulberry leaf extracts (MLEs) on female models, specifically their influence on adipocytes, gut microbiota, and related metabolic markers, remains poorly understood. In this study, we observed a strong correlation between the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and adipocyte modulation effects of water extracted MLEs. HB-W (water-extracted baiyuwang) and HY-W (water-extracted Yueshen) demonstrated remarkable inhibition effects on adipocytes in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes model. Moreover, MLEs effectively reduced the levels of triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and total cholesterol (T-CHO) in adipocytes in vitro. In vivo experiments conducted on female mice with high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity revealed the anti-obesity effects of HB-W and HY-W, leading to a significant decrease in weight gain rates and notable influence on the ratios of adipose tissue, particularly white adipose tissue (WAT). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the up-regulation of WAT-related genes (Pla2g2a and Plac8) by HB-W, while HY-W supplementation showed beneficial effects on the regulation of blood sugar-related genes. Furthermore, both HB-W and HY-W exhibited modulatory effects on obesity-related gut microbiota (Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents. Importantly, they also mitigated abnormalities in liver function and uncoupling protein 1 (UPC1) expression. Overall, our findings underscore the anti-obesity effects of MLEs in female rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

Egg Yolk Lipids Alleviated Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome and Regulating Gut Microbiota.

The increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a global phenomenon. Egg yolk lipids are one of the essential dietary foods, but its effects on intestinal immunity remain unclear. Here, egg yolk lipids are obtained using ethanol extraction and a total of 601 kinds of lipids are detected via lipidomics, including 251 kinds of triglycerides, 133 kinds of phosphatidylcholines, 44 kinds of phosphatidylethanolamines. Then, the study finds that egg yolk lipids significantly alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and reduce the production of inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, egg yolk lipids also maintain intestinal barrier integrity and decrease lipopolysaccharide translocation by alleviating intestinal structure damage and increasing the numbers of goblet cells and mucin 2. Mechanistically, egg yolk lipids attenuate colitis by inhibiting the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, the study also finds that egg yolk lipids reverse gut microbiota dysbiosis referring to increased relative abundance of Bacteroides acidifaciens and decrease relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, as well as increased short chain fatty acids concentration in the gut. Together, the study elucidates the anti-colitis effect of egg yolk lipids and provides positive evidences for egg yolk lipids involving in dietary strategy and IBD therapy.

Toward Renewable-Based Prebiotics from Woody Biomass: Potential of Tailored Xylo-Oligosaccharides Obtained by Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Beechwood Xylan as a Prebiotic Feed Supplement for Young Broilers.

Although antibiotic resistance emerges naturally, this process has been accelerated by the worldwide overuse and misuse of antibiotics. It is essential to find effective alternatives in the broiler industry to improve poultry health while maintaining production efficiency and product safety. In this study, we aimed to evaluate a potential alternative: wood-derived xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS). The objective of this research was to investigate the potential of XOS prepared using enzymatic hydrolysis of beechwood xylan as a prebiotic feed supplement for broilers. A pilot study was conducted to explore the optimal XOS fraction profile by in vitro fermentation. Subsequently, a semi-continuous enzyme membrane reactor was used, allowing for the production of tailored XOS in large quantities. Given the strong bidirectional relationship between intestinal health, nutrition, and intestinal microbiota composition in broilers, an in vivo experiment was performed to explore the potential of XOS as a prebiotic feed supplement by investigating growth performance, feed conversion ratio, caecal short and medium chain fatty acid (SCFA and MCFA) concentration, and microbiological composition of the caecal content. Results from the pilot study indicated that higher enzyme concentrations in the hydrolysis process yield a product that leads to a higher total SCFA and MCFA- and butyric acid production during in vitro fermentation by caecal bacteria. Supplementation of the tailored XOS to the broiler diet (day 1 (d1)-d8 0.13% wt/wt XOS, d9-d15 0.32% XOS) resulted in higher Bifidobacterium counts, beneficial to the health of birds, on d11 and d15.

Acupuncture for treating adolescent depression: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

The prevalence of depression among adolescents has been significantly increasing in recent years. However, current antidepressants for adolescents have limited safety and efficacy. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating depression in adults, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence for its effect on the treatment of adolescent depression, and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial to explore the effectiveness and the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture on adolescent depression. This study will be designed as a multi-center, sham and randomized controlled clinical trial. For this purpose, a total of 96 adolescent depression patients diagnosed with moderate and severe depression will be randomly divided into the manual acupuncture group and the sham one, respectively. The two groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times a week for a total course lasting 4 weeks. All patients will be assessed according to the primary outcomes including Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24) and Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS) at baseline, week 2, 4 and 8. Additionally, the secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and week 4, which includes intestinal flora structure, fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content and serum serotonin (5-HT) level. This study is the first randomized trial of acupuncture treatment of adolescent depression. Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200064359. Registered on October 4, 2022.

32 Effect of Probiotics Supplementation Level on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Fecal Metabolites in Nursery Pigs

Abstract This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation level of probiotics on growth performance, blood variables, and fecal metabolites in nursery pigs. Certain strains of Bacillus subtilis have been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhea and therefore improve growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 54 newly weaned piglets were allotted to 3 treatments in 3 replicates with 6 pigs per pen based on body weight, gender, and breed for a 28-d feeding trial. Treatments were: 1) Control: no probiotics supplementation, 2) CERTILLUS 1x: probiotics supplementation at the recommended level, and 3) CERTILLUS 10x: probiotics supplementation at 10 times the recommended level. The CERTILLUS products consisted of two strains of Bacillus subtilis at a low and a high dose of 3.75 × 108 CFU/g and 3.75 × 109 CFU/g supplemented at 0.05% resulting in 1.875 × 105 CFU/g diet and 1.875 × 106 CFU/g diet for the 1x and 10x treatments, respectively. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were used for d 0-14 (Phase 1) and d 14-28 (Phase 2) postweaning. Body weight, blood glucose and creatinine, fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) and bile acid concentrations were measured at d 14 and 28 postweaning. Body weight at d 14 postweaning (P = 0.06; 11.98, 12.73, and 12.21 kg for the control, 1x, and 10x treatments, respectively) and average daily gain for d 0 to 14 postweaning (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 0.206, 0.259, and 0.222 kg/d, respectively) were greater in the 1x treatment than the control and 10x treatments although there was no significant difference in growth performance at d 28 postweaning. Blood glucose concentrations were greater in both probiotic treatments than the control treatment at d 14 postweaning (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 95.2, 111.7 and 114.3 mg/dL for the control, 1x, and 10x treatments, respectively). In the fecal SCFA concentrations, the butyrate concentrations were greater in the 1x treatment than the control and 10x treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.05; 36.17, 47.57, and 33.23 µmol/g feces for the control, 1x, and 10x treatments, respectively) and the acetate (120.02, 141.87, and 101.17 µmol/g feces, respectively), propionate (62.95, 71.42 and 55.27 µmol/g feces, respectively), and total SCFA (236.72, 282.23, and 205.80 µmol/g feces, respectively) concentrations were greater in the 1x treatment than the 10x treatment with the intermediate value in the control treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in fecal bile acid concentrations and blood creatinine concentrations at both d 14 and 28 postweaning. In conclusion, dietary probiotics supplementation to nursery diets at the recommended level could improve growth rate in the early postweaning period and increase fecal SCFA concentrations but not at a high level of supplementation.

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes cocktail incorporation on in vitro degradation and fermentation characteristics of oats straw based total mixed ration

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing doses: 0 (control), 0.20, 0.40, 0.60, 0.80 and 1.00 % DM of an exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) cocktail preparation on in vitro gas production (GP), nutrient degradability and fermentation characteristics of oats straw based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with 60:40 roughage to concentrate ratio using sheep rumen liquor. The chemical composition of all the feed ingredients used for preparation of the experimental TMR (containing 16.63% crude protein and 90.51% organic matter) were within the normal ranges. Increasing the incorporation level of enzyme cocktail linearly as well as quadratically increased net GP, metabolisable energy content, short chain fatty acid concentrations and microbial crude protein production up to 0.60% DM level (L3) with no additional improvement at further higher levels. There were significant improvements in degradability of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre up to the enzyme dose of 0.60% DM (L3) with constant values thereafter. Fermentation characteristics response to varying incorporation doses of EFE cocktail also revealed improvements up to 0.60% DM level (L3) with no effect on non-protein nitrogen contents. It is recommended that EFE cocktail incorporation dose of 0.60% DM to be used for efficient utilisation of oats straw based complete feed; however, this requires further testing by in vivo studies.

Fecal short chain fatty acids and urinary 3-indoxyl sulfate do not discriminate between patients with Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis and are not of diagnostic utility for predicting disease severity

BackgroundUrinary 3-indoxyl sulfate levels as well as fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations are surrogate markers for gut microbiota diversity. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a disease closely associated with IBD, have decreased microbiome diversity. In this paper, the fecal SCFAs propionate, acetate, butyrate and isobutyrate of patients with IBD and patients with PSC-IBD and urinary 3-indoxyl sulfate of IBD patients were determined to study associations with disease etiology and severity.MethodsSCFA levels in feces of 64 IBD patients and 20 PSC-IBD patients were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Urinary 3-indoxyl sulfate levels of 45 of these IBD patients were analysed by means of reversed-phase liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Feces of 17 healthy controls and urine of 13 of these controls were analyzed in parallel. These cohorts had comparable sex distribution and age.ResultsUrinary 3-indoxyl sulfate concentrations (normalized to urinary creatinine levels) was increased (P = 0.030) and fecal isobutyrate levels (normalized to dry weight of the stool sample) of IBD patients were decreased (P = 0.035) in comparison to healthy controls. None of the analyzed metabolites differed between patients with Crohn´s disease (CD) and patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Fecal acetate and butyrate positively correlated with fecal calprotectin (P = 0.040 and P = 0.005, respectively) and serum C-reactive protein (P = 0.024 and P = 0.025, respectively) in UC but not CD patients. UC patients with fecal calprotectin levels above 150 µg/g, indicating intestinal inflammatory activity, had higher fecal acetate (P = 0.016), butyrate (P = 0.007) and propionate (P = 0.046) in comparison to patients with fecal calprotectin levels < 50 µg/g. Fecal SCFA levels of PSC-IBD and IBD patients were comparable.ConclusionsCurrent findings suggest that analysis of urinary 3-indoxyl-sulfate as well as fecal SCFAs has no diagnostic value for IBD and PSC-IBD diagnosis or monitoring of disease severity.