Contents Of Duodenum Research Articles

Are the postmortem concentration changes of the synthetic cannabinoid cumyl-5F-P7AICA and its N-pentanoic acid metabolite dependent on the environmental conditions? – A systematic study following pulmonary administration to pigs

The number of fatal cases involving synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is increasing. However, interpretation of postmortem (PM) toxicological findings is challenging, due to unknown PM intervals and possible redistribution processes or instabilities. Only sparse data on SCs are available. Therefore, a controlled pig study was performed to determine the PM stability of cumyl-5F-P7AICA under different environmental conditions. Ten pigs inhalatively received 200 µg/kg body weight cumyl-5F-P7AICA each. Six hours later, they were euthanized and biopsies of the main tissues and body fluids were taken. Animals were stored in air or water (n=5 each) and samples were repeatedly taken for three days. Quantification of cumyl-5F-P7AICA and its N-pentanoic acid metabolite (NPA) was performed using standard addition or a fully validated method (blood) followed by LC-MS/MS. Time-dependent concentration changes of cumyl-5F-P7AICA were observed in liver, bile fluid and muscle specimens at both conditions. Concentrations of NPA only changed considerably in duodenum content of animals stored in air. Environment-dependent concentrations changes were only observed for cumyl-5F-P7AICA in kidney and the NPA metabolite in duodenum content. Overall, cumyl-5F-P7AICA and its metabolite seem to be quite stable in PM specimens. Hence, also central blood might be analyzed, if no peripheral blood is available.

Does a postmortem redistribution affect the concentrations of the 7 azaindole-derived synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-P7AICA in tissues and body fluids following pulmonary administration to pigs?

Many fatal intoxications have been reported in connection with the consumption of newer, highly potent synthetic cannabinoids. Yet, a possible postmortem redistribution (PMR) might complicate reliable interpretation of analytical results. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the PMR-potential of new synthetic cannabinoids. The pig model has already proven to be suitable for this purpose. Hence, the aim of this study was to study the PMR of the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-P7AICA and its main metabolite 5F-MDMB-P7AICA-dimethylbutanoic acid (DBA). 5F-MDMB-P7AICA (200 µg/kg body weight) was administered by inhalation to anesthetized and ventilated pigs. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanized and stored at room temperature for 3 days. Tissue and body fluid samples were taken daily. Specimens were analyzed after solid phase extraction using a standard addition method and LC–MS/MS, blood was quantified after protein precipitation using a validated method. In perimortem samples, 5F-MDMB-P7AICA was found mainly in adipose tissue, bile fluid, and duodenum contents. Small amounts of 5F-MDMB-P7AICA were found in blood, muscle, brain, liver, and lung. High concentrations of DBA were found primarily in bile fluid, duodenum contents, urine, and kidney/perirenal fat tissue. In the remaining tissues, rather low amounts could be found. In comparison to older synthetic cannabinoids, PMR of 5F-MDMB-P7AICA was less pronounced. Concentrations in blood also appear to remain relatively stable at a low level postmortem. Muscle, kidney, fat, and duodenum content are suitable alternative matrices for the detection of 5F-MDMB-P7AICA and DBA, if blood specimens are not available. In conclusion, concentrations of 5F-MDMB-P7AICA and its main metabolite DBA are not relevantly affected by PMR.

"Transformation of pancreatic secretion with intraduodenal administration of trypsin and amylase with nonspecific substrates for them."

The results of the study on the effects of enter sorbents allowed us to draw a fundamental conclusion, in our view, that the inhibitory influence on the secretion of pancreatic enzymes is exerted by only the solubilized enzymes in the duodenum contents. Immobilized enzymes bound to enter sorbents lose or significantly reduce this ability to inhibit pancreatic secretion. The de-blocking effects are also induced by nutrients introduced intraduodenally. In our laboratory, it has been demonstrated (Korotko G.F., Baybekova G.D.) that starch as a substrate for amylase removes its selective inhibitory effect on the secretion of pancreatic amylase; the selective inhibition of pancreatic protein secretion is reduced by intraduodenal administration of protein, and emulsified fat eliminates inhibitory effects on pancreatic secretion of lipase. The fundamental similarity of effects between sorbents and nutrients, considering the latter as factors immobilizing enzymes, allows us to observe some external analogy between the comparable effects.

Molecular Characterization of Mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene from Trichostrongylus Species (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) in Northern Iran

The objective of the present study was to identify Trichostrongylus species by molecular analysis and also phylogenetic relationships of Trichostrongylus species by mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) gene in Guilan province, northern Iran. Abomasum and duodenum contents of 144 livestock were collected from sheep, goats, and cattle in Guilan province. Morphological survey was performed for initial screening. Total DNA was extracted, and the partial region of Cox1 gene was amplified and sequenced. Genetic diversity was calculated and phylogenetic analysis of the data on nucleotide sequence was conducted by MEGA7 software. Three species of Trichostrongylus including T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, and T. axei were identified by morphological characteristics. The genetic divergence within the species in the present study was observed for T. axei (0-2.5%), T. colubriformis (0.77%), and T. vitrinus (0%). The mean inter-species difference between the three species of Trichostrongylus obtained in this study was 14.4-15.4%. The Cox1 sequences of the members of Trichostrongylus spp. were highly variable and this could be used as a valuable measure to achieve a proper assessment on biodiversity. Sequence data generation from other species of Trichostrongylus will be needed to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of this genus of nematodes.

17. EFFECT OF BILE ACID AND PANCREATIC JUICE IN REFLUX ESOPHAGITIS AFTER TOTAL GASTRECTOMY IN RAT MODEL

Abstract Esophagitis after total gastrectomy has been associated with the reflux of duodenal content into the esophagus. This study is to determine which fraction of the duodenum content reflux, pancreatic juice or bile acids contributes to the development of reflux esophagitis. 8 week Wistar Rats were used. 1. Reflux of Pancreatic juice and Bile(TG):End-to-end esophago-duodenostomy with total gastrectomy (n = 8) 2. Reflux of Pancreatic Juice (TG + P):End-to-end esophago-duodenostomy with total gastrectomy. Then, a bypass operation of the upper bile duct was made 25 cm below the esophagoduodenostomy anastomosis. Choledocho-jejunostomy was performed. (n = 6) 3. Reflux of Bile (TG + B) (n = 4):Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with total gastrectomy. The bile duct was then divided and reimplanted into the proximal portion of the Roux limb, preceding the esophagojejunostomy to produce biliary reflux. Three weeks after, all rats were euthanized and the esophagus was evaluated histologically. 1. Macroscopy: In TG rats, the esophageal wall was thickened and covered with whitish nodular patches. The gross appearance of the esophagus from TG + P and TG + B group showed only scattered erosions. The ulcer score in TG + P and TG + B were significantly lowered compared to TG. 2. Microscopy: TG group developed large and long longitudinal ulcers. The inflammatory cell infiltration scores and hyperplasia scores were significantly decreased in the TG + B and TG + P group compared to TG group. The reflux of pancreatic juice alone and bile acid alone are not significant development of reflux esophagitis. Reflux of combined of bile acid and pancreatic juice to esophagus caused sever reflux esophagitis.

Microbial Diversity and Community Composition of Duodenum Microbiota of High and Low Egg-Yielding Taihang Chickens Identified Using 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing.

The duodenum is an important digestive organ for poultry and houses a variety of microbes that help chickens to enhance nutrient absorption and improve production. To evaluate the characteristic of gut microbiome, duodenum content samples from 42-week-old native Taihang chickens with high (H) and low (L) egg-yielding were collected for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis. Consequently, 1,361,341 sequences were clustered into 2055 OTUs, with percentages of affiliation of 96.50 and 57.30% at phylum and genus levels. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phylum, with a lower ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in H group than in L group (p < 0.05). At genus level, overrepresentation of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterim, and Enterococcus and underrepresentation of Romboutsia were found in H group. No significant difference in overall diversity of microbiota was observed between two groups. LEFSe analysis revealed Enterococcus was significantly enriched in H group. Importantly, Enterococcus and Lactobacillus were negatively correlated. Functional prediction analysis showed the proportion of microbiota involved in the metabolism process was the highest and enriched in H group. Differences in microbiota composition between the two groups, which may be related to intestinal function difference, also provide promising biomarkers for improving laying hen production.

Effect of Supplementation of Different Levels of Urtica dioica Seeds to the Diet on the Immune Response and Microbial Composition of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Broiler Chickens.

This experiment was conducted in the poultry field of the Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University in order to assess the effect of adding different levels of Urtica dioica seeds to the diet on the immune response and microbial composition of the gastrointestinal tractof broiler chickens. This study was performed on 180 one-day-old unsexed broiler chickens (Ross 380) which were randomly divided into four treatments, with 45 birds per treatment and 3 replicates in each treatment (15 birds per replicate). The treatments were conducted as follows: First treatment (control) without the addition of Urtica dioica seeds to the diet, second treatment: the addition of 5g/kg Urtica dioica seeds, third treatment: the addition of 10g/kg Urtica dioica seeds, and treatment Fourth: the addition of 15g/kg Urtica dioica seeds. The experiment included the following traits: antibody titer against Newcastle disease, investigating sensitivity against Newcastle disease, the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, bursa of Fabricius index, as well as estimating the total number of bacteria, Coliform bacteria, and Lactobacillus bacteria. The results indicated that the addition of Urtica dioica seeds led to significant improvement in cellular immunity (DHT) and antibody titer against Newcastle disease (ELISA), as well as significant improvement in the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and bursa of Fabricius index, a significant decrease in the logarithmic number of total aerobic bacteria and Coliform bacteria, as well as a significant increase in the logarithmic number of Lactobacillus bacteria in the Duodenum contents for the small intestine and the Ceca, compared to the control treatment. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the addition of Urtica dioica seeds to the diet can improve the immune traits and microbial compositions of the digestive tract of broiler chickens.

Dietary Supplementation of Chitosan Oligosaccharide-Clostridium butyricum Synbiotic Relieved Early-Weaned Stress by Improving Intestinal Health on Pigeon Squabs (Columba livia).

According to a previous study, we had found that early weaning causes harm to growth performance, intestinal morphology, activity of digestive enzymes, and antioxidant status in pigeon squabs (Columba livia). Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) and Clostridium butyricum have been reported to have great potential to improve the growth performance and intestinal health of early-weaned animals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore whether dietary supplementation with COS-C. butyricum synbiotic could relieve early-weaned stress by evaluating its effects on growth performance and intestinal health in pigeon squabs. A total of 160 squabs (weaned at 7 days of age) were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, fed with artificial crop milk; the COS supplementation group, fed with artificial crop milk + 150 mg/kg COS; and three synbiotic supplementation groups, fed with artificial crop milk + 150 mg/kg COS + 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg C. butyricum. The results showed that a diet supplemented with COS-C. butyricum synbiotic benefitted the growth performance of early-weaned squabs; even so the differences were not significant among the five groups (p > 0.05). In addition, dietary supplementation of 150 mg/kg COS + 300~400 mg/kg C. butyricum significantly improved the intestinal morphology (especially villus surface area and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth), the activity of digestive enzymes (lipase, trypsin, and leucine aminopeptidase) in duodenum contents, and the production of total short-chain fatty acids and acetic acid in ileum content (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary supplementation of 150 mg/kg COS + 400 mg/kg C. butyricum benefitted gut health by improving the antioxidant capacity (glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity) and cytokine status (IL-4 and IL-10) (p < 0.05), as well as by improving the intestinal microbiota diversity. In conclusion, our results revealed that dietary supplementation with synbiotic (150 mg/kg COS + 300~400 mg/kg C. butyricum) could relieve early-weaned stress by maintaining intestinal health in pigeon squabs.

Identification and Distribution of Sterols, Bile Acids, and Acylcarnitines by LC-MS/MS in Humans, Mice, and Pigs-A Qualitative Analysis.

Sterols, bile acids, and acylcarnitines are key players in human metabolism. Precise annotations of these metabolites with mass spectrometry analytics are challenging because of the presence of several isomers and stereoisomers, variability in ionization, and their relatively low concentrations in biological samples. Herein, we present a sensitive and simple qualitative LC–MS/MS (liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry) method by utilizing a set of pure chemical standards to facilitate the identification and distribution of sterols, bile acids, and acylcarnitines in biological samples including human stool and plasma; mouse ileum, cecum, jejunum content, duodenum content, and liver; and pig bile, proximal colon, cecum, heart, stool, and liver. With this method, we detected 24 sterol, 32 bile acid, and 27 acylcarnitine standards in one analysis that were separated within 13 min by reversed-phase chromatography. Further, we observed different sterol, bile acid, and acylcarnitine profiles for the different biological samples across the different species. The simultaneous detection and annotation of sterols, bile acids, and acylcarnitines from reference standards and biological samples with high precision represents a valuable tool for screening these metabolites in routine scientific research.

Effects of early weaning on intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, and cytokine status in domestic pigeon squabs (Columba livia)

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of early weaning on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, and cytokine status in domestic pigeon squabs (Columba livia). The conclusion is based on body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), length index and weight index of small intestine, small intestinal morphology, activity of digestive enzymes in duodenum content, the concentrations of jejunal antioxidant status and cytokines. A completely randomized design with 2 treatments, the control group (CON) and early weaning (EW) group, was utilized. Eight squabs per treatment were sampled at the age of 25 d. The results showed that early weaning reduced BW (P < 0.05), ADG (P < 0.05), ileac length index (P < 0.05), and weight index (P < 0.01). Compared with the CON group, small intestinal morphology was altered in the EW group. Ileac crypt depth (CD) increased significantly (P < 0.01). The villus area was decreased in the duodenum (P < 0.05), jejunum (P < 0.01), and ileum (P < 0.05). The ileac ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VCR) in the EW group was lower than the ileac ratio of villus height to VCR in the CON group (P < 0.01). The activity of trypsin (P < 0.05), sucrase (P < 0.01) and aminopeptidase-N (APN) (P < 0.01) in the duodenum was reduced. Jejunal malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.01) was increased and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (P < 0.01) was reduced significantly. Early weaning decreased the concentrations of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (P < 0.01), interleukin-4 (IL-4) (P < 0.05) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) (P < 0.01) but induced significant upregulation of interleukin-2 (IL-2) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggested that early weaning did harm the BW and ADG, intestinal length index and weight index, intestinal morphology, activity of digestive enzymes, and antioxidant and cytokine status.

Passive Immunization of Chickens with Anti-Enterobactin Egg Yolk Powder for Campylobacter Control.

Enterobactin (Ent) is a highly conserved and important siderophore for the growth of many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Therefore, targeting Ent for developing innovative intervention strategies has attracted substantial research interest in recent years. Recently, we developed a novel Ent conjugate vaccine that has been demonstrated to be effective for controlling Gram-negative pathogens using both in vitro and in vivosystems. In particular, active immunization of chickens with the Ent conjugate vaccine elicited strong immune responses and significantly reduced intestinal colonization of Campylobacter jejuni, the leading foodborne bacterial pathogen. Given that hyperimmune egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) has been increasingly recognized as a promising and practical non-antibiotic approach for passive immune protection against pathogens in livestock, in this study, we assessed the efficacy of oral administration of broiler chickens with the anti-Ent hyperimmune egg yolk powder to control C. jejuni colonization in the intestine. However, supplementation of feed with 2% (w/w) of anti-Ent egg yolk powder failed to reduce C. jejuni colonization when compared to the control group. Consistent with this finding, the ELISA titers of the specific IgY in cecum, ileum, duodenum, gizzard, and serum contents were similar between the two groups throughout the trial. Chicken intestinal microbiota also did not change in response to the egg yolk powder treatment. Subsequently, to examine ex vivo stability of the egg yolk IgY, the chicken gizzard and duodenum contents from two independent sources were spiked with the egg yolk antibodies, incubated at 42 °C for different lengths of time, and subjected to ELISA analysis. The specific IgY titers were dramatically decreased in gizzard contents (up to 2048-fold) but were not changed in duodenum contents. Collectively, oral administration of broiler chickens with the anti-Ent egg yolk powder failed to confer protection against intestinal colonization of C. jejuni, which was due to instability of the IgY in gizzard contents as demonstrated by both in vivo and ex vivo evidence.

Perimortem Distribution of U-47700, Tramadol and Their Main Metabolites in Pigs Following Intravenous Administration.

In spite of a decreasing number of new releases, new synthetic opioids (NSOs) are gaining increasing importance in postmortem (PM) forensic toxicology. For the interpretation of analytical results, toxicokinetic (TK) data, e.g., on tissue distribution, are helpful. Concerning NSOs, such data are usually not available due to the lack of controlled human studies. Hence, a controlled TK study using pigs was carried out, and the tissue distribution of U-47700 and tramadol as reference was examined. Twelve pigs received an intravenous dose of 100 µg/kg body weight (BW) U-47700 or 1,000 µg/kg BW tramadol. Eight hours after administration, the animals were put to death with T61. Relevant organs, body fluids and tissues were sampled. After homogenization and solid-phase extraction, quantification was performed applying standard addition and liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry. At the time of death, the two parent compounds were determined in all analyzed specimens. Regarding U-47700, concentrations were highest in duodenum content, bile fluid and adipose tissue (AT). Concerning tramadol, next to bile fluid and duodenum content, highest concentrations were determined in the lung. Regarding the metabolites, N-desmethyl-U-47700 and O-desmethyltramadol (ODT) were detected in all analyzed specimens except for AT (ODT). Higher metabolite concentrations were found in specimens involved in metabolism. N-desmethyl-U-47700 showed much higher concentrations in routinely analyzed organs (lung, liver and kidney) than U-47700. To conclude, besides the routinely analyzed specimens in PM toxicology such as blood, urine or standard specimens like kidney or liver, AT, bile fluid and duodenum content could serve as alternative matrices. In case of U-47700, quantification of the main metabolite N-desmethyl-U-47700 is highly recommendable.

PH-Dependent Molecular Gate Mesoporous Microparticles for Biological Control of Giardia intestinalis.

Giardiasis is a parasitism produced by the protozoa Giardia intestinalis that lives as trophozoite in the small intestine (mainly in the duodenum) attached to the intestinal villus by means of billed discs. The first line treatment is metronidazole, a drug with high bioavailability, which is why to obtain therapeutic concentrations in duodenum, it is necessary to administer high doses of drug to patients with the consequent occurrence of side effects. It is necessary to developed new therapeutical approaches to achieve a local delivery of the drug. In this sense, we have developed gated mesoporous silica microparticles loaded with metronidazole and with a molecular gate pH dependent. In vitro assays demonstrated that the metronidazole release is practically insignificant at acidic pHs, but in duodenum conditions, the metronidazole delivery from the microparticles is effective enough to produce an important parasite destruction. In vivo assays indicate that this microparticulate system allows to increase the concentration of the drug in duodenum and reduce the concentration in plasma avoiding systemic effects. This system could be useful for other intestinal local treatments in order to reduce doses and increase drug availability in target tissues.

Algae-Derived Polysaccharides Promote Growth Performance by Improving Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Function in Broiler Chickens.

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of dietary algae-derived polysaccharides (ADPs) from Enteromorpha on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal permeability, and antioxidant capacity in serum, liver, and intestinal mucosa of broilers. Three hundred and ninety six day-old male chicks were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments containing 0 (Control), 1,000, 2,500, 4,000, 5,500, and 7,000 mg ADP/kg basal diet in a 35 day feeding trial. During day 1–21, compared with the control group, dietary 1,000–7,000 mg/kg ADP supplementation improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Overall (day 1–35), dietary inclusion of 1,000 mg/kg ADP increased the final body weight and ADG (p < 0.05). Besides, on day 21, dietary 2,500 mg/kg ADP supplementation increased the serum catalase (CAT) and liver total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities (p < 0.05), whereas dietary 1,000–5,500 mg/kg ADP supplementation decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in serum and liver (p < 0.05). On day 35, supplementation of 1,000 mg/kg ADP increased the serum glutathione peroxidase and CAT activities and liver T-SOD activities (p < 0.05). It decreased the MDA level of serum and liver (p < 0.05). Also, dietary 2,500 mg/kg ADP increased the villus height of jejunum and ileum on day 21 (p < 0.05), and dietary 4,000 mg/kg ADP increased the villus height of duodenum and ileum on day 35 (p < 0.05). On day 21, dietary 4,000 mg/kg ADP increased the CAT activities of the duodenum and T-SOD activities of jejunum and ileum and decreased the MDA contents in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p < 0.05). On day 35, dietary inclusion of 1,000–7,000 mg/kg ADP reduced MDA contents of duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary inclusion of ADP at 1,000–7,000 mg/kg decreased serum DAO activities at day 21 and day 35 (p < 0.05), and the serum D-lactic acid concentration was reduced by dietary supplementation of 1,000, 2,500, and 7,000 mg/kg ADP on day 21. In conclusion, dietary ADP exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut health in broilers; based on the studied parameters, the appropriate recommended dose is 1,000–4,000 mg/kg. These findings provided new insights into the potential application of ADP as natural growth promoters in broilers.

Gender Differences in the Effect of Calcitriol on the Body Disposition and Excretion of Doxorubicin in Mice.

The antitumor activity and toxicity of doxorubicin are potentiated and attenuated by calcitriol, respectively. Potentially, calcitriol can be combined with doxorubicin for clinical benefit in chemotherapy. To gain insight into the interaction between doxorubicin and calcitriol, proposed for combined use in cancer treatment, we studied calcitriol's effect on the plasma pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of doxorubicin in female and male mice. The control and calcitriol-treated groups, including an equal number of both sexes, received corn oil and calcitriol (2.5μg/kg), respectively, intraperitoneally every other day for 8days. At day9, doxorubicin was administered intraperitoneally at a 6mg/kg dose to each group. Doxorubicin concentrations in biologic specimens were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatographic-ultraviolet detector and analyzed using a non-compartmental model. The plasma pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin were similar in the control and calcitriol-treated groups. While calcitriol did not alter the area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUCs) and peak concentrations (Cmax) of doxorubicin in the small intestine and testis, it significantly reduced the AUCs and Cmax of doxorubicin in the lung, kidney, spleen, liver, stomach and ovaries. However, calcitriol increased the AUCs and Cmax of doxorubicin in the heart of females, brain of males and duodenum content and vitreous humor of female and male mice. The percent cumulative urine and fecal amounts of doxorubicin in calcitriol-treated mice were higher at 89.23% and 29.37% for female mice and 118.57% and 41.65% for male mice than those in the control mice, respectively. The tissue concentrations and excretion of doxorubicin in both female and male mice are influenced by calcitriol without changes in the plasma pharmacokinetics. The results from this study can provide insights to help obtain the optimal drug combination effects of doxorubicin with calcitriol in cancer treatment.

Effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal function in weaned piglets.

Eucommia ulmoides is traditional Chinese medicine, and it possesses several potential bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune regulatory activities. This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts (ELE) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal function of weaned piglets. Two hundred crossbred (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire) piglets with an average initial weight of 12.96±0.28kg were randomly allotted to five treatments: C0 (basal diet), C1 (basal diet+antibiotics) and basal diet supplemented with increasing levels of ELE (0.2, 0.3 or 0.4g/kg of feed). The results showed that ELE or antibiotics supplementation remarkably decreased diarrhoea rate and 0.3g/kg ELE increased average daily gain compared with C0 (p<.05). 0.3g/kg ELE increased alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum and liver, as well as increased the content of serum albumin and total protein (TP) compared with the C0 (p<.05). The lipase activity of duodenum content and trypsin activity of jejunum content were improved fed diets containing 0.3g/kg ELE compared with C0 (p<.05). The 0.3g/kg ELE treatments have a higher villus height of the duodenum and jejunum compared with the C0 (p<.05). These results suggested that ELE supplementation had beneficial effects on antioxidant and intestinal function in weaned piglets, which also could increase growth performance and decreased diarrhoea rate. Accordingly, ELE is a potential alternative to antibiotics.

Population pharmacokinetics for danofloxacin in the intestinal contents of healthy and infected chickens.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli could cause localized and systemic infection in the poultry, and danofloxacin is usually used to treat avian colibacillosis through oral administration. To promote prudent use of danofloxacin and reduce the emergence of drug-resistant E.coli strains, it is necessary to understand the population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) of danofloxacin in chicken intestines. In this study, reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection was used to detect the concentrations of danofloxacin in the contents of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of the healthy and infected chickens after single oral administration (5mg/kg body weight). Then, the PopPK of danofloxacin in intestines were analyzed using NONMEM software. As a result, a two-compartment PK model best described the time-concentration profile of duodenal, jejunal, and ileal contents. Interestingly, absorption rate (Ka ), distribution volume (V), and clearance (CL) for danofloxacin from duodenal, jejunal to ileal contents were sequentially decreased in the healthy chickens. However, the trend of Ka , V, and CL of danofloxacin was changed dramatically in the intestine of infected chickens. Ka and V of danofloxacin in the jejunum were higher than in the ileum and duodenum. Compared with healthy chickens, Ka and V of danofloxacin in the duodenum decreased significantly, while increased in jejunum, respectively. It has been noted that Ka decreased and V increased in the ileum of infected chickens. Besides, CL in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of infected chickens was, respectively, lower than those of healthy chickens. Interestingly, the relative bioavailability (F) of danofloxacin in the ileum was relatively higher in both healthy and infected chickens. In addition, F in the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal contents of infected chickens was respectively higher than healthy chickens. In summary, the PopPK for danofloxacin in infected chicken intestines was quite different from healthy chickens. The absorption, distribution, and clearance of danofloxacin in healthy chickens decreased from duodenum to jejunum and to ileum. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic characteristics in the intestine of infected chickens changed significantly, and the pharmacokinetic characteristics in the ileum can be used as a representative of all intestinal segments.

Distribution of the (synthetic) cannabinoids JWH-210, RCS-4, as well as ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol following pulmonary administration to pigs.

New psychoactive substances, especially synthetic cannabinoids (SC), are gaining increasing relevance in postmortem forensic toxicology. Particularly, the interpretation of analytical results is challenging, as usually, no toxicokinetic (TK) data concerning distribution in organs and tissues are available. Thus, a controlled pig TK study allowing for examination of organ and tissue distribution of SC was performed. For this purpose, 12 pigs received a single pulmonary dose of 200µg/kg body weight each of 4-ethylnaphthalene-1-yl-(1-pentylindole-3-yl)methanone (JWH-210), 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(1-pentylindole-3-yl)methanone (RCS-4), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) via an ultrasonic nebulizer. Eight hours after administration, the animals were put to death by the administration of T61. Thereupon, relevant organs, important body fluids such as bile and colon content, and tissues such as muscle tissue were collected. After enzymatic hydrolysis and solid-phase extraction, analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For quantification, a standard addition method was applied. The parent compounds could be detected in every analyzed specimen with the exception of colon content. Regarding JWH-210, the kidneys and lungs are viable matrices for postmortem analysis. In terms of RCS-4, the lungs were found to be an appropriate matrix. Concerning THC, the liver, bile fluid as well as duodenum content were suitable matrices for detection. Metabolites were only detected in tissues/body fluids involved in metabolism and/or elimination. Bile fluid and duodenum content were shown, as the most appropriate specimens for quantification of metabolites.

Taurine regulates mucosal barrier function to alleviate lipopolysaccharide-induced duodenal inflammation in chicken.

The objective of the study was to investigate how taurine alleviates mucosal injury. Young chickens were fed with taurine for 1week and then challenged with lipopolysaccharide. We found that, under lipopolysaccharide challenge, taurine could attenuate diarrhea and mucosal inflammation. Additionally, under LPS challenge, taurine could enhance epithelial proliferation and goblet cell function, could also decrease epithelial apoptosis by improving the mitochondrial membrane permeability. The high-performance liquid chromatography assay showed that taurine feeding could elevate taurine concentration in duodenum obviously. The antioxidant assay showed that taurine could reverse lipopolysaccharide-induced low GSH level, GSH/GSSG ratio, GSH-Px activity and SOD activity, high GSSG and MDA content. In summary, we suggested that taurine could enhance duodenal antioxidant status locally and further ameliorated lipopolysaccharide-induced chicken duodenal inflammation by improving mitochondrial membrane permeability and goblet cell function.

Effects of sugar beet pulp and roasted canola seed, on performance, rumen and small intestine digesta volatile fatty acid concentrations, and small intestine morphology of Arabian lambs

The effects of partial replacement of barley (B) with sugar beet pulp (SBP) with and without roasted canola seed (RCS) on performance, rumen fluids and small intestine digesta volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations, digesta viscosity, and small intestine morphology were investigated. Twenty-four Arabian male lambs (118 ± 10 d, 23.7 ± 2.5 kg BW) were fed with diets containing 1) 68% barley (B-RCS); 2) 68% B plus 7% RCS (B + RCS); 3) 36% SBP (SBP-RCS); 4) 36% SBP plus 7% RCS (SBP + RCS). Feeding (fattening) was undertaken for 99 days including 14 day adaptation period. Rumen fluid was collected on d 27, 54, and 81 of fattening period. At slaughter, small intestine tissue samples and digesta were collected. Results showed that lamb performance was not affected (P > 0.05) by carbohydrate source, however it was improved by inclusion of RCS. Lambs fed with SBP had higher (P < 0.05) total VFA and molar proportions of acetate, isobutyrate, and acetate to propionate ratio compared to those lambs fed without SBP diet. Inclusion of RCS increased (P < 0.05) propionate and decreased acetate and isobutyrate in the rumen fluid but there was no interaction of SBP × RCS treatments observed for any of the time points measured. In duodenum and jejunum digesta, lambs fed SBP had higher (P < 0.05) acetate, total VFA molar concentrations, and acetate to propionate ratio than lambs fed without SBP diet. Inclusion of RCS increased (P < 0.05) acetate, total VFA concentration in duodenum and jejunum. Both pH and viscosity of the small intestine digesta in duodenum and jejunum were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed SBP than those fed without SBP diet. Partial replacement of barley with SBP increased crypt depth throughout small intestine and also increased thickness of tunica muscularis and villus height in jejunum and ilium. Feeding lambs with diets containing SBP + RCS increased (P < 0.05) number of Brunner's glands, number of villi, and epithelium thickness. In conclusion, partial replacement of barley by SBP along with RCS altered molar proportion of VFA in the rumen, intestine and improved small intestinal morphology of fattening Arabian lambs.