Crypt Ratio Research Articles

Inclusion of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench) with protease and NSP-ase increases jejunal histomorphology and barrier function gene expression in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of sorghum with or without protease and NSP-ase on performance, jejunal histomorphology, caecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and gene expression of barrier function in the broiler chickens. A total of 240 males New Lohmann strain MB 202 broiler chicks (1-day-old) were randomly placed into 12 treatments with 4 replications, 5 birds per replicate for 35 d. The diets were a factorial combination of 3 levels of sorghum (0, 10, and 20%), 2 concentrations of protease (with and without protease), and 2 concentrations of NSP-ase (with and without NSP-ase). Results showed that villus height (VH) was improved (P < 0.05) and villus to crypt ratio (VH:CD) tended (P = 0.05) to increase with inclusion of sorghum. Inclusion of sorghum upregulated (P < 0.05) expression of the gene anti-inflammatory IL-13, and downregulated (P < 0.05) gene of toll receptor (TLR) (TLR-3 and TLR-4), pro-inflammatory (IL-18, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and tight junction zona occluding-1 (ZO-1). The result further indicated a decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentration of SCFA. The birds fed diets with protease had lower (P < 0.05) expression of gene TLR-4 and TLR-3, pro-inflammatory (IL-6 and TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory IL-10. Inclusion of sorghum markedly (P < 0.05) interacted with protease, increasing the total of SCFA, acetate, and VH in the broiler. The bird offered diets with NSP-ase had higher (P < 0.05) expression genes of pro-inflammatory IL-18 and TNF-α. Inclusion of sorghum and NSP-ase significantly (P < 0.05) interacted, upregulating gene of tight junction ZO-1 and anti-inflammatory IL-13 but downregulating gene TLR-3, and pro-inflammatory IL-6, while the SCFA production was decreased. Inclusion of sorghum in the diet with or without enzymes did not affect broiler performance (P > 0.05). In conclusion, a diet with sorghum improved jejunal histomorphology without negatively affecting growth performance. Additionally, supplementation with enzymes enhanced intestinal immune responses by up-regulating anti-inflammatory, and downregulating pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Assessment of the hormesis effect and toxic damage of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hormesis and toxicity of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Triplicate isonitrogenous and isocaloric aflatoxin B1 diets—CD (control, 0 ug/kg), D1 (20 ug/kg), and D2 (500 ug/kg)—were prepared and fed to grass carp with an initial mean body weight of (15.2 ± 0.1) g for 56 days. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of grass carp fed diet D2 were significantly higher, and the feed coefficient and crude fat content of the whole body were significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with those fed diet CD. Serum superoxide dismutase content of grass carp fed D1 diet increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with an increasing dose of aflatoxin B1, but when the dose reached 500 ug/kg (D2), serum superoxide dismutase, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M of grass carp decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), while malondialdehyde increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05). After short-term feeding of aflatoxin B1-containing diets (D1 and D2), liver body index, visceral body index, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen content of grass carp increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), total bile acid secretion decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and structural damages such as increase in vacuoles, organizational structure loosening, and nucleus translocation were observed in the liver. Meanwhile, liver function indexes such as serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly with the increase of aflatoxin B1 dose (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, the height of intestinal villi, crypt depth, villus–crypt ratio, and tubular cell number, as well as the content of trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine of grass carp in the D2 group, were significantly higher than those in the CD group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, after a short-term intake of low doses of aflatoxin B1 (≤500 ug/kg), the toxicological damage of aflatoxin B1 was pronounced, although it produced a certain degree of hormesis on the growth performance and intestinal structure and function of grass carp. At a dose of 20 ug/kg, the non-specific immune system and liver structure and function of grass carp showed obvious toxic damage.

Effects of high-level dietary distillers dried grains with solubles supplemented with multienzymes on growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, and pellet quality in broiler chickens.

With the increasing cost of bulk raw materials and advancements in the feed enzyme industry, corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) have shown more opportunities for use in broiler diets. Supplementation with multiple enzymes could mitigate anti-nutritional factors in DDGS, enhance nutrient digestibility, and thereby increase its utilization in broiler diets, leading to reduced feed costs. This study evaluated the effects of multienzyme supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, and pellet quality in broiler chickens fed diets containing conventional levels of DDGS (C-DDGS) and higher levels of DDGS (H-DDGS). A total of 800 1-day-old Cobb 500 chicks was assigned to four dietary treatments with eight replicates of 25 birds each: C-DDGS (5% DDGS in Starter and 10% in Grower), C-DDGS + Enzyme (C-DDGS diet supplemented with multienzyme), H-DDGS (10% and 20%) + Enzyme (H-DDGS diet supplemented with multienzyme, 10% DDGS in Starter and 20% in Grower), and H-DDGS (15% and 30%) + Enzyme. The C-DDGS + enzyme diet increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), reduced the feed conversion ratio, enhanced (p < 0.05) digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and hemicellulose (HC), and improved (p < 0.05) intestinal villus height and villus: crypt ratio of broilers. The H-DDGS (10% and 20%) + enzyme diet exhibited no difference in (p > 0.05) growth performance, nutrient digestibility (except HC), and intestinal morphological parameters, whereas the H-DDGS (15% and 30%) + enzyme diet decreased (p < 0.05) feed intake and BWG and reduced (p < 0.05) energy and DM digestibility by impact (p < 0.05) intestinal morphology compared with the C-DDGS enzyme-free diet. The H-DDGS diet had lower (p < 0.05) pellet hardness and poorer durability than the C-DDGS diet. Supplementing multienzyme in the C-DDGS (5% and 10%) diet improved growth performance from day 0 to 28 and diminished growth performance in the H-DDGS (15% and 30%) diet by influencing intestinal morphology and feed pellet quality in broiler chickens. In addition, when supplemented with multienzyme, the dietary DDGS level can be safely included at levels of 10% in 0-7 days and 20% in 8-28 days of age.

Yeast mixture supplementation modulates faecal microbiota and ileum morphology of weaning pigs

Different yeast strains benefit postweaning piglets by promoting intestinal health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a yeast mixture containing Kluyveromyces marxianus fragilis, Pichia guilliermondii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Vetoquinol italia s.r.l., Italy) on gut health parameters and growth performance traits of weaned piglets. Forty-eight postweaning castrated male piglets (27 ± 1.7 days, 7.19 ± 0.54 kg) were randomly allocated to two homogeneous experimental groups and involved in a 28-day trial. Both the groups received a basal diet with (yeast mixture, YM) or without (control, CTR) the inclusion of 0.8% yeast mixture during weeks 1 and 2, and 0.6% during weeks 3 and 4. Individual BW and box feed intake were determined on days 0, 14, and 28, and average daily gain and Gain:Feed ratio were subsequently calculated for each administration period (0–14, 14–28). Individual faecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis on days 4, 14, 21, and 28, and faecal score was evaluated on the same days. At the end of the trial, 12 piglets for each group were sacrificed, and ileal tissue was sampled for morphological analysis and the evaluation of mucins profile, using Alcian-Blue/Periodic Acid-Shiff (PAS) staining. On ileum samples, dividing and differentiated epithelial cells were also identified using proliferating cell nuclear antigen and alkaline phosphatase expression, respectively. Differences in the means between the experimental groups were determined by ANOVA, while the metataxonomics analyses were performed by sequencing for V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Growth performance traits were not different among the two experimental groups when considering the whole trial period, while treated animals showed increased faecal consistency on weeks 1 and 4 (P = 0.036 and 0.021, respectively). Yeast mixture administration increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium (P = 0.006) and Coprococcus 2 (P = 0.015), and decreased Clostridium Sensu Stricto 1 (P = 0.019) at all the considered timepoints. Ileum villous height, villous width, and crypt depth were significantly increased by yeast mixture supplementation (P = 0.019; P = 0.013; P = 0.036, respectively), while no differences were observed for the villous:crypt ratio among the groups. The mucin profile showed no differences among experimental groups for acid and neutral glycoconjugates. However, a higher presence of PAS-positive mucins was highlighted in the villi of YM piglets (P < 0.001) compared to CTR. Overall, the administration of a yeast mixture to postweaning piglets showed positive effects on gut health when compared to piglets not receiving the tested product, improving beneficial genera and intestinal morphology.

Effect of Two Forms of Tenofovir on Duodenal Enterocytes - a Hypothesis for Different Effect of TDF and TAF on Body Weight and Plasma Lipids.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) compared to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) leads to lower body weight and plasma lipids by an unknown mechanism. We hypothesize that TDF, when absorbed, may damage enterocytes of the proximal duodenum, leading to reduced absorption of nutrients. People living with HIV, without significant gastrointestinal symptoms, receiving TDF (n=12) or TAF (n=12) containing regimen underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopies with duodenal biopsies. Plasma/serum concentrations of nutrients absorbed from proximal duodenum and serum intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein (I-FABP), a marker of enterocyte damage, were measured. COX/SDH histochemical staining and electron microscopy (EM) were conducted to evaluate mitochondria. Five patients in TDF (celiac disease (excluded from further analyses), helicobacter gastritis, and three esophagitis) and two in TAF group (two esophagitis) had a pathological finding in esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Villi were flatter (337 (59) vs. 397 (42) μm, p=0.016), crypts non-significantly deeper (200 (46) vs. 176 (27) μm, p=0.2), and villus to crypt ratio lower (1.5 (0.42) vs. 2.5 (0.51), p=0.009) in TDF vs. TAF group. I-FABP concentration was higher in TDF vs. TAF group (3.0 (1.07) vs. 1.8 (0.53) ng/ml, p=0.003). TDF group had numerically but not statistically significantly lower concentrations of folate, vitamins A, B1, D, and E. COX/SDH staining showed signs of mitochondrial damage in 10 participants in TDF and 11 in TAF group. EM studies showed similar mitochondrial damage in both groups. Duodenal villous alterations may explain TDF-associated decrease in body weight and plasma lipids. Larger studies are needed to evaluate concentrations of nutrients absorbed from duodenum among TDF users.

Dexmedetomidine preconditioning reduces ischaemia-reperfusion injury in equine model of large colon volvulus.

Large colon volvulus is a cause of colic in horses with high morbidity and mortality when not promptly treated. More treatment options are needed to improve the outcome of these cases by protecting against the damage caused by ischaemia and reperfusion injury. To determine the effect of preconditioning with dexmedetomidine prior to induction of ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in a large colon volvulus model in the horse. Randomised blinded in vivo experiments. Horses received either a dexmedetomidine (DEX) or saline (CON) constant rate infusion (CRI) immediately following induction of anaesthesia. Venous, arterial, and transmural occlusion of a section of the large colon was performed for 3 h, after which the ligatures and clamps were removed to allow for reperfusion for 3 h. Biopsies of the large colon were taken at baseline, 1 and 3 h of ischaemia, and at 1 and 3 h of reperfusion. The severity of crypt epithelial loss (DEX = 2.1 [0.8-2.8], CON = 3.1 [2.5-4], p = 0.03) and mucosal haemorrhage was decreased (DEX = 2.1 [1.3-3], CON = 3.5 [2.5-4], p = 0.03) in group DEX compared to group CON when graded on a scale of 0-4. Crypt length remained longer (DEX = 369.5 ± 91.7 μm, CON = 238.5 ± 72.6 μm, p = 0.02) and interstitium to crypt (I:C) ratio remained lower (DEX = 1.4 (1-1.7), CON = 2.6 [1.8-5.9], p = 0.03) in group DEX compared to group CON during reperfusion. Clinical applicability of pharmacologic preconditioning is limited. Preconditioning with a dexmedetomidine CRI prior to IR injury demonstrated a protective effect histologically on the large colon in the horse. Further investigation into postconditioning with dexmedetomidine is warranted as a possible intervention in colic cases suspected of being large colon volvulus.

169 The impact of corn-based fiber on intestinal morphology and disaccharidase activity in growing pigs

Abstract Dietary changes can modify gastrointestinal architecture and function; thus, our experimental objective was to evaluate how different insoluble corn-based fiber sources (CBF) impact intestinal morphology and brush-border disaccharidases. Two replicates of 28 gilts [26.7 ± 2.5 kg body weight (BW); PIC800 x Camborough; n = 56], were randomly assigned to one of 7 semi-synthetic diets, including a control (CTL) diet with a formulated total dietary fiber (TDF) value of &amp;lt; 1% and 6 diets with a CBF replacing 30% of the corn starch in CTL: dehulled degermed corn (DHDG; TDF = 1.09%), ground corn (COR; TDF = 3.24%), high protein dried distillers grains (HP; TDF = 8.79%), dried distiller’s grains (DDGS; TDF = 9.35%), corn gluten meal (CGM; TDF = 9.88%), and corn bran (BRN; TDF = 13.15%). Pigs were individually housed, and limit-fed 2.4 times maintenance. On d 31, pigs were necropsied, and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon tissue were collected for histological analysis. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model with treatment as a fixed effect, replicate as a random slope or fixed effect, where appropriate, using the mixed procedure of SAS. In the duodenum, DHDG, COR, and CGM had the least (P = 0.04) levels of maltase production. Duodenal sucrase production was least in BRN and HP, and DHDG had the greatest (P = 0.04). Duodenal villi height was shortest (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in CTL and BRN compared with HP, DDGS, and CGM, which had the tallest (P &amp;lt; 0.01; Table). Similarly, CTL and BRN had the shallowest duodenal crypt depth (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and tended (P = 0.08) to have a lesser duodenal villus:crypt ratio compared with the other treatments. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) among treatments for ileal sucrase or lactase production, but maltase production was greatest in CTL, DDGS, and CGM (P = 0.03). Relative to CTL and BRN, gilts fed HP, DDGS, and CGM, had the tallest (P = 0.01) villus height in the ileum. However, neither ileal villi:crypt ratio nor crypt depth differed (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Cecal crypt depth for BRN increased 32% compared with CTL (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Cecal crypt width was narrowest (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in CTL and DHDG and widest in HP, DDGS, CGM, and CB (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Colon crypt width was narrowest (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in CTL and DHDG and widest in DDGS, CGM, and CB (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Collectively, these data demonstrate that different fiber types have a significant impact on intestinal morphology and disaccharidase production in the growing pig.

90 Evaluating water- and feed-based arginine supplementation on newly weaned pig growth and gastrointestinal health

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to assess the influence of arginine (Arg) supplementation in water and/or feed on the growth performance and gastrointestinal health of newly weaned pigs. Pigs (n = 240; PIC 337 Χ 1050, Genus, Henderson, TN) were randomly allocated into 80 mixed-sex test pens and subjected to a 2 Χ 4 factorial design, with two levels of Arg supplementation in water (0% or 8% stock, dosed through a 1:128 proportioner) for the first phase (d 0-7), and four dietary arginine levels (0.85, 0.95, 1.05, and 1.15 standardized ileal digestible (SID) Arg to Lysine (Lys) ratios for the first two phases (d 0-7 and 7-21). All treatments were provided a common diet (0.96 SID Arg:Lys) for the last phase d 21- 42. One pig per pen underwent a dual sugar absorption test of lactulose at 500 mg/kg and mannitol at 50 mg/kg of body weight (BW) via gastric tube on d 7 and 21, with blood plasma collected 4 h post-administration. The pig tested on d 7 was subsequently euthanized for intestinal tissue collection. Pen growth performance and feed disappearance were evaluated for 3 phases; d 0-7, 7-21, and 21-42. The statistical analysis utilized generalized linear mixed model methods (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC) with the main effects of SID Arg:Lys in the feed and Arg level within the water, and the interaction between the two. Pen was the experimental unit. Orthogonal contrasts were tested for the linear and quadratic effects of the diet. Growth performance during the 1st period exhibited variability, reflected by negative gain to feed ratio (G:F), caused by health challenges of Rotavirus A. Consequently, data were analyzed separately for each phase. Increasing dietary SID Arg:Lys caused a significant linear effect (improvement; P = 0.04) on final BW (18.47 and 21.90 kg, for 0.85 and 1.15 SID Arg:Lys, respectively). However, discernible differences between dietary treatments were not observed (P &amp;gt; 0.1). Similarly, a trend (P = 0.09) suggested a linear impact of dietary SID Arg:Lys on average daily gain during the third phase (d 21-42). In terms of intestinal absorption and morphology, Arg supplementation, whether through water or diet, had no effect on lactulose and mannitol absorption on both d 7 and d 21, nor did it impact villous height, crypt depth, or the villi:crypt ratio in ileum tissues collected on d 7 post-weaning. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Arg increased final BW but had no clear impacts on intestinal health within the variables measured, potentially impacted by the rotavirus diagnosis in the first week post wean.

Duodenal quantitative mucosal morphometry in children with environmental enteric dysfunction: a cross-sectional multicountry analysis

BackgroundEnvironmental enteric dysfunction (EED), a chronic inflammatory condition of the small intestine, is an important driver of childhood malnutrition globally. Quantifying intestinal morphology in EED allows for exploration of its association with functional and disease outcomes. ObjectivesWe sought to define morphometric characteristics of childhood EED and determine whether morphology features were associated with disease pathophysiology. MethodsMorphometric measurements and histology were assessed on duodenal biopsy slides for this cross-sectional study from children with EED in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Zambia (n = 69), and those with no pathologic abnormality (NPA; n = 8) or celiac disease (n = 18) in North America. Immunohistochemistry was also conducted on 46, 8, and 18 biopsy slides, respectively. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to reveal morphometric differences between EED compared with NPA or celiac disease and identify associations between morphometry and histology or immunohistochemistry among children with EED. ResultsIn duodenal biopsies, median EED villus height (248 μm), crypt depth (299 μm), and villus:crypt (V:C) ratio (0.9) values ranged between those of NPA (396 μm villus height; 246 μm crypt depth; 1.6 V:C ratio) and celiac disease (208 μm villus height; 365 μm crypt depth; 0.5 V:C ratio). Among EED biopsy slides, morphometric assessments were not associated with histologic parameters or immunohistochemical markers, other than pathologist-determined subjective semiquantitative villus architecture. ConclusionsMorphometric analysis of duodenal biopsy slides across geographies identified morphologic features of EED, specifically short villi, elongated crypts, and a smaller V:C ratio relative to NPA slides, although not as severe as in celiac slides. Morphometry did not explain other EED features, suggesting that EED histopathologic processes may be operating independently of morphology. Although acknowledging the challenges with obtaining relevant tissue, these data form the basis for further assessments of the role of morphometry in EED.

Using probiotics to improve nutrient digestibility and gut-health of weaned pigs: a comparison of maternal and nursery supplementation strategies.

Maternal probiotic supplementation has been found to have a positive impact on the gut health of piglets, not only during the lactation period, but also after weaning. Providing probiotics to nursery pigs is also a common strategy for supplementation. The goal of this study was to evaluate which would be the most effective strategy to improve nutrient digestibility, energy metabolism, and intestinal health in weaned pigs considering the maternal or nursery options. A total of 32 newly weaned pigs were randomly split into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement considering maternal probiotic supplementation (with or without) in gestation-lactation and probiotic supplementation in the nursery period (with or without). After weaning, experimental diets were provided for 22 days. Total fecal and urine collection was performed from day 15 to 21. Blood samples were collected from all pigs on days 3 and 22 of the experiment to assess serum biochemistry and intestinal permeability. All pigs were euthanized on day 22 for intestinal tissue collection. Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had greater (p < 0.05) total tract digestibility of dry matter (+1%) and gross energy (+1.3%), and greater (p < 0.05) metabolizable energy coefficient (+1.3%), which resulted in a 46 kcal/kg increase (p < 0.05) in the metabolizable energy content of the diet. Nitrogen intake (p = 0.035), uptake (p = 0.007), and retention (p = 0.012) were all increased in these pigs. Fecal moisture was reduced in pigs born from probiotic-fed sows and pigs fed the probiotic diet only in the nursery (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had reduced intestinal permeability by 16% (p < 0.05), whereas pigs fed the probiotic diet in the nursery only tended to improve this response (p < 0.10). The villus:crypt ratio of pigs born from probiotic-fed sows was greater compared to the control (p < 0.05), while serum levels of alanine aminotransferase were lower (p < 0.05). Pigs born from probiotic-fed sows had increased nutrient digestibility and improved gut health. Therefore, it is concluded that supplementing the sow diets with probiotics rather than just providing diets in the nursery phase is an advantageous strategy.

Feed supplementation with Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 optimises intestinal morphology and gut microbiota composition in weaned piglets.

Post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets remains an important cause of economic losses for swine producers. Feed supplementation with probiotics is one of the alternatives to antibiotics used to reduce the impact of such gastrointestinal disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 supplementation on the intestinal structure and the gut microbiota composition of weaned piglets. Safety and tolerance of L. salivarius PS21603 were previously evaluated in a 28-days study using 384 weaned piglets (28± 2 days old and 7.5± 1.5kg) divided in three treatment groups: T1: Basal diet+ L. salivarius PS21603 109 cfu/day, T2: Basal diet+ L. salivarius PS21603 107 cfu/day, and T3: Basal diet (control group). For the present study, 16 piglets per treatment group were randomly selected and faecal samples were collected on day 0 (weaning) and 28 of study. At the end of study, three males and three females per treatment were euthanised. Intestinal morphometric values were measured after necropsy. Faecal counts of Escherichia coli were evaluated by culture techniques, and faecal microbiota composition was assessed by high-throughput sequencing. All data were analysed and compared between treatment groups. Supplementation with L. salivarius PS21603 caused an increase in the intestine length of piglets from T1 and in the villous height:crypt ratio of piglets from T2 (P< 0.05) compared to T3 on day 28. According to the Shannon Diversity Index, microbiota diversity increased on day 28 compared to day 0, with no significant differences observed between treatments. The main changes in the relative abundance of bacteria at the phylum, family, and genus levels were observed between different sampling time points. However, piglets from T1 and T2 had lower faecal E. coli counts than T3 on day 28 (P< 0.05). Moreover, supplementation with L. salivarius PS21603 modulated gut microbiota through a more optimal composition, reducing Escherichia and increasing Bifidobacterium relative abundance in piglets from T1 (P< 0.05) from the beginning to the end of the study. Therefore, the strain L. salivarius PS21603 has shown probiotic properties to be used as feed additive in the pig industry, along with good hygiene and farm management practices, for the prevention and/or treatment of post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets.

Citric Acid Promotes Immune Function by Modulating the Intestinal Barrier.

Amidst increasing concern about antibiotic resistance resulting from the overuse of antibiotics, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative agents. One such agent is citric acid, an organic compound commonly used for various applications. Our research findings indicate that the inclusion of citric acid can have several beneficial effects on the tight junctions found in the mouse intestine. Firstly, the study suggests that citric acid may contribute to weight gain by stimulating the growth of intestinal epithelial cells (IE-6). Citric acid enhances the small intestinal villus-crypt ratio in mice, thereby promoting intestinal structural morphology. Additionally, citric acid has been found to increase the population of beneficial intestinal microorganisms, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. It also promotes the expression of important protein genes such as occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1, which play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity of the tight junction barrier in the intestines. Furthermore, in infected IEC-6 cells with H9N2 avian influenza virus, citric acid augmented the expression of genes closely associated with the influenza virus infection. Moreover, it reduces the inflammatory response caused by the viral infection and thwarted influenza virus replication. These findings suggest that citric acid fortifies the intestinal tight junction barrier, inhibits the replication of influenza viruses targeting the intestinal tract, and boosts intestinal immune function.

Sodium butyrate administration improves intestinal development of suckling lambs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions, and intestinal bacterial communities in sucking lambs. Forty lambs of 7 d old, with an average body weight (BW) of 4.46 ± 0.45kg, were allocated into the control (CON) or SB group, with each group having five replicate pens (n = 5). Lambs were orally administered SB at 1.8mL/kg BW in the SB group or the same volume of saline in the CON group. Treatments were administered from 7 to 35 d of age, when one lamb from each replicate was slaughtered to obtain intestinal tissues and contents. The results showed that supplementation with SB tended to increase the BW (P = 0.079) and the starter intake (P = 0.089) of lambs at 35 d of age. The average daily gain of lambs in the SB group was significantly greater than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). The villus height of jejunum in the SB group was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CON group. In ileum, lambs in the SB group had lower (P < 0.05) crypt depth and greater (P < 0.05) villus-to-crypt ratio than those in the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin were increased (P < 0.05) in the SB group. Supplementation with SB decreased the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridia_UCG-014 (P = 0.094) and Romboutsia (P < 0.05), which were negatively associated with the intestinal barrier function genes (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum (P < 0.05) was higher in the SB group, and it was positively correlated with the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the function "Metabolism of Cofactors and Vitamins" was increased in the SB group lambs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, SB orally administration during suckling period could improve the small intestine development and growth performance of lambs by inhibiting the harmful bacteria (Clostridia_UCG-014, Romboutsia) colonization, and enhancing intestinal barrier functions.

Effects of betaine on growth performance and intestinal health of rabbits fed different digestible energy diets.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of betaine on growth performance and intestinal health in rabbits fed diets with different levels of digestible energy. During a 36-d experiment, a total of 144 healthy 35-d-old weaned New Zealand white rabbits with a similar initial body weight (771.05 ± 41.79g) were randomly distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Experimental treatments consisted of two levels of digestible energy (normal: 10.20 and low: 9.60MJ/kg) and three levels of betaine (0, 500, and 1,000mg/kg). Results indicated that rabbits fed the diet with low digestible energy (LDE) had reduced body gain/feed intake on days 1 to 14 and 1 to 36 (P < 0.05), increased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and n-free extract, and decreased the ATTD of gross energy (GE), crude fiber, and organic matter (OM; P < 0.05). The LDE diet upregulated the gene abundance levels of duodenum junctional adhesion molecule-3 (JAM-3) and downregulated the ileum toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, and interleukin-6 (IL-6; P < 0.05). Activities of amylase, lipase, trypsin, and the immunoglobulin M content in the jejunum were decreased in the LDE treatment group (P < 0.05). Dietary betaine supplementation increased the ATTD of GE, dry matter (DM), ADF, and n-free extract by LDE (P < 0.05). The villus height, crypt depth, and goblet cell numbers were decreased, and the villus-crypt ratio was increased in the duodenum (P < 0.05). The gene abundance levels of duodenum IL-2 were downregulated, and the duodenum JAM-2 and JAM-3 were upregulated (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of betaine to the LDE diet increased the ATTD of GE, DM, and OM in rabbits (P < 0.05). Gene abundance levels of ileum IL-6 and duodenum JAM-3 were upregulated (P < 0.05). In summary, LDE diets can reduce the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and decrease the ATTD of nutrients. However, the addition of betaine to LDE diets improved the intestinal barrier structure and nutrient ATTD in rabbits, with better results when betaine was added at an additive level of 500mg/kg.

Effects of LED Light Colors on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acid Concentrations and Microbiota in Broilers

This study aimed to explore the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) light colors on growth, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in broilers. A total of 360 healthy male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers with similar weights were selected and divided into four groups with six replicates in each group and 15 broilers in each replicate: LED white light (W), LED green light (G), LED blue light (B), and LED blue–green composite light (BG). The experimental period was 42 d, the light cycle of each treatment group was 23L:1D (23 h of light, one hour of darkness) from 1 to 3 d, and the light cycle from 4 to 42 d was 16L:8D; light intensity was 20 Lux. The results showed that the average daily feed intake and final weight of broilers receiving the B group were the highest in 21 d and 42 d compared with other groups. The average daily feed intake of the BG group was lower than that of the B group. In the same light color, small intestine villus height grows with age. On days 21 and 42, compared with other groups, the ileal villus height was higher, the crypt depth was lower, and the V/C ratio (villus to crypt ratio) was higher in the BG group. The combination of blue–green composite light was beneficial to increase the content of propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate in the cecum of 21-day-old broilers and the content of isobutyrate in the cecum of 42-day-old broilers, and a decrease in cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations with age. The B group and the BG group had higher abundances of Bacteroidetes at day 21 of age and lower abundances of Phascolarctobacterium at day 42. However, no cecal microbiota differences were detected by the Bonferroni-corrected test. In general, our research results showed that light color could promote the growth of broilers by affecting intestinal morphology, microbiota abundance (needs to be validated by further experiments), and cecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations. And blue and blue–green composite lights are more suitable for broiler growth.

PSI-20 Effects of Prebiotic Galactooligosaccharide (Gos) on Piglet Growth and Jejunal Morphology During the Peri-Weaning Period

Abstract Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is a specific prebiotic that is enzymatically synthesized from lactose to form beta-linked oligosaccharides containing 2-8 galactose units. In this study, GOS-enriched whey permeate (Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie MN) was supplemented to piglets in lactation and nursery phases. To maximize pre-weaning GOS intake, novel gruel creep feeders were utilized. Using a 3x2 factorial design, piglets from 24 litters received either no creep feed (NC), creep without GOS (CG-) or creep with 5% GOS (CG+) followed by a phase 1 nursery diet without (NG-) or with 3.8% GOS (NG+). After 1 week, pigs were fed common phase 2 and phase 3 diets. At d 22 (pre-weaning) and d 31 (post-weaning), 6 pigs per treatment were euthanized for intestinal measurements. Pre-weaning, creep fed pigs grew 19% faster than controls (P &amp;lt; 0.01) but GOS effects were not detected (P &amp;gt; 0.1). In contrast, pigs fed GOS in phase 1 grew 34 % faster than controls (P &amp;lt; 0.04), irrespective of creep treatment (interaction P &amp;gt; 0.1), and with corresponding greater intakes (P &amp;lt; 0.06). These GOS effects were sustained for overall nursery performance. Furthermore, overall ADG of CG+ piglets in the nursery tended to be greatest (P = 0.09), gaining 361g/d, followed by NC (324 g/d) and CG- (310 g/d) treatments (Table 1). No effects on jejunal morphology were detected at d 22, although there was an effect of age with decreased villi length, villus area, villi:crypt ratio and increased crypt depth at d 31 (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Supplementation of GOS in phase 1 increased villus length (36%) and area (51%) but only in pigs previously fed the control creep (CG-) diet (interaction, P &amp;lt; 0.01). Treatment effects on cecal pH and VFA concentrations were not detected, although there was an effect of age with a decrease in pH (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and increase in propionate and butyrate concentrations post-weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.01). We conclude that gruel creep feeding increases weight gain regardless of GOS treatment and that nursery growth and intestinal morphology are improved by post-weaning GOS supplementation. Funded in part by Milk Specialties Global, USDA-NIFA 2022-67015-37125 and Hatch 1016618.

Research Note: Effect of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and specific cecal bacteria in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic effect of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) supplemented in a corn-soybean meal (SBM) based conventional diet on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and quantification of specific bacteria in the ceca of broilers. A total of 240 d of hatch Cobb 500 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (corn-SBM-based control diet) containing 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% XOS. The broilers were raised for 21 d in 6 replicate cages, each containing 10 birds. Growth performance parameters were obtained weekly. Additionally, small intestinal tissues were collected to evaluate histomorphometry and whole ceca were collected to quantify bacterial populations on D21. The results showed that inclusion of XOS has similar body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as the control group during the 21-day study. The results further indicate a tendency for the jejunum villus to crypt ratio (VH:CD) to increase in birds given 0.05 and 0.2% XOS (P=0.08). Cecal bacteria quantification showed a linear increase in Bifidobacterium with increasing XOS levels (P < 0.0001) and a decrease Clostridium perfringens levels compared to birds fed the control diet (P < 0.0001). However, there were no differences in the total counts of Lactobacillus and E. coli. Together these results showed that while there were no differences in growth parameters up to 21 d, the histomorphology findings and the increase in Bifidobacterium, along with the reduction in C. perfringens observed in the XOS groups, suggest a beneficial impact of XOS inclusion on gut health. Further research with longer feeding periods and higher XOS levels should be conducted to explore potential positive effects on both growth and gut health parameters.

Dietary citric acid improves phosphorus and calcium availability and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Citric acid is an organic acid, which has been used as a feed additive because it has a reasonable cost, pleasant taste, and fast assimilation, showing positive effects on the growth and health of some livestock and aquatic species. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increased levels of citric acid (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg) in an isonitrogenous (280.00 g/kg of digestible protein) and isoenergetic diet (12.98 MJ/kg of digestible energy) on growth performance, body composition, apparent digestibility of nutrients and minerals, hematology, pH in stomach and intestine, and intestinal histomorphometry of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish (n = 200, initial average weight of 14.59 ± 0.81 g) were randomly distributed in 25 experimental tanks (five replicates per treatment) and fed experimental diets over a 40-day period. Increasing levels of citric acid supplementation resulted in a decrease in the pH of the experimental diets (P = 0.021). However, no significant differences in pH levels were observed in the stomach and intestine among the treatments (P > 0.05). Citric acid supplementation did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the growth performance variables, body composition, or the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein, gross energy, ether extract, and ash of the diets. Fish fed diets with 10 and 30 g/kg citric acid exhibited higher values for total leukocytes (P = 0.043) and total plasma protein (P = 0.019) compared to the control group. Diets supplemented with 20 g/kg citric acid showed a higher ADC value for phosphorus (P = 0.027) and calcium (P = 0.032) compared to the control. Additionally, fish fed with diets containing 20 g/kg citric acid demonstrated higher values for villus height (P = 0.002) and width (P = 0.048), crypt depth (P = 0.035), and villus: crypt ratio (P = 0.014) compared to the control group. In conclusion, the supplementation of 20 g/kg citric acid improved the availability of phosphorus and calcium and positively influenced the intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia juveniles.

Effect of mannan-rich fractions and a mixture of sodium butyrate and zinc proteinate on performance, intestinal morphometry, and gene expression in broilers

This study evaluated the effects of isolated or combined prebiotics blended with sodium butyrate and zinc proteinate on performance, intestinal morphometry, and expression of genes associated with nutrient transport and immune response in broilers. 1,400 birds were randomly assigned to 5 treatments (Negative control (NC) without antibiotic; Positive control (PC) with antibiotic; Prebiotic (Prebio) composed of mannan fractions; Blend, composed of sodium butyrate, hydrolysed yeast cell wall and zinc proteinate; and the combination Prebio + Blend), with eight replications and 35 birds per experimental unit. The PC led to higher weight gain (WG) and lowered feed conversion (FCR) from 1 to 7 days of life than the other treatments. The use of prebio and blend resulted in high WG from 22 to 42 days (1773; 1768.9 g, respectively). However, the combination of prebio + blend was similar to PC and NC treatments. The additives resulted in longer duodenal villi when administered alone and in ileal villi (p = 0.001) combined, with no effect on jejunal villi. Crypt depth and duodenal villus: crypt ratio was higher for both additives types. A significant difference among treatments in the expression of the sodium-dependent glucose transporter gene (SGLT1) was noted, with greater expression in birds that received NC. There was higher expression of the neutral and cationic amino acid transporter gene (y + LAT-2) with the prebio and blend, either alone or in combination. The prebio blend with sodium butyrate and zinc proteinate additives used separately in broiler diets supported beneficial changes in intestinal morphometry, nutrient absorption, and performance, indicating their value in antibiotic-free broiler production systems.

Celiac Disease in Children: A 2023 Update.

Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy, which occurs in genetically predisposed individuals by the ingestion of gluten proteins present in wheat, barley and rye. The global pooled prevalence of CeD is 0.7% and it has been reported from nations all around the globe and can affect individuals of any age. It has a wide clinical spectrum ranging from being asymptomatic to being symptomatic with severe manifestations. Though initial descriptions of CeD focused on the classical presentation with gastrointestinal manifestations, in recent years it has been found that more patients have non-classical manifestations such as anemia, osteoporosis, increased transaminases, failure to thrive or short stature.The definitive diagnosis of CeD is based on a combination of clinical history, serologic testing with/without examination of duodenal biopsies. The preferred initial serologic test regardless of age for the detection of CeD is the tissue transglutaminase (IgA anti-tTG). Children with a high tTG-IgA (≥10 ULN) AND a positive anti-endomysial IgA antibody (EMA) can be diagnosed to have CeD without the need for duodenal biopsies. The rest should undergo biopsies with at least 4 biopsies from the distal duodenum and at least 1 from the bulb. A correctly orientated biopsy showing increased intraepithelial cells and a villous to crypt ratio of <2 is suggestive of CeD. The management of CeD is a lifelong complete dietary avoidance of gluten. IgA-TGA acts as a surrogate marker for healing of the small-bowel mucosa and should be performed every 6 mo until normalization and then every 12-24 mo thereafter.