Diet Group Research Articles

Dietary high plant protein and high lipid impaired the intestine health of grouper by disrupting oxidative stress, immune response, and protein metabolism

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of high lipid (HL) and high plant-protein (HP) diets on gut health in pearl gentian grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♂ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♀. Thus, grouper were randomly distributed into 12 plastic tanks, which were randomly assigned to four diet groups: control (C, 9.48 % lipid, 46.21 % protein), high lipid (HL, 16.70 % lipid, 46.37 % protein), high plant-protein (HP, 9.38 % lipid, 46.50 % protein), high lipid and high plant-protein (HLP, 16.67 % lipid, 46.54 % protein). After an 8-week feeding trial, the HL and HP treatments led to impaired growth performance, compromised gut structure, suppressed immune components, reduced antioxidant defense through the Keap/Nrf2 signaling, and inhibited protein metabolism via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Notably, their combined effects (HLP) further exacerbated it. A significant decrease in the proportion of unclassified_Peptostreptococcaceae, Clostridium, and Curvibacter in all treatment groups. The Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Bosea were influenced by the interaction between dietary lipids and plant proteins. 14 metabolites that exhibited significant differences among all treatment groups, including arginine, prostaglandin B1, cortexolone, alpha-linolenic acid, and allocholic acid. The HL treatment primarily affected pathways related to lipid metabolism and immunomodulation, while the HP treatment predominantly influenced pathways associated with protein metabolism and immunomodulation. Our findings also indicated that the HP factor played a more prominent role in shaping the metabolic response of fish to the HLP intervention. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the Clostridium and the metabolites Cortexolone and Allocholic acid, while a negative correlation was observed between the Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus and these metabolites. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that excessive inclusion of plant proteins and/or lipids negatively affects gut health in grouper by disrupting oxidative stress, immune response, and protein metabolism through modulation of the gut microbial-metabolite crosstalk.

The relationship between the severity and complications of Henöch-Schönlein purpura in children and dietary inflammatory index: a retrospective cohort study.

To investigate the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and disease severity as well as complications in children diagnosed with Henöch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), shedding light on the potential influence of dietary factors on HSP. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling children aged 2-14 years diagnosed with HSP. Participants were divided into low and Pro-inflammatory dietary groups based on their DII scores. Biomarkers, nutrient intake, blood lipid profiles and disease complications were compared between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between DII and complications. A total of 115 patients, including 56 patients with anti-inflammatory dietary and 59 with pro-inflammatory dietary, were included. The pro-inflammatory dietary group demonstrated significantly elevated of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, eosinophils, IgE, consumption of total calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fat intake, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol, complications of renal, skin, gastrointestinal, coagulation and respiratory in comparison to the anti-inflammatory dietary group. DII was positively correlated with renal, skin, gastrointestinal, coagulation and respiratory complications. The study highlights the potential influence of dietary inflammatory potential, as quantified by the DII, on disease severity and complications in children with HSP. Understanding the interplay between dietary patterns and inflammatory responses in pediatric vasculitis has implications for the management of HSP, emphasizing the relevance of considering dietary interventions to optimize clinical outcomes and improve the overall well-being of affected children.

Effects of cassava root meal on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, organ and intestinal indices, and slaughter performance of yellow-feathered broiler chickens.

With the global population growth and shortage of food, the competition between humans and animal for food will become increasingly fierce. Therefore, the development of unconventional energy feed cassava feed is of great significance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cassava root meal (CRM) on the growth performance, apparent digestibility, and organ and intestinal indices of broiler chickens. A total of 140 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups [control diet (CT), 15% CRM (CRM15), 30% CRM (CRM30), and 45% CRM (CRM45)] with five replicates of seven birds per replicate. The results showed that the body weight of broiler chickens fed diets containing CRM were significantly lower than that in the CT group at 21 and 42days of age, the average daily gain and average daily feed intake in the CRM group were significantly lower than those in the CT group from 1 to 21days of age. However, from days 22 to 42, there were no significant differences between CRM15 and CT birds regarding average daily gain and average daily feed intake. but there was no difference in feed conversion rate between the CRM15 and CT groups. At 42days of age, there were no significant differences between CRM15 and CT birds in in body measurements, the slaughter performance and the percentage of semi-eviscerated yield. The addition of CRM reduced the proportion of breast and thigh muscles during the feeding period, although we detected no significant difference between CRM15 and CT regarding the apparent digestibility of nutrients. Collectively, our findings indicate that 15% cassava was the optimal proportion for supplementing diets for broiler chicken production.

Positive impact of indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit on high-fat diet-induced neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Indicaxanthin is a betalain that is abundant in Opuntia ficus-indica orange fruit and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, very little is known about the neuroprotective potential of indicaxanthin. This study investigated the impact of indicaxanthin on neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet in mice. The mice were divided into three groups according to different diets: the negative control group was fed a standard diet; the high-fat diet group was fed a high-fat diet; and the high-fat diet + indicaxanthin group was fed a high-fat diet and received indicaxanthin orally (0.86 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Brain apoptosis, redox status, inflammation, and the gut microbiota composition were compared among the different animal groups. The results demonstrated that indicaxanthin treatment reduced neuronal apoptosis by downregulating the expression of proapoptotic genes and increasing the expression of antiapoptotic genes. Indicaxanthin also markedly decreased the expression of neuroinflammatory proteins and genes and inhibited high-fat diet-induced neuronal oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels. In addition, indicaxanthin treatment improved the microflora composition by increasing the abundance of healthy bacterial genera, known as producers of short-chain fatty acids (Lachnospiraceae, Alloprovetella, and Lactobacillus), and by reducing bacteria related to unhealthy profiles (Blautia, Faecalibaculum, Romboutsia and Bilophila). In conclusion, indicaxanthin has a positive effect on high-fat diet-induced neuronal damage and on the gut microbiota composition in obese mice.

Evaluation of Exposure to Bisphenol A, Bisphenol F, and Phthalates in Patients with Phenylketonuria and Its Differences According to Dietary Status.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common amino acid metabolism disorder. Patients with blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels of ≥6 mg/dL require treatment, and the most definitive treatment is the Phe-restricted diet. Bisphenols and phthalates are widely used endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in personal care products, baby bottles, and food packaging. In this study, we evaluated the possible routes of exposure to these EDCs in patients diagnosed with PKU (n = 105, 2-6 years of age) and determined the relationship between the plasma levels of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), di-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and dietary regimens. Participant characteristics and exposure routes were evaluated according to their dietary treatment status. Thirty-four of these patients were on a Phe-restricted diet, while the remaining 71 had no dietary restrictions. DBP and DEHP levels were higher in those using plastic tablecloths (p = 0.049 and p = 0.04, respectively). In addition, plasma DBP levels were higher in those who used bottled water (p = 0.01). Being under 4 years of age, using plastic food containers, and using plastic shower curtains were characteristics associated with higher MEHP levels (p = 0.027, p = 0.019, and p = 0.014, respectively). After adjustment for baseline characteristics (Model 1), the odds of having a plasma BPA level in the upper tertile were 3.34 times higher in the free-diet group (95% CI = 1.09-10.25). When we additionally adjusted for plastic exposure (Model 2), the odds ratio was found to be 18.64 (95% CI = 2.09-166.42) for BPA. In the free-diet group, the probability of having plasma DEHP levels in the upper tertile was increased by a relative risk of 3.01 (p = 0.039, 95% CI = 1.06-8.60). Our results indicate that exposure to bisphenols and phthalates varies with dietary treatment. The difference in sources of exposure to EDCs between the diet and non-diet groups indicates that diet plays an important role in EDC exposure.

Dietary patterns among children and adolescents in Germany consuming vegetarian, vegan or omnivore diets: results of the VeChi Youth Study

PurposeTo identify dietary patterns of vegetarian, vegan and omnivore children and adolescents in Germany and to examine associations with nutrient intake.MethodsFirst, three principal component analyses based on 17–22 food groups were used to identify dietary patterns among vegetarians (n = 145, 3-day weighed dietary records), vegans (n = 110) and omnivores (n = 135) from the cross-sectional Vegetarian and Vegan Children and Youth (VeChi Youth) Study (2017–2019, 6–18 years, 57% girls). Secondly, these patterns were correlated (Spearman correlations) with energy and nutrient intakes.ResultsAmong vegetarians, 3 dietary patterns were identified (“Animal foods”, “Vegetables and fruits”, “Meat alternatives and potatoes”) accounting for 32.7% of the variance in food group intake. In the vegan group, 4 patterns were identified (“Vegetables and legumes”, “Refined carbohydrates”, “Meat alternatives and juices”, “Fruits and convenience foods”) accounting for 43.2% of the variance. Among omnivores, 5 (“Flexitarian”, “Vegetables and fruits”, “Dairy Products”, “meat and convenience foods”, “Refined grains and juices”) patterns accounting for 43.0% of the variance could be identified. Regardless of diet group, both more favorable dietary patterns (“Vegetables and fruits”, “Meat alternatives and potatoes”, “Vegetables and legumes”, “Fruits and convenience food”, “Flexitarian”) correlated with higher micronutrient density and less favorable dietary patterns (“Animal foods”, “Refined carbohydrates”, “Meat alternatives and juices”, “Dairy products”, “Meat and convenience food”, “Refined grains and juices”) with unfavorable nutrient profiles were found.ConclusionVarious dietary patterns exist within omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan diets of children and adolescents, which differ in their contribution to nutrient intake. It is therefore necessary to distinguish between different dietary patterns, also within the vegetarian and vegan diet.

Enhancement of Thermal Tolerance and Growth Performances of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Fed with Grape Extract Supplemented Feed.

Cold snaps during the winter present a critical challenge for Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Taiwan, as sudden temperature drops significantly affect their growth and survival. This study explores the effects of dietary grape extract (GE) from Vitis vinifera on the growth performance, oxidative stress regulation, and thermal tolerance of this commercially valuable fish. Over a 60-day feeding trial, four dietary groups were tested: a control diet without GE and three diets supplemented with GE at 2% (GE20), 3% (GE30), and 4% (GE40) with commercial feed. The results demonstrated that GE supplementation positively influenced growth, with the GE20 group achieving the best weight gain and feed conversion ratio among all groups. The upregulation of the growth-related gene igf-1 in the liver of the GE20 group further supported its superior growth performance. Additionally, GE-fed groups showed increased expression of antioxidant-related genes sod1 and sod2 in the liver, while gpx1 exhibited a significant increase only in the GE20 group, indicating enhanced antioxidant defenses. Cat gene expression remained unchanged, and higher GE doses reduced the expression of gpx1, cat, and igf-1. Furthermore, GE supplementation improved cold tolerance in all treated groups compared to the control. These findings suggest that dietary GE at 20 g/kg is particularly effective in enhancing growth performance and cold tolerance in Asian seabass, offering a promising strategy for boosting fish health and adaptability in aquaculture.

High-fat and High-sucrose Diet-induced Hypothalamic Inflammation Shows Sex Specific Features in Mice.

Hypothalamic inflammation underlies diet-induced obesity and diabetes in rodent models. While diet normalization largely allows for recovery from metabolic impairment, it remains unknown whether long-term hypothalamic inflammation induced by obesogenic diets is a reversible process. In this study, we aimed at determining sex specificity of hypothalamic neuroinflammation and gliosis in mice fed a fat- and sugar-rich diet, and their reversibility upon diet normalization. Mice were fed a 60%-fat diet complemented by a 20% sucrose drink (HFHSD) for 3 days or 24 weeks, followed by a third group that had their diet normalized for the last 8 weeks of the study (reverse diet group, RevD). We determined the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and of the inflammatory cell markers IBA1, CD68, GFAP and EMR1 in the hypothalamus, and analyzed morphology of microglia (IBA-1+ cells) and astrocytes (GFAP+ cells) in the arcuate nucleus. After 3 days of HFHSD feeding, male mice showed over-expression of IL-13, IL-18, IFN-γ, CD68 and EMR1 and reduced expression of IL-10, while females showed increased IL-6 and IBA1 and reduced IL-13, compared to controls. After 24 weeks of HFHSD exposure, male mice showed a general depression in the expression of cytokines, with prominent reduction of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-13, but increased TGF-β, while female mice showed over-expression of IFN-γ and IL-18. Furthermore, both female and male mice showed some degree of gliosis after HFHSD feeding for 24 weeks. In mice of both sexes, diet normalization after prolonged HFHSD feeding resulted in partial neuroinflammation recovery in the hypothalamus, but gliosis was only recovered in females. In sum, HFHSD-fed mice display sex-specific inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus that are not fully reversible after diet normalization.

Low-Fat Diet Alleviates Perimenopausal Symptoms by Reducing Methylation Levels of PDE4C and NPAS2 Genes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) significantly impacts the quality of life in women during the perimenopausal phase. Despite being the primary treatment, hormone replacement therapy has notable limitations. Consequently, dietary interventions, particularly low-fat diets, have garnered international attention as an alternative. Methods: The prospective Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, enrolled 62 perimenopausal women. Participants were divided into two groups: a low-fat diet group and a menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) group, with interventions lasting eight weeks. Both groups underwent assessments for perimenopausal symptoms, lipid profile, and oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), before and after the interventions. Additionally, DNA methylation levels of the PDE4C and NPAS2 genes were measured in 10 women from the low-fat diet group before and after the intervention. Results: Both the low-fat diet and hormone supplementation improved specific perimenopausal symptoms, reduced specific lipid levels, and had a positive effect on oxidative stress markers. The low-fat diet proved more effective than hormone replacement in improving the serum lipid profile and also resulted in reductions in methylation at specific sites of the PDE4C and NPAS2 genes. Conclusions: A low-fat diet may alleviate perimenopausal symptoms, lower lipid levels, and alter gene methylation sites. Clinical Trial Registration: The study has been registered on https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (registration number: ChiCTR2400084007).

Multicenter, open label, randomized controlled superiority trial for availability to reduce nocturnal urination frequency: The TOP-STAR study.

Nocturia impairs the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as tofogliflozin increase urine volume, their impact on nocturia, in conjunction with dietary salt restriction, is less clear. This multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel-group trial included 80 subjects with type 2 diabetes and nocturia. The patients were divided into two groups: one receiving tofogliflozin, the shortest half-life, without salt restriction, and the other receiving both tofogliflozin and dietary salt restriction. The primary endpoint was nocturia frequency at 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes included changes in daytime urination frequency, urine volume, and home blood pressure. At 12 weeks, there were no significant differences in nocturia changes between both groups. Nocturia frequency did not change in the tofogliflozin without salt restriction group from 1.5 ± 0.8 to 1.3 ± 1.1 times per night (P = 0.297), and significantly decreased from 1.6 ± 1.0 to 1.3 ± 0.7 times per night in the tofogliflozin and dietary salt restriction group (P = 0.049). There was a trend toward increased urine volume and frequency during the daytime in the group with salt restriction, indicating a time-shift effect of the short half-life tofogliflozin and salt restriction on urinary time. The frequency of nocturia after tofogliflozin did not increase. Tofogliflozin reduced nocturia when combined with salt restriction. Furthermore, daytime urine volume and frequency showed an increasing trend, suggesting a shift in urine production to daytime hours due to the short half-life of tofogliflozin. Dietary modifications can enhance the therapeutic benefits of tofogliflozin in managing nocturia in people with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots on Growth Performance and Gut Health in Broilers.

This study aims to investigate the effect of different levels of zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs) on the growth performance and gut health in broilers. A total of 1125 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into five groups with 15 replicates of 15 chicks each. The broilers were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 40, 80, 120, or 160mg Zn/kg as ZnO-QDs for 6weeks. The results showed that dietary 80 and 120mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (1.4-1.7%) and reduced feed conversion ratio (1.3%) compared to the basal diet group during various experimental periods. Meanwhile, 80mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation increased (P < 0.05) trypsin activity (25.4%), villus height, and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum. Moreover, 80mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the activities of glutathione reductase (47.7%) and superoxide dismutase (30.9%), while 120mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase activity (27.1%) in the jejunum. Furthermore, 40mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation down-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes; interleukin-2, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Cathelicidin-1, Cathelicidin-2, Cathelicidin-3, and Occludin, while 80-160mg Zn/kg ZnO-QD supplementation up-regulated (P < 0.05) Claudin-2 expression in the jejunum. In conclusion, dietary ZnO-QD supplementation improved growth performance of broilers potentially by enhancing their intestinal health status. Based on nonlinear regression analysis, the appropriate level of ZnO-QD supplementation would be from 98.2 to 102.5mg Zn/kg.

The effect of supplemental arginine on the gut microbial homeostasis of broilers during sub-clinical necrotic enteritis challenge.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an enteric disease of poultry that alters the structure of the gut microbial community causing dysbiosis. This 28day experiment investigated the effects of 125% and 135% arginine diets on the gut microbial diversity and composition of broilers during a subclinical NE challenge. One hundred and twenty one-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with six replicates each- Uninfected + Basal, NE + Basal, NE + Arg 125%, and NE + Arg 135% diet groups. NE was induced by inoculating 1 × 104E. maxima sporulated oocysts on day 14 and 1 × 108CFUC. perfringens on days 19, 20, and 21 of age. The NE challenge significantly decreased the number of observed amplicon sequence variants (p = 0.03), the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes (p < 0.01), and the species Mediterraneibacter cottocaccae (p = 0.01) in the ceca of birds on day 21. The NE challenge significantly increased the Bray-Curtis index (p < 0.01), and the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidota (p < 0.01), family Odoribacteraceae (p < 0.01), genus Odoribacter (p < 0.01), and species O. splanchnicus (p = 0.01) on day 21. During NE, the 125% arginine diet restored the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidota (p = 0.03), family Odoribacteraceae (p = 0.03) and Oscillospiraceae (p = 0.03), genus Odoribacter (p = 0.03), and species O. splanchnicus (p = 0.03) and M. cottocaccae (p < 0.01) on day 21. The 135% arginine diet effectively restored the loss in alpha diversity (p = 0.01) caused by NE, the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes (p = 0.01) and Bacteroidota (p < 0.01), family Oscillospiraceae (p = 0.03) and Odoribacteraceae (p < 0.01), genus Odoribacter (p < 0.01), and species O. splanchnicus (p < 0.01) and M. cottocaccae (p < 0.01) on day 21. On day 28, the treatments had a significant effect on the cecal propionate (p = 0.01), butyrate (p = 0.04), and total SCFA (p = 0.04) concentrations. In conclusion, the 125% and 135% arginine diets restored gut microbial composition during a subclinical NE challenge, but not the cecal SCFA profile. Hence, arginine in combination with other feed additives could be used in restoring gut microbial homeostasis during NE in poultry.

Differential immunological responses in lamb rumen and colon to alfalfa hay and wheat straw in a concentrate-rich diet: insights into microbe-host interactions.

The impact of a concentrate-rich (CR) diet on the gut microbiome and epithelium homeostasis is well documented. However, it has not been systematically studied whether and how host-microbial interaction contributes to the immune homeostasis in the rumen and colon of lambs fed alfalfa hay and wheat straw, alone or combined, in a CR diet. In all, 63 lambs (initial body weight, 16.69 ± 1.50 kg) were randomly allotted to three dietary groups, each consisting of three pens with seven lambs per pen. Over 14 weeks, the lambs were fed diets as follows: 60% concentrate supplemented with either 40% wheat straw (WG), 20% alfalfa hay combined with 20% wheat straw (MG), or 40% alfalfa hay (AG). The present findings showed that lambs in the AG group had greater (P < 0.05) IgG and lower (P = 0.067) tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations relative to those in the MG and WG groups. The 16S rRNA analysis highlighted that various bacterial phyla and genera in the rumen and colon preferentially degrade fiber and starch derived from alfalfa hay and wheat straw. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the bacterial genera from the Firmicutes are broadly associated with genes involved in various signaling pathways, underscoring the potential role of Firmicutes as key drivers of host-microbial interactions under the present feeding conditions. These findings shed light on the fact that the rumen and colon immune homeostasis is distinctively influenced by diets of alfalfa hay, wheat straw, or their combination in a CR diet. Further studies should examine the prolonged effects of replacing wheat straw with alfalfa hay in a concentrate-rich diet formulated to provide equivalent neutral detergent fiber levels. This could reveal how various forage fibers influence host-microbial interactions and gut health.IMPORTANCEIn contemporary feedlots, a growing trend is to feed animals a concentrate-rich (CR) diet that could disrupt the synchronized interplay between microbes and host metabolism, leading to altered metabolic functions. Wheat straw and alfalfa hay have different levels of protein and neutral detergent fiber, each with varying rates of digestion. It is unclear how including alfalfa hay and wheat straw, alone or combined in a CR diet, influences the host-microbial consortia and immune homeostasis. Herein, we showed that rumen and colon showed differential immune responses to the alfalfa hay, wheat straw, or both. Bacterial genera preferentially degrade fiber and starch derived from alfalfa hay, wheat straw, or both. Bacterial genera from Firmicutes phylum play a pivotal role in driving the host-microbial interactions, as indicated by their extensive association with genes across various signaling pathways.

Gastrointestinal microbiota and metabolites responses to dietary cereal grains in an adult pig model.

Corn (C), wheat (W), and paddy rice (PR) are important energy sources and are commonly used in feed production for swine. This study mainly focuses on the variation and regularities of microbiota and metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of pigs in response to C, W, and PR. A total of 18 pigs were allotted into three dietary groups with six replicated pigs and received diets containing C, W, or PR as the sole energy source, respectively. The results showed that digestive parts significantly affected the diversity of microbial communities. Cereal grain sources significantly influenced the β-diversity of microbial communities in the colon and rectum. Campylobacterota and Proteobacteria are mainly distributed in the duodenum, Lactobacillus in the jejunum, and Bacteroidota in the colon and rectum. The W diet increased the Bacteroidota, Spirochaetota, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group abundances and showed the highest concentrations of all short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the hindgut. Fibrobacterota, Bacteroidota, Spirochaetota, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Prevotella, and Treponema in the colon or rectum were positively correlated with acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFAs. These findings suggested that aerobic bacteria and facultative anaerobes in the foregut will gradually be replaced by anaerobes in the hindgut. The W diet had the best fermentability and was beneficial to the colonization of microbial communities that mainly used carbohydrates. The hindgut flora of the PR diet group may be more balanced with fewer potential pathogenic bacteria. Many microbial communities have been identified to contribute positively to the SCFA production of the hindgut. Collectively, our study revealed the spatial variation regularities of GIT microbial communities in an adult pig model and provided new insights into GIT microbiota and responses of metabolites to cereal grain diets.

Exploring the relationship between live microbe intake and obesity prevalence in adults

Obesity has become a global health problem. In recent years, the influence of dietary microbes in the obese population has attracted the attention of scholars. Our study aimed to investigate the link between live microbe intake and obesity in adults. Participants (aged over 20 years) for this study were from the 1999–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants were categorised into low, medium and high dietary live microbe intake groups. Linear regression was used to analyse the link between live microbe intake and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Logistic regression was used to analyse the link between live microbe intake and obesity and abdominal obesity prevalence. Restricted cubic spline curves (RCS) were used to check whether there was a non-linear relationship between live microbe intake and obesity. A total of 42,749 participants were included in this study and the number of obese reached 15,463. We found that live microbe intake was negatively linked to BMI and WC. In models adjusted for all confounders, the high live microbe intake group had lower obesity (OR = 0.812, 95%CI: 0.754–0.873) and abdominal obesity prevalence (OR = 0.851, 95%CI: 0.785–0.923) than the lowest intake group. Upon further quantification of live microbe intake, we found similar results. RCS analyses showed that live microbe intake was nonlinearly negatively correlated with BMI, WC, obesity, and abdominal obesity prevalence (P for non-linearity < 0.05). This study preliminarily reveals a negative link between live microbe intake and obesity in adults.

Effect of Purified Resveratrol Butyrate Ester Monomers against Hypertension after Maternal High-Fructose Intake in Adult Offspring.

Offspring hypertension arising from adverse maternal conditions can be mitigated through dietary nutritional supplementation, including resveratrol. Previously, we identified derivatives of resveratrol butyrate ester (RBE), specifically 3,4'-di-O-butanoylresveratrol (ED2) and 3-O-butanoylresveratrol (ED4), demonstrating their superior antioxidant capabilities compared to RBE itself. This study sought to assess the protective impact of maternal supplementation with ED2 or ED4 on offspring hypertension in a rat model subjected to a high-fructose (HF) diet during pregnancy and lactation. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed into distinct dietary groups throughout pregnancy and lactation: (1) standard chow; (2) HF diet (60%); (3) HF diet supplemented with ED2 (25 mg/L); and (4) HF diet supplemented with ED4 (25 mg/L). Male offspring were euthanized at the age of 12 weeks. The maternal HF diet induced hypertension in the offspring, which was mitigated by perinatal supplementation with either ED2 or ED4. These protective effects were attributed to the antioxidant properties of ED2 and ED4, resulting in an increased availability of nitric oxide (NO). Additionally, supplementation with ED2 was connected to an increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and Clostridium genera, which was accompanied by a decrease in Angelakisella and Christensenella. On the other hand, ED4 supplementation shielded rat offspring from hypertension by elevating concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and their receptors while reducing trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels. These findings highlight the potential of purified RBE monomers, ED2 and ED4, as preventive measures against hypertension resulting from a maternal high-fructose diet. Further research is warranted to explore their clinical applications based on these promising results.

Suppression of certain intestinal microbiota metabolites may lead to gestational diabetes in mice fed a high-fat diet.

We aim to establish a gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mouse model with mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) in comparison with pregnant mice with normal blood glucose levels to investigate the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of HFD-induced GDM. We divided healthy 6-week-old female C57BL mice into an HFD-induced GDM group and a normal diet group. Their bacterial flora and metabolites in intestinal fecal exosomes were co-analyzed using 16 s multi-region sequencing and compared. Alpha (α) diversity was lower within the model group compared to the control group. Beta (β) diversity was significantly different between the two groups. The relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Actinomyces, Rothia, and Bacteroidetes were significantly different between the two groups. Fermentation and nitrate consumption were significantly higher in the GDM group. Multiple bacteria were associated with glycerophosphocholine, S-methyl-5'-thioadenosine, quinolinate, galactinol, deoxyadenosine, DL-arginine, and 2-oxoadenic acid. Imbalances in the production of Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes, Actinomyces, and Rothia and their related metabolites may lead to metabolic disturbances in GDM. These indicators may be used to assess changes affecting the intestinal microbiota during pregnancy and thus help modulate diet and alter blood glucose.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF BROILER CHICKENS FED PEARL MILLET BASED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH SYNTHETIC METHIONINE

The rising costs and inconsistent availability of conventional feed ingredients like maize in broiler chicken production have necessitated the exploration of alternative grains, such as pearl millet, which, when supplemented with synthetic methionine, could potentially enhance both performance and economic returns. This study which was conducted for a period of eight weeks assessed the effectiveness and economic viability of feeding broiler chickens diets containing pearl millet supplemented with synthetic methionine. Three hundred broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary groups for both the starter and finisher phases, with each group containing sixty birds. The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications, each containing twenty birds. The diets for each group contained varying levels of DL methionine: 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5%, denoted as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively. Although most performance metrics such as weight gain and feed intake did not exhibit significant differences among the groups, mortality rates showed a slight decrease with higher methionine inclusion. Economic analysis indicated that T1 had better Total Feed Cost (FC), and FC (₦/kg gain). The study concluded that pearl millet-based diets with synthetic methionine reduced mortality and proved cost-effective, offering a viable alternative for broiler chicken production.

PSII-15 Comparative analysis of equine diets on growth metrics and economic feasibility

Abstract The objective of the study was to assess the impact of two commonly available low non-structural carbohydrate equine diets on growth parameters and economic factors in young growing horses. To do this, young stock type horses n = 11; 6 fillies, 5 colts; body weight (BW) = 380.3 ± 15 kg] were separated into two groups that were balanced by age, sex, and BW. All horses were backgrounded for 14 d on a hay-only diet prior to the beginning of the study. Additionally, each group was assigned to one of two dietary treatments fed at 0.75% BW/d (as fed) twice daily in 12 h intervals for 56 d. Dietary treatments consisted of a leading national brand feed (n = 5) and Thomas Moore Calm and Safe (n = 6). Horses were allowed ad libitum access to Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay and fresh water. For the 56-d period, horses were exercised at a light workload for 30 min/d and 4 d/wk. For all growth measurements, a baseline measurement was recorded per horse. Growth measurements were then recorded at 7 d intervals. Data from these growth measurements were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS v9.4 with the fixed effects of day and diet. Growth metrics increased on all horses throughout the length of the trial regardless of dietary treatment (P ≤ 0.01), which is expected from young growing horses. A Diet x Day trend towards significance (P = 0.075) was observed for BW, as the leading national brand feed dietary treatment group tended to have heavier BW than the Thomas Moore Calm and Safe during the duration of the study. Additionally, body fat percentage was greater (P = 0.04) in the national leading brand feed group compared with the Thomas Moore group. None of the remaining growth metrics had any statistical difference across diets. Furthermore, there was no difference in dietary intake between dietary groups (P &amp;gt; 0.5). These results suggest that the Thomas Moore Calm and Safe concentrate serves as a good alternative and economically friendly for young growing horses when compared with more traditional feeds currently on the market.

PSIX-2 Skin microbial compositions differ among dog body sites and are affected by dietary probiotics

Abstract The study aimed to characterize the skin microbiota across four distinct body sites and investigate the impact of dietary probiotics on the skin microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Healthy adult dogs [n = 60; mean age = 6.2 ± 2.8 yr; mean body weight (BW) = 13.1 ± 4.0 kg] were randomly assigned into three treatment groups and fed for 60 d: a control kibble diet (CON; n = 20; 29.0% crude protein, 10.1% crude fat, 9.9% crude fiber, 7.1% ash, as-fed), CON supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum 548 (CON-B; n = 20), or CON supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum 548 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 451 (CON-B-L; n = 20). All dogs were individually housed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled research facility. Protocols were approved by the facility’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee before the study. On d 60, skin swab samples were collected from the dorsal lumbar area, right axilla, right groin, and right ear concave pinnae of each dog using sterile swabs. These samples were placed into bead tubes and stored at -20°C until analysis. DNA extraction from skin swab samples was followed by sequencing the V4 region of 16S rRNA using Illumina sequencing on a MiSiq. Sequence data were processed through QIIME 2.0, and statistical analysis was performed using R 4.3.1. to test differences between body sites and diets, with a significance threshold set at P &amp;lt; 0.05. The predominant bacterial phyla observed across all body sites were Actinobacteria (40 ± 21.7%), Firmicutes (31.2 ± 17.9 %), Proteobacteria (17.9 ± 13.3%), and Bacteroidetes (6.6 ± 6.1%). Additionally, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia were exclusive to the groin region. Considering data from all body sites, diets affected relative abundances of phyla and genera in dogs. At phylum level, dogs fed the CON-B diet displayed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Actinobacteria compared with those on the CON diet. The CON-B diet also resulted in a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Firmicutes than dogs on either the CON or CON-B-L diets. At genus level, dogs on the CON-B diet showed significantly greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Clostridium, Clostridiaceae unclassified, and Lachnospiraceae unclassified compared with the other diet groups. Dogs on the CON diet displayed a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) relative abundance of Dietzia compared with those on probiotic-supplemented diets. These findings underscore the variation in skin microbial composition across distinct body sites, contributing valuable data to limited information available on the skin microbiota of dogs. Moreover, consumption of probiotic influenced the skin microbial compositions in dogs, which warrant further studies to elucidate the relationship between probiotics, skin microbiota, and skin health in dogs.