Fecal Concentrations Research Articles

Clinical profile and short-term outcomes of acute severe ulcerative colitis in Vietnam: insights from a resource-limited setting.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a significant complication of ulcerative colitis, affecting roughly 25% of patients and increasing the risk of colectomy and hospital mortality. While intravenous steroids are a primary treatment, only 67% of patients respond, necessitating rescue therapy for non-responders. Data on ASUC in the Vietnamese population are scarce. This study aims to provide insights into the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of Vietnamese patients with ASUC. We conducted a prospective case series on ASUC patients admitted to the University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City from January 2021 to June 2023. Steroid response was assessed using the Travis Oxford criteria. We evaluated clinical features, in-hospital steroid response rates, endoscopic remission, and colectomy rates 12 months post-hospitalization. Seventeen patients with a median age of 42 years (70.6% male) were included. The median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was six weeks, and 47.1% had a history of ulcerative colitis. Median CRP value was 75.8 mg/L, and 76.5% had fecal calprotectin concentrations above 800 µg/g. All patients had a Mayo endoscopic subscore of ≥2, with 12.5% showing deep ulcers. Eleven patients (64.7%) responded to in-hospital steroid treatment, while 6 (35.3%) required rescue therapy with infliximab or tofacitinib. After one year, 10 of 11 (90.1%) achieved mucosal healing, and no patients underwent colectomy. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone for initial ASUC therapy, though many patients do not respond. Anti-TNF agents and tofacitinib show potential benefits for those unresponsive to steroids. This study highlights the effectiveness of corticosteroids and biologics in managing ASUC in Vietnam.

Nitrogen excretion and utilisation of dairy cows grazing temperate semi-natural grasslands

Diets reliant on grazed, temperate herbage are prone to greater nitrogen (N) losses via urine than balanced stall-fed diets which poses a greater risk for N emissions. Measures for improving the N utilisation in grazing-based dairy cattle systems are predominantly investigated on homogenous clover-ryegrass pastures with high herbage yields and nutritional quality. In contrast, grazing-based systems reliant on less external inputs (e.g., synthetic fertilisers or concentrates) using semi-natural grassland as main feed source, such as in large parts of Central Europe, received less attention. The N utilisation and excretion of grazing cows in low-input dairy farms were, thus, investigated on nine commercial organic dairy farms in South Germany across one to four periods per farm. The dataset captured a diverse set of dairy production systems comprising 323 individual animal observations. A mean (± one SD) milk production, DM intake (DMI), and pasture DMI of 23.9 kg (± 5.35), 21.0 kg (± 3.21), and 11.3 kg/d (± 4.83), respectively, was determined using titanium dioxide and faecal CP concentration as markers of faecal excretion and diet digestibility, respectively. Milk N use efficiency (MNE; i.e., milk N secretion as share of N intake) averaged 24.7 g/100 g N intake (± 5.91), which is greater than observations in temperate, high-input grazing systems but lower than in cows receiving balanced diets in the barn. The MNE and another seven indicators of N utilisation and excretion displayed a wide range of values. The grazing management factors explaining this variation were, thus, identified via backward elimination. The supplementation strategy had the greatest potential for manipulating N utilisation and excretion of dairy cows. Increasing shares of fresh forages (i.e., meadow grass or clover-grass leys) as well as of hay in supplement DMI increased N utilisation (e.g., MNE) and decreased urinary N excretion (e.g., urinary N to creatinine ratio), while increasing shares of concentrates in supplement DMI are related to lower N losses via urine. At the same time, increases in total supplement DMI reduced N utilisation and increased urinary N excretion. Hence, full-time grazing combined with supplementation of fresh forage and hay in the barn is a viable option for low-input, grazing-based dairy operations with moderate levels of N losses.

Soy protein β-conglycinin ameliorates pressure overload-induced heart failure by increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing gut microbiota and intestinal SCFAs

Soybeans and their ingredients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on cardiovascular diseases. β-Conglycinin (β-CG), a major constituent of soy proteins, is protective against obesity, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, but its effects on heart failure remain to be elucidated. We tested the effects of β-CG on left ventricular (LV) remodeling in pressure overload-induced heart failure. A transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced pressure overload was applied to the heart in 7-week-old C57BL6 male mice that were treated with β-CG, GlcNAc, or sodium propionate. Gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified by GC-MS. The effects of oral antibiotics were examined in β-CG-fed mice. β-CG ameliorated impaired cardiac contractions, cardiac hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in TAC-operated mice. As β-CG is a highly glycosylated protein, we examined the effects of GlcNAc. GlcNAc had similar but less efficient effects on LV remodeling compared to β-CG. β-CG increased three major SCFA-producing intestinal bacteria, as well as fecal concentrations of SCFAs, in sham- and TAC-operated mice. Oral administration of antibiotics nullified the effects of β-CG in TAC-operated mice by markedly reducing SCFA-producing intestinal bacteria and fecal SCFAs. In contrast, oral administration of sodium propionate, one of SCFAs, ameliorated LV remodeling in TAC-operated mice to a similar extent as β-CG. β-CG was protective against TAC-induced LV remodeling, which was likely to be mediated by increased SCFA-producing gut microbiota and increased intestinal SCFAs. Modified β-CG and/or derivatives arising from β-CG are expected to be developed as prophylactic and/or therapeutic agents to ameliorate devastating symptoms in heart failure.

Effect of High Ambient Temperature on Growth Performance, Blood Characteristics and Fecal Concentration of Odorous Compounds in Growing Pigs

Effect of High Ambient Temperature on Growth Performance, Blood Characteristics and Fecal Concentration of Odorous Compounds in Growing Pigs

Faecal haemoglobin concentration and colorectal cancer site, stage and grade in a symptomatic cohort.

Minimal evidence exists regarding faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for colorectal cancer (CRC) site, stage and grade in symptomatic patients. The primary aim is to determine any association between faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) (analysed with OC-Sensor™ Pledia) and these prognostic factors. The secondary aim is to determine the association between f-Hb and anaemia, microcytosis and iron deficiency (Hb, mean corpuscular volume [MCV] and ferritin). Symptomatic 2-week wait CRC patients with FIT were included (July 2019-October 2022). Median f-Hb and interquartile range according to sex, stage, grade and site (right-sided, caecum to transverse colon, R-CRC; left-sided, splenic flexure to rectum, L-CRC) were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Hb, MCV and ferritin were categorized into two groups and the median f-Hb was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. In all, 114 patients (57 women, 57 men) were studied; 46 had R-CRC (f-Hb = 113 μg Hb/g) and 68 had L-CRC (f-Hb = 342 μg Hb/g) (P = 0.07). Sixty-nine were moderately differentiated CRC (f-Hb = 183 μg Hb/g) and 29 were poorly differentiated (f-Hb = 866 μg Hb/g) (P = 0.04). By T-stage, 35 were early (T1/2) (f-Hb = 170 μg Hb/g) and 79 were advanced (T3/4) (f-Hb = 200 μg Hb/g) (P = 0.06). The relationship between f-Hb and Hb, MCV and ferritin was not significant. Poorly differentiated (P = 0.04) and later stage (P = 0.02) R-CRC had significantly lower f-Hb compared to L-CRC. Right-sided CRC is associated with lower f-Hb than left. Poorly differentiated and later staged L-CRC had higher median f-Hb. These data add to existing evidence suggesting that FIT may be less sensitive for right-sided CRC. Strategies to mitigate the potential for missed or FIT-negative right-sided CRC are required.

Liraglutide and Colesevelam Changes Serum and Fecal Bile Acid Levels in a Randomized Trial with Patients with Bile Acid Diarrhea.

Both liraglutide and colesevelam improve bile acid diarrhea (BAD) symptoms. Colesevelam binds excess amounts of diarrhea-causing bile acids in the colon whereas the mode of action for liraglutide remains elusive. Here, we examined the impact of colesevelam and liraglutide treatment on the concentrations of bile acids in serum and feces and the fecal microbiota composition to better understand the two drugs' modes of action. Bile acid species were analyzed in serum and fecal samples from a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial at baseline and after three and six weeks of orally administered colesevelam (1,875 mg twice daily, n = 26) or subcutaneously administered liraglutide (uptitrated by weekly increments of 0.6 mg from 0.6 to 1.8 mg daily, n = 26) in patients with 75selenium-homotaurocholic acid test-verified, idiopathic, or post-cholecystectomy BAD. Fecal microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at the same time points. Colesevelam increased the fecal concentrations of all bile acid species while it decreased serum concentrations of secondary bile acids. Liraglutide induced a small increase in serum unconjugated bile acid concentrations without affecting fecal bile acid concentrations. No changes in fecal microbiota composition were observed with either treatment. Colesevelam and liraglutide exhibit distinct effects on serum and fecal bile acid concentrations with colesevelam reducing serum concentrations of secondary bile acids and promoting fecal bile acid excretion while liraglutide enhances serum concentrations of unconjugated bile acids, potentially through deceleration of small intestinal transit time allowing more time for passive absorption of bile acids.

Zonulin — effective biomarker for the diagnosis of intestinal lesions in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in COVID‑19

The SARS‑CoV‑2 virus mainly attacks the respiratory system, but can also affect several organs, in particular, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain in the early stages of the disease. Intestinal dysfunction leads to a change in intestinal microorganisms and an increase in the content of inflammatory cytokines. Liver dysfunction is also relatively common in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). Objective — to investigate the efficacy of zonulin in determining intestinal damage in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with COVID‑19. Materials and methods. The study included 76 patients with non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who had complaints indicating intestinal disorders during the outpatient stage of follow‑up after ­COVID‑19. From the anamnesis, it was found that all examined patients had a confirmed diagnosis of infection with SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. All patients had a mostly mild course of COVID‑19, which did not require hospitalization. Patients with NAFLD were divided into two groups depending on defecation violation: group I — 36 patients who, after an acute respiratory infection caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, developed periodic diarrhea (on average, in (38.7±5.2) days after a negative PCR result for SARS‑CoV‑2 virus); group II — 40 patients with constipation, which began to bother on average in (86.9±7.4) days after a negative PCR result. The control group included 20 practically healthy individuals. The level of zonulin was determined in blood serum and faeces by enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay. Patients underwent faecal culture to assess the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora. Results. During the anthropometric examination, overweight and first‑degree obesity were detected more frequently in patients of both groups: overweight was diagnosed most frequently in patients of group I (38.9%) and first‑degree obesity in patients of group II (35.0%). The microbiological examination of faeces in both groups of patients revealed a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli, as well as Enterococcus and E. coli with normal enzymatic properties. In group I patients, Citrobacter and Staphylococcus were statistically significantly (p <0.05) more often detected in increased concentrations in faeces, whereas in group II patients Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium were detected (p <0.05). Significant changes were found in the analysis of zonulin levels in both serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after COVID‑19. Serum zonulin levels in patients of group I increased 6.5‑fold, and in patients of group II—8.6‑fold (p <0.001). An increase in the concentration of zonulin in the faeces was also detected — by 7.5 and 9.7 times, respectively (p <0.001). A correlation was established between the level of zonulin in both blood serum and faeces and a decrease in the number of bifidus and lactobacilli in faeces in patients of both groups. Also, a strong correlation was found between the number of Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium and a medium intensity correlation between the number of Staphylococcus in the faeces in patients of group ІІ. In patients of group І, a correlation was found between the number of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter. The level of zonulin (both in blood serum and faeces) directly depended on changes in body mass index in the patients we examined, namely, overweight in patients of group І and obesity of the first degree in patients of group ІІ. Conclusions. In patients with NAFLD after COVID19, changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora were found in the intestinal lesions, including a decrease in the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, as well as an increase in the content of Staphylococcus and Citrobacter in the faeces in patients with predominant diarrhoea and Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridium in patients with predominant constipation. An increase in the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19 was detected. A more pronounced deviation from the norm was found in patients of group ІІ (with complaints of constipation). A direct correlation was established between the level of zonulin in the blood serum and faeces and changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the colon microflora, as well as an increase in body mass index in patients with NAFLD after ­COVID‑19.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 improves insulin sensitivity by modulating the bile acid-gut microbiota axis in type Ⅱ diabetic mice

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an important regulator of glycolipid metabolism. However, whether the gut microbiota is related to the anti-diabetic and obesity effects of FGF21 remains unclear. MethodsOur research used KO/KO db/db male mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced to simulate the construction of two type II diabetic mellitus (T2DM) models, and detected impaired glucose tolerance in the model by using the ipGTT and ITT assays, and collected feces from the model mice for sequencing of the intestinal flora and the content of short-chain fatty acids. H＆E staining was used to detect changes in intestinal tissue, the serum levels of LPS and GLP-1 were detected by ELISA. ResultsIn this study, we found that FGF21 significantly improved insulin sensitivity, attenuated intestinal lesions, and decreased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations in T2DM mice. Moreover, FGF21 reshaped the gut microbiota and altered their metabolic pathways in T2DM mice, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Fecal transplantation experiments further confirmed that feces from FGF21-treated diabetic mice demonstrated similar effects as FGF21 in terms of anti-diabetic activity and regulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis. Additionally, the antibiotic depletion of gut microbiota abolished the beneficial effects of FGF21, including increased GLP-1 secretion and fecal SCFA concentration. Additionally, the FGF21 effects of ameliorating intestinal damage and suppressing plasma LPS secretion were suppressed. All these findings suggest that FGF21 prevents intestinal lesions by modifying the gut microbiota composition. Furthermore, FGF21 affected bile acid synthesis by inhibiting CYP7A1, the key enzyme of bile acid synthesis. ConclussionTherefore, FGF21 enriched beneficial bacteria by preventing bile acid synthesis and stimulating the secretion of the intestinal hormone GLP-1 via the increased production of gut microbiota metabolites, thereby exerting its anti-diabetic effects.

PSIX-11 Effects of black soldier fly larvae on the serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of healthy adult cats

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) serve as an alternative protein source for pet food products. Even though BSFL are one of many insect species being added to dog foods and treats, knowledge of its effects in cats remains limited. Further investigations are imperative to delineate the effects of BSFL-based ingredients in cats. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of BSFL on serum chemistry, hematology, fecal characteristics, and oral health measures of adult cats. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC prior to experimentation. Adult cats [n = 25; 17 females, 8 males; 6.28 ± 0.27 yr of age; 4.50 ± 0.18 kg body weight (BW)] were used in a completely randomized design. The study was composed of a 21-d baseline phase and a 70-d experimental phase. During the baseline phase, all cats were fed a control diet based on chicken meal (35% of diet). After baseline, cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental diets: control diet (n = 12) or BSFL-containing diet (20% whole BSFL meal and 24% chicken meal; n = 13). At baseline, teeth were cleaned by a veterinary dentist. Breath samples were analyzed for volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), salivary pH was measured, and blood samples were collected for serum chemistry and hematology at baseline and after 35 d and 70 d on treatment. At baseline and after 70 d on treatment, fecal samples were scored and collected for pH, dry matter, and metabolite measurement. Gingivitis, plaque, and calculus scores were performed by a veterinary dentist after 70 d on treatment. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS. Diet, time, and diet*time interaction effects were tested, with P < 0.05 being considered significant. Over time, VSC increased (P < 0.0001) in all cats, but was unaffected by diet. Diet*time interactions were observed for fecal pH, fecal scores, and blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Blood cholesterol concentrations increased (P < 0.05) over time in cats fed the control diet, but remained stable in cats fed the BSFL diet. The opposite effect was observed with blood triglycerides. Triglyceride concentrations increased (P < 0.05) in cats fed the BSFL diet over time, but were stable in cats fed the control diet. Cats consuming BSFL had reduced (P < 0.05) fecal pH, dry matter content, and protein catabolite concentrations, but increased (P < 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and fecal scores. Overall, 20% BSFL dietary inclusion had comparable effects as chicken meal, suggesting that it will serve as a suitable replacement in cat foods.

PSIV-19 The use of microencapsulated zinc oxide improves the growth performance and intestinal health of newly weaned piglets

Abstract The application of microencapsulation technology to protect zinc may support inclusion of reduced levels with similar benefits to elevated doses of free zinc oxide. This study aimed to compare the effects of different doses of a microencapsulated ZnO (Zinco-Plus S) and free ZnO in nursery diets on growth performance and intestinal health of pigs. A total of 480 newly weaned piglets [26 d of age, initial body weight (BW) = 7.39 kg] were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments for 35d. Treatments were as follow: free ZnO (3,000, 1,500, and 0 ppm at phase 1, 2, and 3, respectively) or one of three doses of the microencapsulated ZnO (400, 600, and 800 ppm) maintained consistently across all 3 nursery phases (total amount of zinc in diets were within limits allowed by Canadian regulation). Each dietary treatment had 10 replicates, with 12 pigs/pen, gender balanced. All treatments had protease (Jefo Protease; 125 g/t), xylanase (Belfeed Xylanase; 100 g/t) and protected organic acids and essential oils (Porcinat+; 2 kg/t in phase 1 and 2, 1 kg/t in phase 3). Body weight, BW gain and feed intake were measured to determine feed conversion. At the end of phase 1, fecal sample was collected (pooled of 4 samples/pen) to determine zinc excretion. At the end of phase 2, blood serum was collected (1 pig/pen) to measure calprotectin and diamine oxidase concentrations and, ileal tissue was collected (1 pig/pen) to measure expression of zonular occludens (ZO) -1. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Fisher test with significance set at P < 0.05. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in final BW of pigs across all treatments. Nonetheless, piglets receiving 800 ppm of the microencapsulated ZnO had improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio compared with pigs fed diet containing free ZnO. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in serum concentrations of calprotectin and diamine oxidase across all treatments, indicating improved intestinal health regardless of the form of ZnO. Piglets supplemented with microencapsulated ZnO at 800 ppm had an increased (P < 0.05) intestinal expression of ZO-1 in comparison with piglets receiving free ZnO, indicating better intestinal integrity. Fecal zinc concentrations were reduced (P < 0.05) by 75 % with the inclusion of microencapsulated ZnO compared with free ZnO. Piglets supplemented with microencapsulated ZnO at 800 ppm improved (P < 0.05) feed cost per kg BW gain by 10.7 % when compared with free ZnO. These findings show that supplementing lower levels of zinc in nursery diets via microencapsulation technology improves growth performance and supports intestinal health at levels comparable with increased free ZnO supplementation. Moreover, the utilization of microencapsulated zinc oxide has the additional advantage of minimizing environmental impact through the reduction of zinc wastage.

Faecal microbiota and cytokine profiles of rural Cambodian infants linked to diet and diarrhoeal episodes

The gut microbiota of infants in low- to middle-income countries is underrepresented in microbiome research. This study explored the faecal microbiota composition and faecal cytokine profiles in a cohort of infants in a rural province of Cambodia and investigated the impact of sample storage conditions and infant environment on microbiota composition. Faecal samples collected at three time points from 32 infants were analysed for microbiota composition using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and concentrations of faecal cytokines. Faecal bacterial isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing and genomic analysis. We compared the effects of two sample collection methods due to the challenges of faecal sample collection in a rural location. Storage of faecal samples in a DNA preservation solution preserved Bacteroides abundance. Microbiota analysis of preserved samples showed that Bifidobacterium was the most abundant genus with Bifidobacterium longum the most abundant species, with higher abundance in breast-fed infants. Most infants had detectable pathogenic taxa, with Shigella and Klebsiella more abundant in infants with recent diarrhoeal illness. Neither antibiotics nor infant growth were associated with gut microbiota composition. Genomic analysis of isolates showed gene clusters encoding the ability to digest human milk oligosaccharides in B. longum and B. breve isolates. Antibiotic-resistant genes were present in both potentially pathogenic species and in Bifidobacterium. Faecal concentrations of Interlukin-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor were higher in breast-fed infants. This study provides insights into an underrepresented population of rural Cambodian infants, showing pathogen exposure and breastfeeding impact gut microbiota composition and faecal immune profiles.

336 Effects of feeding an immunomodulatory feed additive (NutraGen) on metabolite concentrations and cortisol production in calves following exposure to a combination bovine respiratory disease challenge

Abstract Two 89-d experiments (Exp 1 and Exp 2) evaluated the effects of feeding an immunomodulatory feed additive (NutraGen; NG) in calves following exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) on d -3 and Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) infection on d 0. For each experiment, steers [body weight (BW) = 251 ± 38.2 kg)] were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments. Treatments included a placebo (CON; Exp 1 n = 5; Exp 2 n = 5), a placebo fed from d -18 to d -3 followed by NG fed from d -3 to d 28 (CHLG; Exp 1 n = 5; Exp 2 n = 6), and NG fed from d -18 to d 28 (PREC; Exp 1 n = 6; Exp 2 n = 5). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS Version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, N.C.). Animal served as the experimental unit and time served as a repeated measure. Treatment, time, and the treatment × time interaction served as fixed effects. Block was included as a random effect. Multiple treatment × time interactions and time effects occurred for serum glucose, lactate, blood urea nitrogen, and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (P ≤ 0.003) in both experiments. There was a general trend for serum glucose to decrease over time post-challenge, suggesting increased cellular utilization of glucose in response to the challenge. In Exp 1, treatment effects occurred for serum glucose (P ≤ 0.001) and serum lactate (P ≤ 0.01), where calves assigned to the CHLG treatment displayed the greatest concentrations of the metabolites. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations peaked at h 48 in Exp 1 and h 6 in Exp 2. There were no treatment effects or treatment × time interactions for serum cortisol, hair cortisol, or fecal corticosterone concentrations in either experiment (P ≥ 0.17). There were, however, multiple time effects for serum cortisol, hair cortisol, and fecal corticosterone concentrations in both experiments (P ≤ 0.02), indicating that the challenge directly impacted cortisol and corticosterone production. Serum cortisol steadily increased from h 96 to h 168 in both experiments. Trends in cortisol and corticosterone production were similar in both experiments; however, peak concentration times for these variables occurred later in Exp 2. These data suggest that feeding NG to calves may alter glucose availability and nutrient utilization in response to infection resulting from a bovine respiratory disease challenge.

483 DMI, gastrointestinal tract fermentation and permeability, and white blood cell responses in beef heifers provided post-ruminal yeast cell wall extract following feed restriction

Abstract The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate gastrointestinal fermentation characteristics and permeability, and white blood cell concentrations as beef heifers recovered from a feed restriction (FR) challenge, and 2) determine whether post-ruminal provision of a yeast cell wall extract (YCW) modulated responses. Ruminally cannulated beef heifers (n = 8) were used in a 2 × 2 crossover design. Treatments (TRT) included an abomasal infusion of a placebo (PLC; maltodextrin) or YCW derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2 g/dose) infused at 0600 and 1800 h. Heifers were subject to 5-d of FR (offering 30% of ad libitum DMI) followed by five 5-d recovery phases (REC1, REC2, REC3, REC4, and REC5). Daily DMI, and rumen, fecal, and blood samples were collected on d 5 of FR, REC1, REC3, and REC5 with an additional collection on d 2 of REC1. Total gastrointestinal and post-ruminal permeability were measured using a ruminal dose of Cr-EDTA and an abomasal dose of Co-EDTA, respectively, during FR, REC1, REC3, and REC5 with concurrent urine collection. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of YCW provision, day, and the 2-way interaction. There were no TRT or TRT×day effects for any variables except DMI (interaction, P = 0.04), where DMI did not differ during the FR challenge; however, heifers provided YCW had a greater increase by REC1 compared with PLC heifers without any means differing. DMI progressively increased from FR, to REC1, REC2, and REC5. Ruminal acetate concentration increased (P < 0.01) from FR (45.4 mmol/L) to REC1 d5 (60.1 mmol/L) and increased further to REC3 (67.3 mmol/L) with no change thereafter (68.3 mmol/L in REC5). Ruminal propionate concentration increased (P < 0.01) from FR (14.5 mmol/L) to REC1 d2 (27.7 mmol/L) and was not different thereafter. Similarly, butyrate concentration increased (P < 0.01) from FR (7.9 mmol/L) to REC1 (d 5; 15.0 mmol/L) and was not different thereafter. Fecal acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations were not affected by day (P ≥ 0.12). Total gastrointestinal and post-ruminal permeability were greatest during FR (P < 0.01; 2.6% and 2.2% of the infused marker was excreted in urine, respectively) and decreased to 1.6% and 1.1%, respectively, in REC3 followed by an increase in REC5 for total (2.0% of infused) but not post-ruminal (1.0% of infused) permeability. The concentration of neutrophils (P < 0.01) was greatest on REC1 d2 (4.84 ×106 μmol/mL) and eosinophil concentration (P < 0.01) was greatest during FR (0.53 ×106 μmol/mL), least on d 2 of REC1 and increased on d 5 of REC1 but was not different thereafter. WBC (P < 0.01) gradually decreased (P = 0.02) from FR and REC1 d2 to REC3 and REC5. Post-ruminal provision of YCW may accelerate increases in DMI early in the recovery from FR, yet treatment did not modulate ruminal or fecal SCFA, blood concentrations, or gastrointestinal permeability.

500 Effect of different iron sources on growth performance, gut health, and microbiota in nursery pigs

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of different iron sources, including iron polysaccharide complexes (SQM iron) and ferrous sulfate (FS) on growth performance, gut health, pathogenic bacteria load, colon fecal microbiota, and fecal iron concentration in nursery pigs. Nursery pigs (n = 320, TN70 cross, Topigs Norsvin Canada) weaned at 21 ± 2 d were randomly assigned to four treatments arranged in 2 x 2 factorial, with the factors being sanitation conditions (clean vs. dirty) and iron sources (SQM iron vs. FS, each at 100 mg iron/kg) to give 8 pens (10 piglets per pen) per treatment. Pigs were fed their respective diets in two phases over a 28-d period. Fecal scores, body weight (BW) and feed intake were recorded weekly. Iron content, gene expression of butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase and bisulfite reductase, and pathogenic bacteria counts were determined in fresh fecal samples collected on d 0, d 14, and d 21. On d 28, one pig randomly selected from each pen was euthanized to sample colon digesta for microbiota analysis and jejunal tissue and serum for gut integrity and permeability analysis. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test except for raw 16s sRNA sequences, which were processed using QIIME2 and analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test. Overall, from d 0 to14 SQM iron resulted in higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; P < 0.05). SQM iron resulted in higher fecal iron at d 21 and improved fecal scores at d 27 (P < 0.05). SQM iron increased the relative abundance of fecal Campylobacter jejuni when comparing d 21 to d 0, and O157 E. Coli when comparing d 14 to d 0 (P < 0.05). Ferrous sulfate resulted in greater changes in relative abundance of butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase and bisulfate reductase than the SQM iron treatment under clean conditions when comparing d 21 to d 0 (P < 0.05). Dietary iron treatments did not significantly affect gastrointestinal integrity and permeability in jejunum and did not alter fecal microbiota composition on d 28. In conclusion, substituting 100 mg/kg added iron as FS with equal concentration of SQM iron improved ADG in the initial 2 wk and overall ADFI and promoted gut health indicators.

293 Impact of black soldier fly larvae meal in a dry extruded food on nutritional quality and health in adult cats

Abstract Insects like the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL) have been proposed as protein-rich feed ingredients to support the growing demand for meat. The BSFL hold also promise for use as a protein source in pet foods and, as such, it has been studied for palatability, nutritional quality and health effects in dogs and cats. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including BSFL meal in a dry, extruded food on nutritional quality and health in healthy adult cats. Two similar compositions of dry, extruded foods were formulated to meet the FEDIAF nutrition guidelines for adult cats of which one was chicken meal-based (control, with 34.3% chicken meal) and the other BSFL meal-based (inclusion of 37.5% BSFL meal). BSFL meal contained 95.0% dry matter, 53.1% crude protein, 14.3% crude fat, 6.0% ash (Protix, Dongen, The Netherlands). Two groups of four cats were each fed one of the two foods for two 28-d periods in a crossover design, with sample collection during the last 7 d of each period. Cats were housed in groups of the same sex during the first 21 d of each period. Both foods were well-accepted by the cats. No health problems (including coat and skin condition) were noted throughout the study. Food type did not impact body weight (P = 0.850). Food intake was greater when cats were fed the BSFL-based food (P < 0.001). Consistency scores of fresh feces were optimal and did not differ between the foods. Compared with the control food, the food with BSFL meal had decreased apparent fecal digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, and gross energy (P < 0.05) although all values were high. Digestibility values for acid-hydrolyzed fat were similar for both foods (P = 0.628). Diets resulted in changes in fermentation product concentrations, like fecal ammonia was less when cats fed this food compared with the control food (P < 0.001), but the fecal concentrations of the short-chain fatty acids and biogenic amines were generally increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, reduced fecal bacterial diversity and affected bacterial relative abundance suggested that inclusion of BSFL meal steered the microbial composition in the distal gut of cats. It was observed increased relative abundance of bacteria genus considered beneficial for host health like Bifidobacterium (P < 0.001) and Megasphaera (P < 0.036); and inhibition of genus Negativibacillus and Lachnoclostridium (P < 0.001), previously associated to digestive issues and negative for gut health. Overall, the data gathered in this study suggests that BSFL meal is an adequate alternative ingredient for extruded dry cat foods and may exert a prebiotic effect on intestinal microbiota.

307 Use of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as an alternative and functional ingredient in canine nutrition

Abstract Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) is an alternative, sustainable, and nutrient-rich ingredient for pet foods. However, limited information is available on optimal inclusion levels and its functional properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of incremental levels of BSFLM (15% or 30%) as a partial or full substitute for chicken by-product meal (CM) in extruded diets. Three complete and balanced diets were formulated and extruded: Control, 15% BSFLM, and 30% BSFLM. The effects of the diets on nutrient digestibility, fecal metabolites and microbiota, and serum oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in adult dogs were examined. A complete randomized design was used with adult Beagles (n = 10/treatment). The experimental period lasted 70 d, consisting of a 14-d adaptation to the control diet followed by 56-d test period. Data were analyzed using SAS Proc Mixed 9.4 with P ≤ 0.05 significance. All diets were well-accepted by the dogs; food intake and fecal output were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat did not differ among treatments, whereas ATTD of organic matter (81.2%) and total dietary fiber (18.9%) was less (P < 0.05) for dogs fed 30% BSFLM in contrast with the Control group (83.2% and 30.3%, respectively). Fecal concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids and total phenols were less (P < 0.05) for dogs fed 30% BSFLM relative to dogs fed Control. No treatment effect was observed for serum biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Fecal microbial diversity differed between Control and 30% BSFLM groups. Overall, extruded diets containing 15% or 30% were well-digested by dogs as demonstrated by similar ATTD coefficients compared with Control. Intrinsic presence of chitin in BSFLM, and other insect-derived ingredients, can behave like insoluble dietary fiber in a food matrix, which would explain the decreased ATTD for organic matter and total dietary fiber, as well as less fecal concentration of total short-chain fatty acids. The inclusion of 30% BSFLM may have decreased protein hindgut fermentation due to less fecal concentration of total phenols. Altogether, the inclusion of 15% BSFLM resulted in similar physiological responses in comparison with dogs fed the Control diet. Greater inclusion levels of BSFLM may impact ATTD, however, it also has the potential to modulate fecal metabolites and microbiota, without negatively affecting fecal microbial richness.

33 Beyond bacteria: Impact of live yeast as a probiotic on the intestinal health of dogs

Abstract Inactivated yeast and yeast-based products are commonly used in pet food to improve palatability, contribute to dietary protein content, and improve gastrointestinal functionality. However, the use of viable yeast Saccharomyces as a probiotic may contribute to additional beneficial effects on dogs and cats. Considering that, in this presentation, we will focus on the use of viable yeast as a probiotic for dogs. A study conducted at the Federal University of Parana, Brazil, observed that Beagle dogs supplemented with a probiotic yeast presented reduced fecal concentrations of total biogenic amines, ammonia, and aromatic compounds and greater fecal concentrations of butyrate. The supplemented dogs also presented an improvement in dysbiosis index, a greater abundance of Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter, and a reduced abundance of Escherichia coli in feces. In addition, control group dogs presented upregulation in microbial genes related to virulence factors (such as lipopolysaccharide export system), antibiotic resistance, and osmotic stress, compared with the probiotic group. These results may indicate a possible protective effect of the yeast probiotic against potential pathogenic bacteria in the gut. The mechanisms by which yeast probiotics may contribute to gastrointestinal functionality in dogs and cats are not fully elucidated. However, they are usually attributed to the stimulation of brush edge disaccharidases; competition for adhesion sites against potential pathogens; stimulation of nonspecific immunity; neutralization of toxins; and direct effect against potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Many of these mechanisms are influenced directly by yeast cell wall components, such as mannans and beta-glucans. One of the main mechanisms of action of mannans is the elimination of bacteria with pathogenic potential that present type-1 fimbriae, such as some strains of E. coli and Salmonella, preventing their adhesion and colonization to the host mucosa. This may also contribute to the establishment of beneficial bacteria in the gut. We can conclude that viable yeast Saccharomyces as a probiotic may have promising beneficial effects on intestinal functionality of dogs.

Duodenal and colonic mucosal S100A8/A9 (calprotectin) expression is increased and correlates with the severity of select histologic lesions in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy

BackgroundCalprotectin, a damage-associated molecular pattern protein of the S100/calgranulin family, is a potential marker of gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs and mainly originates from activated macrophages and granulocytes. Increased calprotectin concentrations are reported in feces and serum samples from dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE), but mucosal calprotectin expression has not been extensively investigated in canine CIE. Thus, we aimed to evaluate gastrointestinal mucosal concentrations of calprotectin in 62 dogs (44 dogs with CIE compared to 18 healthy Beagles) using a particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay method. Additionally, we assessed the relationship of gastric, duodenal, jejunal, ileal, and colonic mucosal calprotectin levels with the clinical disease severity (canine clinical inflammatory bowel disease activity index, CIBDAI), histopathologic findings, clinical outcome, and serum albumin concentrations to further evaluate the potential of calprotectin as a biomarker for CIE.ResultsMucosal calprotectin concentrations in dogs with CIE were significantly higher in the duodenum (median: 276.2 μg/g) and colon (median: 298.2 μg/g) compared to healthy controls (median: 94.3 μg/g, P = 0.0039; and median: 112.0 μg/g, P = 0.0061). Similar numerical differences in the ileum and cecum were not statistically significant, and mucosal calprotectin concentrations correlated significantly among the different gastrointestinal segments. Histologic lesion severity was linked to mucosal calprotectin concentrations for inflammatory and structural histology criteria in the duodenum and colon (all P < 0.05). Higher mucosal calprotectin levels in the duodenum and across all segments correlated with lower serum albumin concentrations (both P < 0.05); duodenal mucosal calprotectin concentrations were more than sixfold higher in hypoalbuminemic dogs (median: 1441 µg/g, n = 4) than normoalbuminemic dogs (median: 227 µg/g, n = 40). There was no significant association of mucosal calprotectin levels with CIBDAI scores or individual clinical outcomes.ConclusionsThese results show that duodenal and colonic mucosal calprotectin concentrations are increased in dogs with CIE, providing further supporting evidence for the diagnostic potential of fecal calprotectin (presumably reflecting mucosal) concentrations and in dogs with CIE. Further longitudinal research is needed to assess changes in mucosal calprotectin concentrations with clinical response to treatment vs. mucosal disease remission and to determine the clinical utility of fecal calprotectin concentrations to diagnose and monitor dogs with CIE in clinical practice.

Promotion of a Mediterranean Diet Alters Constipation Symptoms and Fecal Calprotectin in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Parkinson's disease is associated with gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, including constipation symptoms and abnormal intestinal permeability and inflammation. A Mediterranean diet (MediDiet) may aid in disease management. This parallel, randomized, controlled trial in people with Parkinson's (PwP) and constipation symptoms compared a MediDiet against standard of care on change in constipation symptoms, dietary intake, and fecal zonulin and calprotectin concentrations as markers of intestinal permeability and inflammation, respectively. Participants were randomized to either standard of care for constipation (control; n = 17, 65.1 ± 2.2 years) or a MediDiet plus standard of care (n = 19, 68.8 ± 1.4 years) for 8 weeks. Constipation scores decreased with both interventions (p < 0.01), but changes from baseline were not different between groups (MediDiet, -0.5 [-1.0, 0]; control, -0.8 [-1.0, 0.2]; median [25th, 75th]; p = 0.60). The MediDiet group had a higher intake of dietary fiber at week 4 than the control group (13.1 ± 0.7 g/1000 kcal vs. 9.8 ± 0.7 g/1000 kcal; p < 0.001). No differences in fecal zonulin were observed between groups (p = 0.33); however, fecal calprotectin tended to be lower in the MediDiet group at week 8 (45.8 ± 15.1 µg/g vs. 93.9 ± 26.8 µg/g; p = 0.05). The MediDiet and standard interventions reduced constipation symptoms; however, the MediDiet provided additional benefit of increased dietary fiber intake and less intestinal inflammation.

Bariatric Surgery Is Associated with Lower Concentrations of Fecal Secondary Bile Acids and Their Metabolizing Microbial Enzymes: A Pilot Study.

Excess body fat elevates colorectal cancer risk. While bariatric surgery (BRS) induces significant weight loss, its effects on the fecal stream and colon biology are poorly understood. Specifically, limited data exist on the impact of bariatric surgery (BRS) on fecal secondary bile acids (BA), including lithocholic acid (LCA), a putative promotor of colorectal carcinogenesis. This cross-sectional case-control study included 44 patients with obesity; 15 pre-BRS (controls) vs. 29 at a median of 24.1months post-BRS.We examined the fecal concentrations of 11 BA by liquid chromatography and gene abundance of BA-metabolizing bacterial enzymes through fecal metagenomic sequencing. Differences were quantified using non-parametric tests for BA levels and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) for genes encoding BA-metabolizing enzymes. Total fecal secondary BA concentrations trended towards lower levels post- vs. pre-BRS controls (p = 0.07). Individually, fecal LCA concentrations were significantly lower post- vs. pre-BRS (8477.0 vs. 11,914.0 uM/mg, p < 0.008). Consistent with this finding, fecal bacterial genes encoding BA-metabolizing enzymes, specifically 3-betahydroxycholanate-3-dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.391) and 3-alpha-hydroxycholanate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.52), were also lower post- vs. pre-BRS controls (LDA of - 3.32 and - 2.64, respectively, adjusted p < 0.0001). Post-BRS fecal BA concentrations showed significant inverse correlations with weight loss, a healthy diet quality, and increased physical activity. Concentrations of LCA, a secondary BA, and bacterial genes needed for BA metabolism are lower post-BRS. These changes can impact health and modulate the colorectal cancer cascade. Further research is warranted to examine how surgical alterations and the associated dietary changes impact bile acid metabolism.