Gastrointestinal Functionality Research Articles

Probiotic interventions and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal diseases: A comprehensive review.

Gastrointestinal disorders manifest through disruptions in gastrointestinal functionality accompanied by dysbiosis within the microbiome. Probiotics are considered biological agents with potential therapeutic efficacy in managing gastrointestinal pathologies by modulating the gut microbiota. Nevertheless, several hurdles, such as safety considerations, resilience to stressors, post-colonization quantifications, and evaluative modalities, may impede the adoption of probiotics for gastrointestinal disorders. Herein, we performed online research using 6 databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid. Inclusion criteria were mostly articles published in the years 2015-2024, concerning the association between probiotics and gastrointestinal diseases. This review aimed to provide comprehensive data regarding the latest studies in this area. Additionally, this review delineates the various aspects of probiotic use, including both the positive and negative aspects, as well as the role of probiotics in immune system modulation and the prevention of various diseases. Also, we comprehensively discuss the prophylactic and supportive therapeutic role of probiotics in the management of COVID-19. Given the extensive adoption of probiotic formulations as microecological interventions for gastrointestinal disorders, a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in their application and the implementation of contemporary methodologies to enhance probiotic colonization and evaluation systems are paramount for harnessing probiotics as viable biotherapeutic agents. However, there is a need for additional studies to confirm the potential role of probiotics as a suitable target in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

325 Longitudinal retrospective study of performance and biomarkers of energy balance and gastrointestinal functionality in unweaned calves subjected to transport or entire commercialization at arrival

Abstract Data from 347 unweaned male dairy beef calves enrolled in 3 studies from 2021 to 2023 were used to evaluate the impact of transport or entire commercialization (marketing and transport) on performance recovery [average daily gain (ADG) and concentrate intake (CI)] and biomarkers of energy balance [non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and glucose] and gastrointestinal functionality [gut permeability (Cr-EDTA) and enterocyte mass (citrulline)] at farm arrival. Calves were distributed in 3 treatments according to the different managements subjected in the previous studies: calves from a sole dairy farm that were not fasted neither transported (CTR), calves from a sole dairy farm that were transported and fasted for 19 h (TRA), and multi-origin calves commercially marketed and transported for 9 h (COM). On arrival at the rearing farm (d 0), calves were allocated individually, and body weight (BW) was recorded. Calves were fed milk replacer twice daily, and they had ad libitum access to concentrate and water. Concentrate (CI) and milk replacer intake were recorded daily, and BW and the biomarkers of energy balance and gut dysfunction were obtained on d 0 (arrival), 1, 2, and 7. Data were analyzed with mixed models. An interaction (P < 0.01) between treatment and time was observed for CI. On d 0 CTR and TRA had similar CI, while COM had the least CI. On d 1, all treatments decreased CI except CTR. While TRA recovered CI to CTR levels, COM had 50% less CI compared with the other calves on d 7. The COM calves had the least (P < 0.01) ADG compared with CTR and TRA calves. On d 0, COM calves had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of NEFA and BHB compared with TRA and CTR, and TRA greater (P < 0.01) than CTR calves. The COM calves did not recover NEFA and BHB basal concentrations by d 7 as observed in TRA calves. Concentration of Cr-EDTA was greater on d 0 for TRA calves compared with CTR and COM calves, however concentration of Cr-EDTA was greater during the first 7 d in COM calves compared with CTR and TRA calves. Finally, citrulline concentration was less in COM calves compared with CTR and TRA calves independently of the sampling day. The entire commercialization process, marketing and transportation, of unweaned dairy beef calves impairs intake recovery and growth, and these results are aligned with negative energy balance and comprised gastrointestinal functionality at farm arrival.

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.

Comparative effects of dietary muramidase and phytogenics on the growth performance and gastrointestinal functionality of broiler chickens

The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of dietary supplementation of muramidase (MUR) and 2 phytogenic additives on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, bacteria load, and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) of broiler chickens raised under field-like conditions. A total of 6,400 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly selected and distributed into 32 floor pens, with 200 chicks (100 males and 100 females)/pen. The treatment groups were an unsupplemented control, and the experimental groups supplemented with MUR at 35,000 LSU(F)/kg of feed, phytogenic 1 (Phyto 1, based on thymol) at 100g/ton feed, or phytogenic 2 (Phyto 2, based on alkaloids) at 60g/ton feed, for a total period of 41 d. A 4-phase feeding program was applied (starter, grower, finisher and withdrawal). The paramenters evaluated were: growth performance, carcass yield, concentration of muranic acid in the jejunum content and excreta, liver enzyme concentration, intestinal morphology, and bacteria enumeration and short and branch chain fatty acids (SCFA and BCFA) in the cecal content. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test was used to separate the means. Soluble muramic acid (MurN) in the jejunum increased with the supplementation of MUR and Phyto 2 when compared to the other groups (P = 0.0001), but only the supplementation of MUR increased the concentration of MurN in the excreta. The supplementation of all feed additives improved the body weight gain and the body weight corrected feed conversion ratio when compared to the control group (P = 0.0001). MUR increased villus heigh (VH) when compared to the control or the other supplemented groups (P = 0.0001), and led to the highest concentration of most SCFA, total BCFA, and total SCFA (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of MUR and phytogenics to the diets of broiler chickens improved the growth performance, but MUR, only, was capable of effectively degrading peptidoglycans (PGNs) in both intestinal segments, as well as to increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria and SCFA production.

Effect of dexamethasone pretreatment using deep learning on the surgical effect of patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

To explore the application efficacy and significance of deep learning in anesthesia management for gastrointestinal tumors (GITs) surgery, 80 elderly patients with GITs who underwent surgical intervention at our institution between January and September 2021 were enrolled. According to the preoperative anesthesia management methodology, patients were rolled into a control (Ctrl) group (using 10 mg dexamethasone 1-2 hours before surgery) and an experimental (Exp) group (using a deep learning-based anesthesia monitoring system on the basis of the Ctrl group), with 40 cases in each group. A comprehensive comparative analysis was performed between the two cohorts, encompassing postoperative cognitive evaluations, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, gastrointestinal functionality, serum biomarkers (including interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cortisol levels), length of hospitalization, incidence of complications, and other pertinent metrics. The findings demonstrated that anesthesia monitoring facilitated by deep learning algorithms effectively assessed the anesthesia state of patients. Compared to the Ctrl group, patients in the Exp group showed significant differences in cognitive assessments (word recall, number connection, number coding) (P<0.05). Additionally, the Exp group exhibited a notably increased MoCA score (25.3±2.4), significantly shorter time to first flatus postoperatively (35.8±13.7 hours), markedly reduced postoperative pain scores, significantly shortened time to tolerate a liquid diet postoperatively (19.6±5.2 hours), accelerated recovery of serum-related indicators, and a significantly decreased mean length of hospital stay (11.4±3.2 days) compared to the Ctrl group. In summary, administering dexamethasone under the anesthesia management of GITs surgery based on gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) and pharmacokinetics pharmacodynamics (PKPD) models can promote patient recovery, reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive impairment (POCD), and improve patient prognosis.

Impact of particle size of cereals and soyabean meal on the intestinal development of weanling pigs and growth performance after an enteric challenge with F4-positive enterotoxigenic E. coli.

The objectives were to determine the interactive effect of particle size of soyabean meal (SBM) and whole wheat, barley and wheat bran (CER) on growth performance of weanling pigs after an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 challenge (Experiment 1) and on gastrointestinal (GIT) development immediately after weaning (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 consisted of 192 pigs (24 ± 3 days of age; 7.4 ± 1.1 kg weaning bodyweight [BW]) selected for Escherichia coli (E. coli) F4 susceptibility. Pigs were given an oral E. coli inoculum at postweaning day 7, to induce an enteric health challenge. Experiment 2 consisted of 40 pigs (24 ± 3 days of age; 7.2 ± 1.0 kg weaning BW) that were killed on postweaning day 8 or 9, to determine the effects of particle size on GIT development and functionality. Four experimental diets were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design: (1) coarse CER and coarse SBM, (2) coarse CER and fine SBM (CERcSBMf), (3) fine CER and coarse SBM, or (4) fine CER and fine SBM (CERfSBMf). Results showed no interaction between SBM and CER coarseness on growth performance, GIT development and functionality. Diarrhoea incidence was higher (p < 0.05) for CERfSBMf during the 2 weeks following the E. coli challenge compared to the other diets. Daily gain and feed intake during this period were higher (p < 0.05) for pigs fed CERc compared to CERf. Empty stomach weight tended to be greater by 8% (p = 0.09) for CERc compared to CERf. Gastric protein (p = 0.05) and starch (p = 0.04) disappearances were greater for SBMf compared to SBMc. Thus, CERcSBMf resulted in the best growth performance and lowest diarrhoea incidence during the 2 weeks following the E. coli challenge, which may be explained by changes in stomach functionality but not by changes in other parts of the GIT.

Does Roux-en-Y Anastomosis Excels Intestinal Interposition in Gastrectomy?

Background: Gastrectomy, the surgical removal of all or part of the stomach, is a critical intervention often employed in cases of gastric cancer. Among the various techniques utilized in gastrectomy, two primary methods have gained prominence: Roux-en-Y anastomosis and intestinal interposition. Both techniques aim to restore gastrointestinal continuity and functionality post-surgery, yet they differ in their approaches and outcomes. This article evaluates the efficacy, benefits, and drawbacks in the context of gastrectomy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Surgical department of Complex Oncological Centre of Shumen, Bulgaria between March 2019 and November 2023, including 55 patients, 35 maled and 20 females who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer or peptic ulcer disease. Roux-en-Y anastomosis was used in 30 and in 25 patients was used intestinal interposition. Medical records of eligible patients were reviewed to collect demographic data, preoperative clinical characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes. Results: The total number of complications amounts to 10, - 2 in Roux-en-Y and 8 after intestinal interposition. Complications in intestinal interposition are 4,8 times more frequent than in Roux-en-Y reconstruction, which, considering the small number of patients compared, represents a significant difference. Conclusion: This study contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the advantages and drawbacks of each reconstruction technique. Surgical skills play a vital role in the selection and execution of reconstruction methods after total gastrectomy.

Solubility, (micro)structure, and in vitro digestion of pea protein dispersions as affected by high pressure homogenization and environmental conditions

In this work, dispersions were prepared with commercial pea protein isolate (PPI) and subjected to different (i) high pressure homogenization (HPH) intensities (0 – 200 MPa) (room temperature, pH 7) or (ii) environmental conditions (60 °C, pH 7 or pH 12) to generate dispersions with distinct protein molecular and microstructural characteristics, impacting protein solubility. Besides, protein digestion was analyzed following the static INFOGEST in vitro digestion protocol. Generally, increasing pressure of the homogenization treatment was linked with decreasing particle sizes and enhanced protein digestion. More specifically, the dispersion that did not undergo HPH (0 MPa) as well as the dispersion treated at 60 °C, pH 7, had highly similar microstructures, consisting of large irregular particles (10 – 500 µm) with shell-like structures, and exhibited low solubility (around 15 % and 28 %, respectively), which resulted in limited proteolysis (35 % and 42 %, respectively). In contrast, the dispersion subjected to HPH at 100 MPa and the dispersion treated at 60 °C, pH 12 also had similar microstructures with small and homogeneous particles (<1 µm), and exhibited relatively good solubility (54 % and 31 %, respectively), which led to enhanced protein digestion levels (87 % and 74 %, respectively). This study highlights the potential of food processing on macronutrient (micro)structure and further gastrointestinal stability and functionality.

Effect of Zusanli Acupoint Injection with Anisodamine on Postoperative Recovery Quality of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

PurposeTo evaluate the influence of anisodamine injection at the Zusanli (ST36) on early postoperative recovery quality in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.Materials and Methods141 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly divided into the control group (group C), the normal saline group (group S) and the anisodamine group (group A). Acupuncture point injections were administered after induction of general anesthesia. The quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) scores were documented preoperatively (D0) and on the 1st (D1), 3rd (D3) and 7th (D7) days postoperatively. Additional metrics included: the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), assessment and analgesic consumption 24-h post-extubation and the initial postoperative times for ambulation and anal exhaust. Substance P (SP), β-endorphin (β-EP), motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) were quantified at 24-h post-surgery.ResultsCompared with group C, group A demonstrated an elevation in QoR-40 scores and physical comfort dimensions during D1-3, and an increased pain scores during D1-7; group S exhibited an augmentation in QoR-40 scores and pain scores on D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with group S, group A improved QoR-40 scores on D1 and pain scores during D1-3 (p < 0.05). SP, β-EP, MTL and GAS presented significant variances among the groups 24-h post-surgery (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups in NRS pain scores and PONV scores at 24-h postoperatively, dosage of dizocin on the first postoperative day, and time to first anal defecation (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe administration of anisodamine via ST36 acupoint injections has been demonstrated to facilitate the recuperation of gastrointestinal functionality, to alleviate postoperative pain and nausea, and substantially to enhance the quality of early postoperative recovery.Graphical

Usefulness and description of the intestinal bypass technique in children with short bowel syndrome: report of a Mexican cohort.

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is one of the most frequent causes of intestinal failure, needing parenteral nutrition to maintain an energy-protein and water-electrolyte balance. At the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), the formation of two stomas is a technique used for intestinal rehabilitation, where the use of residue through the bypass technique (BT) helps to maintain gastrointestinal functionality, water-electrolyte, and nutritional stability. This study aimed to describe the technique of using intestinal residue through BT as a treatment strategy in intestinal rehabilitation and its effect on the biochemical and nutritional status of pediatric patients with SBS. An analytical and retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in patients hospitalized at HIMFG with SBS who underwent BT during their hospital stay between 2019 and 2020 and then followed up for 8 weeks. A total of 10 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 24 months; 50% were female. BT was able to reduce the inflammatory process in the liver caused by the continuous use of parenteral nutrition; enteral caloric intake increased from 25.32 kcal/kg/day to 72.94 kcal/kg/day, but it was insufficient to improve their nutritional status. BT is a safe and effective alternative in intestinal rehabilitation in patients with SBS to stimulate trophism and intestinal functionality, allowing a progression of enteral feeding and a decrease in the hepatic inflammatory process that occurs in these patients with prolonged parenteral nutrition.

Different starch sources result in distinct responses to diets digestibility, fecal microbiota and fermentative metabolites, and postprandial glycemic response in dogs

The study evaluated the effects of different starch sources on the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, metabolizable energy (ME), intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and postprandial glycemic response in dogs. Seven diets containing corn, brown rice, sorghum, potato starch, sweet potato flour, chickpea, and pea flour were evaluated. Fourteen adult Beagle dogs were randomly distributed in blocks (periods) and were fed the experimental diets for 15 days during three periods, totaling 6 repetitions. In general, diets with brown rice and pea had higher CTTAD of nutrients, followed by diets containing sorghum, chickpea, and potato. The diet containing sweet potato had the lowest CTTAD of nutrients. Diets containing corn and brown rice presented the highest ME content. Dogs fed the chickpea diet had lower fecal pH, ammonia concentration, and dry matter content (P < 0.05). Generally, higher fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were observed in dogs fed the sweet potato and chickpea diets compared to the potato and brown rice diets (P < 0.05). Pulse-based diets resulted in a higher abundance of Bacteroides plebeius, Prevotella copri, Blautia, and Turicibacter in feces (P < 0.05). A higher abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Blautia was observed in the feces of dogs fed the sweet potato diet (P < 0.05). Blood samples collected from dogs fed corn and potato diets indicated a greater increase in glycemic peak concentration and maximum glycemia than the other starch sources (P < 0.05). The period until the glycemic peak was longer for diets containing sorghum and chickpea (P < 0.05). The results obtained in this study showed that sweet potato and pulses improve indicators of gastrointestinal functionality, and help controlling the postprandial glycemic response in dogs.

Green rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) promotes gut health: insight into mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevanceParalleling the increasing incidence of gastrointestinal disorders world-wide, therapeutic investigations of nutraceuticals to promote gastrointestinal health are gaining popularity. Although anecdotally well-known for its gut health promoting potential, sparse scientific evidence supports this action of Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R. Dahlgren - or rooibos - at the gastrointestinal epithelial level. Aim of the studyTraditionally, rooibos is considered to exert antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive effects in the gut. However, the direct effect on intestinal epithelium is unknown. Thus, to assess the validity of anecdotal claims, two larval zebrafish models were utilized to evaluate effects of rooibos on intestinal health. Materials and methodsFirstly, a larval zebrafish model of gastrointestinal inflammation (2-day TNBS-exposure) was employed. Co-administration of 6α-methylprednisolone served as an internal treatment control. Assessments included live imaging techniques and post-mortem immunofluorescent staining of epithelial tight junction proteins. In addition, whole body H2O2 and prostaglandin E2 assays were performed. Secondly, a gastrointestinal motility assay was performed, with known pro- and anti-kinetic mediators to assess the effect of rooibos to alter functional outcome in vivo. ResultsAqueous and ethanol extracts of green rooibos rescued TNBS-induced reductions in neutral red stained length of larval mid-intestines. Subsequent experiments confirmed the rescue capacity of the aqueous green rooibos extract regarding whole body oxidative and inflammatory status. Concerning tight junction proteins, only the aqueous green rooibos extract – and not prednisolone – normalized both zona occludens-1 and occludin expression levels when compared the TNBS group. In terms of gastrointestinal motility, the aqueous green rooibos extract significantly reduced the extent of gut motility dysregulation achieved by kinetic modulators. ConclusionsData indicates the potential of a 2 mg/ml aqueous extract of green rooibos to improve gastrointestinal integrity and functionality in vivo, suggesting beneficial effects of rooibos may already occur at the level of the gut. This provides some evidence to support indigenous knowledge.

Review: Methods and biomarkers to investigate intestinal function and health in pigs.

Society is becoming increasingly critical of animal husbandry due to its environmental impact and issues involving animal health and welfare including scientific experiments conducted on farm animals. This opens up two new fields of scientific research, the development of non- or minimally invasive (1) methods and techniques using faeces, urine, breath or saliva sampling to replace existing invasive models, and (2) biomarkers reflecting a disease or malfunction of an organ that may predict the future outcome of a pig's health, performance or sustainability. To date, there is a paucity of non- or minimally invasive methods and biomarkers investigating gastrointestinal function and health in pigs. This review describes recent literature pertaining to parameters that assess gastrointestinal functionality and health, tools currently used to investigate them, and the development or the potential to develop new non- and minimally invasive methods and/or biomarkers in pigs. Methods described within this review are those that characterise gastrointestinal mass such as the citrulline generation test, intestinal protein synthesis rate, first pass splanchnic nutrient uptake and techniques describing intestinal proliferation, barrier function and transit rate, and microbial composition and metabolism. An important consideration is gut health, and several molecules with the potential to act as biomarkers of compromised gut health in pigs are reported. Many of these methods to investigate gut functionality and health are considered 'gold standards' but are invasive. Thus, in pigs, there is a need to develop and validate non-invasive methods and biomarkers that meet the principles of the 3 R guidelines, which aim to reduce and refine animal experimentation and replace animals where possible.

Carotenoids Diet: Digestion, Gut Microbiota Modulation, and Inflammatory Diseases.

Several epidemiologic studies have found that consuming fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of getting a variety of chronic illnesses, including several types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and bowel diseases. Although there is still debate over the bioactive components, various secondary plant metabolites have been linked to these positive health benefits. Many of these features have recently been connected to carotenoids and their metabolites' effects on intracellular signalling cascades, which influence gene expression and protein translation. Carotenoids are the most prevalent lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, are found in micromolar amounts in human serum, and are very susceptible to multiple oxidation and isomerisation reactions. The gastrointestinal delivery system, digestion processes, stability, and functionality of carotenoids, as well as their impact on the gut microbiota and how carotenoids may be effective modulators of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, are still lacking research advances. Although several pathways involved in carotenoids' bioactivity have been identified, future studies should focus on the carotenoids' relationships, related metabolites, and their effects on transcription factors and metabolism.

Tyramine-induced gastrointestinal dysregulation is attenuated via estradiol associated mechanisms in a zebrafish larval model

Development of targeted therapeutics to alleviate gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation and its debilitating consequences are required. In this context, the trace aminergic system may link together sex, diet and inflammation. Utilising a zebrafish larval model of GI inflammation, the current study aimed to investigate mechanisms by which excess amounts of trace amines (TAs) may influence GI health. In addition, we probed the potential role of 17β-estradiol (E2) and its receptors, given the known female-predominance of many GI disorders. To assess GI functionality and integrity, live imaging techniques (neutral red staining) and post-mortem immunofluorescent staining of tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) were analyzed respectively. In addition, behavioural assays, as an indication of overall wellbeing, as well as whole body H2O2 and prostaglandin E2 assays were performed to inform on oxidative and inflammatory status. Excess β-phenethylamine (PEA), tryptamine (TRP) and ρ-tyramine (TYR) resulted in adverse GI and systemic effects. In this regard, clear beneficial effects of E2 to modulate the effects of PEA, TRP and TYR was evident. Moreover, agmatine displayed potential protective effects on GI epithelium and whole body oxidative status, however, potential to induce systemic inflammation suggests the importance of dosage and administration optimisation. Taken together, TYR seems like the most prominent TA to have damaging GI effects, feasibly exacerbating GI inflammation. In this context, the relative lack of E2 may provide mechanistic insights into the reported female-predominance of GI disorders. Moreover, an effective therapeutic in this context may be required to maintain GI TA load despite fluctuating E2 levels.

Emotional-Single Prolonged Stress: A promising model to illustrate the gut-brain interaction

Excessive stress can precipitate depression and anxiety diseases, and damage gastrointestinal functionality and microbiota changes, favoring the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) – defined by dysregulation in the brain-gut interaction. Therefore, the present study investigated if Emotional-Single Prolonged Stress (E-SPS) induces depressive/anxiety-like phenotype and gut dysfunction in adult Swiss male mice. For this, mice of the E-SPS group were subjected to three stressors sequential exposure: immobilization, swimming, and odor of the predator for 7 days (incubation period). Next, animals performed behavior tests and 24 h later, samples of feces, blood, and colon tissue were collected. E-SPS increased the plasma corticosterone levels, immobility time in the tail suspension and forced swim test, decreased the grooming time in the splash test, OAT%, and OAE% in the elevated plus-maze test, as well as increased anxiety index. Mice of E-SPS had increased % of intestinal transit rate, % of fecal moisture content, and fecal pellets number, and decreased Claudin1 content in the colon. E-SPS decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroidia class, Bacteroidales order, Muribaculaceae and Porphyromonadaceae family, Muribaculum, and Duncaniella genus. However, E-SPS increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phylum, Coriobacteriales order, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, and demonstrated Mucispirillum genus presence. The present study showed that E-SPS induced depressive/anxiety-like phenotype, predominant diarrhea gut dysfunction, and modulated the gut bacterial microbiota profile in male adult Swiss mice. E-SPS might be a promising model for future studies on the brain-gut interaction and the development of FGIDs with psychological comorbidities.

Comparing effects of natural betaine and betaine hydrochloride on gut physiology in broiler chickens

Betaine is a well-known component of poultry diets with various effects on nutritional physiology. For example, increased water retention due to the osmolytic effect of betaine increases the volume of the cell, thereby accelerating the anabolic activity, integrity of cell membrane, and overall performance of the bird. Betaine is a multifunctional component (trimethyl derivative) acting as the most efficient methyl group donor and as an organic osmolyte, which can directly influence the gastrointestinal tract integrity, functionality, and health. So far, nothing is known about the effect of betaine on the intestinal barrier in chickens. In addition, little is known about comparing natural betaine with its synthetic form. Therefore, an animal study was conducted to ascertain the effects of betaine supplementation (natural and synthetic) on performance and intestinal physiological responses of broilers. One hundred and five 1-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 3 groups with 35 birds each: control, natural betaine (1 kg active natural (n)-betaine/ton of feed) and synthetic (syn)-betaine‐HCL (1 kg active betaine /ton of feed). Histological assessment showed lower jejunal crypt depth and villi height/crypt depth ratio in syn-betaine-HCL group compared with natural n-betaine fed birds. Furthermore, it was found that syn-betaine-HCL negatively affects the integrity of the intestine by increasing the intestinal paracellular permeability in both jejunum and cecum as evidenced by a higher mannitol flux. Additionally, syn-betaine-HCl significantly upregulated the IFN-γ mRNA expression at certain time points, which could promote intestinal permeability, as it plays an important role in intestinal barrier dysfunction. Body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) did not differ (P > 0.05) between the control birds and birds supplemented with syn-betaine‐HCL. However, the BW and BWG were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by the dietary inclusion of n-betaine compared with other treatments. Altogether, the dietary inclusion of n-betaine had a positive effect on performance and did not negatively affect gut paracellular permeability. Furthermore, our results show that syn-betaine-HCl induces changes in the intestine, indicating an alteration of the intestinal histology and permeability. Thus, natural or synthetic betaine has different effects, which needs to be considered when using them as a feed supplement.

Gastrointestinal Injuries Following the Acute and Chronic Alcohol Abuse: An Update

The deleterious health effects of ethanol abuse are widely known and a diversity of medical conditions appear with excessive consumption. Acute and chronic abuse have different clinical characteristics, although severe intoxications are rare among alcoholics of a long career, where the systemic complications will dominate the symptomatology. While the medical focus acutely will mostly stay on the nervous and circulatory effects, gastrointestinal complications that will come up chronically (liver, pancreas, bowel dysfunction) need proper consideration. Ethanol will affect gastrointestinal functionality through a triple action, directly on the epithelial cell and the secretory activity, by altering the motility and in the long-term scope, through promoting carcinogenesis. Medical teams dealing with acute and chronic ethanol intoxication or abuse must be aware of the multiple effects it shows, and perform a prompt diagnosis as well as appropriate intervention.

Digestibility of a Lignocellulose Supplemented Diet and Fecal Quality in Beagle Dogs.

Simple SummaryObesity is not only a serious health problem for humans, but is also recognized as an immense health threat in pets. The use of lignocellulose in extruded diet might be used in pet food companies as a strategy to reduce energy density. These findings suggest that including lignocellulose supplementation up to 4% in dogs’ diets was well accepted, with an allowable reduction of the apparent digestibility of the control diet. Moreover, the stool remains solid and well-formed , and it increases fecal dry matter, indicating that it should be considered as a potential source of dietary fiber in dog food.Lignocellulose (LC) might be used as a substitute fiber source for dogs as a strategy to decrease energy density and enhance gastrointestinal functionality. The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of including different levels of LC on apparent nutrient digestibility and fecal parameters (dry matter (DM), fecal score, and daily fecal output), as well as fecal fatty acid concentrations. Four diets were tested: control diet (no supplementation of LC; LC0), and three control diets diluted with increasing levels of LC: 1, 2, and 4% (LC1, LC2, and LC4). Six Beagle dogs (BW 17.1 kg ± 1.22) participated in a crossover experimental design. Before each experimental period, five days were used as a wash-out period. The fecal consistency was scored based on a 5-point scale (1 = very hard; 2 = solid, well-formed “optimum”; 3 = soft, still formed; 4 = pasty, slushy; and 5 = watery diarrhea). The results demonstrated that the organic matter apparent digestibility (p = 0.01) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) (p < 0.01) was significantly lower for dogs fed LC4 compared to those fed LC0. Dogs fed LC2 and LC4 had a lower fecal consistency score (2.39 and 2.18, respectively; p < 0.05). The fecal DM was significantly the highest (p < 0.01), and the daily fecal output on fresh matter was lower (p < 0.05) when dogs were fed the LC4 diet compared with the LC0 diet. Including LC at 1% in the diet resulted in significantly higher fecal acidic pH levels. However, no differences among treatments were noted regarding fecal fatty acid concentrations.

Effect of dietary sophorolipids on growth performance and gastrointestinal functionality of broiler chickens infected with Eimeria maxima

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary sophorolipids (SLs) supplementation as antibiotic alternatives on growth performance and gut health of chickens infected with Eimeria maxima. In experiment 1, 336 (zero-day-old) male broilers were used. The chickens were weighed and randomly allocated to the following 6 treatments groups with 7 chickens/cage and 8 cages/treatment: control group that received a basal diet (NC), positive control group that received a basal diet and was challenged with E. maxima (PC), PC+C18:1 lactonic diacetyled SL (SL1), PC+C18:1 deacetyled SL (SL2), PC+C18:1 monoacetyled SL (SL3), and PC+C18:1 diacetyled SL (SL4). Each SL (200 mg/kg feed) was added to the corresponding treatment group. In experiment 2, 588 (zero-day-old) male broilers were used. The chickens were randomly allocated to the following experimental groups with 10 or 11 chickens/cage and 8 cages/treatment: NC, PC, PC+ monensin at 90 mg/kg feed (MO), PC+SL1 at 200 mg/kg feed (SL1 200), PC+SL1 at 500 mg/kg feed (SL1 500), PC+SL4 at 200 mg/kg feed (SL4 200), and PC+SL4 at 500 mg/kg of feed (SL4 500). The chickens and feed were weighed at 0, 7, 14, 20, and 22 d to determine growth performance. In both experiments, all chickens except the NC group were orally infected with E. maxima (10,000 oocysts/chicken) at d 14. One chicken per cage was euthanized at d 20 to sample jejunal tissue to measure lesion scores, cytokines, and tight junction (TJ) proteins. Excreta samples were collected daily between d 20 and 22 to measure oocyst numbers. Data were analyzed using Mixed Model (PROC MIXED) in SAS. In experiment 1, SLs did not affect the growth of broiler chickens, but SL4 decreased (P < 0.05) the lesion score and oocyst number compared to PC chickens. In terms of cytokines and TJ protein gene expression, SLs increased (P < 0.05) IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17F, IL-4, IL-13, occludin, and ZO1 levels compared to PC chickens. In experiment 2, monensin increased (P < 0.05) body weight, and decreased (P < 0.05) the lesion score and oocyst number compared to the PC group. SL4 500 increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed conversion ratio but decreased (P < 0.05) lesion score and fecal oocyst number. SL4 decreased (P < 0.05) IL-6, IL-17F, TNFSF-15, IL-2, and IL-10 levels but increased (P < 0.05) occludin and ZO-1 levels. Overall, dietary SL supplementation, especially SL4, improved growth and gastrointestinal functionality of young broiler chickens, demonstrating significant potential as an antibiotic alternative.