Goblet Cell Count Research Articles

Dietary Yeast Cell Wall Improves Growth Performance and Prevents of Diarrhea of Weaned Pigs by Enhancing Gut Health and Anti-Inflammatory Immune Responses

Simple SummaryPost-weaning stress can substantially affect performance of weaned pigs as well as overall pig production, and thus, a practical approach is needed to improve their performance by alleviating the stress that can cause intestinal barrier dysfunction of weaned pigs. There are potential ways to solve the concern in swine production, but dietary yeast cell wall in weaner diets may be one possible solution. The results of the present study suggest that dietary yeast cell wall improves growth performance of weaned pigs by enhancing gut health and provide its potential mechanism.Dietary yeast cell wall products (YCW) are recognized as a feed additive due to multifunctional benefits by the biological response modulators. Thus, this study was conducted to verify a potential advantage of YCW for improving growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immune responses, and intestinal health and microbiota of weaned pigs. A total of 112 weaned pigs (7.99 ± 1.10 kg of body weight; 28 days old) were arbitrarily allocated to two experimental treatments with eight pigs (four barrows and four gilts) per pen and seven replicate pens per treatment in a completely randomized block design (block = BW and sex): (1) a basal diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON) and (2) CON + 0.05% YCW. The experimental period was for 4 weeks. There were no differences in final body weight, average daily feed intake, and gain-to-feed ratio between dietary treatments. In contrast, pigs fed YCW had higher average daily gain (p = 0.088) and apparent ileal digestibility of DM (p < 0.05) and energy (p = 0.052) and lower diarrhea frequency (p = 0.083) than those fed control diet (CON). Pigs fed YCW also had a higher (p < 0.05) ratio between villus height and crypt depth, villus width and area, and goblet cell counts in the duodenum and/or jejunum than those fed CON. Dietary YCW decreased (p < 0.05) serum TNF-α and IL–1β of weaned pigs on day 7 and 14, respectively, compared with CON. Furthermore, pigs fed YCW had higher (p < 0.05) ileal gene expression of claudin family, occludin, MUC1, INF-γ, and IL-6 and lower (p < 0.05) that of TNF-α than those fed CON. Lastly, there were no differences in the relative abundance of bacteria at the phylum level between CON and YCW. However, dietary YCW increased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of genera Prevotella and Roseburia compared with CON. This study provided that dietary YCW improved growth rate, nutritional digestibility, and intestinal health and modified immune responses and intestinal microbiota of weaned pigs.

Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR\u03b1) is a key regulator of intestinal homeostasis and protects against colitis

The estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) is a primary regulator of mitochondrial energy metabolism, function and dynamics, and has been implicated in autophagy and immune regulation. ERRα is abundantly expressed in the intestine and in cells of the immune system. However, its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown. Here, we report a protective role of ERRα in the intestine. We found that mice deficient in ERRα were susceptible to experimental colitis, exhibiting increased colon inflammation and tissue damage. This phenotype was mediated by impaired compensatory proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) following injury, enhanced IEC apoptosis and necrosis and reduced mucus-producing goblet cell counts. Longitudinal analysis of the microbiota demonstrated that loss of ERRα lead to a reduction in microbiome α-diversity and depletion of healthy gut bacterial constituents. Mechanistically, ERRα mediated its protective effects by acting within the radio-resistant compartment of the intestine. It promoted disease tolerance through transcriptional control of key genes involved in intestinal tissue homeostasis and repair. These findings provide new insights on the role of ERRα in the gut and extends our current knowledge of nuclear receptors implicated in IBD.

A Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) supplement improved performance, digestive function and gut ultrastructure of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed plant protein diets containing yellow lupin meal

A nutritional investigation was conducted to determine whether growth performance, feed efficiency and midgut morphology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is affected by United Kingdom cultivars of Yellow Lupin (Control, Y) (LC) compared to the addition of a commercial solid-state fermentation product (SSF) in separate dietary treatments 0.1 and 0.5% (LS0.1 and LS0.5, respectively). At the end of feeding trial, LC- and LS0.1-fed fish did not differ from one another, whilst significant improvement was observed in LS0.5 fed fish (P < 0.05). Apparent digestibility of crude protein and crude fibre were significantly higher in fish fed LS0.1 and LS0.5 than LC. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in Haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were observed among dietary treatments. Fish fed the 0.1% SSF inclusion exhibited significantly (P < 0.001) higher haematocrit (Hct) concentration than all other treatments. Significantly (P < 0.005) higher serum glucose levels were observed in FMC fed fish compared to fish fed LC and LS0.1, whilst elevation was also observed in LS0.5 over LC and LS0.1. Activity of serum lysozyme was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the LS0.5 treatment compared to LC, S0.1 and FMC groups. Fish fed 0.5% SSF were observed to have a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in goblet cell counts (GC) compared to those fed LC and LS0.1.). Median enterocyte height (EH) of LS0.1 and LS0.5 fed fish did not differ from one another but were both significantly greater than LC fed fish. Mean microvilli length (MVL), diameter (MVD) and enterocyte apical area (EAA) did not differ significantly between dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Fish fed 0.5% SSF displayed a higher microvillar percentage coverage (MVCV) compared to fish fed LC and LS0.1. Total alkaline protease (TAP), trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in the digesta of fish were unaffected by dietary treatment (P > 0.05). Activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in digesta was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in SSF treatments than LC. Activity of L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in digesta was marginally significantly (P = 0.045) higher in LS0.1 SSF fed fish than LC fed fish. Activity of LAP was also significantly higher in LS0.5 fed fish than LC fed fish.

Serglycin-Deficiency Causes Reduced Weight Gain and Changed Intestinal Cytokine Responses in Mice Infected With Giardia intestinalis.

The proteoglycan serglycin (SG) is expressed by different innate and adaptive immune cells, e.g. mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, where SG contributes to correct granule storage and extracellular activity of inflammatory mediators. Here the serglycin-deficient (SG−/−) mouse strain was used to investigate the impact of SG on intestinal immune responses during infection with the non-invasive protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis. Young (≈11 weeks old) oral gavage-infected congenic SG−/− mice showed reduced weight gain as compared with the infected SG+/+ littermate mice and the PBS-challenged SG−/− and SG+/+ littermate mice. The infection caused no major morphological changes in the small intestine. However, a SG-independent increased goblet cell and granulocyte cell count was observed, which did not correlate with an increased myeloperoxidase or neutrophil elastase activity. Furthermore, infected mice showed increased serum IL-6 levels, with significantly reduced serum IL-6 levels in infected SG-deficient mice and decreased intestinal expression levels of IL-6 in the infected SG-deficient mice. In infected mice the qPCR analysis of alarmins, chemokines, cytokines, and nitric oxide synthases (NOS), showed that the SG-deficiency caused reduced intestinal expression levels of TNF-α and CXCL2, and increased IFN-γ, CXCL1, and NOS1 levels as compared with SG-competent mice. This study shows that SG plays a regulatory role in intestinal immune responses, reflected by changes in chemokine and cytokine expression levels and a delayed weight gain in young SG−/− mice infected with G. intestinalis.

Damage to intestinal barrier integrity in piglets caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) induces respiratory disease and reproductive failure accompanied by gastroenteritis-like symptoms. The mechanism of intestinal barrier injury caused by PRRSV infection in piglets has yet to be investigated. An in vivo PRRSV-induced model was established in 30-day-old piglets by the intramuscular injection of 2 mL of 104 TCID50/mL PRRSV for 15 days. Observations of PRRSV replication and histology were conducted in the lungs and intestine, and goblet cell counts, relative MUC2 mRNA expression, and tight junction protein, proinflammatory cytokine, TLR4, MyD88, IκB and p-IκB expression were measured. PRRSV replicated in the lungs and small intestine, as demonstrated by absolute RT-qPCR quantification, and the PRRSV N protein was detected in the lung interstitium and jejunal mucosa. PRRSV infection induced both lung and gut injury, markedly decreased villus height and the villus to crypt ratio in the small intestine, and obviously increased the number of goblet cells and the relative expression of MUC2 mRNA in the jejunum. PRRSV infection aggravated the morphological depletion of tight junction proteins and increased IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α expression by activating the NF-κB signalling pathway in the jejunum. PRRSV infection impaired intestinal integrity by damaging physical and immune barriers in the intestine by inducing inflammation, which may be related to the regulation of the gut-lung axis. This study also provides a new hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of PRRSV-induced diarrhoea.

Synergistic effects of the soapbark tree, Quillaja saponaria and Vitamin E on water quality, growth performance, blood health, gills and intestine histomorphology of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of Quillaja saponaria (QS), and Vitamin E (VE) on water quality, fish performance, and health of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Fish (N = 120, 12.75 ± 0.289 g) were randomly distributed in triplicates into four experimental groups. (1) the control group (CG), fish received a basal diet; (2) the Quillaja saponaria group (QS), fish received a basal diet containing 300 mg kg−1 QS extract; (3) Vitamin E group (VE), fish received a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg kg−1 VE; and (4) QS/VE group, fish received a basal diet supplemented with a mixture of 300 mg kg−1 QS extract and 400 mg kg−1 VE. Fish fed experimental diets (30/6, protein/lipids ratio) for 60 days. Results revealed a significant decrease of total ammonia nitrogen and unionized ammonia in fish fed QS/VE, VE, and QS compared to CG. Fish provided QS and/or VE showed a significant improvement in growth and feed utilization indices compared to CG (P < 0.05), with the best results in QS/VE group. QS and/or VE's dietary supplementation did not improve hematological parameters. However, a significant improvement of serum analyses (total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, cholesterol, and triglycerides) was recorded in fish fed QS and/or VE compared to CG with the best values in QS/VE. Digestive enzyme activity (lipase, amylase) and oxidative parameters (SOD, CAT) were significantly increased with QS and/or VE dietary supplementation, and the best findings were recorded in QS/VE. Gill necrotic tissues were alleviated in fish fed QS or/and VE. The intestinal health (villi length, villi surface area, and goblet cells count) showed a significant improvement by dietary QS or/and VE, with the best findings in fish received QS/VE. In conclusion, QS and/or VE's dietary supplementation improves water quality, fish performance, blood health, gills, and intestine health of Nile tilapia.

A Comparative Study on the Ameliorative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Two Varieties of Hibiscus on the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier in Bowel Inflammation

Aim: To evaluate the ability of red and white hibiscus (H) in improving the epithelial barrier in indomethacin-induced duodenal and colonic inflammation, compared with prebiotic and to investigate whether the red and/or white hibiscus can be used as natural prebiotic like agents. Methods: Histological, histomorphometric, histochemical demonstration for goblets cells and mucin intensity. Immunohistochemical demonstration of COX-2, and tight junctions (Claudin-1 and E-cadherin) were examined. Duodenal and colonic TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, PGE2, MPO, MDA, TAC, besides, serum CRP were evaluated. Results: Indomethacin induced inflammation and ulceration in the duodenum and colon, with significant depletion in goblet cell count and mucin intensity. COX-2 was increased while claudin-1 and E-cadherin were significantly diminished. Tissue TNF-α, IL-6, MPO, MDA, and serum CRP were elevated significantly by indomethacin, while IL-10, PGE2 and TAC were reduced. Co-treatment with red H, white H, or prebiotics plus indomethacin improved significantly duodenal and colonic histoarchitecture, tissue contents of PAS cells, mucin, claudin-1 and E-cadherin, while COX-2 reduced. TNF-α, IL-6, MPO, MDA, and serum CRP were decreased significantly, while IL-10 , PGE2 and TAC were restored. Conclusion: The current research introduces red and white hibiscus as prebiotics-like agents because of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or tight junctions modulating activities.

Silymarin improved the growth performance via modulating the microbiota and mucosal immunity in Escherichia coli-challenged broiler chicks

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplemental silymarin on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and jejunal health indices in broiler chicks challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O78:K80. For this purpose, 384 seven-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly allocated to eight experimental treatments with four replicates of 12 birds each. The treatments consisted of two microbial conditions (unchallenged and challenged with E. coli O78:K80) with further division into four additive supplementations (no additive, additions of 500 and 1000 ppm of silymarin, and antibiotic addition as the positive control). The birds were orally infected with E. coli O78:K80 at 1 × 109 cfu from 7 to 28 d of age. Results showed that E. coli infection led to the declines (P < 0.001) in average daily feed intakes (ADFI) and average daily weight gains (ADWG), however feed conversion ratios (FCR; P < 0.001) were increased in the grower, finisher, and whole trial periods. The relative weights of carcass, heart, gall bladder, and pancreas were unaffected in the E. coli-infected broilers. E. coli challenge markedly (P < 0.001) increased the ileal E. coli, Salmonella spp, Klebsiella spp, and total Gram-negative bacteria counts at 28 and 42 d of age. Challenging with E. coli led to marked (P < 0.001) decreases in villi height, villi height to crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio and villi absorptive area, where as it resulted in noticeable (P < 0.001) rises in jejunal goblet cell counts (GCC), and lamina propria lymphoid follicle numbers (LLFN) and diameter (LLFD) at 28 and 42 d of age. Dietary inclusion of silymarin not only led to rises (P < 0.001) in ADFI and ADWG, but also it improved FCR throughout the experimental period. Supplemental silymarin caused highly significant (P < 0.001) declines in the mentioned ileal microflora at 28 and 42 d of age. The increases in both jejunal villi height (P < 0.01) and VH:CD ratio (P < 0.001), as well as a reduction in crypt depth (P < 0.05) were observed after dietary silymarin supplement. Furthermore, it was also found that silymarin modulated the GCC (P < 0.001) and LLFN (P < 0.01). The results indicate that silymarin administration could improve the growth performance via suppressing the ileal pathogen microbial numbers and enhancing the villi absorptive surface area in the E. coli-infected broiler chicks.

Immunomodulatory responses in plectasin-supplemented broilers under tropical environmental conditions.

The present study was aimed to determine the immunomodulatory effects of dietary supplementation of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) plectasin on broiler chickens. The experiment involved 300-day-old Ross chicks reared in a conventional housing system and subjected to ambient temperature and relative humidity. The birds were randomly allocated to five treatment groups: the non-supplemented negative control group (T1), enramycin-supplemented group (T2), and groups supplemented with varying doses of plectasin at 150 ppm, 300 ppm, and 450 ppm (T3, T4, and T5, respectively) from day 1 to 35. The results indicated that plectasin supplementation increased jejunal and ileal goblet cell (GC) counts, serum interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels at neonatal age, and serum immunoglobulin Y (IgY) titer on days 7, 21, 28, and 35. These findings confirmed that plectasin induces positive immunomodulatory responses by specifically enhancing gut mucosal barriers, early innate immunity, and humoral immune response. Specifically, supplementation at 150 ppm may be considered as the optimal dose for inclusion in broiler chicken feeds.

Curative effects of sophorolipid on physical wounds: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Early‐weaning syndrome is harmful to animals because an effect on growth in the early‐stage of life generally determines the overall growth rate. Sophorolipid (SPL), a surface‐active glycolipid compound, has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity and stimulate cell proliferation. Thus, in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of SPL on the gut turnover after the wound. The in vitro experiment with HT‐29 cells showed the increased proliferation with increasing gene levels of collagenase‐1 and matrilysin‐1. Next, the 16‐day in vivo experiment was conducted with thirty rats (14‐day‐old), and the allocation was performed according to their body weight (BW) into three treatments: control diet (CON), 48 ppm of oxytetracycline‐supplemented diet (OTC) and 10 ppm of SPL‐supplemented diet (SPL). Dietary SPL accelerates the growth of rats in overall periods, and intestinal permeability was lower in SPL at day 16. Villus:crypt ratio and the goblet cell count were also higher in SPL than in CON at day 8. Caecal Streptococcus spp. were significantly reduced with dietary SPL and OTC at day 8 and 16, and total short‐chain fatty acid, acetate and butyrate levels were increased in the SPL at day 8. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that SPL could improve gut remodelling potential and modulate the gut environments, resulted in acceleration of post‐weaning growth. Therefore, SPL could have a potential as a feed additive aimed at promoting repair system after wound in animal's gut.

Inhibitory Effect of Paquinimod on a Murine Model of Neutrophilic Asthma Induced by Ovalbumin with Complete Freund's Adjuvant.

Background Quinoline-3-carboxamides have been used to treat autoimmune/inflammatory diseases in humans because they inhibit the functions of S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), which participates in the development of neutrophilic inflammation in asthmatics and in an animal model of neutrophilic asthma. However, the therapeutic effects of these chemicals have not been evaluated in asthma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of paquinimod, one of the quinoline-3-carboxamides, on a murine model of neutrophilic asthma. Methods Paquinimod was orally administered to 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA)/complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and OVA. Lung inflammation and remodeling were evaluated using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histologic findings including goblet cell count. S100A9, caspase-1, IL-1β, MPO, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were measured in lung lysates using western blotting. Results Paquinimod restored the enhancement of airway resistance and the increases in numbers of neutrophils and macrophages of BAL fluids and those of goblet cells in OVA/CFA mice toward the levels of sham-treated mice in a dose-dependent manner (0.1, 1, 10, and 25 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Concomitantly, p20 activated caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels were markedly attenuated. Conclusion These data indicate that paquinimod effectively inhibits neutrophilic inflammation and remodeling in the murine model of neutrophilic asthma, possibly via downregulation of IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-1β.

Evaluation of marine algal ( Ulva spp./ Solieria spp.) extracts combined with organic acids in diets for olive flounder ( Paralichthys olivaceus )

The supplemental effect of marine algae (Ulva spp. and Solieria spp.) extracts with/without organic acids was evaluated in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) diet. A diet containing 55% fish meal was considered as the control diet. Three other diets were prepared by supplementing 0.5% of algae extract from Ulva spp. mixed with a blend of organic acids and 0.3% or 0.5% algae extracts from Ulva spp. and Solieria spp. into the control diet (CON, AS5, AL3 and AL5). Total 640 fish (initial mean body weight: 26.5 ± 0.02 g) were randomly distributed into 16 tanks as 40 fish per tank. Quadruplicate groups of fish were hand-fed one of the experimental diets twice a day for 12 weeks. Growth performance of fish was not significantly affected by experimental diets although feed utilization of fish fed AS5 diet was significantly higher than that of the CON group. The innate immune responses and activities of antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased by dietary supplementation of the additives. When fish were challenged with Edwardsiella tarda, survival was higher in fish fed the additive supplemented diets than the CON group. Catalase, lysozyme and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher in surviving fish fed the additive supplemented diets than the CON group after the challenge test. Goblet cell counts in fish intestine were significantly higher in AS5 group. Amylase and lipase activities and lipid digestibility were increased by the diets containing additives. The findings in this study indicate that algal extract and/or organic acid supplementation in diets increase innate immunity, disease resistance, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, diet digestibility and feed utilization of olive flounder.

Synergistic effects of dietary sodium butyrate and Spirulina platensis on growth performance, carcass composition, blood health, and intestinal histomorphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present study evaluated the possible synergistic impacts of sodium butyrate and Spirulina platensis as a feed additive on growth performance, carcass composition, blood health, and intestinal histomorphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A control and three treated diets were supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB) 350 mg, Spirulina platensis (SP) 1g and a mixture of 350 mg SB and 1g SP/kg diet (SB/SP) respectively, were fed for monosex Nile tilapia (12.5± 0.50 g, n=120) for two months. The results revealed higher growth performance (final weight, weight gain, weight gain rate, SGR and PER) compared to control group (CG) (P<0.05), with higher values being observed in fish fed SB/SP, and significant improvement in FCR and ECR values with the lowest values being recorded in fish fed SB/SP followed by SP, SB and CG. Biometric indices showed no significant effect except for fish length, the longest fish length was recorded in fish fed SB/SP followed by SP, SB and CG. There was a significant correlation (P<0.05) between the length and the weight among the experimental groups. Carcass composition showed highest value of total lipid content in fish fed SB/SP. Hematological parameters showed no significant differences except for the WBCs which decreased significantly in fish fed SB or/and SP in respect to CG (P < 0.05). Biochemical parameters of Nile tilapia showed the highest values of total protein and globulin in fish fed SB/SP and the lowest values of triglycerides, AST and ALP in fish fed SB/SP. Intestinal histomorphology showed significant increase in the intestinal villi length, villi surface area and goblet cells count and decreased inter-villi space in SB or/and SP in respect to CG. Conclusively, results revealed the importance of both SB and SP in tilapia diets to enhance the growth, intestinal histomorphology and fish health.

Changes in the growth, ileal digestibility, intestinal histology, behavior, fatty acid composition of the\xa0breast muscles, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens by dietary inclusion of safflower oil and vitamin C

BackgroundThe effects of safflower oil and vitamin C (Vit. C) inclusion in broiler chicken diets on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient “AID%” of amino acids, intestinal histology, behavior, carcass traits, fatty acid composition of the breast muscle, antioxidant and immune status for a 35-day feeding period were evaluated. A total of 300 three-day-old Ross chicks (58.25 g ± 0.19) were randomly allotted in a 2 × 3 factorial design consisting of two levels of vitamin C (0 and 400 mg/kg diet) and three levels of safflower oil (0, 5, and 10 g/kg diet).ResultsAn increase in the final body weight, total body weight gain, total feed intake, and the relative growth rate (P < 0.05) were reported by safflower oil and vitamin C inclusion. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C had a positive effect (P < 0.05) on the ingestive, resting, and feather preening behavior. Vitamin C supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the AID% of lysine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine, and valine. Safflower inclusion (10 g/kg) increased (P < 0.05) the AID% of methionine and isoleucine. Safflower oil inclusion increased (P < 0.05) the levels of stearic acid, linoleic acid, saturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3) in the breast muscle. In contrast, the supplementation of only 10 g of safflower oil/kg diet increased (P = 0.01) the omega-3/omega-6 (ω-3/ω-6) fatty acids ratio. Vit. C supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the CAT serum levels, SOD, and GSH enzymes. Dietary supplementation of safflower oil and vitamin C improved the intestinal histology. They increased the villous height and width, crypt depth, villous height/crypt depth ratio, mucosal thickness, goblet cell count, and intra-epithelium lymphocytic lick cell infiltrations. The serum levels of IgA and complement C3 were increased (P < 0.01) by Vit. C supplementation and prominent in the 400 vit. C + 10 safflower Oil group.ConclusionA dietary combination of safflower oil and vitamin C resulted in improved growth rate, amino acids AID%, intestinal histology, welfare, immune and antioxidant status of birds, and obtaining ω-3 and linoleic acid-enriched breast muscles. The best inclusion level was 400 vit. C + 10 safflower Oil.

Lecithin‐containing bioemulsifier boosts growth performance, feed digestion and absorption and immune response of adult Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )

The present study evaluated the effects of a commercial soy lecithin-containing bioemulsifier Lysomax® on growth performance, feed utilization, haematology, immune response and gut histology of adult Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed soybean meal-based diets, containing plant oil as a lipid source. This emulsifier was incorporated into four isonitrogenous (30% cp), isocaloric (17.5 MJ/kg) test diets, at 0 (control), 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 g/kg feed. The diets were fed to triplicate groups of adult Nile tilapia, reared in a closed recirculating indoor system, at a daily rate of 3% of fish live weight, twice a day for 60 days. Growth rates, feed utilization efficiency, digestive enzymes activities, blood parameters, liver function enzymes and immunological responses were all boosted (p < .05) with increasing supplemental Lysomax up to 0.3 g/kg diet, followed by a significant retardation (p < .05) at 0.6 and 0.9 levels. Muscle n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n3/n6 ratio were also increased with increasing Lysomax up to 0.3 level and then levelled off with further increase in dietary Lysomax. The highest length and width of the intestinal microvilli and goblet cell counts were also found in the fish fed on 0.3 g Lysomax/kg diet. However, the quadratic regression analyses of the obtained results indicated that the maximum performance occurred at about 0.45 g/kg of dietary Lysomax. These results suggest that lecithin-containing bioemulsifier Lysomax® can play a significant role in feed digestion and absorption and improving fish performance and innate immune response. About 0.45 g/kg diet would be sufficient for best performance and health status of farmed Nile tilapia.

Supplementation of Selenium Nanoparticles-Loaded Chitosan Improves Production Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Gut Microflora in Broiler Chickens.

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), combined or loaded with chitosan (COS), in broiler chickens reared under standard management protocols. The parameters under investigation were production performance, organ development, components of the intestinal barrier, and ileal microbial count. Two hundred and forty day-old chicks were raised in five groups, with each group containing eight replicates (n=6/replicate). The control group received a basal diet whereas the other four groups received basal diets supplemented with SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg), COS (200 mg/kg), SeNPs+COS (0.5 mg/kg SeNPs + 200 mg/kg COS), and SeNPs-loaded COS (SeNPs-L-COS) (200 mg/kg) respectively. On day 35, two birds/replicate were sampled to collect the viscera under investigation. The results revealed that dietary inclusion of SeNPs-L-COS increased (p<0.05) the body weight gain and improved (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio. Similarly, SeNPs-L-COS supplementation increased (p<0.05) the small intestinal villus surface area as well as the count of acidic goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes when compared with the control group. Whereas the total goblet cell count was higher (p<0.05) in the small intestines of both the SeNPs+COS and SeNPs-L-COS groups. Microbial analysis of ileal contents also revealed an increase (p<0.05) in Lactobacilli species count with a concurrent decrease (p<0.05) in Escherichia coli count in the SeNPs-L-COS group when compared with the COS and control groups. Based on the results of the current trial, we can conclude that supplementation with SeNPs-L-COS is a superior combination for promoting the gut health and performance of broilers.

Acute blockade of endogenous melatonin by Luzindole, with or without peripheral LPS injection, induces jejunal inflammation and morphological alterations in Swiss mice.

This study investigated the acute blockade of endogenous melatonin (MLT) using Luzindole with or without systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and evaluated changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the mouse jejunum. Luzindole is an MT1/MT2 MLT receptor antagonist. Both receptors occur in the small intestine. Swiss mice were treated with either saline (0.35 mg/kg, ip), Luzindole (0.35 mg/kg, ip), LPS (1.25 mg/kg, ip), or Luzindole+LPS (0.35 and 1.25 mg/kg, ip, respectively). Jejunum samples were evaluated regarding intestinal morphometry, histopathological crypt scoring, and PAS-positive villus goblet cell counting. Inflammatory Iba-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor (NF)-kB, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress (NP-SHs, catalase, MDA, nitrate/nitrite) markers were assessed. Mice treated with Luzindole, LPS, and Luzindole+LPS showed villus height shortening. Crypt damage was worse in the LPS group. Luzindole, LPS, and Luzindole+LPS reduced the PAS-goblet cell labeling and increased Iba-1-immunolabelled cells compared to the saline group. Immunoblotting for IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-kB was greater in the Luzindole group. The LPS-challenged group showed higher MPO activity than the saline and Luzindole groups. Catalase was reduced in the Luzindole and Luzindole+LPS groups compared to saline. The Luzindole group showed an increase in NP-SHs, an effect related to compensatory GSH activity. The acute blockade of endogenous MLT with Luzindole induced early changes in inflammatory markers with altered intestinal morphology. The other non-detectable deleterious effects of Luzindole may be balanced by the unopposed direct action of MLT in immune cells bypassing the MT1/MT2 receptors.

Effect of Dietary Medium-Chain α-Monoglycerides on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Histomorphology, Amino Acid Digestibility, and Broiler Chickens' Blood Biochemical Parameters.

Simple SummaryThe addition of biologically active materials to animal feed is a very recent topic regarding antibiotic alternatives. This study inspected the influence of graded levels of medium-chain α-monoglycerides, glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AID%) of amino acids, and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens. Broiler chickens (76.82 g ± 0.40, n = 200) were fed on four experimental diets that were complemented with 0; 1; 3; or 5 g kg−1 glycerol monolaurate (GML0; GML1; GML3; and GML5). The findings suggested that glycerol monolaurate supplementation can improve the immune status and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens with no improving effect on the growth performance.This trial was conducted to assess the impact of medium-chain α-monoglycerides, glycerol monolaurate (GML) supplementation on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AID%) of amino acids, intestinal histomorphology, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three-day-old chicks (76.82 g ± 0.40, n = 200) were haphazardly allocated to four experimental groups with five replicates for each (10 chicks/replicate). The treatments consisted of basal diets supplemented with four glycerol monolaurate levels; 0, 1, 3, or 5 g kg−1 (GML0, GML1, GML3, and GML5, respectively). Growth performance was determined at three periods (starter, grower, and finisher). Dietary GML had no significant effect on the growth performance parameters (body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio) through all the experimental periods. GML1 diet increased the AID% of leucine and decreased the AID% of arginine. GML1 diet increased the duodenal and jejunal villous height and the jejunal muscle thickness. GML3 and GML5 diets increased the goblet cell count in the duodenum. GML supplementation increased the serum level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. GML5 diet increased the serum levels of IgM and interleukin 10 compared to the control group. We could conclude that dietary supplementation of glycerol monolaurate can supplement broiler chicken diets up to 5 g kg−1 to enhance the immune status and intestinal histomorphology of birds with no improving effect on growth performance.

Colonization of Germ-Free Piglets with Mucinolytic and Non-Mucinolytic Bifidobacterium boum Strains Isolated from the Intestine of Wild Boar and Their Interference with Salmonella Typhimurium.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars are worldwide spread foodborne pathogens that cause diarrhea in humans and animals. Colonization of gnotobiotic piglet intestine with porcine indigenous mucinolytic Bifidobacterium boum RP36 strain and non-mucinolytic strain RP37 and their interference with Salmonella Typhimurium infection were compared. Bacterial interferences and impact on the host were evaluated by clinical signs of salmonellosis, bacterial translocation, goblet cell count, mRNA expression of mucin 2, villin, claudin-1, claudin-2, and occludin in the ileum and colon, and plasmatic levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10. Both bifidobacterial strains colonized the intestine comparably. Neither RP36 nor RP37 B. boum strains effectively suppressed signs of salmonellosis. Both B. boum strains suppressed the growth of S. Typhimurium in the ileum and colon. The mucinolytic RP36 strain increased the translocation of S. Typhimurium into the blood, liver, and spleen.

The effects of chitosan-vitamin C nanocomposite supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the dietary supplementation of chitosan-vitamin C nanocomposite (CVCN) at four different concentrations (0, 200, 300, 400 mgkg−1 diet) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings, for ten weeks feeding period, on the growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune status, histopathology of some organs, and disease resistance against Aeromonas sobria (A. sobria). A total of 180 fingerlings (average initial weight = 14.74 ± 0.016 g) were randomly allotted to four groups. Different concentrations of CVCN significantly increased the final body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, the protein efficiency ratio, specific growth rate%, and daily weight gain in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). A significant increase (P = 0.03) in the serum vitamin C level was observed at the highest concentration (400 mgkg−1) of CVCN. A significant increase (P = 0.00) in the serum growth hormone level was observed at all concentrations of CVCN in a dose-dependent manner. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the serum and hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and decrease in serum Malondialdehyde, by increasing the level of vitamin supplementation compared to the zero level. Likewise, there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the serum levels of lysozyme, nitric oxide, relative percent survivability, and phagocytic percentage with an increase in the vitamin level, and the best results were observed at 400 mgkg−1CVCN. Histologically, CVCN increased the villus height, goblet cell count, and intra-epithelium lymphocytes of the proximal part of the intestine. Therefore, the dietary supplementation by CVCN improved the fish growth performance, and CVCN at 400 mgkg−1 the best dietary level of for O. niloticus fingerlings that exhibited improve the antioxidant status, intestinal histology, immune response, and disease resistance.