Intestinal Villi Research Articles

Transcriptomic Analysis of Non-Specific Immune Responses in the Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus) Infected with Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus

Parasitic infestations present significant threats to the physiological health and ecological stability of aquatic species, frequently compromising immune defenses and elevating mortality rates. This study was conducted to elucidate the non-specific immune responses induced by Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus infection in Monopterus albus, with a focus on intestinal histopathology and transcriptome gene expression. A histopathological examination revealed minor alterations in intestinal villi under low-level infection. A transcriptome analysis, performed using Illumina sequencing technology, identified 347 upregulated and 298 downregulated genes involved in critical biological pathways, such as lipid metabolism, immune responses, and the regulation of inflammatory processes. GO and KEGG analyses indicated the upregulation of immune-related pathways, including the RIG-I-like and IL-17 signaling pathways, highlighting a robust intestinal immune response. Conversely, the complement pathway was found to be downregulated, with significant suppression of C9, suggesting that the parasite may engage in immune evasion. Fluorescein-labeled C9 antibody assays confirmed reduced complement C9 levels in the infected tissues. A real-time PCR analysis identified the differential expression of eight genes, including C5, maats1, CFI, and gmnc, which were consistent with the sequencing results. These findings suggest that Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus infection compromises intestinal health, induces inflammation, and activates non-specific immune responses in Monopterus albus. However, Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus appears to evade the host immune response by suppressing the activation of complement components, thereby facilitating its reproductive parasitism.

Pathomorphological changes in the wall of the colon in patients with chronic colonic stasis

Aim. To evaluate the severity of pathomorphological changes in the wall of the large intestine at various stages of chronic colonic stasis.Materials and Methods. This study examined pathomorphological changes in biopsy specimens of the mucous membrane and resected sections of the large intestine from 92 patients with different stages and etiologies of chronic colonic stasis. The distribution of patients by disease stage was as follows: 31 patients (33.7%) were in the compensated stage, 33 patients (35.9%) were in the subcompensated stage, and 28 patients (30.4%) were in the decompensated stage of chronic colonic stasis.Results. Pathomorphological changes in the mucosa and other layers of the large intestine in patients with chronic colonic stasis varied in severity, ranging from minor superficial alterations to pronounced and extensive changes. Focal dystrophic processes with signs of diffuse inflammation, destructive changes in the glands of the mucous membrane, and focal inflammatory infiltrates were observed. The intestinal villi were elongated and showed divisions with swollen vessels.Conclusion. The severity of pathomorphological changes in the mucosa and other layers of the large intestine directly correlates with the stages and duration of colonic stasis. These findings indicate the presence of both degenerative and inflammatory processes in the mucosal-submucosal and muscular layers of the large intestine.

Dietary glycerides of valerate ameliorate diarrhea and impact intestinal physiology and serum biomarkers in weaned piglets infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18.

In the commercial swine farm setting, the post-weaning period is a critical window during which piglets are highly susceptible to infection and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)-associated diarrhea. Short chain fatty acids and their glycerides are compounds which may influence intestinal health; however, valerate is one that has not been well-characterized for its role as a dietary supplement. Therefore, the major objective of this experiment was to investigate two forms of valerate glycerides on diarrhea, intestinal physiology, and systemic immunity of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18. Dietary treatments included a control diet and three additional diets supplemented with 0.075% monovalerin, 0.1% monovalerin, or 0.1% trivalerin, respectively. Piglets were weaned (21-24 d of age), individually housed, and experimental diets were fed throught the 28-day trial period. After a seven-day period, all piglets were inoculated on three consecutive days with 1010 CFU ETEC F18/3mL. Growth performance was monitored throughout the trial and daily diarrhea scores were recorded. Rectal swabs were collected for bacterial culture to confirm the presence or absence of β-hemolytic coliforms throughout the trial. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for inflammatory biomarkers on d 0, 3, 6, and 21 post-inoculation (PI) and untargeted metabolomics on d 6 PI. Intestinal mucosa and tissue sections were harvested from pigs sacrificed on d 7 PI for gene expression and histology analysis. All data, except for frequency of diarrhea and metabolomics, were analyzed by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS. Dietary trivalerin reduced (P < 0.05) the frequency of severe diarrhea over the entire trial period and the frequency of β-hemolytic coliforms on d 7 PI compared with control. The intestinal villus height on d 7 PI in jejunum tissue was increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed trivalerin. The mRNA expression of TNF-α was decreased (P < 0.05) in the trivalerin group, while that of ZO1 was increased (P < 0.05) compared with control. Throughout the trial, serum TNF-α was reduced in pigs fed trivalerin compared with control. Serum metabolites, adenosine, inosine, and shikimic acid were reduced (P < 0.05) on d 6 PI in all treatment groups compared with control. In conclusion, the present results indicate supplementing dietary valerate glycerides exhibited beneficial impacts on diarrhea, inflammation, and intestinal gene expression of piglets during the post-weaning period.

Demonstration of Membrane Transport of Histidine using Goat Intestinal Inverted Sacs: An Experiential Pedagogical Tool for Undergraduates.

Histidine is an essential amino acid that is also a precursor for metabolites implicated in the immune system, pulmonary ventilation, and vascular circulation. Absorption of dietary histidine relies largely on the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transport by the Broad neutral amino acid transporter (B0AT) present on the apical membrane of the enterocyte. Here, we demonstrate the absorption of histidine by the intestinal villus enterocytes from the lumen using goat jejunal inverted sacs. The jejunal sacs exposed to varying concentrations of sodium and histidine were assayed to determine the concentration of histidine inside the sacs as a function of time. The results show active histidine absorption. Increasing the concentration of salt resulted in higher absorption of histidine, suggesting a symport of sodium and histidine absorption in goat intestinal inverted sacs. This protocol may be applied to visualize the intestinal mobility of amino acids or other metabolites with appropriate modifications. We propose this experiment as an experiential pedagogical tool that can help undergraduate students comprehend the concept of membrane transport.

Effects of mandarin peel powder on growth, biochemical, immune, and intestinal health in Oreochromis niloticus at suboptimal temperatures

This 60-day study aimed to examine the efficacy of a diet supplemented with mandarin peel powder (MP) in enhancing the health and survival of Oreochromis niloticus under suboptimal temperature conditions (21 ℃). One hundred and eighty Nile tilapia fish (22.51 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into four experimental groups; each of 3 replicates (15 fish per replicate). The first group (CONT) received a basal diet without MP. The second (MP10%), third (MP15%), and fourth (MP20%) groups were fed diets containing 10, 15, and 20% MP powder, respectively. At the end of the feeding trail, growth performance, serum growth hormone, α-amylase enzyme, lysozyme activity, nitric oxide, protease activity, globulin, serum levels of IL-1ß, antioxidant status, and intestinal histology were measured. The results showed insignificant differences between CONT, MP15%, and MP20% groups in the final body weight and specific growth rate. The growth hormones in the MP15% and MP20% groups did not show a significant difference compared to fish fed a normal basal diet (CONT). However, the amylase enzymes were significantly greater in both groups. The MP20% and MP15% groups showed a significant increase in antioxidant, lysozyme, nitric oxide, and protease activities compared to CONT. The results also showed that fish that were fed a diet with MP had significantly less of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta, and their intestinal villi got wider, especially in the MP20% group. It could be concluded that feeding tilapia on a diet with 20% MP is an effective strategy to improve their health when the temperature is below 21 °C. This is because the fish exhibit higher levels of antioxidant activity, reduced pro-inflammatory responses, and improved intestinal health without difference in the growth performance in compared to control group.

Whole-transcriptome analysis reveals the effect of retinoic acid on small intestinal mucosal injury in cage-stressed young laying ducks

Retinoic acid (RA) is an active derivative of vitamin A and is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including cell growth, antioxidant, and inflammation. However, the role of RA in intestinal oxidative stress injury in caged-stressed laying ducks is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the effect and underlying mechanism of RA supplementation on intestinal damage in cage-stressed young laying ducks. One hundred and sixty laying ducks were divided into 5 treatment groups, including a control group (CR) and 4 treatment groups exposed to different RA concentrations (2,500, 5,000, 7,500 and 10,000 IU/kg, TG1 to TG4). The experimental period comprised a 7-d prefeeding period and a 10-d experimental feeding period, for a total of 17 d. Phenotypic analysis revealed that compared with the control group, RA addition increased the intestinal villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio; decreased the crypt depth (P < 0.01); decreased the serum diamine oxidase and D-lactate concentrations (P < 0.05); increased the serum antioxidant capacity and intestinal antioxidant gene expression levels (P < 0.05); and increased the expression levels of tight junction-related genes, with the greatest effect observed in TG2 group. Our further whole-transcriptome analysis of duodenum tissues from CR and TG2 ducks revealed 706 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 357 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), 14 differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), and 4 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). These DEGs are involved in calcium signaling, NOD-like receptor signaling, pyruvate metabolism, Jak-STAT signaling, Wnt signaling, riboflavin metabolism, and the adherens junction and tight junction pathways. The results of omics and marker gene expression analysis suggested that RA treatment may play a role in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis. In conclusion, the addition of RA to the diet improved intestinal injury by improving the redox homeostasis of intestinal cells associated with ERS, enhancing the intestinal tight junction structure and alleviating the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells; moreover, 5,000 IU/kg RA was determined to be the most appropriate concentration for supplementation.

Replacing sea fish with black soldier fly fermentation homogenate in diet for Pelodiscus sinensis: growth, intestinal development and hepatic health

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal has the potential to partially replace fish meal in the diet of various aquatic animals. The fermentation treatment of BSFL can retain more nutrients and reduce processing and transportation costs. This study investigated the effects of partially replacing fish meal with Black Soldier Fly Fermentation Homogenate (BSFFH) on the growth performance and health of Chinese soft-shelled (Pelodiscus sinensis) turtle. The experiment was divided into 4 different groups of juvenile P. sinensis diets. The control diet included 60% compound feed and 40% sea fish. The 34%, 61%, and 82% substitution groups were fed mixtures, and varying percentages of sea fish were replaced with BSFFH. The results indicate that replacing 34% and 61% sea fish with BSFFH significantly improved growth (P &lt; 0.05). The 61% substitution significantly decreased the muscle fiber size while the 82% substitution significantly upregulated the expression of myogenic genes MYF5 and MRF4 (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, replacing sea fish with BSFFH significantly increased hepatic TG content (P &lt; 0.05) and induced mild liver fibrosis, while it reduced the TG content in skeletal (P &lt; 0.05). However, BSFFH did not affect subcutaneous fat weight (P &gt; 0.05). Lastly, the 34% substitution significantly increased the intestine villus height and the ratio of villus height/crypt depth, while higher substitution reduced both values. In addition, the 61% substitution increased the mucus secreted by the intestine goblet cells. In conclusion, partially replacing sea fish with BSFFH improves the growth performance and intestine structure of Chinese soft-shelled turtles. However, a high level of BSFFH could negatively affect growth performance, intestinal structure, and hepatic health.

Evaluation of the histological Inflammation in the intestines of male mice infected with Entamoeba histolytica using immunohistochemistry technology

The current study was conducted during the period between May 1, 2021 and October 30, 2022 for the purpose of diagnosing infection with the Entamoeba histolytica parasite. The clinically infected patients suffered from diarrhea when the samples were examined microscopically using a sample of direct wet swab. In the experimental study, the Entamoeba histolytica was given to laboratory mice and it was observed that tissue damage appeared as a result of infection with the amoeba parasite, represented by necrosis and explosion in the intestinal villi, dissolution of the epithelial layer and the occurrence of a condensation of inflammatory cells in the intestine.

Dietary Clostridium butyricum metabolites mitigated the disturbances in growth, immune response and gut health status of Ctenopharyngodon idella subjected to high cottonseed and rapeseed meal diet

Cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal exhibit a potential for fishmeal substitute in grass carp feed, while their excessive use contribute to growth decline and weakening immunity of aquatic animals. Clostridium butyricum metabolites (CBM) was recognized as a functional additive due to its antioxidant properties and maintenance of intestinal microbiota balance. CBM was added to a high of cottonseed and rapeseed meal diet to determine its effects on growth, immunity, and intestinal microbiota alterations of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) over 56 days. Eight hundred grass carp (mean weight, around 50 g) were randomized to five treatments and fed with the basic diet (CON), CBM0 diet (28 % cottonseed and 27 % rapeseed meal), and CBM diets (CBM0.5, CBM1, and CBM2, namely CBM0 diet supplemented with 500, 1000, and 2000 mg kg−1 CBM). The results indicated that compared to CBM0, The ingestion of 1000 mg kg−1 CBM diet by grass carp significantly promoted growth as measured by intestinal lipase activity, villus height, and muscle thickness. Moreover, accompanied by a decrease in intestine MDA content, and enhance antioxidant capacity by activating Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to increase enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and T-AOC) and corresponding gene expression (mnsod, cat, gsto and gpx1) in the intestine of grass crap fed CBM1 diet. The dietary CBM1 diet increased serum levels of C3 and IgM, increased ACP activity and expression of the corresponding anti-inflammatory factors (tgf-β1 and il-15), and suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory factors (tnf-α and il-12β), resulting in enhanced immunity. The dietary CBM1 diet up-regulates gene expression of tight junction proteins (zo-1, occludin, occludin7a and occludin-c), coupled with the decreases in DAO and D-lactate contents, implying that the decreased mucosal permeability could be observed in the gut. The dietary CBM1 diet largely altered the intestinal microbial community, especially reducing the relative abundance of intestinal pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus and Actinomyces). And it significantly increased the content of short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, propionic acid and isovaleric acid). Taken above, dietary CBM supplementation improved growth in grass carp and attenuated the intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation and microflora dysbacteriosis caused by high proportions of cottonseed and rapeseed meal diets.

Selenium nanoparticles affect chicken offspring's intestinal health better than other selenium sources

This study aimed to assess the effects of maternal diets containing various selenium (Se) sources on the intestinal mucosal function in the jejunum of chicken offspring. A total of 630, 18-wk-old Hy-Line Grey hens and 70 18-wk-old Hy-Line Grey breeders were randomly allocated into 7 groups, with 5 replicates in each group (18 hens and tow roosters). After 4 wk of Se depletion, the birds were fed either a nonsupplemented basal diet (control) or the same basal diet supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg selenium nanoparticles (Nano-Se), 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se, 0.30 mg/kg selenocysteine (Sec), 0.30 mg/kg sodium selenite (SS), 0.30 mg/kg selenomethionine (SeMet), or 0.15 mg/kg Nano-Se + 0.15 mg/kg Sec, for 8 wk. Frtilized eggs were collected and incubated during the final week of the experiment. Jejunal tissues from embryonic d 18 and the hatch day were collected for analysis, and the 7-d survival rate of the offspring was recorded. Compared to the control, the maternal diet of 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se, 0.30 mg/kg Sec, and 0.30 mg/kg SeMet significantly increased the survival of 7-day-old offspring (P < 0.05). The maternal diet supplemented with 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se significantly increased intestinal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio in chicks at embryonic d 18 and in 1-day-old (P < 0.05). The maternal diet containing 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se and Sec increased the mRNA expression levels of tight junction proteins in 1-day-old offspring (P < 0.05). Supplemental 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of marker genes in intestinal enteroendocrine, stem, and Paneth cells (P < 0.05). In 1-day-old chicks, the number of intestinal goblet cells, as well as the mRNA expression levels of intestinal mucin2 (Muc2) and goblet cell differentiation factors (Spdef and C-myc), were the highest in diets supplemented with 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se. Moreover, the expression levels of intestinal Muc2 and Spdef in chicks at embryonic d 18 was the highest with 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se supplementation (P < 0.05). Supplementing with 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels and decreased the mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes in 1-day-old chicks (P < 0.05). Additionally, 0.30 mg/kg Nano-Se supplementation significantly down-regulated NLRP3 pathway gene expression in 1-day-old chicks (P < 0.05). In conclusion, maternal dietary supplementation with Nano-Se improved jejunal microarchitecture, antioxidant levels, and the expression of tight-junction protein in chicken offspring along with supporting goblet cell development by inhibiting the NLRP3 signaling pathway.

During Postnatal Ontogenesis, the Development of a Microvascular Bed in an Intestinal Villus Depends on Intussusceptive Angiogenesis.

The mechanisms responsible for the growth and development of vascular beds in intestinal villi during postnatal ontogenesis remain enigmatic. For instance, according to the current consensus, in the sprouting type of angiogenesis, there is no blood flow in the rising capillary sprout. However, it is known that biomechanical forces resulting from blood flow play a key role in these processes. Here, we present evidence for the existence of the intussusception type of angiogenesis during the postnatal development of micro-vessel patterns in the intestinal villi of rats. This process is based on the high-level flattening of blood capillaries on the flat surfaces of intestinal villi, contacts among the opposite apical plasma membrane of endothelial cells in the area of inter-endothelial contacts, or the formation of bridges composed of blood leucocytes or local microthrombi. We identified factors that, in our opinion, ensure the splitting of the capillary lumen and the formation of two parallel vessels. These phenomena are in agreement with previously described features of intussusception angiogenesis.

Orally Deliverable Microalgal-Based Carrier with Selenium Nanozymes for Alleviation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a hallmark of both the onset and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where a continuous cycle of ROS and inflammation drives the progression of diseases. The design of oral antioxidant nanoenzymes for scavenging ROS has emerged as a promising strategy to intervene in IBD. However, the practical application of these nanoenzymes is limited due to their single catalytical property and significantly impacted by substantial leakage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study introduces a novel oral delivery system, SP@CS-SeNPs, combining natural microalgae Spirulina platensis (SP), which possesses superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, with chitosan-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (CS-SeNPs) that exhibit catalase-like activity. The SP@CS-SeNPs system leverages the dual catalytic capabilities of these components to initiate a cascade reaction that first converts superoxide anion radicals (O2•-) into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and then catalyzes the decomposition of H2O2 into water and oxygen. This system not only utilizes the resistance of the microalgae carrier to gastric acid and its efficient capture by intestinal villi, thereby enhancing intestinal distribution and retention but also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects and effective repair of the damaged intestinal barrier in a colitis mice model. These results demonstrate that this oral delivery system successfully combines the features of microalgae and nanozymes, exhibits excellent biocompatibility, and offers a novel approach for antioxidant nanozyme intervention in IBD.

Phytase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and cocci vaccination to broilers fed a calcium and phosphorus-reduced diet under Eimeria spp. challenge: effects on growth performance and intestinal health

A study evaluated the effects of phytase, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD), and cocci vaccination on broilers fed a diet reduced in calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (avP) under Eimeria challenge. A total of 840 one-day-old male broilers were assigned to a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement based on cocci vaccination and dietary treatments. Half of the birds were vaccinated against coccidia on d 1, and all birds were orally challenged with Eimeria spp. (sporulated oocysts: 12,500 of E. maxima, 12,500 of E. tenella, and 62,500 of E. acervulina) on d 14. Dietary treatments included: 1) a nutrient adequate diet (PC); 2) a diet reduced by 0.2% in Ca and avP (NC); 3) NC plus 1,500 FTU/kg of phytase (NC+PHY); 4) NC plus 3,000 IU/kg of 25OHD (NC+25OHD); 5) NC with both PHY and 25OHD (NC+PHY+25OHD). SAS was used for data analysis, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Pre-infection growth performance was comparable across the treatments. However, vaccinated birds exhibited higher body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) from 0 to 6 d postinoculation (DPI; P < 0.05). The NC diet reduced BWG from 6 to 12 DPI and increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) during 6 to 12 DPI and the overall period (0-26 d) compared to the PC birds. In contrast, the supplementation with phytase, 25OHD, or both, returned BWG and FCR to levels seen with the PC diet (P < 0.01). Vaccinated birds also had reduced gut permeability at 5 DPI, increased intestinal villus height, and lower expression levels of the tight junction proteins junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) and occludin (OCLN) at 6 DPI (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the cocci vaccine resulted in lower E. acervulina but higher E. tenella oocyst shedding at 6 DPI (P < 0.01). Interaction effects were observed for duodenal lesion scores and ileal crypt depth at 6 DPI (P < 0.05). In conclusion, coccidial vaccination improved growth performance, decreased intestinal permeability, enhanced intestinal morphology, and modulated tight junction protein gene expression under Eimeria infection. Reducing dietary Ca and avP levels adversely affected growth performance and FI during the recovery phase, but these negative effects could be mitigated by supplementing with phytase or 25OHD.

New drug combination regimen based on pharmacokinetic characteristics—Erdafitinib combined with sertraline or duloxetine

The aim of this study is to investigate novel strategies for reducing adverse reactions caused by erdafitinib through a drug combination based on its pharmacokinetic characteristics. The spectrum and characterizations of drugs that can inhibit the metabolism of erdafitinib are examined both in vitro and in vivo. The efficacy of combination regimens are then evaluated using subcutaneous xenograft tumor models. The results demonstrated that sertraline and duloxetine, out of more than 100 screened drugs, inhibited the metabolism of erdafitinib through mixed and non-competitive inhibition, respectively. This inhibition primarily occurred via the CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 pathways. The primary alleles of CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 not only determine the metabolic characteristics of erdafitinib but also influence the strength of drug-drug interactions. Co-administration of sertraline or duloxetine with erdafitinib in rats and mice resulted in nearly a three-fold increase in the blood exposure of erdafitinib and its major metabolite M6. When sertraline or duloxetine was combined with 1/3 of the erdafitinib dosage, the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on SNU-16 xenografts were comparable to those of the original full dose of erdafitinib. However, the combination regimen significantly mitigated hyperphosphatemia, retinal damage, intestinal villus damage, and gut microbiome dysbiosis. This study utilized pharmacokinetic methods to propose a new formulation of erdafitinib combined with sertraline or duloxetine. The findings suggest that this combination has potential for clinical co-administration based on a database analysis, thereby providing a novel strategy for anti-tumor treatment with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors.

Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis AGMB00912 protects weaning mice from ETEC infection and enhances gut health.

Maintaining a healthy intestinal environment, optimal epithelial barrier integrity, and balanced gut microbiota composition are essential for the growth performance of weaning pigs. We identified Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis AGMB00912 (LA) in healthy porcine feces as having antimicrobial activity against pathogens and enhanced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Herein, we assess the protective role of LA using a weaning mouse model with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection. LA treatment improves feed intake and weight gain and alleviates colon shortening. Furthermore, LA inhibits intestinal damage, increases the small intestine villus height compared with the ETEC group, and enhances SCFA production. Using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and other bioinformatic tools, including InterProScan and COGNIZER, we validated the presence of SCFA-producing pathways of LA and Lactiplantibacillus after whole genome sequencing. LA mitigates ETEC-induced shifts in the gut microbiota, decreasing the proportion of Escherichia and Enterococcus and increasing SCFA-producing bacteria, including Kineothrix, Lachnoclostridium, Roseuburia, Lacrimispora, Jutongia, and Blautia. Metabolic functional prediction analysis revealed enhanced functions linked to carbohydrate, amino acid, and vitamin biosynthesis, along with decreased functions associated with infectious bacterial diseases compared to the ETEC group. LA mitigates the adverse effects of ETEC infection in weaning mice, enhances growth performance and intestinal integrity, rebalances gut microbiota, and promotes beneficial metabolic functions. These findings validate the functionality of LA in a small animal model, supporting its potential application in improving the health and growth performance of weaning pigs.

Comparative of Hepatocytes and Intestinal Villi in Zebra Fish (Danio rerio) and Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata): Novel Insights into Species-Specific Fish for Animal Model

Comparative of Hepatocytes and Intestinal Villi in Zebra Fish (Danio rerio) and Guppy Fish (Poecilia reticulata): Novel Insights into Species-Specific Fish for Animal Model

MiR-495 promotes intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis through downregulation of Sphingosine-1-phosphate.

Many pathological conditions lead to defects in intestinal epithelial integrity and loss of barrier function; Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to augment intestinal barrier integrity, though the exact mechanisms are not completely understood. We have previously shown that overexpression of Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SphK1), the rate limiting enzyme for S1P synthesis, significantly increased S1P production and cell proliferation. Here we show that microRNA 495 (miR-495) upregulation led to decreased levels of SphK1 resultant from a direct effect at the SphK1 mRNA. Increasing expression of miR-495 in intestinal epithelial cells resulted in decreased proliferation and increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Transgenic expression of miR-495 inhibited mucosal growth, as well as decreased proliferation in the crypts. The intestinal villi also expressed decreased levels of barrier proteins and exaggerated damage upon exposure to cecal ligation-puncture. These results implicate miR-495 as a critical negative regulator of intestinal epithelial protection and proliferation through direct regulation of SphK1, the rate limiting enzyme critical for production of S1P.

Bacillus subtilis JATP3 improved the immunity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal flora and producing citalopram

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Bacillus subtilis JATP3 to stimulate immune response and improve intestinal health in piglets during the critical weaning period. Twelve 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly divided into two groups. One group was fed a basal diet, while the other group was fed a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis JATP3 (1 × 109 CFU/mL; 10 mL) for 28 days. The results revealed a significant increase in the intestinal villus gland ratio of weaned piglets following the inclusion of B. subtilis JATP3 (P < 0.05). Inclusion of a probiotic supplement improve the intestinal flora of jejunum and ileum of weaned piglets. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated a notable rise in citalopram levels in the jejunum and ileum, along with elevated levels of isobutyric acid and isocitric acid in the ileum. The results of correlation analysis show that indicated a positive correlation between citalopram and microbial changes. Furthermore, the probiotic-treated group exhibited a significant upregulation in the relative expression of Claudin, Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO-1), and Interleukin 10 (IL-10) in the jejunum and ileum, while displaying a noteworthy reduction in the relative expression of Interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Overall, these findings suggest that B. subtilis JATP3 can safeguard intestinal health by modulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, wherein citalopram might be a key component contributing to the therapeutic effects of B. subtilis JATP3.

Baicalin ameliorates heat stress-induced hepatic injury and intestinal microecology dysbiosis in late gestational mice

Heat stress (HS) disrupts intestinal microbiota, glycolipid metabolism, and hepatic mitochondrial function in late gestational mice. Baicalin (BAI), a Chinese herbal medicine known for its heat-clearing and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown promise in modulating intestinal microecology and mitigating inflammation in various organs. This study investigates whether baicalin attenuates HS-induced intestinal microbial dysbiosis and liver damage in pregnant mice during late gestation. Twenty-four pregnant mice were randomly assigned to four groups, including thermoneutral (TN) (24 ± 1 ℃), HS (35 ± 1 ℃), HS+BAI200 (oral gavaged with 200 mg/kg BW of BAI), and HS+BAI400 (oral gavaged with 400 mg/kg BW of BAI). 400 mg/kg BAI treatment markedly decreased the rectal temperature and increased fetal weight in HS pregnant mice. Furthermore, 400 mg/kg BAI administration effectively ameliorated HS-induced hepatic damage and lipid disorders, reducing HSP70, AST, and ALT levels while increasing TG concentration. Notably, it activated a network of genes involved in lipid synthesis, including fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and oxidation, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), carnitine palmityl transferase 1 beta (CPT1β). Moreover, BAI intervention restored the intestinal morphology and barrier function, evidenced by increased intestinal villus height, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth, and colonic goblet cells numbers. 400 mg/kg of BAI treatment up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins, such as claudin-1 and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1), in the jejunum and ileum, counteracting HS-induced downregulation. High-throughput sequencing showed that BAI treatment altered cecal microbial composition, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial Bacteroidota and decreasing Deferribacterota, Turicibacter, and Akkermansia. Spearman’s correlation analysis highlighted significant correlations between differential cecal microbiota and physiological indexes. In conclusion, BAI administration alleviated adverse impacts in heat-exposed mice during late gestation, improving maternal physiological parameters, and ameliorating hepatic damage with altered cecal microbial composition. The findings suggest that BAI may regulate the gut-liver axis by modulating intestinal morphology, microecology, and hepatic function.

The effects of kelp powder and fucoidan on the intestinal digestive capacity, immune response, and bacterial community structure composition of large yellow croakers (Larimichthys crocea)

Feed terrestrial components can induce intestinal stress in fish, affecting their overall health and growth. Recent studies suggest that seaweed products may improve fish intestinal health. In this experiment, three types of feed were prepared: a basic diet (C group), a diet with 0.2 % fucoidan (F group), and a diet with 3 % kelp powder (K group). These diets were fed to large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) over an 8-week period. Each feed was randomly assigned to three seawater cages (4.0 m × 4.0 m × 5.0 m) containing 700 fish per cage. The study assessed changes in growth and intestinal health, including intestinal tissue morphology, digestive enzyme activities, expression of immune-related genes, and bacterial community structure. Results showed that incorporating seaweed products into the diet improved the growth and quality traits of large yellow croakers and significantly enhanced their intestinal digestive capacity (P < 0.05). Specifically, the 0.2 % fucoidan diet significantly increased the intestinal villus length and the activities of digestive enzymes such as trypsin, lipase, and α-amylase (P < 0.05). The 3 % kelp powder diet significantly enhanced the intestinal crypt depth and the activities of trypsin and lipase (P < 0.05). Both seaweed additives significantly enhanced intestinal health by mitigating inflammatory factors. Notably, the control group's biomarkers indicated a high presence of potential pathogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Herbaspirillum, Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Stenotrophomonas. After the addition of seaweed additives, these bacteria were no longer the indicator bacteria, while the abundance of beneficial bacteria like Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus increased. Significant reductions in the expression of inflammatory factors (e.g., il-6, tnf-α, ifn-γ in the fucoidan group and il-8 in the kelp powder group) further supported these findings. Our findings suggested that both seaweed additives helped balance intestinal microbial communities and reduce bacterial antigen load. Considering the effects, costs, manufacturing, and nutrition, adding 3 % kelp powder to the feed of large yellow croaker might be preferable. This study substantiated the beneficial effects of seaweed on the aquaculture of large yellow croaker, particularly in improving intestinal health. These findings advocated for its wider and more scientifically validated use in fish farming practices.