Lactase Activity Research Articles

Improvement of lactose digestion by highland barley (Hordeum vulgare var. coeleste L.) β-glucan: Activation of lactase under simulated gastric/small intestinal digestive conditions

β-Galactosidase (lactase) plays a crucial role as a dietary supplement in managing lactose intolerance. Here, the catalytic activity of lactase was successfully activated for the first time through complexation with water-extractable β-glucans from highland barley (WHBG). Under simulated gastric/small intestinal digestive conditions, WHBG and lactase spontaneously formed complexes, resulting in a remarkable increase in catalytic activity up to 172.6 %. Structural analyses revealed that the incorporation of WHBG caused partial unfolding of lactase, thereby exposing its hydrophobic regions with active sites, and the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between the two played pivotal roles. Meanwhile, according to microstructure and particle size analyses, the dissociation of aggregates and the re-distribution of lactase molecules were also observed. Consequently, the enzyme-substrate contact was promoted, and the hydrolysis efficiency of complexed lactase in the digestion of lactose in milk was superior to that of native lactase. Notably, among WHBG30/50/70 obtained by continuous fractionation of WHBG with 30 %/50 %/70 % ethanol, WHBG70 exhibited the lowest molecular weights and size, and the highest negative ζ-potential, potentially contributing to its superior activation abilities on lactase. These findings challenge the traditional view of polysaccharides as enzyme inhibitors and highlight their potential for diverse applications.

Investigation of some probiotic and technological properties of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from artisanal sheep milk cheese and their growth in goat milk

The objective of this study was to assess the probiotic and technological properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from artisanal sheep milk cheeses for potential use in dairy products made from goat milk. Strains studied were Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LC6, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP48, Lactococcus lactis subsp. hordniae LH69 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM99. The criteria studied were fermentative capacity, carbohydrate fermentation profile, β-galactosidase (lactase) activity, auto-aggregation capacity, hydrophobicity, antimicrobial activity, resistance to simulated gastric secretion, bile resistance, and resistance to different pH and salts concentrations, as well as growth and viability in goat milk. In general, the strains studied showed characteristics compatible with potential probiotic effects. However, according to criteria studied, L. plantarum LP498 best met the conditions; it was compatible with probiotic potential under all the conditions considered and showed noteworthy differences compared to the other micro-organisms studied, particularly in its capacity for self-aggregation and pH resistance. Therefore, L. plantarum LP48 could be adequate for the manufacture of artisanal goat milk products.

GENETIC DETERMINANTS OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM: INTRA- AND INTERETHNIC VARIABILITY OF THE LACTASE LCT, TREHALASE TREH AND SUCRASE-ISOMALTASE SI GENES IN THE EVENKI AND OTHER INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF SIBERIA

Introduction. The authors consider the features of genetic determinants of disaccharide assimilation as the corollary of adaptation to the environment. The aim of the study was to assess the polymorphism of the genes that determine activity of disaccharidase enzymes lactase (LCT, rs4988235), trehalase (TREH, rs2276064) and sucrase-isomaltase (SI, rs781470490) in different territorial groups of Evenks. Materials and methods. Biomaterial samples from 1365 unrelated individuals representing 15 ethno-territorial population groups in European Russia, Siberia, and the Far East of the Russian Federation were genotyped. "Focus" groups include "Western" (N=65), "Transbaikal" (N=50), and "Okhotsk" (N=81) Evenks (Krasnoyarsk Krai, Northern Transbaikalia, Okhotsk-Aldan region). The other study groups allow us to assess the specificity of the distribution of genetic determinants of disaccharide assimilation in populations that differ from racial, ecological, and subsistence perspectives. Results. The Evenki territory subgroups do not differ from each other in terms of allele frequencies and genotype distribution of LCT (p>0.2) and TREH (p>0.8) and are similar to Yakuts, Buryats, Mongols, and populations of the Far East and Chukotka. The SI delAG deletion was not found in the Western Evenki subgroup. Discussion. A question of similarity between taiga hunters Evenks to cattle breeders Buryats, Mongols, and Yakuts in terms of C*LCT frequencies requires further elaboration. Possible explanations may include a weakening of selection for the T*LCT allele due to the shift in traditional diet toward replacement of fresh milk with fermented dairy products, high activity of specific intestinal microflora, or the existence of other lactase synthesis genetic determinants, besides LCT*C/T-13910. The evolutionary origins of the clinal variation in the TREH gene allele frequencies, which appears to be associated with the expression of the Mongoloid ancestral component in the gene pool of populations in Northern Eurasia, remain unclear. It seems appropriate to conduct genetic screening in the indigenous populations of the Russian Far East in order to assess the prevalence of SI delAG deletion as an inducer of the sucrase-isomaltase deficiency.

Effects of Konjac Glucomannan and Its Oligosaccharides on Improvement of Lactose Intolerance as Gut Prebiotics.

Lactose intolerance (LI) is a widespread health issue affecting almost 70% of the world population. This study evaluates the potential prebiotic benefits of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and konjac oligogalactomannan (KOGM) in improving LI. Colonic fermentation results indicate that lactase groups of healthy subjects showed lower pH, higher lactic acid content, and lactase activity in fermentation broth compared with LI subjects. Total short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) content reached 1.71 mmol/L in healthy subjects, whereas it was 1.49 mmol/L in LI subjects. In vivo studies demonstrated that KGM and KOGM intake reduced total cholesterol (T-CHO) and triglyceride (TG) levels in the liver and significantly increased immunoglobulin G (lgG) and immunoglobulin A (lgA) values, while KOGM inclusion led to a significant 23.04% increase in serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels compared to the Blank group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ileal tissue analysis revealed a marked increase in villus height and intestinal wall thickness (p < 0.05) as well as a decrease in crypt depth (p < 0.05). The composition and proportion of gut microbiota have improved with KGM and KOGM use, notably increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, respectively (p < 0.05). Compared with the Blank group, Lactobacillus abundance increased by approximately 25.82% in the Drug group, 18.23% in the KGM group, and 8.67% in the KOGM group. These findings suggest that KGM and KOGM can be utilized as prebiotics to alleviate LI symptoms.

Adaptations in Gastrointestinal Nutrient Absorption and its Determinants During Pregnancy in Monogastric Mammals: A Scoping Review.

Pregnancy increases nutrient demand, but how nutrient uptake and its determinants adapt to facilitate this is unclear. This review aimed to identify and characterize evidence and evidence gaps regarding changes in gastrointestinal nutrient absorption and its determinants during pregnancy in monogastric mammals. A scoping review of peer-reviewed sources was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest (theses and dissertations) databases. Data extracted included species, pregnancy stages and outcomes. Where sufficient data for a given outcome was available, relative values were summarized graphically or in tables, to allow comparison across pregnancy stages and/or small intestine regions. Searches identified 26 855 sources, of which only 159 were eligible. Mechanistic studies were largely restricted to rodents, and most compared non- and late-pregnant groups, with fewer studies including early- or mid-pregnant groups. During pregnancy, there is some evidence for greater capacity for glucose uptake but unchanged amino acid uptake, and good evidence for increased uptake of calcium, iron, and zinc, and slower gastrointestinal passage of nutrients. The available evidence indicates that acute glucose uptake, gastric emptying, and the activities of sucrase, maltase, and lactase do not change during pregnancy. Gaps in the knowledge include the effects of pregnancy on uptake of specific amino acids, lipids, and most minerals and vitamins. The results indicate that the gastrointestinal tract adapts during pregnancy to facilitate increased nutrient absorption. Additional data is required in order to assess the underlying mechanisms for and impacts on the absorption of many nutrients, as well as to determine the timing of these adaptations.

A cost-effective enzyme kinetics and inhibition model for biochemistry education and research.

Enzyme kinetics and inhibition studies are crucial in biochemistry education and research. Conventional methods often require expensive equipment and reagents, potentially limiting their accessibility in limited resource settings. Our approach sought to develop a cost-effective experimental design for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibition. Lactase was chosen as a protein model and its activity was investigated by measuring glucose production from lactose hydrolysis. In the study, commercially available lactase pills were used as an enzyme source, while milk was used as a substrate. Instead of scientific equipment, glucometers were used to measure lactase activity. Enzyme kinetics were evaluated using Michaelis-Menten and Lineweaver-Burk plots. In the study, the effects of temperature, pH, and inhibitors were also investigated. The results of our study aligned with established enzyme kinetics theories and previous studies. Lactase showed temperature and pH-dependent activity, with decreased activity observed at both low and high extremes. Results also showed that galactose acts as a competitive inhibitor of lactase. The approach presented here offers a cost-effective procedure for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibition. It can act as a valuable tool for educational purposes and for preliminary research in settings with limited resources.

Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Huoxiang Zhengqi San in cold and high humidity-induced diarrhea: Insights into intestinal microbiota modulation and digestive enzyme activity

Huoxiang Zhengqi San (HXZQS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, enjoys widespread use in Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea with cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome (CDSS), which is induced by exposure to cold and high humidity stress. This study aimed to explore its therapeutic mechanisms in mice, particularly focusing on the intestinal microbiota. Forty male SPF-grade KM mice were allocated into two groups: the normal control group (H-Cc, n = 10) and the CDSS group (H-Mc, n = 30). After modeling, H-Mc was subdivided into H-Mc (n = 15) and HXZQS treatment (H–Tc, n = 15) groups. Intestinal samples were analyzed for enzyme activity and microbiota composition. Our findings demonstrated a notable reduction in intestinal lactase activity post-HXZQS treatment (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus murinus emerged as the main dominant species across most groups. However, in the H-Mc group, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was identified as the exclusive dominant bacteria. LEfSe analysis highlighted Clostridiales vadinBB60 group and Corynebacterium as differential bacteria in the H–Tc group, and Cyanobacteria unidentified specie in the H-Mc group. Predicted microbiota functions aligned with changes in abundance, notably in cofactors and vitamins metabolism. The collinear results of the intestinal microbiota interaction network showed that HXZQS restored cooperative interactions among rare bacteria by mitigating their mutual promotion. The HXZQS decoction effectively alleviates diarrhea with CDSS by regulating intestinal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, and microbiota interaction. Notably, it enhances Clostridium vadinBB60 and suppresses Cyanobacteria unidentified specie, warranting further study.

Infant milk formula, produced by membrane filtration, promotes mucus production in the upper small intestine of young pigs

Human breast milk promotes maturation of the infant gastrointestinal barrier, including the promotion of mucus production. In the quest to produce next generation infant milk formula (IMF), we have produced IMF by membrane filtration (MEM-IMF). With a higher quantity of native whey protein, MEM-IMF more closely mimics human breast milk than IMF produced using conventional heat treatment (HT-IMF). After a 4-week dietary intervention in young pigs, animals fed a MEM-IMF diet had a higher number of goblet cells, acidic mucus and mucin-2 in the jejunum compared to pigs fed HT-IMF (P < 0.05). In the duodenum, MEM-IMF fed pigs had increased trypsin activity in the gut lumen, increased mRNA transcript levels of claudin 1 in the mucosal scrapings and increased lactase activity in brush border membrane vesicles than those pigs fed HT-IMF (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MEM-IMF is superior to HT-IMF in the promotion of mucus production in the young gut.

Carbohydrase activity in proximal and distal segments of small intestine in health, irritated bowel syndrome and enteropathy with membrane digestion disturbance

Diagnostics of enteropathy with membrane digestion disturbance (EMDD) is based on the evaluation of carbohydrase activity in duodenal mucosa (DM). There is no information about diagnostic value of ileum mucosa (IM) carbohydrases.&#x0D; Aim. Assess the diagnostic value of carbohydrases activity in mucous membrane of duodenum and distal ileum in patients with EMDD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study includes 12 patients with EMDD, 16 patients with IBS and 12 relatively healthy persons (control group). Study design included analysis of food tolerance and evaluation of activity of sucrase, glucoamylase, maltase and lactase in mucous membrane of duodenum and ileum based on the method of Dahlquist with N.I. Belostotsky modification. Microsoft Office Excel and Statistica 10.0 were used for statistical evaluation of material. Mann–Whitney criterion was used to evaluate the differences between quantitative parameters. The differences were considered to be significant at p0.05. Control group was used for comparison.&#x0D; Results. In control group the carbohydrases activity in duodenum mucosa was not significantly statistically different from the one in IM. In patients of the IBS group, the activity of glucoamylase and maltase in the IM was significantly higher than in the duodenum: glucoamylase by 2.2 times, maltase by 2 times. In patients with EMDD the activity of glucoamylase, maltase and sucrase in IM is higher than in DM by 5.2, 3.8 and 2 times respectively, which signifies the formation of compensatory reaction of adaptive shift, initially described by A.M. Ugolev in 1985.&#x0D; Conclusion. The evaluation of carbohydrase activity in IM provides more information about pathogenesis of EMDD and its differential diagnosis with IBS.

Distinctive activation of β-galactosidase by carboxymethylated β-glucan in vitro and mechanism study: Critical role of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions

β-galactosidase (lactase) is commercially important as a dietary supplement to alleviate the symptoms of lactose intolerance. This work investigated a unique activation of CMP (carboxymethylated (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan) on lactase and its mechanism by comparing it with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), an inhibitor of lactase. The results illustrated that the secondary and tertiary structures of lactase were altered and its active sites exposed after complexation with CMP, and dissociation of lactase aggregates was also observed. These changes favored better accessibility of the substrate to the active sites of lactase, resulting in a maximum increase of 60.5 % in lactase activity. Furthermore, the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with lactase caused by the carboxymethyl group of CMP were shown to be crucial for its activation ability. Thus, the improvement of lactase activity and stability by CMP shown here is important for the development of new products in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Effects of maternal methyl donor intake during pregnancy on ileum methylation and function in an intrauterine growth restriction pig model

BackgroundIntrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) affects intestinal growth, morphology, and function, which leads to poor growth performance and high mortality. The present study explored whether maternal dietary methyl donor (MET) supplementation alleviates IUGR and enhances offspring’s growth performance by improving intestinal growth, function, and DNA methylation of the ileum in a porcine IUGR model.MethodsForty multiparous sows were allocated to the control or MET diet groups from mating until delivery. After farrowing, 8 pairs of IUGR and normal birth weight piglets from 8 litters were selected for sampling before suckling colostrum.ResultsThe results showed that maternal MET supplementation tended to decrease the IUGR incidence and increased the average weaning weight of piglets. Moreover, maternal MET supplementation significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of isoleucine, cysteine, urea, and total amino acids in sows and newborn piglets. It also increased lactase and sucrase activity in the jejunum of newborn piglets. MET addition resulted in lower ileal methionine synthase activity and increased betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase activity in the ileum of newborn piglets. DNA methylation analysis of the ileum showed that MET supplementation increased the methylation level of DNA CpG sites in the ileum of newborn piglets. Down-regulated differentially methylated genes were enriched in folic acid binding, insulin receptor signaling pathway, and endothelial cell proliferation. In contrast, up-regulated methylated genes were enriched in growth hormone receptor signaling pathway and nitric oxide biosynthetic process.ConclusionsMaternal MET supplementation can reduce the incidence of IUGR and increase the weaning litter weight of piglets, which may be associated with better intestinal function and methylation status.

Effect of Quercetin on the Intestinal Carbohydrases Activity in the Offspring of the Lead Intoxicated Mother

Aim: This work aims to investigate the effect of quercetin on the development of small intestine disaccharidase activity in the offspring intoxicated with lead acetate. Material and Methods: The experiments were carried out on white outbred rats. Rats were divided into control and three experimental groups. In the control and 3rd experimental group, rats were nursed by intact mothers. In the 1st and 2nd experimental groups, rats were nursed by mothers who replaced drinking water with a 0.2% lead acetate solution. All experimental groups of rats were orally treated with quercetin (20 mg/kg/24 h) from the 3rd to 20th days of postnatal life. Body weight, small intestine weight as well as the activities of intestinal maltase and lactase were determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after birth. Results: In rats nursed by mothers who used a solution of lead acetate instead of drinking water а body weight and the small intestine mucosa weight decreased, but intestinal maltase and lactase activity increased. Treatment of lead-intoxicated growing rats with quercetin restored the body weight, small intestine mucosa weight, and development rate of maltase and lactase activity. Conclusion: The effect of quercetin on the activity of intestinal maltase and sucrase in growing rats nursed by lead acetate consumed mother is mediated through the restoration of intoxication damage since treatment of intact growing rats with quercetin in the same way and at the same time did not affect on the intestinal disaccharidases activity.

The dysfunction in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activity as significant contributors to diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.

To investigate the pathogenesis of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome by examining characteristic changes in intestinal microorganisms, enzyme activities, oxidative stress, and metabolism indices. Twenty mice were randomly and equally divided into control group (NC) and model group (NM). Mice in NM group received adenine suspension at a dosage of 50 mg/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 14 days, and Folium sennae decoction at a dosage of 10 g/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 7 days, starting on 8th day. Mice in NC group were administered an equivalent amount of sterile water by gavage once a day for 7 days, and twice a day from the 8th day. After modeling, assessments encompassed microbial culture, organ index calculation, microbial and enzyme activity detection, malondialdehyde (MDA) content determination, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, blood biochemical tests, and observation of kidney tissue pathological changes. The results showed that in NM group, a reduction in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria was noted, accompanied by an increase in the number of bacteria and E. coli. Xylanase activity in the intestinal contents and mucosa, protease activity in the intestinal mucosa, and intestinal mucosa microbial activity were diminished. Conversely, the activities of amylase, sucrase, and lactase increased in intestinal mucosa. Additionally, there was an elevation in the level of MDA. Renal tubular dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the renal interstitium. These dysfunctions in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities suggest potential involvement in diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.

Gut development following insulin-like growth factor-1 supplementation to preterm pigs

BackgroundReduced insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may contribute to impaired organ development in preterm infants. Using preterm pigs as a model, we hypothesized that IGF-1 supplementation improves health and gut development during the first three weeks of life.MethodsFirst, clinical and organ endpoints were compared between artificially-reared, cesarean-delivered preterm pigs and vaginally-delivered, sow-reared term pigs at 5, 9 and 19 days. Next, preterm pigs were treated with recombinant human IGF-1 for 19 days (2.25 mg/kg/day, systemically).ResultsRelative to term pigs, preterm pigs had lower body weight, fat, bone contents, relative weights of liver and spleen and a longer and thinner intestine at 19 days. Preterm birth reduced intestinal villi heights and peptidase activities, but only at 5 and 9 days. In preterm pigs, IGF-1 reduced mortality primarily occurring from gastrointestinal complications and with a tendency towards salvaging smaller pigs. IGF-1 supplementation also increased spleen and kidney weights, small intestine length and maltase to lactase activity, reflecting gut maturation.ConclusionPreterm birth affects body composition and gut maturation in the first 1–2 weeks, but differences are marginal thereafter. Supplemental IGF-1 may improve gut health in pigs and infants in the first few weeks after preterm birth.ImpactInsulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) supplementation may improve gut health and development in prematurity, but whether the effects are sustained beyond the immediate postnatal period is unclear.In preterm pigs, the prematurity effects on IGF-1 and gut health deficiencies are most pronounced during the first week of life and diminishes thereafter.In preterm pigs, IGF-1 supplementation beyond the first week of life reduced mortality.The present study provides evidence of a sustained effect of IGF-1 supplementation on the gastrointestinal tract after the immediate postnatal period.

Alterations in intestinal microbiota and enzyme activities under cold-humid stress: implications for diarrhea in cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome.

Cold and humid environments alter the intestinal microbiota, and the role of the intestinal microbiota in the development of diarrhea associated with cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome in Chinese medicine is unclear. The 30 mice were randomly divided into normal and model groups, with the model group being exposed to cold and humid environmental stresses for 7 days. Then, mouse intestinal contents were collected and analyzed their intestinal microbiota and digestive enzymes. Our findings revealed significant increases in sucrase and lactase activities, as well as microbial activity, in the model group (p < 0.05). β-diversity analysis highlighted distinct intestinal microbiota compositions between the two groups. Specifically, the experimental group showed a unique dominance of the genera and strains Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Clostridium sp. ND2. LEfSe analysis identified Helicobacter, Roseburia, and Eubacterium plexicaudatum ASF492 as differentially abundant species in them model group. Network analysis demonstrated that rare bacterial species mostly governed the microbial interactions, exhibiting increased mutual promotion. On the other hand, abundant species like Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus reuteri showed mutual inhibitory relationships. In summary, exposure to cold and humid conditions led to increased intestinal enzyme activities and a shift in microbial composition, favoring the growth of rare bacterial species. These changes suggest that rare bacteria in the intestinal microbiota play a critical role in the pathology of diarrhea associated with cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome, revealing unique survival strategies among bacterial populations under stressful conditions.

Determining the Effect of Pancreatic-like Enzymes (PLEMs) Added to the Feed of Pregnant Sows on Fetal Size of Piglets to Minimize IUGR Syndrome Caused by Fetal Malnutrition.

The present study aimed to develop a feeding strategy for pregnant sows that involved the prenatal administration of a mixture of pancreatic-like fungal enzymes, such as lipase, amylase, and protease, at (1) 1-115 days of gestation (group D1) and (2) 80-115 days of gestation (group D2) and to carry out a comparison with groups of sows that were not receiving such supplementation (negative control (NC) and positive control (PC)). It was found that the administration of the enzyme supplement resulted in a significant shortening of gestation (p ≤ 0.01). The pancreatic enzymes administered to sows had a significant effect on the number of liveborn piglets and weaned piglets, which was higher compared with the control groups that did not receive supplementation: D1-12.1 ± 1.1 and 11.12 ± 1.1 and D2-12.8 ± 1.3 and 11.75 ± 0.07 vs. the control groups KN-10.7 ± 1.0 and 9.62 ± 0.95 and KP-10.9 ± 1.2 and 10.15 ± 1.0 (p < 0.006), respectively. Significant changes in piglet growth were observed after weaning up to 70 days of age. During this period, the most favorable growth parameters were observed in groups D2 (420 ± 91 g) and PC (407 ± 103 g), in which piglets obtained a mixture of pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) at 3 weeks of age, and significantly higher weight gain and feed intake were observed compared with groups NC (378 ± 114 g) and D1 (381 ± 96 g) (p ≤ 0.007). In contrast, insulin levels were significantly lower in groups D1 and D2, with values of 6.8 IU/mL and 6.7 IU/mL, respectively, compared with groups NC (14.6 IU/mL) and PC (16.6 IU/mL) (p ≤ 0.01). Piglets in group D2 had a significantly better feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.604 ± 0.10 compared with the other dietary groups: KN-1.986 ± 0.14; KP-1.704 ± 0.11; and D1-1.932 ± 0.15 (p ≤ 0.03). Histological imaging confirmed a significantly thicker intestinal epithelium and intestinal mesenteron in animals from groups D2 and PC (p ≤ 0.03). Animals from the groups KP, D1, and D2 receiving enzymes showed a highly significant increase in the surface area of pancreatic follicles and pancreatic surface area compared with the group without KN supplementation (p < 0.01). Furthermore, significantly higher activity of the brush border enzyme lactase was observed in groups D1, D2, and PC, with values of 32.90 ± 3.99, 30.00 ± 6.83, and 29.60 ± 29.60, respectively, compared with group NC, with a value of 21.80 ± 3.27 (p ≤ 0.01).

Partial Substitution of Whey Protein Concentrate with Spray–Dried Porcine Plasma or Soy Protein Isolate in Milk Replacer Differentially Modulates Ileal Morphology, Nutrient Digestion, Immunity and Intestinal Microbiota of Neonatal Piglets

Appropriate protein sources are vital for the growth, development and health of neonates. Twenty–four 2–day–old piglets were randomly divided into three groups and fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets. The experimental diets included a milk replacer with 17.70% whey protein concentrate (WPC group), a milk replacer with 6% spray–dried porcine plasma isonitrogenously substituting WPC (SDPP group), and a milk replacer with 5.13% soy protein isolate isonitrogenously substituting WPC (SPI group). Neonatal piglets were fed milk replacer from postnatal day 2 (PND 2) to day 20 (PND 20). The growth performance, intestinal morphology, activities of digestive enzymes, plasma biochemical parameters, immunity–related genes, short–chain fatty acids (SCFA) and intestinal microbiota in the colonic chyme were determined. The results showed that SDPP–fed piglets had higher final BW (p = 0.05), ADG (p = 0.05) and F/G (p = 0.07) compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets, and SDPP–fed piglets had a lower diarrhea index (p &lt; 0.01) from PND 2 to PND 8. SDPP–fed piglets had an increased ileal villus height (p = 0.04) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VCR) (p = 0.02), and increased activities of sucrase (p &lt; 0.01), lactase (p = 0.02) and trypsin (p = 0.08) in the jejunum, compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets. Furthermore, SPI–fed piglets had an increased mRNA expression of IL-6 (p &lt; 0.01) and concentration of plasma urea (p = 0.08). The results from LEfSe analysis showed that SDPP–fed piglets had a higher abundance of beneficial Butyricicoccus compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets, in which higher abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Marinifilaceae, Fusobacterium and Enterococcus were observed. Moreover, SDPP–fed piglets had an increased concentration of butyric acid (p = 0.08) in the colonic chyme compared with WPC– and SPI–fed piglets. These results suggest that neonatal piglets fed milk replacer with SDPP partially substituting WPC had improved growth performance and intestinal morphology and function, associated with higher digestive enzyme activity and fewer pathogenic bacteria.

Lactose malabsorption and intolerance: What is the correct management in older adults?

Lactose malabsorption is a very common condition due to intestinal lactase deficiency. Post weaning, a genetically programmed and irreversible reduction of lactase activity occurs in the majority of the world's population. Lactose malabsorption does not necessarily result in gastrointestinal symptoms, i.e. lactose intolerance, which occurs in approximately one third of those with lactase deficiency. In the absence of well-established guidelines, the common therapeutic approach tends to exclude milk and dairy products from the diet. However, this strategy may have serious nutritional disadvantages. Mainly in particular categories, such as the older adults, the approach to lactose malabsorption may deserve careful considerations. Milk and dairy products are an important supply of a wide range of nutrients that contribute to meet the nutritional needs in different life stages. Dietary composition can significantly impact the mechanisms leading to age-related loss of bone mineral density, skeletal muscle mass or function and overall risk of sarcopenia. Moreover, in the latest years, different lines of evidence have highlighted an association between dairy intake and prevention of chronic diseases as well as all-cause mortality. The aim of this opinion paper is to provide an overview of lactose malabsorption and intolerance in the older adults and their implications in clinical practice.

The Problem of Lactase Deficiency: Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches in Children

The article is devoted to one of the most urgent problems of pediatrics – the malabsorption syndrome caused by lactose intolerance in children of different age periods. Lactose intolerance refers to the inability of the intestinal enzyme systems to break down lactose, which manifests itself clinically. In fact, lactose intolerance is a clinical manifestation of lactase deficiency (LD), that is, a decrease in the activity of lactase in the intestine, which can be congenital or acquired. The purpose of the study is to analyze literature data on the factors of occurrence and clinical manifestations of lactase deficiency in children and to summarize the tactics of managing children with this pathology. In the world literature it is noted that lactase deficiency can be primary and secondary and is clinically manifested both in children and adults, depending on the degree of activity of the lactase enzyme. Depending on the amount of lactose consumed and lactase activity, people with lactose malabsorption experience numerous gastrointestinal manifestations. Treatment for LD consists of reducing or eliminating lactose from the diet until symptoms resolve, supplementing the diet with enzyme substitutes or lactase supplements, and eating lactose-free alternatives (lactose-free products). Cow’s milk is one of the main sources of calcium and a number of other vitamins and minerals. Thus, the complete elimination of dairy products may contribute to the development of bone diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, so the dietary approach plays a critical role in the management of patients with LD. In this regard, great attention is now being paid to the use of lactose-free milk in children and adults with LD.

Characterization of an isolated lactase enzyme produced by Bacillus licheniformis ALSZ2 as a potential pharmaceutical supplement for lactose intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is a widespread problem that affects people of many different races all over the world. The following pharmacological supplements can improve the lives of those who suffer from this issue. This work focused on lactase producer isolation and statistical design (Plackett-Burman, and BOX-Behnken) to maximize the effectiveness of environmental factors. A lactase-producing bacterium was chosen from a discovery of 100 strains in soil that had previously been polluted with dairy products. Plackett-Burman investigated fifteen variables. The most critical variables that lead to increased lactase synthesis are glucose, peptone, and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). The ideal process conditions for the creation of lactase yield among the stated variables were then determined using a BOX-Benken design. To establish a polynomial quadratic relationship between the three variables and lactase activity, the Box-Behnken design level was used. The EXCEL-solver nonlinear optimization technique was used to predict the best form for lactase production. The ideal temperature and pH levels have been determined, both before and after the lactase purification process, to achieve the highest performance of isolated lactase. According to this study, Bacillus licheniformis is a perfect supply of the lactase enzyme (β -Galactosidase), It can be used as a product to assist people who have health issues due to lactose intolerance.