Lactase Activity Research Articles

Fructooligosaccharides improve growth performance and intestinal epithelium function in weaned pigs exposed to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

To explore the protective effect of Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced inflammation and intestinal injury, twenty-four weaned pigs were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) non-challenge (CON, fed with basal diet), (2) ETEC-challenge (ECON, fed with basal diet), and (3) ETEC challenge + FOS treatment (EFOS, fed with basal diet plus 2.5 g kg-1 FOS). On day 19, the CON group was orally infused with sterilized culture while pigs in the ECON group and EFOS group were orally infused with ETEC (2.5 × 1011 colony-forming units). After 3 days, pigs were slaughtered for sample collection. We showed that ETEC challenge significantly reduced average daily gain (ADG); however, FOS improved the ADG (P < 0.05), apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), and ash and reduced the diarrhea incidence (P < 0.05). FOS reduced plasma concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α and down-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the jejunum and ileum as well as IL-1β and TNF-α in the duodenum. The concentrations of plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and secreted IgA (SIgA) in the jejunum (P < 0.05) were elevated. Interestingly, FOS elevated the villus height in the duodenum, and elevated the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the duodenum and ileum in the EFOS group pigs (P < 0.05). Moreover, FOS increased lactase activity in the duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05). The activities of sucrase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were higher in the EFOS group than in the ECON group (P < 0.05). Importantly, FOS up-regulated the expressions of critical genes in intestinal epithelium function such as zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), L-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1), and cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT1) in the duodenum and the expressions of ZO-1 and glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) in the jejunum (P < 0.05). FOS also up-regulated the expressions of occludin, fatty acid transporter-4 (FATP4), sodium glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1), and GLUT2 in the ileum (P < 0.05). FOS significantly increased the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid in the cecal digesta. Additionally, FOS reduced the populations of Escherichia coli, but elevated the populations of Bacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecal digesta (P < 0.05). These results suggested that FOS could improve the growth performance and intestinal health in weaned pigs upon ETEC challenge, which was associated with suppressed inflammatory responses and improved intestinal epithelium functions and microbiota.

Dietary supplementation of plant essential oil improves growth performance, intestinal morphology and health in weaned pigs.

The present study was conducted to explore the effect of plant essential oil (PEO) on growth performance, intestinal morphology and health in weaned pigs. Twenty-four weaned pigs were assigned into four groups fed with a basal diet (CON) or basal diet containing PEO at a concentration of 50 (PEO50), 100 (PEO100) or 200ppm (PEO200). After 21days, pigs were slaughtered and blood and tissue samples were collected. Result showed that PEO200 group significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) compared with CON group (p<.05). Moreover, PEO supplementation significantly improved the digestibility of DM (p<.05). However, it significantly decreased the serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentration (p<.05). Interestingly, PEO supplementation significantly increased the activity of sucrase in the duodenal and the activity of lactase in the jejunal mucosa (p<.05). Moreover, PEO supplementation improved the growth of intestinal mucosa. As compared to the CON group, the jejunum and ileum villus height were significantly elevated in the PEO200 group (p<.05). Importantly, the expression levels of critical genes associated with nutrient transportation (i.e., GLUT2 and SGLT1) and barrier function (occludin) were significantly elevated in the PEO200 group (p<.05). Moreover, the PEO100 and PEO200 group had higher propionic acid concentration and higher total bacterial gene copies in colon digesta than the CON group (p<.05) respectively. These results not only suggest that PEO has a positive role in the regulation of growth and intestinal health in weaned pigs, but also offer a potential candidate substituting the conventionally used antibiotics in the livestock industry.

PSIV-1 Effects of nutrient restriction and realimentation of gestating ewes on fetal carbohydrase activities in the small intestine

Abstract The small intestine plays an important role in post-ruminal carbohydrate digestion and there is limited information on its function in response to nutritional adaptation. To examine the effects of nutrient restriction and realimentation on fetal small intestinal carbohydrase activities during mid- to late-gestation, 41 singleton ewes (48.3±0.6 kg BW) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments: 100% (control; CON; n = 20) or 60% of nutrient requirements (restricted; RES; n = 21) from day 50–90 (mid-gestation) of gestation. At day 90, 14 ewes (CON, n = 7; RES, n = 7) were slaughtered. The remaining ewes were subjected to treatments of nutrient restriction or remained under a control diet from day 90–130 (late-gestation): CON-CON (n = 6), CON-RES (n = 7), RES-CON (n = 7), and RES-RES (n = 7) and were slaughtered at day 130. The fetal small intestine was weighed, subsampled, and assayed for carbohydrase (maltase, isomaltase, glucoamylase, lactase, and sucrase) activity. Enzyme activity was expressed as U/g and U/g protein. Protein concentration was expressed as mg/g intestine. Differences between means were determined using contrasts in the MIXED procedure of SAS. Small intestinal mass increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with day of gestation. Sucrase activity was undetected in the small intestine. Day of gestation did not affect carbohydrase development in the fetal small intestine. Nutrient restriction did not affect glucoamylase, maltase, or isomaltase activities. There was a significant mid-gestation treatment × late-gestation treatment interaction for lactase activity (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Realimentation during late-gestation after nutrient restriction during mid-gestation increased lactase activity in the fetal small intestine. These data demonstrate that fetal mucosal carbohydrases are imprinted early in gestation and brush border α-glycohydrolases involved in starch digestion (maltase, isomaltase, glucoamylase) do not respond to maternal nutrient restriction in sheep. Nutrient restriction of ewes during mid-gestation followed by realimentation during late-gestation may be a programming strategy to increase fetal lactase activity.

353 Starch to fat ratio in piglet nutrition

Abstract Dietary high energy density (HED) and the energy compositions, especially the fat and starch composition could have a variable effect on performance, intestinal health and the profitability of piglet production. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary energy densities and digestible energy ratio of starch to fat on intestinal functions and growth performance of growing pigs. A total of 48 healthy weaners (9.60 ± 0.13 kg) were allocated to two dietary energy densities (14.21 and 15.91MJ/kg) and two digestible energy ratio: high starch: low fat, HSLF (9:1) or low starch: high fat ratio, LSHF (1:3) in a factorial arrangement. It was found that dietary LSHF ratio induced diarrhea in the weaner pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The feed intake of weaners was increased by HED (P &amp;lt; 0.05), however, this did not result in improved body weight gain (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The HED reduced (P = 0.017) energy digestibility, while digestible energy ratio reduced crude protein digestibility and amino acid utilization in the weaners. Fat and dry matter digestibility were not significantly affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dietary LSHF ratio increased intestinal villus height/crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and ileum (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The lymphocyte count was increased by HSLF energy ratio. The highest high-density lipoprotein concentration was exhibited in weaners fed dietary LSHF energy ratio (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and dietary HSLF ratio increased the duodenal sucrase and lactase activities (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The dietary LSHF ratio showed an increased tendency to increase fecal ammonia concentration, but dramatically decreased fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The HED seems to induced oxidative stress (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The study suggests that dietary high fat, but not dietary starch or HED could decrease the intestinal health of weaner pigs.

Polymorphism of C/T-13910 lactase gene and anthropometric data of girls born in Samara

Objectives -to assess the prevalence of C/T-13910 polymorphism of the lactase gene in the population of children in Samara and to identify the relationship with height, body weight and body mass index. Material and methods. The study included 103 girls aged 3-6 years. Their height and body weight were measured, and buccal samples were taken to genotype lactase activity (determining the C/T-13910 variant). Results. In girls born and living in Samara, the frequency of allele 13910-T was 48.6%. The СС genotype was detected in 51.4%, the СГ genotype in 37.9% and the TT genotype in 10.7%. There was no statistically significant relationship between genotype and body weight and height, but all children with the TT genotype had a height of more than 25 percentiles, the vast majority of overweight and obese girls (91%) had the СС genotype or the CT genotype.

Effect of glutamine on the intestinal function and health of broilers challenged with Salmonella pullorum

The influence of glutamine (Gln) on the intestinal function and health in broilers challenged with Salmonella pullorum was investigated. 240 one -day-old Arbor Acres broilers were divided into four groups in a completely randomized design, each of which included 6 replicates with 10 birds per replicate, for 21 days. The experimental groups were as follows: control group (CON), S. pullorum challenged control group (SCC), basal diet plus S. pullorum challenged plus 0.5 % Gln (Gln 1) or1.0 % Gln (Gln 2), The results showed that S. pullorum had significantly adverse effect on ADG, ADFI and feed to gain ratio (F: G) of broilers compared with the values measured for the CON during days 5 to 7. Moreover, compared with the characteristics of CON, S. pullorum showed significantly effects on the relative weight and length of small intestine at 7 d, the activities of sucrose, maltase and lactase in the jejunum mucosa at 4 d, or 7 d, the counts of Salmonella and Lactobacillus at 4, 7 and 21d and the molar proportion of isobutyric acid at 14 d. The inclusion of Gln significantly elevated the relative weight and length of small intestine, increased intestinal sucrose, maltase and lactase activities, decreased caecal Salmonella population and molar proportion of isobutyric acid at 14 d. These results suggested that Gln might exert a favorable effect on intestinal function and health in broilers.

Effect of fosfomycin, Cynara scolymus extract, deoxynivalenol and their combinations on intestinal health of weaned piglets.

Weaning is a challenging stage of pig farming. Animals undergo environmental, social and dietary changes leading to weaning stress syndrome. In order to compensate for the detrimental effects of weaning stress, antibiotics and natural extracts are used as feed additives, sometimes without fully understanding the interactions between them or even with low concentrations of mycotoxins that are frequently present in feed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fosfomycin (FOS), Cynara scolymus extract (CSE), deoxynivalenol (DON) and their combined administration on intestinal health of weaned piglets. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 3 factors (FOS, CSE and DON treatments), 2 levels each (presence and absence) and 3 repeats. Weaned piglets (n = 24) were randomly divided in groups to receive the different treatments, namely DON administered in diet (50 μg/kg BW), FOS administered into the drinking water (30 mg/kg BW), CSE administered in diet (15 mg/kg BW) and all their combinations. After 15 d, the animals were euthanized and gastrointestinal tract samples were immediately taken to evaluate gastrointestinal pH, Enterobacteriaceae to lactic acid bacteria (E:L) ratio, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, disaccharidase (lactase, sucrase and maltase) activity, histology (intestinal absorptive area [IAA] and goblet cells count) and mucus ability to adhere pathogenic Escherichia coli. From our results, FOS and CSE treatments, individually or combined, produced a lower E:L ratio, an enhanced production of butyrate, increased disaccharidase activity (particularly maltase), and a greater IAA and goblet cells count along with an increase in pathogenic bacteria adherence to intestinal mucus. Deoxynivalenol did not show interactions with the other factors and its administration produced decreases on VFA, disaccharidase activity and goblet cells count. In conclusion, weaning piglets receiving diets containing FOS, CSE or both exhibited evident beneficial intestinal effects compared to animals receiving diets free from these compounds. On the contrary, the presence of DON at sub-toxic concentrations produced detrimental effects on intestinal health. The knowledge of the physiological and pathological gut changes produced by these compounds contributes to understand their potential productive consequences.

Effects of early commercial milk supplement on the mucosal morphology, bacterial community and bacterial metabolites in jejunum of the pre- and post-weaning piglets.

ObjectiveSow milk (SM) may not be able to meet the piglet’s nutritional needs in late lactation. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of early commercial milk (CM) supplement on the mucosal morphology, bacterial community and bacterial metabolites in jejunum of piglets.MethodsTen litters of newborn piglets ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) were randomly divided into 2 groups of 5 litters. The piglets in the control group were suckled by the sow (SM), while the piglets in the treatment group (CM supplement) were supplemented with a CM supplement along with suckling from d 4 to d 28 of age.ResultsNo significant differences were observed about jejunal mucosal morphology on d 28 and d 35 between two groups. On d 28, the activity of lactase in the jejunum was significantly decreased in the CM group, while the activity of sucrase and the ratio of maltase to lactase were significantly increased (p<0.05). On d 35, the activity of maltase in the jejunum was significantly increased in the CM group (p<0.05), and maltase to lactase ratio tended to increase in the CM group (p = 0.065). In addition, piglets in the CM group had a higher abundance of Clostridium XI, Tuicibater, and Moraxella in the jejunum on d 28, while the abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly increased on d 35 (p<0.05).ConclusionThe early CM supplement improved the maturation of the jejunum to some extent by enhancing the maltase and sucrase activities. Moreover, the early CM supplement could help maintain the homeostasis of internal environment in jejunum by increasing the microbial-derived metabolites.

132 The impact of F18 ETEC challenge on intestinal integrity and immune response of nursery pigs, and the potential protective effects of direct-fed microbial blends

Abstract The objectives were to investigate the impact of an F18 ETEC challenge on localized immune responses and intestinal function of piglets, and to evaluate potential protective effects of direct-fed microbial blends (DFM1 and DFM2). Thirty-six pens of 3-wk old weaned piglets (2 pigs/pen; BW=6.42 ± 0.22 kg; L337 X Camborough, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were assigned to one of four treatments: 1) NC: Non-challenged (n = 10), 2) PC:F18 ETEC challenged (n = 10), 3) PC+DFM1 (n = 8) or 4) PC+DFM2 (n = 8). Pigs were either sham-infected with saline or orally challenged with ETEC on d 7 (d 0 post-inoculation, dpi). On dpi 10, ileal mucosa was collected for disaccharidase quantification and whole ileal tissue was collected for immune marker and tight junction protein analysis via qRT-PCR. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (9.4) with dietary treatment as a fixed effect and pen as the experimental unit. There were no differences in lactase activity (P &gt; 0.10). Sucrase and maltase activity increased in PC vs. NC (P &lt; 0.05). Ileal mRNA abundance of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) decreased in PC and DFM1 compared with NC (P &lt; 0.05). DFM2 increased ZO-1 compared with PC (P &lt; 0.05). There was no difference in claudin-1 mRNA (P &gt; 0.10). Cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) mRNA was elevated in challenged pigs compared with NC (P &lt; 0.05). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) tended to be elevated in both DFM treatments compared with PC (P &lt; 0.10). All challenged treatments tended to have elevated tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFa) abundance vs. NC (P &lt; 0.10). There were no differences in IL-1b, IL-6, or toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA abundance (P &gt; 0.10). In conclusion, the ETEC challenge increased CD14, tended to increase TNFa, and decreased ZO-1 mRNA abundance, indicating activation of intestinal inflammation and impaired intestinal barrier integrity. DFM2 may improve intestinal barrier integrity impaired by ETEC as evidenced by increased ZO-1 mRNA.

143 Supplemental effects of whey permeate on growth performance and gut health of nursery pigs

Abstract Lactose or milk oligosaccharides in milk products may enhance gut health and thus growth of nursery pigs. This study aimed to evaluate supplemental effects of increasing levels of whey permeate on growth performance and gut health in nursery pigs during 7 to 11 kg BW. 1,200 pigs at 7.5 kg BW were allotted to 6 treatments based on a randomized complete block design using BW of pen as blocks. Treatment diets were formulated to meet NRC nutrient requirements with 6 levels of whey permeate (0, 3.75, 7.50, 11.25, 15.00, and 18.75%) and fed to pigs for 11 d. Feed intake and BW were measured during 11 d, and 1 pig per pen were euthanized to collect the jejunum to evaluate TNF-α, IL-8, morphology, digestive enzyme activity, crypt cell proliferation rate, and microbiota. Data were analyzed using contrasts in the MIXED procedure and a broken-line analysis in NLIN procedure of SAS. Increasing whey permeate linearly increased (P &lt; 0.05) ADG (349 to 414 g/d) and G:F (0.783 to 0.851), tended to linearly increase (P = 0.062) ADFI (442 to 484 g/d), linearly increased (P &lt; 0.05) crypt cell proliferation rate (27.8 to 37.0%), linearly decreased (P &lt; 0.05) lactase activity (15.84 to 6.60 U/mg), and tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.082) crypt depth (268 to 251 μm). Using a broken line analysis, the optimum supplementation level of whey permeate was 13.60% for G:F. Supplementation of whey permeate increased (P &lt; 0.05) IL-8 (170 to 209 pg/mg) and decreased (P &lt; 0.05) Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (6.24 to 3.24) in the jejunum. In conclusion, supplementation of whey permeate enhanced growth performance and also positively affected gut health by modulating inflammatory response and microbiota in the jejunum of nursery pigs from 7 to 11 kg BW.

The effect of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida on haematological parameters and intestinal ATPases, lactase activity and histopathology studies in lactose induced diarrhea in Wistar rats

Diarrhea remains a major health burden in developing society till date. Efforts aimed at ameliorating this condition is very imminent. In this study, the antidiarrheal effect of aqueous extracts (dried and fresh forms) of M. lucida leaves was evaluated in Wistar rats. 25% lactose enriched diet was used to induce diarrhea. 25 Wistar rats of an average weight of 150g were divided equally into five groups labeled A-E. The diet was admonished for 72 h to rats in groups B-E. Fresh aqueous extract of M. lucida, dried aqueous extract of M. lucida and loperamide were then administered to groups C-E respectively for the next seven days. The animals were then sacrificed and blood collected for lactase, intestinal ATPases, and some haematological parameters were assayed using standard laboratory procedures. Histopathological examination of the small intestine was also examined. Our results showed a significant increase in the intestinal lactase activity of diarrheic rats. However, the dried extract was able to restore parity with the control. We observed a significant increase in the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase while a decrease in the activity of Ca2+ATPase in lactose induced diarrheic rats when compared with the control. The extracts of M. lucida further increased significantly the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase when compared with the control and the untreated group. However, no significant effect of the extracts on Ca2+ATPase was observed. On haematological parameters, we observed increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Treatment with fresh extract and loperamide was able to reverse this increase. Furthermore results of the differential white blood cell count revealed higher lymphocyte count in the group given dried extract of M. lucida. The extracts were able to ameliorate the aberrations observed in the architecture of the intestinal lumen.

Effects of the Ratio of Insoluble Fiber to Soluble Fiber in Gestation Diets on Sow Performance and Offspring Intestinal Development

Simple SummaryGestating sows fed a diet rich in dietary fiber show improved performance. Dietary fiber is composed of insoluble fiber and soluble fiber. The ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber may affect overall diet utilization and influence sow performance. Maternal nutrition significantly affects offspring intestinal development; therefore, we investigated the effects of the ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber in gestation diets on sow performance and offspring intestinal development. Our results suggested that, when the dietary fiber levels were the same in gestation diets, the ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber affected the development of intestinal morphology and enzymatic activity related to nutrient digestion and absorption, and consequently affected the average daily gain during lactation and average piglet body weight at weaning. When the ratio of insoluble to soluble fiber was 3.89 in the gestation diet, higher average piglet body weight and litter weight at weaning were observed. These results may provide guidance for the application of fiber in pig production.To investigate the effects of the ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber (ISF:SF) on sow performance and piglet intestinal development, we randomly assigned 64 gilts to four treatments comprising diets with the same level of dietary fiber, but different ISF:SF values of 3.89 (T1), 5.59 (T2), 9.12 (T3), and 12.81 (T4). At birth and weaning, six piglets per treatment at each phase were slaughtered for sampling. As ISF:SF increased, the mean piglet body weight (BW) at weaning and piglet BW gain, which were all significantly higher in T1 and T2 compared with T3 and T4 (p < 0.05), showed a linear decrease (p < 0.05); the crypt depth of the jejunum in weaned piglets linearly increased, whereas the duodenal weight, jejunal villus height, and villus height/crypt depth in newborn piglets and enzymatic activity of lactase, sucrase, and maltase linearly decreased (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the yield and composition of milk (p > 0.05). Moreover, when the ISF:SF was 3.89 in gestation diets, higher piglet BW at weaning occurred, possibly because the ISF:SF affected development and enzymatic activity in the small intestine—effects related to digestion and absorption of nutrients—and consequently enhanced piglet BW gain.

Effects of ad libitum milk replacer feeding and butyrate supplementation on the epithelial growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract in Holstein calves

Intensive milk feeding and butyrate supplementation in calves stimulate body growth and affect gastrointestinal development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the synergistic effects of ad libitum milk replacer (MR) feeding and butyrate supplementation of MR on rumen and small intestinal growth and on gene expression in the small intestine related to growth and energy metabolism at weaning. Male Holstein calves (n = 32) received colostrum from birth to d 3 of age and MR either ad libitum (Adl) or restrictively (Res; 6 L of MR/d; 12.5% solids) with (AdlB+, ResB+) or without (AdlB-, ResB-) 0.24% butyrate from d 4 until wk 8 of age. From wk 9 to 10, all calves were weaned and were fed 2 L/d until the end of the trial. Concentrate, hay, and water were freely available. At d 80, calves were slaughtered, volatile fatty acids were measured in rumen fluid, and rumen and small intestine samples were taken for histomorphometric measurements. The expression of mRNA associated with the local insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system and glucose metabolism as well as lactase and maltase activities were measured in the intestinal mucosa. The small intestine was 3 m longer in Adl than in Res. In the atrium ruminis, papilla width was greater in Res than in Adl. Villus circumference, cut surface, and height in the duodenum, proximal jejunum, and ileum were greater in Adl than in Res and in the proximal, mid, and distal jejunum and ileum were greater in calves treated with butyrate. Crypt depth in the duodenum and proximal jejunum was greater in Adl than in Res and in the ileum was smaller in calves treated with butyrate. The villus height:crypt depth ratio was greatest in AdlB+ calves. In the proximal and mid jejunum, IGF1 mRNA abundance was lower in calves treated with butyrate. In the proximal jejunum, INSR mRNA abundance was greater in Res than in Adl. The abundance of PCK2 mRNA was greater in Res than in Adl in the duodenum and was greatest in ResB- in the mid jejunum. Lactase activity tended to be greater in Res than in Adl and after butyrate treatment in the proximal jejunum. The results indicated an elevated growth of the small intestinal mucosa at weaning due to intensive milk feeding and butyrate supplementation, and the local IGF system was involved in intestinal growth regulation. Rumen development was not affected by butyrate supplementation of MR and was slightly delayed due to ad libitum MR feeding.

Evaluation of lactase activity in new isolated Lactobacillus strains

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize new Lactobacillus strains in order to check their β-galactosidase activity. A total of 28 strains were isolated from camel and goat milks collected from the Algerian Sahara. These strains were identified with the method of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of the 16S rRNA gene. Their ability to hydrolyze O-nitrophenyl-β-D ga-lactopyranoside (ONPG) was determined. Cell lysis method involving soni-cation and lysozyme treatment was used for β-galactosidase release from the isolated strains. Analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strains clustered in the Lactobacillus genus, 17 isolates were identified as L. plantarum, 10 isolates as L. herbarum and one isolate as L. brevis. The best intracellular enzymatic β-galactosidase activities obtained in descending order are 14.84 (L. plantarum P4), 14.66 (L. plantarum P17), 14.33 (L. planta-rum P12), 14.10 (L. plantarum P10), 13.49 (L. plantarum P6), 12.13 (L. herba-rum H10) and 11.27 (L. plantarum P7) U/mL; while a very low level of this activity was found for Lactobacillus brevis B1. These findings are an argu-ment for the use of these isolated Lactobacilli in the dairy industry in order to alleviate lactose intolerance.

Improvement of growth performance and parameters of intestinal function in liquid fed early weanling pigs1.

Liquid feeding, a widely used technique, has been applied as a feeding technique commonly in global swine production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of liquid feeding on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal barrier functions during the early weaning period in pigs. Three hundred and sixty 24-d-old weanling pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with BW of 6.98 ± 0.15 kg were randomly assigned to a control diet (dry fed basal diet, CON) or as meal mixed with water in the ratio 1:4 (liquid fed basal diet, LF) with 6 replicates per treatment and 30 weanling pigs per replicate. The study lasted 7 d. On days 4 to 7, fresh fecal samples were collected to evaluate apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. After 7 d, 2 weanling pigs per pen were euthanized and physiological samples were obtained. Results showed that LF increased (P < 0.05) ADG (281 g vs. 183 g), ADFI (374 g vs. 245 g), and final BW (8.95 kg vs. 8.26 kg) compared with CON. Compared with CON, LF significantly decreased (P < 0.05) serum cortisol and d-lactate concentrations as well as the activity of diamine oxidase, enhanced (P < 0.05) the ATTD of ether extract and ash, increased (P < 0.05) the activities of amylase, lipase, and lactase in the jejunal mucosa. Furthermore, LF had higher (P < 0.05) villus height and villi height:crypt depth and increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expressions of insulin-like growth factors-1 receptor (IGF-1R), claudin-2 (CLDN-2), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and zonula occludens-2 (ZO-2) in the jejunum. Moreover, LF had lower (P < 0.05) abundances of total bacteria and Escherichia coli and higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of acetic acid and butyric acid in cecal digesta. Altogether, the results indicated that liquid feeding not only promoted growth performance but also improved intestinal health by enhancing gut barrier functions in weanling pigs.

Selection of Tempoyak Lactic Acid Bacteria As Candidate Strain for Yoghurt Starter Culture

Selection of bacteria in yoghurt fermentation is important to produce yoghurt with good quality. Tempoyak lactic acid bacteria is potential to be yoghurt starter culture becouse tempoyak fermentation has similarities in producing lactic acid such as yoghurt. This study aimed to isolate and identify the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from tempoyak which will be used as a yoghurt starter culture. The methods used in this study included isolation and selection of acid-producing bacteria, lactase and protease activity test, identification of morphology and biochemistry as well as testing the quality of the yoghurt. The results of the study obtained 32 isolates of the LAB with the same characteristic colony, include the round shape, cream-coloured with convex elevation and, smooth surface and entire edge. Selection of acid-producing bacteria obtained 12 isolates with the ability to produce clear zones on MRSA + CaCO3 media ≥ 0.7 cm. Selection of lactase-producing LAB obtained six strains and the protease test obtained two superior strains. Two superior strains namely Tp 12 and Tp 28 have characteristics of coccus, gram-positive, negative catalase, non-endospore and non-motile forms. The organoleptic and several quality tests showed yoghurt using Tp 12 as starter has higher acceptability, the highest levels of lactic acid and lactose levels with values respectively 4.25, 0.84% and 24.53%. This study obtained the LAB strain which can be used as yoghurt starter culture. Tp 12 strain can be used to improve the quality of yoghurt and become a commercial starter that can be applied to various fermented products.

13910C>T and 22018G>A LCT gene polymorphisms in diagnosing hypolactasia in children.

Primary lactose intolerance (PLI) is a gradual decrease of lactase activity that usually manifests at the age of 1-5 years. It has been proved that PLI is related to a single-nucleotide polymorphism of the lactase (LCT) gene. An evaluation was performed on the usefulness of genetic tests in detecting LCT 13910C>T and 22018G>A polymorphisms in diagnosing lactose intolerance in children. The study group included 99 children aged from 2 months to 16.5 years with different digestive tract symptoms. In all patients a hydrogen breath test (HBT) was conducted and blood samples were collected to determine LCT polymorphisms. PLI was defined as the presence of the 13910CC and/or 22018GG polymorphism in patients with a positive HBT result. In the group younger than 6 years, no statistically significant correlation was observed between the 13910CC and/or 22018GG LCT polymorphisms and HBT result. In the group of children older than 6, a statistically significant correlation between the 13910CC (p = 0.0011) and 22018GG (p = 0.003) LCT polymorphisms and HBT result was detected. In children older than 6, the result of genetic testing based on LCT 13910C>T and 22018G>A polymorphisms may diagnose lactose intolerance.

Rebamipide increases the disaccharidases activity in patients with enteropathy with impaired membrane digestion. Pilot study.

To evaluate the effectiveness of enteroprotector Rebamipide in the treatment of enteropathy with impaired membrane digestion (EIMD). We examined 102 patients aged 18 to 50 years (41 men and 61 women) with clinical signs of irritable bowel syndrome (n=65), functional diarrhea (n=33), and functional constipation (n=4) according to Rome IV criteria (2016). The activities of glucoamylase (GA), maltase, sucrase and lactase were determined by Dahlquist-Trinder method in duodenal biopsies obtained during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The control group consisted of 20 healthy people aged 23-47. They showed following average enzyme activity: lactase - 42±13 ng glucose on 1 mg of tissue per minute, GA - 509±176, maltase - 1735±446, sucrase - 136±35 ng glucose on 1 mg of tissue per minute. These numbers were taken as the norm. The activity of the disaccharidases was reduced in 89.2% out of 102 patients, and they were diagnosed with EIMD. Thirteen patients with EIMD were recommended to maintain the FODMAP diet and take enteroprotector Rebamipide 100 mg 3 times a day for 12 weeks. After 3 months 11 patients reported decreased or no flatulence, abdominal pain, stool disorder; 2 patients reported no change. The activity of GA increased to an average of 149±82 (by 78%, p=0.016), maltase - to 864±472 (by 131%, p=0.0019), sucrase - 63±35 (by 95%, p=0.0041) and lactase - 10±8 ng glucose on 1 mg of tissue per minute. The activity of lactase did not change. We discovered a previously unknown phenomenon of the disaccharidases activity increase in duodenal mucosa and improved carbohydrates tolerance in the patients with EIMD taking Rebamipide in the dose 300 mg/day for 12 weeks.

Assessment of lactase activity in humans by measurement of galactitol and galactonate in serum and urine after milk intake

ABSTRACTBackgroundLactase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose in the small intestine, where they are absorbed. Hypolactasia is a common condition, primarily caused by genetic programming, that leads to lactose maldigestion and, in certain cases, lactose intolerance. Galactitol and galactonate are 2 products of hepatic galactose metabolism that are candidate markers for the intake of lactose-containing foods.ObjectivesThe primary objective of the study was to explore the changes in serum and urine metabolomes during postprandial dairy product tests through the association between lactase persistence genotype and the postprandial dynamics of lactose-derived metabolites.MethodsWe characterized the 6-h postprandial serum kinetics and urinary excretion of lactose, galactose, galactitol, and galactonate in 14 healthy men who had consumed a single dose of acidified milk (800 g) which contained 38.8 g lactose. Genotyping of LCT-13910 C/T (rs4988235) was performed to assess primary lactase persistence.ResultsThere were 2 distinct postprandial responses, classified as high and low metabolite responses, observed for galactose, and its metabolites galactitol and galactonate, in serum and urine. In all but 1 subject, there was a concordance between the high metabolite responses and genetic lactase persistence and between the low metabolite responses and genetic lactase nonpersistence (accuracy 0.92), galactitol and galactonate being more discriminative than galactose.ConclusionsPostprandial galactitol and galactonate after lactose overload appear to be good proxies for genetically determined lactase activity. The development of a noninvasive lactose digestion test based on the measurement of these metabolites in urine could be clinically useful. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02230345.

Chemical constituents of Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) Pilg. root and its antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiglycation, and anticholinesterase effects in Wistar rats

The main physiological consequence of diabetes mellitus is chronic hyperglycemia. This condition is related to the formation of free radicals including advanced glycation end products (AGES) and to an increase in inflammatory processes. Cochlospermum regium (Schrank) Pilg., part of the Bixaceae family, is a cerrado plant known for its anti-inflammatory effects. The objectives of this study were to analyze the constituent compounds of C. regium roots and to evaluate the antioxidant, antiglycation, antidiabetic, and anticholinergic effects of its hydromethanolic extract through in vitro and in vivo experimental models. The presence of phenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and flavonols was analyzed by liquid chromatography - photodiode array (LC/PDA) analysis. Whereas antioxidant activity was investigated via DPPH, ABTS, β-carotene/linoleic acid, and malondialdehyde colorimetric assays. Inhibition of AGEs was examined via a bovine serum albumin system whose glycosylating agent was glucose. Antidiabetic potential was examined in normoglycemic Wistar rats that received glucose overload, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, and in rats that received a hyperglycemic diet. Disaccharidase inhibition was assessed using in vitro and in vivo methods, as was acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition in brain structures. The hydromethanolic extract (CRHE) possessed a high concentration of phenolic compounds and showed antioxidant effects. The LC-DAD results revealed that CRHE contained a high concentration of phenolic acids and the majority was gallic acid. Treatment with CRHE caused significant inhibition of AGE formation. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in normoglycemic animals showed a reduction in blood glucose levels after treatment with 100 mg/kg CHRE, accompanied by an increase in hepatic glycogen content. There was also a significant reduction in the fasting glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic animals after 7 days of treatment with daily doses of 100 mg/kg. After 14 weeks of hyperglycemic diet, the last four or which were combined with 100 mg/kg CRHE treatment, there was a decrease in blood triglyceride levels. There was also a statistically significant decrease in the enzymatic activity of maltase, lactase and sucrase. The results demonstrate that oral administration of 30 and 100 mg/kg CRHE inhibited AChE activity in different brain structures. Thus, the extract of C. regium showed promising antioxidant, antiglycation, and antidiabetic effects that may be related to its high phenolic content.