Energy Metabolism Research Articles

Symbiotic probiotic communities with multiple targets successfully combat obesity in high-fat-diet-fed mice

ABSTRACT Probiotics hold great potential for treating metabolic diseases such as obesity. Given the complex and multifactorial nature of these diseases, research on probiotic combination with multiple targets has become popular. Here, we choose four obesity-related targets to perform high-throughput screening, including pancreatic lipase activity, bile salt hydrolase activity, glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion and adipocyte differentiation. Then, we obtained 649 multi-strain combinations with the requirement that each must cover all these targets in principle. After in vitro co-culture and in vivo co-colonization experiments, only four (<0.7%) combinations were selected as symbiotic probiotic communities (SPCs). Next, genome-scale metabolic model analysis revealed that these SPCs showed lower metabolic resource overlap and higher metabolic interaction potential involving amino acid metabolism (Ammonium, L−Lysine, etc.) and energy metabolism (Phosphate, etc.). Further animal experiments demonstrated that all SPCs exhibited a good safety profile and excellent effects in improving obesity and associated glucose metabolism disruptions and depression-like behaviors in high-fat-diet-fed mice. This anti-obesity improvement was achieved through reduced cholesterol level, fat accumulation and inhibited adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, our study provides a new perspective for designing multi-strain combinations, which may facilitate greater therapeutic effect on obesity and other complex diseases in the future.

The proteome and metabolome changes distinguish the effect of dietary energy levels on the development of ovary in chicken during sexual maturity

To deeply understanding the impact of peripheral energy level on the development of ovaries during the sexual maturation of chicken, in this study, the ovaries and serum of sexually mature and immature chickens at the same age from different energy level groups were collected, and the proteome and metabolome were detected. The results of ovarian and serum metabolomics revealed that dietary energy levels affected the energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation of ovary in chicken, including the up-regulated expression of dihydroacetone phosphate and α-linolenic acid in high energy level groups. The results of proteomics showed that peripheral energy levels affected the catecholamine biosynthesis and metabolism in ovary before sexual maturation. The integrating analysis revealed that increased energy flux may influence ovarian development by regulating cholesterol reserves and steroid hormone synthesis in the ovaries. In vitro, the cultivation of chicken primary granulosa cells showed that sterol carrier protein 2 played a role in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism but did not significantly affect progesterone synthesis. Overall, dietary energy levels may be involved in the development of the ovaries during sexual maturation by influencing energy metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and steroid hormone within the ovaries.

Mitochondrial donation as a mechanism of participation by mesenchymal stromal cells in regenerative processes

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are universal regulators of regenerative processes due to their ability to secrete regulatory molecules or replace dead cells through differentiation in the appropriate direction. Recently, another mechanism for the beneficial effects of MSCs on damaged tissue has been discovered, such as the transfer of mitochondria into its cells in response to stress signals. MSCs can transfer mitochondria through tunneling nanotubes that form a communication bridge between cells, through gap junctions, by release as part of extracellular vesicles or in free form, and as a result of complete or partial fusion with recipient cells. In damaged cells that received mitochondria from MSCs, impaired energy metabolism is restored and oxidative stress is reduced, which is accompanied by increased survival, and in some cases also increased proliferation or a change in differentiation status. The restoration of energy after the transfer of mitochondria from MSCs has a beneficial effect on the functional activity of recipient cells and suppresses inflammatory reactions. A significant contribution of the MSC mitochondrial donation to the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs has been repeatedly demonstrated in models of damage to various organs in experimental animals. This stimulates the search for methods to enhance the process of mitochondrial donation. However, it should be taken into account that MSCs are able to transfer mitochondria to malignant cells as well, thereby stimulating tumor growth and increasing its resistance to chemotherapy. These data make it necessary to evaluate the prospects for the use of MSCs in cell therapy with caution. On the other hand, they can serve as a basis for the search for new therapeutic targets in the treatment of oncological diseases.

Acute exercise boosts NAD+ metabolism of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) coenzymes are the central electron carriers in biological energy metabolism. Low NAD+ levels are proposed as a hallmark of ageing and several diseases, which has given rise to therapeutic strategies that aim to tackle these conditions by boosting NAD+ levels. As a lifestyle factor with preventive and therapeutic effects, exercise increases NAD+ levels across various tissues, but so far human trials are mostly focused on skeletal muscle. Given that immune cells are mobilized and redistributed in response to acute exercise, we conducted two complementary trials to test the hypothesis that a single exercise session alters NAD+ metabolism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In a randomized crossover trial (DRKS00017686) with 24 young adults (12 female) we show that acute exercise increases gene expression and protein abundance of several key NAD+ metabolism enzymes with high conformity between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). In a longitudinal exercise trial (DRKS00029105) with 12 young adults (6 female) we confirm these results and reveal that – similar to skeletal muscle – NAD+ salvage is pivotal for PBMCs in response to exercise. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme of NAD+ salvage pathway, displayed a pronounced increase in gene expression during exercise, which was accompanied by elevated intracellular NAD+ levels and reduced serum levels of the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide. These results demonstrate that acute exercise triggers NAD+ biosynthesis of human PBMCs with potential implications for immunometabolism, immune effector function, and immunological exercise adaptions.

Role of Peripheral and Central Insulin Resistance in Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Insulin acts on different organs, including the brain, which helps it regulate energy metabolism. Insulin signaling plays an important role in the function of different cell types. In this review, we have summarized the key roles of insulin and insulin receptors in healthy brains and in different brain disorders. Insulin signaling, as well as insulin resistance (IR), is a major contributor in the regulation of mood, behavior, and cognition. Recent evidence showed that both peripheral and central insulin resistance play a role in the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of neuropsychiatric disorders like Cognitive Impairment/Dementia, Depression, and Schizophrenia. Many human studies point out Insulin Resistance/Metabolic Syndrome can increase the risk of dementia especially Alzheimer's dementia (AD). IR has been shown to play a role in AD development but also in its progression. This review article discusses the pathophysiological pathways and mechanisms of insulin resistance in major neuropsychiatric disorders. The extent of insulin resistance can be quantified using IR biomarkers like insulin levels, HOMA-IR index, and Triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) levels. IR has been shown to precede neurodegeneration. Human trials showed current treatment with certain antidiabetic drugs, as well as life style management, like weight loss and exercise for IR, have shown promise in the management of cognitive/neuropsychiatric disorders. This may pave the pathway to the development of new therapeutic approaches to these challenging disorders of dementia and psychiatric diseases. Recent clinical trials are showing some encouraging evidence for these pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches for IR in psychiatric and cognitive disorders, even though more research is needed to apply this evidence into clinical practice. Early identification and management of IR may help as a strategy to potentially alter neuropsychiatric disorders onset as well as its progression.

Augmenting Protein Degradation Capacity of PROTAC through Energy Metabolism Regulation and Targeted Drug Delivery.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for degrading over 70-80% of cellular proteins. Consequently, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are developed to induce the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of proteins of interest (POIs) by the UPS. To amplify the therapeutic efficacy of PROTACs, energy metabolism regulation is first harnessed to boost UPS function in tumor cells. Proteomic and ubiquitinome analyzes reveal that total ubiquitinated proteins and proteasome activity are significantly increased in 143B and MDA-MB-231 tumor cells following fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) treatment. As a result, the degradation efficiency of PROTACs targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK-P) or bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4-P) is significantly enhanced in FMD-treated 143B and MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. Then, silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles are developed modified with tumor cell membranes for targeted delivery of PROTACs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging confirm that nanocarriers significantly improve the delivery efficiency of PROTACs in FMD-treated 143B or MDA-MB-231 tumors. In vivo studies demonstrate that the antitumor efficacy of FAK-P and BRD4-P is greatly augmented when combined with targeted delivery and FMD treatment. Overall, this study presents a strategy to enhance the efficacy of PROTACs in cancer therapy.

20-Hydroxyecdysone Boosts Energy Production and Biosynthetic Processes in Non-Transformed Mouse Cells

20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) is an arthropod steroid hormone that possesses a number of beneficial pharmacological activities in humans, including anabolic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antineoplastic properties, etc. While several studies have explored the anabolic activity of 20E in muscle cells, they have concentrated on its effects on myofibril size, protein biosynthesis intensity, and myostatin expression, without assessing energy metabolism. In this research, we have demonstrated that 20E boosts both catabolism and anabolism, coupling energy-producing and biosynthetic metabolic processes in mouse myoblasts and fibroblasts in the same way. Using a transcriptomic approach, we identified the 20E-mediated up-regulation of genes involved in different metabolic processes. Further experiments revealed that 20E increased the levels of enzymes involved in glycolysis and one-carbon metabolism. It also increased the uptake of glucose, glycolysis, respiration, the production of ATP, and global protein biosynthesis in mouse myoblasts and fibroblasts. This phenomenon involves the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, the observed 20E-dependent upregulation of energy metabolism may be the main reason for 20E’s well-known anabolic activity.

K2FeO4-Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy of Breast Cancer via In Situ Synthesis of Fe2O3 and O2.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) offers a promising minimally invasive treatment for breast cancer, but its efficacy is limited by the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), including hypoxia and high glutathione (GSH) levels. Although various strategies to improve oxygen concentration or reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) resistance for enhanced PDT have been explored, they typically require intricate design and complex synthesis of multifunctional nanocarriers. Thus, this study introduces a facile K2FeO4-induced strategy to enhance PDT efficiency in breast cancer through the tumor in situ synthesis of Fe2O3 and O2. Inspired by the successful application of K2FeO4 in ecological remediation and hemostasis, K2FeO4 reacts with GSH, biological system, H2O2, and water, to generate Fe2O3 and O2. Intratumoral injection of K2FeO4 improves the TME, followed by Ce6 administration to enhance PDT through synergistic ferroptosis. This approach boosts PDT efficacy significantly by increasing ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, and inhibiting GSH and GPX4. Proteomic analysis revealed alterations in key pathways, including endocytosis and energy metabolism. This K2FeO4-PDT strategy creates a positive feedback loop by enhancing oxidative stress, providing an interesting and promising approach to PDT.

Low phosphorus causes hepatic energy metabolism disorder through Dynamin-related protein 1-mediated mitochondrial fission in fish

BackgroundLow phosphorus (LP) diets perturb hepatic energy metabolism homeostasis in fish. However, the specific mechanisms in LP-induced hepatic energy metabolism disorders remain to be fully elucidated. ObjectivesThis study sought to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mitochondria involved in LP-induced energy metabolism disorders. MethodsSpotted seabass were fed diets with 0.72% (S-AP, control) or 0.36% (S-LP) available phosphorus for 10 weeks. Drp1 was knocked down or protein kinase A (PKA) was activated using 8Br-cAMP (5 μM, a PKA activator) in spotted seabass hepatocytes under LP medium. Zebrafish were fed Z-LP diets (0.30% available phosphorus) containing Mdivi-1 (5 mg/kg, a Drp1 inhibitor) or 8Br-cAMP (0.5 mg/kg) for 6 weeks. Biochemical and molecular parameters, along with transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, were used to assess hepatic glycolipid metabolism, mitochondrial function and morphology. ResultsSpotted seabass fed S-LP diets showed reduced ATP (0.52-fold) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) (0.52-fold) levels, along with reduced Drp1 (s582) (0.38-fold) and PKA (0.61-fold) phosphorylation levels in the liver compared with those fed S-AP diets (P < 0.05). Drp1 knockdown elevated ATP levels (1.99-fold), decreased mitochondrial DRP1 protein levels (0.45-fold), and increased mitochondrial aspect ratio (1.82-fold) in LP-treated hepatocytes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 8Br-cAMP-treated hepatocytes exhibited higher PKA phosphorylation (2.85-fold), ATP levels (1.60-fold), and mitochondrial aspect ratio (2.00-fold), along with decreased mitochondrial DRP1 protein levels (0.29-fold) under LP medium (P < 0.05). However, mutating s582 to alanine mimic Drp1 dephosphorylation decreased ATP levels (0.63-fold) and mitochondrial aspect ratio (0.53-fold) in 8Br-cAMP-treated hepatocytes (P < 0.05). In addition, zebrafish were fed Z-LP diets containing Mdivi-1 or 8Br-cAMP had higher ATP levels (3.44-fold or 1.98-fold) than that fed Z-LP diets (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThese findings provide a potential mechanistic elucidation for LP-induced energy metabolism disorders through the cAMP/PKA/Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission signaling pathway.

Transcriptional responses to diets without mineral phosphorus supplementation in the jejunum of two high-yielding laying hen strains

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral for all forms of life including laying hens, playing a crucial role in growth and efficient egg production. Recent studies suggest that current P recommendations might exceed the physiological demand, leading to unnecessarily high P excretions. This study on Lohmann Brown (LB) and Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) laying hens (n=80; 10 replicates per strain, production period, and dietary group) investigates transcriptional changes in the jejunum, a critical intestinal segment for mineral absorption, in response to a diet either without (P-) or with (P+) a mineral supplement from monocalcium phosphate, administered over a 4-week period during the transition (15–19 weeks) or onset of laying (20–24 weeks). DESeq2 analysis of RNA sequencing data revealed that most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) varied between strains and age groups, with less pronounced effects from dietary mineral P content. The 19-week-old LB hens showed a stronger response to dietary mineral P removal, with transcripts affiliated with increased adaptation of the metabolism and decreased immune pathway activation. The identified pathways such as folate biosynthesis and p53 signaling, potentially link altered energy and amino acid metabolism (2-oxocarboxylic acid and arginine). Interestingly, genes involved in calcium transport (CALB1) and cellular signaling (PRKCA, STEAP4) along with tight junctions (CLDN2) were affected by complete removal of mineral P supplements, suggesting a promoted intestinal mineral uptake. Transcriptional regulation in the jejunum in response to low dietary mineral content is strain-specific when the laying phase begins, which may contribute to a physiological Ca:P ratio.

Bioaccumulation and biochemical impact of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics in Cipangopaludina chinensis: Tissue-specific analysis and homeostasis disruption

Microplastics are a novel pollutant that adversely affect freshwater benthic organisms. However, few studies have investigated the mechanism underlying the bioaccumulation and the toxicity of microplastics. In this study, microplastics bioaccumulation of wild Cipangopaludina chinensis in the Songhua River were utilized, and a 28-day aquatic toxicity test was performed to determine the effects of exposure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the bioaccumulation of PET, and changes in multiple biomarkers in the muscle, gill, and kidney tissues. The concentration pattern of microplastics was as follows: kidney tissue > muscle tissue > gill tissue. Microplastic ingestion caused AChE inhibition led to significant increases in redox and energy metabolism indicators. Furthermore, the IBR analysis presented a "response-resistance-breakdown" process, indicating that Cipangopaludina chinensis possessed resistance with time (D14 and D21) and concentration (0.10 mg/L and 1.00 mg/L) thresholds. Tissue sensitivity to microplastics was ranked as gill > muscle > kidney, which was the opposite order of microplastic accumulation. These findings implied that less sensitive tissues stored a larger amount of pollutants, suggesting a reduction in tissue sensitivity to microplastics with higher microplastic occurrence rates. This study provides new insights into biological resistance to pollutant stress, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.

1H NMR-Based Metabolomic Profiling and Comparison of Human Milk Across Different Lactation Stages in Secretors and Non-Secretors: A Study of Chinese Lactating Women

BackgroundHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and other milk-derived metabolites are crucial for infant health, influencing gut microbiota and overall development. ObjectiveThis study aims to uncover insights into the variations of HMOs and non-HMO metabolites based on secretor (Se) status, lactation time, mode of delivery, and infant sex. MethodsAn exploratory cross-sectional study was designed to compare the levels of HMOs and non-HMOs metabolites in milk samples from 129 lactating Chinese women within 1 year postpartum. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was employed for the identification and quantification of the metabolites. The metabolites measured were grouped into sugars, free amino acids, fatty acids, and metabolites related to energy metabolism. The influence of delivery mode and infant sex on milk metabolite composition were explored. ResultsUniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) analysis of HMOs profiles revealed distinct clustering based on Se status, with significant differences in 2'-FL and 3-FL levels observed between Se+ and Se- groups. A decreasing trend for 2'-FL and 6-’SL levels, along with an increase in 3-FL levels, was observed with increasing lactating period within 12 months postpartum. Non-HMOs metabolite analysis indicated that Se status only affected glutamate levels. An increase in glutamine levels was observed 3–9 months postpartum. A continuous increase in o-phosphocholine levels was noted in 12 months postpartum, along with reductions in citrate and sn-glycero-phosphocholine levels. Delivery mode and infant sex did not affect both HMOs and non-HMOs levels. ConclusionsMetabolomic analysis of human milk reveals significant variation of HMOs, but not in non-HMOs, based on Se status. Changes in certain HMOs and non-HMOs levels were also observed over the one year of lactation. Understanding how these metabolites change over time may influence recommendations for maternal diet, supplementation, and the timing of breastfeeding to ensure optimal nutrient delivery to the infant.

Pre and Probiotics to Postbiotics: A Changing Paradigm

The relationship between microbiota and human health has long been stated by Hippocrates said, “Death sits in the bowls” in 400 B.C. With recent scientific advance ments, there is a growing understanding of the significance of microbiota in health and disease. The two-way communication between the host and the microbiota involves the production of various metabolites that play crucial roles in host energy metabolism, influence nervous system function and the gut- brain axis, immune maturation and homeostasis, maintenance of mucosal integrity, treatment of metabolic disorders, anti-obesity, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. Postbiotics are inanimate microorganisms or their compounds, including short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides, vitamins, teichoic acids, bacteriocins, enzymes and peptides that provide health benefits to the host. Postbiotics can be stored under normal environmental conditions, have a prolonged shelf life, easy to transport, and handle and overcome the limitations of probiotic use. As a result, postbiotics have immense potential as a safe and effective means of promoting health and well-being.

Dual-edged role of SIRT1 in energy metabolism and cardiovascular disease.

Regulation of energy metabolism is pivotal in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Dysregulation in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation has been linked to cardiac lipid accumulation and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a deacetylase that regulates the acetylation of various proteins involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism. SIRT1 mediates energy metabolism by directly and indirectly affecting multiple aspects of mitochondrial processes, such as mitochondrial biogenesis. SIRT1 interacts with essential mitochondrial energy regulators such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), PPARγ coactivator-1α, estrogen-related receptor-α, and their downstream targets. Apart from that, SIRT1 regulates additional proteins, including forkhead box protein O1 and AMP-activated protein kinase in cardiac disease. Interestingly, studies have also shown that the expression of SIRT1 plays a dual-edged role in energy metabolism. Depending on the physiological state, SIRT1 expression can be detrimental or protective. This review focuses on the molecular pathways through which SIRT1 regulates energy metabolism in cardiovascular diseases. We will review SIRT1 and discuss its role in cardiac energy metabolism and its benefits and detrimental effects in heart disease.

Melatonin Maintains Postharvest Quality in Fresh Gastrodia elata Tuber by Regulating Antioxidant Ability and Phenylpropanoid and Energy Metabolism During Storage.

Melatonin treatment has been reported to effectively preserve and improve the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables during storage. This research focused on examining the significance of melatonin on maintaining the quality of fresh Gastrodia elata tubers throughout the storage period. The findings demonstrated that melatonin application effectively reduced the deterioration rate and inhibited the rise in respiratory rate, malondialdehyde content, and weight loss, while slowing down the decline in soluble solid content. Melatonin treatment led to a decrease in hydrogen peroxide production and a rise in non-enzymatic antioxidant concentrations, including ascorbic acid. Furthermore, it boosted both the activity and expression of indispensable antioxidant enzymes, like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Additionally, melatonin treatment promoted the accumulation of total phenols, flavonoids, and lignin in fresh G. elata, while enhancing both the activity and expression of critical enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase. Moreover, melatonin treatment boosted the activity and expression of energy-associated enzymes including H+-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase, Ca2+-ATPase, and cytochrome C oxidase, contributing to the improvement of energy levels in fresh G. elata. In summary, melatonin enhances the antioxidant potential and reduces oxidative damage in fresh G. elata by activating reactive oxygen species, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and energy metabolism, thereby maintaining its postharvest quality.

Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α-Dependent Mitochondrial Metabolism in Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), including PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and PPAR-γ, are involved in various cellular responses, including metabolism and cell proliferation. Increasing evidence suggests that PPARs are closely associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. However, the exact role of PPARs in energy metabolism and cancer stem cell (CSC) proliferation remains unclear. This study investigated the role of PPARs in energy metabolism and tumorigenesis in ovarian CSCs. The expression of PPARs and fatty acid consumption as an energy source increased in spheroids derived from A2780 ovarian cancer cells (A2780-SP) compared with their parental cells. GW6471, a PPARα inhibitor, induced apoptosis in A2780-SP. PPARα silencing mediated by small hairpin RNA reduced A2780-SP cell proliferation. Treatment with GW6471 significantly inhibited the respiratory oxygen consumption of A2780-SP cells, with reduced dependency on fatty acids, glucose, and glutamine. In a xenograft tumor transplantation mouse model, intraperitoneal injection of GW6471 inhibited in vivo tumor growth of A2780-SP cells. These results suggest that PPARα plays a vital role in regulating the proliferation and energy metabolism of CSCs by altering mitochondrial activity and that it offers a promising therapeutic target to eradicate CSCs.

Nutritional values of soybean meal from different sources in multiparous sows

This study determined the available energy content, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility of soybean meal (SBM) from different sources in non-gestating, non-lactating sows. In Exp. 1, 24 multiparous Landrace × Yorkshire (LY) sows (parity 3–5) were allotted to a replicated 12 × 3 Youden square design consisting of 12 diets and 3 periods. The 12 diets included 11 test diets containing SBM from different sources and a corn-based diet. Each period included a 5-d adaptation and a 5-d total fecal and urine collection. In Exp. 2, 8 multiparous LY sows (parity 3–5) were allotted to a replicated 4 × 3 Youden square design with 4 diets and 3 periods. The 4 diets included a nitrogen-free diet and 3 SBM diets (3 representative SBM samples were selected from Exp. 1). Our results showed that the coefficient of variation of ether extract, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber levels in 11 SBM samples were > 20%. There were no differences in digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and the ATTD of gross energy, nitrogen, and neutral detergent fiber values between different SBM samples (P > 0.05). Additionally, no differences in AA digestibility were identified among the 3 representative SBM samples (P > 0.05). In conclusion, there were no differences in DE, ME, and AA digestibility between different SBM samples fed to multiparous non-gestating sows. When formulating diets for sows, it is important to consider the differences in the nutritional value of SBM at different physiological stages.

Effects and interactions of dietary lysine and apparent nitrogen corrected metabolizable energy on yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens

BackgroundDietary lysine and apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) are two key variables affecting the production of breeder hens. In this study, the effects and interactions of lysine and AMEn on yellow-feathered broiler breeder hens were investigated. A total of 720 30-week-old breeder hens were fed in a 5 (lysine: 0.56%, 0.68%, 0.80%, 0.92%, and 1.04%) × 2 (AMEn: 11.50 and 11.10 MJ/kg) factorial arrangement for 12 weeks. The productive performance, reproductive traits, biochemical variables of breeder hens, the amino acid concentration and quality of eggs, and the growth performance of offspring broilers were determined.Result(1) Dietary lysine had quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on laying rate, average daily egg mass and feed intake/egg mass of breeder hens; birds with 11.50 MJ/kg AMEn (high AMEn) had higher (P < 0.05) BW than those with 11.10 MJ/kg AMEn (low AMEn); (2) dietary lysine significantly affected on the relative ovarian weight (quadratic and linear), and numbers of large yellow follicles (LYF, quadratic); birds with high AMEn had longer fallopian tube and more LYF than those with low AMEn (P < 0.05); (3) dietary lysine had significant effects (linear and quadratic) on eggshell thickness and shell strength of eggs from breeder hens; birds with high AMEn had thinner eggshells and deeper yolk color than those with low AMEn (P < 0.05); (4) there were higher (P < 0.05) contents of protein and concentrations of all measured animo acids (AAs) in eggs from birds fed low AMEn; (5) supplementation with high AMEn to breeder hens significantly increased the hatchability of fertilized eggs; (6) neither dietary lysine level or AMEn affected growth performance of offspring broilers; (7) both dietary lysine level and AMEn significantly affected gonadotropin concentrations and biochemical variables of breeder hens.ConclusionsDietary lysine had significant influences on productive performance, reproductive traits, and egg quality of yellow-feathered breeder hens. Based on productive performance, the optimal levels of dietary lysine were 0.81% to 0.83%, while 0.71% to 72% lysine was enough to obtain the best quality of breeding eggs. High AMEn was more beneficial to breeder hens for reproductive traits and hatchability of the fertilized eggs, while it showed detrimental effects on eggshell thickness and AA concentrations of breeding eggs.

Effect of Processed Coffee Husk on Feed Intake, Nutrient Digestibility, Body Weight Changes and Economic Feasibility of Bonga Sheep Fed on Natural Pasture Hay as a Basal Diet.

Ethiopia is one of the world's coffee producers, generating about 192,000 metric tonnes of coffee husks annually as by-products. The material can be used for ruminant diets to improve the nutrient utilisation of animals. However, coffee husk has toxic compounds, which can be minimised through different processing methods. Though the above techniques can minimise the toxicity level of coffee husk and increase the bioavailability of nutrients, there is scanty information on the comparative efficacy of these techniques, especially in ruminant nutrition. The study was conducted to examine the effect of processed coffee husk on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, body weight changes and profitability of Bonga rams based on natural pasture hay. In the experiment, 24 rams were used, and the rams were grouped into six blocks based on initial body weight (mean BW 21.5 ± 1.01kg). The rams were quarantined for 21 days, and each ram was randomly assigned to one of the experimental feed treatments in a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The experimental treatment feeds include 400g conventional concentrate mix (CM) containing Noug seed cake and wheat bran (T1); 200g boiled coffee husk + 200g CM (T2); 200g roasted coffee husk + 200g CM (T3) and 200g raw coffee husk + 200g CM (T4). The CM was made in the ratio of 1:1. The data collected from the 90-day experimental period were: dry matter and nutrient intakes, initial body weight, final body weight and body weight changes. After the growth experiment, a 7-day digestibility trial was followed by collecting faeces using a harness bag. The data were managed using Microsoft (MS) Excel 2010 and analysed using R software (v. 4.3.2). The chemical compositions of the CM had maximum crude protein (22%), followed by boiled coffee husk (14.74%), which was higher than natural pasture hay (6.91%) and raw coffee husk (12.4%). The total dry matter intake (p < 0.05), metabolisable energy, and total nutrient intakes of rams were significantly (p < 0.001) maximised when rams fed on boiled coffee husk (T2) than raw (T4) and roasted (T4) coffee husk, except for NDF and organic matter intakes. The apparent digestibility of nutrients and feed conversion efficiency were maximised for rams assigned to T2. There was maximum daily body weight gain (p < 0.001) when rams were supplemented with boiled coffee husk (T2). Also, body weight changes of rams were significantly (p < 0.001) higher for rams supplementation with boiled coffee husk. Therefore, the boiled coffee husk as an alternative feed resource can be replaced by about half of the commercial CM without adverse effects of anti-nutritional factors and enhance the income of smallholder farmers in the coffee crop-livestock production system.

Adipocyte Angptl8 deletion improves glucose and energy metabolism and obesity associated inflammation in mice

Adipocyte Angptl8 deletion improves glucose and energy metabolism and obesity associated inflammation in mice