Fecal Moisture Content Research Articles

Aqueous Extracts of Herba Cistanche Promoted Intestinal Motility in Loperamide-Induced Constipation Rats by Ameliorating the Interstitial Cells of Cajal.

Traditional Chinese medicine was reported to have good effects in treating functional constipation. This work attempted to prove the effects of aqueous extracts of Herba Cistanche (AEHC) on STC treatment and to determine the possible mechanisms by a loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) model. HPLC was performed for identification and confirmation of the bioactive components in the AEHC. It was found that AEHC attenuated STC responses based on increased fecal quantity, moisture content, and intestinal transit rate, as well as serum levels of GAS, MTL, SS, and CGRP. The protein and mRNA levels of c-kit, a labeling of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), also increased. Meanwhile, only the protein level of SCF, a ligand of c-kit, increased. The analysis of our data suggested that AEHC could obviously improve the function of ICC via a signaling pathway involving PI3K, SCF, and c-kit and enhance colonic motility indices such as GAS, MTL, SS, and CGRP. It is interesting to note that AEHC appeared to be effective on constipation, so further experiments are necessary to clarify the exact mechanisms involved.

Total Glucosides of Paeony Promote Intestinal Motility in Slow Transit Constipation Rats through Amelioration of Interstitial Cells of Cajal.

ObjectivesUsing an atropine-diphenoxylate-induced slow transit constipation (STC) model, this study explored the effects of the total glucosides of paeony (TGP) in the treatment of STC and the possible mechanisms.Study DesignA prospective experimental animal study.MethodsThe constipation model was set up in rats with an oral gavage of atropine-diphenoxylate and then treated with the TGP. The volume and moisture content of the faeces were observed and the intestinal kinetic power was evaluated. Meanwhile, the colorimetric method and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to determine the changes of nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), vasoative intestinal peptide (VIP) and the P substance (SP) in the serum, respectively. The protein expressions of c-kit and stem cell factor (SCF) were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis and western blot, respectively, and the mRNA level of c-kit was measured by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsThe TGP attenuated STC responses in terms of an increase in the fecal volume and moisture content, an enhancement of intestinal transit rate and the reduction of NO, NOS and VIP in the serum. In addition, the c-kit, a labeling of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) increased at both protein and mRNA levels. SCF, which serves as a ligand of c-kit also increased at protein level.ConclusionThe analysis of our data indicated that the TGP could obviously attenuate STC through improving the function of ICC and blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitters such as NO, NOS and VIP.

Gastrokinetic activity of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber in rats.

Aim:The tuber of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Family-Araceae), commonly called suran or jimikand, has medicinal and food value. It is used in ethnomedicinal practices for correction of gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation and hemorrhoids. The present study evaluated the effect of A. paeoniifolius tuber on gastrointestinal motor functions.Materials and Methods:The tuber was collected in December 2011, and its methanolic extract was standardized with the major phenolic compound, betulinic acid, by high-performance liquid chromatography. Rats were orally administered methanolic (APME) or aqueous (APAE) extract (250 and 500 mg/kg, each) of tuber for 7 days. Metoclopramide (MET) (3 mg/kg, orally) was used a reference prokinetic drug. The gastrointestinal parameters viz. number of feces, wet and dry weight and moisture content of feces, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit were evaluated. The isolated tissue preparations were used to check the effect of the extracts on fundus and intestinal contractility. The glucomannan and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically.Results:The pre-treatment of extracts significantly increased the number of feces, wet and dry weight of feces, moisture content, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit. Results were comparable to MET. Further, APME and APAE showed a contraction of fundus and ileum in isolated preparations. APME and APAE were also found to have fair amount of glucomannan, total phenolics, and flavonoids. The results indicate the gastrokinetic potential of the tuber extracts. This may be attributed to the presence of glucomannan and betulinic acid present in the extracts.Conclusion:In conclusion, the tuber of A. paeoniifolius exhibits gastrokinetic activity and substantiates its traditional use in gastrointestinal motor disturbances.

Effects of supplementing sow diets during two gestations with konjac flour and Saccharomyces boulardii on constipation in peripartal period, lactation feed intake and piglet performance

This study investigated the effects of supplementation of konjac flour (KF) and Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) either alone or in combination to sow gestation diets over two successive reproductive cycles on constipation in peripartal period, quality of colostrum and milk, lactation feed intake of sows and piglet performance in the second reproductive cycle. Multiparous large white sows (n=144) were assigned randomly to one of four experimental treatments: the control diet; 2.2% KF diet; 0.01% SB diet; or 1.2% KF plus 0.01% SB diet. Sows from all four groups were restrict-fed with their respective diets during gestation and offered feed ad libitum during lactation. The sows remained on the dietary treatments for two reproductive cycles. However, at the end of the first reproductive cycle, some piglets in the experiment were affected by acute diarrhea and analysis of partial results of those which were not infected showed no treatment effects. The results for the second reproductive cycle showed that dietary treatments had no effect on body weight, backfat thickness, weaning-to-estrus interval, fecal moisture content or the composition of colostrum or milk. However, sows fed the three supplemented diets had higher fecal scores on day 113 of gestation (P<0.05), days 4 (P<0.01) and 5 (P<0.05) of lactation than their control counterparts. Supplementation of the diets with SB and KF plus SB also reduced fecal counts for Clostridium and Escherichia coli (P<0.01) while supplementation of the diet with KF increased fecal Lactobacillus counts and reduced Clostridium counts (P<0.01). Sows fed the three supplemented diets also ate more feed during lactation (P<0.05) and weaned significantly heavier pigs (P<0.01) than those fed the control diet.

Comparative efficacy of a phytogenic feed additive and an antibiotic growth promoter on production performance, caecal microbial population and humoral immune response of broiler chickens inoculated with enteric pathogens.

The aim of this work was to compare the efficacy of a commercially available phytogenic feed additive (PFA) and an antibiotic growth promoter, which was bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), on performance, nutrient retention, caecal colonization of bacteria and humoral immune responses against Newcastle disease in broiler chickens challenged orally with Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli. One-day-old male Cobb 400 broiler chicks (n = 120) were fed with 1) a negative control (NC) diet, which is the basal diet without any added growth promoter, 2) a positive control (PC) diet, the basal diet supplemented with BMD, 500 mg/kg and 3) a diet supplemented with PFA (150 mg/kg) for 39 days and the birds were inoculated with S. enteritidis and E. coli on d 28. Supplementation of PFA improved body weight, feed conversion ratio, retention of N and crude fiber, increased fecal moisture content and decreased digesta transit time as compared with the NC and PC groups (P < 0.01). Both the PC and the PFA was found to be equally effective in controlling the surge in numbers of Salmonella and E. coli following oral inoculation of these bacteria as compared with the NC group (P < 0.05) at 24 h past inoculation. Caecal content analysis on d 39 indicated lower numbers of Salmonella, E. coli and Clostridium in the PC and PFA groups as compared with the NC group (P < 0.05). The number of Lactobacillus in the PFA group was higher than those in the NC and PC groups (P < 0.05). Humoral immune response, measured as hemagglutination inhibition titer against Newcastle disease, was better in the PC and PFA groups compared with the NC group (P < 0.05) at d 21 but the difference did not last till d 39. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was narrower (P < 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase activity was higher (P < 0.01) in the PFA group as compared with the NC and PC groups on d 39. It was concluded that the PFA, which is animal, environment and consumer friendly, may be used as an effective replacement for common in-feed antibiotics like BMD to enhance broiler performance especially when the birds are exposed to heavy infections on fields.

Feed supplementation with red seaweeds, Chondrus crispus and Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii, affects performance, egg quality, and gut microbiota of layer hens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of red seaweed supplementation to standard poultry diets on production performance, egg quality, intestinal histology, and cecal short-chain fatty acids in Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens. A total of 160 birds were randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups. Control hens were fed a basal layer diet; positive control hens were fed a diet containing 2% inulin; and 6 treatment groups were fed a diet containing one of the following; 0.5, 1, or 2% Chondrus crispus (CC0.5, CC1, and CC2, respectively) and one of the same 3 levels of Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii (SG0.5, SG1, and SG2, respectively). Dietary supplementation had no significant effect on the feed intake, BW, egg production, fecal moisture content, and blood serum profile of the birds. The feed conversion ratio per gram of egg was significantly more efficient (P = 0.001) for CC2 and SG2 treatments. Moreover, SG1 supplementation increased egg yolk weight (P = 0.0035) and birds with CC1 supplementation had higher egg weight (P = 0.0006). The SG2 and CC2 groups had greater (P < 0.05) villus height and villus surface area compared with the control birds. Seaweed supplementation increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria [e.g., Bifidobacterium longum (4- to 14-fold), Streptococcus salivarius (4- to 15-fold)] and importantly reduced the prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in the gut of the chicken. Additionally, the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid, n- butyric acid, and i-butyric acid, were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in CC and SG treatments than in the control. In conclusion, dietary supplementation using red seaweed inclusions can act as a potential prebiotic to improve performance, egg quality, and overall gut health in layer hens.

Effects of beet pulp supplementation on growth performance, fecal moisture, serum hormones and litter performance in lactating sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of beet pulp supplementation on growth performance, fecal moisture, serum hormones and litter performance in lactating sows. Ninety primiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments in a 21-day trial starting 3 days before parturition. The three dietary treatments were supplemented with 0, 10 and 20% beet pulp, respectively. Backfat loss and fecal moisture content were increased (P < 0.05), where cortisol and norepinephrine levels were decreased (P < 0.05) in sows fed beet pulp supplementation diets compared with control diet, but there was no difference between 10% and 20% beet pulp supplementation treatments. No effect was observed on bodyweight, average daily intake, weaning to estrus interval, epinephrine level in sows and litter weight, litter size, survivability in piglets among dietary treatments. Taken together, beet pulp supplementation has no significant effect of growth performance of lactating sows and piglets with decreased cortisol and norepinephrine levels in lactating sows, but it can increase fecal moisture content which is beneficial for sow feces excretion.

Dietary Supplementation of Magnesium Sulfate during Late Gestation and Lactation Affects the Milk Composition and Immunoglobulin Levels in Sows.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) during late gestation and lactation on sow and litter performance, fecal moisture, blood biochemistry parameters, immunoglobulin levels and milk composition in sows. Forty-eight sows (Yorkshire×Landrace, 4th to 5th parity) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg MgSO4 (n = 12). The experiment started on day 90 of gestation and continued through day 21 of lactation. Blood samples were collected on day 107 of gestation, day 0 (farrowing) and 21 (weaning) of lactation for the analyses of the blood biochemistry parameters and immunoglobulin levels. The colostrum and milk samples were obtained on day 0 and 14 of lactation, respectively. Fecal samples were collected from the sows on day 107 of gestation as well as day 7 and 20 of lactation to determine fecal moisture content. The results showed that the survival percentage of piglets and the litter weight at weaning were decreased linearly (p<0.05) and other parameters of the sow or litter performance were not influenced (p>0.05) by MgSO4 supplementation. The fecal moisture content of the sows were increased (p<0.05) linearly as dietary MgSO4 increased on day 7 and 20 of lactation. Supplementation with MgSO4 increased the plasma magnesium (Mg) level linearly (p<0.05) and had a trend to increase total protein level (p>0.05 and p<0.10). However, an increase in the dietary MgSO4 level resulted in a linear decrease in the colostrum fat content (p<0.05). Dietary MgSO4 supplementation enhanced the immunoglobulin G (IgG) level (linear, p<0.05) in plasma on day of farrowing and immunoglobulin A (IgA) level in colostrum (quadratic, p<0.05) and milk (linear, p<0.05) of the sows. These results indicated that supplementation with MgSO4 during late gestation and lactation may have the potential to prevent sow constipation, but may also result in some negative effects.

Moisture requirements for the migration of Haemonchus contortus third stage larvae out of faeces

The abomasal nematode Haemonchus contortus causes severe disease and production loss in small ruminants in warmer regions and is also an emerging threat in many temperate climates. Specific knowledge of the effects of climate on the epidemiology of H. contortus is needed to effectively apply sustainable control strategies, which rely on prediction of infection risk. Although the effects of temperature and rainfall on larval development in this species have been characterised, much less is known about migration out of faeces and onto herbage. This is an important deficit in our understanding of the epidemiology of haemonchosis in regions with relatively low and particularly erratic rainfall. Methods were developed to assess the migration of third stage larvae (L3) out of faeces under simulated rainfall in the laboratory. These were applied in a series of experiments, which showed that rainfall is required for migration. However, a single rainfall event was not sufficient for migration from faeces of which the crust has hardened after having been kept in dry conditions. Light and regular rainfall resulted in rapid emergence from moist faeces kept in humid conditions, but much slower emergence from dry faeces in dry conditions. Ambient relative humidity therefore appears to act through faecal moisture content to modify the effect of rainfall on larval migration. Larvae survived well in dry faeces for a number of days, but did not migrate in the absence of rainfall, so sheep faeces could potentially act as a larval reservoir in dry conditions, with peaks of infection following rainfall. Rates of faecal desiccation and rehydration on pasture could therefore be highly relevant to temporal patterns of larval availability.

Some physiological and histological aspects of the gastrointestinal tract in a mouse model of chronic renal failure

IntroductionIt has been reported that mice with 5/6 nephrectomy- induced chronic renal failure (CRF) have reduced gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and increased fecal moisture content (FMC). We have recently shown that feeding adenine (0.2%, w/w) to mice can be used as a model of CRF. Here, we investigated the possible effects of adenine-induced CRF on several in vivo and in vitro aspects of GIT physiology and histology of the stomach, duodenum, ileum and colon in mice. MethodsThe effects of CRF induced by feeding adenine (0.2%, w/w for 2 or 4weeks) on the gastric emptying index (GEI), GIT, FMC and bead expulsion test (BET) were investigated. GIT was measured by the charcoal meal test and GEI by the difference between full and empty stomach weights. Fresh and dried feces were weighed to calculate the FMC. Renal function was assessed histologically, and biochemically in plasma and urine. The light microscopic histology of the different parts of the gut, as well as the in vitro contractility of the isolated ileum was also assessed. ResultsFeeding adenine for 2 or 4weeks resulted in CRF. The BET was significantly increased in mice given adenine for 2 but not 4weeks, while the GEI was significantly increased in mice treated with adenine for 4 but not 2weeks. No significant differences between control and adenine-treated mice were found in GIT, FMC or the histology of the different parts of the gut. Acetylcholine-induced contractions of the ileum of adenine-treated rats were not significantly different from those of the controls. DiscussionFeeding adenine for either 2 or 4weeks resulted in CRF, but it would appear that this model produces effects on the gastrointestinal tract that are milder than those reported before in animal models with 5/6 nephrectomy-induced-CRF.

Evidence for systemic spread of the potentially zoonotic intestinal spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli in experimentally challenged laying chickens

Brachyspira pilosicoli is a potentially zoonotic anaerobic intestinal spirochaete that is one of several species causing avian intestinal spirochaetosis. The aim of this study was to develop a reproducible model of infection in point-of-lay chickens and compare the virulence of two strains of B. pilosicoli in a model using experimentally challenged laying chickens. Seventeen-week-old commercial laying chickens were experimentally challenged by oral gavage with either B. pilosicoli strain B2904 or CPSp1, following an oral dose of 10 % sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acidity in the crop. Approximately 80 % of the chickens became colonized and exhibited increased faecal moisture content, reduced weight gain and delayed onset of lay. Tissues sampled at post-mortem examination were analysed to produce a quantitative output on the number of spirochaetes present and hence, the extent of colonization. The liver and spleen were colonized, and novel histopathology was observed in these tissues. The infection model we report here has potential use in studies to improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which Brachyspira elicit disease in poultry and in testing novel intervention strategies.

Intestinal Health Benefits of the Water-Soluble Carbohydrate Concentrate of Wild Grape (Vitis thunbergii) in Hamsters

The dose-response relationship of the water-soluble carbohydrate concentrate (WSCC) from wild grape ( Vitis thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc.) on intestinal health was investigated in this study. WSCC contained carbohydrates up to 71.9 g/100 g, including arabinose-rich pectic polysaccharide, hemicelluloses, glucose, and fructose. The consumption of WSCC (0.5 and 1.5 g/100 g of diet) effectively (P < 0.05) shortened gastrointestinal transit time (-62.3 to -63.0%), decreased toxic cecal ammonia (-59.3 to -63.0%) and daily fecal ammonia output (-29.7 to -41.4%), decreased the activities of fecal β-glucuronidase (-78.6%), β-glucosidase (-80.5 to -87.5%), mucinase (-64.6 to -72.7%), and urease (-83.2 to -86.0%), increased fecal moisture content (116-129%), and also increased short-chain fatty acid levels in cecal contents (1.8-3.3-fold). These findings suggested that consumption of wild grape WSCC might diminish the exposure of intestinal mucosa to toxic ammonia and other detrimental compounds and, hence exert, favorable effects on improving gastrointestinal milieu.

Effect of retrograded rice on weight control, gut function, and lipid concentrations in rats.

The effects of retrograded rice on body weight gain, gut functions, and hypolipidemic actions in rats were examined. When the retrograded rice was produced by repetitive heating and cooling cycles, it contained significantly higher amounts of resistant starch (13.9 ± 0.98%) than is found in common rice (9.1 ± 1.02%) (P < 0.05). Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either common rice powder or retrograded rice powder, and mean body weight gain was significantly lower in the retrograded rice group (P < 0.05). The liver weight of the retrograded rice group (14.5 ± 0.5 g) was significantly lower than that of the common rice group (17.1 ± 0.3 g, P < 0.05). However, the weights of other organs, such as the kidney, spleen, thymus, and epididymal fat pad were not significantly affected by rice feeding. Intestinal transit time tended to be lower in rats fed retrograded rice when compared to rats fed the common rice, but the difference was not significant. The retrograded rice diet significantly increased stool output when compared to that in the common rice powder diet (P < 0.05), whereas fecal moisture content (%) was significantly higher in the retrograded rice group (23.3 ± 1.2) than that in the common rice group (19.1 ± 1.2) (P < 0.05). The retrograded rice group had significantly lower plasma cholesterol (P < 0.05), liver cholesterol (P < 0.05), and triacylglycerol contents in adipose tissue (P < 0.05) when compared to those in the common rice group. In conclusion, retrograded rice had higher resistant starch levels compared with those of common rice powder, and it lowered body weight gain and improved lipid profiles and gut function in rats.

Water content of faeces is higher in the afternoon than in the morning in morning-fed dogs fed diets containing texturised vegetable protein from soya

Faecal moisture content can determine whether faeces appear soft or firm, and faecal character can influence whether owners are satisfied with a dog food. In a previous study, dogs appeared to produce softer faeces after noon. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether time of defecation affected canine faecal water content. A total of eight hound dogs were fed one of four canned diets as a single meal each morning for 1 week per diet in a Latin square design. All four diets contained approximately 77 % moisture and, on a DM basis, 24 MJ/kg gross energy, 23 % crude protein, 32 % crude fat, 31 % N-free extract and 1 % crude fibre. The proportion of dietary protein from soya-derived texturised vegetable protein (TVP):beef was 0:100, 14:86, 29:71 and 57:43, respectively. Soya carbohydrate partially replaced maize starch as TVP increased. Faeces were collected by direct catch during the sixth morning and afternoon of each diet period. Mean faecal moisture content was greater in the afternoon than in the morning (79 v. 71 %; P = 0.01) and increased with dietary TVP (P ≤ 0.0001), and there was an interaction between time of day and percentage TVP (P = 0.003). Faecal moisture content differed from morning to afternoon only with TVP in the diet. Faecal wet weight was similar from morning to afternoon. This suggests that time of day and presence of TVP from soya should be taken into account when evaluating the effect of a diet on faecal form and moisture content in dogs fed once daily.

Effect of Phytase on the Sodium Requirement of Starting Broilers 2. Sodium Chloride as Sodium Source

Recent studies have suggested that phytase enzymes may influence sodium (Na) metabolism in the chick. However, no studies have demonstrated that the dietary Na requirement itself is influenced by phytase supplementation. In the present study male broilers were fed diets with Na levels ranging from 0.10 to 0.28% using NaCl as the source of supplemental sodium. Diets were fed either without phytase or with 500 (1X), 1000 (2X), or 2000 (4X) FTU/kg of phytase. For 1X phytase the Ca and Nonphytate P (NPP) were reduced 0.10% each and 0.20% each for the 2X and 3X levels of phytase supplementation. The diets with 0.10% and 0.28% Na were blended to provide Na levels of 0.10, 0.13, 0.16, 0.19, 0.22, 0.25 and 0.28% Na. Aliquots of these diets were then supplemented with the 0, 1X, 2X and 4X levels of phytase in a 4 x 7 factorial arrangement of treatments, each of which was fed to six replicate pens of five male broilers in electrically heated battery brooders. Experimental diets and tap water were provided for ad libitum consumption from day of hatch to 18 d of age. At 16 d excreta samples from each pen were freeze dried to determine moisture, Ca and P content. At 18 d body weight and feed consumption were determined. Two birds per pen were killed by CO2 inhalation and tibias removed and subjected to bone breaking determination. Chicks fed diets with the different levels of phytase with diets adjusted for anticipated release of Ca and P did not differ significantly in BW, Feed Conversion (FCR), mortality, or fecal moisture content, indicating that the adjustments made for anticipated release of Ca and P was adequate in relation to these measurements. Sodium levels of the diet had significant effects on BW, FCR and fecal moisture. Fecal moisture increased with each level of sodium, so lower dietary levels would be beneficial in this regard. No significant effects on mortality were noted for sodium levels. No significant interactions were noted between sodium level and phytase supplementation for BW, FCR, fecal moisture, or mortality. Regression analyses suggested a sodiu m requirement of 0.21±0.02% for BW and 0.15±0.01% for FCR. Estimates of sodium requirement at different levels of phytase supplementation did not show any consistent effect of phytase supplementation on th e sodium requirement for BW or FCR. Therefore there is no evidence that phytase supplementation will modifiy the dietary sodium requirement of the broiler chick.

Chlorogenic acid reduced DSS‐induced injury and NF‐κB activation in a rat colitis model

We previously demonstrated that quercetin may protect against colon cancer via inhibition of pro-inflammatory molecules. The goal of this study was to determine the capabilities of quercetin and chlorogenic acid, stone fruit bioactives, to reduce inflammation in a colitis model. Sprague Dawley rats (n=63) received diets (control, 0.05% chlorogenic acid, or 0.45% quercetin) for 3 wk before dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) (3%, 3x, 14 day separation)(n=11/diet) or control (no DSS, n=10/diet) treatments. Colons were assessed for injury and inflammation, while NF-κB activity was measured in scraped mucosa. Fecal moisture content (48.7%) was similar among diets before DSS treatment. DSS increased (p<0.0001) fecal moisture, and elevated injury (p<0.0001) and inflammation (p<0.05). Chlorogenic acid resulted in lower injury (p<0.05) and decreased NF-κB activity (p<0.05) in DSS treated rats. Fecal quercetin concentrations were unaffected by DSS (14.5 mg/g), while fecal chlorogenic acid was not detectable. Although DSS elevated injury, inflammation, and NF-κB activity in all groups, chlorogenic acid reduced DSS-induced injury and NF-κB activity. Funded by USDA/NIFA 2008-34402-19195 and 2009-34402-19195.

Reduction in DSS‐induced enhancement of colonic injury and NF‐κB activation in rats consuming a diet containing black sorghum bran

We have shown that sorghum bran diets containing bioactive compounds decrease colon carcinogenesis and the mechanisms involved may prove beneficial against chronic colon inflammation. To test this, rats (n=80) were provided diets containing 6% fiber from cellulose, or bran from black, sumac, or high tannin sorghum, which contain anthocyanins, condensed tannins, or both, respectively. Ten rats in each diet received 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) three times to stimulate inflammation. Feces were collected throughout the study, and on day 63 the colon was resected and distal segments were used to determine inflammation and injury scores. The colonic mucosa was scraped to measure NF‐κB activity. DSS elevated injury score and NF‐κB activity for all rats. Fecal moisture content and injury scores of DSS rats were higher in animals fed bran diets (9–13% and ~39%, respectively) compared to a cellulose diet (p&lt;0.05 for both), but were lower than rats fed a pectin diet. When the relationship between changes in injury and NF‐κB within each diet was assessed, a linear relationship (p=0.01, R2=0.98) was observed, with the black bran diet resulting in the lowest value. Consumption of black sorghum bran may reduce colonic injury and induction of NF‐κB activity caused during inflammation, which may contribute to the reduction in colon carcinogenesis observed previously. Funding: United Sorghum Checkoff Board Roo31A‐09.

Lactic Acid Fermentation of Germinated Barley Fiber and Proliferative Function of Colonic Epithelial Cells in Loperamide-Induced Rats

To develop a functional food from the dietary fiber fraction of germinated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) (GBF), lactic acid fermentation was attempted using Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidus. The quality characteristics of the lactic acid-fermented product and its effect on gastrointestinal function in an animal model were examined. The anaerobic fermentation of 1% and 2% GBF yielded lactic acid bacteria at 8.9 +/- 1.0 x 10(8) and 1.6 +/- 0.2 x 10(9) colony-forming units/mL, and it was considered acceptable for consumption by sensory assessment. To determine the effect on gastrointestinal function, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with three types of diets: a normal chow diet and chow diets supplemented with 10% lactic acid bacteria or a yogurt fermented with 2% GBF (GBFY). The rats fed GBFY for 6 weeks gained less body weight, excreted more fecal mass, and had improved gastrointestinal transit as examined with barium sulfate. The effect of GBFY on colonic epithelial proliferation was investigated through loperamide (LPM)-induced constipation in rats. The rats fed with GBFY for 6 weeks were intraperitoneally administered LPM twice daily for 7 days. GBFY supplementation decreased fecal excretion and moisture content in feces and depleted goblet cells as observed by hematoxylin and eosin stain. However, the rats supplemented with GBFY prior to the LPM administration had enhanced bowel movement, mucin secretion, and production of short-chain fatty acids compared with values for the LPM-alone group. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the GBFY supplement increased the numbers of nuclei stained positively for Ki-67 and extended from the base to the middle zone of crypts. These results indicate that GBFY alleviates constipation via the proliferation of the colonic crypts in LPM-administered rats.

Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA and Lactobacillus plantarum 423 Alleviated Symptoms of Salmonella Infection, as Determined in Wistar Rats Challenged with Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Wistar rats were administered daily with Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA through intragastric gavage (1 x 10(8) cfu of each strain and a combination of the two strains). Sterile saline was used as placebo. After 7 days, the animals were challenged by infection with 2 x 10(8) CFU Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. After 1 day of treatment with L. plantarum 423 and E. mundtii ST4SA, the feed and water intake, and body weight of the rats increased. The faecal moisture content and beta-glucuronidase activity remained more-or-less constant after 2 days of treatment with E. mundtii ST4SA, L. plantarum 423 and a combination of the two strains. Reduced levels of endotoxin were recorded in blood samples taken from rats that received L. plantarum 423 and E. mundtii ST4SA. Although both strains alleviated symptoms of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium infection, L. plantarum 423 administered as a single culture proved more effective than E. mundtii ST4SA. Less promising results were recorded when L. plantarum 423 was administered in combination with E. mundtii ST4SA. This suggests that L. plantarum 423 is more effective than E. mundtii and should be the preferred probiotic to alleviate symptoms of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium infection.

Association between nematode larvae and “low worm egg count diarrhoea” in sheep in Western Australia

Nine flocks of sheep with a high prevalence (>30%) of diarrhoea and severe breech faecal soiling were investigated over a three-year period to examine the causes of diarrhoea in sheep with low mean faecal worm egg counts (WEC). All nine flocks were located in the southwest of Western Australia in areas with a winter rainfall pattern (Mediterranean climate). There was no difference ( p = 0.304) in WEC of diarrhoeic sheep (loose faeces and severe breech faecal soiling) and “normal sheep” (pelleted faeces and mild or no breech faecal soiling). Teladorsagia ( Ostertagia) circumcincta and Trichostrongylus spp. were the nematodes most commonly identified by total worm counts and differentiation of larvae recovered from faeces and pasture. Larval stages of strongyle worms accounted for the largest proportion of total worm counts in both diarrhoeic and normal sheep. Adult worm burdens were small in most sheep. Diarrhoeic sheep had higher numbers of fourth stage larvae than normal sheep ( p = 0.046). There was no histopathological evidence of bacterial or viral causes of diarrhoea in any of the flocks or bacteriological evidence of bacterial infections associated with diarrhoea. Two flocks had marginal selenium glutathione peroxidase (selenium) levels. One flock was diagnosed with helminthosis based on rising WEC and high total worm counts. Larval hypersensitivity diarrhoea, nutritional factors or a combination of these two factors were the most likely causes of diarrhoea in the other eight flocks based on exclusion of other known causes of diarrhoea. Treatment with moxidectin and an ivermectin controlled-release capsule did not change faecal moisture content of treated sheep compared to untreated sheep three to five weeks after treatment. The findings suggest that the immune response to strongyle larvae may explain some cases of low WEC diarrhoea observed during winter–spring in immunocompetent mature sheep grazing in Mediterranean environments.