Normal Piglets Research Articles

Isolation and Identification of Porcine Deltacoronavirus and Alteration of Immunoglobulin Transport Receptors in the Intestinal Mucosa of PDCoV-Infected Piglets.

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a porcine enteropathogenic coronavirus that causes watery diarrhea, vomiting, and frequently death in piglets, causing serious economic losses to the pig industry. The strain CHN-JS-2017 was isolated and identified by cytopathology, immunofluorescence assays, transmission electron microscopy, and sequence analysis. A nucleotide sequence alignment showed that the whole genome of CHN-JS-2017 is 97.4%–99.6% identical to other PDCoV strains. The pathogenicity of the CHN-JS-2017 strain was investigated in orally inoculated five-day-old piglets; the piglets developed acute, watery diarrhea, but all recovered and survived. CHN-JS-2017 infection-induced microscopic lesions were observed, and viral antigens were detected mainly by immunohistochemical staining in the small intestine. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) are crucial immunoglobulin (Ig) receptors for the transcytosis ofimmunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, or IgM. Importantly, CHN-JS-2017 infected five-day-old piglets could significantly down-regulate the expression of FcRn, pIgR, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)in the intestinal mucosa. Note that the level of FcRn mRNA in the intestinal mucosa of normal piglets is positively correlated with pIgR and NF-κB. At the same time, the expressions of FcRn, pIgR, and NF-κB mRNA are also positively correlated in infected piglets. These results may help explain the immunological and pathological changes associated with porcine deltacorononirus infection.

Body composition and organ development of intra-uterine growth restricted pigs at weaning

Sow litter sizes have increased, subjecting more small piglets to intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). Research on the development and growth of IUGR pigs is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the body composition and organ development of IUGR pigs at weaning, and to estimate their growth performance from birth to 30 kg. A total of 142 IUGR and 142 normal piglets were classified at birth based on their head morphology. At weaning, 20 IUGR and 20 normal piglets were collected, a whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorption scan was performed, and the piglets were euthanized for organ measurements. Body weight (BW) was measured weekly from birth to 30 kg, rectal temperature and whole-blood glucose levels were measured weekly from birth to weaning, and blood samples were collected at days 7, 14 and 21 for IGF-1 analysis. Results showed that IUGR pigs have a similar percentage of adipose tissue (P > 0.05) compared to normal pigs at 24 days of age. Organs were smaller (P < 0.001) in IUGR pigs than in normal pigs, whereas brain, liver, lungs and adrenal glands were relatively larger (P < 0.05) in relation to the BW of IUGR pigs. Average birth weight (BiW) of normal pigs was greater (P < 0.001) compared with IUGR pigs (1.38 v. 0.75 kg), and the average daily gain (ADG) of IUGR pigs was reduced from day 0 to 14, day 0 to 28 (weaning) and from weaning to 30 kg compared to normal pigs. From birth to weaning at day 28, IUGR piglets had a 72.9 g/day greater fractional ADG (FADG) in relation to their BiW (P < 0.05), but FADG did not differ (P > 0.05) from weaning to 30 kg. Rectal temperature of IUGR piglets was greater (P < 0.05) on day 7 compared with normal piglets, and, even though blood glucose levels were decreased (P < 0.001) in IUGR piglets at day 0, neither glucose nor IGF-1 concentrations differed (P > 0.05) between IUGR and normal piglets. In conclusion, IUGR piglets exhibited some relatively larger organs at weaning compared to normal pigs, but body composition was similar between IUGR and normal pigs. In addition, IUGR pigs had a reduced ADG from birth to 30 kg, and, although they exhibited a greater FADG during nursing, IUGR pigs still require six additional days to reach a BW of 30 kg in comparison to normal pigs.

Identification of mRNAs Related to Tibial Cartilage Development of Yorkshire Piglets.

Cartilage dysplasia is one of the important reasons for the weakness of pig limbs and hooves. Porcine rickets with weak limbs and hooves bring huge economic losses to the pig industry. However, research on the development of pig cartilage is lacking. This study investigated the key genes and molecular mechanisms involved in cartilage development via an RNA-seq technique. Samples of proximal tibia cartilage were collected from three normal piglets with 1 day, 14 days, and 28 days of age, respectively, and then these samples were divided into two comparison groups (1-day vs. 14-day group, 14-day vs. 28-day group). Through the transcriptome analysis, 108 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), such as FORL2, were obtained from 1-day vs. 14-day comparison group, and 3602 DEGs were obtained from 14-day vs. 28-day comparison group, including SOX9, BMP6, and MMP13. The gene ontology (GO) functional and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that many functions of DEGs were related to bone development. The pathways of DEGs from Day 1 vs. Day 14 were mainly enriched in mineral absorption, but the DEGs of Day 14 vs. Day 28 were enriched in osteoclast differentiation. Then, the expression patterns of six candidate genes were verified via qPCR. In conclusion, candidate genes affecting cartilage development in Yorkshire pigs were obtained by transcriptome analysis, and the clues showed that Day 14 to Day 28 is a more active and extensive period in cartilage developments, which played a key role in revealing the molecular mechanism of pig cartilage development basis, also compensating for vacancies in cartilage research.

Blood-glucose levels in newborn piglets and the associations between blood-glucose levels, intrauterine growth restriction and pre-weaning mortality

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the associations between blood-glucose levels in one-day-old-piglets (ODOP), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pre-weaning mortality in a commercial piglet-producing herd in Norway.Material and methodsThe study was carried out in a non-crate commercial piglet-producing herd in Norway and 426 live born piglets from 31 litters were included. Piglets were blood-sampled, ear tagged, weighed and measured within 24 h after birth. Litter size, cross fostering and deaths until weaning were recorded. Blood was collected by vein puncture of Vena subcutanea abdominis and blood-glucose levels were measured using a handheld glucometer. Piglets were given an IUGR-score (1–3) based on head-morphology where a score of 3 is defined as an intrauterine growth restricted piglet.ResultsOf the 426 live born piglets, 391 piglets survived until weaning, resulting in 8.22% pre-weaning mortality. Mean piglet weight in ODOP was 1.59 kg (SD = 0.36), and mean blood-glucose level was 5.48 mmol/l (SD = 1.44). IUGR score 3 piglets had lower blood-glucose levels (Coef. = − 1.7 mmol/l, P < .001) than normal piglets (IUGR score 1). Males had significantly higher blood glucose levels (Coef. = 0.23 mmol/l, P = .044) compared to females. There was a trend that blood-glucose levels in individual piglets were lower in large litters with − 0.07 mmol/l per extra piglet born (P = .054). Piglets with blood-glucose levels in the second quartile had reduced risk of pre-weaning mortality (OR = 0.32, P = .046) compared to piglets with blood-glucose levels in the lower quartile. This is also true for piglets in the third and fourth quartile (OR = 0.13, P = 0.004).ConclusionThis study identified IUGR to be associated with low blood-glucose levels in ODOP. It also found increased pre-weaning mortality in ODOP with low blood-glucose. By identifying IUGR piglets by the shape of their head, piglet producers may reduce pre-weaning mortality by making sure these piglets get enough colostrum, milk or supplement feeding (i.e. energy).

Neurological functioning and fear responses in low and normal birth weight piglets

Low birth weight (LBW) piglets are an increasingly common occurrence on commercial pig farms, due to selection for sow fecundity. In humans, LBW is a known risk factor for impaired brain development, resulting in impaired neurological functioning and increased vulnerability to stressors. In pigs, the pre-weaning effects of LBW on neurological and emotional functioning are less well known. To assess neurological development, 60 LBW and 60 normal birth weight (NBW) piglets were subjected to a neurological examination at day one after birth. To assess fear responses, another 60 LBW-NBW pairs were compared in a human approach test (HAT) at three weeks of age. In the neurological exam, neonatal LBW piglets were found to be less likely to display a withdrawal reflex in response to a painful stimulus (P = 0.022) and showed impaired coordination during locomotion on a balance beam (P = 0.030). These findings suggest LBW piglets’ increased neonatal mortality, often due to an impaired ability to compete over food or avoid crushing by the sow, could be influenced by a delayed neuromotor development. No effects of birth weight were found on behavioral responses in the HAT, such as latency to approach an unfamiliar human and rate of vocalizations. This suggests LBW and NBW piglets have similar levels of fear in this test. However, we also found indications that the fearfulness displayed by nursing piglets in the HAT is likely due to the temporary removal from the farrowing pen, instead of the presence of an unfamiliar human. Therefore, we can only conclude that LBW does not influence the behavioral response to this combination of stressors (i.e., social isolation from the sow and the piglets’ litter mates, whilst being in a novel environment), as measured by the HAT. Future studies are required to assess whether fear responses to less salient on-farm stressors are affected by birth weight.

Glucose Injections at Birth, Warmth and Placing at a Nurse Sow Improve the Growth of IUGR Piglets.

Simple SummarySelection for hyperprolific sows has increased litter sizes and increased the number of small piglets per litter that require more management. Some of these small piglets have been exposed to intrauterine growth restriction, making them even more susceptible to a lower vitality and a higher mortality during the first few days. Administering an energy bolus at birth—such as glucose together with exposure to extra warmth—could be one way of increasing the growth and vitality of small, less viable piglets, ensuring piglet gain and survival. In addition, the results are relevant when in a relatively non-competitive environment—for example, placing them at a nurse sow suitable for rearing small piglets.Intrauterine growth-restricted piglets (IUGR) have a lower rectal temperature, whole-blood glucose, and lower glycogen storages at birth than normal piglets, giving them less energy to maintain body temperature and compete at the udder. The present paper investigated the effects of giving an energy supplementation three times after birth on rectal temperature, glucose levels, and growth until weaning in an on-farm trial. Eighty-eight newborn piglets were classified as IUGR (based on head morphology), placed under a heating lamp for one hour and allocated to one of four treatments—warmed water (WATER), glucose injection (GLUC), colostrum bolus (COLOS; porcine colostrum), and colostrum bolus and glucose injection (GLUC + COLOS)—before being placed at a nursing sow. Weight differences were found at day 21, with GLUC and GLUC + COLOS groups being the heaviest. Piglets in GLUC + COLOS had higher glucose levels at t = 3, 6, and 9 h compared to the other treatments (p = 0.027), but from t = 24 h and onwards, no difference was observed. For rectal temperature, no differences were observed. Collectively, these findings suggest that glucose injections at birth (i.e., as an energy source), one hour’s exposure to warmth and the placement of piglets with a nurse sow to reduce competition, enhance the growth of IUGR piglets.

Effects of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection on tight junction protein gene expression and morphology of the intestinal mucosa in pigs.

Tight junction proteins are important for the maintenance and repair of the intestinal mucosal barrier. The present study investigated relationships among tight junction protein gene expression, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection, and intestinal mucosal morphology in piglets. We compared the expression of six tight junction proteins (ZO-1, ZO-2, Occludin, Claudin-1, Claudin-4, and Claudin-5) between seven-day-old piglets infected with PEDV and normal piglets, as well as in PEDV-infected porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). We also evaluated differences in mucosal morphology between PEDV-infected and normal piglets. The expression of six tight junction protein genes was lower in PEDV-infected piglets than in the normal animals. The expression of ZO-1, ZO-2, Occludin, and Claudin-4 in the intestine tissue was significantly lower (p⟨0.05) in PEDV-infected than in normal piglets. The expression of Claudin-5 in the jejunum was significantly lower in PEDV-infected piglets than in the normal animals (p⟨0.01). The expression of Claudin-1 and Claudin-5 genes in the ileum was significantly higher in PEDV-infected piglets than in normal piglets (p⟨0.01). Morphologically, the intestinal mucosa in PEDV-infected piglets exhibited clear pathological changes, including breakage and shedding of intestinal villi. In PEDV-infected IPEC-J2 cells, the mRNA expression of the six tight junction proteins showed a downward trend; in particular, the expression of the Occludin and Claudin-4 genes was significantly lower (p⟨0.01). These data suggest that the expression of these six tight junction proteins, especially Occludin and Claudin-4, plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier and resistance to PEDV infection in piglets.

Blood glucose, amino acid profiles and nutrient transporter gene expressions in the small intestine of low and normal birthweight piglets during the early suckling period

Birthweight and age can play a role in adaptational changes in plasma levels of glucose and amino acids by regulating the intestinal expression of specific nutrients transporters in piglets. The aim of the present study was to compare hematological features, circulating levels of glucose and amino acids, and small intestinal gene expression for transporters for glucose (SGLT1, GLUT2), amino acids (LAT2, b0,+AT) and peptides (PepT1) between low birthweight (LBW) and normal birthweight (NBW) piglets at birth prior to suckling and day 7 after birth. A secondary aim was to evaluate correlations between circulating levels of glucose or amino acids and their transporters.There were significant age-dependent changes in the immune cell repertoire in the circulating blood (P<0.004). Blood glucose levels were lower in LBW piglets than in NBW piglets (P<0.05); in both birthweight groups, blood glucose increased with age. Plasma concentrations of histidine, isoleucine, proline and tryptophan showed significant changes with age (P<0.003). With regard to mRNA levels for the nutrient transporters, there were no differences between the two birthweight groups or between the two age groups. At day 7 postpartum, intestinal expression of SGLT1 or GLUT2 mRNA did not correlate with blood glucose level. Expression of LAT2 mRNA in the ileum correlated positively with plasma level of methionine (r=0.92, P<0.001). This is the first detailed analysis of hematological features, plasma glucose and amino acid levels, and nutrient transporter expression in LBW and NBW piglets during the early suckling period.

Differences in the Gut Microbiota Establishment and Metabolome Characteristics Between Low- and Normal-Birth-Weight Piglets During Early-Life.

Low-birth-weight (LBW) piglets are at a high-risk for postnatal growth failure, mortality, and metabolic disorders later in life. Early-life microbial exposure is a potentially effective intervention strategy for modulating the health and metabolism of the host. Yet, it has not been well elucidated whether the gut microbiota development in LBW piglets is different from their normal littermates and its possible association with metabolite profiles. In the current study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics was used to investigate differences in the fecal microbiota and metabolites between LBW and normal piglets during early-life, including day 3 (D3), 7 (D7), 14 (D14), 21 (D21, before weaning), and 35 (D35, after birth). Compared to their normal littermates, LBW piglets harbored low proportions of Faecalibacterium on D3, Flavonifractor on D7, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Prevotella on D21, as well as Howardella on D21 and D35. However, the abundance of Campylobacter on D7 and D21, Prevotella on D14 and D35, Oscillibacter and Moryella on D14 and D21, and Bacteroides on D21 was significantly higher in LBW piglets when compared with normal piglets. The results of the metabolomics analysis suggested that LBW significantly affected fecal metabolites involved in fatty acid metabolism (e.g., linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid), amino acid metabolism (e.g., valine, phenylalanine, and glutamic acid), as well as bile acid biosynthesis (e.g., glycocholic acid, 25-hydroxycholesterol, and chenodeoxycholic acid). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between Campylobacter and N1-acetylspermine on D7, Moryella and linoleic acid on D14, Prevotella and chenodeoxycholic acid on D21, and Howardella and phenylalanine on D35, respectively. Collectively, LBW piglets have a different gut bacterial community structure when compared with normal-birth-weight (NBW) piglets during early-life, especially from 7 to 21 days of age. Also, a distinctive metabolic status in LBW piglets might be partly associated with the altered intestinal microbiota. These findings may further elucidate the factors potentially associated with the impaired growth and development of LBW piglets and facilitate the development of nutritional interventions.

Intrauterine growth-restricted piglets defined by their head shape have impaired survival and growth during the suckling period

Increased litter sizes in modern pig breeds have led to a significant number of pigs being born undersised and/or exposed to different degrees of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of piglet head shape as an identification method on performance indices. Data included all piglets from 203 litters, in total 3402 crossbred piglets. Piglets were classified at birth based on their head morphology (normal, mild IUGR and IUGR) and weighed at birth, Day 14 and at weaning (mean ± s.d.: 25.5 ± 1.23 days). The relative weight of the brain (to bodyweight) was greater in the mild IUGR (4.2%) and in the IUGR piglets (5.5%) compared with the normal piglets (2.8%) (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Weaning weight of the mild IUGR and IUGR piglets was reduced by 1.3 kg and 1.8 kg, respectively, compared with the normal piglets (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The average daily gain of the normal piglets (228 g/day) was higher than the mild IUGR (195 g/day) and IUGR piglets (181 g/day) (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The fractional growth rate (weight gained per day per starting weight) was, however, highest in the IUGR piglets followed by the mild IUGR and the normal piglets (P &amp;lt; 0.001) indicating the potential for catch up growth. Mild IUGR that were liveborn had twice as high a risk of dying before weaning than normal piglets; whereas liveborn IUGR piglets had a 4.7 times greater risk of dying pre-weaning. The present study showed that piglets born with a ‘dolphin-like’ head shape have an impaired growth and increased risk of dying in the suckling period.

Effects of Intravenous Infusion With Sodium Butyrate on Colonic Microbiota, Intestinal Development- and Mucosal Immune-Related Gene Expression in Normal Growing Pigs.

This study aimed to investigate effects of intravenous infusion with sodium butyrate (SB) on colonic microbiota, intestinal mucosal immune and intestinal development in normal growing pigs. Twelve crossbred barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) fitted with a medical polyethylene cannula via internal jugular vein were daily infused with 10 ml SB (200 mmol/l) or the same volume of physiological saline for 7 days. Results showed that SB infusion had no effects on the short-chain fatty acids concentrations and the number of total bacteria, but significantly increased the microbial richness estimators (ACE and Chao1), and the abundance of genera related to Clostridiales order in the colonic digesta (P < 0.05). SB infusion significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in the colon, while no change was found in the ileum. Only the relative mRNA of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 gene was decreased significantly in the ileum by SB infusion. On the contrary, in the colon, SB infusion significantly decreased the gene expression of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-18, IL-12p40, and TNF-α (P < 0.05), but significantly increased the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration, the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and the expression of intestinal development-related gene zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) (P < 0.05). The results suggest that systemic SB can modify colonic microbial composition, regulate the inflammatory cytokine- and intestinal development-related gene expression in pigs under the normal physiological condition. This study may provide an alternative strategy for improving the intestinal health of normal piglets.

Maternal L-glutamine supplementation during late gestation alleviates intrauterine growth restriction-induced intestinal dysfunction in piglets.

Maternal dietary supplementation with L-glutamine (Gln) has been considered as an option to improve fetal growth and to prevent the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study investigated whether maternal Gln supplementation could improve fetal growth as well as the intestinal development during late pregnancy. Sixty pregnant Landrace × Large White multiparous sows were assigned to two groups, either the group fed the control diet or the group with the diet supplemented with 1% Gln from d 85 of gestation until farrowing. One normal body weight piglet and one IUGR piglet were obtained from six litters in each group. Reproductive performance, plasma concentrations of free amino acids and related metabolites as well as piglet growth and tissue indexes were determined. Maternal Gln supplementation during late gestation increased the average birth weight, while decreasing the within-litter variation of newborn piglets. The concentrations of Gln in plasma were lower in IUGR piglets than in normal piglets. Glutamine supplementation enhanced Gln concentrations in maternal and piglet plasma and the piglet jejunum, compared with the Control group. Supplementing Gln suppressed intestinal miR-29a levels, and increased the abundance of extracellular matrix (ECM) and tight junction (TJ) proteins, resulting in increased intestinal weight and improved morphologies of the piglets. Collectively, Gln supplementation to the sow's diet increased fetal growth, decreased the within-litter variation of newborn piglets, and alleviated the IUGR-induced intestinal impairment. These findings suggest the possibility of maternal glutamine supplementation in the prevention and treatment of IUGR in animal production and human medicine.

Metabolomic analysis of longissimus from underperforming piglets relative to piglets with normal preweaning growth

BackgroundRecent increases in intra-litter variability in weaning weight have raised swine production costs. A contributor to this variability is the normal birth weight pig that grows at a slower rate than littermates of similar birth weight. The goal of this study was to interrogate biochemical profiles manifested in skeletal muscle originating from slow growing (SG) and faster growing littermates (control), with the aim of identifying differences in metabolic pathway utilization between skeletal muscle of the SG pig relative to its littermates. Samples of longissimus muscle from littermate pairs of pigs were collected at 21 d of age for metabolomic analysis (Metabolon, Inc., Durham, NC).ResultsBirth weights did not differ between littermate pairs of SG and Control pigs (P > 0.05). Weaning weights differed by 1.51 ± 0.19 kg (P < 0.001). Random forest (RF) analysis was effective at segregating the metabolome of muscle samples by growth rate, resulting in a predictive accuracy of 81% versus random segregation (50%). Decreases in sugars in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in the longissimus of SG pigs were detected (P < 0.05). Decreases were also apparent in glycolytic intermediates (glycerol-3-phosphate and lactate) and key glycolysis-derived intermediates (glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate; P < 0.05). SG pigs had increased levels of phospholipids, lysolipids, diacylglycerols, and sphingolipids (P < 0.05). Pathway analysis identified a cluster of molecules associated with muscle and collagen/extracellular matrix breakdown that are increased in the SG pig (glutamate, 3-methylhistidine and hydroxylated proline moieties; P < 0.05). Nicotinate metabolism was altered in SG pigs, resulting in a 78% decrease in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide pool (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese metabolomic data provide the first evidence for biochemical mechanisms that should be investigated to determine if they have a potential role in the slow growth in some normal birth weight piglets that contribute to increased intra-litter variability in weaning weights and provides essential information and potential targets for the development of nutritional intervention strategies.

NANOAKVAHELAT GERMANIUM AFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF PIGLETS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

NANOAKVAHELAT GERMANIUM AFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF PIGLETS DURING THE PRENATAL PERIOD

INFLUENCE OF THE NEUROTROPIC-METABOLIC MEDICINES ON THE SOW’S PROLIFICACY

INFLUENCE OF THE NEUROTROPIC-METABOLIC MEDICINES ON THE SOW’S PROLIFICACY

Efecto del sexo y la restricción de crecimiento intrauterino en la composición de ácidos grasos en lechones ibéricos recién nacidos

The occurrence of Intrauterine Growth Restriction is a spontaneous event which negatively influences the postnatal development. This effect has been assessed in pigs, but there are few data about potential changes in fatty acid composition. Hence, we analyzed fatty acids composition in the liver and muscle (longissimus dorsi) of 43 Iberian x Duroc newborn piglets. Sixteen of them were classified as Normal Birth-Weight piglets (8 males and 8 females, average weight 1402.2 ±321 g) and 27 were identified as Low Birth-Weight piglets (14 males and 13 females, average weight 635.7 ±159.1 g; P<0.0001). Regarding the fatty acid composition in both liver and muscle, significant differences were observed between Low Birth-Weight and Normal Birth-Weight. Therefore, the liver fatty acids also showed sex-related significant effects; especially in the polar fraction. The analysis of the neutral fraction in muscle showed lower monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; P<0.0001) concentration and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P<0.005) concentration in Low Birth-Weight neonates. In relation to polar lipids of the liver, Low Birth-Weight piglets had lower saturated fatty acids concentration (SFA) than Normal Birth-Weight (P<0.05). Sex affected the neutral MUFA/SFA ratio and the polar polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration of the liver, being respectively higher and lower in females (P<0.05 for both). In conclusion, the present study shows that Intrauterine Growth Restriction and sex are related to changes in the muscle and liver fatty acid composition that may affect meat quality.

The Pro-angiogenesis Of Exosomes Derived From Umbilical Cord Blood Of Intrauterine Growth Restriction Pigs Was Repressed Associated With MiRNAs.

Dysfunctional umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a key factor for the development of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in utero. Poor degrees of angiogenesis were observed during IUGR development. Here, it was demonstrated that NV-EXO (normal piglet's Umbilical Veins derived exosomes) promoted angiogenesis within the subdued pro-angiogenesis context of IV-EXO (IUGR piglet's Umbilical Veins derived exosomes). Investigation of the miRNA transcriptome of umbilical cord vein and artery exosomes between IUGR and normal littermates showed significant differences between umbilical veins from normal (NV) and IUGR (IV) piglets. Similar patterns were observed in normal (NA) and IUGR (IA) umbilical arteries as well. Moreover, the miRNAs expession level was more stable in NV. Further analysis revealed that miRNAs related to angiogenesis exhibited aberrant expression in IUGR pigs. The miRNA expression patterns between IUGR and normal piglets showed great difference. Expression of miR-150 in the tissues and UCB exosomes of IUGR pigs was significantly decreased. Up-regulation of miR-150 was able to increase proliferation, migration and tube formation of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), suggesting a pro-angiogenic role. Furthermore, the data demonstrated that UCB derived miRNAs participate in fetal epigenetic regulation during pregnancy, suggesting a novel possible explanation for abnormal embryologic vascular development and several congenital cardiovascular diseases.

Regulation of fetuin A gene expression in the neonatal pig liver

Fetuin A (also known as α2-Heremans–Schmid glycoprotein) is a protein primarily expressed by the liver and secreted into the blood. Previous studies have suggested that plasma concentrations of fetuin A are elevated with impaired growth rate in swine. The present study was designed to examine the relationship of porcine fetuin A with growth rate in the pig and to also elucidate the regulation of fetuin A expression by examining the hormonal and cytokine regulation of fetuin A mRNA abundance in hepatocytes prepared from suckling piglets. Quantitative real-time PCR assay was used to quantify the number of fetuin A mRNA molecules/molecule cyclophilin mRNA. Total RNA was isolated from liver of three different groups of pigs to assess changes in mRNA abundance of fetuin A: normal piglets at day 1, day 7 day 21 or 6 months of age (n=6 for each age); runt and control piglets at day 1 of age (n=4); slow growing and normal growing piglets at 21 days of age (n=8). Following birth, fetuin A gene expression increased from day 1 and 7 of age (P<0.05), and then declined at 21 days of age (P<0.05), with a much greater decline to 6 months of age (P<0.01). Fetuin A mRNA abundance was higher in runt pigs v. their normal birth weight littermates (P<0.05). Similarly, fetuin A gene expression was higher in livers of pigs that were born at a normal weight but that grew much slower than littermates with the same birth weight (P<0.05). Hepatocytes were isolated from preweaned piglets and maintained in serum-free monolayer culture for up to 72 h to permit examination of the influences of hormones, cytokines and redox modifiers on fetuin A mRNA abundance. Fetuin A gene expression was enhanced by glucagon, T3 and resveratrol (P<0.05). Growth hormone, cytokines (interleukin6, tumor necrosis factor-α) and antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, quercertin) reduced fetuin A mRNA abundance (P<0.05). A role for fetuin A in postnatal development is suggested by the differences in fetuin A mRNA abundance between runt piglets or slow growing piglets and their normal growing sized littermates. The hepatocyte experiments suggest multiple hormones and cytokines may contribute to the regulation of fetuin A during early growth of the pig.

Lipopolysaccharide Upregulated Intestinal Epithelial Cell Expression of Fn14 and Activation of Fn14 Signaling Amplify Intestinal TLR4-Mediated Inflammation.

TLR4 in intestinal epithelial cells has been shown both inflammatory and homeostatic roles following binding of its cognate ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS). TWEAK-Fn14 axis plays an important role in pathologies caused by excessive or abnormal inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate potential cross-talk between TLR4 and TWEAK/Fn14 system in porcine small intestinal epithelial cells. Our in vivo results showed that, compared with the age-matched normal control piglets, increased expression of Fn14 in epithelium and decreased TWEAK expression in lamina propria were detected in the small intestinal of piglets stimulated with LPS. Consistent with this finding, treatment with LPS increased the expression of Fn14 and TLR4 while decreased TWEAK expression in porcine small intestinal epithelial cell lines SIEC02. Interestingly, modulating Fn14 activation using agonistic anti-Fn14 decreased TLR4-mediated TNF-α production by SIEC02. In addition, pretreatment of LPS-stimulated SIEC02 with recombinant TWEAK protein suppresses the expression of Fn14 and TNF-α and inhibits the negative impact of LPS on the tight junctional protein occludin expression. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the TWEAK-independent Fn14 activation augments TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses in the intestine of piglets. Furthermore, the TWEAK-dependent suppression of Fn14 signaling may play a role in intestinal homeostasis.

Supplementing newborn intrauterine growth restricted piglets with a bolus of porcine colostrum raises rectal temperatures one degree Celsius.

Hyperprolific sows have increased litter sizes but also result in more piglets that have been exposed to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). These IUGR piglets are likely to have a low rectal temperature and lower blood glucose levels compared with normal piglets at birth. Therefore, we hypothesized that a colostrum bolus at birth and/or heat from an external source would have a positive effect on blood glucose levels, rectal temperatures, and growth up to 8 h postpartum. In addition, liver glycogen and blood values at 8 h were investigated. Eighty-four piglets were classified at birth (time = 0) as IUGR based on their head morphology and randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments ( = 21) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: 1) with or without a porcine colostrum bolus (12 mL/kg BW at birth) and 2) with sow or isolated from sow with external heat. Piglets were removed from the sow before they had suckled and were numbered and dried, and initial whole-blood glucose, rectal temperature, and BW were recorded. Piglets in the 2 treatments isolated from sow were placed under a heating lamp (150 W) with a temperature range of 35 to 39°C. Rectal temperatures, glucose, and BW were measured again at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after birth, and a final plasma sample and organs (liver and brain) were removed at 8 h. There was a time × colostrum bolus interaction ( = 0.026) and a time × sow interaction ( < 0.001) for whole-blood glucose. The piglets that were given a bolus had greater glucose levels after 1 h postpartum (time = 1 h) than piglets without a bolus at birth, but from time = 2 h and onward, there was no difference ( > 0.05). There was a time × colostrum bolus interaction ( < 0.001) and a time × sow interaction ( < 0.001) on rectal temperatures. One hour after birth, the piglets with a bolus had a greater rectal temperature compared with piglets without a bolus (37.5 vs. 36.6°C; < 0.001) and the piglets that had been isolated from the sow had a greater rectal temperature compared with the 2 treatments with sows (37.8 vs. 36.3°C; < 0.001). Four hours after birth, rectal temperature was not affected by treatments. In conclusion, both heat and a colostrum bolus increased rectal temperature by 1°C an hour after birth. However, after 4 h, no differences were found between the treatments. Interventions to help IUGR piglets postpartum most likely need to be frequent to have any effect on whole-blood glucose, rectal temperatures, and BW over the first 8 h.