Small Intestinal Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Biochemical properties and hydrolytic activity in the nutria (Myocastor coypus) digestive tract

Current understanding of site-specific digestion of carbohydrates in mammals is that whereas starch can be degraded by mammalian enzymes, other complex carbohydrates (e.g. pectin, inulin, xylan or cellulose) are typically digested by the enzymes of symbiotic microbes. To test whether the previously reported presence of complex carbohydrate-digesting enzymes in the small intestine of sheep represent actual small intestinal enzyme activity or just outflux of microbial enzymes from the forestomach, we applied the same methodology of isolating enzymes from gastrointestinal contents and applying them in vitro to test substrates in nutria (Myocastor coypus), a hindgut-fermenting rodent without a forestomach. No enzymatic activity against carbohydrates was detected in the stomach, excluding an effect of coprophagy on the presence of the investigated enzymes. While – as expected – starch digestion was highest in the small intestine, and that of the other carbohydrates was highest in the caecum, there was nevertheless detectable enzymatic activity against pectin, inulin, xylan and cellulose in the small intestine. Further investigations notwithstanding, we suggest that these results indicate a certain degree of unspecific carbohydrase activity by small intestinal enzymes that plays no relevant role in vivo due to the short residence time of digesta in the small intestine.

Treatment of immune dysfunction in intrauterine growth restriction piglets via supplementation with dimethylglycine sodium salt during the suckling period.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of small intestinal immune dysfunction in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) newborn piglets and relieve this dysfunction via dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG-Na) supplementation during the suckling period. Thirty sows (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]) were selected, and 1 male newborn piglet with normal birth weight (NBW) and 1 male newborn piglet with IUGR were obtained from each sow. Among them, 10 NBW and 10 IUGR newborns were euthanized without suckling. The other 20 NBW newborns were allocated to the group named NCON, which means NBW newborns fed a basic milk diet (BMD) (n = 10), and the group named ND, which means NBW newborns fed BMD supplemented with 0.1% DMG-Na (n = 10); the other 20 IUGR newborns were assigned to the group named ICON, which means IUGR newborns fed BMD (n = 10), and the group named ID, which means IUGR newborns fed BMD supplemented with 0.1% DMG-Na (n = 10). The newborns were fed BMD from 7 to 21 d of age and euthanized at 21 d of age to collect serum and small intestinal samples. The growth performance, small intestinal histological morphology and sub-organelle ultrastructure, serum immunoglobulin, small intestinal digestive enzyme activity, inflammatory cytokine level, and jejunum mRNA and protein expression of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein (NOD)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) network deteriorated in the ICON group compared to that in the NCON group. The small intestinal histological morphology and sub-organelle ultrastructure, serum immunoglobulin, small intestinal digestive enzyme activity, and inflammatory cytokine level improved (P < 0.05) in the ID group compared to those in the ICON group. The jejunum mRNA and protein expression of the TLR4/NOD/NF-κB network improved (P < 0.05) in the ID group compared to that in the ICON group. In conclusion, the activity of the TLR4/NOD/NF-κB pathway was inhibited in the IUGR newborns, which in turn led to their jejunum immune dysfunction and reduced their performance. By ingesting DMG-Na, the IUGR newborns activated the TLR4/NOD/NF-κB pathway, thereby improving their unfavorable body state during the suckling period.

Macronutrient Signals for Adaptive Modulation of Intestinal Digestive Enzymes in Two Omnivorous Galliforms

Most birds studied to date (15 out of 16 species) have shown the ability to adaptively modulate at least one small intestinal digestive enzyme activity to match the composition of macronutrient levels in their diet. Limited work on Galloanserae (waterfowl, quails, and chickens) suggested that this clade may have the mechanisms to modulate intestinal disaccharidase but not peptidase activity (6 out of 7 species). We tested this hypothesis in immature (70‐72 d) northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) and juvenile (20 d) and adult (230 d) domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) by raising them on 3 semisynthetic diets varying in starch, protein, and lipid composition for 7‐9 d (bobwhites) or 15 d (chickens). Birds were then euthanized, intestinal tissue harvested, and enzyme activities measured in tissue homogenates from proximal, medial and distal small intestine. We found that (1) disaccharidase (maltase and sucrase) activities were induced by dietary starch in both juvenile and adult chickens but not in northern bobwhites; (2) aminopeptidase‐N activities were induced by dietary protein in both bobwhites and juvenile and adult chickens; and (3) disaccharidase activities were suppressed by dietary lipid in both bobwhites and juvenile and adult chickens. Generally, diet effects were similar all along the intestine or most pronounced in the medial intestine (chicken disaccharidases). In chickens, age did not affect the diet‐driven modulation pattern except in sucrase activity – modulation was found in the distal but not in the proximal intestine in juveniles and the reverse was found in adults. We conclude that there is no general pattern with respect to which nutrient classes of digestive enzymes are adaptively modulated in the small intestine of Galloanserae, and that the modulation of each enzyme in species in this clade likely relates to its respective digestive ecology. On the other hand, the suppressive effect of lipid on the intestinal disaccharidases appears to be present in all vertebrates (birds, mammals, and fish) tested to date, although the biological significance of this effect is not yet understood. We will present a summary of adaptive intestinal digestive enzyme modulation patterns of all birds thus far studied, arranged in a cladogram.

Synergistic toxicity of dietary aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is attenuated by anabolic effects

Although several studies have reported co-occurrence of mycotoxins in fish feed limited information is available on the physiological effects. In the current study, the single and combined effect of added dietary AFB1 and ZEN in various concentrations for 60 days was tested in rainbow trout on growth parameters, mortality, intestinal digestive enzymes activity and on serum and intestinal oxidative stress and immunological parameters and on intestinal histopathology, versus untreated controls. Both mycotoxins groups irrespective of concentration, showed a significant deterioration of SGR and FCR as compared to control, whereas no consistent differences in mortality were present. The small intestinal enzyme activity was significantly reduced by ZEN in particular at the higher mycotoxin concentrations and when combined with AFB1. Serum and intestinal immunological parameters were significantly affected largely consistent with additive and synergistic negative effects on the (innate) immune system, in particular enhanced inflammation. The latter was also reflected in the serum and intestinal oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological examination showed decreasing villus length and Goblet cell density with increasing mycotoxin load. It is concluded that the combination of AFB1 and ZEN clearly increased the toxic effect on the fish as far as the serum and intestinal parameters are concerned. This is in some cases merely additive, but clear synergistic toxicity was seen too, in particular at the higher mycotoxin concentrations. Surprisingly, the increasing intestinal impairment did not translate into increased growth retardation and mortality since those were similar in all non-control groups. This may be consistent with anabolic effects of mycotoxin (metabolites) as has been described before.

PSIX-7 Grazing toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue does not influence pancreatic or small intestinal digestive enzyme activities in beef steers

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the influence of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue exposure on pancreatic and small intestinal digestive enzyme activities in steers. Twelve fescue-naive beef steers [693 ± 42.7 kg of body weight (BW)] were stratified by BW and randomly assigned within BW ranks to graze non-toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (NTE, n = 6; 0.01 ± 0.009 mg ergovaline + ergovalinine/kg) or toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (TE, n = 6; 0.50 ± 0.048 mg ergovaline + ergovalinine/kg) pastures for 84 d. After the grazing period, steers were weighed and then slaughtered in three groups for tissue collection. A 1-m segment of the small intestine was collected 5-m distal to the pyloric sphincter. Subsamples of the small intestinal mucosa and pancreas were collected, homogenized in saline, and assayed for protein concentration. Pancreatic and small intestinal digestive enzyme activities were assayed. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS as a randomized complete block design for effects of treatment and slaughter group (blocking factor). Steers grazing NTE pastures had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) average daily gain (0.282 vs -0.631 kg/d) and final BW at slaughter (739 vs 620 kg) than steers grazing TE pastures. Small intestinal segment mass and mucosal density (P ≥ 0.16) were not influenced by treatment. Grazing TE pasture did not influence (P ≥ 0.21) pancreatic or small intestinal protein concentrations. Pancreatic α-amylase and trypsin activity per gram pancreas (P ≥ 0.21) or per gram pancreatic protein (P ≥ 0.30) were not influenced by fescue treatment. Small intestinal glucoamylase, isomaltase, and maltase activities did not differ between steers grazing NTE or TE pastures when expressed per gram of intestinal tissue (P ≥ 0.47) or per gram of intestinal protein (P ≥ 0.60). These data indicate that decreased gains observed in cattle consuming TE are not a result of decreased pancreatic or small intestinal digestive enzyme activities.

243 Ileal Terminal Starch Hydrolytic Activity Is Increased in Association with Improved Growth and Feed Efficiency in Weaning Pigs Fed a Therapeutic Multi-antimicrobial-supplemented Diet

Abstract Understanding roles of prescribed in-feed therapeutic multi-antimicrobials in affecting the small intestinal terminal starch digestive enzyme activity in improving weaning pig growth and feed utilization may shed light on developing novel alternative strategies to reduce uses of antimicrobials. A total of 125 crossbred barrows, weaned on d 19–21 with an average initial BW of 6.9 ± 0.1 kg, were randomly assigned to two corn, SBM and dried whey powder based diets for 21 d according to a randomized complete block design. The multi-antimicrobial diet was supplemented with aureomycin 220, tiamulin 31.2 and ZnO 2,358 at mg/kg diet. The growth performances including final BW (control, 13.9 ± 0.2 vs. antimicrobials, 15.0 ± 0.2 kg), ADG (control, 0.307 ± 0.009 vs. antimicrobials, 0.355 ± 0.009 kg/d), ADFI (control, 0.425 ± 0.012 vs. antimicrobials, 0.455 ± 0.013 kg/d) and F:G (control, 1.39 ± 0.03 vs. antimicrobials, 1.28 ± 0.03 kg/kg) were improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05; n = 25 pens; 5 barrows/pen) compared to the non-antimicrobial control diet. The combined enzyme kinetics of the jejunal and the ileal maltase-glucoamylase (MGA) and sucrase-isomaltase (SI) activity were determined with the jejunal and the ileal homogenates by using maltose (0–60 mM in incubation mixture). The combined jejunal and the ileal MGA-SI affinity Km values and the combined jejunal MGA-SI maximal activity Vmax values were not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between the two diet groups. However, the combined ileal MGA-SI Vmax (nmol·mg protein-1·min-1) was increased in the antimicrobial diet (P &amp;lt; 0.05; control, 125.6 ± 10.84, n = 13 pigs vs. antimicrobials, 170.8 ± 12.15, n = 11 pigs) in comparison with the control diet. The Pearson’s correlation analyses revealed that the combined ileal MGA-IS Vmax of hydrolyzing maltose was associated with ADG (P = 0.0669; r = 0.38; n = 24 pigs) and feed efficiency (F:G; P &amp;lt; 0.05; r = -0.53; n = 24 pigs). Our results suggest that in-feed therapeutic multi-antimicrobials could improve the distal small intestinal terminal starch digestive enzyme MGA-SI activity, thus improving growth and feed efficiency in weaning pigs.

219 Effects of maternal nutrient restriction and rumen-protected arginine supplementation on post-ruminal digestive enzyme activities of lamb offspring

Abstract To determine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction and rumen-protected arginine supplementation on post-ruminal digestive enzymes in lambs, 31 multiparous, Rambouillet ewes were allocated to one of three dietary treatments at 54 d of gestation. Dietary treatments were 100% of nutrient requirements (control, CON; n=11), 60% of control (restricted, RES; n=10), or RES plus a rumen-protected arginine supplement dosed at 180 mg/kg BW once daily (RES-ARG; n=10). At parturition, lambs were immediately removed from dams and reared independently. Milk-replacer and alfalfa hay + creep feed was offered for ad libitum intake. At day 54 of age, lambs were slaughtered and the pancreas and small intestine were collected. Pancreatic (α-amylase, trypsin) and small intestinal (maltase, glucoamylase, sucrase, isomaltase, lactase) digestive enzyme activities were assayed. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS with treatment and fetal sex included in the model statement. Contrast statements were used to determine differences between means for effects of restriction (CON vs. RES and RES-ARG) and rumen-protected arginine supplementation (RES vs. RES-ARG). There was no influence (P≥0.32) of maternal nutrient restriction or rumen-protected arginine supplementation on pancreatic or small intestinal protein concentrations. No treatment effects were observed (P≥0.14) for enzymes involved in starch digestion including pancreatic α-amylase and small intestinal maltase, glucoamylase, and isomaltase. Sucrase activity was undetected in the small intestine of lambs across all treatments. Maternal nutrient restriction tended to increase (P=0.09) pancreatic trypsin specific activity in lambs. Lactase specific activity in the small intestine of lambs tended to decrease (P=0.08) with maternal nutrient restriction. Rumen-protected arginine supplementation to gestating ewes did not influence (P≥0.19) digestive enzyme activities of lamb offspring. These data suggest that maternal nutrient restriction may result in increased pancreatic trypsin activity of lambs to potentially compensate for inadequate pre-natal nutrient supply.

The Role of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles, Escherichia coli, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Small Intestinal Enzyme Activity.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have become common in the food industry, which motivates the need to evaluate ENM effects on human health. Gastrointestinal (GI) in vitro models (e.g. Caco-2, Caco-2/HT29-MTX) have been used in nanotoxicology research. However, the human gut environment is composed of both human cells and the gut microbiota. The goal of this study is to increase the complexity of the Caco-2/HT29-MTX in vitro model by co-culturing human cells with the Gram-positive, commensal Lactobacillus rhamnosus or the Gram-negative, opportunistic Escherichia coli; with the hypothesis that the presence of bacteria would ameliorate the effects of exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) such as iron oxide (Fe2O3), silicone dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO). To understand this relationship, Caco-2/HT29-MTX cell barriers were acutely co-exposed (4 hours) to bacteria and/or NPs (pristine or in vitro digested). The activity of the brush border membrane (BBM) enzymes intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), aminopeptidase-N (APN), sucrase isomaltase (SI) and the basolateral membrane enzyme (BLM) Na+/K+ ATPase were assessed. Findings show that (i) the human digestion process alters the physicochemical properties of NPs, (ii) large agglomerates of NPs remain entrapped on the apical side of the intestinal barrier, which (iii) affects the activity of BBM enzymes. Interestingly, some NPs effects were attenuated in the presence of either bacterial strains. Confocal microscopy detected bacteria-NPs interactions, which may impede the NP-intestinal cell contact. These results highlight the importance of improving in vitro models to closely mimic the complexities of the human body.

Probiotics isolated from yaks improves the growth performance, antioxidant activity, and cytokines related to immunity and inflammation in mice

BackgroundYaks living in the high-altitude hypoxic environment of Tibetan plateau (3600 m) have special gut microbes. However, it is still little research on yak probiotics until now. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to evaluate the growth promoting effect, antioxidant capability, immune effect, and anti-inflammatory ability of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis isolated from Tibetan yaks in mice model.ResultsThe results showed that the isolated strains supplementation not only improve the growth performance but also increased the length of villus in the small intestine and intestinal digestive enzyme activity. Importantly, we observed that the T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-PX levels were increased and the MDA content was reduced in probiotic-treated mice, which implied that probiotics supplementation can ameliorate the antioxidative activity of mice. The levels of AST and ALT correlated with the hepatic injury were reduced and the levels of AKP, TP, GLB, ALB, Ca, and P were markedly higher than those in the control group. Additionally, mice treated with probiotics exhibited higher serum IgG, IgM and IgA, which can reflect the immune status to some extent. At the same time, the major pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were down-regulated and the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was up-regulated compared with the control groups.ConclusionsIn conclusion, these results demonstrated that Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis supplementation can increase overall growth performance and ameliorate the blood parameters related to inflammation and immunity of mice.

Effects of dietary supplementation of alfalfa polysaccharides on growth performance, small intestinal enzyme activities, morphology, and large intestinal selected microbiota of piglets

It is suggested that the plant-derived polysaccharides have positive effect on improving the performance of livestock, but little information is available regarding their effects on piglets. This study aimed to assess the effects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) polysaccharides (APS) on the growth performance and intestinal health of piglets. Two hundred 35-d-old piglets were randomly allotted to five groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0, 300, 500, 800, or 1200 mg APS /kg diet respectively for a 42-d experiment. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed efficiency (ADG/ADFI, G/F), small intestinal morphology, digestive enzymes activities, and selected large intestinal microbial populations were determined. Supplementation with APS to 35- to 77-d-old piglets quadratically (Q) (P < 0.05) or linearly (L) (P < 0.05) increased ADG and G/F values. Among all experimental groups, piglets that received 500 mg/kg diet of APS showed the highest numbers of Lactobacillus in cecum (P < 0.01), colon (P < 0.01), and rectum (P < 0.05). The numbers of Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in all sections of the large intestine were reduced (P < 0.01) L and Q with increasing dietary APS concentration. Villus height presented L (P < 0.05∼0.01) and/or Q (P < 0.05∼0.01) enhancement in duodenum, jejunum and ileum with increasing supplementation of APS. Inclusion of APS L and Q decreased (P < 0.01) crypt depth and increased villus height/crypt depth ratio in jejunum and ileum. Piglets supplemented with increasing levels of APS presented higher protease and amylase activities in the small intestine (P < 0.05). Results showed that supplementation of APS up to 800 mg/kg diet enhanced gut morphological development and amylase and protease activities in the small intestine, promoted beneficial microbial populations in the large intestine, improved growth rate and feed efficiency in a dose-response manner. Combining all measured variables, the optimum dietary APS concentration appeared to be about 500 mg/kg diet.

Effects of dietary leucine and phenylalanine on gastrointestinal development and small intestinal enzyme activities in milk-fed holstein dairy calves.

This study was investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of leucine and phenylalanine on the development of the gastrointestinal tract and the intestinal digestive enzyme activity in male Holstein dairy calves. Twenty calves with a body weight of 38 ± 3 kg at 1 day of age were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, a leucine group (1.435 g·l−1), a phenylalanine group (0.725 g·l−1), and a mixed amino acid group (1.435 g·l−1 leucine plus 0.725 g·l−1 phenylalanine). The supplementation of leucine decreased the short-circuit current (Isc) of the rumen and duodenum (P<0.01); phenylalanine did not show any influence on the Isc of rumen and duodenum (P>0.05), and also counteracted the Isc reduction caused by leucine. Leucine increased the trypsin activity at the 20% relative site of the small intestine (P<0.05). There was no difference in the activity of α-amylase and of lactase in the small intestinal chyme among four treatments (P>0.05). The trypsin activity in the anterior segment of the small intestine was higher than other segments, whereas the α-amylase activity in the posterior segment of the small intestine was higher than other segments. Leucine can reduce Isc of the rumen and duodenum, improve the development of the gastrointestinal tract, and enhance trypsin activity; phenylalanine could inhibit the effect of leucine in promoting intestinal development.

Probiotic Clostridium butyricum Improves the Growth Performance, Immune Function, and Gut Microbiota of Weaning Rex Rabbits.

Probiotics could promote animal growth and enhance immune function. This study investigated the effects of Clostridium butyricum (CB) on the growth performance, intestinal immune, and gut microbiota of weaning rex rabbits. A total of 60 healthy female rabbits (5-month-old) were divided equally into four groups and mated on the same day: control group (CTRL, fed with basal feed), low-dose group (LDG, fed with basal feed + 1.0 × 103CFU/g CB), middle-dose group (MDG, fed with basal feed + 1.0 × 104CFU/g CB), and high-dose group (HDG, fed with basal feed + 1.0 × 105CFU/g CB). Then, 30 weaning rex rabbits (35-day-old) were collected from each group for this experiment, and they were offered the same feeds as their mother. The results demonstrated that high-dose CB treatment significantly increased average daily weight gain of weaning rex rabbits. Further studies suggested that CB enhanced small intestinal digestive enzyme activity and improved mucosal morphology and antioxidant status. Supplemented with CB, small intestinal barrier function was maintained with the upregulation of mRNA levels of ZO-1, claudin, and occludin as well as the increase of sIgA production. Moreover, the relative expressions of MyD88, TLR2, and TLR4 were elevated in HDG; simultaneously, pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, INF-γ, and TNF-α were decreased after CB administration. In addition, CB showed beneficial effects in improving weaning rex rabbit intestinal microflora via increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Therefore, our results indicated CB can promote rex rabbit growth, which is likely to the enhancement of immune function and the improvement of intestinal microbiota.

Effects of dietary energy and lipase levels on nutrient digestibility, digestive physiology and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary energy and lipase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum profiles, intestinal morphology, small intestinal digestive enzyme activities, biochemical index of intestinal development and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs.MethodsA total of 240 weaning pigs ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) with an average body weight (BW) of 7.3±0.12 kg were used in this 28-d experiment. Weaning pigs were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of energy (net energy = 2,470 kcal/kg for low energy diet and 2,545 kcal/kg for basal diet) and 2 levels of lipase (0 and 1.5 U/g of lipase) according to BW and sex. There were 6 replications (pens) per treatment and 10 pigs per pen (5 barrows and 5 gilts).ResultsWeaning pigs fed the low energy diet had lower (p<0.05) gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) throughout the experiment, apparent digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, ether extract, and gross energy during d 0 to 14, average daily gain during d 15 to 28, lipase activity in duodenum and ileum and protein/DNA in jejunum (p<0.05), respectively. Lipase supplementation had no effect on growth performance but affected apparent nutrient digestibility (p<0.05) on d 14 and enhanced lipase activity in the duodenum and ileum and protease activity in duodenum and jejunum of pigs (p<0.05) fed the low energy diet. Lipase reduced serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG), NH3 production (p<0.05) from the feces.ConclusionThe low energy diet decreased G:F throughout the experiment and nutrient digestibility during d 0 to 14 as well as lipase activity in duodenum and ileum. Lipase supplementation increased nutrient digestibility during d 0 to 14 and exerted beneficial effects on lipase activity in duodenum and ileum as well as protease activity in duodenum and jejunum, while reduced serum LDL-C, TG and fecal NH3.

Dietary pectin and mango pulp effects on small intestinal enzyme activity levels and macronutrient digestion in grower pigs.

The effects of refined pectin and mango pulp on macronutrient digestion and small intestinal enzyme activity were studied in grower pigs. Diets based on wheat starch with and without apple pectin or dried mango fruit pulp were fed to 30 grower pigs for 21 days. Pigs were euthanized two hours postprandially, and their gastrointestinal contents recovered. Starch and protein digestion as well as α-amylase activity were all increased in pigs fed pectin. In contrast, fat digestion, lipase and protease (trypsin) activities were all significantly reduced in these pigs. Pigs fed the mango fruit pulp diet had intermediate effects compared with pigs fed refined pectin and control diets. The data suggests that pectin has a significant effect on digestive enzyme activity and subsequent influence on macronutrient digestion. The fact that pectin caused either an increase (α-amylase) or decrease (lipase, protease) in enzyme activity in digesta, which either did (starch, lipid) or did not (protein) associate with residual nutrient differences illustrates the complexity of small intestinal responses to added fibre in diets.

Development of small intestinal enzyme activities and their relationship with some gut regulatory peptides in grazing sheep

Growth depends on an animal's capacity to digest and assimilate ingested nutrients, and insufficient supply and impairment will constrain lamb growth. Eight groups of Alpine Finewool lambs were harvested on 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56 d to measure pH and enzymatic activities in the duodenum, proximal jejunum, middle jejunum, distal jejunum, and ileum mucosa or digesta. From the duodenum to the ileum the pH of intestinal mucosa and digesta increased, whereas pH changed very little with age. The trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, lactase, and α-amylase activities observed at birth decreased by d 3, followed by a nonuniform enzymatic response in the small intestine. The trypsin activity increased from d 3 to peak, at d 21, followed by a decline. Chymotrypsin activity followed the same general trend but with smaller responses in activities. Trypsin demonstrated greater enzymatic activity than chymotrypsin at the same age. The lipase activity of small intestinal mucosa and digesta changed little with age. The lactase activity was high at birth, decreased by d 3, and then increased, followed by a decrease as lambs approached weaning. α-Amylase activity was similar in the small intestinal mucosa and digesta at birth but increased with age for the duodenum and proximal jejunum. Plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin (CCK), secretin, and gastrin were positively correlated ( < 0.05) with ileal mucosa lipase activity. Plasma concentration of CCK, secretin, gastrin, and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) were positively correlated ( < 0.05) with ileal mucosa lactase activity. Plasma concentration of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) was negatively correlated ( < 0.05) with lactase activity in the middle jejunum and ileal mucosa. Plasma concentrations of CCK, secretin, gastrin, and GIP were positively correlated ( < 0.05) with α-amylase activity in the ileal mucosa but negatively correlated ( < 0.05) with duodenum, prejejunum, and middle jejunum. Plasma PP concentrations were positively correlated ( < 0.01) with α-amylase activity of duodenum, middle jejunum, and postjejunum mucosa but not with the enzyme activity of postjejunum and ileal mucosa ( > 0.05). Small intestinal enzymatic activities exist and may be sufficient to enhance lamb growth via appropriate nutrient supplementation.

Development of small intestinal enzyme activities and their relationship with some gut regulatory peptides in grazing sheep

Development of small intestinal enzyme activities and their relationship with some gut regulatory peptides in grazing sheep

Effect of neonatal β(3)-adrenoceptor agonist CL 316,243 treatment on body fat accumulation and intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in rats from reduced nests.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of early life administration of β3-adrenoceptor agonist (CL 316,243) on somatic and feeding parameters, obesity development as well as small intestinal enzyme activity in 21- and 40-day-old overfed male Sprague-Dawley rats. To induce postnatal overnutrition, litter size was reduced to 4 pups/litter (small litters, SL); while in normally-nourished groups (NL) the litter size was adjusted to 10 pups/litter. From days 5 to 15, half of the suckling pups from NL and SL groups received CL 316,243 subcutaneously. From 21st to 40th day, in the post-weaning period, both control (NL, SL) and CL 316,243-treated (NL-CL, SL-CL) rats had free access to standard diet and water. Body composition was determined by magnetic resonance imaging, blood pressure was measured using non-invasive tail-cuff, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity was assessed by histochemistry. At 21 and 40 days of age the SL rats showed higher body mass, displayed higher adiposity and had significantly increased duodenal and jejunal AP activity compared with NL animals. On day 21, NL and SL rats treated with CL 316,243 showed significantly less fat deposition and jejunal AP activity than the non-treated controls. In contrast, treatment-related changes in adiposity and AP activity were not observed in 40-day-old NL-CL, SL-CL rats. These results indicate that early pharmacological intervention with CL did not permanently influence physiological processes involved in body weight/fat regulation, which resulted in the development of early-programmed overweight status in SL rats after weaning.

Combined Effects of Muricid Extract and 5-Fluorouracil on Intestinal Toxicity in Rats.

Chemotherapy drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil (5FU), are the standard approach for cancer and are associated with several peripheral toxicities. We previously demonstrated that Muricidae marine molluscs exhibit chemopreventive properties. This study investigated the combined effect of muricid extract derived from Dicathais orbita, with 5FU, on intestinal toxicity in rats. Groups of rats were orally gavaged water, muricid extract, or sunflower oil, with or without 5FU (150 mg/kg). Metabolic data was collected daily and small intestinal brush border enzyme activity was measured by sucrose breath test (SBT). Blood was collected by cardiac puncture for whole blood analysis. Intestinal biopsies were taken for histopathology. Neutrophil activity was measured by myeloperoxidase activity. No additional toxicity effects were observed in rats receiving the combination of 5FU and muricid extract compared to 5FU alone, as indicated by SBT, histopathology, and myeloperoxidase activity. Intestinal integrity was protected from 5FU-induced damage in the sunflower oil vehicle group, compared to controls, as measured by SBT, villus height, and crypt depth. We concluded that combination of muricid extract and 5FU did not confer any additional intestinal toxicity, further supporting its potential as a chemopreventive food product. In this model system, sunflower oil partially protected against 5FU-induced intestinal toxicity.

Effects of dietary supplementation of multi-enzyme on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, small intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and large intestinal selected microbiota in weanling pigs1

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation of an exogenous multi-enzyme (EME) preparation to 35- to 65-d-old piglets on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and selected microbial populations in feces. In Exp.1, twenty eight 35-d-old piglets were randomly assigned to 7 dietary treatments (corn-soybean based diet supplemented with 0, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, or 350 mg EME/kg) in a 14-d digestibility study. Piglets fed the diets supplemented with EME had greater ATTD of DM, CP, and GE (P = 0.001, 0.005, and 0.009, respectively) than those fed the diet without EME supplementation, and those ATTD values increased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.001) as the levels of supplemented EME increased. In Exp. 2, two hundred 35-d-old weanling piglets were randomly allocated to 20 pens. The pens were then randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (corn-soybean based diet supplemented with 0, 100, 150, 250, or 350 mg EME/kg) with 4 pens per treatment in a 30-d feeding experiment. Piglets has ad libitum access to diets and water, and they were weighed at the beginning (35-d-old), middle (50-d-old), and end (65-d-old) of the experiment. Fecal samples were grabbed directly from the rectum and digesta samples from duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were taken at the end of the experiment for the analysis of selected bacteria populations and digestive-enzyme activities. The ADG and ADFI tended to be greater with the increasing levels of supplemented EME in both periods, whereas G:F was improved (P = 0.012 and 0.017) by EME in the period of 35 to 50 d of age and during the overall experimental period. Furthermore, inclusion of EME in diet increased the counts of Lactobacilli spp. and Bacillus subtilis spp., but reduced the populations of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli spp. in the feces. The EME supplementation also enhanced (P < 0.05) the activities of amylase, lipase, and protease in the small intestine. The growth performance-enhancing effects of EME appeared to be mediated by the age of the piglet and the dose of EME used. Supplementation of corn-soybean meal diets for 35- to 65-d-old piglets with EME has a potential to enhance gut health condition, increase nutrient digestion, and increase growth performance.

Effect of age on small intestinal enzyme activities in grazing sheep

Eight groups of Alpine Fine-wool lambs were used to study the development of pH and five enzyme activities in duodenum, proximal jejunum, middle jejunum, distal jejunum, and ileum mucosa or digesta from birth to d56.From duodenum to ileum the acdity of intestinal mucosa and digesta decreased. pH changed in a very little range in all small intestine with age.The trypsin,chymotrypsin, lipase, lactase, and α-amylase activities were observed at birth but decreased at d3.Thereafter they showed a non-uniform change pattern in different parts. From d 3 to 21 the trypsin activity tended to increase and reached peak at d21,thereafter it began to decrease In duodenum, proximal jejunum and middle jejunum. In distal jejunum and ileum it reached peak at d 7. From d 14 to 28 the chymotrypsin activity increased charply and reached peak at d 28 in duodenum.The gradual nonsignificant increases were abserved from d 3 to 56 in proximal jejunum.From d 3 to 21 the chymotrypsin activity increased and reached peak at d 21 in middle jejunum digesta,thereafter it tended to decrease.In distal jejunum the chymotrypsin activity increased from d 3 to 14 ,d 28 to 56 and decreased from d 14 to 28.And reached peak at d 14 and 56 respectively.In ileum it tended to increase with age and at d21 it had a sharply increase. The chymotrypsin activity in duodenum and proximal jejunum digesta was lower than that in other parts,and it was the highest in middle jejunum. The lipase activity of small intestinal mucosa changed little with age.In duodenum mucosa lipase activity was the highest and pre-jejunum was lowest.In all small intestinal mucosa α-amylase activity was near at birth. Duodenum and proximal jejunum was a little low.At 3d α-amylase activity in the two parts mucosa was close to birth, and increased at 7d or 14d respectively.After 21d α-amylase activity in duodenum mucosa was the highest,followed middle jejunum mucosa, and in ileum mucosa it seemed to be the lowest.The lactase activity was high at birth and decreased at 21d.It was the highest in proximal- and midddle-jejunum mucaosa,but lowest in ileum mucosa.The activity changed little in duodenum mucosa,but decreased with age in other parts.