Structure Of Small Intestine Research Articles

Oral exposure to the organophosphorus insecticide, Monocrotophos induces intestinal dysfunction in rats

There is limited experimental evidence to imply the role of organophosphorus insecticides on intestinal dysfunctions. Residues of Monocrotophos (MCP), above maximum residue limits (MRL), have been reported in fruits and vegetables from various parts of India. Hence, in this study, we investigated the potential of MCP to induce intestinal dysfunction in rats. MCP was administered orally to rats at sublethal doses (0.45, 0.9 and 1.8mg/kgb.w/d) for 30days. MCP at the highest dose significantly increased the unit weight of the small intestine. MCP increased the activities of intestinal brush border disaccharidases, intestinal alkaline phosphatase, glycyl-glycine dipeptidase, and Na+/K+-ATPase while it decreased cholesterol: phospholipid ratio. Histology and scanning electron microscopy of small intestine of MCP treated rats revealed disruption in terms of congestion, increased length of villi, goblet cell hyperplasia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and necrotic villi tip. Further, the intestinal transit rate was found to be increased in MCP treated rats. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that repeated oral intake of MCP has the propensity to alter small intestinal structure and functions, which might lead to intestinal dysfunctions and abnormal nutrient uptake and thereby affect the human health. Although we have employed doses, which are higher than those likely to be encountered as residues, we speculate that further studies should be performed to determine whether MCP residues in foods in the long-term will interfere with the digestive capacity of the small intestine and thus exert adverse effects on the health of human.

The effect of alphamune and biomin on histomorphological structure of small intestine and caecal tonsil lymphoid tissue in broiler chicken

Summary This study was conducted because of influence of prebiotics (alphamune) and symbiotic (biomin) on histometrical development of small intestine and lymphatic tissue of caecal tonsil have been not reported on broiler chicken. In this study, different parts of small intestine and caecal tonsil, which is a major area of gut associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) in chicken were selected. One hundred and twenty-five 1-day-old broiler chicks were divided into 3 groups: 1) Control group which were fed only by basal diet, 2) Alphamune group which were fed basal diet supplemented with prebiotic (0.5 kg/ton alphamune), and 3) Biomin group, fed basal diet supplemented with symbiotic (1 kg/ton biomin). At the end of 42 days, 15 chicks (5 chicks from each group) were selected for histomorphometrical study. The samples were taken from different parts of small intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) and caecal tonsils and fixed in 10% formalin. The 5-6 µ sections were made by paraffin embedding method and stained by H&E. The results showed that although alphamune and biomin have a significant improvement on histomorphological structure of small intestine (more significant changes were seen in duodenum) and lymphatic tissue of caecal tonsil, the biomin has a more significant improvement. Villous height and thickness, the number of goblet cells, number and depth of intestinal crypt, density and area of aggregated lymphatic tissue were increased more significantly in biomin group (P<0.05). The knowledge obtained from this study showed that alphamune and biomin are considerable feed additives instead of antibiotic for improvement of histomorphological structure of small intestine and its associate lymphatic tissue.

Exacerbation of intestinal brush border enzyme activities and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by monocrotophos

The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of monocrotophos (MCP), one of the widely used broad spectrum systemic organophosphorus insecticides (OPI) in India, to alter small intestinal structure and function. Further, its potential to exacerbate diabetes induced alterations in intestinal structure and function was also studied in experimentally induced diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic with an acute dose of streptozotocin (60mg/kgb.w.). MCP was orally administered at a sublethal dose (1/20 LD50 i.e. 0.9mg/kgb.w./d) for 15days to both normal and diabetic rats. MCP significantly increased unit weight of intestine in diabetic rats. MCP alone increased (up to 57%) the activities of intestinal brush border disaccharidases in normal rats and further augmented the enzyme activities in diabetic rats. Similar results were found with intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. In addition, Na+/K+-ATPase activity was found to be aggravated in diabetic rats by MCP treatment. Oxidative stress markers showed similar degree of change in both MCP and diabetic rats while MCP aggravated oxidative stress condition in diabetic rats. Scanning electron microscopy and histological analysis of the small intestine revealed increased length of villi, congestion, goblet cell hyperplasia and infiltration of inflammatory cells in MCP and diabetic rats while MCP also induced necrotic lesions in diabetic rats. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that multiple doses of MCP has the propensity to augment diabetes associated intestinal dysfunctions in rats.

Effect of the abrasive properties of sedges on the intestinal absorptive surface and resting metabolic rate of root voles.

Recent studies on grasses and sedges suggest that the induction of a mechanism reducing digestibility of plant tissues in response to herbivore damage may drive rodent population cycles. This defence mechanism seems to rely on the abrasive properties of ingested plants. However, the underlying mechanism has not been demonstrated in small wild herbivores. Therefore, we carried out an experiment in which we determined the joint effect of abrasive sedge components on the histological structure of small intestine as well as resting metabolic rate (RMR) of the root vole (Microtus oeconomus). Histological examination revealed that voles fed with a sedge-dominated diet had shorter villi composed from narrower enterocytes in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Reduction in the height of villi decreased along the small intestine. Activity of the mucus secretion increased along the small intestine and was significantly higher in the ileum. The intestinal abrasion exceeded the compensatory capabilities of voles, which responded to a sedge-dominated diet by a reduction of body mass and a concomitant decrease in whole body RMR. These results explain the inverse association between body mass and the probability of winter survival observed in voles inhabiting homogenous sedge wetlands.

Short- and medium-chain fatty acids as a feed supplement for weaning and nursery pigs

The effect of supplementing piglet diets with acidifiers containing the short-chain fatty acids - SCFA (propionic C3 and formic) together with medium-chain fatty acids -- MCFA (caprylic C8 and capric C10) on performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, intestinal microflora and small intestine structure was investigated. The study was performed on 326 piglets allocated to 5 experimental groups. They were fed a standard diet (Group I - control) or a standard diet supplemented with 0.5% propionic and formic acids (Group II - PF). Group III (PF + C8), group IV (PF + C10) and group V (PF + C8 + C10) received the same mixture as group II with a supplement of 0.2% of caprylic and/or capric acids, respectively. Apparent digestibility of nutrients and microbiological analyses were performed. The structure of jejunum mucosa was also examined. Piglets receiving capric acid (groups IV and V) had the highest body weight gains. Piglets receiving MCFA digested protein and fiber better (P < or = 0.05) than piglets receiving SCFA as acidifier. There was no difference in intestinal microflora except for Clostridium perfringens, the population of which was reduced by SCFA (group II). Villi of the mucosal epithelium were the highest (P < or = 0.05) in piglets receiving SCFA with capric acid (group IV). Under the conditions of this study a mixture of SCFA (propionic and formic) with capric acid significantly improves performance of piglets.

Effects of three types of resistant starch on intestine and their gastric ulcer preventive activities in vivo

To examine the effects of three types of resistant starch (RS) on intestinal metabolites, structure and their gastric injury preventive activities, Sprague-Dawley mice were fed diet containing 15% RS for 4 weeks. Response relationships among three types of RS (RS2, RS3, and RS4) food intake, body weight gain, food efficiency, wet weight of cecum (with or not with contents), pH, ammonia production, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration of cecal contents as well as intestinal structure were investigated. All three types of RS had effects on food intake, weight control, lowering of pH, ammonia production in cecal contents, increasing the wet weight of cecum (with or without contents), changes in SCFAs concentration of cecal contents, and physiological structure of small intestine and cecum compared to the control group (common starch-fed rats). RS3 group showed minimum weight gain and food efficiency, compared to both the control group and the other two types of RS diet. RS3 group showed more significant lowering of pH, ammonia production, and SCFAs of cecal contents. In addition, all three types of RS shortened villous height, and muscle and mucosal thickening in small intestine, resulting in significantly decreased villous height and mucosal thickness, whereas significantly increased muscle thickness in the cecum. However, they did not cause detectable pathological changes in the small intestine and cecum. Animal model was also used to check its gastric ulcer preventive effects. The gastric ulcer level was significantly down-regulated by RS3, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties. RS3 reduced the levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines of IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-Γ compared to RS2 and RS4. RS3 increased the somatostatin (SS) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), decreased the motillin (MOT) and substance P (SP) serum levels. These results suggest that RS3 shows the best gastric ulcer preventive effect.

Organisation of Autonomic Nervous Structures in the Small Intestine of Chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger, Molina)

Using histochemical, histological and immunocytochemical methods, organisation of the autonomic nerve structures in small intestine of chinchilla was investigated. Myenteric plexus was localised between circular and longitudinal layers of the smooth muscles. Forming network nodes, the small autonomic, cholinergic ganglia were linked with the bundles of nerve fibres. Adrenergic structures were visible as specific varicose, rosary-like fibres forming bundles of parallel fibres connecting network nodes. Structures of the submucosal plexus formed a finer network than those of the myenteric plexus. Moreover, in 'whole-mount' specimens, fibres forming thick perivascular plexuses were also observed. Immunocytochemical studies confirmed the cholinergic and adrenergic character of the investigated structures. VAChT-positive neurones were found only in myenteric plexus, and numerous VAChT-positive and DBH-positive fibres were found in both plexuses.

Abstract 5193: The RNP biogenesis factor Thoc1 is required for proliferative intestinal stem cell viability.

Abstract Thoc1 encodes an RNA binding protein (Thoc1) which interacts with the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma (Rb1). Thoc1 levels have been found to be elevated in multiple cancers relative to normal tissue. Additionally cancer cells but not most normal cells undergo apoptosis following Thoc1 deletion, suggesting Thoc1 may be a good therapeutic target. In normal tissue, Thoc1 is needed for embryonic inner cell mass viability and Thoc1 hypomorphic mice are small and sterile. Based on these data we hypothesize highly proliferative cells, possibly those with an extended replicative potential, such as stem cells, require Thoc1. To test this, we examined the effect of Thoc1 deletion in the intestine since it contains well-defined stem cells Thoc1 was deleted in the adult mouse using the Tamoxifen/CreER system with Rosa26 driving CreER expression. Mice were treated with 2 mg/day Tamoxifen for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 days. Thoc1 deletion completely disrupts small intestine (SI) structure. Specifically, Thoc1 deletion impairs SI crypt cell function and viability, which leads to a complete loss of SI epithelial cell turnover. The SI crypts contain rapidly proliferating intestinal stem (ISC) and progenitor cells that continuously feed and replace the differentiated SI villi epithelium every 3-5 days. Within the proliferative crypts, multiple ISC populations exist. These include the active, homeostatic Lgr5+ ISCs and the reserve, more quiescent mTert+ and Bmi1+ ISCs. Lgr5+ ISCs are the most actively proliferating ISC population, whereas mTert+ and Bmi1+ ISCs are believed to become proliferative upon tissue insult. QRT-PCR data of ISC (Lgr5, mTert, Bmi1) marker transcripts from crypt purified epithelial cells suggests Thoc1 loss initially induces ISC populations to proliferate and expand (transcripts increase), likely a direct response to the initial Thoc1 deletion. However, once active it appears proliferating ISCs become susceptible to Thoc1 deletion, as ISC marker transcripts ultimately approach zero on day 6 in test mice. In addition, ISC fate mapping studies show recombined ISCs in test mice are less likely to give rise to long lived stable progeny than recombined ISCs in control mice. Despite a similar structure to the SI, Thoc1 deletion does not appear to affect the colon. The colon too contains ISCs that give rise to all cells in the tissue; however, colon ISCs are more quiescent versus the SI ISC, which suggests actively proliferating stem/progenitor cell types may specifically require Thoc1. The results of this study suggest actively proliferating stem cell types require Thoc1, most likely to support the coordinated gene expression necessary for rapid proliferation and differentiation. This finding is significant as it sheds light on Thoc1 function and may help explain why Thoc1 levels are increased in various cancers, as proliferating stem cells and cancer cells share similar traits. Citation Format: Laura B. Pitzonka, Sumana Ullas, David Goodrich. The RNP biogenesis factor Thoc1 is required for proliferative intestinal stem cell viability. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5193. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5193

Abord supra-tentoriel dans le cadre des adénomes hypophysaires : indications, résultats, complications, intérêts et inconvénients. À propos d’une série rétrospective de 17 cas

Aspergillus niger-fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves (FR) and its comparative effect with non-fermented G. biloba leaves (NF) were investigated on growth performance, small intestinal structure and function of broiler chicks. A total of 300 d-old Arbor Acress broilers were randomly allocated into 5 dietary treatments, which were then denoted as the control group (basal diet), and the NF group (containing 0.35% and 0.7% NF in the starter and grower diets, respectively), FR1, FR2 and FR3 groups containing 0.2%, 0.35% and 0.5% FR in the starter diets and 0.4%, 0.7% and 1.0% FR in the grower diets, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the control and NF groups, reduced (P<0.05) feed/gain ratio of FR2 group and higher (P<0.05) mucosal alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in duodenum and jejunum of groups FR2 and FR3 were observed. Villous height of duodenum and jejunum was improved (P<0.05) as increased FR levels, while crypt depth of jejunum was decreased (P<0.05). FR supplementation led to an increase in the protease activities in pancreas, duodenum and jejunum, as well as amylase activity in the duodenum and jejunum (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the sodium glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) mRNA level in duodenum was increased in birds fed with FR2 and FR3 diets. Furthermore, birds supplemented with FRs had increased (P<0.05) plasma d-xylose levels. Whereas compared with the control, broilers had lower (P<0.05) serum urea nitrogen (SUN) levels when they were provided with the FR2 and FR3 diets. The present study may indicate that the improved feed efficiency and intestinal functions in the group supplemented with FR are directly connected with physiological mechanisms such as the regulation of the SGLT1 mRNA expression.

A prospective study comparing histology and enteric enzyme function of patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction before and after shunt surgery

This was a prospective observational study carried out to objectively assess the effect of shunt surgery on intestinal morphology and function in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) and correlate it with growth improvement. Twenty patients who were operated upon for EHPVO were divided into two groups for the purpose of analysis depending on the outcome of surgery: group A--patients who underwent successful shunt surgery (n=14) and group B--patients who underwent splenectomy with devascularization (n=1) and those with thrombosed shunts (n=5). The patient groups were created on the basis of the type and outcome of the surgery and not prospective stratification. Growth parameters, endoscopy findings, duodenal histology, brush border enzyme activity, urinary D-xylose levels, fecal steatocrit, fecal α-1 antitrypsin, serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, and quality-of-life scores were assessed before surgery and at a mean of 24.9 weeks after surgery. There was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative duodenal histology. Preoperative brush border lactase activity was significantly lower than normal and did not change significantly after surgery. EHPVO did not affect intestinal absorption or permeability. Shunt surgery resulted in significantly improved z scores for height after surgery as well as quality of life. There was no significant growth hormone resistance. Our patients did not have any significant malabsorption or abnormality in small intestinal structure and function when compared with established normal levels. There was no significant change in the above parameters after shunt surgery, although an improvement in growth was observed. Thus, factors other than enteropathy or other lesser known enteral factors seem to be responsible for the growth retardation observed in EHPVO and its subsequent improvement after shunt surgery.

Correlation between villous height and the disaccharidase activity in the small intestine of piglets from nursing to growing

Early weaning induces villous atrophy in the small intestine. Reduction in villous height in the small intestine after weaning is associated with reductions in brush-border enzyme activity. Body weight gain after weaning is, therefore, correlated with villous height. This evidence suggested that the maintenance of small intestinal structure and function after weaning is important for the growth of young pigs. On the other hand, the relationship between villous height and the activity of the digestive enzymes in the small intestine has not been studied with piglets from the suckling to the growing period. Five suckling piglets, four piglets in the proximal stage of weaning, four pigs in the distal stage of weaning and four growing pigs were used. The activities of lactase (LA), sucrase (SA) and maltase (MA) were determined. LA showed a positive correlation with villous height in weaning. SA and MA were positively correlated with villous height from suckling to growing. In a previous study, non-infectious dyspeptic diarrhea was frequently observed in growing piglets on Japanese swine farms. The maintenance of villous height to retain disaccharidase activity may prevent dyspepsic diarrhea in this stage.

Effect of feeding Aspergillus niger-fermented Ginkgo biloba-leaves on growth, small intestinal structure and function of broiler chicks

Aspergillus niger-fermented Ginkgo biloba leaves (FR) and its comparative effect with non-fermented G. biloba leaves (NF) were investigated on growth performance, small intestinal structure and function of broiler chicks. A total of 300d-old Arbor Acress broilers were randomly allocated into 5 dietary treatments, which were then denoted as the control group (basal diet), and the NF group (containing 0.35% and 0.7% NF in the starter and grower diets, respectively), FR1, FR2 and FR3 groups containing 0.2%, 0.35% and 0.5% FR in the starter diets and 0.4%, 0.7% and 1.0% FR in the grower diets, respectively. The results showed that, compared with the control and NF groups, reduced (P<0.05) feed/gain ratio of FR2 group and higher (P<0.05) mucosal alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in duodenum and jejunum of groups FR2 and FR3 were observed. Villous height of duodenum and jejunum was improved (P<0.05) as increased FR levels, while crypt depth of jejunum was decreased (P<0.05). FR supplementation led to an increase in the protease activities in pancreas, duodenum and jejunum, as well as amylase activity in the duodenum and jejunum (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the sodium glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) mRNA level in duodenum was increased in birds fed with FR2 and FR3 diets. Furthermore, birds supplemented with FRs had increased (P<0.05) plasma d-xylose levels. Whereas compared with the control, broilers had lower (P<0.05) serum urea nitrogen (SUN) levels when they were provided with the FR2 and FR3 diets. The present study may indicate that the improved feed efficiency and intestinal functions in the group supplemented with FR are directly connected with physiological mechanisms such as the regulation of the SGLT1 mRNA expression.

Effects of dietary caprylic and capric acids on piglet performance and mucosal epithelium structure of the ileum

1. Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and/or probiotic Enterococcus faecium as a feed supplement for piglets E. Hanczakowska, M. Świątkiewicz, M. Natonek-Wiśniewska, K. Okoń Livestock Science CrossRef

Goat kids' intestinal absorptive mucosa in period of passive immunity acquisition

Colostrum intake in newborn goat kids is essential for the acquisition of immunoglobulins (Ig) and influencing development of gastrointestinal mucosa. The present study investigated small intestine structure in the postnatal goat kid fed lyophilized bovine colostrum, an alternative source of antibodies to small ruminants, or goat colostrum using scanning electron microscopy technique. At 0, 7 and 14h of life 15 male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC) and 14 goat colostrum (GC), both with 55mg/mL of IgG. Samples of duodenum, medium jejunum and ileum were collected at 18, 36 and 96h of life. Three animals were sampled at birth without colostrum intake (0h). The enteric tissues were analyzed for villi density (villi/cm2) and morphological characteristics. The villi density did not differ between treatment, sampling time and intestinal segments (P>0.05). The morphological characteristics were not different between LBC and GC in all segments. Duodenal villi were fingerlike, thick and short, and with different heights. Duodenal folds could also be verified. Frequent anastomoses in all sampling times were observed in this segment. In the jejunum, fingerlike villi, thin and thick, of different heights were observed in all sampling times as well as leaf-shaped villi. Vacuoles with colostrum were observed in the jejunum of goats sampled at 18h of life. In ileum, fingerlike villi were observed in all sampling times. At 0 and 96h of life, thick and low villi were verified while at 18 and 36h the villi showed different heights and widths. At all sampling times, regularly cell extrusion processes were observed with grouped cells at the apex of the ileum villi and with isolated cells along the villi. In the first 4days of goat kids' life the small intestine structure was unaffected by different sources of colostrum, goat or lyophilized bovine, and by the replacement of fetal enterocytes, which are able to absorb macromolecules, by adult-type ones.

Effects of an early lipopolysaccharide challenge on growth and small intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens

Hu, X. F., Guo, Y. M., Li, J. H., Yan, G. L., Bun, S. and Huang, B. Y. 2011. Effects of an early lipopolysaccharide challenge on growth and small intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 379–384. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of early exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on small intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens. Seven-day-old birds were randomly allotted to two equal treatments: an LPS-injected treatment in which the birds were injected intraperitoneally with LPS 500 µg kg−1 body weight (dissolved in 1 mL saline) on 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 19 d of age, i.e., on days 1, 3, and 5 d for 2 continuous weeks, and a control treatment (CTRL) in which the birds were similarly injected with 1 mL saline as a placebo. In exp. 1, food intake and weight gain were monitored over the 2 wk, the weight of the small bowel was determined at 14 and 21 d of age and duodenal and jejunal villus height and crypt depth, D-xylose uptake were also measured at 21 d. In exp. 2, additional measurements of the intestinal peristalsis ratio and the BrdU-labeling index and duodenal sodium-glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT1) mRNA level were made at 21 d of age. The results showed that LPS challenge decreased feed intake, daily gain, duodenal and jejunal villus height and crypt depth, plasma D-xylose concentration and intestinal BrdUrd-labeling index, respectively (P&lt;0.05) as well as small bowel weight at 14 and 21 d of age (P&lt;0.05). Conversely, LPS injection increased SGLT1 mRNA level in the small intestine (P&lt;0.05) and the small intestinal relative weight at 14 (P&lt;0.05) and 21 d of age (P=0.063). Following LPS injection there were non-significant changes in feed conversion ratio and intestinal peristalsis ratio (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, early LPS challenge delayed the growth of intestine and impaired small intestinal structure and absorptive function.

Effects of an early lipopolysaccharide challenge on growth and small intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens

Hu, X. F., Guo, Y. M., Li, J. H., Yan, G. L., Bun, S. and Huang, B. Y. 2011. Effects of an early lipopolysaccharide challenge on growth and small intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 379-384. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of early exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on small intestinal structure and function of broiler chickens. Seven-day-old birds were randomly allotted to two equal treatments: an LPS-injected treatment in which the birds were injected intraperitoneally with LPS 500 μg kg-1 body weight (dissolved in 1 mL saline) on 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 19 d of age, i.e., on days 1, 3, and 5 d for 2 continuous weeks, and a control treatment (CTRL) in which the birds were similarly injected with 1 mL saline as a placebo. In exp. 1, food intake and weight gain were monitored over the 2 wk, the weight of the small bowel was determined at 14 and 21 d of age and duodenal and jejunal villus height and crypt depth, D-xylose uptake were also mea...

Effects of pig genotype (Iberian v. Landrace × Large White) on nutrient digestibility, relative organ weight and small intestine structure at two stages of growth

Although the effects of pig genotype on total-tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) have been widely reported in the literature, there is controversial information on the digestive capacity of indigenous breeds compared with lean-type pigs. The strategy of this study was to test the effects of pig genotype and crude protein (CP) supply on performance, digestive utilization of nutrients, relative organ weight and morphometric analysis of the small intestine. Thirty-eight Iberian (IB) and Landrace × Large White (LD) pigs were used. Three pigs per genotype were slaughtered at approximately 15 kg BW. The remaining pigs were fed one of two diets differing in CP content (13% or 17% as fed) using a pair-fed procedure. Feeding level was restricted at 0.8 × ad libitum of IB pigs. Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance trials were performed at 30 and 80 kg BW. Four pigs per dietary treatment and genotype were slaughtered at approximately 50 and 115 kg BW. The gastrointestinal tract and the rest of the visceral organs were weighed and samples of the small intestine were taken to carry out histological and histometrical studies. Daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio were higher in LD than in IB pigs during the fattening and growing–fattening periods (P < 0.01). N TTAD was significantly higher for LD pigs at 30 kg BW (P < 0.05), whereas at 80 kg BW we observed greater values for digestibility of organic matter and energy in IB pigs (averaging 1.5%, P < 0.01). Both N retention (NR) and efficiency of NR were increased in LD pigs at 30 and 80 kg BW (30% as mean value). The proportional weight of the small intestine was greater in LD than in IB pigs at 50 and 115 kg BW. Histometry showed that IB presented a lower muscle layer thickness than LD pigs in ileum, irrespective of the BW (P < 0.05). In contrast, LD pigs showed approximately 10% higher ileal villi length and villi-to-crypt ratio than IB pigs at 115 kg BW. CP supply affected to a larger extent the small intestinal micro-anatomical structure of LD pigs at 50 kg BW. In conclusion, our results suggests that although the higher growth rate, NR and efficiency of NR observed in LD pigs might be associated with presumably more efficient structural aspects of the small intestine, the main differences between the two genotypes should be attributed to a larger extent to protein and energy utilization in tissues with consequences for the overall efficiency of energy use.

Longitudinal cell formation in the entire human small intestine is correlated with the localization of Hath1 and Klf4

Double balloon endoscopy (DBE) enables the observation and collection of viable specimens from the entire intestine, thereby allowing more detailed investigation of how the structure and function of the human small intestine are regulated. The present study aimed to elucidate the regulation of cell formation in the human small intestine using biopsy specimens collected from an entire individual small intestine by DBE. The expression and the localization of representative genes for the differentiation program were analyzed in the entire small intestine of 10 patients. The functional correlation between Hath1 and Klf4 was analyzed in an intestinal cell line by using a Tet-On system. In longitudinal cell formation in the small intestine, it was shown that goblet cells, but not Paneth cells, increased toward the ileum in each individual small intestine. Immunohistochemistry showed that Hath1-expressing cells migrated from the base of the crypt to the top of the villi in the terminal ileum, while Klf4-expressing cells migrated from the top of the villus, resulting in the colocalization of Hath1 and Klf4 in the terminal ileum. Coexpression of Hath1 and Klf4 upregulated the expression of phenotypic genes for goblet cells following the downregulation of those for Paneth cells. Using mapping biopsy by DBE, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the molecular basis of the villus structure in the entire human small intestine in vivo. The present study showed that longitudinal cell formation was regulated by the colocalization of Hath1 and Klf4 that converted Paneth cell differentiation into goblet cell differentiation.

Dietary supplementation with benzoic acid improves apparent ileal digestibility of total nitrogen and increases villous height and caecal microbial diversity in weaner pigs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding two different levels of benzoic acid (BA) and three different levels of inulin (IN) on weaner pig performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of total nitrogen (CAID N) , small intestinal structure, diversity of caecal microbiota, indices of bacterial fermentation, incidence of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) shedding. Ninety-six female pigs (Large White × Landrace) aged 21 ± 3 d and weighing 5.9 ± 0.08 kg (mean ± S .E .) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment, with the respective factors being supplementation of BA (0 and 5 g/kg; referred to as BA0 and BA5, respectively) and (or) IN (0, 40 and 80 g/kg; referred to as IN0, IN40 and IN80, respectively) in the diet. In week 2, pigs eating BA5 + IN80 gained as an average 53 and 50 g/d more weight (P=0.044) than pigs eating the BA0 + IN80 and BA5 + IN0 diets, respectively. Benzoic acid increased average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake (FI) in the third week after weaning (P=0.006 and P=0.037, respectively) and overall (P=0.026 and P=0.024, respectively). Feeding the BA-supplemented diets increased the CAID N (P=0.003) and villous height (P=0.05), and tended to improve the villlus:crypt ratio (P=0.10). A significant BA x IN interaction increased bacterial diversity in digesta (P=0.005) and the proportions of propionic acid (P=0.028) in the caecum. Inulin supplementation decreased (P=0.001) the proportions of acetic and increased (P=0.001) the proportions of valeric acids in the caecal and proximal colon digesta. Benzoic acid tended to decrease levels of lactic acid (LA; P=0.063) and proportions of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) in the caecal (P=0.091) and proximal colon (P=0.099) digesta. The molar proportion of BCFA in the proximal colon was influenced by IN (P=0.012), with highest proportions found in pigs eating BA0 + IN80 and lowest proportions found in pigs eating BA5 + IN40 diets. The incidence of PWD was sporadic, low and unaffected by diet. These data imply that feeding weaner pigs a BA-supplemented diet has potential to improve ADG, FI, CAID N and gastrointestinal development, and increase bacterial diversity in the caecum.

Partial intestinal obstruction secondary to multiple lipomas within jejunal duplication cyst: A case report

Lipoma within jejunal duplication presenting as abdominal bloating and partial intestinal obstruction is an exceptional clinical entity. We report a case of 68-year-old man complaining of abdominal bloating for 10 d due to multiple lipomas arising from jejunal duplication cysts. Only a few cases of a single lipoma within a Meckel's diverticulum giving rise to this clinical scenario have been reported in the English language literature. However, no case of multiple lipomas within jejunal duplication cysts has been reported. We present a case in which double-balloon endoscopy revealed a small intestinal structure changed into Meckel's diverticulum-like cavities containing several lipomas. This case highlights intestinal lipoma as an uncommon cause of adult intussusceptions, which should be included in the differential diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction and appropriate examinations should be chosen.