Muscle Layer Thickness Research Articles

Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf improves constipation of rats induced by low-fiber-diet: A proteomics study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe leaf of Moringa oleifera Lam., a medicinal and edible herb for thousands of years in Ayurveda, is used as Pancha (na) karma (purgative) during and after the body cleansing process, to treat constipation, reduce cholesterol and body weight. Aim of studyThe aim was to investigate the diarrhea effects and possible mechanism of M. oleifera leaves in constipation rats. Materials and methodsThe hot water extract of M. oleifera leaves (WEMOL) was prepared and analyzed using LC-20AT HPLC system. The constipated rat model was induced by feeding with low fiber diet for 21 days. After oral administration of WEMOL for 7 days, the excretion parameter analysis, gastro-intestinal propulsion, histological analysis by HE and Alcian blue staining, and gastrointestinal hormone in rat's digestive tract through ELISA were used to evaluate the laxative effect of WEMOL. Label-free quantitation (LFQ) with LC-MS/MS, bioinformatics and Western blot were used to discover and verify the signal pathways and key proteins of WEMOL related to diarrhea. ResultsThe contents of isoquercitrin and astragalin were 2.7 mg/g and 1.7 mg/g, respectively in WEMOL. The stool number, weight, and water content of constipation rats were significantly reduced, indicating model had been established successfully. WEMOL (1.25 and 2.5 g/kg) increased water content of feces and the levels of Gas, MTL, NPY in gastric antrum and VIP, SP in colon of constipation rats, improved the muscle layer thickness and mucin secretion of colon. The proteomics revealed a total of 1731 differential proteins and 9 signaling pathways, WEMOL increased the expression of Vamp2, Gnai3, and Prkacb. ConclusionsThe laxative mechanism of WEMOL maybe modulate the signaling pathways mediated by 5-HT and Ach receptors, related to gastrointestinal motility and intestinal fluid secretion. It can be considered as the scientific connotation of Pancha (na) karma of M. oleifera leaves in ayurveda.

Dietary high β-conglycinin reduces the growth through enhancing hepatic lipid peroxidation and impairing intestinal barrier function of orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

β-conglycinin is one of the major soy antigen proteins in soybean meal (SBM) and exhibits growth inhibition and intestinal health damage in grouper, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) was used to investigate whether the poor growth performance induced by dietary β-conglycinin levels is associated with intestinal structural integrity disruption, the intestinal apoptosis and intestinal microbiota. The basal diet (FM diet) was formulated to contained 48% protein and 12% fat without SBM supplementation. Fish meal protein in the FM diet was replaced by SBM to prepare a high SBM diet (SBM diet). β-conglycinin at 3% and 7% were added into FM diets to prepare two diets (B-3 and B-7). Triplicate groups of fish (20 fish/tank) were fed one of the experimental diets twice daily in a feeding period of 8 weeks. Compared with FM diet, fish fed diets SBM and B-7 had decreased the growth rate, hepatosomatic index, whole-body lipid and ash contents, and increased whole-body moisture content. However, the maximum growth was observed for diet B-3 and was not different from that of FM diet. The liver total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity, the muscle layer thickness of middle and distal intestine, and the mucosal fold length of distal intestine were lower, while liver malondialdehyde content, intestinal diamine oxidase activity, d-lactic acid and endotoxin contents, and the number of intestinal apoptosis were higher in SBM and B-7 groups than that in FM and/or B-3 groups. SBM and B-7 diets down-regulated the intestinal expression of tight junction genes (occludin, claudin-3 and ZO-1), apoptosis genes (bcl-2 and bcl-xL) and anti-inflammatory factor genes (IκBα, TGF-β1 and IL-10), but up-regulated the intestinal expression of apoptosis genes (caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9) and pro-inflammatory factor genes (NF-κB1, RelA, TAK1, IKK, MyD88, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8) vs FM and/or B-3 diets. The richness and diversity indexes of OTUs, Chao1, ACE, Shannon and Simpson were not affected by dietary treatments. The relative abundances of intestinal bacteria (phylum Proteobacteria and genus Vibrio) were generally higher, and relative abundance of phylum Tenericutes was lower in SBM and/or B-7 groups than that in B-3 group. The above results indicate that high dietary β-conglycinin level, rather than intermediate level could decrease liver antioxidant capacity, reshape the intestinal microbiota, and impair the intestinal normal morphology through disrupting the intestinal tight junction structure, increasing intestinal mucosal permeability, and promoting intestinal apoptosis, which in turn triggers intestinal inflammatory responses and the occurrence of enteritis, and ultimately leads to poor growth performance in fish.

Copper and mercury exposure alters rectum microbiota in female adult mice

ObjectivesCopper (Cu) and mercury (Hg) are major pollutants worldwide, but the gastrointestinal damage caused by copper and mercury exposure is unclear. We are committed to scientific research on the harm and transformation of copper and mercury exposure to the rectal microbial population of female mice. MethodsKunming mice (n = 24) were randomly divided into four equal groups, i.e., 1) Rectal Colon Control (RCK) group, 0 mg/kg of Cu and Hg), 2) Rectal Copper (RCu group), 5 mg/kg weight of Cu), 3) Rectal Mercury (RHg) group, 2 mg/kg weight of Hg) and 4) Rectal copper-mercury (RCH) group, 2.5 and 1 mg/kg weight of Cu and Hg. On the 90th day, the rectal and intestinal tissues were analyzed for pathophysiology, and quantitative analysis by PCR, then a library was prepared, and sequencing was carried out. ResultsThe rectal tissue of the RCu and RCH group had histopathological and physiological damage, including low weight, low pH value, increased thickness of the outer muscle layer, smooth muscle tissue, widening of the submucosal layer, reduction of goblet cells, blunt intestinal villi and severe aging of the central mammary duct. In addition, Sequencing results of 16S rRNA genes compared with RCK showed that the abundance of the Treponema, Coprococcus, and Dehalobacterium in RCu was more significant than the RCK. Still, the bacillus, Jeotgalicoccus, Salinicoccus, Staphylococcus, and Ignatzschineria was just the opposite. The abundance of Butyricimonas, Streptococcus, Dehalobacterium, Coprococcus, Oscillospira, and Helicobacter in RHg was more significant than in the RCK. Still, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Jeotgalicoccus, Salinicoccus, Staphylococcus, Lactococcus, and Ignatzschineria were the opposite. We found some similar exciting things. The abundance of the Dehalobacterium, Coprococcus, and Oscillospira was significantly more significant than the RCK. Still, the Corynebacterium, Salinicoccus, Jeotgalicoccus, Staphylococcus, Lactococcus, Sutterella, and Ignatzschineria were the opposite. In addition, the Staphylococcus in RCu was increased than in the RCH, and the Streptococcus in RCu was increased than in the RCH. ConclusionThe results of the present study furnish a source for a more precise validation of the risk of digestive tract diseases driven by Cu and Hg.

The Effects of Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) Ethanol Extract on Bladder Urothelial Layer and Smooth Muscle Thicknesses in Menopausal Female Wistar Rats

Highlights: Purple sweet potatoes cultivated in Bali, Indonesia, were found to be rich in phytoestrogen due to the high levels of anthocyanin-type flavonoids. The phytoestrogen in purple sweet potato ethanol extract demonstrated estrogenic activity and the potential to substitute hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms. Abstract Postmenopausal women experience estrogen hormone deficiency, which can cause thinning of the smooth muscle and urothelial layer of the bladder, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the primary choice for addressing these problems. However, long-term prescription of HRT can result in several adverse effects, including a higher risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Phytoestrogen, an estrogen-like compound derived from plants such as purple sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.), contains anthocyanin that could serve as a better alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of phytoestrogens in purple sweet potatoes on the histomorphology of the bladder in menopausal female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). This experimental study used a posttest-only control group design. A total of 36 Wistar rats undergoing ovariectomy were randomly assigned into two groups, with 18 samples in each group. The experimental group received the purple sweet potato ethanol extract orally, while the control group received a placebo. The structures of the smooth muscle and urothelial layer of the bladder were observed using a microscope. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test to compare bladder smooth muscle and urothelial layer thickness between groups, with a significance of p<0.05. A normality test was performed to determine the normal distribution of the data. Normally distributed data were assessed to find the mean and standard deviation (SD). Significant differences were found in the mean thickness of the smooth muscle and urothelial layer between both groups (p=0.00), with both being thicker in the experimental group. In conclusion, phytoestrogens in purple sweet potatoes can influence the histomorphology of the bladder. Ovariectomized female Wistar rats that received purple sweet potato ethanol extract exhibited thicker smooth muscle and urothelial layer of the bladder.

The impacts of exposure to bisphenol A in the adult female prostate Meriones unguiculatus

The female prostate is associated with the urogenital system and presents homology in morphological terms with the male prostate. Due to its responsiveness to endogenous hormones, this gland is under a constant risk of developing prostatic pathologies and neoplasia when exposed to certain exogenous compounds. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor found in different plastic and resin products. Studies have emphasized the effects of perinatal exposure to this compound on different hormone-responsive organs. However, there have been few studies highlighting the influence on female prostate morphology of perinatal exposure to BPA. The objective of this study was to describe the histopathological alterations caused by perinatal exposure to BPA (50 µg/kg) and 17-β estradiol (E2) (35 µg/kg) in the prostate of adult female gerbils. The results showed that E2 and BPA induced proliferative lesions in the female prostate and acted along similar pathways by modulating steroid receptors in the epithelium. BPA was also found to be a pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic agent. The impacts of both agents were marked in the prostatic stroma. An increase in the thickness of the smooth muscle layer and a decrease in AR expression were observed, but no alterations in the expression of ERα and ERβ, leading to estrogenic sensitivity of the prostate. However, a peculiar response of the female prostate was to diminish the collagen frequency under BPA exposure correlated to smooth muscle layer. These data therefore indicate the development of features related to estrogenic and non-estrogenic tissue repercussions by BPA perinatally exposure in gerbil female prostate.

Effects of exercise training on muscle wasting, muscle strength and quality of life in adults with acute burn injury

ObjectivesExercise training during the acute phase of burns is difficult to implement but offers potential benefits. This multicenter trial explored the effects of an exercise program on muscular changes and quality of life during burn center stay. MethodsFifty-seven adults with burns ranging between 10% and 70% TBSA were allocated to receive either standard of care (n = 29), or additionally exercise (n = 28), consisting of resistance and aerobic training, commenced as early as possible according to safety criteria. Muscle wasting (primary outcome), quantified by ultrasound-derived quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT) and rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RF-CSA), muscle strength and quality of life (Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B) and EQ-5D-5L) were assessed at baseline, four and eight weeks later, or hospital discharge. Mixed models were used to analyze between-group changes over time with covariates of interest added in stepwise forward modeling. ResultsThe addition of exercise training to standard of care induced significant improvements in QMLT, RF-CSA, muscle strength and the BSHS-B subscale hand function (ß-coefficient. 0.055 cm/week of QMLT, p = 0.005). No added benefit was observed for other quality-of-life measures. ConclusionsExercise training, administered during the acute phase of burns, reduced muscle wasting, and improved muscle strength throughout burn center stay.

A geometry model of the porcine stomach featuring mucosa and muscle layer thicknesses

The stomach is a vital organ responsible for food storage, digestion, and transport. Stomach diseases are of great economic and medical importance and require a large number of bariatric surgeries every year. To improve medical interventions, in silico modeling of the gastrointestinal tract has gained popularity in recent years to study stomach functioning. Because of the great structural and nutritional similarity between the porcine and human stomach, the porcine stomach is a suitable surrogate for the development and validation of gastric models. This study presents a realistic 3D geometry model of the porcine stomach based on a photogrammetric reconstruction of a real organ. Layer thicknesses of the stomach wall's mucosa and tunica muscularis were determined by more than 1900 manual measurements at different locations. Layer thickness distributions show mean mucosal and muscle thicknesses of 2.29 ± 0.45 mm and 2.83 ± 0.99 mm, respectively. In general, layer thicknesses increase from fundus (mucosa: 1.82 ± 0.19 mm, muscle layer: 2.59 ± 0.32 mm) to antrum (mucosa: 2.69 ± 0.31 mm, muscle layer: 3.73 ± 1.05 mm). The analysis of stomach asymmetry with respect to an idealized symmetrical stomach model, an approach often used in the literature, revealed volumetric deviations of 45%, 15%, and 92% for the antrum, corpus, and fundus, respectively. The present work also suggests an algorithm for the computation of longitudinal and circumferential directions at local points. These directions are useful for the implementation of material anisotropy. In addition, we present data on the passive pressure-volume relationship of the organ and perform an exemplary finite-element simulation, where we demonstrate the applicability of the model. We encourage others to utilize the geometry model featuring profound asymmetry for future model-based investigations on stomach functioning.

Ultrasonographic assessment of muscle layer thickness and its relation to patient outcome in a medical intensive care unit

Low skeletal muscle mass in ICU patients is associated with poor clinical outcome. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive method that can measure muscle thickness at the bedside. We aimed at studying the relation of the ultrasonography measured muscle layer thickness (MLT) at time of ICU admission with the patients' outcome namely mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and ICU length of stay (LOS). In addition to define the best cut-off values that can predict mortality in medical ICU patients. this observational prospective study was conducted on 454 adult critically ill patients admitted to the medical ICU of a university hospital. At the time of admission, MLT of the anterior mid-arm and lower 1/3 thigh were assessed using ultrasonography with and without transducer compression. The clinical scores for assessment of disease severity; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score (APACHE-II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA) in addition to nutrition risk; modified Nutrition Risk in Critically ill score (mNUTRIC) were estimated for all patients. ICU LOS, duration on MV and mortality were reported. The mean age of our patients was 51 years±19. The ICU mortality rate was 36.56%. The baseline MLT was negatively associated with APACHE-II, SOFA and NUTRIC scores but not with duration of MV or ICU-LOS. The non-survivors had lower values of baseline MLT. A cut-off value of 0.895cm (AUC: 0.649, 95% CI of 0.595-0.703) using the mid-arms as a reference point with maximum probe compression showed the highest sensitivity (90%) to predict mortality compared to other techniques however with low specificity (22%). the baseline ultrasonography measured mid-arm MLT is a sensitive risk assessment tool that can reflect disease severity and predict ICU mortality.

Effect of dietary phenylalanine on growth performance and intestinal health of triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in low fishmeal diets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of phenylalanine on the growth, digestive capacity, antioxidant capability, and intestinal health of triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a low fish meal diet (15%). Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with different dietary phenylalanine levels (1.82, 2.03, 2.29, 2.64, and 3.01%) were fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish (initial mean body weight of 36.76 ± 3.13 g). The weight gain rate and specific growth rate were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the 3.01% group. The trypsin activity in the 2.03% group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Amylase activity peaked in the 2.64% treatment group. Serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lysozyme had the highest values in the 2.03% treatment group. Liver superoxide dismutase and catalase reached their maximum values in the 2.03% treatment group, and lysozyme had the highest value in the 2.29% treatment group. Malondialdehyde levels in both the liver and serum were at their lowest in the 2.29% treatment group. Interleukin factors IL-1β and IL-6 both reached a minimum in the 2.03% group and were significantly lower than in the control group, while IL-10 reached a maximum in the 2.03% group (p < 0.05). The tight junction protein-related genes occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1 all attained their highest levels in the 2.03% treatment group and were significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The intestinal villi length and muscle layer thickness were also improved in the 2.03% group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary phenylalanine effectively improved the growth, digestion, absorption capacity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of O. mykiss. Using a quadratic curve model analysis based on WGR, the dietary phenylalanine requirement of triploid O. mykiss fed a low fish meal diet (15%) was 2.13%.

Cutaneous Exposure to Arsenicals Is Associated with Development of Constrictive Bronchiolitis in Mice.

Organoarsenicals, such as lewisite and related chloroarsine, diphenylchloroarsine (DPCA), are chemical warfare agents developed during World War I. Stockpiles in Eastern Europe remain a threat to humans. The well-documented effects of cutaneous exposure to these organoarsenicals include skin blisters, painful burns, and life-threatening conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. In survivors, long-term effects such as the development of respiratory ailments are reported for the organoarsenical sulfur mustard; however, no long-term pulmonary effects are documented for lewisite and DPCA. No animal models exist to explore the relationship between skin exposure to vesicants and constrictive bronchiolitis. We developed and characterized a mouse model to study the long-term effects of cutaneous exposure on the lungs after exposure to a sublethal dose of organoarsenicals. We exposed mice to lewisite, DPCA, or a less toxic surrogate organoarsenic chemical, phenyl arsine oxide, on the skin. The surviving mice were followed for 20 weeks after skin exposure to arsenicals. Lung microcomputed tomography, lung function, and histology demonstrated increased airway resistance, increased thickness of the smooth muscle layer, increased collagen deposition in the subepithelium, and peribronchial lymphocyte infiltration in mice exposed to arsenical on skin.

Effects of bile acids supplemented into low fishmeal diet on growth, molting, and intestinal health of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of fishmeal with soybean and cottonseed protein concentrates and dietary supplementation of bile acids on the growth performance, immunity, molting, and intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei. Six diets were formulated: high fishmeal diet (HFM, 25% fishmeal), low fishmeal diet (LFM, 10% fishmeal), LBA1 (LFM + 0.15 g kg−1 bile acids), LBA2 (LFM + 0.3 g kg−1 bile acids), LBA3 (LFM + 0.6 g kg−1 bile acids), and LBA4 (LFM + 0.9 g kg−1 bile acids). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 40 shrimp (initial mean weight: 0.25 ± 0.00 g) per tank. After 50 d of the feeding trial, the final body weight significantly increased in shrimp fed the LBA4 diet compares to those fed the LFM diet (p < 0.05). Shrimp in the LBA1 group showed significantly increased imd, crustin, and myd88 expressions than those in the HFM group (p < 0.05). The shrimp fed the LBA2 diet had significantly increased expression of pen, imd, crustin, myd88, and alf compared to those fed the HFM diet, while in the LBA3 group, only crustin expression increased compared to the HFM group (p < 0.05). Moreover, bile acids could enhance the molting-related gene expression in the intestine and hepatopancreas. In the intestine, shrimp in the LBA3 group presented significantly upregulated nuclear hormone receptor E75-like (e75) and ecdysone receptor-like (ecr) expression than those in the HFM group, while in the LBA4 group, only ecr expression increased (p < 0.05). In the hepatopancreas, shrimp fed the LBA2 and LBA4 diets had significantly enhanced the ecr and chitinase (chi2) expression than those fed the LFM diet (p < 0.05). Additionally the chi2 expression was significantly higher in the LBA3 group than in the LFM group (p < 0.05). Low fishmeal diets significantly reduced the intestinal fold height, fold width, and thickness of circular muscle layers in shrimp (p < 0.05), whereas bile acid supplementation could avoid this intestinal damage. Dietary supplementation of bile acids increased the diversity and the richness of the intestinal flora: The abundance of Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia significantly increased in shrimp fed the LBA1 and LBA3 diets compared to those fed the LFM diet (p < 0.05). Bile acid supplementation reduced the relative intestinal abundance of Pseudoalteromonas and Haloferula compare with HFM group (p < 0.05). In summary, bile acid supplementation upregulated the expression of immune and molting-related genes, improved intestine health, and enhanced the growth performance of shrimp fed a low fishmeal diet.

Value and influencing factors of preoperative MRI evaluation for previous cesarean scar defect associated abnormal uterine bleeding in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

As the cesarean section rate increases year by year, the treatment of previous cesarean scar defects (PCSD) poses a significant challenge. This study aims to evaluate the clinical value of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and analyze relevant influencing factors for patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) associated with cesarean scar defects who underwent laparoscopic surgery. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for PCSD-related AUB at the Department of Gynecology, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from 2018 to 2022. A total of 57 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of AUB associated with PCSD were divided into 2 groups based on their postoperative clinical cure status: The clinically-cured group (n=28, 49.1%) and the non-clinically-cured group (n=29, 50.9%). After a postoperative follow-up period of 3 months for all participants, logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the clinical cure rate of AUB associated with cesarean scar defects treated by laparoscopic surgery and various factors. These factors included patient age, clinical symptoms, obstetric history, history of cesarean section, basic clinical information, preoperative MRI parameters, and postoperative menstrual conditions. There were no significant differences in many aspects, including the patient's age at the time of previous cesarean section, number of pregnancy, time since the previous cesarean section, the uterus position assessed by preoperative T2 signal MRI, defect length, defect width, residual muscle layer thickness, adjacent uterine muscle layer thickness, and distance from the defect to the external cervical os between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). However, the time of onset of AUB symptoms (P=0.036, OR=1.019, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.038) and the depth of the defect on the preoperative MRI (P=0.010, OR=5.793, 95% CI 1.635 to 25.210) were identified as risk factors affecting the clinical cure rate. The time of onset of AUB symptoms and the depth of the defect on preoperative MRI are risk factors that influence the clinical cure rate of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of AUB associated with PCSD, which could be helpful for evaluating the prognosis of disease.

The interactive effect of insoluble-fibre inclusion and feed form on the performance, tibia bone quality, and gastrointestinal histomorphology of Hy-Line W-36 laying pullets

Context Adding fibre to the diet is one of the factors that help the growth and development of the digestive system of pullets during the rearing period. Insoluble-fibre inclusion enhances the grinding competence and functionality of gizzards and increases the retention time of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of insoluble fibre and the physical form of feed. Methods The interactive effect of two levels of sunflower hull (SH, 0 and 40 g/kg) and two feed forms (mash and pellet) on the growth of Hy-Line-W36 laying pullets from hatching until 8 weeks of age was investigated. For this purpose, 640 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to 64 cages. Key results Insoluble fibre had no effect on performance. Birds offered pelleted feed had a higher overall daily weight gain and daily feed intake than did those fed mash feed. A significant interaction between SH inclusion and feed form was observed for daily feed intake from 0 to 2 weeks. The pullets fed with mash feed without SH had a heavier weight of the gizzard than did the others. Feeding pelleted diets reduced caecum weight and the length of jejunum and ileum. Fibre inclusion resulted in a lower crypt depth in the jejunum. The jejunal villus height and muscle-layer thickness were higher in pellet-fed pullets. Feeding pelleted diets increased the tibia length and tibiotarsal index. The lowest propionate content of caecum was recorded in pellet-fed pullets without SH. Conclusions Overall, the inclusion of SH in diets had no significant effect on performance but improved the morphology of the intestine. Feeding pelleted diets improved the growth performance and intestinal morphology of pullets. Implications Compared to mash diets, feeding pelleted diets improved the performance. Adding fiber to the diet improves intestinal structure, which helps improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. Also, feed pelleting technology improves the effective parameters of the gastrointestinal tract in laying pullets. Also, the use of pelleted feed compared to mesh is associated with improved economic efficiency.

Pengaruh Ekstrak Etanol Daun Inggu (Ruta angustifolia) terhadap Tebal Otot Polos Tuba Fallopi Tikus Strain Wistar Betina

The highest drop out of hormonal contraceptive users caused by side effects is the background for research on the use of herbal plants as antifertility substitutes for hormonal contraceptive which have minimal effects. Inggu leaves (Ruta angsutifolia) contain compounds that are interfering hormonal work such as saponins, tannins, chalepins and chalepensins, so it can be antifertitlity. To determine ethanol extract of inggu leaves effect on reducing the thickness of the smooth muscle of fallopian tube in female rats. The study used randomized post-test only controlled group was conducted using experimental animals (Wistar strain rats) divided into 4 groups with different doses (0; 0.4; 0.8; and 1.2 g/kg BW ) in February until April 2022. Measurement of the fallopian tube smooth muscle layer thickness using an Olympus CX23 microscope and ImageJ application.: Rat fallopian tube smooth muscle thickness was reduced along the dose of inggu leaf ethanol extract increased that statistically significant (p = 0.046). Ethanol extract of inggu leaves can reduce the fallopian tube smooth muscle thickness with an optimal dose of 1.2 g/kg BW.

Dietary sulfate-based alginate polysaccharide supplementation boosts growth, gut health, immune response and disease resistance in juvenile hybrid grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ E. lanceolatus) fed cottonseed protein concentrate-based diets

To study the dietary prebiotic role of Sulfate-Based alginate polysaccharide (SAP) in cottonseed protein concentrate-based diets, six iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipid feeds were prepared to feed grouper, including a fishmeal control group (FM) was set at 50% fishmeal level, on this basis 5 groups replacing 50% fishmeal protein with cottonseed protein concentrate and supplementing sulfate-based alginate polysaccharide 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% (SAP0, SAP1, SAP2, SAP3 and SAP4 groups). The healthy and vigorous grouper (initial weight = 8.63 ± 0.01 g) were selected and randomly divided into 6 treatment groups in triplicates (30 fish in each repetition). The feeding experiment was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a one-week Vibrio harveyi challenge. The experimental results showed that the weight gain and specific growth rate reached the significant maximums in SAP2 and SAP3 groups (P < 0.05). The malondialdehyde and triglyceride levels in serum decreased, while the antioxidant indicators and non-specific immune enzymes activity (lysozyme, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase) in serum and intestinal tissue got increased (P < 0.05). The intestinal digestive enzymes activity and histomorphology indices (plica height, plica width and muscle layer thickness) were increased (P < 0.05). Microbial sequencing revealed that the ACE and Chao1 indices increase firstly and then decreased, while the Shannon and Simpson indices showed a decreasing trend (P < 0.05). The expression level of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) was down-regulated, yet the expression of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) was up-regulated in intestinal tissue (P < 0.05). The cumulative mortality of Vibrio harveyi challenge was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In one word, the adverse effects on growth, immunity and intestinal health of grouper feeding cottonseed protein concentrate-based diets were repaired by the supplementing sulfate-based alginate polysaccharide. According to the binary regression analysis of specific growth rate among SAPs treatments, the optimum level of supplementing sulfate-based alginate polysaccharide of grouper was 2.25%.

Rumen Epithelial Development- and Metabolism-Related Genes Regulate Their Micromorphology and VFAs Mediating Plateau Adaptability at Different Ages in Tibetan Sheep.

The rumen is an important hallmark organ of ruminants and plays an important role in the metabolism and immune barrier of Tibetan sheep on the Plateau. However, there are few studies on rumen development and metabolism regulation in Tibetan sheep at different ages. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the immune function, fermentation function, rumen epithelial micromorphology and transcriptome profile of Tibetan sheep at different ages. The results showed that the concentration of IgG decreased and the concentration of IgM increased with age (p < 0.05), and the highest concentration of IgA was observed at 1.5 and 3.5 years of age. In terms of rumen fermentation characteristics, VFAs of 4-month-old lambs were the highest, followed by VFAs and NH3-N of Tibetan sheep at 3.5 years of age. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy section examination of rumen epithelial tissue showed that the rumen papilla width increased with age (p < 0.001), the thickness of the stratum corneum decreased, the cells in the stratum corneum showed accelerated migration and the thickness of the rumen muscle layer increased (p < 0.001). Desmosomal junctions between the layers of rumen epithelium increased at 1.5 and 3.5 years old, forming a compact barrier structure, and the basal layer had more mitochondria involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. RNA-seq analysis revealed that a total of 1006 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at four ages. The DEGs of Tibetan sheep aged 4 months and 6 years were mainly enriched in the oxidation−reduction process and ISG15-protein conjugation pathway. The 1.5 and 3.5-year-olds were mainly enriched in skeletal muscle thin filament assembly, mesenchyme migration and the tight junction pathway. WGCNA showed that DEGs related to rumen microbiota metabolite VFAs and epithelial morphology were enriched in “Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, PPAR signaling pathway, Butanoate metabolism pathways” and participated in the regulation of rumen epithelial immune and fermentation metabolism functions of Tibetan sheep at different ages. This study systematically revealed the regulatory mechanism of rumen epithelial development and metabolism in the plateau adaptation of Tibetan sheep, providing a new approach for the study of plateau adaptation.

Changes in muscular wall of artificial bladder in experiment

Objective. To estimate morphometric changes of the artificial bladder muscular wall, which was formatted of terminal ileum, in experiment in early and late postoperative periods.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The investigation was conducted in the chronic experiment conditions on 22 mini-pigs, ageing from 16 to 19 mo. After performance of cystectomy to the animals the artificial bladder was formatted, using terminal ileum. In 3, 6 and 12 mo after the artificial bladder formation the animals were removed from the experiment.&#x0D; Results. Studying of thickness of longitudinal and circular muscular layers of artificial bladder in mini-pigs in 2 mo have shown its statistically meaningful enhancement, comparing with control value in 2,14 - (643.7 ± 53.1) mcm and 3.36 - (1358.11 ± 86.60) mcm times, accordingly, and the common muscular layer thickness have enhanced in 2.84 times – (2001.81 ± 143.40) mcm, caused by its hypertrophy. In 6 mo more intense processes of muscular wall hypertrophy were seen in artificial bladder of experimental animals: the longitudinal muscular layer thickness have had statistically significantly enhanced in 3.61 times, while of a circular one – in 5.42 times, and of a common - in 4.65 times. In 12 mo after ileocystoplasty in muscular wall of artificial bladder a statistically significant enhancement of longitudinal layer thickness was noted, comparing with according index of intact animals in 5.52 times, while a circular one – in 5.58, and a common – in 5.13 times.&#x0D; Conclusion. The main processes of the artificial bladder muscular wall hypertrophy occur during first 6 mo after its formation, especially intensively in period from 3 to 6 mo. In consequent six-month period a statistically significant enhancement of the longitudinal muscle layer thickness of artificial bladder in 0.91 times was noted, comparing with according index in previous 6 mo and the indices of the longitudinal and circular muscle layers thickness, which did not differ statistically with according results of experimental investigations in previous 6 mo. The urine reservoir, formatted of the ileum part, was not accustomed for performance of new functions, because in its wall evolution and transformation occurs in a version of hypertrophy in longitudinal and circular layers as a result of the intestinal tube denervation and the urine impact.

Clostridium autoethanogenum protein substitution and bile acids addition altered intestinal health and transcriptome profiles of hepatopancreas in Litopenaeus vannamei

Dietary Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) has the potential to replace fishmeal (FM), but excessive CAP substitutions will affect gut health. Bile acids (BAs) have multiple benefits, but little information is available on the effects of BAs on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed a CAP diet (CAP replacing FM). An 8-week feeding trial were used to investigate the impacts of CAP substitution and BAs addition on structural changes of intestine, apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine and NFκB pathway of intestine, and transcriptomic profiles of hepatopancreas in Pacific white shrimp. Compared to PC (control) treatment, the NC (CAP50, CAP replacing 50% FM) treatment significantly decreased the fold height (FH) and villus length (VL) of midgut, and impaired the mitochondrial cristae. Compared to NC group, the FH was increased in BA1 (CAP50 with 0.03% BAs) and BA2 (CAP50 with 0.06% BAs) groups, the muscle layer thickness (MT) was decreased in BA2 and BA3 (CAP50 with 0.09% BAs) groups, the VL was increased in BA1 group, and the mitochondrial cristae was normal and well-defined in BA1 and BA2 groups (all p < 0.05). The NC increased the genes expression of apoptosis and NFκB signalling pathway, while the BA2 decreased the genes expression of apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine and NFκB signalling pathway. In transcriptomics analysis, a total of 171 differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified in NC group and 50 DEGs in BA2 group. There was 13 DEGs was observed both in NC and BA2 groups. The 5 KEGG pathways were statistically enriched in all treatments, including “Carbon metabolism”, “One carbon pool by folate”, “Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism”, “Amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism”, and “PPAR signaling pathway”. In conclusion, CAP50 substitution impaired the intestinal health and 0.06% BAs addition improved it, both treatments altered the transcriptomics profiles of hepatopancreas in Pacific white shrimp.

Effect of Schizochytrium limacinum supplementation to a low fish-meal diet on growth performance, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, autophagy and intestinal histology of Litopenaeus vannamei

In this experiment, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the addition of Schizochytrium limacinum to low fish meal diets on growth performance, apoptosis, autophagy, lipid metabolism, and intestinal health of Lipenaeus vanamei. The diet containing 25% fish meal was used as a positive control (FM) and the other three diets contained 15% fish meal and were supplemented with 0, 0.3, and 0.6% S. Limacinum (LF, LFLD, LFHD). The shrimp (0.22 ± 0.00 g) were divided into four replicates of 40 shrimp per tank and fed four times daily to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. Results showed that the final weight (FBW) and weight gain rate (WGR) of shrimp fed FM and LFHD diets were significantly increased compared to those fed the LFLD diet (P&amp;lt;0.05), and there was no significant difference in survival rate (SR) and feed conversion rate (FCR) among the groups (P&amp;gt;0.05). Supplementation of S. Limacinum in low fish meal diets had no effects on shrimp body composition (P&amp;lt;0.05). There were significant differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) in low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) in the hemolymph of shrimp fed the LF diet compared to those fed the LFLD and LFHD diets. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that the microvilli height, mucosal folds height, mucosal folds width and muscle layer thickness in the intestine of shrimp fed the LF diet were significantly reduced compared to those fed the other three diets (P&amp;lt;0.05). Swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum and irregular mitochondria in the gut of shrimp fed the LF diet was also observed by TEM, and the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria of shrimp fed the LFHD diet returned to a healthy state. Hepatopancreas genes expression results were showed that the gene expression of 5′ -AMP-activated protein kinase (ampk), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (scd1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (acc1), and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (mcd) of shrimp fed the LF diet was significantly increased compared to those fed the FM diet (P&amp;lt;0.05). The gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (srbep) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (cpt-1) of shrimp fed the LFLD diet was significantly increased compared to those fed the LF diet (P&amp;lt;0.05). The gene expression of acc1, mcd and scd1 of shrimp fed the LFHD diet was significantly reduced compared to those fed the LF diet (P&amp;lt;0.05). Results of genes expression associated with apoptosis in the hepatopancreas showed that the gene expression of B lymphocytoma-2 (bcl-2), BCL2 associated X apoptosis regulator (bax) and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 8 (caspase 8) of shrimp fed the LF diet was significantly reduced compared to those fed the FM diet (P&amp;lt;0.05). The gene expression of bcl-2 of shrimp fed the LFHD diet was significantly reduced compared to those fed the LF diet (P&amp;lt;0.05). Genes related to autophagy in the hepatopancreas showed that the expression of autophagy-related protein 12 (atg 12), autophagy-related protein 13 (atg 13) and beclin1 of shrimp fed LF the diet was significantly reduced compared to those fed the FM diet (P&amp;lt;0.05). The gene expression of atg 12 and atg 13 of shrimp fed the LFHD diet was significantly increased compared to those fed the LF diet (P&amp;lt;0.05). In summary, reducing fish meal is detrimental to the growth performance and intestinal health of shrimp, and 0.6% S. Limacinum supplementation can improve the growth performance, promotes hepatopancreas lipid metabolism, reduces apoptosis, promotes autophagy and improve intestinal health of Litopenaeus vannamei.

Underlying beneficial effects of Rhubarb on constipation-induced inflammation, disorder of gut microbiome and metabolism.

Background: Constipation is a common syndrome and a worldwide healthy problem. Constipation patients are becoming younger, with a 29.6% overall prevalence in children, which has captured significant attention because of its epigenetic rejuvenation and recurrent episodes. Despite the usage of rhubarb extract to relieve constipation, novel targets and genes implicated in target-relevant pathways with remarkable functionalities should still be sought for. Materials and methods: We established a reliable constipation model in C57B/6N male mice using intragastric administration diphenoxylate, and the eligible subjects received 600mg/25g rhubarb extract to alleviate constipation. Resultant constipation was morphological and genetically compared with the specimen from different groups. Results: Constipation mice exhibited thicker muscle layers, higher levels of cytokines, including IL-17 and IL-23, and lower content of IL-22. Bacterial abundance and diversity varied tremendously. Notably, the alterations were reversed following rhubarb extract treatment. Additionally, Constipation also had a substantial impact on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), medium- and long-chain fatty acids (MLCFAs), and the expression of SCFA receptors, GPR41 and GPR43. Conclusion: This thesis has provided insight that rhubarb extract promoted the flexibility of collagen fiber, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines, and maintained gut microflora balance with potential impacts on the fatty acid and polyamine metabolism.