ZnSO4 Groups Research Articles

Effect of Organic, Nano, and Inorganic Zinc Sources on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Function, and Intestinal Health of Young Broilers.

The study aimed to determine the effects of different zinc sources on growth performance, antioxidant function, and intestinal health of broilers. In total, 240 Ross 308 male broilers with similar weight were randomly assigned to 4 treatments, including zinc sulfate, methionine zinc (Zn-Met), glycine zinc (Zn-Gly), and nano-zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), with 80mg zinc/kg diet supplementation. The experiment lasted for 21days. Results showed dietary supplemental Zn-Gly and Zn-Met increased average daily gain during 1-14days (P = 0.011), and Zn-Gly, Zn-Met, and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased the ratio of feed to gain during 1-21days (P = 0.003) compared to zinc sulfate. ZnO-NPs supplementation tended to increase total SOD activity (P = 0.068) and had higher serum IgA content and lower MDA level than the other three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with zinc sulfate, Zn-Met and ZnO-NP supplementation decreased TNF-α mRNA expression (P = 0.048). However, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction proteins were not affected by different zinc sources (P > 0.05). A differential trend was observed in the beta diversity of bacterial communities among four groups (P = 0.082). The LEfSe analysis showed that bacterial genera Blautia, Ruminococcaceae, Clostridia, Anaerostipes, Eubacterium_ventriosum, Merdibacter, and Oscillospira were enriched in the ZnSO4 group, and the genera Eubacterium_hallii and Anaerotruncus were enriched in the Zn-Gly group. The genera UCG-009 and UCG010 were enriched in ZnO-NPs and Zn-Met groups, respectively. It should be stated dietary supplemental Zn-Met improved growth performance, ZnO-NPs promoted IgA production and reduced occurrences of oxidative stress and inflammation, and different zinc sources enriched different jejunal bacteria genera.

Comparison between Organic and Inorganic Zinc Forms and Their Combinations with Various Dietary Fibers in Respect of the Effects on Electrolyte Concentrations and Mucosa in the Large Intestine of Pigs

This study aimed to determine the effects of Zn sources, used with potato fiber (PF) or lignocellulose (LC), on electrolyte concentration and the mucus layer in the large intestine of pigs. The experiment involved 24 barrows with an initial body weight of 10.8 ± 0.82 kg, divided into four groups fed the following diets: LC and ZnSO4, LC and Zn glycinate (ZnGly), PF and ZnSO4, or PF and ZnGly. Fiber supplements provided 10 g crude fiber/kg diet, while Zn additives introduced 120 mg Zn/kg diet. After four weeks of feeding, the pigs were sacrificed and digesta and tissue samples were taken from the cecum and colon. PF increased the water content and decreased the phosphorus concentration in the large intestine in comparison with LC. PF also increased calcium, iron, and chloride concentrations in the descending colon. Mucus layer thickness and histological parameters of the large intestine were not affected. ZnGly diets increased MUC12 expression in the cecum as compared to the LC-ZnSO4 group. In the ascending colon, the PF-ZnGly diet increased MUC5AC expression, while both PF groups had greater MUC20 expression in comparison with the LC-ZnSO4 group. In the transverse colon, the LC-ZnGly group and both PF groups had higher MUC5AC expression in comparison with the LC-ZnSO4 group, and both ZnGly groups had higher MUC20 expression than ZnSO4 groups. PF and ZnGly increased MUC4 and MUC5AC expression in the descending colon. PF and ZnGly may exert a beneficial effect on colon health in pigs by upregulating the expression of the MUC5AC and MUC20 genes and are more effective than LC and ZnSO4.

Replacing ZnSO4 with Zn-glycine in the diet of goat promotes the pancreatic function of the offspring.

Zinc supplementation in the diet of goats affects pancreas development in offspring. However, the impact of maternal inorganic and organic zinc supplementation in offspring is poorly defined. In this study, 14 late-pregnant goats were assigned at random to the zinc sulfate group (ZnSO4, n=7) and the zinc-glycine chelate group (Zn-Gly, n=7), respectively. Serum samples and pancreas tissue were collected from kids whose mothers were fed ZnSO4 and Zn-Gly at the late pregnancy, respectively. Histologic examination showed no morphologic differences between the 2 groups. Pancreatic zinc content in kids tended to be increased when replacing ZnSO4 with Zn-Gly. The serum insulin concentration was greater and glucagon less in the Zn-Gly group when compared to the ZnSO4 group. The activities of lipase and chymotrypsin were enhanced when replacing ZnSO4 with Zn-Gly. Proteomics results showed that 234 proteins were differentially expressed between the 2 groups, some of which were associated with the secretion of insulin, enzyme activity and signal transduction. The results suggested that supply of dietary Zn-Gly to goats during late pregnancy promoted pancreatic function in offspring compared with dietary ZnSO4 supplementation. This provides new information about pancreatic function when supplementing different zinc sources in the diets of late pregnant goats.

Organic zinc glycine chelate is better than inorganic zinc in improving growth performance of cherry valley ducks by regulating intestinal morphology, barrier function, and the gut microbiome.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that has physiological and nutritional functions. However, excessive use of Zn can lead to waste of resources. In this study, we compared the effects of inorganic (ZnSO4) and organic Zn glycine chelate (Zn-Gly) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune function, barrier integrity, and gut microbiome of Cherry Valley ducks. We randomly divided 180 one-day-old male meat ducks into three groups, each with six replicates of 10 birds: basal diet group (CON), basal diet with 70 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO4 (ZnSO4 group), and basal diet with 70 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly (Zn-Gly group). After 14 and 35 d of feeding, birds in the Zn groups had significantly increased body weight and average daily gain (ADG), decreased intestinal permeability indicator d-lactate, improved intestinal morphology and barrier function-related tight junction protein levels, and upregulated mucin 2 and secretory immunoglobulin A levels compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the ZnSO4 group, we found that supplementation with Zn-Gly at 70 mg/kg Zn resulted in the significant increase of body weight at 35 d, 1 to 35 d ADG and average daily feed intake, villus height at 14 and 35 d, secretory immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G at 14 d, and mucin 2 mRNA level at 14 d (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, dietary Zn had a significant effect on the gene expression of metallothionein at 14 and 35 d (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Zn significantly increased alpha diversity (P < 0.05), whereas no differences in beta diversity were observed among groups (P > 0.05). Dietary Zn significantly altered the cecal microbiota composition by increasing the abundances of Firmicutes, Blautia, Lactobacillus, Prevotellaceae NK3B31, and [Ruminococcus] torques group and reducing that of Bacteroides (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the changes in microbiota were highly correlated (P < 0.05) with growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune function-related parameters. Taken together, our data show that, under the condition of adding 70 mg/kg Zn, supplementation with Zn-Gly promoted growth performance by regulating intestinal morphology, immune function, barrier integrity, and gut microbiota of Cherry Valley ducks compared with the use of ZnSO4 in feed.

Mechanisms Underlying the Protective Effect of Maternal Zinc (ZnSO4 or Zn-Gly) against Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress in Chicken Embryo.

Environmental factors such as high temperature can cause oxidative stress and negatively affect the physiological status and meat quality of broiler chickens. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary maternal Zn-Gly or ZnSO4 supplementation on embryo mortality, hepatocellular mitochondrial morphology, liver antioxidant capacity and the expression of related genes involved in liver oxidative mechanisms in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 300 36-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly divided into three treatments: (1) control (basal diet, 24 mg zinc/kg); (2) inorganic ZnSO4 group (basal diet +80 mg ZnSO4/kg); (3) organic Zn-Gly group (basal diet +80 mg Zn-Gly/kg). The results show that maternal zinc alleviated heat stress-induced chicken embryo hepatocytes’ oxidative stress by decreasing the content of ROS, MDA, PC, 8-OHdG, and levels of HSP70, while enhancing T-SOD, T-AOC, CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px, CTA activities and the content of MT. Maternal zinc alleviated oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage in chick embryo hepatocytes by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and UCP gene expression; and Caspase-3-mediated apoptosis was alleviated by increasing CuZn-SOD and MT gene expression and decreasing Bax gene expression and reducing the activity of caspase 3. Furthermore, maternal zinc treatment significantly increased Nrf2 gene expression. The results above suggest that maternal zinc can activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway in developing chick embryos, enhance its antioxidant function and reduce the apoptosis-effecting enzyme caspase-3 activities, thereby slowing oxidative stress injury and tissue cell apoptosis.

Effects of Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analog Chelate on Laying Performance, Serum Hormone Levels, and Expression of Reproductive Axis Related Genes in Aged Broiler Breeders.

Inorganic zinc (Zn) supplements are commonly used in poultry feeds, but their low utilization results in the increase of Zn excretion. Thus, to provide a new perspective for the substitution of inorganic Zn, a novel Zn methionine hydroxy analog chelate (Zn-MHA) was studied in the present study to evaluate its effects on laying performance, serum hormone indexes and reproductive axis-related genes in broilers breeders. A total of 480 Hubbard breeders (56-week-old) were fed a basal diet (containing 27.81 mg Zn/kg) without Zn addition for 2 weeks, and then allocated to 4 groups with 6 replicates (each replicate consisting of 10 cages and 2 breeders per cage) for 10 weeks. Four treatment diets given to broiler breeders included the basal diet added with 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg of Zn-MHA and 100 mg/kg of Zn sulfate (ZnSO4). The laying rate, egg weight and feed conversation ratio increased in the 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA group compared to the ZnSO4 group. The eggshell thickness was not decreased with the addition of 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA in the diet compared to the 100 mg/kg ZnSO4 group. There was a significant improvement in the reproductive performance of breeders in the 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA group, including the fertility and 1-day-old offspring weight. Besides, serum sex hormone levels including FSH and P4 increased significantly in 75 mg/kg Zn-MHA group. No significant effect on the ovarian weight or the number of follicles in broiler breeders was observed by supplementing Zn-MHA. Compared to the 100 mg/kg ZnSO4 group, dietary supplementation with 75 mg/kg of Zn-MHA showed an up-regulation of the FSHR mRNA in the granular layer of follicles. However, dietary supplementation of Zn-MHA had no effects on mRNA expressions of the ovarian LHR and PRLR genes. These findings reinforce the suggestion that Zn-MHA (75 mg/kg) could replace ZnSO4 (100 mg/kg) as a Zn supplement in diet of broiler breeders, which resulted in better laying and reproduction performances by regulating the expression levels of reproductive axis related genes and serum hormone levels.

Comparison of the Effects of Inorganic or Amino Acid-Chelated Zinc on Mouse Myoblast Growth in vitro and Growth Performance and Carcass Traits in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the supplementation of different sources of zinc on mouse myoblast growth in vitro and the growth performance and carcass traits in growing-finishing pigs. In the in vitro trial, 25 or 75 mM zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), methionine-chelated zinc (ZnMet), and glycine-chelated zinc (ZnGly) were co-cultured with the myoblast during proliferation and differentiation. The results showed that the amino acid-chelated zinc supplementation, especially ZnMet, enhances cell proliferation and differentiation in mouse myoblast, and regulates the distribution in S and G2/M phases (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the protein expression levels of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathways were up-regulated after treatment with 25 μM ZnMet (P < 0.05), which is consistent with the results of the enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway in the transcriptome analysis. In the in vivo trial, 27 Duroc × (Landrace × Large White) pigs with an initial average weight of 31.62 ± 0.36 kg were divided into three groups with nine replicates per treatment. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: (1) ZnSO4 group, basal diet +75 mg/kg ZnSO4; (2) ZnMet group, basal diet +75 mg/kg ZnMet; and (3) ZnGly group, basal diet +75 mg/kg ZnGly. The whole trial lasted for 75 days. Increased final body weight, average daily gain, and decreased F/G were noted in the ZnMet group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the ZnMet group had higher carcass weight and loin eye area (P = 0.05). The ZnMet and ZnGly group both had lower serum total protein (P < 0.05), while the ZnMet group had higher serum alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05). Also, the addition of ZnMet showed higher concentrations of zinc and iron in muscle, kidney, and serum (P < 0.05), improving the deposition and availability of micronutrients. In conclusion, amino acid-chelated zinc, particularly ZnMet, had the best effect, which could improve growth in vitro and increase growth performance while boosting bioavailability in growing-finishing pigs, ultimately, enhancing muscle mass, providing a theoretical basis and guidance for the future use of amino acid-chelated zinc to effectively replenish energy in animal nutrition and production.

Effects of Zinc Glycinate on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indexes, and Intestinal Morphology of Yellow Feather Broilers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Gly-Zn) on growth performance, serum biochemical index, intestinal morphology, and hepatic metallothionein (MT) mRNA expression in the liver of yellow feather broilers. A total of 540 18-day-old yellow feather broilers were randomly divided into three groups: control group (basal diet), ZnSO4 group (basal diet plus 60 mg Zn/kg from ZnSO4), and Gly-Zn group (basal diet plus 60 mg Zn/kg from zinc glycinate). Each treatment group had 6 replicates with 30 birds in each replicate. The experiment lasted for 42 days (18 to 59 days of age). The results showed that Gly-Zn supplementation significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers during 18 to 39 days of age compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05) but not different from the ZnSO4 group. The Gly-Zn group had higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (P < 0.05) and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations than the broilers in the control and ZnSO4 group. It was also observed that zinc content in the tibia of Gly-Zn group broilers was higher than the control and ZnSO4 group (P < 0.05). The results of intestinal morphology parameters showed that the Gly-Zn group significantly increased the villus height in duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05) and decreased crypt depth in duodenum and ileum compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the Gly-Zn group and ZnSO4 group in duodenum and ileum regarding intestinal morphology parameters. The Gly-Zn group significantly increased mRNA expression of MT in the liver than both control and ZnSO4 groups (P < 0.05). Collectively, the results indicated that supplementing 60 mg Zn/kg through zinc glycinate improved growth performance and serum indexes as well as intestinal morphology of yellow feather broilers. It also regulates MT gene expression more effectively than the ZnSO4 group at the transcriptional level.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Growth, Intestinal Barrier, Oxidative Status and Mineral Deposition in 21-Day-Old Broiler Chicks.

This experiment was to study the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on growth, intestinal barrier, oxidative status, and mineral deposition. In total, 256 one-day-old chicks were randomly allotted to 4 dietary groups and fed with basal diet plus 80mg/kg ZnSO4 (ZnSO4 group) or plus 40, 80, and 160mg/kg ZnO-NPs, respectively, for 21days. Compared with the ZnSO4 group, dietary 40, 80, and 160mg/kg ZnO-NPs did not alter growth (average daily gain, body weight, and gain to feed ratio), and serum activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (P > 0.05). However, dietary 80 and 160mg/kg ZnO-NPs linearly decreased serum D-lactate content and diamine oxidase activity (P < 0.01). Moreover, 80mg/kg ZnO-NPs enhanced zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) mRNA expression in jejunal mucosa (P = 0.02). Dietary ZnO-NPs increased total antioxidant capacity activity (P = 0.01), and 80mg/kg ZnO-NPs decreased malondialdehyde content in jejunal mucosa as compared to the ZnSO4 group (P = 0.02). In contrast, dietary ZnO-NPs did not alter mRNA expressions of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, heme oxygennase-1 (HO-1) and NAD (P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) (P > 0.05). No significant difference was found in selected mineral concentrations (Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn) in the liver among ZnSO4 and 3 ZnO-NP groups (P > 0.05). However, 160mg/kg ZnO-NPs increased fecal contents of Zn, Fe and Cu (P < 0.01), but did not affect fecal Mn level (P > 0.05). Therefore, results suggested that ZnO-NPs could be an additive to enhance the intestinal barrier and antioxidant capacity of broiler chicks, whereas the inclusion of 80mg/kg would be more efficient.

Effects of Zinc on Cell Proliferation, Zinc Transport, and Calcium Deposition in Primary Endometrial Epithelial Cells of Laying Hens In Vitro.

For birds, the uterus is an important part for eggshell mineralization, and the establishment of the endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) model was beneficial to the study of uterine function. This study was conducted to establish a culture model of primary EECs of laying hens and explore the effects of zinc on primary EEC proliferation, zinc transport, and calcium deposition in vitro. The EECs were isolated and cultured via type I collagenase digestion, and in the logarithmic phase during 2-5days, and then reached the plateau phase on the 7th day of inoculation. Results showed that the proliferation of EECs treated by 50μM ZnSO4 or zinc-methionine (Zn-Met) were markedly promoted at 24-h or 48-h treating time (P < 0.05). In later experiments, the EECs were divided into three groups, involving a control group (no zinc treated), ZnSO4 group (50μM zinc treated) and a Zn-Met group (50μM zinc treated). Results showed the relative fluorescence intensity of Ca2+ in the Zn-Met group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). As for zinc transporters, it was only observed that mRNA levels of metallothionein (MT) in EECs showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the Zn-Met group and the control. In conclusion, the EECs of laying hens isolated by scraping and digested collagenase I were with better adherent growth. Moreover, Zn-Met can increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration and upregulate expressions of MT mRNA in the EECs of laying hens.

Growth performance, tissue mineralization, antioxidant activity and immune response of oreochromis niloticus fed with conventional and gluconic acid zinc dietary supplements

Zn is one of the essential elements to maintain normal fish metabolic process (including growth, development and reproduction), which have different chemical status in nature including inorganic, organic and nano-sized. In this work, the efficacy of gluconic acid zinc (Glu-Zn), nano zinc oxide (Nano ZnO), zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) on the growth performance, tissue mineral elements deposition, antioxidant activity and immune response of the tilapia fish Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was evaluated. Three experimental diets were prepared by adding different forms of Zn sources (ZnSO4 as a control group) with same Zn concentration (40 mg/kg) and used to feed fish for 60 days. The biological trial results displayed that the growth performance of Nile tilapia has not obviously affected by different Zn form source supplement. However, Glu-Zn and Nano ZnO supplements have significantly stimulated the Zn and Cu absorption deposition efficiency in the fish tissues as compared to ZnSO4 group. Besides, there was a significant increase in Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (35.03 U/mgprot), alkaline phosphatase (79.34 U/mgprot), aspartate aminotransferase (23.42 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (18.45 U/L), glutathione peroxidase (171.24 U/mgprot) and fatty acid synthase (11.55 ng/mL) content in Glu-Zn treatment. Additionally, Glu-Zn supply significantly increased serum lysozyme (9.91 U/mL), immunoglobulin M (0.48 g/L), complement 3 (0.74 g/L) and complement 4 (0.95 g/L) activity of Nile tilapia. Also, compared to ZnSO4 diet, lysozyme (11.44 U/mL) and complement 4 (0.63 g/L) content were obviously higher in fish fed Nano Zn diet. These findings revealed that supplementation with Glu-Zn as a Zn source in feed is better than ZnSO4 for improving tissue mineralization, antioxidant stress, alleviate lipid peroxidation and immunity response of Nile tilapia. Meantime, Nano ZnO also played a positive role in the tissue mineralization and immunity response of Nile tilapia.

Evaluation of zinc-bearing palygorskite effects on the growth, immunity, antioxidant capability, and resistance to transport stress in blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

Zn-bearing palygorskite (Zn-Pal), prepared by the ion-exchange method with zinc (Zn) and palygorskite, has attracted attention due to its potential as an antibacterial agent and Zn source in animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Zn-Pal inclusion on growth, immunity, antioxidant capability, and resistance to transport stress in blunt snout bream (BNB). A total of 600 fish of similar size (average body weight, 27.78 ± 0.30 g) were randomly allotted into four groups and fed a basal diet (control group), basal diet supplemented with 90 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4 or 48 or 90 mg/kg Zn as Zn-Pal. Each diet was tested in five replicates with 30 fish per tank for 60 d. Compared with the control group, Zn-Pal inclusion enhanced the final body weight and feed utilization; increased the blood respiratory burst activity and the activities of plasma alkaline phosphatase, total superoxide dismutase, and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD); decreased the plasma cortisol, lactate and complement 4 (C4) contents; and upregulated the mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, catalase, and Cu/Zn-SOD in the hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn-Pal inclusion enhanced the lysozyme and C4 levels of plasma compared with the ZnSO4 groups (P < 0.05). The inclusion of Zn-Pal in the diet alleviated transportation stress by improving the antioxidant capacity and immunity in BNB. In conclusion, dietary Zn-Pal inclusion increased growth and feed utilization, enhanced immunity and antioxidant capability, and improved resistance to transport stress in BNB. Zn-Pal is better than ZnSO4 as an additive in the diet of BNB.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Different Zinc Sources on Diquat-Induced Oxidant Stress in a Piglet Model.

Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress and diarrhea in postweanling piglets. This study is aimed at comparing the effects of zinc chelate of 2-hydroxy-4 methyl-thio butanoic acid (HMZn) and ZnSO4 on the oxidative stress in weaned piglets. A total of 32 piglets were randomly divided into 4 treatments: CON: basal diet+80 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4; DIQ: basal diet+80 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4; HMZn: basal diet+200 mg/kg Zn as HMZn; and ZnSO4: basal diet+200 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4. On day 15, the DIQ, HMZn, and ZnSO4 groups were injected intraperitoneally with diquat except for the CON group. The trial lasted 21 days. The results showed that zinc sources did not influence the growth performance during the first 14 days. But HMZn increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum (P < 0.05). After diquat injection, the fecal score was decreased in the HMZn group. Both HMZn and ZnSO4 increased the activities of GPX and T-AOC in serum and the relative mRNA expressions of hepatic and renal Nrf2, SOD1, and GPX compared with the DIQ group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the relative mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the small intestine, liver, and kidney was downregulated; the phosphorylation of NF-κB protein was inhibited in the HMZn group compared with the DIQ and ZnSO4 groups (P < 0.05). In general, HMZn showed notable advantage over ZnSO4 in reducing diarrhea and improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ability in piglets challenged with diquat.

Nano-Zn Increased Zn Accumulation and Triglyceride Content by Up-Regulating Lipogenesis in Freshwater Teleost, Yellow Catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco.

The present study was conducted to explore the mechanism of nano-Zn absorption and its influence on lipid metabolism in the intestine of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Compared to ZnSO4, dietary nano-Zn addition increased the triglyceride (TG) content, enzymatic activities of malic enzyme (ME) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), and up-regulated mRNA levels of 6pgd, fas, acca, dgat1, pparγ, and fatp4. Using primary intestinal epithelial cells of yellow catfish, compared to the ZnSO4 group, nano-Zn incubation increased the contents of TG and free fatty acids (FFA), the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6GPD), ME, and FAS, up-regulated mRNA levels of lipogenic genes (6pgd, g6pd, fas, dgat1, and pparγ), genes of lipid transport (fatp4 and ifabp), and Zn transport genes (znt5, znt7, mt, and mtf1), and increased the protein expression of fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Further studies found that nano-Zn absorption was via the clathrin-dependent endocytic mechanism. PPARγ mediated the nano-Zn-induced increase in TG, and nano-Zn increased Zn accumulation and induced TG accumulation by activating the PPARγ pathway and up-regulating lipogenesis.

Protective effects of synbiotic soymilk fortified with whey protein concentrate and zinc sulfate against bile duct ligated-induced hepatic encephalopathy.

This study aimed to compare the effects of synbiotic soymilk fortified with whey protein concentrate and zinc sulfate with lactulose on bile duct ligated-induced HE. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is seriously associated with neuromuscular and cognitive alterations. Eighty-two Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into seven groups (sham, bile duct ligation (BDL), BDL + lactulose, BDL + soymilk (SM), BDL + Synbiotic soymilk (SSM), BDL + SSM + whey protein concentrate (WPC), BDL + SSM + WPC + ZnSO4). Different SM products, lactulose, and normal saline were administered via oral gavage (2 mL/rat/day). The serum and liver markers as well as liver histopathology were assessed after 28 days. The SM products significantly reduced the serum alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and ammonia (P < 0.05). The levels of aspartate aminotransferase, endotoxin, and liver interleukin-6 improved significantly in all treatments, except for those receiving SM. SSM and SSM + WPC + ZnSO4 were the only effective products in reducing serum alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the liver total antioxidant capacity was greater (P<0.05) in the SSM + WPC and SSM + WPC + ZnSO4 groups. The histopathological examinations confirmed the efficiency of all SM products in reducing liver fibrosis. Liver bile duct proliferation diminished only in the SSM + WPC and SSM + WPC+ ZnSO4 groups (P<0.05). This study showed the positive effects of different SM products, especially SSM + WPC and SSM + WPC + ZnSO4, on HE. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.

Effects of zinc methionine supplementation on laying performance, zinc status, intestinal morphology, and expressions of zinc transporters' mRNA in laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate effects of dietary zinc methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation on laying performance, zinc (Zn) status, intestinal morphology, and Zn transporters in laying hens compared with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4 ). A total of 384 Hyline Grey laying hens (38 weeks old) with similar performance (1.42 ± 0.07 kg) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments and fed with a basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented with Zn, either as Zn-Met at 40 and 80 mg Zn/kilogram diet or as ZnSO4 at 80 mg Zn/kilogram diet, for 10weeks. There was no difference in egg weight, egg production, feed intake, and feed conversation ratio among all groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control, Zn contents were increased (P < 0.05) in the liver, duodenum, and jejunum of laying hens fed diets supplemented with different Zn sources. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in Zn contents in liver, duodenum, and jejunum between diets supplemented with Zn-Met or ZnSO4 at 80 mg Zn/kilogram diet. Compared with the control and the ZnSO4 group (80 mg Zn/kilogram diet), supplementation with Zn-Met of 80 mg Zn/kilogram diet increased (P < 0.05) villus height, villus area, and villus height/crypt depth ratio but reduced (P < 0.05) crypt depth in jejunum. Expression of metallothionein messenger RNA of jejunum in the group fed a diet containing Zn-Met (80 mg Zn/kilogram diet) was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control. These results indicated that Zn-Met has positive effects on the Zn status of liver, duodenum, and jejunum, intestinal morphology, and metallothionein messenger RNA expression in jejunum of laying hens compared with ZnSO4 . © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Variations in the Compressive Strength of a Die Stone with Three Different Sulfates at Eight Different Concentrations: An In Vitro Study

The present study aimed to evaluate the alteration in the compressive strength (CS) of the die stone with three different sulfate salt additives, each at eight various concentrations. The specimens were prepared at specific dimensions (length: 2.5 cm and diameter: 2.5 cm) divided into three test groups based on the type of sulfate additives used [potassium sulfate (K2SO4), zinc sulfate (ZnSO4·H2O), and manganese sulfate (MnSO4·H2O)] and one control group, without any additives. Again, each group was divided into eight subgroups based on concentration of sulfates (ranging from 0.2% to 4%). A total of 375 specimens were tested. CS (in MPa) was evaluated after 72 hours of drying time, using an universal testing machine. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for intergroup comparisons. Individual comparisons were done using the post hoc Tukey HSD analysis. All the three additives at all the concentrations have shown an inferior resistance to compressive forces when compared to the standard specimen. However, the least mean CS was observed at 0.8% of MnSO4 (10.95 MPa) and the highest was at 1% K2SO4 (25.28%). A highly significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed among the concentrations in all the three groups (K2SO4, MnSO4, and ZnSO4 groups) and F values were derived as 69.84, 24.29, and 130.52, respectively. At each concentration, comparisons between the groups have shown a significant difference (p < 0.05) at almost all concentrations. The CS of die stone is shown to be decreased with an increase in all three types of sulfate additives when compared to the control specimen. Die stone is an often used gypsum material in the field of dentistry. Compressive strength of the die stone is crucial in prosthetic dentistry; chemical additives such as sulfate salts may increase the CS such that the die stone can withstand clinical and laboratory handling forces. How to cite this article: Vyas R, Vaddamanu SK, Gurumurthy V, et al. Variations in the Compressive Strength of a Die Stone with Three Different Sulfates at Eight Different Concentrations: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(11):1297-1306.

Inorganic or organic zinc and MUC-2, IgA, IL-17, TGF-β4 gene expression and sIgA secretion in broiler chickens

ABSTRACTThe study compared the effect of dietary supplementation with an inorganic or organic source of zinc (Zn) on mucin 2 (MUC-2) and IgA gene expression, the cytokines IL-17 and TGF-β4 and the secretory IgA content (sIgA) in broiler jejunum. One-day-old chickens were fed an unsupplemented basal diet (BD) or the same BD supplemented with 30 or 70 mg/kg of added Zn from ZnSO4·H2O or Zn chelate of glycine hydrate for 40 days. The highly expressed MUC-2 and IgA genes were observed in both groups supplemented with the low-dose Zn sources (30 mg/kg). A higher sIgA concentration was observed in both the ZnSO4 groups and the glycine-zinc/30 mg group. Our data indicate that the organic Zn chelate has better availability than the inorganic Zn source, and the low-dose Zn diets proved to be more beneficial to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis.

Effects of Zinc Glycinate on Productive and Reproductive Performance, Zinc Concentration and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Breeders.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) on productive and reproductive performance, zinc (Zn) concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. Six hundred 39-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 groups consisting of 4 replicates with 25 birds each. Breeders were fed a basal diet (control group, 24mg Zn/kg diet), basal diet supplemented with 80mg Zn/kg diet from ZnSO4 or basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 60 and 80mg Zn/kg diet from Zn-Gly. The experiment lasted for 8weeks after a 4-week pre-test with the basal diet, respectively. Results showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of sources, improved (P < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio (kilogram of feed/kilogram of egg) and decreased broken egg rate, and elevated (P < 0.05) the qualified chick rate. Compared with the ZnSO4 group, the 80mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly increased (P < 0.05) average egg weight, fertility, hatchability and qualified chick rate, whereas it decreased (P < 0.05) broken egg rate. The Zn concentrations in liver and muscle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in 80mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group than that in ZnSO4 group. Compared with ZnSO4 group, 80mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly elevated (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundances of metallothionein (MT) and copper-zinc superoxide (Cu-Zn SOD), as well as the Cu-Zn SOD activity and MT concentration in liver. Moreover, the 80mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group had higher (P < 0.05) serum T-SOD and Cu-Zn SOD activities than that in the ZnSO4 group. This study indicated that supplementation of Zn in basal diet improved productive and reproductive performance, Zn concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders, and the 80mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly was the optimum choice for broiler breeders compared with other levels of Zn from Zn-Gly and 80mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4.

The Expression of Zinc Transporters Changed in the Intestine of Weaned Pigs Exposed to Zinc Chitosan Chelate.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc chitosan chelate (CS-Zn) on zinc transporter expression and content of tissue zinc in weaned piglets. A total of 90 weaned pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allocated to treatment groups with supplementation of 100mg/kg zinc as ZnSO4, 100mg/kg zinc as mixture of ZnSO4 and chitosan, or 100mg/kg zinc as CS-Zn, respectively. After 30days of trial, 18 piglets (six pigs per treatment) were killed and the samples of duodenal mucosa were taken for analysis of zinc transporter mRNA expressions and protein abundance. The results show that CS-Zn more effectively increases (p<0.05) the average daily gain (ADG) and serum zinc concentration. Zinc concentration in the liver and kidney did not differ between treatments. The mRNA expressions of ZnT1, ZIP4, and ZIP5 in CS-Zn treatment were all upregulated (p<0.05) than ZnSO4 or mixture of ZnSO4 and chitosan groups. ZnT1 abundance was greater (p<0.05) with CS-Zn as compared with ZnSO4 and mixture of ZnSO4 and chitosan treatments, whereas ZIP4 and ZIP5 abundance was higher (p<0.05) in ZnSO4 group. The results indicate that CS-Zn is more effective in serum zinc accumulation, and it might regulate zinc homeostasis by affecting zinc transporter mRNA expression and absorption mechanism might be different with ZnSO4.