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Food Science & Nutrition Oct 2023Calcium is essential for maintaining bone health as it contributes to bone formation, remodeling, strength, and density. This study investigated the effect of...
Calcium is essential for maintaining bone health as it contributes to bone formation, remodeling, strength, and density. This study investigated the effect of isoflavones and probiotics on calcium transporters' gene expression, serum calcium levels, and bone metabolism biomarkers in healthy female rats. Forty-eight female Wistar rats were classified into six groups. Bone metabolism biomarkers (pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline, parathyroid hormone, and osteocalcin) and serum calcium levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), respectively. Gene expression of calcium transporters (Trpv5 and Trpv6) was evaluated in duodenum and jejunum tissue samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Trpv5 and Trpv6, epithelial calcium channels, play a crucial role in calcium transport and homeostasis in the body. The study consisted of a1-week adaptation period for the rats to adjust to the controlled conditions, followed by an 8-week intervention phase. The daidzein and genistein group showed a significant increase in the gene expression of the Trpv6 transporter in the duodenum and a marked decrease in serum pyridinoline levels compared to the control group. The tempeh and soybean groups showed a significant decrease in the gene expression of the Trpv5 calcium transporter in the jejunum. However, no significant influence of the diet on calcium transport and bone metabolism biomarkers was observed in the group. The correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between serum calcium, bone metabolism biomarkers, and calcium transporters. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the daidzein and genistein diet improves calcium transport in the duodenum and reduces pyridinoline serum concentrations, while tempeh and soybean diets reduce calcium transport in the jejunum. However, the combination of daidzein, genistein, and did not demonstrate a synergistic effect on calcium transport and bone metabolism, suggesting that further investigations are needed to elucidate their potential interactions.
PubMed: 37823105
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3571 -
BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2024ATPase activity and the antioxidant function of intestinal tissue can reflect intestinal cell metabolic activity and oxidative damage, which might be related to...
Relationship between jejunum ATPase activity and antioxidant function on the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and jejunum microbiota in Hu sheep (Ovis aries).
BACKGROUND
ATPase activity and the antioxidant function of intestinal tissue can reflect intestinal cell metabolic activity and oxidative damage, which might be related to intestinal function. However, the specific influence of intestinal ATPase activity and antioxidant function on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and the intestinal microbiota in sheep remains unclear.
RESULTS
This study analyzed the correlation between ATPase activity and antioxidant function in the jejunum of 92 Hu sheep and their growth performance and feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, individuals with the highest (H group) and lowest (L group) jejunum MDA content and Na K-ATPase activity were further screened, and the effects of jejunum ATPase activity and MDA content on the morphology and microbial community of sheep intestines were analyzed. There was a significant correlation between jejunum ATPase and SOD activity and the initial weight of Hu sheep (P < 0.01). The H-MDA group exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) from 0 to 80 days old and higher body weight (BW) after 80 days. ATPase and SOD activities, and MDA levels correlated significantly and positively with heart weight. The jejunum crypt depth and circular muscle thickness in the H-ATP group were significantly higher than in the L-ATP group, and the villus length, crypt depth, and longitudinal muscle thickness in the H-MDA group were significantly higher than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.01). High ATPase activity and MDA content significantly reduced the jejunum microbial diversity, as indicated by the Chao1 index and observed species, and affected the relative abundance of specific taxa. Among species, the relative abundance of Olsenella umbonata was significantly higher in the H-MDA group than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05), while Methanobrevibacter ruminantium abundance was significantly lower than in the L-MDA group (P < 0.05). In vitro culture experiments confirmed that MDA promoted the proliferation of Olsenella umbonata. Thus, ATPase and SOD activities in the jejunum tissues of Hu sheep are predominantly influenced by congenital factors, and lambs with higher birth weights exhibit lower Na K-ATPase, Ca Mg-ATPase, and SOD activities.
CONCLUSIONS
The ATPase activity and antioxidant performance of intestinal tissue are closely related to growth performance, heart development, and intestinal tissue morphology. High ATPase activity and MDA content reduced the microbial diversity of intestinal tissue and affect the relative abundance of specific taxa, representing a potential interaction between the host and its intestinal microbiota.
Topics: Animals; Jejunum; Antioxidants; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Adenosine Triphosphatases; Sheep; Male; Malondialdehyde; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 38831422
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04100-0 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Eggs are a vital dietary component for humans, and it is beneficial to increase egg production to support poultry farming. Initially, the egg production rate rises...
Eggs are a vital dietary component for humans, and it is beneficial to increase egg production to support poultry farming. Initially, the egg production rate rises rapidly with young hens until it reaches its peak, and then it declines gradually. By extending the duration of peak egg production, the hens' performance can be enhanced significantly. Previous studies found dynamic changes in gut microbiota during egg-laying, and several species of microbiota isolated from the chicken gut improved egg-laying performance. However, the interaction between microbes and host gene expression is still unclear. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of chicken egg-laying by examining dynamic alterations in the microbiota of the entire intestinal tract (i.e., duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and gene expression. The microbial community in the intestine underwent significant changes during different egg-laying periods (i.e., pre-, peak-, and late-laying periods). Metagenomic functional analysis showed that the relative abundance of biosynthesis of amino acids, secondary metabolites, and cofactors decreased significantly in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of aging hens. The relative levels of aldosterone, GnRH, insulin, growth hormone, and other hormone-related pathways increased dramatically in the intestinal microbiota during egg-laying, but only in the microbiota located in the duodenum and ileum. Transcriptome analysis suggested that genes associated with various transport processes were upregulated consistently in the small intestine during egg-laying; genes involved in the development of intestinal structure were down-regulated; and genes involved in response to DNA damage and stress were consistent with changes in laying rate. The abundance of Lactobacillus was related to the expression of , , , and in the duodenum; was correlated significantly with , , and expression in the jejunum; and was correlated positively with the expression of and in the ileum. These results indicated that the intestinal microbiota and host gene expression may influence egg production jointly.
PubMed: 38891577
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111529 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oregano essential oil on IgA, IgG, and IgM cells in the jejunum of castrated Holstein bulls. Twelve castrated...
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oregano essential oil on IgA, IgG, and IgM cells in the jejunum of castrated Holstein bulls. Twelve castrated Holstein bulls were randomly divided into control (YCK) and oregano essential oil (YEO) groups. Pathological changes in the jejunum were observed by HE staining, and the expression levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM in the jejunum were detected by ELISA. The distributions of IgA, IgG, and IgM cells in the jejunum were analysed by multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the jejunal villi were detached in the YCK group, which may have been related to inflammation, while the intestinal epithelium was clear and intact in the YEO group. The expressions of IgA, IgG, and IgM were significantly reduced by 40.75%, 30.76%, and 50.87%. The IgA, IgG, and IgM cells were diffusely distributed in the lamina propria of the jejunum, and were reduced by 17.07%, 6.44%, and 6.15%, respectively. Oregano essential oil did not alter the distribution characteristics of IgA, IgG, or IgM cells in the jejunum, but it suppressed inflammatory response, decreased immunoglobulin content, and significantly enhanced the formation of an immune barrier in the gastrointestinal mucosa.
PubMed: 38136804
DOI: 10.3390/ani13243766 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Aug 2023Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a heterogenous syndrome from excessive bacteria in the small intestine lumen. It is unknown if differences in type of...
BACKGROUND
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a heterogenous syndrome from excessive bacteria in the small intestine lumen. It is unknown if differences in type of bacterial overgrowth lead to differences in symptoms.
METHODS
Patients with suspected SIBO were recruited prospectively. Exclusion criteria were probiotics, antibiotics, or bowel prep in preceding 30 days. Clinical characteristics, risk factors, and labs were collected. Proximal jejunal aspiration via upper enteroscopy was performed. Aerodigestive tract (ADT) SIBO was defined as > 10 CFU/mL of oropharyngeal and respiratory bacteria. Colonic-type SIBO was defined as > 10 CFU/mL of distal small bowel and colon bacteria. Aims were to compare symptom profiles, clinical complications, labs, and underlying risk factors between ADT and colonic-type SIBO.
KEY RESULTS
We consented 166 subjects. Aspiration was not obtained in 22 and SIBO was found in 69 (49%) of 144 subjects. Daily abdominal distention trended towards more prevalent in ADT SIBO versus colonic-type SIBO (65.2% vs 39.1%, p = 0.09). Patient symptom scores were similar. Iron deficiency was more prevalent in ADT SIBO (33.3% vs 10.3%, p = 0.04). Subjects with colonic-type SIBO were more likely to have a risk factor for colonic bacteria colonization (60.9% vs 17.4%, p = 0.0006). Subjects with ADT SIBO were more likely to have a risk factor for diminished gastric acid (91.3% vs 67.4%, p = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES
We found differences in iron deficiency and underlying risk factors between ADT and colonic-type SIBO. However, distinct clinical profiles remained elusive. Future research is needed to develop validated symptom assessment tools and distinguish cause from correlation.
Topics: Humans; Intestine, Small; Bacteria; Colon; Jejunum; Bacterial Infections; Breath Tests
PubMed: 37322103
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07999-x -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Piglet weaning is an important stage in production where changes in the environment and diet can cause problems such as intestinal inflammation and diarrhea. Vitamin A...
Piglet weaning is an important stage in production where changes in the environment and diet can cause problems such as intestinal inflammation and diarrhea. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for human and animal growth and has immunomodulatory and inflammatory effects. A large body of literature has previously reported on the use of vitamin A in piglet production, so our experiment added different concentrations of vitamin A (0, 1100, 2200, 4400, 8800, and 17,600 IU/kg) to weaned piglet diets to study the effects of different doses on growth performance, intestinal barrier, inflammation, and flora in weaned piglets. We selected 4400 IU/kg as the optimum concentration of vitamin A in relation to average daily weight gain, feed intake, feed-to-weight ratio, and diarrhea rate, and subsequently tested the inflammatory factors, immunoglobulin content, antioxidant levels, and intestinal flora of weaned piglets. Results: We observed that the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets was significantly lower after the addition of 4400 IU/kg of vitamin A to the diet ( < 0.05). A control group and a 4400 IU/kg VA group were selected for subsequent experiments. We found that after the addition of vitamin A, the serum CAT level of weaned piglets increased significantly, the expression of in the jejunum and ileum increased significantly, the expression of gene in the jejunum increased significantly, the expression of and in the ileum increased significantly ( < 0.05), and the expression of , , and in the ileum increased significantly ( < 0.05). Meanwhile, in the colonic flora of vitamin A-added weaned piglets, the relative abundance of and decreased significantly, while the relative abundance of increased significantly ( < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that vitamin A at 4400 IU/kg reduces diarrhea in weaned piglets by increasing antioxidant levels, increasing intestinal tight junction protein gene expression, and regulating colonic gut microbiota.
PubMed: 38136169
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122049 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023In the expansive domain of neuropeptide investigation, spexin (SPX) has emerged as a captivating subject, exerting a significant impact on diverse physiological...
In the expansive domain of neuropeptide investigation, spexin (SPX) has emerged as a captivating subject, exerting a significant impact on diverse physiological processes. Initially identified in mice, SPX's distribution transcends various organs, suggesting its potential regulatory roles. Despite extensive research in smaller species, a notable gap exists in our comprehension of SPX in larger mammals, particularly ruminants. Our study meticulously explores the immunolocalization of SPX within the gastrointestinal organs of bovines, with a specific focus on the abomasum, jejunum, and colon. Tissue samples from Holstein-Friesian cattle underwent careful processing, and gene mRNA expression levels, particularly and , were assessed. Intriguingly, our findings revealed that expression was highest in the jejunum, signifying a potentially critical role in this digestive segment. Immunohistochemistry further unveiled distinct patterns of SPX immunoreactivity in each examined region-abomasum, jejunum, and colon-highlighting nuanced, region-specific responses. Notably, the abomasum and jejunum predominantly exhibited positive immunoreactivity in the submucosal plexus, while the colon, in contrast, demonstrated a higher degree of immunoreactivity in myenteric plexus neurons. Our investigation, grounded in the hypothesis of ubiquitous SPX distribution in ruminants, delves deeper into the intricate role of SPX within the enteric nervous system. This study meticulously explores the spatial distribution of SPX within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, integral components of the enteric nervous system. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of SPX's potential roles in gastrointestinal regulation in bovines, providing a unique perspective on larger mammals and enriching our comprehension of this intriguing neuropeptide's significance in various physiological processes.
PubMed: 38136826
DOI: 10.3390/ani13243789 -
Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry :... Sep 2023The goal of this study was to determine the influence of high-fat high-sugar diet (Western diet) on intestinal function and subsequently to determine if there were any...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
The goal of this study was to determine the influence of high-fat high-sugar diet (Western diet) on intestinal function and subsequently to determine if there were any beneficial effects of exercise, genistein (a naturally occurring phytoestrogen) or both, on the intestine.
METHODS
We measured transepithelial short circuit current (I), across freshly isolated segments of jejunum from male and female C57Bl/6J mice randomly assigned to one of the following groups for the 12-week study duration: high-fat high-sugar diet (HFS), HFS with genistein (Gen), HFS with exercise (Ex), or HFS with both genistein and exercise (Gen+Ex) and compared them to lean controls. Genistein concentration was 600 mg genistein/kg diet. Exercise comprised of moderate intensity treadmill running (150 min per week). At the completion of the study, segments of jejunum were frozen for western blot determination of key proteins involved in secretory and absorptive functions, as well as senescence. Intestinal morphology was assessed. Serum cytokine assays were performed.
RESULTS
Basal I was significantly decreased (by 70%, P<0.05) in HFS females and males versus leans. This decrease was partially mitigated by exercise in both sexes. In females, the HFS-induced decrease in I was attributed to a significant loss of CLC2, NKCC1 and CFTR expression whereas in males this was due to a significant loss of Na/K-ATPase, K and NKCC1 expression (indicating sex-dependent mechanisms). Exercise mitigated most of the loss of I in both sexes. Our data suggested that A2BR levels were dysregulated in HFS fed mice and that concomitant treatment with Gen or Gen+Ex prevented this disruption in females only. Inflammatory state was associated with body weight changes.
CONCLUSION
Our data suggests that the reduced basal jejunal I in HFS mice is attributed to sex-dependent mechanisms and while exercise partially mitigated this, it's mechanism of action was unclear. Improved understanding of Western diet induced intestinal dysfunctions may allow for the development of novel drug targets to treat gastrointestinal disturbances in diabetic obesity.
Topics: Female; Male; Animals; Mice; Sugars; Genistein; Intestinal Secretions; Diet, High-Fat; Biological Transport
PubMed: 37661817
DOI: 10.33594/000000659 -
Endocrine Connections Oct 2023Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms that occur in various locations throughout the body. Despite their usually benign character, they might manifest with...
INTRODUCTION
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms that occur in various locations throughout the body. Despite their usually benign character, they might manifest with distant metastases. N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has previously been described as a useful biomarker in diagnosing carcinoid heart disease (CHD), a common advanced NETs manifestation. We observed plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP in metastatic midgut NETs over a 4-year period.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to explore NT-proBNP concentrations in states of varying levels of cell proliferation and disease status. Our goal was to investigate NT-proBNP's role in predicting disease progression in relation to previous research and up-to-date scientific guidelines.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective multivariate analysis of NT-proBNP concentrations in 41 midgut NETs patients treated with somatostatin analogs, all with liver metastases. NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in every patient across 16 evenly distanced time points over a 48-month period and were compared to variables such as sex, age, grading, Ki-67, primary tumor location, and CT findings.
RESULTS
NT-proBNP concentrations correlated positively with higher liver tumor burden, higher grading, high Ki-67 levels, and with progressive disease in CT. There were no differences in NT-proBNP levels with regard to primary location (ileum vs jejunum), sex, and age.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that NT-proBNP is a useful analyte for monitoring NETs progression, due to its increased concentration in scenarios implying increased cellular proliferation. These long-term follow-up results align with previous findings and suggest an additional role for NT-proBNP in diagnostic algorithms, beyond a CHD biomarker.
PubMed: 37552533
DOI: 10.1530/EC-23-0249 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024T cells are the core of the cellular immunity and play a key role in the regulation of intestinal immune homeostasis. In order to explore the impact () infection on...
INTRODUCTION
T cells are the core of the cellular immunity and play a key role in the regulation of intestinal immune homeostasis. In order to explore the impact () infection on distributions of CD3 T cells in the small intestine of the sheep.
METHODS
In this study, sheep pET-28a-CD3 recombinant plasmid were constructed and expressed in receptor cells, then the rabbit anti-sheep CD3 polyclonal antibody was prepared through recombinant protein inducing. The -infected sheep (infection group, = 6) and healthy sheep (control group, = 6) were selected, and the distributions of CD3 T cells in intestinal (LP) and mucous epitheliums were observed and analyzed systematically.
RESULTS
The results showed that the rabbit anti-sheep CD3 polyclonal antibody had good potency and specificity. In the effector area of small intestine, a large number of CD3 T cells were mainly diffusely distributed in the intestinal LP as well as in the mucous epitheliums, and the densities of intestinal LP from duodenum to jejunum to ileum were 6.01 cells/10 μm, 7.01 cells/10 μm and 6.43 cells/10 μm, respectively. Their distribution densities in mucous epitheliums were 6.71 cells/10 μm, 7.93 cells/10 μm and 7.21 cells/10 μm, respectively; in the infected group, the distributions of CD3 T cells were similar to that of the control group, and the densities in each intestinal segment were all significantly increased ( < 0.05), meanwhile, the total densities of CD3 T cells in duodenum, jejunum and ileum were increased by 33.43%, 14.50%, and 34.19%. In LP and mucous epitheliums, it was increased by 33.57% and 27.92% in duodenum; by 25.82% and 7.07% in jejunum, and by 27.07% and 19.23% in ileum, respectively.
DISCUSSION
It was suggested that infection did not change the spatial distributions of CD3 T cells in the small intestine of sheep, but significantly increased their densities, which lays a foundation for further research on the regulatory mechanism of sheep intestinal mucosal immune system against infection.
PubMed: 38371601
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1342169