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Poultry Science May 2024In the first study, an in vitro culture system was developed to investigate the effects of carnosine on macrophage proinflammatory cytokine response using an established...
In the first study, an in vitro culture system was developed to investigate the effects of carnosine on macrophage proinflammatory cytokine response using an established chicken macrophage cell line (CMC), gut integrity using a chicken intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC), muscle differentiation in quail muscle cells (QMCs) and primary chicken embryonic muscle cells (PMCs), and direct anti-parasitic effect against Eimeria maxima sporozoites. Cells to be tested were seeded in 24-well plates and treated with carnosine at 4 different concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 µg). After 18 h of incubation, cells were harvested to measure gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CMC, tight junction (TJ) proteins in IECs, and muscle cell growth markers in QMCs and PMCs. In vivo trials were conducted to investigate the effect of dietary carnosine on disease parameters in broiler chickens challenged with E. maxima. One hundred and twenty male broiler chickens (0-day-old) were allocated into 4 treatment groups: 1) basal diet without infection (NC), 2) basal diet with E. maxima infection (PC), 3) carnosine at 10.0 mg/kg feed with PC (HCS), and 4) carnosine at 1.0 mg/kg feed with PC (LCS). All groups except NC were orally infected with E. maxima on d 14. Jejunal samples were collected for lesion scoring and jejunum gut tissues were used for transcriptomic analysis of cytokines and TJ proteins. In vitro, carnosine treatment significantly decreased IL-1β gene expression in CMC following LPS stimulation. In vivo feeding studies showed that dietary carnosine increased BW and ADG of chickens in E. maxima-infected groups and reduced the jejunal lesion score and fecal oocyst shedding in HCS group. Jejunal IL-1β, IL-8, and IFN-γ expression were suppressed in the HCS group compared to PC. The expression levels of claudin-1 and occludin in IECs were also increased in HCS following carnosine treatment. In conclusion, these findings highlight the beneficial effects of dietary carnosine supplementation on intestinal immune responses and gut barrier function in broiler chickens exposed to E. maxima infection.
PubMed: 38848630
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103837 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024Buerger's disease is an uncommon segmental nonatherosclerotic vasculitis essentially affecting small to medium-sized arteries and veins of upper and lower extremities...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Buerger's disease is an uncommon segmental nonatherosclerotic vasculitis essentially affecting small to medium-sized arteries and veins of upper and lower extremities and can lead to limb amputation. Visceral vessel involvement is quite rare accounting for 2% of cases presenting with acute abdomen due to mesenteric ischemia. Moreover, isolated visceral involvement is even rare.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 42-year-old gentleman, a chronic smoker, presented with abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting and loose stool of 2 months duration. Magnetic resonance enterography revealed segmental circumferential wall thickening with stricture in the mid part of the jejunum with lymphadenopathy features of possible inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease). Furthermore, intraoperative surgical findings were also suggestive of Crohn's disease. However, histologic findings were consistent with thromboangiitis obliterans.
DISCUSSION
Thromboangiitis obliterans can present with inflammatory vascular lesions without necrosis in the early stage to varying degrees of recanalisation, gangrene, and amputation in the late stage. It rarely involves the brain, heart, and abdominal viscera. The visceral involvement may be in the form of intestinal obstruction or mesenteric ischemia or can mimic Crohn's in a background of smoking.
CONCLUSION
This case report will help to learn more about the rarer intestinal presentation of intestinal Buerger's disease. It can present with features of bowel ischemia, obstruction or Crohn's. So, histology would play a pivotal role in differentiating the diagnostic dilemma.
PubMed: 38846871
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002111 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Incorporation of beneficial microbes to enhance the nutritive value of non-traditional feed additives is presently being promoted as a cost-effective way of increasing...
Incorporation of beneficial microbes to enhance the nutritive value of non-traditional feed additives is presently being promoted as a cost-effective way of increasing animal performance. Therefore, this trial investigated the impact of the incorporation of Dialium bark meal treated with yeast (TS) into broiler diets on intestinal histology, growth, and blood characteristics. One hundred and eighty days old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned to three treatments with five replications of 12 birds in a complete randomized design. The treatments were designed as (TS0: control) which is the (starter and finisher) diets without TS additive; whereas the TS0.5 and TS1.0 diets have TS additive at 0.5 and 1.5 g kg, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 56 days comprising (28 days each for starter and finisher phases). Feed intake, body weight gains (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at the end of the starter and finisher phases. Blood and intestinal histomorphological indices were determined at the end of the finisher phase. Results indicate that TS contains 8.15 % crude protein, 29.84 % crude fibre, and 11.61 % ash. In addition, starter broilers in the TS0.5 and TS1.0 groups gained less weight and had a higher feed intake than those in the TS0 group. Broilers (29-56 d) in the TS0.5 and TS1.0 groups recorded better ( < 0.05) final live weight (FLW), BWG, and FCR than those in the TS0 group. Feed intake responded linearly to increasing TS levels in the diet during the finisher production phase. Broilers in group TS1.0 tended ( < 0.05) to have higher haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration compared to those in group TS0. Conversely, there were no treatment effects (p > 0.05) on mean cell volume, white blood cells, lymphocytes, heterophils, and serum biochemical variables. Broilers on TS diets had significantly improved histoarchitecture of the jejunum in broilers. In conclusion, results suggest that Dialium bark meal treated (TS) with dried active yeast is high in fibre and ash, and its addition at 0.5 and 1.0 g kg feed improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, aspects of the blood characteristics and intestinal histomorphology of the jejunum of broilers at the finisher production phase. It is recommended that TS can be added to broiler finisher diet up to 1.0 g kg feed for best growth performance, intestinal histomorphological, and blood characteristics.
PubMed: 38845986
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31725 -
Microscopy Research and Technique Jun 2024Coccidiosis poses significant hazards to animals, particularly in terms of compromised health, reduced productivity, and economic losses in livestock farming. The...
Coccidiosis poses significant hazards to animals, particularly in terms of compromised health, reduced productivity, and economic losses in livestock farming. The conventional treatments for coccidiosis often involve synthetic drugs, contributing to concerns about drug resistance and environmental impact. The pressing need for eco-friendly alternatives is highlighted in this study, emphasizing the importance of exploring medicinal plants like Cassia alata leaf extracts (CAE) against Eimeria papillata-induced infection in mice. The CAE exhibited significant phenolic (2.17 ± 0.03 g/100 g) and flavonoid (0.14 ± 0.01 g/100 g) content and demonstrated notable antioxidant activity. In infected mice, the CAE treatment led to a substantial reduction in oocyst output (~6 fold), ameliorating necrotic enteritis and inflammatory changes in the jejunum. Additionally, CAE treatment increased goblet cell numbers (9.3 ± 0.1 / villus) and decreased macrophage infiltration in the intestinal villi. Molecular analyses revealed CAE's positive modulation of MUC2 gene and notably reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (specifically IL-1β, IL-10, and IFN-γ) when contrasted with the infected cohort. Furthermore, CAE treatment significantly reduced nitric oxide levels (44.03 ± 2.4 μmol/mg), showcasing its anti-inflammatory properties. The findings of this study not only contribute to the understanding of CAE's therapeutic potential but also underscore the importance of seeking eco-friendly alternatives in the face of coccidiosis challenges, addressing both the well-being of animals and the sustainability of agricultural practices. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Cassia alata extract (CAE) exhibited significant phenolic and flavonoid content, displaying notable antioxidant activity. In infected mice, CAE treatment led to a substantial reduction in oocyst output, ameliorating necrotic enteritis and inflammatory changes in the jejunum. CAE treatment increased goblet cell numbers and decreased macrophage infiltration in the intestinal villi, while molecular analyses revealed its positive modulation of the MUC2 gene and notable reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Additionally, CAE treatment significantly reduced nitric oxide levels, showcasing its anti-inflammatory properties.
PubMed: 38845567
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24628 -
Journal of Clinical Imaging Science 2024The great majority of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for critical gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) will have a predictable etiology. Once the site is...
The great majority of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for critical gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) will have a predictable etiology. Once the site is localized to the upper versus the lower gastrointestinal tract, the number of typically encountered etiological possibilities is quite limited. On rare occasions, the cause of GIB requiring ICU care is not one of the standard considerations, potentially leading to diagnostic and therapeutic delays. Within a short time period, three patients were admitted to our institution's medical ICU each with a different unexpected cause of GIB. All three cases generated a variety of instructive images, which are used in the present series to illustrate these conditions and the role of radiology in their evaluation and management.
PubMed: 38841309
DOI: 10.25259/JCIS_96_2023 -
Veterinarni Medicina May 2024A 6-month-old Ragdoll and 9-year-old Russian Blue cat presented with vomiting. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a pyloric antrum mass with wall layering...
A 6-month-old Ragdoll and 9-year-old Russian Blue cat presented with vomiting. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a pyloric antrum mass with wall layering loss and regional lymphadenopathy in the Ragdoll kitten. The Russian Blue cat only presented with muscularis layer thickening throughout the jejunum; however, despite medications, it later progressed to a mass with wall layering loss on the serial ultrasound. Both cats underwent surgery, and feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) was histologically confirmed. FGESF should be considered for gastrointestinal masses demonstrating wall layering loss and lymphadenopathy, even in kittens, and intestinal muscularis layer thickening that is refractory to medications.
PubMed: 38841129
DOI: 10.17221/2/2024-VETMED -
PloS One 2024Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are widely present in the environment, have become a serious threat to aquatic life and human...
Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, are widely present in the environment, have become a serious threat to aquatic life and human health, potentially causing ecosystem disorders and health problems. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of microplastics, specifically microplastics-polystyrene (MPs-PS), on the structural integrity, gene expression related to tight junctions, and gut microbiota in mice. A total of 24 Kunming mice aged 30 days were randomly assigned into four groups: control male (CM), control female (CF), PS-exposed male (PSM), and PS-exposed female (PSF)(n = 6). There were significant differences in villus height, width, intestinal surface area, and villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) between the PS group and the control group(C) (p <0.05). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the downregulation of Claudin-1, Claudin-2, Claudin-15, and Occludin, in both duodenum and jejunum of the PS group (p < 0.05). Analysis of microbial species using 16S rRNA sequencing indicated decreased diversity in the PSF group, as well as reduced diversity in the PSM group at various taxonomic levels. Beta diversity analysis showed a significant difference in gut microbiota distribution between the PS-exposed and C groups (R2 = 0.113, p<0.01), with this difference being more pronounced among females exposed to MPs-PS. KEGG analysis revealed enrichment of differential microbiota mainly involved in seven signaling pathways, such as nucleotide metabolism(p<0.05). The relative abundance ratio of transcriptional pathways was significantly increased for the PSF group (p<0.01), while excretory system pathways were for PSM group(p<0.05). Overall findings suggest that MPs-PS exhibit a notable sex-dependent impact on mouse gut microbiota, with a stronger effect observed among females; reduced expression of tight junction genes may be associated with dysbiosis, particularly elevated levels of Prevotellaceae.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Microplastics; Polystyrenes; Mice; Male; Female; Tight Junctions; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Intestinal Mucosa; Occludin; Claudins; Claudin-1; Tight Junction Proteins
PubMed: 38837998
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304686 -
Pharmaceutical Research Jun 2024Some glucoside drugs can be transported via intestinal glucose transporters (IGTs), and the presence of carbohydrate excipients in pharmaceutical formulations may...
Effects of Three Kinds of Carbohydrate Pharmaceutical Excipients-Fructose, Lactose and Arabic Gum on Intestinal Absorption of Gastrodin through Glucose Transport Pathway in Rats.
BACKGROUND
Some glucoside drugs can be transported via intestinal glucose transporters (IGTs), and the presence of carbohydrate excipients in pharmaceutical formulations may influence the absorption of them. This study, using gastrodin as probe drug, aimed to explore the effects of fructose, lactose, and arabic gum on intestinal drug absorption mediated by the glucose transport pathway.
METHODS
The influence of fructose, lactose, and arabic gum on gastrodin absorption was assessed via pharmacokinetic experiments and single-pass intestinal perfusion. The expression of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) and sodium-independent glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) was quantified via RT‒qPCR and western blotting. Alterations in rat intestinal permeability were evaluated through H&E staining, RT‒qPCR, and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
Fructose reduced the area under the curve (AUC) and peak concentration (C) of gastrodin by 42.7% and 63.71%, respectively (P < 0.05), and decreased the effective permeability coefficient (P) in the duodenum and jejunum by 58.1% and 49.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). SGLT1 and GLUT2 expression and intestinal permeability remained unchanged. Lactose enhanced the AUC and C of gastrodin by 31.5% and 65.8%, respectively (P < 0.05), and increased the P in the duodenum and jejunum by 33.7% and 26.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). SGLT1 and GLUT2 levels did not significantly differ, intestinal permeability increased. Arabic gum had no notable effect on pharmacokinetic parameters, SGLT1 or GLUT2 expression, or intestinal permeability.
CONCLUSION
Fructose, lactose, and arabic gum differentially affect intestinal drug absorption through the glucose transport pathway. Fructose competitively inhibited drug absorption, while lactose may enhance absorption by increasing intestinal permeability. Arabic gum had no significant influence.
Topics: Animals; Intestinal Absorption; Fructose; Glucosides; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 1; Gum Arabic; Male; Glucose Transporter Type 2; Rats; Excipients; Glucose; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Lactose; Benzyl Alcohols; Intestinal Mucosa; Biological Transport; Permeability
PubMed: 38834905
DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03720-3 -
Animal Science Journal = Nihon Chikusan... 2024This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium by-product (ACBP) on growth performance and immune response in weaning piglets....
This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium by-product (ACBP) on growth performance and immune response in weaning piglets. Total available content and antioxidant capacity of ACBP were determined. Ninety-six black pigs were randomly distributed to 24 pens. Study compared four groups which were supplemented with ACBP at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% for 6 weeks after weaning at 4 weeks. Results showed that ACBP on total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total triterpenoids contents were 13.68 mg GAE/g DW, 1.67 μg QE/g DW, and 15.6 mg/g, respectively. Weaning piglets fed 2.5% ACBP showed a significant decreased body weight gain compared with those supplemented with 5% ACBP, 10% ACBP, and control groups. Results showed that all ACBP groups increased the villi height of jejunum significantly. Incidence of diarrhea in 11 weeks with supplementation with 5% and 10% ACBP diets were lower than in control group. The 10% ACBP group showed significantly lower expression of immune response genes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) than the 2.5% and 5% ACBP groups. Based on results, dietary supplementation with 10% ACBP did not significantly affect body weight but could decrease piglet diarrhea condition and expression of IL-1β and IL-6 genes.
Topics: Animals; Weaning; Swine; Dietary Supplements; Mycelium; Weight Gain; Diet; Antioxidants; Animal Feed; Diarrhea; Triterpenes; Gene Expression; Cytokines; Jejunum; Phenols; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Swine Diseases; Polyporales
PubMed: 38831612
DOI: 10.1111/asj.13964 -
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