Preliminary Study to Investigate the Effect of Lactobacillus Reuteri Administration on Growth Performance, Immunological, Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Mucosa of Chicken

The present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of oral administration of L. reuteri on growth performance, intestine histomorphology, immunological and gut microbiome of broilers. A total of twenty healthy chickens were used in a five-week experimental trial. Birds were assigned into one of two groups with orally administrated L. reuteri probiotic and without probiotic- (Control -Phosphate-buffered saline). A significant (p<0.05) body weight gain was observed in the chickens in L. reuteri treatment group compare to those in the control group at the end of the trial. In addition, the serum IGF-1 cytokines level significantly enhanced in L. reuteri treatment group. However, there were no notable effects observed on the villus height, crypt depth, muscularis thickness, and submucosal thickness in chickens orally inject with and without L. reuteri. At the phylum level, the presence of Firmicutes (99.5%) was highly abundantin the L. reuteri treatment group. Moreover, the fecal microbial communities of Lactobacillus (99.9%) showed average relative abundance at genus level in L. reuteri treatment group. From this, we concluded that oral administration of L. reuteri would be beneficial to enhance the body weight gain, gut microbiome, and immune status of broiler.(AU)

Expression of TGF-ß/Smads in Cecum and Spleen of Chicken Infected with E. Tenella

Chicken coccidiosis is a common and severe parasitic disease caused by infection from Eimeria spp., which affects the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. TGF-ß has been shown to play an important role in the healing of intestinal mucosas, immunity, and the maintenance of bowel mucosa integrity. Very little is known about the presence of the components of TGF-ß/Smads signaling pathway of chicken at different times following coccidian infection. In the present study, we measured the levels of TGF-ß2, 3, 4, receptor TßRI, II, down-stream Smad 2, 3, 7 in cecum and spleen of chicken at different times after inoculation with Eimeria tenella using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that the TGF-ß/Smads signaling pathway was not activated in cecum in the early stage of infection. However, on the 8th day, the expression of TGF-ß2, 4, down-stream protein Smad 2, 7 were significant up-regulated in the spleen, which indicated that the TGF-ß/Smads signaling was changed in the E. tenella infection and was differentially expressed in various tissues in the early stages of infection.(AU)

Effects of ZooBioR2 product as feed supplement in laying hens on the morphofunctional state of intestinal mucosa / Efeitos do produto ZooBioR2 como suplemento alimentar em galinhas poedeiras sobre o estado funcional da mucosa intestinal

Spirulina platensis is a microalga with biological activity used to produce nutritional supplements rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The current study aims to prove the impact of the product ZooBioR2 (obtained from Spirulina platensis) on health, and on the histology of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum in laying hens. The experiment was performed in duplicate on 5 groups of hens (14 birds/group), one control and four experimental, in which the feed was supplemented with ZooBioR2 in different doses (5.0; 10.0; 15.0; 20.0mg active substance/kg of fodder). Inclusion of the supplement in the diet have determined a significant decrease of height of intestinal villi, the depth of the crypts and the thickness of muscular layer of mucosa in the experimental groups receiving 15.0 and 20.0mg/kg. The decrease of crypts depth is an indicator of a higher rate of turn-over of epithelial tissue. The morphological changes of intestinal mucosa could be involved in a better digestibility of the fodder.

Spirulina platensis é uma microalga com atividade biológica utilizada para produzir suplementos nutricionais ricos em proteínas, ácidos graxos essenciais, vitaminas e minerais. O estudo atual visa provar o impacto do produto ZooBioR2 (obtido da Spirulina platensis) na saúde e na histologia do duodeno, jejuno, íleo e ceco em galinhas poedeiras. O experimento foi realizado em duplicata em cinco grupos de galinhas (14 aves/grupo), um controle e quatro experimentais, nos quais a ração foi suplementada com ZooBioR2 em diferentes doses (5,0; 10,0; 15,0; 20,0mg de substância ativa/kg de forragem). A inclusão do suplemento na ração determinou uma diminuição significativa da altura das vilosidades intestinais, da profundidade dos crypts e da espessura da camada muscular da mucosa nos grupos experimentais que receberam15,0 e 20,0mg/kg. A diminuição da profundidade das criptas é um indicador de maior taxa de rotação do tecido epitelial. As alterações morfológicas da mucosa intestinal podem estar envolvidas em uma melhor digestibilidade da forragem.

Association of colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the canine large intestine and ileum abnormalities: 54 cases series / Associação de achados de colonoscopia e histopatologia do intestino grosso e íleo de cães: série de 54 casos

Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to assess the large intestine through direct inspection of the intestinal mucosa. When associated with histopathological examination of fragments collected from the intestine, the definitive diagnosis can be obtained. This retrospective study evaluated colonoscopy and histopathological exams of the large intestine and ileum of dogs with gastrointestinal disorders admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the Veterinary Hospital São Francisco de Assis to determine the frequency of injuries, their distribution in the intestinal segments, and the relationship of the findings observed in these two analyzes. The colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the case series were described using absolute and relative frequencies, as well as nature and intensity classification of the findings. Cohen's Kappa coefficient was obtained to assess the concordance of nature and intensity classifications between colonoscopy and histopathology, and its 95% confidence interval constructed. The analyses were performed using the Software SAS University Edition. It was observed a moderate agreement between the classification of the nature of the findings by endoscopy and histopathology (Kappa coefficient = 0.39, CI = 0.20-0.59). This can also be observed when assessing the frequency of similar diagnoses between the methods, since only 39 (72.22%) were consistent, i.e., 15 (22.78%) diagnoses differed depending on the nature of the finding, which could have a great influence on the final diagnosis if histopathology was disregarded. For the intensity of the injuries, little agreement was observed between the methods (Kappa coefficient = 0.1243, C = -0.05-0.30). This was even more evident in the frequency of similar diagnoses in terms of intensity, of which 20 (37.04%) were similar and 34 (62.96%) were different. Inflammatory affections are the most frequently observed alterations in the large intestine and ileum of dogs. The most common finding that reveals inflammatory changes is the lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. As for the proliferative and neoplastic lesions, adenomatous polyps and lymphoma were common. The most affected sites of the large intestine were the descending colon and the rectum. Findings such as edema and reddening of the mucosa were frequent by macroscopy. Although the changes observed by colonoscopy and histopathology may not be similar, these techniques are complementary, which makes biopsies mandatory for a diagnostic conclusion.(AU)

A colonoscopia é uma técnica pouco invasiva utilizada para avaliação do intestino grosso por meio de inspeção direta da mucosa intestinal. Quando associada ao exame histopatológico, com a coleta de fragmentos do intestino, o diagnóstico definitivo pode ser obtido. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi associar os achados de exames de colonoscopia e histopatologia do intestino grosso e íleo em 54 cães com distúrbios gastrointestinais dos Hospitais Veterinários da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) e São Francisco de Assis. Na colonoscopia, as alterações mais frequentemente observadas foram edema, friabilidade e avermelhamento de mucosa. Quanto à distribuição de lesões por segmento intestinal, houve maior incidência de alterações inflamatórias, das quais foram as mais frequentes, com o infiltrado linfoplasmocitário sendo o mais comum em todos segmentos analisados (i.e. reto, cólon, ceco e íleo). O cólon ascendente e o reto foram os locais de alterações mais frequentes na colonoscopia e na histopatologia. Os pólipos hiperplásicos e o linfoma foram as lesões proliferativas de ocorrência mais comum. Houve baixa concordância entre as classificações por natureza e intensidade dos achados na colonoscopia e histopatologia. Assim, não foi possível associar alterações descritas nos exames histopatológicos quanto à natureza e intensidade das lesões utilizando a colonoscopia, o que leva à conclusão de que é essencial a realização de biópsias em todos os exames para conclusão diagnóstica.(AU)

Association of colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the canine large intestine and ileum abnormalities: 54 cases series / Associação de achados de colonoscopia e histopatologia do intestino grosso e íleo de cães: série de 54 casos

Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to assess the large intestine through direct inspection of the intestinal mucosa. When associated with histopathological examination of fragments collected from the intestine, the definitive diagnosis can be obtained. This retrospective study evaluated colonoscopy and histopathological exams of the large intestine and ileum of dogs with gastrointestinal disorders admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the Veterinary Hospital São Francisco de Assis to determine the frequency of injuries, their distribution in the intestinal segments, and the relationship of the findings observed in these two analyzes. The colonoscopy and histopathological findings of the case series were described using absolute and relative frequencies, as well as nature and intensity classification of the findings. Cohen's Kappa coefficient was obtained to assess the concordance of nature and intensity classifications between colonoscopy and histopathology, and its 95% confidence interval constructed. The analyses were performed using the Software SAS University Edition. It was observed a moderate agreement between the classification of the nature of the findings by endoscopy and histopathology (Kappa coefficient = 0.39, CI = 0.20-0.59). This can also be observed when assessing the frequency of similar diagnoses between the methods, since only 39 (72.22%) were consistent, i.e., 15 (22.78%) diagnoses differed depending on the nature of the finding, which could have a great influence on the final diagnosis if histopathology was disregarded. For the intensity of the injuries, little agreement was observed between the methods (Kappa coefficient = 0.1243, C = -0.05-0.30). This was even more evident in the frequency of similar diagnoses in terms of intensity, of which 20 (37.04%) were similar and 34 (62.96%) were different. Inflammatory affections are the most frequently observed alterations in the large intestine and ileum of dogs. The most common finding that reveals inflammatory changes is the lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. As for the proliferative and neoplastic lesions, adenomatous polyps and lymphoma were common. The most affected sites of the large intestine were the descending colon and the rectum. Findings such as edema and reddening of the mucosa were frequent by macroscopy. Although the changes observed by colonoscopy and histopathology may not be similar, these techniques are complementary, which makes biopsies mandatory for a diagnostic conclusion.(AU)

A colonoscopia é uma técnica pouco invasiva utilizada para avaliação do intestino grosso por meio de inspeção direta da mucosa intestinal. Quando associada ao exame histopatológico, com a coleta de fragmentos do intestino, o diagnóstico definitivo pode ser obtido. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo foi associar os achados de exames de colonoscopia e histopatologia do intestino grosso e íleo em 54 cães com distúrbios gastrointestinais dos Hospitais Veterinários da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) e São Francisco de Assis. Na colonoscopia, as alterações mais frequentemente observadas foram edema, friabilidade e avermelhamento de mucosa. Quanto à distribuição de lesões por segmento intestinal, houve maior incidência de alterações inflamatórias, das quais foram as mais frequentes, com o infiltrado linfoplasmocitário sendo o mais comum em todos segmentos analisados (i.e. reto, cólon, ceco e íleo). O cólon ascendente e o reto foram os locais de alterações mais frequentes na colonoscopia e na histopatologia. Os pólipos hiperplásicos e o linfoma foram as lesões proliferativas de ocorrência mais comum. Houve baixa concordância entre as classificações por natureza e intensidade dos achados na colonoscopia e histopatologia. Assim, não foi possível associar alterações descritas nos exames histopatológicos quanto à natureza e intensidade das lesões utilizando a colonoscopia, o que leva à conclusão de que é essencial a realização de biópsias em todos os exames para conclusão diagnóstica.(AU)

Sucralfate enemas reduce the oxidative tissue damage and preserves the contents of E-cadherin and Β-catenin in colonic mucosa without fecal stream

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effects of sucralfate enemas in tissue contents of E-cadherin and ?-catenin in an experimental diversion colitis. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were submitted to a proximal colostomy and a distal mucous fistula. They were allocated into three groups: first group received daily saline enemas (2 mL/day) and the two other groups daily enemas with sucralfate at dosage of 1 or 2 g/kg/day, respectively. Six animals of each group were euthanized after two weeks and six animals after four weeks. The inflammation of the excluded mucosa was evaluated by histological analysis. The oxidative damage was quantified by measurement of malondialdehyde tissue levels. The expression of E-cadherin and ?-catenin was identified by immunohistochemistry, and its contents were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Results: Sucralfate enemas reduced inflammation in animals subjected to treatment with 2 g/kg/day by four weeks, and the levels of oxidative damage in mucosa without fecal stream irrespective of concentration and time of intervention. E-cadherin and ?-catenin content increased in segments without fecal stream in those animals subjected to treatment with sucralfate. Conclusions: Sucralfate reduces the inflammation and oxidative stress and increases the tissue content of E-cadherin and ?-catenin in colonic mucosa devoid to the fecal stream.

Periplaneta americana extract promotes intestinal mucosa repair of ulcerative colitis in rat

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of Periplaneta americana extract promoting intestinal mucosal repair of OXZ-induced colitis in rat. Methods: All experiments used an equal number of male and female SD rats (n=48). We injected OXZ into the colon to induce UC rat model. To determine the optimal concentration of P. Americana's extract (PA-40), it was classified into low (L), medium (M), and high (H) doses. After OXZ treatment, each drug was administered by enema for 7 consecutive days. Rats were divided into the following 6 groups: (1) Saline treatment group (NC), (2) OXZ treatment UC model group (MC), (3) OXZ + budesonide group (BUN), (4) OXZ + PA-40 L group, (5) OXZ + PA-40 M group, (6) OXZ + PA-40 H group. Disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, histopathological score, serum cytokine level (IL-4, IL-10, iNOS, tNOS), and amount of MPO, EGF, IL-13 in colonic mucosa were measured. Results: PA treatment had a significant healing effect on the OXZ-colitis model and significantly reduced the lesioned area, especially in the PA-40H groups. PA treatment did not alter the expression of IL-10 and MPO level, but increased EGF (epidermal growth factor) and decrease IL-13 in the colonic tissue. PA inhibited the rise of NOSs (nitric oxide synthase) and decreased the serum IL-4 level. Conclusions: The data suggest that Periplaneta americana extract may be a potential compound for the treatment of colonic lesions. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the secretion of IL-13 and promoting the formation of EGF.(AU)

Histopathological and ultrastructural findings induced by heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and the culture supernatant on the intestinal mucosa of piglets: an ex vivo approach / Achados histopatológicos e ultraestruturais induzidos por Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor na mucosa intestinal de leitões: estudo ex-vivo

In the present study, histological, morphometrical and ultrastructural analysis were performed to investigate intestinal mucosa changes in piglets jejunal explants exposed to two concentration of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and their respective culture supernatants. Jejunal explants were incubated for 4 hours in DMEM culture medium with a) only culture medium (control group), b) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 - LP1 (1.1 x 108CFU/ml), c) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 - LP2 (2.0 x 109CFU/ml), d) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 culture supernatant (CS1), and e) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 culture supernatant (CS2). Explants exposed to heat-inactivated L. plantarum strain 1 and 2 showed multifocal to difuse villi atrophy, villi apical necrosis and enterocyte flattening. Morphological assessment revealed similar results with bacterial adhesion to mucus and intestinal epithelial cells and, morphometric analysis showed a decreased villi height compared to the control group. Alterations in explants treated with the culture supernatant of both strains include mild villi atrophy and mild enterocyte apical necrosis. Morphological assesment reveled numerous well delineated villi and, morphometric analysis showed a significant increase in villi height compared to the control group. In general, exposure to the culture supernatants improved the intestinal morphology.(AU)

No presente estudo, foram realizadas análises histológica, morfométrica e ultraestrutural para investigar as alterações da mucosa intestinal em explantes jejunais de leitões expostos a duas cepas e concentrações de Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor e seus sobrenadantes de cultura. Os explantes jejunais foram incubados durante quatro horas, em meio de cultura DMEM com: a) meio de cultura (grupo controle); b) Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 - LP1 (1,1 x 108CFU/mL); c) Lactobacillus plantarum, LP2 (2,0 x 109CFU/mL); d) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 (SC1); e e) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 2 (SC2). Os explantes expostos às cepas 1 e 2 do L. plantarum inativado pelo calor mostraram atrofia difusa de vilosidades, necrose apical das vilosidades e achatamento de enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou resultados semelhantes, com adesão bacteriana ao muco e às células epiteliais intestinais, e a análise morfométrica mostrou uma diminuição da altura das vilosidades em relação ao grupo controle. Alterações nos explantes tratados com o sobrenadante da cultura de ambas as cepas caracterizaram-se por atrofia leve das vilosidades e necrose apical leve dos enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou vilosidades bem delineadas, e a análise morfométrica mostrou um aumento significativo na altura das vilosidades em comparação ao grupo controle. Em geral, a exposição aos sobrenadantes da cultura melhora a morfologia intestinal.(AU)

Histopathological and ultrastructural findings induced by heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and the culture supernatant on the intestinal mucosa of piglets: an ex vivo approach / Achados histopatológicos e ultraestruturais induzidos por Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor na mucosa intestinal de leitões: estudo ex-vivo

In the present study, histological, morphometrical and ultrastructural analysis were performed to investigate intestinal mucosa changes in piglets jejunal explants exposed to two concentration of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and their respective culture supernatants. Jejunal explants were incubated for 4 hours in DMEM culture medium with a) only culture medium (control group), b) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 - LP1 (1.1 x 108CFU/ml), c) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 - LP2 (2.0 x 109CFU/ml), d) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 culture supernatant (CS1), and e) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 culture supernatant (CS2). Explants exposed to heat-inactivated L. plantarum strain 1 and 2 showed multifocal to difuse villi atrophy, villi apical necrosis and enterocyte flattening. Morphological assessment revealed similar results with bacterial adhesion to mucus and intestinal epithelial cells and, morphometric analysis showed a decreased villi height compared to the control group. Alterations in explants treated with the culture supernatant of both strains include mild villi atrophy and mild enterocyte apical necrosis. Morphological assesment reveled numerous well delineated villi and, morphometric analysis showed a significant increase in villi height compared to the control group. In general, exposure to the culture supernatants improved the intestinal morphology.(AU)

No presente estudo, foram realizadas análises histológica, morfométrica e ultraestrutural para investigar as alterações da mucosa intestinal em explantes jejunais de leitões expostos a duas cepas e concentrações de Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor e seus sobrenadantes de cultura. Os explantes jejunais foram incubados durante quatro horas, em meio de cultura DMEM com: a) meio de cultura (grupo controle); b) Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 - LP1 (1,1 x 108CFU/mL); c) Lactobacillus plantarum, LP2 (2,0 x 109CFU/mL); d) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 (SC1); e e) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 2 (SC2). Os explantes expostos às cepas 1 e 2 do L. plantarum inativado pelo calor mostraram atrofia difusa de vilosidades, necrose apical das vilosidades e achatamento de enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou resultados semelhantes, com adesão bacteriana ao muco e às células epiteliais intestinais, e a análise morfométrica mostrou uma diminuição da altura das vilosidades em relação ao grupo controle. Alterações nos explantes tratados com o sobrenadante da cultura de ambas as cepas caracterizaram-se por atrofia leve das vilosidades e necrose apical leve dos enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou vilosidades bem delineadas, e a análise morfométrica mostrou um aumento significativo na altura das vilosidades em comparação ao grupo controle. Em geral, a exposição aos sobrenadantes da cultura melhora a morfologia intestinal.(AU)

Adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to polystyrene, skin and gut mucus of gilthead seabream, infectious capacity and antibiotics susceptibility / Adesão de bactérias patogênicas a poliestireno, pele e muco intestinal de gilthead seabream, capacidade infecciosa e susceptibilidade a antibióticos

Linking proprieties of adhesion, infectious capacities and antibiotic resistance of pathogen bacteria could help to treat fish diseases. Adhesions of ten fish pathogenic bacteria were tested in microtiter plates vacant, coated with skin or gut mucus, fixed with methanol, stained with 2% crystal-violet and revealed by colorimetric method. Infectious capacity was performed by exposing gilthead seabream fibroblast cell line (SAF-1) to 107 -108 CFUmL-1 of pathogen bacteria. Cell viability was measured 3h, 9h and 20 hours post-infection. The sensitivity to antibiotics was executed by disk diffusion. Data showed that all the bacteria tested adhere to polystyrene. For skin mucus, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, Halomonas venusta, and Aeromonas bivalvium were moderately adherent. Dietzia maris was strongly adherent. For gut mucus, 60% of tested bacteria were weakly adherent and 40% were non adherent. For infection, D. maris, V. harveyi and A. bivalvium decreased the cells viability to 89% after only 3h. After 20h, the viability percentage ranged between 1% and 32%. All isolates presented resistance to 1000 mg ml-1 of sulphonamide, 60% were resistant to sulfonamide and penicillin G. Present findings could be relevant in fish aquaculture and underscore the importance of the linkage between adhesion, infectious capacity, and antibiotic susceptibility of pathogen bacteria to avoid fish diseases.

Estudar o link entre propriedades de adesão, capacidades infecciosas e resistência a antibióticos de bactérias patogênicas pode ajudar a tratar doenças de peixes. A adesão de dez bactérias patogênicas foi testada em placas de microtitulação vazias, revestidas com muco da pele ou do intestino, fixadas com metanol, coradas com 2% de violeta cristal e reveladas pelo modo colorimétrico. A capacidade infecciosa foi realizada expondo a linha celular de fibroblasto de dourada (SAF-1) a 107-108 CFUmL-1 de bactérias patogénicas. A viabilidade celular foi medida 3h, 9h e 20 horas após a infecção. A sensibilidade aos antibióticos foi executada por difusão em disco. Os dados mostram que todas as bactérias testadas aderem ao poliestireno. Para o muco cutâneo, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, Halomonas venusta e Aeromonas bivalvium foram moderadamente aderentes. Dietzia maris foi fortemente aderente. Para o muco intestinal, 60% das bactérias testadas eram fracamente aderentes e 40% não aderentes. Para infecção, D. maris, V. harveyi e A. bivalvium diminuíram a viabilidade celular para 89% após apenas 3h. Após 20h, o percentual de viabilidade variou entre 1% e 32%. Todos os isolados apresentaram resistência a 1000 mg mL-1 de sulfonamida, 60% foram resistentes à sulfonamida e à penicilina G. Os achados atuais podem ser relevantes na aqüicultura e ressaltam a importância da ligação entre adesão, capacidade infecciosa e suscetibilidade a antibióticos de bactérias patogênicas para evitar doenças em peixes.

Adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to polystyrene, skin and gut mucus of gilthead seabream, infectious capacity and antibiotics susceptibility / Adesão de bactérias patogênicas a poliestireno, pele e muco intestinal de gilthead seabream, capacidade infecciosa e susceptibilidade a antibióticos

Linking proprieties of adhesion, infectious capacities and antibiotic resistance of pathogen bacteria could help to treat fish diseases. Adhesions of ten fish pathogenic bacteria were tested in microtiter plates vacant, coated with skin or gut mucus, fixed with methanol, stained with 2% crystal-violet and revealed by colorimetric method. Infectious capacity was performed by exposing gilthead seabream fibroblast cell line (SAF-1) to 107 -108 CFUmL-1 of pathogen bacteria. Cell viability was measured 3h, 9h and 20 hours post-infection. The sensitivity to antibiotics was executed by disk diffusion. Data showed that all the bacteria tested adhere to polystyrene. For skin mucus, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, Halomonas venusta, and Aeromonas bivalvium were moderately adherent. Dietzia maris was strongly adherent. For gut mucus, 60% of tested bacteria were weakly adherent and 40% were non adherent. For infection, D. maris, V. harveyi and A. bivalvium decreased the cells viability to 89% after only 3h. After 20h, the viability percentage ranged between 1% and 32%. All isolates presented resistance to 1000 mg ml-1 of sulphonamide, 60% were resistant to sulfonamide and penicillin G. Present findings could be relevant in fish aquaculture and underscore the importance of the linkage between adhesion, infectious capacity, and antibiotic susceptibility of pathogen bacteria to avoid fish diseases.(AU)

Estudar o link entre propriedades de adesão, capacidades infecciosas e resistência a antibióticos de bactérias patogênicas pode ajudar a tratar doenças de peixes. A adesão de dez bactérias patogênicas foi testada em placas de microtitulação vazias, revestidas com muco da pele ou do intestino, fixadas com metanol, coradas com 2% de violeta cristal e reveladas pelo modo colorimétrico. A capacidade infecciosa foi realizada expondo a linha celular de fibroblasto de dourada (SAF-1) a 107-108 CFUmL-1 de bactérias patogénicas. A viabilidade celular foi medida 3h, 9h e 20 horas após a infecção. A sensibilidade aos antibióticos foi executada por difusão em disco. Os dados mostram que todas as bactérias testadas aderem ao poliestireno. Para o muco cutâneo, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio alginolyticus, Halomonas venusta e Aeromonas bivalvium foram moderadamente aderentes. Dietzia maris foi fortemente aderente. Para o muco intestinal, 60% das bactérias testadas eram fracamente aderentes e 40% não aderentes. Para infecção, D. maris, V. harveyi e A. bivalvium diminuíram a viabilidade celular para 89% após apenas 3h. Após 20h, o percentual de viabilidade variou entre 1% e 32%. Todos os isolados apresentaram resistência a 1000 mg mL-1 de sulfonamida, 60% foram resistentes à sulfonamida e à penicilina G. Os achados atuais podem ser relevantes na aqüicultura e ressaltam a importância da ligação entre adesão, capacidade infecciosa e suscetibilidade a antibióticos de bactérias patogênicas para evitar doenças em peixes.(AU)

Is the colon mucosa affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model?

Purpose: To identify whether the colon mucosa is affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model. Methods: An experimental model of gastric restriction was devised using rats. The animals were submitted to surgical gastrostomy, and a cylindrical loofah was inserted into the stomach. We studied 30 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups: the stomach restriction group (R10); the sham group (S10), which underwent the same procedure except for the loofah insertion; and the control group (C10). The expression of neutral and acid mucins was evaluated using histochemical techniques. Goblet cells and protein content were compared between groups using generalized estimation equations (GEEs). Bonferronis multiple comparison was applied to identify differences between the groups. All tests considered a 5% significance level. Results: There was an increased expression of neutral mucins, acid mucins and goblet cells in the R10 group. Collagen was also enhanced in the R10 group. Conclusion: The colon mucosa is affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model, increasing neutral mucins, acid mucins and collagen content with trophic maintenance.(AU)

Oxidative stress assessment in intestine of newborn rats submitted to hypoxia and reoxygenation with tadalafil

Purpose: To evaluate the functional and structural response of tadalafil effects in the intestinal mucosa, using an experimental model of hypoxia and reoxygenation injury in rats. Methods: The animals were divided into 4 groups: CTL, H/R, H/R+Td and M+Td. The newborn rats allocated in groups H/R, H/R+Td and M+Td were submitted twice a day, to a gas chamber with CO2 at 100% for 10 minutes and afterward reoxygenation with O2 at 98% for 10 minutes, in the three first days of life. Tadalafil dose was given to newborn of group H/R+Td and to the pregnant rat of group M+Td. Histological analysis was made with hematoxylin-eosin technique and oxidative stress through nitrite and nitrate levels and lipid peroxidation. Results: The histological analysis showed a reduction of mucosa alterations in the groups that received tadalafil. In the oxidative stress evaluation, occurred an increase of NO levels and less lipidic peroxidation in the ileum segments that received tadalafil. Conclusion: Tadalafil provides tissue protection when administered independently to both, pregnant or newborns.(AU)

Effect of dietary glutamine supplementation associated with threonine levels in the intestinal mucosa of broilers challenged with Eimeria sp. from 22 to 42 days of age / Efeito da suplementação de glutamina em dietas associadas com níveis de treonina sobre a mucosa intestinal de frangos de corte desafiados com Eimeria sp., de 22 a 42 dias de idade

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of glutamine and threonine supplementation on the ileal mucosa of broilers aged 21-42 days. Six-hundred and forty-one-day old chicks of the Cobb Slow lineage were utilized in this study. From 1 to 21 days of age, the chicks received a commercial diet; and after 22 days, the broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (challenge and diet), with 4 replications and 20 chicks per experimental unit. At 22 days of age, the challenged broilers received a commercial vaccine against coccidiosis. A commercial diet was utilized as control and three other diets were formulated with reduced crude protein (-3%), and were corrected with the addition of glutamine (Gln) and glutamic acid (Glu) as non-specific nitrogen sources, and finally supplemented with L-Threonine (Thr) at 0.70, 0.80, and 0.85% digestible threonine, respectively. At 28 days of age, diets with Gln/Glu + Thr resulted in greater ileal villi lengths. Challenge with Eimeria sp. reduced the number of goblet cells and increased the duodenal and jejunal crypt depths. At 42 days of age, an interaction was observed between diet and challenge in relation to ileal villi length; better results were observed in the challenged broilers that received 0.85% Gln/Glu + Thr. The mucosal morphology in the ileal villi extremities was preserved in the challenged broilers that received higher Thr levels in their diets. The results suggested that the inclusion of glutamine and threonine affected the morphometry and mucosa of the ileum, thereby improving the mucosal quality.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de glutamina e treonina sobre a mucosa ileal de frangos de corte de 21 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 640 pintos da linhagem Cobb Slow. De 1 a 21 dias de idade, as aves receberam dieta comercial, e a partir de 22 dias foram distribuídas em um delineamento completamente casualizado seguindo um esquema fatorial 2 x 4 (desafio e dieta), com 4 repetições e 20 aves por unidade experimental. As aves foram desafiadas através da vacina de coccidiose. A dieta comercial foi utilizada como controle, e três outras dietas foram formuladas com proteína bruta reduzida (-3%) e corrigidas com a adição de glutamina e ácido glutâmico como fontes de nitrogênio não especificas, e então suplementadas com L-treonina, totalizando 0.70, 0.80 e 0.85% de treonina digestível, respectivamente. Aos 28 dias de idade, dietas com Gln/Glu+Thr mostraram maiores comprimentos de vilo na região do íleo, e o desafio com Eimeria sp reduziu o número de células caliciformes e aumentou a profundidade das criptas do duodeno e do íleo. Aos 42 dias de idade, houve uma interação entre dieta e desafio com relação ao comprimento do vilo do íleo, apresentando melhores resultados em aves desafiadas que receberam a dieta com 0.85% Gln/Glu+Thr. A morfologia da mucosa em região de extremidades de vilos no íleo foi preservada em aves desafiadas que receberam o maior nível de treonina na dieta. Os resultados sugerem que a inclusão de níveis de glutamina e treonina influenciaram a morfometria ileal, melhorando assim a qualidade da mucosa.(AU)

Nutritional evaluation of soybean hulls with or without beta-mannanase supplement on performance, intestinal morphometric and carcass yield of broilers chickens

The objective was to evaluate the performance, intestinal morphology and carcass yield of broilers fed corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet or corn-SBM-soybean hull (SH) with or without b-mannanase supplementation. Thousand four hundred and forty Cobb Slow-male- chicks were housed design following a factorial scheme 2 x 2 (corn-SBM diet and corn-SBM-SH diet vs with and without b-mannanase), composing 4 treatments and 9 replicates each treatment, with 40 birds each replicate. At 21 days, corn-SBM diet supplemented with b-mannanase resulted in better (p<0.05) feed conversion. At 42 days, the weight gain (p<0.05) and feed intake (p<0.05) of the birds fed diets containing SH was 2.6% and 2.9% higher than that of birds fed corn-SBM diets, respectively, independent of b-mannanase supplementation. Birds supplemented with b-mannanase had a lower length of villi (p<0.05) and absorption area (p<0.05) of jejunum mucosa, and higher (p<0.05) relative liver weight. Diets with SH and without addition of b-mannanase resulted in higher relative liver weight (p<0.05) and lower percentage of fat in the carcass. It was not found statistical differences (p>0.05) in the quality of the poultry litter with the inclusion of the enzyme in the diet. The use of b-mannanase in diets with higher concentration of fiber improves the feed conversion of broilers from 1 to 21 days and can be an important nutritional and economic strategy in situations of unavailability of raw material of better quality. Corn-SBM-SH diet resulted in greater weight gain at 42 days than corn-SBM diet.(AU)

Nutritional evaluation of soybean hulls with or without beta-mannanase supplement on performance, intestinal morphometric and carcass yield of broilers chickens

The objective was to evaluate the performance, intestinal morphology and carcass yield of broilers fed corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet or corn-SBM-soybean hull (SH) with or without b-mannanase supplementation. Thousand four hundred and forty Cobb Slow-male- chicks were housed design following a factorial scheme 2 x 2 (corn-SBM diet and corn-SBM-SH diet vs with and without b-mannanase), composing 4 treatments and 9 replicates each treatment, with 40 birds each replicate. At 21 days, corn-SBM diet supplemented with b-mannanase resulted in better (p0.05) in the quality of the poultry litter with the inclusion of the enzyme in the diet. The use of b-mannanase in diets with higher concentration of fiber improves the feed conversion of broilers from 1 to 21 days and can be an important nutritional and economic strategy in situations of unavailability of raw material of better quality. Corn-SBM-SH diet resulted in greater weight gain at 42 days than corn-SBM diet.

Bacillus coagulans enhance the immune function of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus coagulans on the growth performance and immune functions of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers. Three hundred and sixty one-day-old yellow chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments groups with six replicates of 15 chicks each. The broilers were randomly subjected to one of the following treatments for 28 days: control group (group1, fed a basal diet) and three treatments (group 2, 3, 4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans , respectively). The results showed that for 28 days, compared with the control diet, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans significantly decreased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) (p 0.05), improved the thymus index, spleen index and bursa index (p 0.05), increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the duodenum (p 0.05), increased the number of secretory immunoglobulin (sIgA) positive cells ( p 0.05). The dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans promoted a significant increase in Lactobacillus spp. populations and suppressed Escherichia coli replication in cecum, compared with the control (p 0.05). Moreover, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans also significantly enhanced the levels of interferon alpha (IFN), toll-like receptor (TLR3), and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5(MDA5) in the duodenum (p 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary addition of Bacillus coagulans significantly improved broiler performance, and enhanced the intestinal mucosal barrier and immune function. The optimal dosage of Bacillus coagulans for yellow broilers was determined as 2×108 cfu/kg.(AU)

Bacillus coagulans enhance the immune function of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus coagulans on the growth performance and immune functions of the intestinal mucosa of yellow broilers. Three hundred and sixty one-day-old yellow chicks were randomly allocated to four treatments groups with six replicates of 15 chicks each. The broilers were randomly subjected to one of the following treatments for 28 days: control group (group1, fed a basal diet) and three treatments (group 2, 3, 4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans , respectively). The results showed that for 28 days, compared with the control diet, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans significantly decreased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) (p 0.05), improved the thymus index, spleen index and bursa index (p 0.05), increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the duodenum (p 0.05), increased the number of secretory immunoglobulin (sIgA) positive cells ( p 0.05). The dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans promoted a significant increase in Lactobacillus spp. populations and suppressed Escherichia coli replication in cecum, compared with the control (p 0.05). Moreover, the dietary addition of 200 mg/kg Bacillus coagulans also significantly enhanced the levels of interferon alpha (IFN), toll-like receptor (TLR3), and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5(MDA5) in the duodenum (p 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary addition of Bacillus coagulans significantly improved broiler performance, and enhanced the intestinal mucosal barrier and immune function. The optimal dosage of Bacillus coagulans for yellow broilers was determined as 2×108 cfu/kg.

Dietas pós-eclosão suplementadas com fontes de gordura e acrescidas de taurina e glicina sobre a morfometria intestinal e o desempenho de frangos de corte de um a 21 dias / Post-hatch diets supplemented with sources of fat and added taurine and glycine on the intestinal morphology and performance of broilers at 1 to 21 days

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do fornecimento de dietas pós-eclosão suplementadas com diferentes fontes de gordura insaturada e adicionadas ou não de taurina e glicina sobre o desempenho produtivo, a biometria e a morfometria do intestino delgado de pintos de corte de um a 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 480 pintos de corte machos de um dia de idade da linhagem Cobb. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, com e sem suplementação de taurina e glicina e quatro dietas (controle, óleo de peixe, de soja e de girassol), totalizando oito tratamentos com seis repetições de 10 aves cada. As rações experimentais foram fornecidas de zero a quatro dias de idade. O desempenho zootécnico foi avaliado ao alojamento e aos quatro, sete e 21 dias de idade. Nestas mesmas datas, foram sacrificadas duas aves por unidade experimental para biometria do intestino e histomorfometria da mucosa do intestino. A adição de diferentes fontes de gordura e a suplementação de glicina e taurina às dietas de transição não influenciaram o desempenho produtivo de um a 21 dias. A suplementação das dietas com glicina e taurina alterou a morfologia da mucosa intestinal, principalmente do duodeno, resultando em maior comprimento do vilo e relação vilo:cripta. Entretanto, parte dos efeitos positivos depende do tipo de óleo adicionado, mostrando que dietas pós-eclosão acrescidas de fontes de lipídios podem ser benéficas no desenvolvimento da capacidade funcional do intestino de frangos de corte.(AU)

The aim of this study was to assess post-hatch diets supplemented with different sources of unsaturated fat and added or not with taurine and glycine on the productive performance, biometry and morphology of small intestine of chicks from 1 to 21 days of age. Four hundred and eighty (480) one day old male broiler Cobb chicks were used. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 4, with and without supplemental taurine and glycine and 4 diets (control, fish, soy and sunflower oil), totaling six treatments with six repetitions of 10 birds each. The experimental diets were supplied from 0 to 4 days old. The performance was evaluated in housing and 4, 7 and 21 days of age. On these same dates, 2 birds per experimental unit were sacrificed for gut biometrics and histomorphometry of intestinal mucosa. The addition of different sources of fat, glycine and taurine supplementation on transition diets did not influence productive performance from 1 to 21 days. Supplementation of diets with glycine and taurine altered the morphology of the intestinal mucosa, mainly of the duodenum, resulting in greater length of villi and villi: crypt ratio. However, the positive effects depend on the type of oil added, showing that post-hatch diets increased with lipid sources may be beneficial in the development of the functional capacity of the intestine of broilers.(AU)

Colonic epithelial nodular hyperplasia associated with strongyloidiasis in cats in the Amazon region, Pará State, Brazil / Hiperplasia epitelial nodular no cólon de felinos associada à estrongiloidíase na região Amazônica, Pará, Brasil

Strongyloides spp. are intestinal parasites that affect several animal species. Four species of the genus have been reported in domestic cats: S. felis, S. planiceps, S.stercoralis and S. tumefaciens . Reports describing infection by these nematodes in domestic cats in Brazil are scarce. This study aimed to describe the pathological features of Strongyloides spp. parasitism in two cats in the Amazon region, state of Pará, Brazil. During the necropsy of the two cats, numerous whitish nodules approximately 0.2cm in diameter were observed in the wall of the large intestine. The nodules were conspicuous in the colonic mucosa and exhibited a punctate aperture facing the center of the lumen. Microscopically, these nodules were formed by projections of the mucosal epithelium into the submucosa, which formed tubules lined with a single layer of columnar epithelium, with high cellularity and rare goblet cells, characterizing epithelial hyperplasia of the crypts. Adult nematodes and eggs observed in the lumen of the tubules were morphologically compatible with Strongyloides spp. Numerous larvae were also observed in the interstitium adjacent to the nodule. A mild lymphocytic infiltrate was observed neighboring the hyperplastic nodules. The histological changes are consistent with those described for S. tumefaciens infection.

Strongyloides spp. são helmintos que podem parasitar o intestino de diversas espécies animais. Quatro espécies desse gênero têm sido descritas em felinos domésticos: S. felis, S. planiceps, S. stercoralis e S. tumefaciens. Trabalhos sobre o parasitismo por estrongiloides em gatos domésticos no Brasil são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os aspectos patológicos do parasitismo por Strongyloides spp. em dois gatos da região amazônica, no estado do Pará. Estes apresentavam numerosos nódulos esbranquiçados no intestino grosso, medindo cerca de 0,2 centímetros de diâmetro, que na microscopia eram constituídos por projeções do epitélio hiperplásico da mucosa para submucosa, formando túbulos contendo várias fêmeas adultas, ovos e larvas com morfologia compatível com a de Strongyloides spp. e margeados por larvas e remanescentes do aglomerado linfoide. As alterações histológicas foram compatíveis com as descritas no parasitismo por S. tumefaciens.