Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on blood parameters and liver gene expression in female rats.

BACKGROUND: To better understand the molecular mechanism responsible for the therapeutic potential of vitamin D, we conducted an analysis of the liver transcriptomes of adult female rats. METHODS: Adult female rats (n = 18) were divided into three groups, receiving different doses of vitamin D: group I, 0; group II, 1000 U/kg; and group III, 5000 U/kg. Growth, body weight, the weight of main organs, blood haematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Gene expression in the liver were analyzed using RNA-seq and qPCR techniques. RESULTS: We observed a lower platelet count (p < 0,008) and a significantly greater (p < 0.02) number of WBCs in rats supplemented with 1000 U/kg than in rats from group III (5000 U/kg). Moreover, we noted a trend (p < 0.06) in total cholesterol concentration, suggesting a linear decrease with increasing doses of vitamin D. RNA-seq analysis did not reveal any differentially expressed genes with FDR < 0.05. However, GSEA revealed significant activation of a number of processes and pathways, including: "metallothionein, and TspO/MBR family", and "negative regulation of tumor necrosis factor production". qPCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of the Mt1, Mt2 and Orm1 genes in animals receiving high doses of vitamin D (p < 0.025, p < 0.025, and p < 0009, respectively). Moreover, Srebp2 and Insig2 were significantly lower in both experimental groups than in the control group (p < 0.003 and p < 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the anti-inflammatory, anitioxidant and anticholesterologenic potential of vitamin D but suggest that high doses of vitamin D are needed to obtain significant results in this regard.

Does Chronic Pancreatitis in Growing Pigs Lead to Articular Cartilage Degradation and Alterations in Subchondral Bone?

Chronic pancreatitis (CP), a progressive inflammatory disease, poses diagnostic challenges due to its initially asymptomatic nature. While CP's impact on exocrine and endocrine functions is well-recognized, its potential influence on other body systems, particularly in young individuals, remains underexplored. This study investigates the hypothesis that CP in growing pigs leads to alterations in articular cartilage and subchondral bone, potentially contributing to osteoarthritis (OA) development. Utilizing a pig model of cerulein-induced CP, we examined the structural and compositional changes in subchondral bone, articular cartilage, and synovial fluid. Histological analyses, including Picrosirius Red and Safranin-O staining, were employed alongside immuno-histochemistry and Western blotting techniques. Our findings reveal significant changes in the subchondral bone, including reduced bone volume and alterations in collagen fiber composition. Articular cartilage in CP pigs exhibited decreased proteoglycan content and alterations in key proteins such as MMP-13 and TGF-ß1, indicative of early cartilage degradation. These changes suggest a link between CP and musculoskeletal alterations, underscoring the need for further research into CP's systemic effects. Our study provides foundational insights into the relationship between CP and skeletal health, potentially guiding future pediatric healthcare strategies for early CP diagnosis and management.

Changes in miRNA expression in the lungs of pigs supplemented with different levels and forms of vitamin D.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is an immunomodulator, and its effects have been linked to many diseases, including the pathogenesis of cancer. However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the regulation of gene expression of the lungs is not fully understood. This study aims to determine the effect of the increased dose of cholecalciferol and a combination of cholecalciferol + calcidiol, as well as the replacement of cholecalciferol with calcidiol, on the miRNA profile of healthy swine lungs. METHODS AND RESULTS: The swine were long-term (88 days) supplemented with a standard dose (2000IU/kg) of cholecalciferol and calcidiol, the increased dose (3000 IU/kg) of cholecalciferol, and the cholecalciferol + calcidiol combination: grower: 3000 IU/Kg of vitamin D (67% of cholecalciferol and 33% of calcidiol), finisher 2500 IU/Kg of vitamin D (60% of cholecalciferol and 40% of calcidiol). Swine lung tissue was used for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of miRNA. Long-term supplementation with the cholecalciferol + calcidiol combination caused significant changes in the miRNA profile. They embraced altered levels of the expression of miR-150, miR-193, miR-145, miR-574, miR-340, miR-381, miR-148 and miR-96 (q-value < 0.05). In contrast, raising the dose of cholecalciferol only changed the expression of miR-215, and the total replacement of cholecalciferol with calcidiol did not significantly affect the miRNAome profile. CONCLUSIONS: The functional analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs suggests that the use of the increased dose of the cholecalciferol + calcidiol combination may affect tumorigenesis processes through, inter alia, modulation of gene regulation of the TGF- ß pathway and pathways related to metabolism and synthesis of glycan.

The Protective Effects of Astaxanthin (AST) in the Liver of Weaned Piglets.

During the weaning period, piglets are exposed to high levels of stress, which often causes problems with the digestive system. This stress also promotes the production of free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. Astaxanthin (AST) stands out as one of the most potent antioxidants. Its resistance to light and heat makes it particularly valuable in compound feed production. This study was to determine the effect of AST impact on liver histology and gene expression in piglets. For our experiment, we used 16 weaned piglets of the PL breed, which we divided into two groups: Group I (control group with no AST supplementation) and Group II (supplemented with AST at 0.025 g/kg). Both feed mixtures were iso-proteins and iso-energetic, meeting the nutritional requirements of the piglets. The experiment lasted from day 35 to day 70 of the piglets' age, during which they had ad libitum access. The results indicate that the addition of AST prevents liver fibrosis due to reduced collagen deposition in the tissue. Analysis of gene expression supported these results. In the AST-supplemented group, we noted a decrease in NR1H3 expression, an increase in CYP7A1 expression, and reductions in the expression of NOTCH1 and CREB genes.

Kidney morphology and renal expression of aquaporins 2, 3 and 4 during cerulein - Induced chronic pancreatitis in pigs.

PURPOSE: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is associated with serious complications and reduced quality of life. Kidney failure is a frequent complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), however limited information is available regarding the impact of CP on this condition. In the kidney, 9 aquaporins (AQPs) are expressed to maintain body water homeostasis and concentrate urine. The purpose of this study was to morphologically assess and analyze the location and expression of AQP2, AQP3 and AQP4 and determine whether CP affects renal structure and expression of AQPs in collecting duct (CD) principal cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: CP was induced in domestic pigs through intramuscular injections of cerulein (1 â€‹µg/kg â€‹bw/day for 6 days; n â€‹= â€‹5); pigs without CP (n â€‹= â€‹5) were used as a control group. Kidney samples were collected 6 weeks after the last injection and subjected to histological examination. Expression of AQPs was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: The kidneys of animals with CP exhibited moderate changes, including glomerular enlargement, increased collagen percentage, numerous stromal erythrorrhages and inflammatory infiltrations compared to control group. Although the total abundance of AQP2 in the CD decreased in pigs after cerulein administration, the difference was not statistically significant. Expression of AQP3 and AQP4 was limited to the basolateral membrane of the CD cells. AQP4 abundance remained relatively stable in both groups, while AQP3 expression increased nearly three-fold in pigs with CP. CONCLUSION: This study identified morphological alterations and a statistically significant increase in the expression of renal AQP3 when pigs developed CP.

Repetitive Cerulein-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis in Growing Pigs-A Pilot Study.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an irreversible and progressive inflammatory disease. Knowledge on the development and progression of CP is limited. The goal of the study was to define the serum profile of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the cell antioxidant defense system (superoxidase dismutase-SOD, and reduced glutathione-GSH) over time in a cerulein-induced CP model and explore the impact of these changes on selected cytokines in the intestinal mucosa and pancreatic tissue, as well as on selected serum biochemical parameters. The mRNA expression of CLDN1 and CDH1 genes, and levels of Claudin-1 and E-cadherin, proteins of gut barrier, in the intestinal mucosa were determined via western blot analysis. The study showed moderate pathomorphological changes in the pigs' pancreas 43 days after the last cerulein injection. Blood serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), SOD and GSH were increased following cerulein injections. IL-1-beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and GSH were also increased in jejunal mucosa and pancreatic tissue. In duodenum, decreased mRNA expression of CDH1 and level of E-cadherin and increased D-lactate, an indicator of leaky gut, indicating an inflammatory state, were observed. Based on the current results, we can conclude that repetitive cerulein injections in growing pigs not only led to CP over time, but also induced inflammation in the intestine. As a result of the inflammation, the intestinal barrier was impaired.

Barley, Triticale, or Rye? The Type of Grain Can Affect the Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Sustainable Raised Pigs.

The effect of high level of barley, triticale, or rye as base of complete mixtures for growing-finishing pigs on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profile in meat and backfat was investigated. The 100-day experiment involved 72 pigs, assigned into three groups (24 animals each). Pigs of each group were kept in six pens (two gilts and two barrows per pen). Diets offered to pigs differed in the proportion of cereals as the leading ingredients in the mixture formulation: I-barley, II-triticale, III-rye. The results showed diversified grain influence on the production results and meat quality. Triticale- and barley-based diets ensured better weight gain and lower carcass fatness than rye (p ≤ 0.05). The basic nutrients digestibility of mixtures containing triticale was comparable to that containing barley and higher than that of rye (p ≤ 0.05). The meat and backfat of pigs receiving diet with triticale or barley was characterized by more favorable fatty acids profile in respect to the health-promoting indicators (atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes; hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio). The cholesterol level in various tissues was the lowest in pigs fed with rye diet, and their meat characterized by better water holding capacity and more SFA. Higher fat saturation indicate better resistance to oxidation during storage and longer meat shelf life. It seems that the supplementation of triticale to diet may improve the growth efficiency of pigs and the health-promoting value of meat, while the supplementation of rye may be better for the production of traditional or long-matured meat products.

Effect of different doses of cholecalciferol and calcidiol on meat quality parameters and skeletal muscle transcriptome profiles in swine.

Skeletal muscle tissue is one of the potential targets for vitamin D actions. There are indications that vitamin D supplementation to swine has a positive effect on meat quality. However, these issues need further study, especially in terms of response to the use of different forms of vitamin D. We carried out a multi-purpose study to compare the effects of cholecalciferol and calcidiol on meat quality and muscle tissue transcriptome. Meat quality assessment and gene expression analysis were performed on longissimus dorsi samples collected from swine fed grower/finisher diets containing 2000 IU cholecalciferol/1500 IU cholecalciferol per kg (n = 8), 3000 IU cholecalciferol/2500 IU cholecalciferol per kg (n = 10), 2000 IU cholecalciferol +1000 IU calcidiol/1500 IU cholecaliferol +1000 IU calcidiol per kg (n = 8), and 2000 IU calcidiol/1500 IU calcidiol per kg (n = 8). The results suggest that increasing the dose of cholecalciferol and using calcidiol in the diet of finishers may improve meat texture parameters (shear force P = 0,014, toughness P = 0,048, cohesiveness P = 0,017, resilience P = 0,002). Shear force (68.46 N-51.42 N) and toughness (145.85 N-114.52 N) decreased the most under the effect of increasing cholecalciferol dosage. In turn, cohesiveness (0.60 N-0.65 N) and resilience (0.23 N-0.28 N) increased most strongly under the use of cholecalciferol+calcidiol. Moreover, the results indicate no significant effect of increasing cholecalciferol dose and use calcidiol in the swine diet on muscle tissue transcriptome.

Changes in DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression in Lung Tissue after Long-Term Supplementation with an Increased Dose of Cholecalciferol.

Maintaining an appropriate concentration of vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the body, regardless of age. Nowadays, there are more and more indications that vitamin D supplementation at higher than standard doses may show protective and therapeutic effects. Our study identified differences in the body's response to long-term supplementation with cholecalciferol at an increased dose. Two groups of pigs were used in the experiment. The first group received a standard dose of cholecalciferol (grower, 2000 IU/kg feed, and finisher, 1500 IU/kg feed), and the second group received an increased dose (grower, 3000 IU/kg feed, and finisher, 2500 IU/kg feed). After slaughter, lung samples were collected and used for RRBS and mRNA sequencing. Analysis of the methylation results showed that 2349 CpG sites had significantly altered methylation patterns and 1116 (47.51%) identified DMSs (Differentially Methylated Sites) were related to genes and their regulatory sites. The mRNA sequencing results showed a significant change in the expression of 195 genes. The integrated analysis identified eleven genes with DNA methylation and mRNA expression differences between the analyzed groups. The results of this study suggested that an increased vitamin D intake may be helpful for the prevention of lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. These actions may stem from the influence of vitamin D on the expression of genes associated with collagen production, such as SHMT1, UGT1A6, and ITIH2.The anti-cancer properties of vitamin D are also supported by changes in KLHL3 and TTPA gene expression.

Feeding pigs with coconut oil affects their adipose miRNA profile.

BACKGROUND: Circulating miRNA molecules are intensively studied for their usefulness as biomarkers of civilization diseases. Meanwhile, it is known that diet can influence the level of miRNA expression in tissues. METHODS: Our research aimed to determine how a diet containing various sources of fat (rapeseed oil, beef tallow, coconut oil) and different amounts of cDDGS (corn Dried Distilled Grains with Solubles) affects the miRNA profile in pig fat-the main source of circulating miRNAs. For this purpose, we used Next Generation Sequencing of miRNA libraries. RESULTS: We observed the highest number of differentially expressed miRNAs in the samples from animals that were fed with coconut oil in the diet compared to all other treatments. In contrary, cDDGS appeared to have little effect on miRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a subset of diet-related, adipose-specific, conservative miRNAs among mammals, namely: ssc-miR-99b, ssc-miR-4334-3p, ssc-miR-146b, ssc-miR-23a. Moreover, we observed that several miRNAs regulated by dietary fats are considered as biomarkers in human and animal diseases.

Effects of Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal and Astaxanthin as Feed Additives on Health and Production Indices in Weaned Pigs.

Weaning is a critical period in farming, and therefore, searching for health-promoting feed additives of natural origin is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of full-fat H. illucens larvae meal (HI) and astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the growth performance and health status of weaned pigs. The experiment was carried out on 48 pigs (8.7 kg) divided into six groups: I-control; II-2.5% HI; III-5% HI; IV-2.5% HI and AST; V-5% HI and AST; VI-AST. The experiment lasted from the 35th to 70th day of age, and animals were fed ad libitum. The results obtained indicate that HI meal and astaxanthin had no effect on feed intake and utilization, weight gain, or organ weight. Additionally, blood parameters remained within the norms. It seems that astaxanthin supports the inhibition of oxidative stress, which became apparent in the case of some red blood cell parameters. The 2.5% HI and AST supplementation can reduce the susceptibility of pork fat to oxidation (lower adipose tissue TBARS). However, 5% HI in feed was not beneficial because of the adverse changes in some red cell indices, and it should be combined with the antioxidant AST to improve these indices.

Effect of Inulin Source and a Probiotic Supplement in Pig Diets on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Composition in Finishing Pigs.

In this experiment, we investigated the effect of the supplementation of probiotic bacteria in the diet with inulin or dried Jerusalem artichoke tubers on the performance, meat quality, and fatty acid composition in the meat and backfat of fatteners. One hundred and forty-four crossbred pigs (PIC × Penarlan P76) were divided into six groups and fattened from 30 to 114 kg. The meat proximate composition, pH, color, texture, shear force, water-holding capacity, sensory attributes, and thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances were measured. Normal post-mortem meat glycolysis was demonstrated and no meat defects were present. The chemical constituents in muscle tissues were similar, except for intramuscular fat (IMF). The addition of the prebiotics resulted in a higher IMF level, whereas a significantly lower content was found after the probiotic supplementation. Meat from both prebiotic groups was lighter, less red, and more yellow and showed a higher hue angle. The addition of both prebiotics significantly improved the antioxidant status of meat (by approximately 16% and 18%) and the water-holding capacity (less free water and higher M/T ratios), but reduced shear force (by 17%, p ≤ 0.05) and hardness (by 39% and 35%, respectively, p ≤ 0.05). The addition of the prebiotics and probiotics had no effect on any of the evaluated sensory attributes.

Analysis of the effect of vitamin D supplementation and sex on Vdr, Cyp2r1 and Cyp27b1 gene expression in Wistar rats' tissues.

Vitamin D supplementation is widely recommended for animals and humans. However, its effects on extra-skeletal disorders have not been well proven. Our research aimed to analyse the effect of supplementation with standard and increased doses of vitamin D on the health status, biochemical and haematological parameters of blood as well as on the level of expression of genes metabolising vitamin D and the Vdr gene in the kidney, liver, fat and brain of rats of different sexes. 36 Wistars rats (18 males and 18 females) divided into three supplementation groups (I-O vitamin D, II- 1000 U / kg of vitamin D, III - 5000 U / Kg of vitamin D) were analysed. Vitamin D supplementation had little effect on growth traits and biochemical blood indices; slight decrease in a heart size was observed in females supplemented with high doses of vitamin D (p = 0.0075), moreover male rats tended to have increased level of triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.0516)). In our study we observed that vitamin D supplementation did not change the expression of Vdr gene in any of analysed tissue. However, we noticed evident downregulation of Cyp27b1 gene by vitamin D supplementation in the liver and kidney in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we observed that in the female's liver, Vdr and Cyp2r1 were upregulated, in the female's kidney Vdr was upregulated while Cyp27b1 was downregulated compared to males. Moreover, in the female's brain and fat Cyp27b1 and Cyp2r1 tended to be upregulated compared to males. Our results confirm that Vdr and vitamin D metabolising genes are regulated by sex in the kidney and several extra-renal tissues.

The Effect of Replacement of Soybean Meal with Corn Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (cDDGS) and Differentiation of Dietary Fat Sources on Pig Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profile.

The aim of the study was to investigate mixtures comprising corn distillers dried grain with solubles as a partial replacer for soybean meal (SBM) and different dietary fat sources, in order to determine their effect on the meat quality and fatty acid profile. Thirty-two crossbred fatteners were divided into four groups: I-SBM + rapeseed oil, II-cDDGS + rapeseed oil, III-cDDGS + beef tallow, IV-cDDGS + coconut oil. The experiment took place from 60 to 118 kg. At the end of fattening, all pigs were slaughtered and samples of meat (musculuslongissimus lumborum) were taken. The fatty acid profile, texture, and quality traits were analyzed. Corn DDGS affected drip loss. Beef tallow and coconut oil improved water holding capacity and drip loss and increased fat content, compared to the control group. The dietary fat type affected the fatty acid composition, iodine value, and consequently some quality traits of meat. However, these relationships varied. Fat content in the meat was inversely correlated with shear force and texture parameters, but positively with tenderness and juiciness. The fatty acid profile significantly influenced cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and sensory traits, which were the most beneficial in meat with higher fat content and higher fat saturation index.

The Quality and Health-Promoting Value of Meat from Pigs of the Native Breed as the Effect of Extensive Feeding with Acorns.

The popularity of meat from animals of native breeds is growing all over the world, due to consumer belief regarding its higher quality compared to meat from industrial farm animals. In addition, the living conditions (welfare) are of great importance for consumers. We observed the effect of different ways of keeping and feeding pigs of the same conservative breed on the quality of meat and its health benefits. The aim of the study was to compare the meat quality from pigs of the native Zlotnicka Spotted breed, fattened intensively or extensively (with conventional farm-produced compound feed and acorns). The meat from free-range pigs extensively fed on silage and small amounts of acorns was characterized by a higher content of fat, which acts as a carrier for flavor and juiciness, as well as higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p ≤ 0.05) and lower atherogenic, thrombogenic, and peroxidability indices (p ≤ 0.05). It may be stated that the meat quality of the native pig breed is significantly dependent on the housing and feeding method. A more beneficial effect on the quality of meat and its dietetic value, as well as its susceptibility to rancidity, can be obtained throughextensive pig feeding with roughage and the addition of acorns.

The Protective Role of Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid on the Growth and Bone Development of Experimentally Induced Perinatal Growth-Retarded Piglets.

The effect of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) supplementation to experimentally-induced, perinatal growth-retarded piglets was examined. Sows were treated with a synthetic glucocorticoid (Gc) during the last 25 days of pregnancy, and after the birth, piglets were randomly divided into three groups depending on the treatment. The Gc/Gc + AKG and Gc/AKG groups born by Gc-treated sows after the birth were treated with Gc or Gc + AKG for 35 days. Significantly lower serum growth hormone, IGF-I, osteocalcin, leptin, and cortisol concentrations were observed in the Gc/Gc + AKG group, while the bone alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher. Serum insulin concentration was higher in the control group. Serum alanine, lysine, histidine, and tryptophan concentrations were higher in the Gc/Gc + AKG and Gc/AKG groups. The perinatal action of Gc significantly affects histomorphometry of articular cartilage and trabecular bone and bone mechanics. The results clearly showed that dietary AKG had positive effects with regards to the profile of free amino acids. Taking into account the function of AKG as an energy donor and stimulator of collagen synthesis, it can be concluded that the anabolic role of AKG may be the main mechanism responsible for its protective effect against the GC-induced perinatal intensified catabolic state.

3'quant mRNA-Seq of Porcine Liver Reveals Alterations in UPR, Acute Phase Response, and Cholesterol and Bile Acid Metabolism in Response to Different Dietary Fats.

Animal fats are considered to be unhealthy, in contrast to vegetable fats, which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. However, the use of some fats, such as coconut oil, is still controversial. In our experiment, we divided experimental animals (domestic pigs) into three groups differing only in the type of fat used in the diet: group R: rapeseed oil (n = 5); group B: beef tallow (n = 5); group C: coconut oil (n = 6). After transcriptomic analysis of liver samples, we identified 188, 93, and 53 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in R vs. B, R vs. C, and B vs. C comparisons, respectively. Next, we performed a functional analysis of identified DEGs with String and IPA software. We observed the enrichment of genes engaged in the unfolded protein response (UPR) and the acute phase response among genes upregulated in B compared to R. In contrast, cholesterol biosynthesis and cholesterol efflux enrichments were observed among genes downregulated in B when compared to R. Moreover, activation of the UPR and inhibition of the sirtuin signaling pathway were noted in C when compared to R. The most striking difference in liver transcriptomic response between C and B was the activation of the acute phase response and inhibition of bile acid synthesis in the latest group. Our results suggest that excessive consumption of animal fats leads to the activation of a cascade of mutually propelling processes harmful to the liver: inflammation, UPR, and imbalances in the biosynthesis of cholesterol and bile acids via altered organelle membrane composition. Nevertheless, these studies should be extended with analysis at the level of proteins and their function.

Effect of Maternal Diet and Medium Chain Fatty Acids Supplementation for Piglets on Their Digestive Tract Development, Structure, and Chyme Acidity as Well as Performance and Health Status.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oils for sows during late pregnancy and lactation on offspring performance. In addition, the effect of caprylic acid (C8) or medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT) in piglets' feed on their gut development, performance, and health status was determined. The experiment was conducted on 24 sows allocated to two treatments: diet with rapeseed oil or with coconut oil. Newborn piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments: feed with no supplement or supplemented with 0.3% MCT or with 0.3% C8. The results showed that both oils had no effect on sow reproductive rates; however, fatty acid patterns of milk differed significantly and the number of lost piglets was lower in sow fed with coconut oil. Both caprylic and MCT oil significantly improved piglet performance and villus height. These additives did not change triacylglycerol content in blood, but C8 lowered total cholesterol and MCT increased IgG content. It can be concluded that coconut oil fed to pregnant and lactating sows can markedly reduce the mortality of piglets and that caprylic acid and medium-chain fatty acid oil can be a good supplement in weaned piglet feed.

Is Dietary 2-Oxoglutaric Acid Effective in Accelerating Bone Growth and Development in Experimentally-Induced Intrauterine Growth Retarded Gilts?

In this study, the effect of long-term 2-oxoglutaric acid (2-Ox) supplementation to experimentally-induced intrauterine growth retarded gilts was examined. Sows were treated with synthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) every second day, during the last 45 days of pregnancy, at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg b.w. At birth, the gilts were randomly divided into two groups: unsupplemented and supplemented with 2-Ox for nine months (0.4 g/kg body weight/day). Oral supplementation of 2-Ox to experimentally-induced intrauterine growth retarded gilts increased body weight at weaning as well as final body weight at the age of nine months, and showed a regenerative effect on bone mineralization and morphology of trabeculae and articular cartilage. The positive effects on bone structure were attributed to the 2-Ox-induced alterations in bone metabolism, as evidenced by the changes in the expression of proteins involved in bone formation and remodeling: osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Source of Dietary Fat in Pig Diet Affects Adipose Expression of Genes Related to Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

It has been known for many years that excessive consumption of saturated fats has proatherogenic properties, contrary to unsaturated fats. However, the molecular mechanism covering these effects is not fully understood. In this paper, we aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using RNA-sequencing, following feeding pigs with different sources of fat. After comparison of adipose samples from three dietary groups (rapeseed oil (n = 6), beef tallow (n = 5), coconut oil (n = 5)), we identified 29 DEGs (adjusted p-value < 0.05, fold change > 1.3) between beef tallow and rapeseed oil and 2 genes between coconut oil and rapeseed oil groups. No differentially expressed genes were observed between coconut oil and beef tallow groups. Almost all 29 DEGs between rapeseed oil and beef tallow groups are connected to neurodegenerative, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer (e.g., PLAU, CYBB, NCF2, ZNF217, CHAC1, CTCFL). Functional analysis of these genes revealed that they are associated with fluid shear stress response, complement and coagulation cascade, ROS signaling, neurogenesis, and regulation of protein binding and protein catabolic processes. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the whole datasets from all three comparisons suggests that both beef tallow and coconut oil may trigger changes in the expression level of genes crucial in the pathogenesis of civilization diseases.