Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Oriental Medicines in Targeting Tau Pathology: Insights from Cell-free and Cell-based Screening.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Oriental Medicines (TOMs) formulated using a variety of medicinal plants have a low risk of side effects. In previous studies, five TOMs, namely Dangguijakyaksan, Hwanglyeonhaedoktang, Ukgansan, Palmijihwanghwan, and Jowiseungchungtang have been commonly used to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, only a few studies have investigated the effects of these five TOMs on tau pathology. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of five TOMs on various tau pathologies, including post-translational modifications, aggregation and deposition, tau-induced neurotoxicity, and tau-induced neuroinflammation. METHODS: Immunocytochemistry was used to investigate the hyperphosphorylation of tau induced by okadaic acid. In addition, the thioflavin T assay was used to assess the effects of the TOMs on the inhibition of tau K18 aggregation and the dissociation of tau K18 aggregates. Moreover, a water-soluble tetrazolium-1 assay and a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the effects of the TOMs on tau-induced neurotoxicity and inflammatory cytokines in HT22 and BV2 cells, respectively. RESULTS: The five TOMs investigated in this study significantly reduced okadaic acid-induced tau hyperphosphorylation. Hwanglyeonhaedoktang inhibited the aggregation of tau and promoted the dissociation of tau aggregates. Dangguijakyaksan and Hwanglyeonhaedoktang attenuated tau-induced neurotoxicity in HT22 cells. In addition, Dangguijakyaksan, Hwanglyeonhaedoktang, Ukgansan, and Palmijihwanghwan reduced tauinduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in BV2 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that five TOMs are potential therapeutic candidates for tau pathology. In particular, Hwanglyeonhaedoktang showed the greatest efficacy among the five TOMs in cell-free and cell-based screening approaches. These findings suggest that Hwanglyeonhaedoktang is suitable for treating AD patients with tau pathology.

Korean red ginseng polysaccharide as a potential therapeutic agent targeting tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that plays a critical role in the stabilization and modulation of neuronal axons. Tau pathology is stronger associated with cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) than amyloid beta (Aß) pathology. Hence, tau targeting is a promising approach for the treatment of AD. Previous studies have demonstrated that the non-saponin fraction with rich polysaccharide (NFP) from Korean red ginseng (KRG) can modulate tau aggregation and exert a therapeutic effect on AD. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of NFP isolated from KRG on tau pathology in experimental models of AD. Our results showed that NFP from KRG ameliorated deposition and hyperphosphorylation of tau in the brain of 3xTg mice. Moreover, NFP from KRG modulated the aggregation and dissociation of tau K18 in vitro. We demonstrated the alleviatory effects of NFP from KRG on hyperphosphorylated tau and tau kinase in okadaic acid-treated HT22 cells. Furthermore, NFP from KRG mitigated Aß deposition, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation in 3xTg mice. We revealed the neuroprotective effects of NFP from KRG on tau-induced neuronal loss in HT22 cells. Our results indicate that NFP extracted from KRG is a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD associated with tau pathology.

Peer effects on organizational commitment: Evidence from military cadets.

The commitment of soldiers to the military is essential because it could lead to increased morale, motivation and retention. Despite the accumulation of knowledge about predictors of organizational commitment (OC), efforts to investigate environmental factors influencing OC are in their infancy. We note that individuals shape their attitudes toward the environment based on information obtained from their surroundings, and we investigate peer effects on OC using data from a natural experiment of randomly-assigned military academy roommates. A total of 400 cadets (Sex ratio: 93.5% male, Age: 21.13 ± 1.43 years) from 136 living quarters participated in this quantitative study. In both self- and roommate-reports, we found that the average affective commitment (AC), continuance commitment (CC), and normative commitment (NC) of roommates in a living quarter can still predict AC, CC, and NC of the remaining individual in that same living quarter, respectively, even after controlling for the personal predictors of that remaining individual. Additionally, in self-report, we discovered that when there is a high heterogeneity in AC among roommates within a living quarter, the AC of the remaining individual in that living quarter tends to be higher, even after controlling for the personal predictors of that remaining individual. These findings provide initial evidence that attempting to assign soldiers with low OC to the same living quarters as those with high OC may be worthwhile.

Genipin and pyrogallol: Two natural small molecules targeting the modulation of disordered proteins in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the aggregation of disordered proteins, such as amyloid beta (Aß) and tau, leading to neurotoxicity and disease progression. Despite numerous efforts, effective inhibitors of Aß and tau aggregates have not been developed. Thus, we aimed to screen natural small molecules from crude extracts that target various pathologies and are prescribed for patients with neurological diseases. In this study, we screened 162 natural small molecules prescribed for neurological diseases and identified genipin and pyrogallol as hit compounds capable of simultaneously regulating the aggregation of Aß and tau K18. Moreover, we confirmed the dual modulatory effects of these compounds on the reduction of amyloid-mediated neurotoxicity in vitro and the disassembly of preformed Aß42 and tau K18 fibrils. Furthermore, we observed the alleviatory effects of genipin and pyrogallol against AD-related pathologies in triple transgenic AD mice. Molecular dynamics and docking simulations revealed the molecular interaction dynamics of genipin and pyrogallol with Aß42 and tau K18, providing insights into their suppression of aggregation. Our findings suggest the therapeutic potential of genipin and pyrogallol as dual modulators for the treatment of AD by inhibiting aggregation or promoting dissociation of Aß and tau.

Characterization of age- and stage-dependent impaired adult subventricular neurogenesis in 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline. Several recent studies demonstrated that impaired adult neurogenesis could contribute to AD-related cognitive impairment. Adult subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenesis, which occurs in the lateral ventricles, plays a crucial role in structural plasticity and neural circuit maintenance. Alterations in adult SVZ neurogenesis are early events in AD, and impaired adult neurogenesis is influenced by the accumulation of intracellular Aß. Although Aß-overexpressing transgenic 5XFAD mice are an AD animal model well representative of Aß-related pathologies in the brain, the characterization of altered adult SVZ neurogenesis following AD progression in 5XFAD mice has not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, we validated the characterization of adult SVZ neurogenesis changes with AD progression in 2-, 4-, 8-, and 11-monthold male 5XFAD mice. We first investigated the Aß accumulation in the SVZ using the 4G8 antibody. We observed intracellular Aß accumulation in the SVZ of 2-month-old 5XFAD mice. In addition, 5XFAD mice exhibited significantly increased Aß deposition in the SVZ with age. Next, we performed a histological analysis to investigate changes in various phases of adult neurogenesis, such as quiescence, proliferation, and differentiation, in SVZ. Compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) mice, quiescent neural stem cells were reduced in 5XFAD mice from 2-11 months of age. Moreover, proliferative neural stem cells were decreased in 5XFAD mice from 2 to 8 months of age. Furthermore, differentiations of neuroblasts were diminished in 5XFAD mice from 2-11 months of age. Intriguingly, we found that adult SVZ neurogenesis was reduced with aging in healthy mice. Taken together, our results revealed that impairment of adult SVZ neurogenesis appears with aging or AD progression. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(9): 520-525].

Effects of Feed Composition in Different Growth Stages on Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Diversity of Hanwoo Steers.

Ruminants are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and information on ruminant fermentation and microorganisms is essential to understand ruminant digestion, which is associated with environmental pollution. The present study investigated rumen fermentation and microbial diversity according to the three different growth stages of four Hanwoo steers: growing (12 months, G), early fattening (18 months, EF), and late fattening (25 months, LF). No significant differences were observed in rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen among growth stages. Total volatile fatty acids were significantly higher and propionate and valerate significantly lower in G than in EF and LF (p < 0.05). Ten bacterial phyla were detected, including Firmicutes (47.5−53.5%) and Bacteroidetes (28.4−31.7%), which accounted for 79.2−82.3% of the total bacteria. Prevotella accounted for the highest proportion (31.6−42.6%) of all bacteria in this study but did not differ significantly among the different growth stages. Metaprevotella abundance was significantly higher in G than in the other treatments (p < 0.05). In addition, Paraprevotella tended to be higher in LF than in the other treatments (p = 0.056). Given the differences in the genera of microorganisms with relatively low abundance, additional experiments are needed to determine the effect on fermentation.

Effects of dietary copper sources and levels on growth performance, copper digestibility, fecal and serum mineral characteristics in growing pigs.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three different copper (Cu) sources (one inorganic and two organics) and levels (0, 50, and 100 mg/kg) on the growth performance, Cu digestibility, fecal mineral excretion, serum mineral concentration, jejunal morphology, and serum biochemical profile of growing pigs. A total of 42 male, growing pigs (31.08 ± 1.82 kg) were randomly assigned to seven treatments consisting of one negative control (0 mg/kg of added Cu level) and treatments with copper sulfate (CuSO4), Cu-amino acid complex (CuAA), and Cu-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoate chelate complex (CuHMB) at 50 and 100 mg/kg each for 28 d. Pigs fed 50 or 100 mg/kg of Cu showed improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain and feed intake. Although Cu excretion decreased (p < 0.01) in pigs fed 100 mg/kg of organic Cu sources compared to those fed CuSO4, there was no difference between the Cu sources in pigs fed 50 mg/kg. However, the apparent total tract digestibility of Cu increased (p < 0.01) in pigs fed organic Cu sources compared with that in pigs fed CuSO4. The addition of CuHMB increased (p < 0.01) serum phosphorus and sulfur concentrations; however, there were no effects of source and level on jejunal morphology and serum biochemical profile. These results suggest that the inclusion (50 mg/kg) of organic Cu sources (CuAA and CuHMB) in the growing pig diet could be beneficial for growth performance and Cu availability and may reduce environmental pollution.

Protective effects of biological feed additives on gut microbiota and the health of pigs exposed to deoxynivalenol: a review.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most common mycotoxin contaminant of cereal-based food and animal feed. The toxicity of DON is very low compared to that of other toxins; however, the most prominent signs of DON exposure include inappetence and body weight loss, which causes considerable economic losses in the livestock industry. This review summarizes critical studies on biological DON mycotoxin mitigation strategies and the respective in vitro and in vivo intestinal effects. Focus areas include growth performance, gut health in terms of intestinal histomorphology, epithelial barrier functions, the intestinal immune system and microflora, and short-chain fatty acid production in the intestines. In addition, DON detoxification and modulation of these parameters, through biological supplements, are discussed. Biological detoxification of DON using microorganisms can attenuate DON toxicity by modulating gut microbiota and improving gut health with or without influencing the growth performance of pigs. However, the use of microorganisms as feed additives to livestock for mycotoxins detoxification needs more research before commercial use.

Residual Level, Histology, and Blood Biochemistry of Tebuconazole: A Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity Study in Pigs.

In this study, we investigated the residual properties of tebuconazole-treated pigs. Twentypigs were treated with different concentrations (0.25, 1.25, 2.5, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg bw/d) of tebuconazole for 28 d. Blood biochemistry, histology, and residual levels were analyzed using the VetTest analyzer, Masson's trichrome staining kit, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The final body weights were not significantly different between the control and treatment groups. Alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly different from those of the control after exposure for 14 d. However, alanine aminotransferase levels showed changes only after exposure to pesticides for 28 d. The biochemical parameters were separated during the experimental period (14 d versus 28 d) by principal component analysis. Based on variable importance plots, blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase are candidate biomarkers for tebuconazole exposure. The residual levels were observed at T4 (12.5 mg/kg bw/d) and T5 (25 mg/kg bw/d) in the liver and fat tissues, respectively. Fibrosis increased in the liver, kidney, and fat tissues, depending on the tebuconazole concentration. In conclusion, the residue limits of tebuconazole and the physiological changes caused by dietary tebuconazole in pigs provide important information for establishing maximum residue limits of pork and pork products.

Effects of dietary protease supplementation on growth rate, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of weaned pigs.

The addition of dietary proteases (PRO) to weaner diets hydrolyzes soybean-based anti-nutritive factors and improves weaned pig's dietary digestibility and growth performance. Therefore, this study explores the effects of PRO in a lower crude protein (CP) level diet than that in a commercial diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of weaned pigs. A total of 90 weaned pigs were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments with 6 pigs per pen and 5 replicated pens per treatment using a randomized complete block design (block = body weight [BW]): 1) a commercial weaner diet as a positive control (PC; phase1 CP = 23.71%; phase2 CP: 22.36%), 2) lower CP diet than PC as a negative control (NC; 0.61% less CP than PC), and 3) an NC diet with 0.02% PRO. Pigs fed PC and PRO had higher (p < 0.05) final BW, average daily gain, and/or gain to feed ratio for the first three weeks and the overall experimental period than NC. The PC and PRO groups had greater (p < 0.05) apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, CP, and energy than the NC group. Moreover, pigs fed PC and PRO increased (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility of CP compared with those fed NC. In addition, the PRO group had a higher number of goblet cells than the PC and NC groups. However, pig fed PC and PRO increased (p < 0.05) villus height and height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum compared with those fed NC. In conclusion, PRO supplementation in a commercial weaner diet with low CP levels improves growth rate and nutrient digestibility by modulating the intestinal morphology of weaned pigs.

Modification of Gut Microbiota and Immune Responses via Dietary Protease in Soybean Meal-Based Protein Diets.

Plant-based protein sources such as soybean meal have low digestibility and are generally promoted accumulation of undigested proteins into the intestine by enzymatic treatments. Moreover, potential intestinal pathogens ferment undigested proteins, producing harmful substances, such as ammonia, amines and phenols, leading to an overactive immune response and diarrhea in weaned pigs. As a solution, dietary proteases hydrolyze soybean-based antinutritive factors, which negatively affect immune responses and gut microbiota. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary proteases (PRO) in a low-crude protein (CP) commercial diet on the immune responses and gut microbiota of weaned pigs. The experimental design consisted of three dietary treatments: a commercial diet as a positive control (PC; phase1 CP = 23.71%; phase 2 CP: 22.36%), a lower CP diet than PC as negative control (NC; 0.61% less CP than PC), and NC diet supplement with 0.02% PRO. We found that PRO tended to decrease the frequency of diarrhea in the first two weeks after weaning compared with PC and NC. In addition, pigs fed PRO showed decreased TNF-α and TGF-ß1 levels compared with those fed PC and NC. The PRO group had a higher relative proportion of the genus Lactobacillus and lower levels of the genus Streptococcus than the PC and NC groups. In conclusion, the addition of PRO to a low CP commercial weaned diet attenuated inflammatory responses and modified gut microbiota in weaned pigs.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae oil as an alternative fat ingredient to soybean oil in laying hen diets.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether dietary black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI) larvae oil (HILO) could serve as an alternative fat source to soybean oil (SBO) in laying hen diets. METHODS: We randomly assigned 25-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens (n = 144) to receive (n = 6 hens/group; eight replicates) a control or an experimental diet in which SBO was replaced with 50% (50HILO) or 100% HILO (100HILO). RESULTS: Dietary HILO did not negatively affect body weight or productive performance during the study. The eggs also had similar quality parameters, proximate composition, and cholesterol levels. However, the yolk color index was significantly higher (p<0.01) in the 100HILO than in the other groups. Dietary HILO significantly altered the composition of fatty acids (FAs) in abdominal fat and eggs. Total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and total polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) were significantly increased and decreased in the 50HILO and 100HILO groups, respectively, compared with those in the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively). Specifically, the medium-chain FAs lauric and myristic acids were remarkably increased in the abdominal fat of laying hens fed HILO (p<0.0001), whereas only myristic acid increased in eggs (p<0.0001). Undesirable heavy metal (aluminum, fluorine, arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium) concentrations were below permissible limits in eggs. CONCLUSION: We considered that HILO could be an alternative dietary fat to SBO for laying hens with maintained productive performance and good egg quality.

Effect of Flutriafol Exposure on Residue Characteristics in Pig Muscle and Fat Tissue.

This study investigated the effect of exposure to flutriafol based on residues in pigs. Pigs were exposed to different concentrations (0.313, 0.625, 3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg/kg bw/d, n=20) for 4 wk in different treatment groups. Serum biochemical analysis, residue levels, and histological analysis were conducted using the VetTest chemistry analyzer, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively. The body weight (initial and final) was not significantly different between groups. Parameters such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, and lipase levels were significantly different as compared to the control group. Flutriafol increased the residue limits in individual tissue of the pigs in a dose dependent manner. Flutriafol exposures indicated the presence of fibrosis, as confirmed from Masson's trichrome staining. These results suggest that flutriafol affects the morphology and serum levels in pigs. The dietary flutriafol levels can provide a basis for maximum residue limits and food safety for pork and related products.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Oil on Broiler Health.

Insects are a potential source of proteins and fats which can be incorporated into diets of broiler chickens. Accordingly, black soldier fly larvae oil (BSFLO) needs to be tested as an appropriate fat source to produce healthy chickens for consumers. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the replacement of soybean oil (SBO) with BSFLO in broiler diets on intestinal health and blood profiles. A total of 210 one-day-old male broilers were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments (10 replicates of seven birds per group): a control diet and two experimental diets in which SBO was replaced with 50% (50 BSFLO) or 100% (100 BSFLO) BSFLO. At the end of the study (35 days), 18 birds (six broilers per treatment) were slaughtered to determine the intestinal morphology, digestibility, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile. Blood samples were collected from 24 randomly selected birds (eight broilers per treatment) to determine the blood profiles. BSFLO supplementation positively affected villus height but did not affect digestibility. BSFLO showed no adverse effects on the VFA and blood profiles. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that SBO can be replaced by BSFLO without any adverse effects on broiler health.

Effect of Pesticide Residue in Muscle and Fat Tissue of Pigs Treated with Propiconazole.

This study estimated the effect of exposure to propiconazole through implementation and residues in finishing pigs. We analyzed the expression of fibrosis-related genes and performed histological analysis of the blood, liver, kidney, muscle, ileum, and fat tissues. The animals were exposed for 28 d to different concentrations of propiconazole (0.09, 0.44, 0.88, 4.41, and 8.82 mg/kg bw/d). Quantitative, gene expression, and histological analyses in tissues were performed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, real-time PCR, and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively. Final body weight did not differ among groups. However, genes involved in fibrosis were significantly differentially regulated in response to propiconazole concentrations. Glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels were significantly increased compared with those in the control group, while alkaline phosphatase level was decreased (p<0.05) after exposure to propiconazole. The residue limits of propiconazole were increased in the finishing phase at 4.41 and 8.82 mg/kg bw/d. The liver, kidney, and ileum showed blue staining after propiconazole treatment, confirmed by Masson's trichrome staining. In conclusion, these findings suggest that propiconazole exposure disturbs the expression of fibrosis-related genes. This study on dietary propiconazole in pigs can provide a basis for determining maximum residue limits and a better understanding of metabolism in pigs and meat products.

Dietary spray-dried plasma supplementation in late-gestation and lactation enhanced productive performance and immune responses of lactating sows and their litters.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of spray-dried plasma (SDP) supplementation during late gestation and lactation on productive performance and immune responses of sows and their litters. Twelve sows (227.78 ± 2.16 kg average body weight; 2.0 average parity) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: a basal diet (CON) and the basal diet supplemented with 1% SDP. Sows were fed experimental diets from d 30 before farrowing to weaning of their piglets. Blood samples were collected from sows on d 1, 3, and 7 of lactation and from two randomly selected nursing pigs per litter on d 3 and 7 after birth, and d 1, 3, and 7 after weaning. Productive performance and immune responses of sows and their piglets were measured. There was a trend of less body weight loss in sows supplemented with SDP (p < 0.10) during the lactation period and a trend of greater (p < 0.10) average daily gain in SDP piglets compared to those in the CON group. Sows in the SDP group tended to have lower (p < 0.10) serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and cortisol on d 3 and lower serum concentration of TNF-α on d 7 compared with sows in CON group. In comparison with CON piglets, piglets from SDP sows tended to have lower (p < 0.10) serum concentrations of TNF-α, TGF-ß1, and cortisol on d 7 after birth, lower (p < 0.10) serum TNF-α and C-reactive protein on d 3 and 7 after weaning, and greater (p < 0.10) average daily gain after weaning. Moreover, weaned pigs from sows fed SDP had significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum concentrations of cortisol and TGF-ß1 on d 3 and 7 postweaning, respectively, than CON piglets. In conclusion, SDP supplementation in sow diets from late gestation to weaning improved the productive performance of sows and their offspring; the beneficial effects of SDP may be mediated in part through modulation of immune responses of both sows and piglets.

Effects of recovery from short-term heat stress exposure on feed intake, plasma amino acid profiles, and metabolites in growing pigs.

Heat stress (HS) damages health and decreases performance variables in pigs, and if severe enough, causes mortality. However, metabolic changes under HS and recovery following HS are poorly understood. Therefore, this study was aimed to expose the essential mechanisms by which growing pigs respond to HS and the temporal pattern of plasma concentrations (PC) of amino acids (AAs) and metabolites. Crossbred male growing pigs were penned separately and allowed to adapt to thermal-neutral (TN) conditions (20°C and 80% relative humidity; TN[-1D]). On the first day, all pigs were exposed to HS for 24 h (36°C and 60% relative humidity), then to TN conditions for 5 days (TN[2D] to TN[5D]). All pigs had ad libitum access to water and 3 kg feed twice daily. Rectal temperature (RT) and feed intake (FI) were determined daily. HS pigs had higher RT (40.72°C) and lower (50%) FI than TN(-1D) pigs (p < 0.01). The PC of indispensable (threonine, valine, and methionine) and dispensable (cysteine and tyrosine) AAs were higher (p < 0.05) in HS than TN(-1D) pigs and remained increased during recovery time. Nonprotein α-aminobutyric acid and ß-alanine concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in HS than TN(-1D) pigs. The metabolite concentration of creatinine was higher (p < 0.01) under HS treatment than other treatments, but that of alanine and leucine remained increased (p < 0.05) through 5 d of recovery. In summary, some major differences were found in plasma AA profiles and metabolites between HS- and TN-condition pigs. This indicates that the HS pigs were forced to alter their metabolism, and these results provide information about mechanisms of acute HS responses relative to the recovery time.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion Level of Microwave-Dried and Press-Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on Productive Performance, Cecal Volatile Fatty Acid Profile, and Egg Quality in Laying Hens.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (HILM) is a promising alternative to soybean meal (SBM). However, little information is available on the effect of microwave-dried HILM as a dietary protein source in the diets of laying hens. We studied the effect of dietary inclusion level of microwave-dried HILM on productive performance, cecal volatile fatty acid profile, egg quality, overall fatty acid profile, and heavy metal residues of the egg in laying hens. A total of 144 laying hens (25-week-old) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups (eight replicates and six birds/cage): a control diet, and two experimental diets in which SBM was replaced with 2% HILM (2HILM) and 4% HILM (4HILM). The laying hens that fed the HILM showed satisfactory results in productive performance and egg quality. Branched-chain fatty acid levels increased linearly (p < 0.001) with dietary treatment in the cecal digesta. Total monounsaturated fatty acid increased linearly (p < 0.01), while total polyunsaturated fatty acid decreased linearly (p < 0.01) in the eggs by dietary treatments. Heavy metals, magnesium, zinc, and aluminum were increased linearly with dietary treatment; however, undesirable heavy metals were under permissible levels. Thus, microwave-dried HILM could be a possible alternative to SBM in the diets of laying hens; however, improvements in fatty acid profile are needed.

Effects of acute heat stress on salivary metabolites in growing pigs: an analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics profiling.

Heat stress (HS) causes adverse impacts on pig production and health. A potential biomarker of HS is required to predict its occurrence and thereby better manage pigs under HS. Information about the saliva metabolome in heat-stressed pigs is limited. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of acute HS on the saliva metabolome and identify metabolites that could be used as potential biomarkers. Growing pigs (n = 6, 3 boars, and 3 gilts) were raised in a thermal neutral (TN; 25°C) environment for a 5-d adaptation period (CON). After adaptation, the pigs were first exposed to HS (30°C; HS30) and then exposed to higher HS (33°C; HS33) for 24 h. Saliva was collected after adaptation, first HS, and second HS, respectively, for metabolomic analysis using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Four metabolites had significantly variable importance in the projection (VIP > 1; p < 0.05) different levels in TN compared to HS groups from all genders (boars and gilts). However, sex-specific characteristics affected metabolites (glutamate and leucine) by showing the opposite results, indicating that HS was less severe in females than in males. A decrease in creatine levels in males and an increase in creatine phosphate levels in females would have contributed to a protective effect from protein degradation by muscle damage. The results showed that HS led to an alteration in metabolites related to energy and protein. Protection from muscle damage may be attributed to the alteration in protein-related metabolites. However, energy-related metabolites showed opposing results according to sex-specific characteristics, such as sex hormone levels and subcutaneous fat layer. This study had shown that saliva samples could be used as a noninvasive method to evaluate heat-stressed pigs. And the results in this study could be contributed to the development of a diagnostic tool as a noninvasive biomarker for managing heat-stressed pigs.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion Level of Microwave-Dried and Press-Defatted Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal on Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Broilers.

Limited information is available regarding the use of microwave-dried Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HILM) as a dietary protein source for broiler diets. Therefore, we investigated the effects of microwave-dried HILM on carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid (FA) profiles of abdominal fat and meat, and heavy metal residues of the meat in broilers. A total of 126 male broilers were randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups (6 replicates and 7 birds/pen): a control diet and two experimental diets in which soybean meal was replaced with 25 or 50% HILM. The broilers were slaughtered at 35 days; the carcasses were weighed, and breast and leg meats were excised from 12 birds per treatment (2 birds/pen) for meat analysis. The breast meat quality and proximate composition showed satisfactory results. For the higher HILM diet, the content of saturated FA in the abdominal fat was increased and that of polyunsaturated FA was decreased (p < 0.001); the FA profile of leg meat did not significantly differ between groups. The concentrations of undesirable heavy metals in the HILM and leg meat were below permissible levels. However, the carcass weight was decreased (p < 0.001) in the 50% HILM group. Microwave-dried HILM is a potential ingredient for broiler diets, with up to 25% substitution showing no detrimental effects on carcass traits, meat quality, FA profiles, and heavy metal residues in the meat.