Microbial experience through housing in a farmyard-type environment alters intestinal barrier properties in mouse colons.

To close the gap between ultra-hygienic research mouse models and the much more environmentally exposed conditions of humans, we have established a system where laboratory mice are raised under a full set of environmental factors present in a naturalistic, farmyard-type habitat-a process we have called feralization. In previous studies we have shown that feralized (Fer) mice were protected against colorectal cancer when compared to conventionally reared laboratory mice (Lab). However, the protective mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Disruption of the protective intestinal barrier is an acknowledged player in colorectal carcinogenesis, and in the current study we assessed colonic mucosal barrier properties in healthy, feralized C57BL/6JRj male mice. While we found no effect of feralization on mucus layer properties, higher expression of genes encoding the mucus components Fcgbp and Clca1 still suggested mucus enforcement due to feralization. Genes encoding other proteins known to be involved in bacterial defense (Itln1, Ang1, Retnlb) and inflammatory mechanisms (Zbp1, Gsdmc2) were also higher expressed in feralized mice, further suggesting that the Fer mice have an altered intestinal mucosal barrier. These findings demonstrate that microbial experience conferred by housing in a farmyard-type environment alters the intestinal barrier properties in mice possibly leading to a more robust protection against disease. Future studies to unravel regulatory roles of feralization on intestinal barrier should aim to conduct proteomic analyses and in vivo performance of the feralized mice intestinal barrier.

Campsiandra laurifolia reduces oxidative stress and Iiflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine. One of the mechanisms involved in its etiology is oxidative stress (OS), directly involved in the inflammatory process characteristic of UC. The Campsiandra laurifolia, known as acapurana, was described as possessing antioxidant properties. We used 24 male Wistar rats, divided into control (CO), control + acapurana (CO + A), colitis (CL), and colitis + acapurana (CL + A) groups. This study performed histological analysis, measuring anal sphincter pressure (ASP) and lipoperoxidation (LPO). The activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated. The expression of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The statistical analysis used was the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test; values were expressed as mean ± standard error, and the significance level was p < 0.05. In the animals of the CL group, we observed the destruction of the crypts and the presence of mucosal ulcers, edema, and submucosal inflammatory infiltrate, as well as increased damage to the intestinal mucosa, reduced ASP, increased LPO and SOD activity, reduced GSH levels, and increased expression of NFkB and iNOS. The administration of C. laurifolia in the CL + A group was shown to cause regeneration of crypts, reduction of inflammatory infiltrate, reduction of damage to the intestinal mucosa, increase in ASP, and reduction in LPO with the restoration of SOD activity and GSH levels. The immunohistochemistry of NFkB and iNOS was significantly reduced. Therefore, the C. laurifolia aqueous extract appears to exert an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in rats with AA-induced colitis. (AU)

Tissue geometry drives deterministic organoid patterning.

Epithelial organoids are stem cell­derived tissues that approximate aspects of real organs, and thus they have potential as powerful tools in basic and translational research. By definition, they self-organize, but the structures formed are often heterogeneous and irreproducible, which limits their use in the lab and clinic. We describe methodologies for spatially and temporally controlling organoid formation, thereby rendering a stochastic process more deterministic. Bioengineered stem cell microenvironments are used to specify the initial geometry of intestinal organoids, which in turn controls their patterning and crypt formation. We leveraged the reproducibility and predictability of the culture to identify the underlying mechanisms of epithelial patterning, which may contribute to reinforcing intestinal regionalization in vivo. By controlling organoid culture, we demonstrate how these structures can be used to answer questions not readily addressable with the standard, more variable, organoid models.

Pitfalls in gastrointestinal tract haematopoietic lesions.

Specimens from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are among the most commonly encountered in routine pathology practice worldwide. It is well known that the luminal GI tract is home to various areas rich in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), whether native or acquired. The latter may be particularly problematic due to its well-known predisposing factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune conditions. Nevertheless, native GI structures are often the subject of query, particularly in conditions that may mimic lymphoproliferative conditions, including infectious and inflammatory diseases. Herein, we describe and share common clinicopathological findings in our daily practice that are challenging to distinguish from subtle low-grade neoplastic lymphoproliferative disorders.

Ageratina adenophora Disrupts the Intestinal Structure and Immune Barrier Integrity in Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ageratina adenophora on the intestines morphology and integrity in rat. Rats were randomly divided into two groups and were fed with 10 g/100 g body weight (BW) basal diet and 10 g/100 g BW experimental diet, which was a mixture of A. adenophora powder and basal diet in a 3:7 ratio. The feeding experiment lasted for 60 days. At days 28 and 60 of the experiment, eight rats/group/timepoint were randomly selected, weighed, and sacrificed, then blood and intestinal tissues were collected and stored for further analysis. The results showed that Ageratina adenophora caused pathological changes and injury in the intestine, elevated serum diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactate (D-LA), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, reduced occludin levels in intestinal tissues, as well as increased the count of intraepithelial leukocytes (IELs) and lamina propria leukocytes (LPLs) in the intestine (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein (ELISA) expressions of pro-inflammation cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-ϒ) were elevated in the Ageratina adenophora treatment groups, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10 were reduced (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Therefore, the results obtained in this study indicated that Ageratina adenophora impaired intestinal function in rats by damaging the intestine structure and integrity, and also triggered an inflammation immune response that led to intestinal immune barrier dysfunction.

Dietary Tryptophan Supplementation Alters Fat and Glucose Metabolism in a Low-Birthweight Piglet Model.

Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with metabolic complications, such as glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances in early life. The objective of this study was to assess: (1) the effect of dietary tryptophan (Trp) on glucose and fat metabolism in an LBW piglet model, and (2) the role peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5HT3) receptors in regulating the feeding behavior in LBW piglets fed with Trp-supplemented diets. Seven-day-old piglets were assigned to 4 treatments: normal birthweight-0%Trp (NBW-T0), LBW-0%Trp (LBW-T0), LBW-0.4%Trp (LBW-T0.4), and LBW-0.8%Trp (LBW-T0.8) for 3 weeks. Compared to LBW-T0, the blood glucose was decreased in LBW-T0.8 at 60 min following the meal test, and the triglycerides were lower in LBW-T0.4 and LBW-T0.8. Relative to LBW-T0, LBW-T0.8 had a lower transcript and protein abundance of hepatic glucose transporter-2, a higher mRNA abundance of glucokinase, and a lower transcript of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. LBW-T0.4 tended to have a lower protein abundance of sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 in the jejunum. In comparison with LBW-T0, LBW-T0.4 and LBW-T0.8 had a lower transcript of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and LBW-T0.4 had a higher transcript of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase. Blocking 5-HT3 receptors with ondansetron reduced the feed intake in all groups, with a transient effect on LBW-T0, but more persistent effect on LBW-T0.8 and NBW-T0. In conclusion, Trp supplementation reduced the hepatic lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis, but increased the glycolysis in LBW piglets. Peripheral serotonin is likely involved in the regulation of feeding behavior, particularly in LBW piglets fed diets supplemented with a higher dose of Trp.

Concentric Inclusions in the Intestinal Epithelium of Echiura Bonellia viridis: Structure and Possible Function.

The study of the anatomy and fine structure of Echiura is of great importance for understanding the biology of these animals, which lead a secretive life and dominate in various benthic communities. The first data on the organization of the siphonal part of the midgut of female Bonellia viridis were obtained by the methods of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Unusual concentric inclusions similar in the ultrastructure to those described in other animals, e.g., in the gut of many nematode species and in the tegument of some cestodes, were first found in the cells of the midgut. It is known that, in these animals, the concentric inclusions play an important role in the binding of chemical agents inherent in redox environments. Interestingly, the individuals of B. viridis studied were found on the surface of a substrate devoid of redox environment signs. New results indicate the presence in B. viridis and, possibly, in all spoon worms, of preadaptations to life in redox environments. New data on the structure and composition of concentric inclusions will shed light on their origin and function.

Maize distillers dried grains with solubles alter dietary digestibility and improve intestine health of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus juveniles.

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of soyabean meal replacement by maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in diets for pacu juveniles. Five diets were formulated with 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 g of DDGS/kg diet replacing up to total dietary soyabean meal. In trial 1, the experimental diets were fed to five groups of fish to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC). In trial 2, four groups of fish were fed each experimental diet for 100 d to evaluate the effects of these diets on digestive enzyme activity, intestine oxidative stress and intestine morphology. The ADC of DM and energy was reduced with dietary DDGS inclusion, while the ADC of lipids was increased, and no differences were observed for the ADC of protein. Independent of dietary treatment, pH increased from anterior to the distal intestine with dietary DDGS inclusion. Digestive enzyme activities were higher on anterior than the distal intestine. Dietary DDGS decreased lipase, amylase, chymotrypsin and trypsin activities, while no differences were observed for total protease activity. Intestine glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was reduced in fish fed the DDGS diets, while catalase activity increased. Lipid peroxidation was lower in fish fed DDGS diets than the control. Intestine histomorphology improved with dietary DDGS inclusion. Overall, the negative effects of soyabean meal could be decreased by dietary replacement with maize DDGS which may have a prebiotic effect, improving intestine health.

Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide improves C57BL/6 mice gut health through regulation of intestine microbial metabolic activity.

Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVP) can improve gut health through gut microbiota and metabolism regulation. In this study, the 28-days fed experiment was used to investigate gut microbime and metabolic profiling induced by FVP. After treatment, intestinal tissue section showed the higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) value in FVP-treated group. The 16 s rRNA gene sequencing revealed microbiota composition alteration caused by FVP, as the Firmicutes phylum increased while Bacteroidetes phylum slightly decreased. The metabolic profiling was detected by LC/MS and results showed 56 and 99 compounds were dramatically changed after FVP treatment in positive and negative ion mode, respectively. Annotation in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways displayed the adjustment of energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and other related basic pathways after FVP treatment. Our study suggested that FVP can be developed as a dietary supplement for intestine health promotion.

The duration of food withdrawal affects the intestinal structure, nutrients absorption, and utilization in broiler chicken.

Food withdrawal is usually used for accurate feed metabolizable energy (ME) assessment in poultry, but its effects on intestinal structure and the absorption of nutrients are unclear. In this study, broilers were fed ad libitum (CT) or withdrew food for 12 (FH12), 24 (FH24), 36 (FH36), or 48 hours (FH48). We showed that food withdrawal increased the energy assimilation when compared with the CT. Food withdrawal improved the digestibility of ether extract and the level of lipid substances and fatty acid-derived ß-hydroxybutyrate in serum. Compared to the CT, food withdrawal did not influence the digestibility of starch. Due to 12 hours or longer food withdrawal duration increased glutamate oxidation and uric acid excretion, the analyzed digestibility of crude protein was underestimated, although the upregulated amino acid transporter genes. In addition, histological analysis showed that short-term food withdrawal (12 hours) increased intestinal villus height, crypt depth, and proliferative cell, whereas prolonged food withdrawal (more than 24 hours) impaired villus structure due to the decreased cell proliferation. Moreover, proteomics analysis revealed upregulated pathways in birds withdrawn food for 36 hours involved in nutrient absorption and amino acid oxidation. In conclusion, food withdrawal changes nutrient absorption and utilization, especially for amino acid and ether extract, and results in increased ME. Both glutamate oxidation and fatty acid incomplete oxidation are involved in energy supply after refeeding. In contrast to short-term food withdrawal, prolonged food withdrawal impairs the intestinal structure and villus renewal. Our findings deserve attention from nutritionists who are analyzing food digestibility.

The effect of Clostridium tyrobutyricum Spo0A overexpression in the intestine of mice.

Clostridium tyrobutyricum shows probiotic properties and can affect the composition of gut microbiota and regulate the intestinal immune system. Compared with other probiotics, this spore-producing bacterium shows unparalleled advantages in commercial production. In addition to being resistant to extreme living environments for extended periods, its endophytic spores are implicated in inhibiting cancer cell growth. We speculated that C. tyrobutyricum spores can also promote gut health, which mean it can maintain intestinal homeostasis. To date, the beneficial effects of C. tyrobutyricum spores on gut health have not been reported. In this study, a Spo0A-overexpressing C. tyrobutyricum strain was developed to increase spore production, and its probiotic effects on the gut were assessed. Compared with the wild-type, the engineered strain showed significantly increased sporulation rates. Mice administered with the engineered strain exhibited enhanced intestinal villi and the villus height/crypt depth ratio, weight gain and improved Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio to facilitate intestinal homeostasis. This study demonstrated for the first time that enhanced spore production in C. tyrobutyricum can improve intestinal homeostasis, which is advantageous for its commercial application in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Effect of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium in sows on intestinal health of the offspring.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) supplementation in sows during gestation and lactation on intestinal health in offspring. A total of 40 cross-bred (landrace × large white crossed with Duroc boar) multiparity gestation sows with an average parity of 4.3 were used in this study. Forty sows were allotted to 2 dietary treatments after breeding. One group was the control sows, which were fed a corn-soybean meal control diet (Con treatment, n = 20), and the other group was the treatment sows fed a control diet with 20 mg kg-1 PQQ·Na2 after breeding and through gestation and lactation (PQQ treatment, n = 20). The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by PQQ·Na2 supplementation, and MDA activity was decreased (P < 0.05) in the plasma of piglets. CAT, SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, and MDA activity was decreased (P < 0.05) in the small intestine of piglets. The mRNA expression levels of SOD1, CAT and MGST1 in the jejunum were increased in newborn piglets (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of HO1, SOD1, CAT, SOD2, GPX4, GPX1 and GCLC in the jejunum were increased in weaned piglets (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of ZO-1 was increased (P < 0.05) in the jejunum of newborn piglets, and the mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1 was increased (P < 0.05) in the jejunum of weaned piglets. The villous height of the duodenum and jejunum of weaned piglets was increased (P < 0.05) by dietary PQQ·Na2. In weaned piglets, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most prevalent phyla in both the Con and PQQ·Na2 treatment groups, and the most prevalent genera were Alloprevotella and Bacteroides. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance of Proteobacteria was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Alloprevotella was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance of Actinobacillus and Escherichia was decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ·Na2 in sows during gestation and lactation had positive effects on intestinal health in offspring.

Fitness trade-offs incurred by ovary-to-gut steroid signalling in Drosophila.

Sexual dimorphism arises from genetic differences between male and female cells, and from systemic hormonal differences1-3. How sex hormones affect non-reproductive organs is poorly understood, yet highly relevant to health given the sex-biased incidence of many diseases4. Here we report that steroid signalling in Drosophila from the ovaries to the gut promotes growth of the intestine specifically in mated females, and enhances their reproductive output. The active ovaries of the fly produce the steroid hormone ecdysone, which stimulates the division and expansion of intestinal stem cells in two distinct proliferative phases via the steroid receptors EcR and Usp and their downstream targets Broad, Eip75B and Hr3. Although ecdysone-dependent growth of the female gut augments fecundity, the more active and more numerous intestinal stem cells also increase female susceptibility to age-dependent gut dysplasia and tumorigenesis, thus potentially reducing lifespan. This work highlights the trade-offs in fitness traits that occur when inter-organ signalling alters stem-cell behaviour to optimize organ size.

Effects of crude protein and lactose levels in diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of genes related to intestinal integrity and immune system in weaned piglets.

To evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) and lactose (LAC) for weaned piglets on performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of genes related to intestinal integrity and immune system, 144 piglets with initial weight 7.17 ± 0.97 kg were allotted in a randomized design, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (20.0% and 24.0% CP and 8.0%, 12.0%, and 16.0% LAC) with eight replicates. Piglets fed 20.0% CP had greater weight gain and feed intake. Including 12.0% LAC in the 20.0% CP diet provided higher villous height in the duodenum than 8.0% LAC, and 12.0% or 16.0% LAC in the 24.0% CP diet resulted in higher villous height in the jejunum and ileum, and higher villi/crypt ratio in the ileum than 8.0% LAC. No effects of CP and LAC on interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA were observed. The 16.0% LAC diet provided higher gene expression of transforming-ß1 growth factor. Feeding 20.0% CP resulted in better performance than 24.0% CP. The 12.0% LAC diet promoted greater genetic expression of occludin and zonula occludens. Including 12.0% LAC in the diet may improve intestinal epithelial morphology and integrity, and these improvements are more evident when piglets are fed diets with 24.0% CP.

Interactions of commensal and pathogenic microorganisms with the mucus layer in the colon.

The intestinal mucosal barrier, which is composed of epithelial cells and mucus layers secreted by goblet cells and contains commensal bacteria, constitutes the first line of defense against pathogenic gut microbiota. However, homeostasis between the microbiota and mucus layer is easily disrupted by certain factors, resulting in alteration of the gut microbiota and entry of pathogens to the intestinal mucosal barrier. In this review, we describe the structures and functions of the mucus layer, expound several crucial influencing factors, including diet styles, medications and host genetics, and discuss how pathogenic microorganisms interact with the mucus layer and commensal microbiota, with the understanding that unraveling their complex interactions under homeostatic and dysbiosis conditions in the colon would help reveal some underlying pathogenic mechanisms and thus develop new strategies to prevent pathogenic microbiological colonization.

Optimization for galactooligosaccharides synthesis: A potential alternative for gut health and immunity.

AIMS: Present study was conducted to optimize the processing parameters for galactooligosaccharides (GOS) synthesis from whey powder followed by exploring its prebiotic efficiency. MAIN METHODS: All factors (initial lactose concentration, pH, reaction time, temperature and enzyme to substrate ratio; E/S) were analyzed by single factor analysis and optimization for GOS yield was done following the orthogonal experimental design. For in vivo analysis, 60 mice were equally divided into four groups (normal control, NC; low, medium, and high dose of GOS, LG, MG and HG) and fed varying levels (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg bw per day) of GOS, for 30 days and sampling was done at the end of experiment regarding gut health, immunity, cecal microbiota and metabolites. KEY FINDINGS: Optimum yield of GOS (25.1%) was obtained at reaction time 25 min, temperature 50 °C, pH 4.5 and the enzyme to substrate ratio (E/S) of 20 U/g. In vivo experiment, shallower crypt and greater villus to crypt ratio (V/C) were found in the duodenum of LG treatment compared to NC mice (P < .05). The GOS promotes thymus development and improve immunity. Intervention with GOS increased the population of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus in MG and bifidobacterium in LG mice (P < .05), and was accompanied by decreased proliferation of desulfovibrio. Correlation analysis also supported the above findings. SIGNIFICANCE: This study optimized the processing parameters for GOS preparation and provided data encouraging to suggest that GOS can be a potential option to improve the gut health and immunity.

Effects of the Use of a Combination of Two Bacillus Species on Performance, Egg Quality, Small Intestinal Mucosal Morphology, and Cecal Microbiota Profile in Aging Laying Hens.

Sixty-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into five groups and fed different diets over a period of 84 days. Experimental treatments included a basal diet (control); the basal diet supplemented with 1.0 × 106B. licheniformis yb-214245; the basal diet supplemented with 1.0 × 106B. subtilis yb-114246; a combination of both strains in a 2:1 ratio (6.6 × 105:3.3 × 105B. licheniformis yb-214245:B. subtilis yb-114246); and the latter, added with 5 mg/kg flavomycin. Basal diet supplementation with the combined Bacillus species improved egg-laying performance in aging hens significantly (P < 0.05). Eggshell strength improved significantly with this treatment, compared to the control or the antibiotic-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in egg yolk declined significantly more in the Bacillus-treated group than in the control or the antibiotic-supplemented groups (P < 0.01). Small intestinal morphology was better in the hens treated with the Bacillus combination than in the hens in the control group (P < 0.05). The total number of aerobic bacteria (Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium) in the cecum was significantly higher in all the Bacillus-supplemented hens than either in the control or the antibiotic-supplemented hens (P < 0.01); additionally, the number of E. coli and Salmonella was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, diet supplementation with the combination of Bacillus species used here for aging laying hens improved their growth performance, cecal bacterial composition, egg quality, and small intestine morphology.

Inclusion of the direct-fed microbial Clostridium butyricum in diets for weanling pigs increases growth performance and tends to increase villus height and crypt depth, but does not change intestinal microbial abundance.

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of the direct fed microbial Clostridium butyricum in diets for weanling pigs will improve growth performance, systemic immune function, microbiota composition, and gut morphology in weaned pigs. A total of 275 newly weaned pigs (20 ± 2 d of age) with an average initial BW of 6.4 ± 0.8 kg were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 11 pens per treatment. Diets included a positive control diet containing Carbadox, a negative control diet without Carbadox, and three treatment diets in which 1,250 × 108 cfu/kg, 2,500 × 108 cfu/kg, or 3,500 × 108 cfu/kg of C. butyricum was added to the negative control diet. A two-phase feeding program was used (phase 1, 14 d; phase 2, 21 d). At the conclusion of the experiment (day 35), a blood sample was collected from one pig per pen (11 pigs per treatment) and this pig was then euthanized and digesta and tissues samples were collected. Results indicated that for the overall phase, pigs fed the positive control diet had greater (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and tended (P = 0.064) to have greater final BW than pigs fed the negative control diet. The ADG and G:F increased and then decreased as increasing doses of C. butyricum were included in the diet (quadratic, P < 0.05). The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α was less (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the positive control diet compared with pigs fed the negative control diet or diets containing C. butyricum. Crypt depth tended (P = 0.08) to be less in pigs fed the negative control diet compared with pigs fed the positive control diet and villus height tended to increase as the doses of C. butyricum increased in the diets (quadratic, P = 0.08). Villus height also tended (P = 0.084) to be greater in pigs fed diets containing C. butyricum compared with pigs fed the positive control diet. Crypt depth increased as the dose of C. butyricum increased (quadratic, P < 0.05) and villus width at the bottom tended to increase (linear, P = 0.072) as the dose of C. butyricum increased in the diet. Alpha and beta diversity indices of ileal and colonic microbiota were not affected by diet. In conclusion, addition of 1,250 × 108 cfu/kg of C. butyricum, but not greater levels, to diets fed to weanling pigs increased growth performance and tended to increase villus height and crypt depth, but changes in the abundance of intestinal microbiota were not observed.

Effects of insect diets on the gastrointestinal tract health and growth performance of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869).

BACKGROUND: Insects in the fish diet are a natural source of protein, fat, and other nutrients. These meals are considered an ecological replacement for fishmeal to improve growth parameters. The application of insect meals to fish diets has been studied, especially in continental fish. Data regarding the effects of insect meals on the gut health of Siberian sturgeon are not available. This study investigated the effects of full-fat Hermetia illucens (HI) and Tenebrio molitor (TM) meals on the gut health of juvenile Siberian sturgeon. Growth performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) histomorphology and the microbiome composition of juvenile Siberian sturgeon were analyzed. RESULTS: The inclusion of insect meals did not affect the growth performance or the survival rate. In the gastrointestinal tract histomorphology, a reduction in the mucosa thickness with the HI treatment was observed. In contrast, fish fed the TM diet had an increase in the thickness of the muscular layer. There were no observed significant differences in villus height among treatments. The analysis of the selected microbiota populations in the Siberian sturgeon gastrointestinal tract showed that insect addition affected the composition of the microbiome. The greatest effect on bacterial populations (Clostridium leptum subgroup, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium coccoides - Eubacterium rectale cluster, Aeromonas spp., Bacillus spp., Carnobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp. and Lactobacillus group) was observed with the HI diet (P < 0.05). The TM-based diet increased counts in the following bacterial groups: Clostridium coccoides - Eubacterium rectale cluster, Bacillus spp., Carnobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. In contrast, the TM diet decreased the total number of bacteria. The TM diet did not significantly affect the Clostridium leptum subgroup, Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonas spp. or the Lactobacillus group. CONCLUSIONS: Fish meal replacement by the inclusion of 15% of full-fat Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor (15%) meals did not affect the growth performance, survival rate or villus height of juvenile Siberian sturgeon. The present study suggests that an H. illucens-based diet positively affects the gut microbiota composition and intestinal morphology of juvenile Siberian sturgeon without negative changes in the villus height.

Dietary supplementation with the extract from Eucommia ulmoides leaves changed epithelial restitution and gut microbial community and composition of weanling piglets.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EL) in different forms (EL extract, fermented EL, and EL powder) with antibiotics on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and the microbiota composition and diversity of weanling piglets. Compared to the control group, the antibiotics and EL extract significantly increased the average daily gain and decreased the feed: gain ratio as well as the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). The EL extract significantly decreased the crypt depth and increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.05), while the fermented EL group did the opposite (P < 0.05). The crypt depth in the antibiotics group was of similar value to the EL extract group, and was lower than the fermented EL and EL powder groups (P < 0.05). Compared to the control and antibiotics groups, the jejunul claudin-3 mRNA expression and the concentrations of total VFA, Chao 1, and ACE were significantly augmented in the EL extract group of piglets (P < 0.05). The EL extract groups also showed elevated Shannon (P < 0.05) and Simpson (P = 0.07) values relative to the control and antibiotics groups. At the phylum level, the EL extract group exhibited a reduced abundance of Bacteroidetes and an enhanced abundance of Firmicutes. At the genus level, the abundance of Prevotella was augmented in the EL extract group. Moreover, compared with the antibiotic group, the acetate concentration was enhanced in the EL extract and fermented EL groups. Overall, dietary supplementation with the EL extract, but not the fermented EL or EL powder, improved growth performance, jejunul morphology and function, as well as changed colonic microbial composition and diversity, which might be an alternative to confer protection against weanling stress in weanling piglets.