Effects of early sub-therapeutic antibiotic administration on body tissue deposition, gut microbiota and metabolite profiles of weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sub-therapeutic antibiotic (STA) administration and its subsequent withdrawal on the body tissue deposition, gut microbiota, and metabolite profiles of piglets. The piglets in the experimental group were fed with STA (30 mg kg-1 bacitracin methylene disalicylate, 75 mg kg-1 chlortetracycline, 300 mg kg-1 calcium oxytetracycline) for 14 days and the target bodyweight of the withdrawal period was 25 kg. RESULTS: The experiment was divided into two periods: the administration period and the withdrawal period. The results showed that STA did not improve piglets' growth performance during the two periods. Piglets treated with STA had lower body water deposition during the withdrawal period and tended to increase body lipid deposition during the withdrawal period and the whole period in comparison with the piglets in the control group. It was found that STA markedly altered the colonic microbiota and their metabolites in the piglets. Sub-therapeutic antibiotics were initially effective in decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria during the administration period; however, STA could not continue the effect during the withdrawal period, leading to a rebound of pathogenic bacteria such as Alloprevotella and the increased abundance of other pathogenic bacteria like Oscillibacter. Remarkably, STA treatment decreased Blautia abundance. This bacterium plays a potential protective role against obesity. Metabolomic analysis indicated that STA mainly altered amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism during the two periods. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the gut microbiota was highly correlated with microbial metabolite changes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that early STA administration may alter body tissue deposition later in life by reshaping the gut microbiota and their metabolite profiles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Energy and protein requirements for growth of Holstein × Gyr heifers.

There is little information regarding the nutritional requirements for dairy heifers, leading the majority of nutrient requirement systems to consider dairy heifers to be similar to beef heifers. Therefore, we evaluated the muscle protein metabolism and physical and chemical body composition of growing Holstein × Gyr heifers and estimated the energy and protein requirements. We performed a comparative slaughter experiment with 20 Holstein × Gyr heifers at an initial body weight of 218 ± 36.5 kg and an average age of 12 ± 1.0 months. Four heifers were designated as the reference group, and the 16 remaining heifers were fed ad libitum. The 16 heifers were distributed using a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two roughages (corn silage or sugarcane) and two concentrate levels (30 or 50%) for 112 days. Greater (p < 0.05) values for fractional rates of muscle protein synthesis, degradation and accretion were observed for heifers that were fed 50% concentrate. The following equations were obtained to estimate the net energy for gain (NEg ) and net protein for gain (NPg ): NEg (Mcal/day) = 0.0685 × EBW0.75  × EBWG1.095 and NPg (g/day) = 203.8 × EBWG - 14.80 × RE, respectively, in which EBW is the empty body weight, EBWG is the empty body weight gain and RE is the retained energy. We concluded that increased rates of protein turnover are achieved when a greater quality diet is provided. In the future, these results can be used to calculate the nutritional requirements for growth of Holstein × Gyr heifers after equation validation rather than using the recommendations provided by other systems, which use values developed from beef heifers, to determine the nutritional requirements of dairy cattle.

Metabolic fate (absorption, ß-oxidation and deposition) of long-chain n-3 fatty acids is affected by sex and by the oil source (krill oil or fish oil) in the rat.

The effects of krill oil as an alternative source of n-3 long-chain PUFA have been investigated recently. There are conflicting results from the few available studies comparing fish oil and krill oil. The aim of this study was to compare the bioavailability and metabolic fate (absorption, ß-oxidation and tissue deposition) of n-3 fatty acids originating from krill oil (phospholipid-rich) or fish oil (TAG-rich) in rats of both sexes using the whole-body fatty acid balance method. Sprague-Dawley rats (thirty-six male, thirty-six female) were randomly assigned to be fed either a krill oil diet (EPA+DHA+DPA=1·38 mg/g of diet) or a fish oil diet (EPA+DHA+DPA=1·61 mg/g of diet) to constant ration for 6 weeks. The faeces, whole body and individual tissues were analysed for fatty acid content. Absorption of fatty acids was significantly greater in female rats and was only minimally affected by the oil type. It was estimated that most of EPA (>90 %) and more than half of DHA (>60 %) were ß-oxidised in both diet groups. Most of the DPA was ß-oxidised (57 and 67 % for female and male rats, respectively) in the fish oil group; however, for the krill oil group, the majority of DPA was deposited (82-83 %). There was a significantly greater deposition of DPA and DHA in rats fed krill oil compared with those fed fish oil, not due to a difference in bioavailability (absorption) but rather due to a difference in metabolic fate (anabolism v. catabolism).

Effects of organic and inorganic selenium on selenium bioavailability, growth performance, antioxidant status and meat quality of a local beef cattle in China.

Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient with multiple health benefits to humans and animals. Cattle generally require dietary Se supplementation to meet their daily requirements. The two main forms of dietary Se in cattle are organic Se and inorganic Se. Data comparing the health and productivity effects of organic Se and inorganic Se on cattle are still insufficient, and it is necessary to conduct more research to evaluate the bioavailability, nutritional value, deposition, and body functions of Se sources in different breeds and physiological stages of cattle raised in areas with different Se levels. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of organic and inorganic sources of Se on plasma biochemical indices, Se bioavailability, deposition in body tissues and organs, growth performance, antioxidant capacity and meat quality of beef cattle raised in Se-deficient areas. Fifteen Chinese Xiangzhong Black beef cattle with an average weight of 254.5 ± 8.85 kg were assigned to three dietary groups. The three groups were fed the same basal ration and supplemented with either an inorganic [sodium selenite (SS)] or organic [selenomethionine (SM) or Se-enriched yeast (SY)] source of Se (0.1 mg/kg dry matter) for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, three cattle from each group were randomly selected and slaughtered, and samples were collected from tissues and organs for analysis. The results revealed that growth performance, slaughter performance, Se content of tissues and organs, meat quality characteristics including chemical composition, pH45min, pH24h, drip loss, and cooking losses did not differ (p > 0.05) due to supplementation of the different organic and inorganic sources of Se. SM and SY were more effective in increasing (p < 0.05) immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations in the blood and reducing (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the longissimus dorsi than SS. In conclusion, organic Se is more effective than inorganic Se in improving the immune and antioxidant capacity of Chinese Xiangzhong Black beef cattle.

- Invited Review - Factors affecting beef quality and nutrigenomics of intramuscular adipose tissue deposition.

Beef quality is characterized by marbling (marbling degree and marbling fineness), physiochemical (shear force, meat color, fat color, texture, and maturity), and sensory (tenderness, flavor, juiciness, taste, odor, and appearance) traits. This paper summarizes and addresses beef-quality characteristics and the beef-grading systems in Korea, Japan, the USA, and Australia. This paper summarizes recent research progresses on the genetic and nutritional factors that affect beef quality. Intramuscular (i.m.) adipose tissue deposition or marbling is a major determinant of beef quality. This paper addresses the mechanisms of i.m. adipose tissue deposition focused on adipogenesis and lipogenesis. We also address selected signaling pathways associated with i.m. adipose tissue deposition. Nutrients contribute to the cellular response and phenotypes through gene expression and metabolism. This paper addresses control of gene expression through several nutrients (carbohydrates, fat/fatty acids, vitamins, etc.) for i.m. adipose tissue deposition. Several transcription factors responsible for gene expression via nutrients are addressed. We introduce the concept of genome-based precision feeding in Korean cattle.

Comparison of Coated and Uncoated Trace Minerals on Growth Performance, Tissue Mineral Deposition, and Intestinal Microbiota in Ducks.

Abnormally low or high levels of trace elements in poultry diets may elicit health problems associated with deficiency and toxicity, and impact poultry growth. The optimal supplement pattern of trace mineral also impacts the digestion and absorption in the body. For ducks, the limited knowledge of trace element requirements puzzled duck production. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary inclusions of coated and uncoated trace minerals on duck growth performance, tissue mineral deposition, serum antioxidant status, and intestinal microbiota profile. A total of 1,080 14-day-old Cherry Valley male ducks were randomly divided into six dietary treatment groups in a 2 (uncoated or coated trace minerals) × 3 (300, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg supplementation levels) factorial design. Each treatment was replicated 12 times (15 birds per replicate). Coated trace minerals significantly improved average daily gain (p < 0.05), increased Zn, Se, and Fe content of serum, liver, and muscle, increased serum antioxidant enzyme (p < 0.05) and decreased the excreta Fe, Zn, and Cu concentrations. Inclusions of 500 mg/kg of coated trace minerals had a similar effect on serum trace minerals and tissue metal ion deposition as the 1,000 mg/kg inorganic trace minerals. Higher concentrations of Lactobacillus, Sphaerochatea, Butyricimonas, and Enterococcus were found in birds fed with coated trace minerals. In conclusion, diets supplemented with coated trace minerals could reduce the risk of environmental contamination from excreted minerals without affecting performance. Furthermore, coated trace minerals may improve the bioavailability of metal ions and the colonization of probiotic microbiota to protect microbial barriers and maintain gut health.

Efficacy and safety of a novel source of dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in growing pigs.

A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of supplementation of increasing concentrations of a novel, bacterial fermentation-derived vitamin D source on growth performance and tissue deposition of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3) in growing swine. Dietary treatments were as follows: commercial control with vitamin D3 (CON) at NRC recommended concentrations and three diets composed of CON + increasing inclusions (25, 50, and 250 µg/kg equivalent) of 25OHD3 from a novel source (CON + 25; CON + 50; and CON + 250, respectively). Pigs (n = 144) were assigned to 24 pens which were allotted to one of the four dietary treatments and fed for 42 d. Blood samples were collected for 25OHD3 concentration determination and individual body weights (BW) were measured on experimental day 0, 39, and 63. On day 42, tissues from 48 pigs (12 pigs per dietary treatment) were analyzed for 25OHD3 concentration. No differences were observed in growth performance. Day 39 serum 25OHD3 concentrations were greatest in CON + 250-fed pigs and linearly decreased as dietary 25OHD3 inclusion decreased (P < 0.0001). On day 42, tissue 25OHD3 concentrations increased linearly as 25OHD3 increased in the diet (P < 0.0001). On day 63, 21 d after dietary 25OHD3 withdrawal, serum 25OHD3 concentrations of all 25OHD3-fed pigs decreased to that of or within 2.76 ±â€…0.89 ng/mL of CON-fed pigs which demonstrates that feeding 250 µg/kg 25OHD3 is well tolerated by growing pigs and will clear the body within 21 d.

Pigs require several essential nutrients to meet their needs for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and other functions. It is important to provide these nutrients to the animals properly to assure their health and wellbeing as well as the profitability of production. Vitamin D is a nutrient that plays an important role in bone development and mineralization since it regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Vitamin D has also been reported to aid in additional functions including immunity. Vitamin D can be synthetized in plants and is also produced in humans and animals when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and lead to vitamin D synthesis. In pigs, vitamin D requirements can also be satisfied by dietary sources. The objective of this experiment was to determine the efficacy and safety of supplementation of a novel, bacterial fermentation-derived vitamin D source on growth and tissue accumulation in growing swine. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that concentrations of vitamin D in serum and tissue samples increased as dietary vitamin D supplementation increased, but did not alter growth performance, nor did there appear to be any safety issues with feeding up to 250 µg per kg feed of this vitamin D source to growing pigs.

Excess iron supplementation induced hepatopancreas lipolysis, destroyed intestinal function in Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

So far, the adverse effects of excess Fe in shrimp have been ignored for years as it was thought that extra Fe supplementation was not needed in the practical diets. Nowadays, Fe concentration in commercial shrimp feed from feed enterprises could be around 301.34-545.5 mg/kg, which is mainly due to the fish meal containing up to 1500 mg/kg Fe. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Fe supplementation on the growth performance, tissue Fe deposition, hepatopancreas lipid metabolism, intestinal function in L. vannamei. The results showed that although growth performance was not influenced by the dietary Fe supplementation, excess Fe supplementation (955.00 mg/kg) significantly increased hepatopancreas Fe deposition and induced lipolysis. Moreover, excess Fe supplementation impaired intestinal immune function and disrupted microbiota homeostasis. These findings might provide partial theoretical evidence for the effect of dietary Fe supplementation on physiological metabolism in L. vannamei.

Effects of chemical forms of gadolinium on the spleen in mice after single intravenous administration.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used to improve tissue contrast during magnetic resonance imaging. Exposure to GBCAs can result in gadolinium deposition within human tissues and has become a clinical concern because of the potential toxic effects of free gadolinium (Gd3+). Here, we report the impact of a single administration of GBCAs (Omniscan and Gadovist), and Gd3+ on mouse tissues. Five-week-old male BALB/c mice were injected intravenously with GBCAs or Gd3+. Seven days after injection, relatively high levels of gadolinium were detected in the spleen (118.87 nmol/g tissue), liver (83.00 nmol/g tissue), skin (48.56 nmol/g tissue), and kidneys (25.59 nmol/g tissue) of the Gd(NO3)3 (high dose: 0.165 mmol/kg) group; in the bones (11.12 nmol/g tissue), kidneys (7.49 nmol/g tissue), teeth (teeth: 6.18 nmol/g tissue), and skin (2.43 nmol/g tissue) of the Omniscan (high dose: 1.654 mmol/kg) group and in the kidneys (16.36 nmol/g tissue) and skin (4.88 nmol/g tissue) of the Gadovist (high dose: 3.308 mmol/kg) group. Enlargement of the spleen was observed in the Gd3+ group (p < 0.05), but not in the Omniscan or Gadovist groups. Gd3+ caused iron accumulation around the white pulp of the spleen, suggesting that enlargement of the spleen is, at least in part, associated with Gd3+ and/or iron accumulation. Our results may help elucidate the relative risks of different types of gadolinium agents, the mechanisms involved, and even recognition of potential toxic effects of GBCAs.

The role of long noncoding RNAs in livestock adipose tissue deposition - A review.

With the development of sequencing technology, numerous , long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been discovered and annotated. Increasing evidence has shown that lncRNAs play an essential role in regulating many biological and pathological processes, especially in cancer. However, there have been few studies on the roles of lncRNAs in livestock production. In animal products, meat quality and lean percentage are vital economic traits closely related to adipose tissue deposition. However, adipose tissue accumulation is also a pivotal contributor to obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and many other diseases, as demonstrated by human studies. In livestock production, the mechanism by which lncRNAs regulate adipose tissue deposition is still unclear. In addition, the phenomenon that different animal species have different adipose tissue accumulation abilities is not well understood. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of lncRNAs and their four functional archetypes and review the current knowledge about lncRNA functions in adipose tissue deposition in livestock species. This review could provide theoretical significance to explore the functional mechanisms of lncRNAs in adipose tissue accumulation in animals.

Age-related changes in swallowing muscle intramuscular adipose tissue deposition and related factors.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate age-related changes in the intramuscular adipose tissue (IAT) of the tongue and geniohyoid muscle (GHM) and associated factors. DESIGN: Exploratory cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This study included 89 participants recruited from a health survey, which included 38 younger adults (age range, 20-63 years) and 51 older adults (age range, 65-87 years). MEASUREMENTS: Age, body mass index, body fat, lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass index, trunk muscle mass index, tongue pressure, jaw opening force, and oral diadochokinesis were assessed. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and echo intensity (EI) of the tongue and GHM were measured using ultrasonography. IAT was assessed according to EI values. The factors related to the IAT of each muscle were examined using multiple regression analysis. We also investigated the correlation of IAT with factors related to oral function and systemic and morphological factors. RESULTS: Neither the EI of the tongue nor that of the GHM had a significant correlation with factors related to oral function and systemic factors. In the multiple regression analysis, significant explanatory variables for EI of the tongue and GHM were age (ß = 0.14, P = 0.019; tongue and ß = 0.13, P = 0.017; GHM) and the CSA of each muscle (ß = -0.01, P = 0.042; tongue and ß = -0.04, P = 0.003; GHM). EI was positively associated with age and negatively associated with muscle CSA. CONCLUSION: Age-related changes in the IAT show the same trend for both the tongue and GHM, unlike age-related changes in muscle mass. The IATs of the tongue and GHM were not significantly correlated with oral function and systemic factors. Therefore, EI may not be a useful index for the functional evaluation of the tongue and GHM.

Effect of obesity on biodistribution of nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles have specific features (lipophilicity, surface charge, composition and size). Studies regarding the biological behavior of nanoparticles in diseases such diabetics and obesity are scarce. Here, we evaluated two nanoparticles: magnetic core mesoporous silica (MSN) (58 nm) and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticle (280 nm) in obese mice. Changes in the biodistribution were observed, especially considering the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), and the visceral fat tissue. Nonetheless, our data corroborates the influence of size in the biodistribution in obese animals, supporting that smaller nanoparticles, may show a higher tissue deposition at spleen, due the associated splenomegaly and the complications arising from this state. Finally, our study demonstrated that, in obesity, probably due the low-grade inflammatory state associated with metabolic syndrome a difference in accumulation of nanoparticles was found, with profound impact in the tissue deposition of nanoparticles.

Gadolinium-based Contrast Media, Cerebrospinal Fluid and the Glymphatic System: Possible Mechanisms for the Deposition of Gadolinium in the Brain.

After Kanda's first report in 2014 on gadolinium (Gd) deposition in brain tissue, a considerable number of studies have investigated the explanation for the observation. Gd deposition in brain tissue after repeated administration of gadolinium-based contrast medium (GBCM) has been histologically proven, and chelate stability has been shown to affect the deposition. However, the mechanism for this deposition has not been fully elucidated. Recently, a hypothesis was introduced that involves the 'glymphatic system', which is a coined word that combines 'gl' for glia cell and 'lymphatic' system. According to this hypothesis, the perivascular space functions as a conduit for cerebrospinal fluid to flow into the brain parenchyma. The perivascular space around the arteries allows cerebrospinal fluid to enter the interstitial space of the brain tissue through water channels controlled by aquaporin 4. The cerebrospinal fluid entering the interstitial space clears waste proteins from the tissue. It then flows into the perivascular space around the vein and is discharged outside the brain. In addition to the hypothesis regarding the glymphatic system, some reports have described that after GBCM administration, some of the GBCM distributes through systemic blood circulation and remains in other compartments including the cerebrospinal fluid. It is thought that the GBCM distributed into the cerebrospinal fluid cavity via the glymphatic system may remain in brain tissue for a longer duration compared to the GBCM in systemic circulation. Glymphatic system may of course act as a clearance system for GBCM from brain tissue. Based on these findings, the mechanism for Gd deposition in the brain will be discussed in this review. The authors speculate that the glymphatic system may be the major contributory factor to the deposition and clearance of gadolinium in brain tissue.

Historical and Current Concepts of Fibrillogenesis and In vivo Amyloidogenesis: Implications of Amyloid Tissue Targeting.

Historical and current concepts of in vitro fibrillogenesis are considered in the light of disorders in which amyloid is deposited at anatomic sites remote from the site of synthesis of the corresponding precursor protein. These clinical conditions set constraints on the interpretation of information derived from in vitro fibrillogenesis studies. They suggest that in addition to kinetic and thermodynamic factors identified in vitro, fibrillogenesis in vivo is determined by site specific factors most of which have yet to be identified.

Gadolinium tissue deposition in brain and bone.

Until recognition of the association of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCA) in 2006, these agents were considered extremely safe and without major adverse effects. Even after the recognition of NSF, most physicians considered all GBCAs to be safe when used in patients with normal renal function. This belief has been called into question with the discovery by Kanda in 2014 that gadolinium (Gd) is deposited in brain tissue in patients with normal kidney function. Since that initial report, there have been a number of important studies analyzing the effects of various GBCAs in brain using MR T1 signal intensity measurements and postmortem tissue analyses with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. From these our knowledge and understanding of some key issues surrounding these observations has rapidly evolved. This report reviews and summarizes many recent human and animal studies in combination with past studies to better understand Gd tissue deposition not only in brain but also in bone and skin. Brain tissue deposition was initially demonstrated to occur with less stable group 1 linear agents but recent postmortem studies now confirm that Gd deposition also occurs with more stable linear agents as well as with macrocyclic agents although at much lower levels. Although no adverse health effects have been documented to date, even for the group 1 agents that deposit Gd in higher amounts, the implications for possible unrecognized toxicity is discussed. Future studies are being pursued that may provide better understanding of the various chemical forms of Gd that are deposited in tissues. This may help elucidate relative risks of different types of agents, mechanisms involved and even recognition of potential downstream toxic effects.

Fetal anterior abdominal wall thickness may be an early ultrasonographic sign of gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate standard biometric measurements, such as biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), abdominal circumference (AC), estimated fetal weight (EFW) and anterior abdomen wall thickness (AAWT) in fetuses complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at the time of GDM screening, and to compare the results with healthy pregnant controls. METHODS: A total of 124 pregnant women between 26 and 28 weeks' gestation were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups based on their 75-g oral glucose tolerance test results. The study group consisted of 55 pregnant women with GDM, and 69 healthy pregnant women constituted our control group. RESULTS: The study groups did not differ with respect to the mean BPD, FL, AC and EFW; however, the mean AAWT was significantly higher in the GDM group, 4.07 ± 0.46 mm versus 3.28 ± 0.37 mm in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The only fetal sonographic measurement found to significantly differ between the study groups was the AAWT in 26 weeks at the time of gestational diabetes screening, suggesting that measuring the AAWT may have a role in the evaluation of fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes.

What Is the Most Effective Way of Increasing the Bioavailability of Dietary Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids--Daily vs. Weekly Administration of Fish Oil?

The recommendations on the intake of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) vary from eating oily fish ("once to twice per week") to consuming specified daily amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ("250-500 mg per day"). It is not known if there is a difference in the uptake/bioavailability between regular daily consumption of supplementsvs. consuming fish once or twice per week. In this study, the bioavailability of a daily dose of n-3 LC-PUFA (Constant treatment), representing supplements, vs. a large weekly dose of n-3 LC-PUFA (Spike treatment), representing consuming once or twice per week, was assessed. Six-week old healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a Constant treatment, a Spike treatment or Control treatment (no n-3 LC-PUFA), for six weeks. The whole body, tissues and faeces were analysed for fatty acid content. The results showed that the major metabolic fate of the n-3 LC-PUFA (EPA+docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) + DHA) was towards catabolism (ß-oxidation) accounting for over 70% of total dietary intake, whereas deposition accounted less than 25% of total dietary intake. It was found that significantly more n-3 LC-PUFA were ß-oxidised when originating from the Constant treatment (84% of dose), compared with the Spike treatment (75% of dose). Conversely, it was found that significantly more n-3 LC-PUFA were deposited when originating from the Spike treatment (23% of dose), than from the Constant treatment (15% of dose). These unexpected findings show that a large dose of n-3 LC-PUFA once per week is more effective in increasing whole body n-3 LC-PUFA content in rats compared with a smaller dose delivered daily.