Effects of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Hepatic Apoptosis-Related Gene Expressions between Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Normal Body Weight Piglets

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) causes significantly negative effects on the methylation status of genes related to cell apoptosis compared with normal body weight (NBW) piglets. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine the effects of maternal dietary folic acid supplementation on genes expression profile for hepatic apoptosis in IUGR and NBW piglets. Twenty four Yorkshire gilts were allocated randomly to one of the two diets: control (C, folic acid 1.3 mg/kg) or folic acid supplementation (FS, folic acid 30 mg/kg) after mating. Gene expressions in liver samples were determined and revealed that the mRNA expressions of p53, BCL-2 associated X protein (Bax), and Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) were upregulated in IUGR piglets compared with NBW piglets fed C diets, but could be reversed by maternal folic acid supplementation. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Serine-protein Kinase–Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM), and Cadherin-associated protein–beta-catenin 1 (CTNNB1) were influenced by maternal folic acid supplementation significantly, but were not influenced by birth weight. Expression of p53 binding protein–MDM-2 (MDM-2) remained unchanged. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that maternal folic acid supplementation could exert positive effects on genes related to apoptosis in IUGR and NBW piglets, which might facilitate their postnatal health and growth performance.     

Folic acid supplementation prevents the changes in hepatic promoter methylation status and gene expression in intrauterine growth‐retarded piglets during early weaning period

During intrauterine life, genome interacts with maternal signals to influence the mRNA expression levels of specific genes persistently by regulating DNA methylation status. The objective of this study was to examine the responses of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha and gamma (PPARα and PPARγ) promoter methylation, mRNA expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and metabolite concentrations of intrauterine growth‐retarded (IUGR) piglets to dietary folic acid supplementation. According to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 16 IUGR and 16 normal birth weight (NBW) piglets were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 5 mg/kg of folic acid from weaning (day 14) to day 35 of age. Triglycerides in hepatic tissue and plasma were significantly elevated in control diets‐fed IUGR piglets compared with NBW piglets but were decreased by dietary folic acid supplementation. Hepatic mRNA expression levels of GR, PPARα, PPARγ, fatty acid synthase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in IUGR piglets fed a control diet were significantly higher than that in NBW piglets, and promoter methylation status of GR, PPARα and PPARγ in IUGR piglets was reduced significantly compared with NBW piglets. However, the changes in gene expression and DNA methylation status of IUGR piglets were reversed by dietary folic acid supplementation. Hepatic DNA methyltransferase activity was greater with dietary folic acid supplementation regardless of birth weight. Taken together, these results demonstrated that folic acid supplementation during early period of life could prevent the changes of promoter methylation status and gene expressions in the liver of IUGR piglets.     

叶酸对超早期断奶宫内发育迟缓仔猪肝脏结构和细胞凋亡相关基因表达的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮添加不同水平叶酸对超早期断奶宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)仔猪肝脏结构和细胞凋亡相关基因表达的影响。选取24头14日龄断奶、平均体重(2.79±0.34)kg的"杜×长×大"三元杂交仔公猪,随机分为3个处理,分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加0、5和10 mg/kg叶酸的试验饲粮,每个处理8个重复,每个重复1头猪。试验期21 d。结果表明:1)饲粮添加叶酸对35日龄仔猪血清葡萄糖浓度无显著影响(P>0.05),添加5和10 mg/kg叶酸分别显著(P<0.05)和极显著(P<0.01)降低了血清甘油三酯浓度。2)饲粮添加5 mg/kg叶酸能显著降低肝细胞直径(P<0.05)。3)饲粮添加5 mg/kg叶酸显著提高了肝脏B细胞淋巴瘤蛋白2(Bcl-2)的基因表达量(P<0.05),极显著降低了Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)和促凋亡相关基因肿瘤蛋白53(p53)的基因表达量(P<0.01);饲粮添加10 mg/kg叶酸,Bax和p53的基因表达量分别极显著(P<0.01)和显著(P<0.05)地降低了。4)饲粮添加叶酸对肝脏毛细血管扩张性共济失调症突变基因(ATM)、脱嘌呤嘧啶核酸内切酶1(APE-1)基因和一碳单位代谢关键酶编码基因的表达无显著影响(P>0.05)。结果提示,饲粮补充一定水平的叶酸有助于改善早期断奶IUGR仔猪35日龄时肝脏结构和细胞凋亡相关基因Bcl-2、Bax和p53的表达;本试验条件下,饲粮添加5 mg/kg叶酸效果较好。     

Effects of dietary dihydroartemisinin supplementation on growth performance,hepatic inflammation,and lipid metabolism in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on growth performance, hepatic inflammation, and lipid metabolism in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)‐affected weaned piglets. Eight piglets with normal birth weight (NBW) and 16 IUGR‐affected piglets were selected and fed either a basal diet (NBW and IUGR groups) or the basal diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg DHA (IUGR‐DHA group) from 21 to 49 day of age. Blood and liver samples were collected on day 49. DHA supplementation significantly alleviated the compromised growth performance and liver damage in IUGR‐affected piglets. Additionally, DHA supplementation decreased the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the serum levels of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), very‐low‐density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol. In the liver, the concentrations of interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, triglycerides, and NEFA were decreased. Fatty acid synthesis was decreased by DHA supplementation, whereas the activities of lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, and total lipase were increased. Dietary DHA supplementation led to upregulation of the expression of AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway‐related genes, whereas that of inflammatory factor‐related genes were downregulated. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 80 mg/kg DHA can alleviate IUGR‐induced impairments in piglets.     

Dietary dihydroartemisinin supplementation alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation

The aim of present study was to evaluate whether diets supplemented with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) could alleviate intestinal inflammatory injury in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) piglets and 12 piglets with IUGR were fed a basal diet (NBW-CON and IUCR-CON groups), and another 12 piglets with IUGR were fed the basal diet supplemented with DHA at 80 mg/kg (IUGR-DHA group) from 21 to 49 d of age. At 49 d of age, 8 piglets with similar body weight in each group were sacrificed. The jejunal and ileal samples were collected for further analysis. The results showed that IUGR impaired intestinal morphology, increased intestinal inflammatory response, raised enterocyte apoptosis and reduced enterocyte proliferation and activated transmembrane toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Dihydroartemisinin inclusion ameliorated intestinal morphology, indicated by increased villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, villus surface area and decreased villus width of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets supplemented with DHA exhibited higher apoptosis index and caspase-3 expression, and lower proliferation index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in the intestine (P < 0.05). Dihydroartemisinin supplementation attenuated the intestinal inflammation of piglets with IUGR, indicated by increased concentrations of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (P < 0.05). In addition, DHA supplementation down-regulated the related mRNA expressions of TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated mRNA expressions of negative regulators of TLR4 and NOD signaling pathway in the intestine of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Piglets in the IUGR-DHA group showed lower protein expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB (pNF-κB) inhibitor α, nuclear pNF-κB, and higher protein expression of cytoplasmic pNF-κB in the intestine than those in the IUGR-CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, DHA supplementation could improve intestinal morphology, regulate enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis, and alleviate intestinal inflammation through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with IUGR.     

Dietary dihydroartemisinin supplementation alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation

The aim of present study was to evaluate whether diets supplemented with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) could alleviate intestinal inflammatory injury in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) piglets and 12 piglets with IUGR were fed a basal diet (NBW-CON and IUCR-CON groups), and another 12 piglets with IUGR were fed the basal diet supplemented with DHA at 80 mg/kg (IUGR-DHA group) from 21 to 49 d of age. At 49 d of age, 8 piglets with similar body weight in each group were sacrificed. The jejunal and ileal samples were collected for further analysis. The results showed that IUGR impaired intestinal morphology, increased intestinal inflammatory response, raised enterocyte apoptosis and reduced enterocyte proliferation and activated transmembrane toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Dihydroartemisinin inclusion ameliorated intestinal morphology, indicated by increased villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, villus surface area and decreased villus width of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets supplemented with DHA exhibited higher apoptosis index and caspase-3 expression, and lower proliferation index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in the intestine (P < 0.05). Dihydroartemisinin supplementation attenuated the intestinal inflammation of piglets with IUGR, indicated by increased concentrations of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (P < 0.05). In addition, DHA supplementation down-regulated the related mRNA expressions of TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated mRNA expressions of negative regulators of TLR4 and NOD signaling pathway in the intestine of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Piglets in the IUGR-DHA group showed lower protein expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB (pNF-κB) inhibitor α, nuclear pNF-κB, and higher protein expression of cytoplasmic pNF-κB in the intestine than those in the IUGR-CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, DHA supplementation could improve intestinal morphology, regulate enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis, and alleviate intestinal inflammation through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with IUGR.     

Effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology,inflammatory response,and microbiota of intra-uterine growth retarded weanling piglets

Background: The focus of recent research has been directed toward the probiotic potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(BA) on the gut health of animals. However, little is known about BA's effects on piglets with intra-uterine growth retardation(IUGR). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of BA supplementation on the growth performance,intestinal morphology, inflammatory response, and microbiota of IUGR piglets.Methods: Eighteen litters of newborn piglets were selected at birth, with one normal birth weight(NBW) and two IUGR piglets in each litter(i.e., 18 NBW and 36 IUGR piglets in total). At weaning, the NBW piglet and one of the IUGR piglets were assigned to groups fed a control diet(i.e., the NBW-CON and IUGR-CON groups). The other IUGR piglet was assigned to a group fed the control diet supplemented with 2.0 g BA per kg of diet(i.e., IUGR-BA group). The piglets were thus distributed across three groups for a four-week period.Results: IUGR reduced the growth performance of the IUGR-CON piglets compared with the NBW-CON piglets. It was also associated with decreased vil us sizes, increased apoptosis rates, reduced goblet cel numbers, and an imbalance between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the smal intestine. Supplementation with BA improved the average daily weight gain and the feed efficiency of the IUGR-BA group compared with the IUGR-CON group(P 0.05). The IUGR-BA group exhibited increases in the ratio of jejunal vil us height to crypt depth, in ileal vil us height, and in ileal goblet cel density. They also exhibited decreases in the numbers of jejunal and ileal apoptotic cel s and ileal proliferative cel s(P 0.05). Supplementation with BA increased interleukin 10 content, but it decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha level in the smal intestines of the IUGR-BA piglets(P 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the IUGR-CON piglets, the IUGR-BA piglets had less Escherichia coli in their jejunal digesta, but more Lactobacil us and Bifidobacterium in their ileal digesta(P 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with BA improves morphology, decreases inflammatory response, and regulates microbiota in the smal intestines of IUGR piglets, which may contribute to improved growth performance during early life.     

妊娠期添加叶酸对新生仔猪肝脏抗氧化能力和基因表达影响

试验选用24头大约克母猪,随机分为2个处理组,每组12个重复,研究妊娠期添加叶酸对新生仔猪肝脏抗氧化能力及其与叶酸代谢相关基因表达量的影响。对照组饲喂基础日粮(叶酸1.3 mg/kg),基础日粮为典型的玉米-豆粕型日粮,在基础日粮中添加叶酸构成处理组日粮(叶酸30 mg/kg),试验从母猪配种开始直至分娩。结果表明:妊娠期间增加母猪叶酸摄入量显著提高仔猪血清叶酸含量(P<0.01),极显著降低血清同型半胱氨酸含量(P<0.01)。叶酸添加组仔猪肝脏中总抗氧化能力(P<0.05)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(P<0.05)和总超氧化物岐化酶活力(P<0.05)显著高于对照组。仔猪肝脏丙二醛和一氧化氮含量在添加叶酸之后显著下降(P<0.05)。添加叶酸显著提高仔猪肝脏中丝氨酸羟甲基转移酶基因表达量(P<0.05),下调T-蛋白基因mRNA水平(P<0.05)。由此可见,通过母体添加叶酸可显著改善仔猪肝脏抗氧化功能,并影响叶酸代谢相关基因表达量。     

日粮中添加双氢青蒿素对宫内发育迟缓断奶仔猪胰岛素水平和肝发育的影响

旨在研究宫内发育迟缓（IUGR）对断奶仔猪胰岛素水平和肝发育的影响,以及日粮添加80 mg·kg^-1双氢青蒿素（DHA）对其修复作用。本试验选取10头正常出生重（NBW）仔猪和20头IUGR仔猪,分为NBW组、IUGR组和IUGR-DHA组,每组10头仔猪。NBW组和IUGR组饲喂基础日粮,IUGR-DHA组饲喂基础日粮+80 mg·kg^-1 DHA。所有仔猪21日龄断奶后饲喂相应日粮至49日龄,试验期为29天。结果显示,与NBW组相比,IUGR组显著降低了血清空腹葡萄糖（FBG）和胰岛素生长因子1（IGF-1）含量以及肝重量（P<0.05）,显著提高了空腹胰岛素（FINS）含量和胰岛素抵抗（HOMA-IR）指数以及肝脏指数（P<0.05）。同时,IUGR组断奶仔猪肝组织形态结构受损,出现明显的空泡化,细胞器结构受损,线粒体和内质网明显肿胀,细胞核严重变形。与IUGR组相比,IUGR-DHA组显著升高了肝重量和IGF-1含量（P<0.05）,显著降低了血清FINS含量和HOMA-IR指数,且肝组织形态结构得到明显改善。与NBW组相比,IUGR断奶仔猪显著下调了肝中IGF1、胰岛素受体底物1（IRS1）、磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶（PI3K）和蛋白激酶B（AKT2）的mRNA相对表达量（P<0.05）。与IUGR组相比,IUGR-DHA组显著上调了断奶仔猪肝中IRS1和AKT2的mRNA相对表达量（P<0.05）。结果表明：DHA对IUGR导致的断奶仔猪胰岛素抵抗以及肝发育受损具有一定的修复作用。本研究为畜牧生产中对IUGR的早期治疗以及DHA的推广应用提供了一定的理论依据。     

Effects of Bacillus subtilis on jejunal integrity,redox status,and microbial composition of intrauterine growth restriction suckling piglets

The present study used intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) piglets as an animal model to determine the effect of Bacillus subtilis on intestinal integrity, antioxidant capacity, and microbiota in the jejunum of suckling piglets. In total, 8 normal birth weight (NBW) newborn piglets (1.62 ± 0.10 kg) and 16 newborn IUGR piglets (0.90 ± 0.08 kg) were selected and assigned to three groups. Piglets were orally gavaged with 10-mL sterile saline (NBW and IUGR groups), and IUGR piglets were orally gavaged with 10-mL/d bacterial fluid (B. subtilis diluted in sterile saline, gavage in the dose of 2 × 10⁹ colony-forming units per kg of body weight; IBS group; n = 8). IUGR induced jejunal barrier dysfunction and redox status imbalance of piglets, and changed the abundances of bacteria in the jejunum. Treatment with B. subtilis increased (P < 0.05) the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) in the jejunum, decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, and enhanced (P < 0.05) the gene expressions of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1 in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. Treatment with B. subtilis decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of protein carbonyl (PC) and increased (P < 0.05) the activities of catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. Treatment with B. subtilis also increased (P < 0.05) gene expressions of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), CAT, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), as well as the protein expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), SOD1, and Nrf2 in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. Treatment with B. subtilis also improved the abundances and the community structure of bacteria in the jejunum of IUGR piglets. These results suggested that IUGR damaged the jejunal barrier function and antioxidant capacity of suckling piglets, and altered the abundances of bacteria in the jejunum. Treatment with B. subtilis improved the intestinal integrity and antioxidant capacity while also improved the abundances and structure of bacteria in the jejunum of suckling piglets.     

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology,antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded suckling piglets

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with _L‐methionine (_L‐Met), _DL‐methionine (_DL‐Met) and calcium salt of the methionine hydroxyl analog (MHA‐Ca) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets. Six normal birthweight (NBW) female piglets and 24 same‐sex IUGR piglets were selected at birth. Piglets were fed nutrient adequate basal diet supplemented with 0.08% _L‐alanine (NBW‐CON), 0.08% _L‐alanine (IUGR‐CON), 0.12% _L‐Met (IUGR‐LM), 0.12% _DL‐Met (IUGR‐DLM) and 0.16% MHA‐Ca (IUGR‐MHA‐Ca) from 7 to 21 days of age respectively (n = 6). The results indicated that IUGR decreased average daily milk (dry matter) intake and average daily gain and increased feed conversion ratio of suckling piglets (p < 0.05). Compared with the NBW‐CON piglets, IUGR also impaired villus morphology and reduced antioxidant capacity and immune homeostasis in the intestine of IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Supplementation with _L‐Met enhanced jejunal villus height (VH) and villus area and ileal VH of IUGR piglets compared with IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Similarly, _DL‐Met supplementation increased VH and the ratio of VH to crypt depth in the jejunum compared with IUGR‐CON pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation with _L‐Met and _DL‐Met (0.12%) tended to increase reduced glutathione content and reduced glutathione: oxidized glutathione ratio and decrease protein carbonyl concentration in the jejunum of piglets when compared with the IUGR‐CON group (p < 0.10). However, supplementation with MHA‐Ca had no effect on the intestinal redox status of IUGR piglets (p > 0.10). In conclusion, supplementation with either _L‐Met or _DL‐Met has a beneficial effect on the intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity of IUGR suckling piglets.     

Dietary dimethylglycine sodium salt supplementation improves growth performance,redox status,and skeletal muscle function of intrauterine growth-restricted weaned piglets

Few studies have focused on the role of dimethylglycine sodium (DMG-Na) salt in protecting the redox status of skeletal muscle, although it is reported to be beneficial in animal husbandry. This study investigated the beneficial effects of DMG-Na salt on the growth performance, longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) redox status, and mitochondrial function in weaning piglets that were intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR). Ten normal birth weight (NBW) newborn piglets (1.53 ± 0.04 kg) and 20 IUGR newborn piglets (0.76 ± 0.06 kg) from 10 sows were obtained. All piglets were weaned at 21 d of age and allocated to the three groups with 10 replicates per group: NBW weaned piglets fed a common basal diet (N); IUGR weaned piglets fed a common basal diet (I); IUGR weaned piglets fed a common basal diet supplemented with 0.1% DMG-Na (ID). They were slaughtered at 49 d of age to collect the serum and LM samples. Compared with the N group, the growth performance, LM structure, serum, and, within the LM, mitochondrial redox status, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity, energy metabolites, redox status-related, cell adhesion-related, and mitochondrial function-related gene expression, and protein expression deteriorated in group I (P < 0.05). The ID group showed improved growth performance, LM structure, serum, and, within the LM, mitochondrial redox status, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity, energy metabolites, redox status-related, cell adhesion-related, and mitochondrial function-related gene expression, and protein expression compared with those in the I group (P < 0.05). The above results indicated that the DMG-Na salt treatment could improve the LM redox status and mitochondrial function in IUGR weaned piglets via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1α network, thus improving their growth performance.     

Maternal imprinting of the neonatal microbiota colonization in intrauterine growth restricted piglets:a review

Early colonization of intestinal microbiota during the neonatal stage plays an important role on the development of intestinal immune system and nutrients absorption of the host. Compared to the normal birth weight(NBW)piglets, intrauterine growth restricted(IUGR) piglets have a different intestinal microbiota during their early life,which is related to maternal imprinting on intestinal microbial succession during gestation, at birth and via suckling.Imbalanced allocation of limited nutrients among fetuses during gestation could be one of the main causes for impaired intestinal development and microbiota colonization in neonatal IUGR piglets. In this review, we summarized the potential impact of maternal imprinting on the colonization of the intestinal microbiota in IUGR piglets, including maternal undernutrition, imbalanced allocation of nutrients among fetuses, as well as vertical microbial transmission from mother to offspring during gestation and lactation. At the same time, we give information about the current maternal nutritional strategies(mainly breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics) to help colonization of the advantageous intestinal microbiota for IUGR piglets.     

宫内发育迟缓仔猪小肠形态和屏障功能相关基因的表达特征

为了研究宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)仔猪小肠形态和屏障功能相关基因的表达特征,选取24窝"长白×大白"杂交新生仔猪,每窝选取1头IUGR仔猪和1头正常出生体重(NBW)仔猪,分别于7、21和28日龄屠宰8头IUGR仔猪和8头NBW仔猪,采集小肠样品进行分析.结果表明:1)与NBW仔猪相比,IUGR仔猪7日龄时空肠绒毛高度、...     

Antioxidant capacity and concentration of redox-active trace mineral in fully weaned intra-uterine growth retardation piglets

Background: The redox status of intra-uterine growth retardation(IUGR) piglets post-weaning has been poorly studied.Methods: Newborns from twenty-four sows were weighted, weaned at 21 d and fed a starter diet until sampling.Sampling was done at 14 d post-weaning. A piglet was defined as IUGR when its birth weight was 2 SD below the mean birth weight of the total population. At weaning, eighteen piglets with nearly equal body weight from each category(i.e. IUGR or normal birth weight(NBW) piglets) were selected and then allocated to two treatments,consisted of six replicates with each pen having three piglets.Results: Compared with NBW group, IUGR significantly decreased average daily gain(P 0.001), average daily feed intake(P = 0.003), and feed efficiency(P 0.001) of piglets during the first two weeks post-weaning. IUGR decreased the activities of total antioxidant capacity(P = 0.019), total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD, P = 0.023),and ceruloplasmin(P = 0.044) but increased the levels of malondialdehyde(P = 0.040) and protein carbonyl(P = 0.010) in plasma. Similarly, the decreased activities of T-SOD(P = 0.005), copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase(Cu/Zn-SOD, P = 0.002), and catalase(P = 0.049) was observed in the liver of IUGR piglets than these of NBW piglets. IUGR decreased hepatic Cu/Zn-SOD activity(P = 0.023) per unit of Cu/Zn-SOD protein in piglets when compared with NBW piglets. In addition, IUGR piglets exhibited the decreases in accumulation of copper in both plasma(P = 0.001) and liver(P = 0.014), as well as the concentrations of iron(P = 0.002) and zinc(P = 0.048) in liver. Compared with NBW, IUGR down-regulated m RNA expression of Cu/Zn-SOD(P = 0.021) in the liver of piglets.Conclusions: The results indicated that IUGR impaired antioxidant capacity and resulted in oxidative damage in fully weaned piglets, which might be associated with the decreased levels of redox-active trace minerals. This study highlights the importance of redox status in IUGR offspring and provides a rationale for alleviating oxidative damage by dietary interventions aiming to supplement trace minerals and to restore redox balance in the future.     

Intrauterine growth restriction alters growth performance,plasma hormones,and small intestinal microbial communities in growing-finishing pigs

Background: The interaction of the gut microbiota with key metabolic and physiological processes may be associated with poor growth outcomes in animals born with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR).Results: Growth performance, plasma hormone concentrations, and intestinal microbiota composition were analyzed in IUGR pigs and in normal birth weight(NBW) pigs when the NBW pigs reached 25, 50, and 100 kg of body weight(BW). Compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had lower initial, weaned, and final BW, and lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake in all the considered time points. In the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs had higher concentrations of plasma ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide(PP), but lower insulin concentration than NBW pigs, while the situation was reversed in the 50 kg BW group. As compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had higher microbial alpha diversity in the jejunum and ileum;in the 50 and 100 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs had higher Firmicutes abundance but lower Proteobacteria abundance in the jejunum, and lower Lactobacillus abundance in the jejunum and ileum;in the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs showed higher unclassified Ruminococcaceae abundance in the ileum;and in 25 and 50 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs showed lower Ochrobactrum abundance in the jejunum.Spearman's correlation revealed that Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with growth performance, while unclassified Ruminococcaceae was positively correlated. Predictive metagenomic analysis detected significantly different expression of genes in the intestinal microbiota between IUGR and NBW pigs, suggesting different metabolic capabilities between the two groups.Conclusions: Growing-finishing IUGR pigs showed lower growth performance, higher microbial alpha diversity, and differences in plasma hormone concentrations compared to NBW pigs. Alterations in the abundance of Firmicutes,Proteobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, and Ochrobactrum in the small intestine may be associated with IUGR, and may therefore serve as a future target for gut microbiota intervention in growing-finishing IUGR pigs.     

叶酸水平对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清组织中蛋白质代谢的指标影响

试验旨在研究日粮中添加不同剂量的叶酸对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清和组织中蛋白质代谢相关指标的影响。试验选择25日龄断奶仔猪160头(80头纯种大白和80头纯种长白,公、母各半),随机分为5个处理组,每个处理4个重复,每个重复8头猪,进行28 d的饲养试验。5种日粮分别在基础日粮上添加0、0.5、2.5、5 mg/kg和10 mg/kg叶酸。结果表明:添加2.5 mg/kg叶酸仔猪的全期日增重较基础日粮组有显著提高(P<0.05),提高了血清蛋白质浓度(P<0.05),降低了血清尿素氮浓度(P<0.01),并提高了肝脏DNA、RNA和蛋白质的含量(P<0.05)以及肌肉RNA/DNA和RNA/蛋白质值(P<0.05),而添加更高水平叶酸时却使仔猪生长性能下降。本试验结果显示,仔猪日粮中叶酸适宜添加量为2.5 mg/kg,叶酸不足或者过高都将影响动物的生长。     

饲粮添加叶酸对PCV-2攻击下断奶仔猪体重和组织病变的影响

试验旨在探明饲粮添加不同水平叶酸(FA)对圆环病毒-2(PCV-2)攻击下断奶仔猪增重和组织病变的影响。选用45头PCV-2阴性、初重8.44kg的健康去势、28d断奶DLY仔猪,饲喂添加不同水平FA(0、0.3、15mg/kg)的饲粮7 d后,进行PCV-2攻毒,继续饲喂相应饲粮28 d。第1、7(攻毒前)、21天和第35天采集组织样品;测定体重、腹泻指数、组织病变、血清PCV-2特异抗体、猪瘟抗体和细胞因子水平。结果表明:无PCV-2攻击,断奶应激导致仔猪免疫组织损伤,饲粮添加15 mg/kg FA可明显改善淋巴组织病变;PCV-2攻击导致免疫抑制与组织损伤,仔猪体重极显著降低(P<0.01);饲粮不添加FA仔猪免疫抑制和组织病变最严重,添加0.3 mg/kg FA缓解了免疫抑制而组织病变减轻,添加15 mg/kg FA则不利于组织修复。     

饲粮补充精氨酸对低出生重哺乳仔猪肝脏氧化还原状态和线粒体功能的影响

本试验通过研究精氨酸(Arg)对低出生重(LBW)哺乳仔猪机体氧化还原平衡状态和线粒体功能的影响,探讨Arg改善LBW哺乳仔猪生长发育的可能机制。试验选取体况接近、产期一致和胎次相近的初产母猪所产仔猪,4日龄时,选取20头LBW[体重(1.16±0.08)kg]和10头正常出生重(NBW)[体重(2.07±0.10)kg]仔猪,按体重相近、公母比例一致的原则分为NBW组(饲喂基础饲粮)、LBW组(饲喂基础饲粮)和LBW+Arg组(基础饲粮补充1%Arg)3个组,每组10个重复,每个重复1头猪,人工乳饲养21 d。在第22天,屠宰并收集所有试验猪的血清与肝脏样品,检测生长性能、氧化还原状态与线粒体功能指标。结果表明:1)与NBW仔猪相比,LBW仔猪末重、平均日增重(ADG)和平均日干物质摄入量(ADMI)显著降低(P<0.05),肝脏过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和ATP含量显著下降(P<0.05),肝脏环氧化酶(COX)ⅠmRNA表达量显著下调(P<0.05),肝脏视神经萎缩症蛋白1(OPA1)mRNA表达量有下调的趋势(P=0.089);2)饲粮补充Arg显著提高LBW仔猪末重、ADG和ADMI(P<0.05),显著提高血清CAT活性和肝脏CAT、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPx)活性(P<0.05),显著提高肝脏ATP含量(P<0.05),显著上调肝脏GPx1和线粒体融合蛋白1(Mfn1)mRNA表达量(P<0.05),并且有上调肝脏CAT(P=0.056)、COXⅣ(P=0.063)和OPA1(P=0.087)mRNA表达量的趋势。以上研究表明,LBW仔猪肝脏抗氧化能力下降,线粒体功能受阻,生长发育受到抑制;而饲粮补充1%Arg显著提高LBW仔猪肝脏抗氧化能力,改善线粒体功能,提高LBW仔猪生长性能。     

Effects of different forms of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance,intestinal development,and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets

The present study was conducted to determine effects of different forms of yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae,strain Y200007) on the growth performance,intestinal development,and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets.A total of 96 piglets(14-d old,initial average body weight of 4.5 kg) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments:(1) basal diet without yeast(Control);(2) basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg live yeast(LY);(3) basal diet supplemented with 2.66 g/kg heat-killed whole yeast(HKY);and(4) basal diet supplemented with 3.00 g/kg superfine yeast powders(SFY).Diets and water were provided ad libitum to the piglets during 3-week experiment.Growth performance of piglets was measured weekly.Samples of blood and small intestine were collected at days 7 and 21 of experiment.Dietary supplementation with LY and SFY improved G:F of piglets at days 1-21 of the experiment(P0.05) compared to Control group.Serum concentrations of growth hormone(GH),triiodothyronine(T_3),tetraiodothyronine(T_4),and insulin growth factor 1(IGF-1) in piglets at day 21 of the experiment were higher when fed diets supplemented with LY and SFY than those in Control group(P 0.05).Compared to Control group,contents of serum urea nitrogen of piglets were reduced by the 3 yeast-supplemented diets(P 0.05).Diets supplemented with LY increased villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio in duodenum and jejunum of piglets(P 0.05) compared to other two groups at day 7 of the experiment.Feeding diets supplemented with LY and SFY increased(P 0.05) serum concentrations of IgA,IL-2,and IL-6 levels in piglets compared to Control.The CD4~+/CD8~+ ratio and proliferation of T-lymphocytes in piglets fed diets supplemented with LY were increased compared to that of Control group at day 7 of the experiment(P 0.05).In conclusion,dietary supplementation with both LY and SFY enhanced feed conversion,small intestinal development,and systemic immunity in early-weaned piglets,with better improvement in feed conversion by dietary supplementation with LY,while dietary supplementation with SFY was more effective in increasing systemic immune functions in early-weaned piglets.