Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary L-threonine supplementation on the growth performance, intestinal immune function, mucin synthesis, and goblet cell differentiation in weanling piglets with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods: Eighteen litters of newborn piglets were selected at birth, with one normal birthweight (NBW) and two IUGR piglets in each litter. At weaning, the NBW piglet and one of the IUGR piglets were assigned to groups fed a basal diet (i.e., the NBW-CON and IUGR-CON groups). The other IUGR piglet was assigned to a group fed the basal diet supplemented with 2 g L-threonine per kg of diet (i.e., IUGR-Thr group). Therefore, all piglets were distributed across three groups for a 3-wk feeding trial. Results: Compared with NBW, IUGR decreased growth performance, increased ileal proinflammatory cytokine levels, and reduced ileal mucin 2 (Muc2) content and goblet cell density of weanling piglets. Supplementation of L-threonine increased the feed efficiency of the IUGR-Thr group compared with the IUGR-CON group. The L-threonine-supplemented diet attenuated ileal inflammatory responses of the IUGR-Thr piglets and increased production of Muc2 and secretory immunoglobulin A and density of goblet cells. In addition, L-threonine supplementation downregulated delta like 1 and hes family bHLH transcription factor 1, whereas growth factor independence 1 and Kruppel-like factor 4 expression levels were upregulated. Conclusion: Dietary L-threonine supplementation attenuates inflammatory responses, facilitates Muc2 synthesis, and promotes goblet cell differentiation in the ileum of IUGR piglets. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

旨在研究解淀粉芽孢杆菌(Bacillus am yloliquefaciens,BA)对环磷酰胺(cyclophosphamide,CY)介导的免疫抑制肉鸡生长性能和肝脏抗氧化功能的影响.144只1日龄AA雄性肉仔鸡被随机分为3组,即对照组(CON),环磷酰胺处理组(CY)和环磷酰胺-解淀粉芽孢杆菌组(CY-BA),每组6个重复,每个重复8只鸡.CON组和CY组饲喂基础日粮,CY-BA组饲喂添加1.08×1010 CFU/kg BA的试验日粮.于16,17和18日龄对CY组与CY-BA组肉鸡肌肉注射80 mg/kg的CY,CON组肌肉注射等量生理盐水,试验期为21d.结果显示,与CON组相比,CY刺激显著降低了CY组肉鸡1～21日龄体增质量、肝脏指数、肝脏总抗氧化能力(total antioxidative capacity,T-AOC)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase,GSH-Px)活力和谷胱甘肽还原酶(glutathione reductase,GR)活力(P＜0.05),显著升高了肝脏丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量(P＜0.05);Real-time PCR检测也发现,CY处理显著降低了CY组肉鸡肝脏核转录相关因子2(NF-E2-related factor 2,nrf2)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶1(glutathione peroxidase 1,gpx1)的mRNA表达水平(P＜0.05).与CY组相比,日粮添加BA显著提高了CY-BA组肉鸡21日龄时肝脏T-AOC水平和GSH-Px活力,降低了肝脏MDA水平(P ＜0.05).上述指标在CON与CY-BA组间并无明显差异(P＞0.05).另外,CY-BA组肝脏GSH含量较CON或CY组均显著升高(P＜0.05).然而,日粮添加BA并未显著影响CY刺激肉鸡体增质量、肝脏指数、肝脏nrf2和gpx1 mRNA水平(P＞0.05).综合结果表明,CY诱导的免疫抑制损伤了肉鸡生长和肝脏的抗氧化功能,并引起了肉鸡肝脏脂质过氧化程度升高.日粮添加BA具有改善CY介导的免疫抑制肉鸡肝脏抗氧化功能和缓解肝脏氧化损伤的作用.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of methionine restriction (MR) on growth performance, insulin sensitivity, and hepatic and muscle glucose metabolism in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) pigs at 49 and 105 d of age. At weaning (day 21), 30 female normal birth weight (NBW) piglets were fed control diets with adequate methionine (NBW-CON), whereas 60 female IUGR piglets were fed either the control diets (IUGR-CON) or MR diets which were 30% reduced in methionine (IUGR-MR) (n = 6 replicates (pens) with five piglets per replicate). At 49 and 105 d of age, one pig with a BW near to the mean of each replication was selected for biochemical analysis. Compared with NBW-CON pigs, IUGR-CON pigs exhibited lower relative daily gain (RDG) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index at day 49 (P < 0.05), but higher RDG and HOMA-IR index at day 105 (P < 0.05). Hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activities were higher in IUGR-CON than NBW-CON pigs at both days 49 and 105 (P < 0.05), while hepatic glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase activities were lower in IUGR-CON pigs at both two ages (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with NBW-CON pigs, IUGR-CON pigs (105-d old) had lower protein kinase B phosphorylation (PKB/Akt) in liver (P < 0.05), but not in muscle (P > 0.05). Compared with IUGR-CON pigs, IUGR-MR pigs had lower RDG at day 49, less blood glucose at day 105, and lower HOMA-IR index at both days 49 and 105 (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with IUGR-CON pigs, MR decreased IUGR-MR pigs' hepatic G6Pase activities and increased their hepatic glycogen contents at day 105 (P < 0.05), as well as increased their hepatic and muscle PKB/Akt phosphorylation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the ability of dietary MR to restrict IUGR pigs' growth and to reduce blood glucose appeared, respectively, in earlier and later period, but MR improved IUGR pigs' insulin sensitivity at both days 49 and 105.

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 villus sizes, increased apoptosis rates, reduced goblet cell numbers, and an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the small 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 villus height to crypt depth, in ileal villus height, and in ileal goblet cell density. They also exhibited decreases in the numbers of jejunal and ileal apoptotic cells and ileal proliferative cells (P < 0.05). Supplementation with BA increased interleukin 10 content, but it decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha level in the small 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 Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in their ileal digesta (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with BA improves morphology, decreases inflammatory response, and regulates microbiota in the small intestines of IUGR piglets, which may contribute to improved growth performance during early life.

The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may play beneficial roles against intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)-induced hepatic damage in suckling piglets.

Objective: In order to investigate the effect of dietary methionine supplementation on intestinal development and antioxidant function in growing pigs with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods: At postnatal day 21, thirty normal birth weight (NBW) female piglets and sixty same-sex IUGR piglets were weaned. The NBW piglets were allocated to the NBW control (NBW-CON) group, and the IUGR piglets were randomly assigned to the IUGR control (IUGR-CON) and methionine supplementation (IUGR-MET) groups. The piglets were thus distributed across three groups for a 84 d of feeding trial, and each group consisted of six replicates with five piglets per replicate. Results: IUGR-CON pigs exhibited a reduction in villus height (VH) in both the jejunum and ileum, villus surface area in the jejunum, the activities of sucrase and maltase in the ileum, and OCLN mRNA expression in the jejunum when compared with NBW-CON pigs ( P＜0.05). Compared with NBW-CON pigs, IUGR-CON pigs had increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the jejunum, decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) content and GSH/oxidized glutathione ratio in the jejunum, and superoxide dismutase activity in the ileum (P ＜ 0.05). Dietary methionine supplementation significantly increased VH in the jejunum, maltase activity in the ileum, and OCLN mRNA expression in the jejunum of IUGR pigs (P＜0.05). A higher methionine inclusion alleviated the increased MDA content and the decreased GSH content in the jejunum of IUGR pigs (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion: Dietary methionine supplementation attenuates lipid peroxidation and improves antioxidant capacity in the intestine, which may be associated with the partially improved intestinal development in IUGR pigs.

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of nucleotide diet supplementation on growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility and some blood parameters,and to determine the best dose of nucleotide additive in diets supplementation.240 21-day-old piglets (Duroc× Landrace× Large white) having similar weight were allotted to 4 groups (control group,nucleotide group Ⅰ,lⅡ,Ⅲ) after weaning,with 6 repetition in each group and 10 piglets for each repetition.All weaning piglets had access to 4 standardized diet supplemented with 0.0％,0.05％,0.1％,0.2％ of nucleotide additive respectively during the 42 days' trial.The average daily growth of piglets in three treatment groups showed a significant increase than the control group(P＜0.05).The digestibility of crude fat was apparently higher in three treatment groups than control group(P＜0.05),nevertheless the digestibility of phosphor and dry matter and gross energy was higher in nucleotide group Ⅲ (P＜0.05).The piglets in nucleotide group Ⅱ showed a higher white blood cell and hematocrit determination level than the control group(P＜0.05).The piglets in nucleotide groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ and lⅢ showed a higher creatinine and blood urea nitrogen level than the con-trol group(P＜0.05).Aspartate transaminase level in nucleotide group Ⅰ was higher than the control group(P＜0.05).In conclusion,the results suggested that the piglets fed with 0.2％ of nucleotide additive showed better growth performance and higher nutrient utilization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnOs) as a substitute for colistin sulfate (CS) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, serum enzymes, zinc deposition, intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier in weaned piglets. A total of 216 crossbred Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 23 days were randomly assigned into 3 groups, which were fed with basal diets supplemented with 20 mg/kg CS (CS group), 20mg/kg CS+3000 mg/kg ZnO (CS+ZnO group), and 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (nano-ZnO group) for 14 days. Results indicated that compared to CS group, supplementation of 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (about 30 nm) significantly increased final body weight and average daily gain, and 3000 mg/kg ZnO plus colistin sulfate significantly increased average daily gain and decreased diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. There was no significant difference in growth performance and diarrhea rate between nano-ZnO and CS+ZnO groups. Supplementation of nano-ZnOs did not affect serum enzymes (glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), but significantly increased plasma and tissue zinc concentrations (liver, tibia), improved intestinal morphology (increased duodenal and ileal villus length, crypt depth, and villus surface), enhanced mRNA expression of ZO-1 in ileal mucosa, and significantly decreased diamine oxidase activity in plasma, total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS group. Effects of nano-ZnOs on serum enzymes, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction were similar to those of high dietary ZnO plus colistin sulfate, while nano-ZnOs significantly reduced zinc concentrations of liver, tibia, and feces, and decreased total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS+ZnO group. These results suggested that nano-ZnOs (1200 mg/kg) might be used as a substitute for colistin sulfate and high dietary ZnO in weaned piglets.

Purpose The present study investigated whether dietary methionine supplementation might protect against intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)-induced damage in the intestine of piglets. Methods Thirty normal birth weight (NBW) female piglets and sixty same-sex IUGR piglets were weaned at 21 days of postnatal age and fed the control diet (4.0 g methionine per kg of feed, NBW-CON, and IUGR-CON groups) or the methionine-supplemented diet (5.2 g methionine per kg of feed, IUGR-MET group) for 28 days ( n = 6). Results Piglets in the IUGR-CON group showed decreased average daily feed intake and average daily gain and an increased feed conversion ratio than those in the NBW-CON group. Compared with NBW-CON piglets, IUGR-CON piglets had decreased villus height (VH) and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in both the jejunum and ileum. In addition, in comparison with the NBW-CON piglets, IUGR increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the index of apoptosis, while it decreased the concentrations of methionine and reduced glutathione (GSH), the ratio of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and the protein expression of occludin (OCLN) in both the jejunum and ileum. Dietary methionine supplementation decreased the MDA and protein carbonyl concentrations and the apoptotic index, while it increased the VH level, methionine and GSH concentrations, GSH/GSSG ratio, and the OCLN protein expression in the jejunum of IUGR-MET piglets. Conclusions Methionine may have beneficial effects in improving intestinal integrity and oxidative status in IUGR weanling piglets.

Objective: To ascertain the effect of dietary leucine supplementation on intestinal immune function in ultra-early weaned piglets suffering from intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods: Sixteen normal birth weight (NBW) piglets weaned at 14 days of age and sixteen IUGR newborn piglets were selected according to their birth weight. All the piglets were randomly divided into four groups with 8 replicates in each group, and fed control diet alone or supplemented with 0.35% L-leucine for 21 days, respectively. Results: Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets showed significantly lower lysozyme activity and complement-3 (C3) level in the serum (P < 0.05), a significant reduction in the number of goblet cells (GC) and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) content in the ileum, and a significant increase intumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content in the ileum (P < 0.05). In addition, IUGR piglets had significantly increased TNF-α mRNA expression but significantly decreased IL-10 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 0.35% L-leucine significantly increased lysozyme activity and the levels of C3 and C4 in the serum, the numbers of GC in the ileum and IEL in the duodenum and jejunum, IL-10 content in the ileum, and the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IL-10 in the ileum of IUGR piglets (P < 0.05). Conclusion: IUGR could induce intestinal mucosal inflammatory response and hinder intestinal growth and development in early weaned piglets. L-Leucine could effectively alleviate intestinal mucosal injury caused by IUGR, and improve intestinal immune function in piglets.

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of methionine on plasma biochemical parameters and intestinal digestive and absorptive function in weanling piglets with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).Methods:After weaning(21 d of postnatal age),thirty female normal birth weight(NBW)piglets were assigned to receive the control diet (NBW-CON),and sixty same-sex IUGR piglets were randomly assigned to receive the control diet (IUGR-CON)or the control diet supplemented with 0.12％ methionine(IUGR-MET) for 28 d,each group consisted of six replicates with five piglets per replicate.Results:Compared with NBW-CON piglets,the plasma urea nitrogen content of piglets in IUGR-CON group was increased,whereas the plasma total protein and D-xylose contents were significantly decreased (p ＜ 0.05).In addition,the apparent digestibility of crude protein and gross energy,the activity of trypsin in the jejunal digesta,and the activities of alkaline phosphatase and Na+-K+-ATPase in the jejunal mucosa of piglets in IUGR-CON group were also significantly decreased(p ＜ 0.05).Compared with piglets in IUGR-CON group,IUGR-MET piglets had decreased plasma urea nitrogen content,whereas increased plasma D-xylose content (p ＜ 0.05).Dietary supplementation of 0.12％ methionine significantly alleviated the decreased apparent digestibility of crude protein,the activity of trypsin in jejunal digesta,and the activity of Na+ -K +-ATPase in jejunal mucosa(p ＜0.05).Conclusion:Dietary supplementation of 0.12％ methionine significantly decreased plasma urea nitrogen content and partially improved digestive and absorptive function in the intestine of IUGR weanling piglets.

Background: Individuals with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are prone to developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dietary methionine restriction (MR) improves insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in individuals with normal birth weight (NBW).Objective: This study investigated the effects of MR on plasma glucose concentration and hepatic and muscle glucose metabolism in pigs with IUGR.Methods: Thirty female NBW and 60 same-sex spontaneous IUGR piglets (Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected. After weaning (day 21), the piglets were fed diets with adequate methionine (NBW-CON and IUGR-CON) or 30% less methionine (IUGR-MR) (n = 6). At day 180, 1 pig with a body weight near the mean of each replication was selected for biochemical analysis.Results: The IUGR-CON group showed 41.6%, 68.6%, and 67.1% higher plasma glucose concentration, hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity, and glucose-6-phosphatase activity, respectively, than the NBW-CON group (P < 0.05). Muscle glycogen content and glycogen synthase activity were 36.9% and 38.8% lower, respectively, in the IUGR-CON than the NBW-CON group (P < 0.05), respectively, and there was decreased hepatic and muscle protein kinase B phosphorylation in the IUGR-CON group (P < 0.05). Compared with the IUGR-CON pigs, the IUGR-MR pigs had 28.7% lower plasma glucose concentrations (P < 0.05), which were similar to those of the NBW-CON pigs (P ≥ 0.05). The hepatic glycogen content and glycogen synthase activity of the IUGR-MR pigs were 62.9% and 50.8% higher than those of the IUGR-CON pigs (P < 0.05) and 53.5% and 84.3% higher than the NBW-CON pigs (P < 0.05), respectively. The IUGR-MR pigs' hepatic and muscle protein kinase B phosphorylation was higher than that of the IUGR-CON pigs (P < 0.05) and similar to that of the NBW-CON pigs (P ≥ 0.05).Conclusion: MR attenuates hyperglycemia in IUGR pigs by enhancing hepatic protein kinase B signaling and glycogen synthesis, implying a potential nutritional strategy to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus in IUGR offspring.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary leucine supplementation on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in the liver of normal birth weight (NBW) and intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) weanling piglets.MATERIALS/METHODS:A total of sixteen pairs of NBW and IUGR piglets from sixteen sows were selected according to their birth weight. At postnatal day 14, all piglets were weaned and fed either a control diet or a leucine-supplemented diet for 21 d. Thereafter, a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used. Each treatment consisted of eight replications with one piglet per replication.RESULTS:Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets had a decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Also, IUGR piglets exhibited reductions (P < 0.05) in the activities of hepatic mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), citrate synthase (CS), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and complexes I and V, along with decreases (P < 0.05) in the concentration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the protein expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). Dietary leucine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the content of ATP, and the activities of CS, α-KGDH, MDH, and complex V in the liver of piglets. Furthermore, compared to those fed a control diet, piglets given a leucine-supplemented diet exhibited increases (P < 0.05) in the mtDNA content and in the mRNA expressions of sirtuin 1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and ATP synthase, H+ transporting, mitochondrial F1 complex, β polypeptide in liver.CONCLUSIONS:Dietary leucine supplementation may exert beneficial effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in NBW and IUGR weanling piglets.

SCOPE:Emerging evidence has identified mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on hepatic mitochondrial function in intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets.METHODS AND RESULTS:Seven normal birth weight (NBW) and fourteen IUGR neonatal male piglets were selected. Piglets were fed control diets supplemented with 0 (NBW-CON), 0 (IUGR-CON), and 1.0 (IUGR-RSV) g RSV per kg of milk dry matter from 7 to 21 days of age (n = 7), respectively. Mitochondrial function, swelling, and redox status in the liver were assessed. Compared with NBW, IUGR impaired hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and energy homeostasis of the control piglets. IUGR control piglets showed overproduction of superoxide radicals, increased concentration of malondialdehyde, and marked swelling in the mitochondria. RSV improved mitochondrial DNA content, ATP production, and fatty acid oxidation in the liver of IUGR piglets, along with an increased activity of sirtuin 1. RSV inhibited mitochondrial superoxide anion accumulation, increased complex III and manganese superoxide dismutase activities, and ameliorated mitochondrial swelling and lipid peroxidation in the IUGR piglets.CONCLUSION:RSV may have beneficial effects in improving hepatic mitochondrial function and redox status in the IUGR piglets.

Objective: Leucine has been reported to alter the gene expression of proteins, the activation of signaling components, and the fractional rates of protein synthesis in multiple organs of piglets. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of leucine on molecular mechanisms regulating protein synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscle and determine how these adaptations affect body weight gain in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) pigs.Methods: Thirty-two weaned piglets were randomly assigned to the following four experimental groups (n = 8 per group): normal birth weight, normal birth weight supplemented with leucine, IUGR, and IUGR supplemented with leucine. Piglets were fed from 14 to 35 d of age. Growth performance, major serum biochemical parameters, and enzyme activities were evaluated. The messenger RNA expression of muscle mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), and muscle-specific ring finger-1 were investigated. Additionally, total and phosphorylated levels of mTOR and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 were measured in longissimus muscle.Results: Average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake were increased by leucine in IUGR pigs. At the end of the experiment, IUGR pigs had lower liver and kidney weight compared with the normal piglets. However, IUGR supplemented with leucine decreased serum concentration of urea. Leucine supplementation affected the concentrations of isoleucine, valine, lysine, and phenylalanine in serum. There was no significant difference in the expression of mTOR and muscle-specific ring finger-1 in IUGR piglets, whereas muscle atrophy F-box was reduced only by IUGR dependent of leucine. Compared with the IC group, dietary supplementation with 0.35% L-leucine increased the phosphorylated levels of mTOR and ribosomal S6 kinase I in IUGR piglets.Conclusions: The present study identified a major role for leucine in the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway and reducing muscle atrophy in IUGR piglets, which contributed significantly to differences in body weight gain. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

研究日粮亮氨酸水平与宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)对断奶仔猪肝脏抗氧化功能的影响.挑选16头正常初生重(NBW)仔猪和16头IUGR仔猪,公母各半.仔猪于14日龄断奶,采用2x2因子设计,一半NBW与IUGR断奶仔猪饲喂基础日粮,剩余断奶仔猪饲喂添加0.35％亮氨酸的实验日粮,即4个处理组,每个处理组8个重复,每个重复1头仔猪.实验期为21 d.结果表明:与NBW断奶仔猪相比,IUGR断奶仔猪肝脏总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)活力显著降低,丙二醛(M DA)含量显著升高(p＜0.05).IUGR断奶仔猪肝脏线粒体锰超氧化物歧化酶(Mn-SOD)活力、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量较NBW断奶仔猪均显著降低(p＜0.05).另外,IUGR显著降低断奶仔猪肝脏核转录因子2(Nrf2)、超氧化物歧化酶1(SOD1)、超氧化物歧化酶2(SOD2)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶1(GPx1)mRNA表达量(p ＜0.05).日粮添加0.35％亮氨酸可显著降低断奶仔猪肝脏MDA含量,显著提高SOD2 mRNA表达量(p＜0.05).高亮氨酸水平日粮可显著缓解IUGR介导断奶仔猪线粒体GSH含量降低与肝脏SOD2和GPx1mRNA表达下调(p＜0.05).因此,日粮添加0.35％亮氨酸,可降低断奶仔猪肝脏脂质过氧化程度,一定程度缓解了IUGR对断奶仔猪肝脏抗氧化功能的不良影响.

This study was aimed to measure the dietary effects of probiotic Bacillus subtilis strain fmbj (BS fmbj) on antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of chicken breast meat during storage. Treatment groups were fed the basal diet with BS fmbj at 0 g/kg (CON), 0.2 g/kg (BS-1), 0.3 g/kg (BS-2), or 0.4 g/kg (BS-3) doses without antibiotics. During 8 days of storage at 4°C, BS-2 group showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) on meat quality (pH, Drip loss, Cooking loss, Shear force, color L*, a*, b*), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS+, H2O2), tissues antioxidant enzyme capacity (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GSH, T-SH), mitochondria antioxidant enzyme capacity (MnSOD, GPx, GSH), mRNA expression of antioxidant genes (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and mitochondrial function genes (avUCP, NRF1, NRF2, TFAM, PGC-1α), oxidative damage index (MDA, ROS, PC, 8-OHdG), and MMP level in chicken breast meat as compared to the CON group. These results indicate that dietary BS fmbj in broiler diets can protect breast meat against the storage-induced oxidative stress by improving their free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activity during 8 days of storage at 4°C.