MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a) regulates cell motility and EMT by directly targeting oncogenic TM4SF1 in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, and many oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are involved in CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that can negatively regulate gene expression. Previous studies have revealed that miRNAs regulate the development and progression of many cancers. In this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a) in CRC and its unknown mechanisms.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was used to detect miR-30a and TM4SF1 mRNA expression in CRC specimens and cell lines. CRC cell migration and invasion were assessed after transfection with miR-30a or TM4SF1 using wound healing and trans-well migration and invasion assays. Transmembrane-4-L-six-family protein (TM4SF1) was validated as a target of miR-30a in CRC through luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics algorithms. Moreover, two EMT regulators, E-cadherin and VEGF, were also identified using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We found that miR-30a was down-regulated in CRC tumor tissues and cell lines, and miR-30a was inversely associated with advanced stage and lymph node metastatic status compared with normal tissues. miR-30a decreased migration and invasion in CRC cell lines, and miR-30a overexpression not only down-regulated TM4SF1 mRNA and protein expression, but also inhibited the expression of VEGF and enhanced expression of E-cadherin. We also showed that TM4SF1 was up-regulated in CRC tumor specimens compared with adjacent normal tissues, and TM4SF1 expression was significantly associated with advanced stage and lymph node status compared with adjacent normal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that miR-30a is an important regulator of TM4SF1, VEGF, and E-cadherin for CRC lymph node metastasis, a potential new therapeutic target in CRC.

Effects of space allocations and energy levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate effects of different space allocations and different dietary metabolizable energy (ME) levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing pigs. In experiment 1, a total of 84 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight (BW) of 27.10 ± 1.60 kg were used in a 5-week trial. Pigs were blocked based on initial BW into a 2 × 2 factorial design with the following factors: (i) 0.60 or 0.80 m² /pig space allocations; and (ii) 3,400 or 3,550 kcal/kg ME of diets. In experiment 2, a total of 84 finishing pigs with an initial BW of 67.43 ± 1.97 kg were used in a 10-week trial. Pigs were allotted based on initial BW into a 2 × 2 factorial design with the following factors: (i) 0.81 or 1.08 m² /pig space allocations; and (ii) 3,300 or 3,450 kcal/kg ME of diet. In experiment 1, high ME diet improved gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) in pigs with low space allocation but not in pigs in high space allocation (p < .05). Additionally, high ME diet increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nitrogen in low space allocation but decreased ATTD of nitrogen in high space allocation (p < .05). In experiment 2, high ME diet improved average daily gain (ADG) and G:F in early-finishing pigs with low space allocation but not in pigs with high space allocation (p < .05). In conclusion, the provision of high ME diets was not enough to overcome the reduction in growth performance due to low space allocation but can improve feed efficiency in growing pigs and daily gain and feed efficiency early-finishing pigs.

Differences in cell death and cell cycle following fucoidan treatment in high-density HT-29 colon cancer cells

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide present in marine brown seaweed, has been demonstrated to inhibit in vivo and in vitro growth of cells. The present study was conducted in HT-29 human colon cancer cells cultured at a high density, and examined the potential underlying mechanisms by which fucoidan exerts its anti-proliferative effects, which remain poorly understood. Fucoidan treatment of high-density HT-29 cells resulted in the inhibition of cell growth and increased apoptotic cell death. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that fucoidan treatment led to sub-G1 phase cell cycle arrest. This was associated with decreased protein expression levels of Retinoblastoma protein and E2 factor protein. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that fucoidan possesses anticancer activity against high density HT-29 cells by inhibiting cell growth and cell cycle progression.

Pyropia yezoensis peptide PYP1‑5 protects against dexamethasone‑induced muscle atrophy through the downregulation of atrogin1/MAFbx and MuRF1 in mouse C2C12 myotubes

Skeletal muscle atrophy refers to the decline in muscle mass and strength that occurs under various conditions, including aging, starvation, cancer and other cachectic diseases. Muscle atrophy caused by aging, known as sarcopenia, primarily occurs after 50 years of age. Muscle atrophy‑related genes, including atrogin1/muscle atrophy F‑box (MAFbx) and muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1), are expressed early in the muscle atrophy process, and their expression precedes the loss of muscle mass. The present study investigated the potential anti‑atrophic effects of the Pyropia yezoensis peptide PYP1‑5. The MTS assay did not detect cytotoxic effects of PYP1‑5 on C2C12 mouse myoblast cells. Subsequently, the anti‑atrophic effects of PYP1‑5 on skeletal muscle cells was examined by treating C2C12 myotubes with 100 µM dexamethasone (DEX) and/or 500 ng/ml PYP1‑5 for 24 h. Compared with the control, myotube diameter was reduced in DEX‑treated cells, whereas PYP1‑5 treatment protected against DEX‑induced muscle atrophy. MAFbx and MuRF1 protein and mRNA expression levels were detected by western blot analysis and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The results demonstrated that PYP1‑5 significantly reduced the expression of atrogin1/MAFbx and MuRF1. Therefore, data from the present study suggest that PYP1‑5 inhibits the expression of atrogin1/MAFbx and MuRF1 in C2C12 cells, and these characteristics may be of value in the development of anti‑atrophy functional foods.

Enzyme-treated Ecklonia cava extract inhibits adipogenesis through the downregulation of C/EBPα in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

In this study, we examined the inhibitory effects of enzyme- treated Ecklonia cava (EEc) extract on the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The components of Ecklonia cava (E. cava) were first separated and purified using the digestive enzymes pectinase (Rapidase® X‑Press L) and cellulase (Rohament® CL). We found that the EEc extract contained three distinct phlorotannins: eckol, dieckol and phlorofucofuroeckol-A. Among the phlorotannins, dieckol was the most abundant in the EEc extract at 16 mg/g. Then we examined the inhibitory effects of EEc extract treatment on differentiation‑related transcription factors and on adipogenesis‑related gene expression in vitro using 3T3-L1 adipocytes. 3T3‑L1 pre‑adipocytes were used to determine the concentrations of the EEc extract and Garcinia cambogia (Gar) extract that did not result in cytotoxicity. Glucose utilization and triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the EEc‑treated adipocytes were similarly inhibited by 50 µg/ml EEc and 200 µg/ml Gar, and these results were confirmed by Oil Red O staining. Protein expression of adipogenesis differentiation‑related transcription factors following treatment with the EEc extract was also examined. Only the expression of CCAAT/enhancer‑binding protein (C/EBP)α was decreased, while there was no effect on the expression of C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, and peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Treatment with the EEc extract decreased the expression levels of adipogenesis‑related genes, in particular sterol regulatory element binding protein‑1c (SREBP‑1c), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A‑FABP), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and adiponectin. These results suggest that EEc extract treatment has an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis, specifically by affecting the activation of the C/EBPα signaling pathway and the resulting adipogenesis-related gene expression.

Crude extract and solvent fractions of Calystegia soldanella induce G1 and S phase arrest of the cell cycle in HepG2 cells

The representative halophyte Calystegia soldanella (L) Roem. et Schult is a perennial vine herb that grows in coastal dunes throughout South Korea as well as in other regions around the world. This plant has long been used as an edible and medicinal herb to cure rheumatic arthritis, sore throat, dropsy, and scurvy. Some studies have also shown that this plant species exhibits various biological activities. However, there are few studies on cytotoxicity induced by C. soldanella treatment in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In this study, we investigated the viability of HepG2 cells following treatment with crude extracts and four solvent-partitioned fractions of C. soldanella. Of the crude extract and four solvent fractions tested, treatment with the 85% aqueous methanol (aq. MeOH) fraction resulted in the greatest inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation. Flow cytometry showed that the 85% aq. MeOH fraction induced a G0/G1 and S phase arrest of the cell cycle progression. The 85% aq. MeOH fraction arrested HepG2 cells at the G0/G1 phase in a concentration-dependent manner, and resulted in decreased expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, CDK4, CDK6, p21, and p27. Additionally, the 85% aq. MeOH fraction treatment also arrested HepG2 cells in the S phase, with decreased expression of cyclin A, CDK2, and CDC25A. Also, treatment with this fraction reduced the expression of retinoblastoma (RB) protein and the transcription factor E2F. These results suggest that the 85% aq. MeOH fraction exhibits potential anticancer activity in HepG2 cells by inducing G0/G1 and S phase arrest of the cell cycle.

Surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy and risk factors for functional failure: a 10-year experience

PURPOSE

To analyze the surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and the risk factors associated with functional failure.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 769 patients who underwent external DCR for primary lacrimal drainage obstruction between 2005 and 2014. Recorded data included intraoperative anatomical findings, postoperative diagnosis, and surgical outcomes. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for functional failure.

RESULTS

Of the 769 cases, primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) was diagnosed in 457 cases; common canalicular obstruction in 228 cases; and canalicular obstruction in 84 cases. Anatomical success was achieved in 98.8% (760/769) and functional success in 81.9% (630/769) of the cases. An analysis of 760 anatomically successful DCRs showed that common canalicular obstruction (OR=1.752, P=0.014) and canalicular obstruction (OR=2.058, P=0.015) were independent risk factors for functional failure. In a subgroup analysis of patients with primary NLDO, patients with a small lacrimal sac had a significantly higher risk of functional failure (OR=2.500, P=0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall surgical outcomes of external DCR were favorable in this case series. Site of obstruction was an important risk factor for functional failure in cases with primary lacrimal drainage obstruction. A small lacrimal sac was also found to be a risk factor for functional failure in cases with primary NLDO.

Dietary inclusion of different multi-strain complex probiotics; effects on performance in broilers

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of two different complex probiotic supplementations on the growth performance, meat quality, excreta microflora, nutrient retention, blood metabolic profile and noxious gas emissions in broilers. A total of 612 conventional healthy 1-d-old Ross 308 broilers with body weight of 41 ± 0.3 g were randomly divided into 3 treatments with 12 replicate cages, with 17 broilers in each cage and fed with the following diets: CON-Basal diet, T1-CON + Probiotic A, T2-CON + Probiotic B. Significant results were observed on body weight gain, but not on feed conversation ratio and feed intake, in the whole experimental period. Increased faecal lactobacillus counts were found with probiotics supplementation. However, no significant effects were found for meat quality, nutrient retention, blood metabolic profile or noxious gas emissions. In conclusion, both multi-strain probiotics had beneficial effects on growth performance, drip loss percentage and faecal Lactobacillus counts in broilers.

Pyropia yezoensis peptide promotes collagen synthesis by activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in the human dermal fibroblast cell line Hs27

Pyropia yezoensis (P. yezoensis) is a marine algae that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and anti-aging activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of the P. yezoensis peptide, PYP1‑5, on collagen synthesis in the human dermal fibroblast cell line Hs27. Skin aging is related to reduced collagen production and the activities of multiple enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade collagen structure in the dermis, and tissue inhibitor of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which inhibit the action of MMPs. While collagen synthesis is associated with a number of signaling pathways, we examined the increased collagen synthesis via the upregulation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway. Using MTS assay, we found that PYP1‑5 did not affect cell viability. Moreover, we confirmed that PYP1‑5 increased type 1 collagen expression using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot analysis and quantitative PCR. In addition, we identified changes in various enzymes, as well as the mechanisms behind the PYP1‑5-induced collagen synthesis. PYP1‑5 decreased the MMP-1 protein and mRNA levels, and increased the TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 protein and mRNA levels. In addition, PYP1‑5 activated the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which increased TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 expression, while inhibiting Smad7, an inhibitor of the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Furthermore, PYP1‑5 upregulated transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) expression, which is reportedly involved in type 1 collagen expression. These findings indicate that PYP1‑5 activates the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, which subsequently induces collagen synthesis in Hs27 cells.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs

A 12-week trial with 120 [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] pigs (45.65 ± 1.93 kg) was conducted to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula and allicin mixture (HM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial shedding, immune response and meat quality in finishing pigs. Pigs were allocated to one of three treatments with 0, 0.025% (HM1) and 0.05% (HM2) HM supplementation in a randomized complete block design according to sex and BW. Each treatment contained 10 replications with four pigs (two barrows and two gilts) per pen. Dietary HM resulted in a higher G:F (p < 0.05) than CON group during weeks 7 to 12 and the overall periods. Pigs fed HM2 diet had higher ADG than pigs fed CON diet. Pigs fed HM2 supplementation diet led to a higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) than pigs fed CON diet at week 6, while the supplementation of HM led to a higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of DM and GE than pigs fed CON diet at week 12. The faecal E. coli counts were reduced, and Lactobacillus counts were increased by increasing HM supplementation (p < 0.05). Pigs fed HM1 diet had higher (p < 0.05) WBC concentration than those fed CON and HM2 diets at week 6. Pigs fed HM-supplemented diet had higher (p < 0.05) IgG and IgA concentrations than those fed CON diet at week 12. Pigs fed HM diet noted better (p < 0.05) meat colour and redness value than pigs fed CON diet. Pig fed HM2 reduced (p < 0.05) the lightness value compared with CON group. In conclusion, dietary HM supplementation exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbial balance (increased Lactobacillus counts and decreased E. coli counts), immune response and meat quality.

Protective effect of Pyropia yezoensis glycoprotein on chronic ethanol consumption-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The present study investigated the protective effect of Pyropia yezoensis glycoprotein (PYGP) against chronic ethanol consumption‑mediated hepatotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=20; 6 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups. The rats in each group were treated for 30 days with the following: i) CON group, distilled water only; ii) EtOH group, 20% ethanol 3.7 g/kg/BW; iii) EtOH+150 group, 20% ethanol 3.7 g/kg/BW+PYGP 150 mg/kg/BW; iv) EtOH+300 group, 20% ethanol 3.7 g/kg/BW+PYGP 300 mg/kg/BW. EtOH, PYGP and water were orally administered. The rats were sacrificed after 30 days, and blood and liver samples were collected for analysis. Treatment with ethanol caused significant elevation of serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT). Furthermore, inhibition of the antioxidant defense system in the liver, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‑px) and catalase (CAT) was observed. However, co‑administration with PYGP recovered the antioxidant defense system, and the serum levels of GOT and GPT. PYGP was shown to attenuate ethanol toxicity via the inactivation of mitogen‑activated protein kinases (MAKPs). PYGP suppressed the overexpression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‑2. These results suggested that the protective effect of PYGP was associated with antioxidant activities, MAPKs and the CYP2E1 signaling pathway.

Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly and Anticancer Potency Studies of Ruthenium-Cobalt-Based Heterometallic Rectangles

Three new cobalt-ruthenium heterometallic molecular rectangles, 1-3, were synthesized through the coordination-driven self-assembly of a new cobalt sandwich donor, (η⁵ -Cp)Co[C₄ -trans-Ph₂ (4-Py)₂ ] (L; Cp: cyclopentyl; Py: pyridine), and one of three dinuclear precursors, [(p-cymene)₂ Ru₂ (OO∩OO)₂ Cl₂ ] [OO∩OO: oxalato (A₁ ), 5,8-dioxido-1,4-naphthoquinone (A₂ ), or 6,11-dioxido-5,12-naphthacenedione (A₃ )]. All of the self-assembled architectures were isolated in very good yield (92-94 %) and were fully characterized by spectroscopic analysis; the molecular structures of 2 and 3 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The anticancer activities of bimetallic rectangles 1-3 were evaluated with a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, an autophagy assay, and Western blotting. Rectangles 1-3 showed higher cytotoxicity than doxorubicin in AGS human gastric carcinoma cells. In addition, the autophagic activities and apoptotic cell death ratios were increased in AGS cells by treatment with 1-3; the rectangles induced autophagosome formation by promoting LC3-I to LC3-II conversion and apoptotic cell death by increasing caspase-3/7 activity. Our results suggest that rectangles 1-3 induce gastric cancer cell death by modulating autophagy and apoptosis and that they have potential use as agents for the treatment of human gastric cancer.

Effect of dietary supplementation with a probiotic (Enterococcus faecium) on production performance, excreta microflora, ammonia emission, and nutrient utilization in ISA brown laying hens

The ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters due to resistance issues has urged scientists to find alternatives to antibiotics. Entercoccus faecium is one of the probiotics which have been used as an alternative to antibiotics in the livestock industry. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotic (Enterococcus faecium DSM 7134) supplementation on production performance, feed intake, egg quality, excreta microflora, ammonia emission, and nutrient utilization in laying hens. A total of 288 ISA brown laying hens were used in a 27 wk feeding experiment and randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments with 8 replicates of 12 birds each. The treatments were CON (basal diet), PB1 (basal diet + 0.005% E. faecium), and PB2 (basal diet + 0.01% E. faecium). Overall, our results demonstrated that E. faecium supplementation resulted in a significant increase in egg production, egg shell thickness, and nutrient digestibility (dry matter, nitrogen, and energy) in laying hens, and a significant reduction in fecal coliform counts as compared with CON. The shift of excreta fecal microbial composition by E. faecium supplementation was accompanied by increased nutrient retention and reduction in nutrient excretion, leading to improved nutrient digestibility and reduced excreta ammonia emission. Overall, E. faecium supplementation appears to have a beneficial effect in ISA brown laying hens and should be considered as a positive diet supplement to use in the industry.

Ileal digestibility of nutrients and amino acids in low quality soybean meal sources treated with β-mannanase for growing pigs

Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of energy, dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and amino acids and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids in low quality soybean meals with different CP concentration (SBM 44% CP and SBM 48% CP) with or without 400 U β-mannanase/kg supplementation were evaluated in 20 cannulated barrows ((Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc) with an average BW of 25.08±3.42 kg. A N-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous losses of amino acids. The supplementation of β-mannanase improved (P0.05) AID of N and energy. The type of SBM (SBM 44% CP v. SBM 48% CP) had no effect on AID of DM, N and energy. β-mannanase improved (P<0.05) AID of sum of essential amino acids, arginine, histidine, lysine, valine and glycine. The SID of lysine was higher (P<0.05) in enzyme supplemented than in non-supplemented diets. Larger AID and SID of threonine and proline (P<0.05) were observed in SBM 48% CP than in SBM 44% CP. In conclusion, the supplementation of enzyme improved AID of arginine, histidine, lysine, valine and glycine, but it did not cause marked difference in SID of these amino acids except for lysine. The low nutrient digestibility of the SBM sources used in the present experiment might have favoured the positive effect of β-mannanase supplementation.

Probiotics in Salmonella-challenged Hy-Line brown layers

A total of 192 Hy-Line Brown 40-week-old Salmonella-free layers were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a 5-wk experiment to test the efficacy of probiotics on egg production and quality, excreta and intestinal microbiota of laying birds challenged with Salmonella gallinarum. Dietary treatment comprised of (1) NC: ; basal diet, negative control, (2) PC: ; basal diet + oral S. gallinarum administration, positive control, (3) T1: ; basal diet + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis RX7 1 × 10(9) cfu/g + S. gallinarum administration and (4) T2: ; basal diet + 0.1% Bacillus methylotrophicus C14 1 × 10(9) cfu/g + S. gallinarum administration. All birds (n = 144) except NC were orally challenged with 1 ml suspension of 10(8) cfu/mL S. gallinarum KVCC BA 0700722 once at d 28 after the initiation of experiment. The egg production improved in post Salmonella-challenged birds whereas egg equality was improved during pre-challenge in probiotic supplemented birds compared to NC and PC. The Salmonella counts in the excreta were lower (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than PC at the end of the experiment whereas the Lactobacillus counts in the excreta were higher (P < 0.05) in T1 compared with NC. The Escherichia coli counts in excreta were numerically lower in T1 and T2 than PC. In the small and large intestine, there was slight increase in Lactobacillus counts in T2 compared with PC. The Salmonella counts in small and large intestine tended to be lower in T1 and T2 as compared with PC. However, Salmonella counts in challenged birds not supplemented with probiotics were significantly higher than non-challenged birds.

Effect of Oenanthe Javanica Extract on Antioxidant Enzyme in the Rat Liver

Background:

Oenanthe javanica (O. javanica) has been known to have high antioxidant properties via scavenging reactive oxygen species. We examined the effect of O. javanica extract (OJE) on antioxidant enzymes in the rat liver.

Methods:

We examined the effect of the OJE on copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the rat liver using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups; (1) normal diet fed group (normal-group), (2) diet containing ascorbic acid (AA)-fed group (AA-group) as a positive control, (3) diet containing OJE-fed group (OJE-group).

Results:

In this study, no histopathological finding in the rat liver was found in all the experimental groups. Numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells and their protein levels were significantly increased in the AA-fed group compared with those in the normal-group. On the other hand, in the OJE-group, numbers of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx immunoreactive cells in the liver were significantly increased by about 190%, 478%, 685%, and 346%, respectively, compared with those in the AA-group. In addition, protein levels of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the OJE-group were also significantly much higher than those in the AA-group.

Conclusion:

OJE significantly increased expressions of SOD1 and SOD2, CAT, and GPx in the liver cells of the rat, and these suggests that significant enhancements of endogenous enzymatic antioxidants by OJE might be a legitimate strategy for decreasing oxidative stresses in the liver.

Effects of multistrain probiotics on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, faecal microbial shedding, faecal score and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of multistrain probiotics in weaning pigs. A total of 125 28-day-old weaning pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial average body weight (BW) of 7.26 ± 0.76 kg were randomly allotted into 5 treatments, 5 replicate pens/treatment with 5 pigs/pen for 42-day experiment. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; PC1, CON + 0.01% multistrain probiotics; PC2, CON + 0.03% multistrain probiotics; PC3, CON + 0.06% multistrain probiotics; PC4, CON + 0.1% multistrain probiotics. On day 14, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. From days 1 to 14, pigs fed the PC2, PC3 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed the CON diet. From day 15 to 42, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain: feed ratio (G:F) than pigs fed the CON diet. In the overall period, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG and pigs fed the PC2 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) G:F than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and gross energy (GE), faecal Lactobacillus counts and lower (p < 0.05) E. coli counts and NH₃ emission than pigs fed the CON diet. Pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had lower (p < 0.05) H₂ S and total mercaptans emissions than pigs fed the CON diet. Conclusions, dietary supplementation with 0.1% probiotics improved growth performance, nutrition digestibility and intestinal microflora balance and decreased faecal noxious gas emissions in weaning pigs.

Bioavailability of Phosphorus in Two Cultivars of Pea for Broiler Chicks

The aim was to determine the relative bioavailability of phosphorus (P) in peas for 21-day old broiler chickens using slope-ratio assay. One hundred and sixty eight male Ross 308 broiler chicks were divided into 42 groups 4 balanced for body weight and fed 7 diets in a completely randomized design (6 groups/diet) from day 1 to 21 of age. The diets were a corn-soybean meal basal diet, and the corn-soybean meal basal diet to which monosodium phosphate, brown- or yellow-seeded pea was added at the expense of cornstarch to supply 0.5% or 1% total phosphorus. Monosodium phosphate was included as a reference, and hence the estimated bioavailability of P in pea cultivars was relative to that in the monosodium phosphate. Birds and feed were weighed weekly and on d 21 they were killed to obtain tibia. The brown-seeded pea contained 23.4% crude protein, 0.47% P, whereas the yellow-seeded pea contained 24.3% crude protein and 0.38% P. Increasing dietary P supply improved (p<0.05) chick body weight gain and tibia ash and bone density. The estimated relative bioavailability of p values for brown- and yellow-seeded peas obtained using final body weight, average daily gain, tibia ash, and bone mineral density were 31.5% and 36.2%, 35.6% and 37.3%, 23.0% and 5.60%, and 40.3% and 30.3%, respectively. The estimated relative bioavailability of p values for brown- and yellow-seeded peas did not differ within each of the response criteria measured in this study. In conclusion, the relative bioavailability of P in pea did not differ depending on the cultivar (brown- vs yellow-seed). However, the relative bioavailability of P in pea may vary depending on the response criterion used to measure the bioavailability.

Effects of fenugreek seed extract supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, diarrhoea scores, blood profiles, faecal microflora and faecal noxious gas emission in weanling piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary fenugreek seed extract (FSE) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), diarrhoea scores, blood profiles, faecal microflora and faecal gas emission in weanling pigs. A total of 135 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace)  × Duroc] with an average BW of (7.96 ± 1.03 kg; 28 days of age) were used in a 42-day study. Piglets were randomly allotted to three experimental diets with nine replicate pens and five pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; FSE1, basal diet + 0.1% FSE; FSE2, basal diet + 0.2% FSE. Pigs were fed with phase 1 (0-14 days) and phase 2 (14-42 days) diets in the form of mash. Average daily gain (ADG) was linearly increased (p = 0.031) by FSE supplementation compared with CON diet during days 0-14. From days 14-42, FSE2 diet had increased ADG and growth efficiency (G/F) compared with the CON diet (p = 0.014 and 0.026 respectively). Moreover, ADG and G/F were increased by FSE supplementation during days 0-42 (linear, p = 0.037 and 0.014 respectively). Energy digestibility was higher (linear, p = 0.030) by FSE supplementation at 6 weeks. On day 42, dietary supplementation of FSE linearly increased red blood cells (RBC) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration (p = 0.042 and 0.038 respectively). Piglets fed FSE2 diet had higher (linear, p = 0.025) serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration compared with those fed CON diet. However, piglets fed FSE2 diet had linearly reduced faecal ammonia (NH₃ ) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) gas emission compared with those fed the CON diet (p = 0.018 and 0.010 respectively). In conclusion, FSE supplementation increased the performance and reduced faecal gas emission in weanling pigs.

Pyropia yezoensis glycoprotein regulates antioxidant status and prevents hepatotoxicity in a rat model of D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver failure

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Pyropia yezoensis glycoprotein (PYGP) on hepatic antioxidative enzyme activity and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in a rat model of D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D-GalN/LPS)-induced hepatotoxicity. Glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were measured to determine the severity of hepatotoxicity. Treatment with D‑GalN/LPS significantly increased the GOT, GPT and lipid peroxidation levels, and decreased the antioxidant capacity of the rats. Treatment with PYGP (150 and 300 mg/kg/body weight) decreased the levels of GOT, GPT and lipid peroxidation levels. The activities of antioxidative enzymes, including catalase, glutathione S‑transferase and glutathione were upregulated following PYGP treatment. Furthermore, D‑GalN/LPS‑induced MAPK phosphorylation, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression were downregulated by PYGP. These results indicated that PYGP may exert hepatoprotective effects via the upregulation of antioxidative enzymes, and the downregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway and iNOS and COX-2 expression.

Recent advances in canola meal utilization in swine nutrition

Canola meal is derived from the crushing of canola seed for oil extraction. Although it has been used in swine diets for a long time, its inclusion levels have been limited due to concerns regarding its nutritive value primarily arising from results of early studies showing negative effects of dietary canola meal inclusion in swine diets. Such effects were attributable to the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANF; notably glucosinolates) in canola meal. However, due to advances in genetic improvements of canola that have led to production of cultivars with significantly lower ANF content and improved processing procedures, canola meal with a superior nutritive value for non-ruminant animals is now available. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the recent studies in the use of canola meal as feedstuff for swine, the factors influencing its use and the strategies to overcome them. First a historical overview of the development of canola is provided.

Effect of phytogenics on growth performance, fecal score, blood profiles, fecal noxious gas emission, digestibility, and intestinal morphology of weanling pigs challenged with Escherichia coli K88

Phytogenic feed additives have become attractive alternatives for use in animal diets. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic-based feed additive on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal noxious gas emission, and intestinal morphology of weaning pigs after dietary challenge with E. coli K88. A total of 120 crossbred pigs [(Yorkshire×Landrace)×Duroc)] with an initial body weight (BW) of 6.09±0.96 kg (21 d of age) were assigned randomly to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments. Each pen housed 5 pigs, and there were 6 pens/treatment. Treatments included: T1, negative control (without antibiotics); T2, T1+antibiotic; T3, T1+0.05% phytogenics; and T4, T1+0.2% commercial mix of organic acids. Overall, the average daily gain (ADG) with the T3 treatment was higher (P<0.05). At wk 1, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) was increased (P<0.05) with T4 treatment. The ATTD of ash with T3 and T4 treatments was greater (P<0.05). At wk 3, pigs fed with the T4 diet had a significantly higher (P<0.05) ATTD of DM. The ATTD of ash and calcium (Ca) was significantly increased (P<0.05) with the T4 treatment. Pigs fed with the T3 diet had a higher (P<0.05) ATTD of phosphorus (P). At wk 6, the ATTD of ash was significantly increased (P<0.05) with the T1 and T3 treatments. The data indicate that phytogenics positively affect growth performance of weaning pigs, indicating that their use as an alternative in the diets of weaning pigs can significantly improve ADG, under challenge with E.coli K88.