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Aidos L, Pallaoro M, Mirra G, Serra V, Castrica M, Agradi S, Curone G, Vigo D, Riva F, Balzaretti CM, De Bellis R, Pastorelli G, Brecchia G, Modina SC, Di Giancamillo A. Intestine Health and Barrier Function in Fattening Rabbits Fed Bovine Colostrum. Vet Sci 2023; 10:657. [PMID: 37999480 PMCID: PMC10675739 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The permeability of the immature intestine is higher in newborns than in adults; a damaged gut barrier in young animals increases the susceptibility to digestive and infectious diseases later in life. It is therefore of major importance to avoid impairment of the intestinal barrier, specifically in a delicate phase of development, such as weaning. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on the intestinal barrier, such as the intestinal morphology and proliferation level and tight junctions expression (zonulin) and enteric nervous system (ENS) inflammation status (through the expression of PGP9.5 and GFAP) in fattening rabbits. Rabbits of 35 days of age were randomly divided into three groups (n = 13) based on the dietary administration: commercial feed (control group, CTR) and commercial feed supplemented with 2.5% and 5% bovine colostrum (BC1 and BC2 groups, respectively). Rabbits receiving the BC1 diet showed a tendency to have better duodenum morphology and higher proliferation rates (p < 0.001) than the control group. An evaluation of the zonulin expression showed that it was higher in the BC2 group, suggesting increased permeability, which was partially confirmed by the expression of GFAP. Our results suggest that adding 2.5% BC into the diet could be a good compromise between intestinal morphology and permeability, since rabbits fed the highest inclusion level of BC showed signs of higher intestinal permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Aidos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Margherita Pallaoro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Giorgio Mirra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Valentina Serra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Marta Castrica
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione—BCA, University of Padua, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Claudia Maria Balzaretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Roberta De Bellis
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Via A. Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, Italy;
| | - Grazia Pastorelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Silvia Clotilde Modina
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (L.A.); (M.P.); (G.M.); (V.S.); (S.A.); (G.C.); (D.V.); (F.R.); (C.M.B.); (G.P.); (G.B.); (S.C.M.)
| | - Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Agradi S, Sulce M, Menchetti L, Vigo D, Castrica M, Barbato O, Andoni E, Quattrone A, Munga A, Marongiu ML, Curone G, Brecchia G. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Effects on reproductive and productive performance and meat quality in rabbit breeding. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2023; 14:70-78. [PMID: 37252331 PMCID: PMC10220468 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit breeding has many critical aspects related to reproduction, production, and animal welfare, which reduce its profitability as well as consumer attractiveness. Dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) seems to be a good nutritional strategy to improve several aspects of rabbit breeding, enhance animal welfare and produce a new functional food considered healthy for human consumption. For this reason, the main available scientific research regarding the physiological effects of n-3 PUFA rich products supplemented to the rabbit diet will be reviewed. In particular, consequences on the reproductive performances of both doe and buck, the productive parameters, and the meat quality will be analysed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Majlind Sulce
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Marta Castrica
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Alda Quattrone
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Albana Munga
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
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Agradi S, Cremonesi P, Menchetti L, Balzaretti C, Severgnini M, Riva F, Castiglioni B, Draghi S, Di Giancamillo A, Castrica M, Vigo D, Modina SC, Serra V, Quattrone A, Angelucci E, Pastorelli G, Curone G, Brecchia G. Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Modulates the Intestinal Microbial Community in Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13060976. [PMID: 36978517 PMCID: PMC10044174 DOI: 10.3390/ani13060976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BC is a nutraceutical that can modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigates the effects of BC diet supplementation on luminal and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, caecum, and colon of rabbits. Twenty-one New Zealand White female rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 7) receiving a commercial feed (CTRL group) and the same diet supplemented with 2.5% and 5% BC (2.5% BC and 5% BC groups, respectively), from 35 (weaning) to 90 days of age (slaughtering). At slaughter, the digestive tract was removed from each animal, then both content and mucosa-associated microbiota of jejunum, caecum, and colon were collected and analysed by Next Generation 16SrRNA Gene Sequencing. Significant differences were found in the microbial composition of the three groups (i.e., beta-diversity: p < 0.01), especially in the caecum and colon of the 2.5% BC group. The relative abundance analysis showed that the families most affected by the BC administration were Clostridia UCG-014, Barnesiellaceae, and Eggerthellaceae. A trend was also found for Lachnospiraceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Bacteroidaceae. A functional prediction has revealed several altered pathways in BC groups, with particular reference to amino acids and lactose metabolism. Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio decreased in caecum luminal samples of the 2.5% BC group. These findings suggest that BC supplementation could positively affect the intestinal microbiota. However, further research is needed to establish the optimal administration dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Paola Cremonesi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), U.O.S. di Lodi, Via Einstein, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy
| | - Claudia Balzaretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Marco Severgnini
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB), National Research Councili (CNR), Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Bianca Castiglioni
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), National Research Council (CNR), U.O.S. di Lodi, Via Einstein, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Castrica
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Silvia Clotilde Modina
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Angelucci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Grazia Pastorelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Castrica M, Menchetti L, Agradi S, Curone G, Vigo D, Pastorelli G, Di Giancamillo A, Modina SC, Riva F, Serra V, Miraglia D, Andoni E, Brecchia G, Balzaretti CM. Effect of Bovine Colostrum Dietary Supplementation on Rabbit Meat Quality. Foods 2022; 11:foods11213433. [PMID: 36360047 PMCID: PMC9656194 DOI: 10.3390/foods11213433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine colostrum (BC) is rich in nutrients, antimicrobial, and antioxidant factors; for these reasons, it has been used as supplement in animal nutrition. However, its possible effects on meat quality have not been studied yet. Thirty-nine New Zealand White rabbits (n = 13/group) were assigned to three groups and fed until slaughter with a commercial standard diet, control group (C), and C supplemented with 2.5% and 5% (w/w) of BC (BC-2.5 and BC-5 groups, respectively). After slaughtering, the effect of dietary supplementation on microbiological and chemical characteristics of the rabbit loins was evaluated at 48 h postmortem (D0) and after 3 (D3) and 8 (D8) days of refrigerated storage. Results showed no difference in the microbiological parameters. In the supplemented groups, TBARS and TVBN values were lower and higher than in the C group, respectively (p < 0.01), and their fatty-acid profile was increased in SFA and decreased in MUFA (p < 0.05). In conclusion, research must continue to examine in depth the possible effects of BC byproduct reuse in animal nutrition on meat quality (e.g., antioxidant power, and physical and sensory characteristics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Castrica
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Grazia Pastorelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Giancamillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Clotilde Modina
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Dino Miraglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Egon Andoni
- Veterinary Faculty of Tirana, Department of Public Health, Agricultural University of Tirana, Rr Pajsi Vodica, Koder-Kamez, 1029 Tirana, Albania
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Claudia Maria Balzaretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Could Dietary Supplementation with Different Sources of N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Modify the Rabbit Gut Microbiota? Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020227. [PMID: 35203829 PMCID: PMC8868100 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the effects of feed supplemented with two dietary sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; fish oil and extruded flaxseed) on the gut microbiota, caecal fermentations, gastrointestinal histology, and histochemistry in rabbits. Fifteen male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups (n = 5/group) and fed with different diets from weaning (35 days of age) until slaughtering (90 days of age): C group, fed with a commercial diet; F group, supplemented with 10% of extruded flaxseed; and O group, supplemented with 3.5% of fish oil. At slaughter, the content of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon was collected and analyzed by Next Generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Tissue samples of the same tracts were evaluated with histological and histochemical analysis. Ammonia and lactic acid in the caecum were also quantified. Twenty-nine operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were significantly different between groups. Groups receiving n-3 PUFAs supplementation showed an increase in Bacteroidetes and Lachnospiraceae in several gastrointestinal tracts, while Bacilli abundance, as well as Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, were reduced compared to the control group (for all p < 0.05). Caecal ammonia was lower in the F than C group (p < 0.032), whereas no difference was found for lactic acid. Finally, histological evaluations revealed a mild hemorrhagic infiltration and vessels ectasia in the stomach mucosa of both F and O groups, but no effect of nutritional treatment was evidenced by the histochemical analyses. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs supplementation could modify the rabbit gut microbiota and fermentation. The increase in beneficial bacterial populations may, at least partially, explain the positive effects of n-3 PUFAs diet supplementation on human and animals’ health, although the appropriate dosage should be established.
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Agradi S, Draghi S, Cotozzolo E, Barbato O, Castrica M, Quattrone A, Sulce M, Vigo D, Menchetti L, Ceccarini MR, Andoni E, Riva F, Marongiu ML, Curone G, Brecchia G. Goji Berries Supplementation in the Diet of Rabbits and Other Livestock Animals: A Mini-Review of the Current Knowledge. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:823589. [PMID: 35174242 PMCID: PMC8841604 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.823589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, several nutraceutical substances have received great attention for their potential role in the prevention and treatment of different diseases as well as for their beneficial effects in promoting the health of humans and animals. Goji berries (GBs) are the fruit of Lycium barbarum and other species of Lycium, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and they have recently become very popular in the Occidental world because of their properties, such as anti-aging, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, cytoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. These effects are essentially evaluated in clinical trials in humans; in experimental animal models, such as mice and rats; and in cell lines in in vitro studies. Only recently has scientific research evaluated the effects of GBs diet supplementation in livestock animals, including rabbits. Although studies in the zootechnical field are still limited and the investigation of the GB mechanisms of action is in an early stage, the results are encouraging. This review includes a survey of the experimental trials that evaluated the effects of the GBs supplementation on reproductive and productive performances, immune system, metabolic homeostasis, and meat quality principally in the rabbit with also some references to other livestock animal species. Evidence supports the idea that GB supplementation could be used in rabbit breeding, although future studies should be conducted to establish the optimal dose to be administered and to assess the sustainability of the use of GBs in the diet of the rabbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Elisa Cotozzolo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marta Castrica
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Majlind Sulce
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Laura Menchetti ;
| | | | - Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
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Dietary Supplementation with Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) Modulates the Microbiota of Digestive Tract and Caecal Metabolites in Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12010121. [PMID: 35011227 PMCID: PMC8749899 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The microbial community that inhabits specific areas of the body, developing a symbiotic relationship with the host, is termed the microbiota. The intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in different physiological processes and is influenced by many factors, including nutrition. Goji berries are a popular nutraceutical product that have been proposed as a dietary supplement in some livestock species, including rabbits, but their effects on the composition of the microbiota have never been investigated. This study evaluated the effects of Goji berry supplementation on the microbiota of different digestive tracts (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon) of the rabbit, using a modern method of analysis. Our results suggest that Goji berries could modulate the microbiota of the rabbit’s digestive tract increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, and particularly, the genus Lactobacillus. These findings suggest that Goji berries could be used to produce innovative feeds for rabbits, although further studies are necessary to evaluate their impact on productive performance, gut immune system maturation, as well as resistance to gastrointestinal disorders. Abstract Goji berries show health benefits, although the possible mechanisms of action, including compositional changes in the gut microbiome, are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Goji berry supplementation on microbiota composition and metabolites in the digestive tracts of rabbits. Twenty-eight New Zealand White rabbits were fed with a commercial feed (control group, C; n = 14) or the same diet supplemented with 3% of Goji berries (Goji group, G; n = 14), from weaning (35 days old) until slaughter (90 days old). At slaughter, samples from the content of the gastrointestinal tracts were collected and analyzed by Next Generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing to evaluate the microbial composition. Ammonia and lactic acid were also quantified in caecum. Results showed differences in microbiota composition between the groups for two phyla (Cyanobacteria and Euryarchaeota), two classes (Methanobacteria and Bacilli), five orders, fourteen families, and forty-five genera. Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.05) and Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.01) were more abundant in G than in C group. Lactobacillaceae also showed differences between the two groups, with Lactobacillus as the predominant genus (p = 0.002). Finally, Goji berry supplementation stimulated lactic acid fermentation (p < 0.05). Thus, Goji berry supplementation could modulate gastrointestinal microbiota composition and caecal fermentation.
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Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) Supplementation during Pregnancy Influences Insulin Sensitivity in Rabbit Does but Not in Their Offspring. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010039. [PMID: 35011145 PMCID: PMC8749738 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) dietary supplementation during pregnancy on insulin sensitivity of rabbit does and their offspring. Starting from two months before the artificial insemination, 75 New Zealand White does were fed only commercial standard diet (C) or supplemented with 1% (G1) and 3% (G3) of Goji berries. Their offspring received a standard diet but kept the nomenclature of the mother’s group. Fasting and intravenous glucose tolerance test-derived indices were estimated at 21 days of pregnancy on rabbit does and at 90 days of age on the offspring. No difference was found in the fasting indices, while the diet modulated the response to glucose load of rabbit does. In particular, G3 group had the lowest glucose concentrations 5 min after the bolus administration (p < 0.05) and, as a result, differed in the parameters calculated during the elimination phase such as the elimination rate constant (Kel), the half-life of the exogenous glucose load (t1/2), and apparent volume of distribution (Vd; for all, p < 0.05). The high dose of Goji supplementation could thus enhance the first-phase glucose-induced insulin secretion. Findings on the offspring were inconsistent and therefore a long-term effect of Goji supplementation during pregnancy could not be demonstrated. Further study on the effect of Goji on the secretory pathway of insulin could clarify its hypoglycaemic action, while different protocols are needed to investigate its potential effects on foetal programming.
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Andoni E, Curone G, Agradi S, Barbato O, Menchetti L, Vigo D, Zelli R, Cotozzolo E, Ceccarini MR, Faustini M, Quattrone A, Castrica M, Brecchia G. Effect of Goji Berry ( Lycium barbarum) Supplementation on Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061672. [PMID: 34205213 PMCID: PMC8227310 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Infectious diseases represent serious problems for the reproductive performance of livestock animals because they negatively affect not only the welfare of the animals, but also the profitability of the farm. Moreover, the European Community continues to promote the reduction of the use of antibiotics and hormones in animal breeding. In this context, it is necessary to find new nutritional approaches to reduce the negative energy balance, and at the same time, to reinforce the immune system of the animals. In this research, the effect of goji berry supplementation on the reproductive activity and productive performance of rabbits is evaluated. Lycium barbarum fruit is considered a nutraceutical natural product containing various biologically active substances that show health benefits for both humans and animals. In particular, the berry can modulate hormones and metabolites involved in energy balance and reproduction, stimulate and balance the immune system activity, contributing to the defense of the organism against pathogens. Our results suggest that the integration with goji berry in the rabbit diet at 1% affects the reproductive activity, influencing the pattern secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogens, as well as the sexual receptivity. Moreover, the fruit induced a higher milk production, improving the productive performance of young rabbits. Abstract Goji berry shows a wide range of beneficial properties in human health, but only a few studies evaluated its effects in livestock animals. The objective of this research was to assess the effects of goji berry supplementation on the hormonal profile, productive, and reproductive performance of does. Two months before artificial insemination, 105 nulliparous does were randomly divided into three groups (n = 35) based on the dietary treatment: commercial diet (C), or a diet supplemented with either 1% (G1), or 3% (G3) of goji berry, respectively. The results showed that receptivity was higher in G1 than in the C group (p < 0.05). Trends toward significance for differences between the G1 and G3 groups in marginal means of LH concentrations (p = 0.059), and between G1 and C in LH AUC values (p = 0.078), were evidenced. Estrogen concentrations showed a more fluctuating trend but a significant interaction effect (p < 0.001). The G1 group showed higher litter weight than C at birth (p = 0.008) and weaning (p < 0.001), as well as higher litter size at weaning (p = 0.020). The G1 group also exhibited the highest mean milk production (p < 0.01). In conclusion, goji berry influenced reproductive and productive performance, probably via modulating hormonal patterns and milk production in rabbits. However, further studies are needed to validate these preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Albania, 1029 Kamez, Albania;
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (S.A.); (D.V.); (M.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (S.A.); (D.V.); (M.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (R.Z.); (A.Q.)
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40137 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-503-34583
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (S.A.); (D.V.); (M.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Riccardo Zelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (R.Z.); (A.Q.)
| | - Elisa Cotozzolo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy;
| | | | - Massimo Faustini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (S.A.); (D.V.); (M.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy; (O.B.); (R.Z.); (A.Q.)
| | - Marta Castrica
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety “Carlo Cantoni”, University of Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (S.A.); (D.V.); (M.F.); (G.B.)
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10
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Oxidative and/or Inflammatory Thrust Induced by Silver Nanoparticles in Rabbits: Effect of Vitamin E or NSAID Administration on Semen Parameters. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:6664062. [PMID: 33424436 PMCID: PMC7781726 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6664062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to evaluate the inflammatory and/or oxidative damage related to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are responsible for negative effects on sperm physiology and metabolism. Thirty New Zealand White rabbit bucks were divided into 5 experimental groups (6 animals/group): Control, treated with 0.9% NaCl; AgNP, treated with a 5 mM AgNP solution; LPS, treated with 50 g/kg b.w. E. coli LPS; AgNPs + NSAID, treated with an anti-inflammatory drug at 0.2 mg/kg b.w. and 5 mM AgNPs; and AgNPs + Vit E, treated with 0.18 mg/kg b.w. vitamin E and 5 mM AgNPs. Sperm quality and oxidative and inflammatory status were assessed at different times (0-60 days). Two statistical models were built: the first evaluated the effects of AgNPs and LPS (vs. Control), whereas the second evaluated the protective effect of an NSAID and vitamin E against AgNP-induced damage. Three principal component analyses were performed: sperm traits (motility, volume), oxidative status (antioxidants, oxidative metabolites, and redox reactions), and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-6). A negative effect on reproductive traits resulted after NP administration. In particular, an inflammatory/oxidative response took place in the reproductive tract during the first 2-3 wks of AgNP administration (cytokine and oxidative metabolite generation); the inflammatory/oxidative thrust impaired the status of rabbit tissues (seminal plasma, sperm, and blood), inducing a response (increased antioxidant enzymes and redox reactions) at 4-7 wks; oxidative stress, if not totally counteracted, likely induced toxicity in the late phases of AgNP administration (8-9 wks). In conclusion, exposure to silver nanoparticles produced a similar but more persistent effect than that of LPS on rabbit reproductive tissues: AgNP administration triggered a proinflammatory response linked to oxidative thrust, worsening many sperm parameters. However, only anti-inflammatory treatment counteracted the negative effects of AgNPs, whereas vitamin E seemed to act as an adjuvant, attenuating the oxidative cascade.
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11
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Cotozzolo E, Cremonesi P, Curone G, Menchetti L, Riva F, Biscarini F, Marongiu ML, Castrica M, Castiglioni B, Miraglia D, Luridiana S, Brecchia G. Characterization of Bacterial Microbiota Composition along the Gastrointestinal Tract in Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010031. [PMID: 33375259 PMCID: PMC7824689 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbiota is extremely important for the animal's health, but, to date, knowledge on the intestinal microbiota of the rabbit is very limited. This study aimed to describe bacterial populations that inhabit the different gastrointestinal compartments of the rabbit: stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum, and colon. Samples of the luminal content from all compartments of 14 healthy New White Zealand rabbits were collected at slaughter and analyzed using next generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing. The findings uncovered considerable differences in the taxonomic levels among the regions of the digestive tract. Firmicutes were the most abundant phylum in all of the sections (45.9%), followed by Bacteroidetes in the large intestine (38.9%) and Euryarchaeota in the foregut (25.9%). Four clusters of bacterial populations were observed along the digestive system: (i) stomach, (ii) duodenum and jejunum, (iii) ileum, and (iv) large intestine. Caecum and colon showed the highest richness and diversity in bacterial species, while the highest variability was found in the upper digestive tract. Knowledge of the physiological microbiota of healthy rabbits could be important for preserving the health and welfare of the host as well as for finding strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota in order to also promote productive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cotozzolo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Paola Cremonesi
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA)—National Research Council (CNR), U.O.S. di Lodi, Via Einstein, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.C.); (F.B.); (B.C.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G. Fanin 44, 40137 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (G.B.); Tel.: +39-02503-34519 (F.R.); Tel.: +39-02-50334583 (G.B.)
| | - Filippo Biscarini
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA)—National Research Council (CNR), U.O.S. di Lodi, Via Einstein, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.C.); (F.B.); (B.C.)
| | - Maria Laura Marongiu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.L.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Marta Castrica
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Bianca Castiglioni
- Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA)—National Research Council (CNR), U.O.S. di Lodi, Via Einstein, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (P.C.); (F.B.); (B.C.)
| | - Dino Miraglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Sebastiano Luridiana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.L.M.); (S.L.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (G.B.); Tel.: +39-02503-34519 (F.R.); Tel.: +39-02-50334583 (G.B.)
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12
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Menchetti L, Curone G, Andoni E, Barbato O, Troisi A, Fioretti B, Polisca A, Codini M, Canali C, Vigo D, Brecchia G. Impact of Goji Berries ( Lycium barbarum) Supplementation on the Energy Homeostasis of Rabbit Does: Uni- and Multivariate Approach. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112000. [PMID: 33143190 PMCID: PMC7693689 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The energy balance during the reproduction cycle is a problematic issue for livestock species because it has consequences not only on animal welfare but also on the profitability of the farm. The adoption of new nutritional strategies could improve both of these aspects. In the present study, the supplementation with goji berries was proposed and evaluated on the rabbit, which is both a livestock animal and a useful animal model. Goji berry is the fruit of Lycium barbarum that is a natural resource made up of several compounds with biological activities and their consumption could be beneficial for the health and the general well-being of humans and animals. Its effect on several hormones and metabolites involved on energy balance of rabbit doe were evaluated by using both uni- and multivariate approach. Our finding, in addition to describing the intricate relationships between body conditions, hormones and metabolites during pregnancy and lactation, suggested that the supplementation with goji berry in the rabbit diet at low percentage could improve some aspects of energy metabolism and, in particular, doe’s insulin sensitivity. Conversely, the intake of high doses of goji raises concerns due to the risk of excessive fattening and worsening of insulin resistance. Abstract This study examined the effects of goji berries dietary supplementation on the energetic metabolism of doe. Thirty days before artificial insemination, 75 New Zealand White does were assigned to three different diets: commercial standard diet (C) and supplemented with 1% (LG) and 3% (HG) of goji berries, respectively. Body conditions, hormones and metabolites were monitored until weaning. Body weight and BCS were higher in HG than C (p < 0.05). LG showed lower T3/T4 ratio and cortisol concentrations (p < 0.05) and tended to have lower indices of insulin resistances (p < 0.1) than HG. Compared to control, leptin was higher in HG at AI (p < 0.01) and in LG during lactation (p < 0.05). Two principal components were extracted by multivariate analysis describing the relationships between (1) non-esterified fatty acids, insulin and glucose levels, and (2) body conditions and leptin metabolism. The first component highlighted the energy deficit and the insulin resistance of the does during pregnancy and lactation. The second one showed that leptin, body weight and Body Condition Score (BCS) enhance as levels of goji berries in the diet increase. Thus, the effects of goji supplementation are dose-dependent: an improvement on energy metabolism was achieved with a low-dose while the highest dose could determine excessive fattening and insulin resistance in does.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Menchetti
- Department of Agricultural and Agri-food Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (D.V.)
| | - Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Albania, Rr Paisi Vodica, Koder, 1029 Kamez, Albania;
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: (O.B.); (G.B.)
| | - Alessandro Troisi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via 9 Circonvallazione 93/95-62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Bernard Fioretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Angela Polisca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Claudio Canali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (A.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (D.V.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence: (O.B.); (G.B.)
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13
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Rosell JM, de la Fuente LF, Carbajo MT, Fernández XM. Reproductive Diseases in Farmed Rabbit Does. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101873. [PMID: 33066475 PMCID: PMC7602256 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The domestic rabbit doe can have several reproductive diseases, including infertility. These were causes for consultations from rabbit producers. This led us to study the reproductive diseases of farmed does. To do this, we relied on visits to rabbitries, made since 1994. Low fertility, which in our case we considered less than 70% pregnancies (85.5% was the average observed on farms), plus an abortion rate equal to or greater than 2% of inseminated does, were the most frequent problems. Then, we scheduled work from 2014, through pregnancy checks with abdominal palpation. We recorded the results for each rebred lactating doe examined, along with data on her body and sanitary condition, and parity order. We found an effect of low body condition or diseases, such as mastitis, on infertility. Age also had an effect: first parity does were less fertile. Therefore, before servicing a doe, it is necessary to evaluate its condition, as well as various management practices (reproductive rhythm) or environmental factors (lighting). Abstract In this study, we determined the occurrence of reproductive diseases in does on 1373 visited farms in Spain and Portugal, between 1994 and 2019. The retrospective information obtained was entered in a database classified as follows: apparent infertility (≤70% pregnancy rate), abortions (≥2% of serviced does), high fetal death risk at parturition (≥10%) or dystocia, amongst others. Infertility was the reason for 181 visits. The median of prevalence of apparent infertility in these cases was 35% (minimum to maximum: 25–90%) and the mean, 37.4%. We performed a prospective study to determine risk factors at the individual and farm level, with a second database corresponding to 2014–2019. We carried out pregnancy checks, assessed sanitary status and body condition, and recorded the age of 17,297 rebred lactating does on 142 farms. The median size of the farms was 800 does, and the examined cohorts, 350 does. Predisposing risk factors for infertility were observed: e.g., mastitis had an effect. During the 5-year study, we made a third database with the results from 190,508 does palpated by producers in a subset of 134 farms. In this case, the median of the prevalence of apparent infertility was 14.5% (minimum to maximum: 4.1–50%), which could be considered baseline occurrence when monitoring the theriogenology of rabbit doe farms. Reproductive rhythm was an enabling risk factor: does serviced ≤25 d postpartum were less fertile than at ≥32 d. We made a database with the body condition score (BCS) on a linear scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). The pregnancy rate (PR) of underweight and borderline does (4/9) was 73.1%. The PR of overweight and borderline does (6/9) was 82.6% and those classified with a mean BCS (5/9): PR = 79.3%. We may infer that the optimum BCS for reproduction is 6/9, rather than 5/9. Some changes in female rabbit health and husbandry to improve reproductive performance and welfare are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Maria Rosell
- Cunivet Service, P.O. Box 518, 43080 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-606-165-321
| | - Luis Fernando de la Fuente
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Avda. Profesor Pedro Cármenes s/n, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - María Teresa Carbajo
- Departamento de Medicina, Cirugía y Anatomía Veterinaria, Facultad de Veterinaria, Avda. Profesor Pedro Cármenes s/n, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain;
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14
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Menchetti L, Andoni E, Barbato O, Canali C, Quattrone A, Vigo D, Codini M, Curone G, Brecchia G. Energy homeostasis in rabbit does during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 218:106505. [PMID: 32507267 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the changing concentrations of metabolic hormones and metabolites in pregnant (P) and pseudopregnant (PP) rabbit does. Twenty-five New Zealand White rabbit does were submitted to artificial insemination (AI) and then classified as P (n = 15) or PP (n = 10). Blood samples were collected weekly until day 32 post AI. During pregnancy, leptin concentrations were greater on Days 14 and 21 (P < 0.05), while insulin was greater on days 21 and 32 post AI (P < 0.05) compared to PP does. The triiodothyronine/thyroxine (T3/T4) ratio was greater in the first and last week (P < 0.001); whereas, cortisol concentrations were greater in the last week of pregnancy and after parturition (P < 0.01) compared with that of PP does. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations increased from day 7 until day 32 post AI (P < 0.05). Glucose concentrations were unchanged throughout pregnancy although concentrations were positively associated with litter size. These results indicate concentrations of hormones and metabolites change during pregnancy to ensure energy requirements are met for both the foetuses and the maternal tissues. Physiological hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia, and changes in cortisol as well as thyroid hormones indicate there is an adaptation of metabolic functions induced by pregnancy. These adaptations could be mediated by gonadal steroids because changes mainly occur in the second half of pregnancy when the profile of the sex hormones differs between P and PP does.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Egon Andoni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Albania, Rr Paisi Vodica, Koder, 1029 Kamez, Albania
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudio Canali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
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15
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Menchetti L, Curone G, Filipescu IE, Barbato O, Leonardi L, Guelfi G, Traina G, Casagrande-Proietti P, Riva F, Casano AB, Piro F, Vigo D, Quattrone A, Brecchia G. The Prophylactic Use of Bovine Colostrum in a Murine Model of TNBS-Induced Colitis. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030492. [PMID: 32183497 PMCID: PMC7143345 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary glands, and it is very rich in bioactive components. Recently, the importance of bovine colostrum (BC) as a nutraceutical product has been emerging with regards to gastrointestinal diseases. One of the most widespread gastrointestinal disorders is the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a multifactorial chronic condition that has a powerful impact on the social life of millions of people. Because current therapy protocols neither ensure complete recovery from IBD nor are free of secondary side effects, the present study assessed the impact of a short-term prophylactic oral administration of BC in a murine model of TNBS-induced colitis. BC administration was both well tolerated and did not induce any pathological symptoms. It considerably modulated the response to inflammation through modifications of the TLR4 and cytokines gene expression profiles as well as that of the intestinal microbiota. Although further studies are needed to develop a precise therapeutic protocol of BC administration, it seems to have the potential to be used as a natural supplement in the treatment of IBD. Abstract This study investigated the effects of a short-term administration of bovine colostrum (BC) in a TNBS model of induced colitis. Colitis was induced by TNBS treatment after seven days of BC (BC group, n = 12) or saline (control group, n = 12) administration in mice. Clinical signs, histopathological characteristics, expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and microbial composition were assessed. BC was well tolerated and did not induce any histological damage or clinical symptoms. After TNBS treatment, the BC group showed a reduction in body weight (BW) loss compared to Control (p < 0.05). Moreover, expression levels of TLR4 (p < 0.01), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β; p < 0.001), Interleukin-8 (IL-8; p < 0.001), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10; p < 0.001) were lower in mice administered with BC. Finally, Escherichia coli were higher (p < 0.05), while Enterococci (p < 0.001), Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.001), and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.05) were lower in Control than BC group. This study confirms that pre-treatment with BC modulates the expression of genes and the count of microbes involved in the etiopathogenesis of colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (O.B.); (L.L.); (G.G.); (P.C.-P.); (A.B.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.R.); (D.V.)
| | - Iulia Elena Filipescu
- L’Arca Veterinary Clinic, Viale Antonio Gramsci, 141/E, Cortona, 52044 Arezzo, Italy;
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (O.B.); (L.L.); (G.G.); (P.C.-P.); (A.B.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Leonardo Leonardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (O.B.); (L.L.); (G.G.); (P.C.-P.); (A.B.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Gabriella Guelfi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (O.B.); (L.L.); (G.G.); (P.C.-P.); (A.B.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Giovanna Traina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via A. Fabretti 48, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Casagrande-Proietti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (O.B.); (L.L.); (G.G.); (P.C.-P.); (A.B.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.R.); (D.V.)
| | - Anna Beatrice Casano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (O.B.); (L.L.); (G.G.); (P.C.-P.); (A.B.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Federica Piro
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.R.); (D.V.)
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (L.M.); (O.B.); (L.L.); (G.G.); (P.C.-P.); (A.B.C.); (A.Q.)
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.C.); (F.R.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-50334583
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Effects of Diets Enriched in Linseed and Fish Oil on the Expression Pattern of Toll-Like Receptors 4 and Proinflammatory Cytokines on Gonadal Axis and Reproductive Organs in Rabbit Buck. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:4327470. [PMID: 32064024 PMCID: PMC6996712 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4327470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Infections of the genital tract can perturb the fertility in humans and animals. Pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity onset through the pattern recognition receptor activation, such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators. TLR4 is expressed both on leukocytes and nonimmune cells. Rabbit TLR4 shows great similarity to its human counterpart. Moreover, the TLR4 signalling pathway could be modulated by long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the expression levels of TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines in the reproductive hypothalamic-gonadal axis of the male rabbit and (ii) to evaluate if the n-3 PUFA-enriched diets can modify their expression levels in the tissues and LC-PUFA profiles in seminal plasma. Fifteen rabbit bucks (n = 5/experimental group) were fed with different diets: commercial standard (group C), rich in extruded linseed (10%, group L), and in fish oil (3%, group FO) for 110 days. TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA were ubiquitously expressed throughout the hypothalamic-gonadal axis. However, TLR4 mRNA expression was lower in the hypothalamus than the epididymis (P < 0.01), seminal vesicles (P < 0.01), and pituitary gland (P < 0.05). Dietary enrichment in PUFA did not modify the gene expression profile nor the histological characteristics of the tissues. Conversely in seminal plasma, rabbits fed with L and FO had lower n-6 (P < 0.05), LC-PUFA n-6 (P < 0.05), and n-6/n-3 ratio (P < 0.05) but higher n-3 (P < 0.001) and LC-PUFA n-3 (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. Our study builds a map of the gene expression of TRL4 and proinflammatory cytokines in the reproductive hypothalamic-gonadal axis of the male rabbit, fundamental step for understanding the immune defence mechanisms. Diets enriched in LC-PUFA did not affect basal gene expression but modulated sperm fatty acid composition. Finally, rabbit may be an excellent animal model to study the relationship between inflammation and infertility, and the nutritional modulation of immune functions.
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Effect of Dietary n-3 Source on Rabbit Male Reproduction. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:3279670. [PMID: 32082475 PMCID: PMC7011472 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3279670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the last two decades, the human sperm count linearly decreased in Western countries. Health problems, lifestyle, pollutants, and dietary behaviours are considered as the main risk factors, and the unbalance of dietary n‐6/n‐3 fatty acids is one of the most relevant. The aim of the present research is to study the effect of different dietary sources of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on reproductive traits using rabbit buck as the animal model. Fifteen rabbit bucks were assigned to three experimental groups: the control group, the FLAX group fed 10% extruded flaxseed, and the FISH group fed 3.5% fish oil for 110 days (50-day adaptation and 60-day experimental periods). Semen samples were collected weekly, whereas blood was collected every two weeks for the analytical determination of semen traits, oxidative status, fatty acid profiles, isoprostanes, neuroprostanes, and the immunocytochemistry of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid. At the end of the trial, the rabbits were killed and the testes were removed and stored for the analysis of fatty acid profile and immunocytochemistry. Results showed that dietary administration of n‐3 PUFA improved the track speed of the sperm and increased the n‐3 long-chain PUFA mainly confined in the sperm tail. Seminal plasma increased the thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARs) by three times in the groups fed supplemental n‐3, whereas the F2-isoprotanes (F2-IsoPs) and F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NeuroPs) were lower and higher, respectively, in both supplemented groups than in the control. The testes and sperm showed a higher DHA and EPA distribution in rabbits from the n‐3 supplemented groups compared with the control. In conclusion, supplemental dietary n‐3 PUFA improved sperm motion traits and resulted in an enrichment of membrane fatty acid in the sperm and testes of the rabbits. However, such an increased amount of PUFA negatively affected the sperm oxidative status, which was mainly correlated with the generation of F4-NeuroPs with respect to F2-IsoPs. Accordingly, the latter cannot be considered a good marker of oxidation when diets rich in n‐3 PUFA are provided.
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Menchetti L, Brecchia G, Branciari R, Barbato O, Fioretti B, Codini M, Bellezza E, Trabalza-Marinucci M, Miraglia D. The effect of Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) dietary supplementation on rabbit meat quality. Meat Sci 2019; 161:108018. [PMID: 31786441 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.108018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of different dietary concentrations of Goji berries (GB) on the meat quality of rabbit. At weaning, 60 New Zealand male rabbits were assigned to three groups and fed with a commercial standard diet (C), C supplemented with 1% (LG) or 3% Goji berries (HG) until slaughter. Supplementation did not affect colour, water holding capacity, and tenderness but regression analyses showed linear relationships between pH (P < .05), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS; P < .001), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC; P < .001), Redox Index (RI; P < .001), and phenolic content (P < .001) of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle and the rate of GB in the feed. However, by pairwise comparisons emerged that acidification (pH: P < .05), antioxidant/oxidant status (TBARS, ORAC, RI; P < .001), and phenolic content (P < .01) of muscle significantly improved only in HG compared with C group. Then, a dose-dependent relation was found but only the higher dose of GB guaranteed an increase in protection against oxidative phenomena of meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo 4, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo 4, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Branciari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo 4, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo 4, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Bernard Fioretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, via Elce di Sotto, 8 - 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via Fabretti, 48-06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Enrico Bellezza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo 4, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Dino Miraglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, via San Costanzo 4, 06121 Perugia, Italy
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Henrique FL, Bezerra HVA, Polato HZ, Fernandes AC, Zanella AJ, Alves MBR, Celeghini ECC, Batissaco L, Strefezzi RDF, Pulido-Rodríguez LF, Hooper HB, Titto CG. Maternal stress in sheep during late pregnancy influences sperm quality in early puberty of the offspring. Theriogenology 2019; 145:158-166. [PMID: 31711696 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress at the end of sheep gestation can damage the reproductive development of young males. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of LPS administration in the last third of sheep pregnancy on the reproductive parameters of prepubertal rams. Thirty-six pregnant nulliparous ewes (12 ± 2 months old; 45 ± 6 kg) were assigned to two treatments, LPS (E. coli; 0.8 μg kg-1) and control (placebo/saline) administered in late pregnancy (120 days post-conception). The animals gave birth to 17 male lambs (11 LPS; 8 control). Reproductive development of the young rams was analyzed from 5 to 12 months of age. A completely randomized design in double factorial scheme was used. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance. The model included treatment (LPS; control), age as main effects and their interactions, and the animal as a repeated measure. Means were compared by the PDIFF-SAS (Pr > |t|) at P < 0.05. An effect of age was observed for scrotal circumference, testicular consistency, homogeneity of testicular parenchyma, vascularization, semen quantity and quality, and blood testosterone concentration (P < 0.05). LPS increased sperm defects (P < 0.05) but an interaction with age was not observed (P > 0.05) with higher abnormalities only during months 8 and 9 (P < 0.05) and not thereafter. In summary, LPS did not cause long-term damage to testicular morphology analyzed from the onset of puberty to sexual maturity. However, LPS treatment affected sperm morphology during early puberty of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Luís Henrique
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Helena Viel Alves Bezerra
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Heloise Zavatieri Polato
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Arícia Christofaro Fernandes
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Eneiva Carla Carvalho Celeghini
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Batissaco
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Francisco Strefezzi
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Lina Fernanda Pulido-Rodríguez
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Henrique Barbosa Hooper
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Gonçalves Titto
- Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte, 225, Campus Fernando Costa, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil.
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20
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Owhor LE, Reese S, Kölle S. Salpingitis Impairs Bovine Tubal Function and Sperm-Oviduct Interaction. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10893. [PMID: 31350463 PMCID: PMC6659645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Salpingitis is a common cause for subfertility and infertility both in humans and animals. However, the effects of salpingitis on tubal function and reproductive success are largely unknown. Therefore we set out to investigate the effects of inflammation on sperm and oocyte transport and gameto-maternal interaction in the oviduct using the bovine as a model. For this purpose, oviducts revealing mild (n = 45), moderate (n = 55) and severe (n = 45) inflammation were obtained from cows immediately after slaughter and investigated by live cell imaging, histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. Our studies showed that endometritis was always correlated with salpingitis. Moderate and severe inflammation caused a significant increase in the thickness of tubal folds (p < 0.05). Severe inflammation was characterized by luminal accumulations of mucus and glycoproteins, increased apoptosis, loss of tight junctions and shedding of tubal epithelial cells. The mean ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the ampulla was significantly reduced as compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The higher the grade of inflammation, the lower was the CBF (p < 0.001). In severe inflammation, spermatozoa were stuck in mucus resulting in decreased sperm motility. Our results imply that tubal inflammation impairs proper tubal function and leads to reduced sperm fertilizing capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loveth E Owhor
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sven Reese
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Kölle
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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22
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Filipescu IE, Leonardi L, Menchetti L, Guelfi G, Traina G, Casagrande-Proietti P, Piro F, Quattrone A, Barbato O, Brecchia G. Preventive effects of bovine colostrum supplementation in TNBS-induced colitis in mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202929. [PMID: 30138385 PMCID: PMC6107273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder for which the current medical therapy is not completely effective. Bovine colostrum (BC) is a biological fluid rich in bioactive molecules that may have beneficial effects on several gastrointestinal disorders. The objectives of this study were to assess the preventive effects of BC supplementation in a mouse model of 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis using a multidisciplinary approach. Specifically, the following parameters were evaluated: (i) disease activity index (DAI), (ii) histological score, (iii) expression levels of TLR4, anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and (iv) count of some bacterial species of the intestinal microbiota. Mice received a daily suspension of BC (BC group, n = 12) or saline solution (control, CN group, n = 12) for 21 days before the intrarectal inoculation with 1% of TNBS solution. BC was well tolerated and did not induce any histological damage or clinical symptoms. After TNBS treatment, BC group showed a reduction of body weight (BW) loss (P<0.01) and histological score (P<0.05) compared to CN. Moreover, the expression levels of TLR4 (P<0.05), IL-1β (P<0.001), IL-8 (P<0.001), and IL-10 (P<0.001) were lower in mice administered with BC, while the concentrations of TNF-α did not show any differences between groups. Finally, the supplementation with BC resulted in a differential response to TNBS treatment in the bacterial count. In CN group, E. coli and Enterococci increased (P<0.001), while Anaerobes (P<0.01), Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria (P<0.001) reduced. Conversely, no significant changes in bacterial load were found after the inoculation of TNBS in BC pre-treated mice. This study confirms that TNBS-induced colitis model in mice is useful for studying the mechanisms involved in IBD pathogenesis and shows that pre-treatment with BC reduces the intestinal damages and clinical signs of the colitis. Molecular mechanisms and intestinal microflora could be involved in the protective effect of colostrum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Leonardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Menchetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guelfi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Traina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Federica Piro
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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23
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Menchetti L, Canali C, Castellini C, Boiti C, Brecchia G. The different effects of linseed and fish oil supplemented diets on insulin sensitivity of rabbit does during pregnancy. Res Vet Sci 2018; 118:126-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Zhao J, Liu Y, Xiao C, He S, Yao H, Bao G. Efficacy of Phage Therapy in Controlling Rabbit Colibacillosis and Changes in Cecal Microbiota. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:957. [PMID: 28611755 PMCID: PMC5447005 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a valid weapon that we could use to fight against pathogens. Bacteriophages kill bacteria and self-proliferate in the digestive tract. Furthermore, it was assumed that phage therapy could preserve the existing gut microbiota. In this study, 45 rabbits were equally divided into three groups after they were orally inoculated with pathogenic Escherichia coli to induce gut infection. Each group was treated with bacteriophage ZRP1 (Group P), ciprofloxacin lactate (Group A), or phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) (Group N). Another 15 healthy rabbits composed the control group (Group C). The body weight gain decreased significantly, but the white blood cell (WBC) count, especially the percentage of large WBCs, and the serum endotoxin levels increased significantly after infection. The result of microscopic examination of the ileum showed that E. coli ZR1 adhered to villi and caused hemorrhage inside the villi. Groups P and A rabbits recovered after treatments, and both bacteriophage and antibiotic treatment significantly decreased the eaeA gene concentration in cecal contents. The microbiota in cecal contents changed in infected rabbits that were treated with PBS. The relative abundance of Clostridiales and YS2 decreased but the relative abundance of Enterobacteriales increased significantly. According to the principal components analysis, the microbiota of Groups P and C rabbits were similar to one another in type and relative abundance but different from those of Groups N and A rabbits. The results demonstrated that oral administration of bacteriophage can cure gut infection with minimal impact on the cecal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesHangzhou, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesHangzhou, China
| | - Chenwen Xiao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesHangzhou, China
| | - Shaojie He
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesHangzhou, China
| | - Huochun Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Guolian Bao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural SciencesHangzhou, China
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Tang J, Li CM, Li L, Wu J, Wang GL. Changes in expression and production of heme oxygenase-1 in rats with acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide. J Toxicol Sci 2017; 41:469-77. [PMID: 27432233 DOI: 10.2131/jts.41.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the changes of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and production in rats with acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and explore the role of HO-1 in the pathogenesis of liver injury. Liver injury was assessed histologically and the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were examined. The activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbon monoxide (CO) in liver tissues were also examined at the same time. HO-1 mRNA expression was examined at different time points following LPS treatment and the expression of HO-1 protein was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Administration of LPS caused severe hepatic damage, characterized by significant elevation of serum ALT and AST levels and hepatic MDA content as well as a remarkable reduction of liver SOD activity at 24 hr as compared with those in the control group. HO-1 activity was elevated significantly after modeling, showing a time-dependent manner from 6 to 24 hr, while expression of HO-1 protein was increased remarkably from 6 to 24 hr. Endogenous CO concentration in the liver of control rats remained very low but was elevated significantly after LPS treatment (6, 12, 24 hr), which was in accordance with the changes of HO-1. HO-1 activity and protein are increased significantly in rats with acute liver injury induced by LPS, suggesting that HO-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute hepatic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, China
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26
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Oh Y, Lee J, Kim HC, Hahn TW, Yoon BI, Han JH, Kwon YS, Park JJ, Koo DB, Rhee KJ, Jung BD. Establishment of hydrochloric acid/lipopolysaccharide-induced pelvic inflammatory disease model. J Vet Sci 2016; 17:413-9. [PMID: 26726020 PMCID: PMC5037311 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.3.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is one of the most problematic complications experienced by women with sexually transmitted diseases, frequently causes secondary infections after reproductive abnormalities in veterinary animals. Although the uterus is self-protective, it becomes fragile during periods or pregnancy. To investigate PID, bacteria or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from gram negative bacteria has been used to induce the disease in several animal models. However, when LPS is applied to the peritoneum, it often causes systemic sepsis leading to death and the PID was not consistently demonstrated. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) has been used to induce inflammation in the lungs and stomach but not tested for reproductive organs. In this study, we developed a PID model in mice by HCl and LPS sequential intracervical (i.c.) administration. The proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, were detected in the mouse uterus by western blot analysis and cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after HCl (25 mg/kg) administration i.c. followed by four LPS (50 mg/kg) treatments. Moreover, mice exhibited increased infiltration of neutrophils in the endometrium and epithelial layer. These results suggest that ic co-administration of HCl and LPS induces PID in mice. This new model may provide a consistent and reproducible PID model for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonsu Oh
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jaehun Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Cheol Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Tae-Wook Hahn
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Byung-Il Yoon
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hee Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Joung Jun Park
- Animal Reproduction & Biotechnology Center, Myung-Poom Hanwoo Consulting, Hoengseong 25218, Korea
| | - Deog-Bon Koo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Daegu University, Gyeongsan 38453, Korea
| | - Ki-Jong Rhee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Korea
| | - Bae Dong Jung
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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27
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Rao M, Xia W, Yang J, Hu LX, Hu SF, Lei H, Wu YQ, Zhu CH. Transient scrotal hyperthermia affects human sperm DNA integrity, sperm apoptosis, and sperm protein expression. Andrology 2016; 4:1054-1063. [PMID: 27410176 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This prospective randomized clinical study is aimed to evidence the reproductive impairment of frequent scrotal heat exposure. A total of 20 normozoospermic subjects were randomly divided into two groups to undergo testicular warming in a 43 °C water bath 10 times, for 30 min each time; the subjects in group 1 underwent testicular warming for 10 consecutive days and those in group 2 once every 3 days. Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, and seminal plasma-soluble Fas (sFas) were analyzed before treatment and every 2 weeks after, for a total of 10 times. In group 1, some critical proteins involved in heat stress, hypoxia, structure, and function of sperm mitochondria and flagella were evaluated before hyperthermia and 2, 6, 10, and 16 weeks after hyperthermia. Both groups showed a reversible increase in the proportion of spermatozoa with a disrupted MMP (both p < 0.05 when the minimums were compared with baseline levels, the same below), sperm apoptosis (both p < 0.01) and high DNA stainability (both p < 0.05). The sFas concentration in both groups showed no obvious changes except one: the value at week 2 was significantly increased over baseline in group 1 (p = 0.036). The level of Bcl-2 decreased significantly at weeks 6 and 10 (p = 0.017 and 0.05, respectively) and recovered to baseline at week 16. Proteins involved in heat stress and mitochondria functions were up-regulated, whereas in flagella structure and function was down-regulated (all p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that transient and frequent scrotal hyperthermia severely and reversibly damaged spermatogenesis, consecutive heat exposure had more serious effects than intermittent exposure, whereas intermittent exposure led to a later recovery of sperm damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - W Xia
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - J Yang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - L-X Hu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - S-F Hu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - H Lei
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Y-Q Wu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - C-H Zhu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. .,Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Li L, Tang J, Sun Y, Wu J, Yu P, Wang G. Upregulation of HO-1 Attenuates LPS-Stimulated Proinflammatory Responses Through Downregulation of p38 Signaling Pathways in Rat Ovary. Inflammation 2016; 38:1085-92. [PMID: 25448262 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-014-0074-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays a key role in the regulation of the inflammatory response. However, the specific mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory role of HO-1 in the reproductive system is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the mechanism of HO-1 in the regulation of the inflammatory response stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat ovary. LPS-stimulated inflammatory models were established. Rats were pretreated with HO-1 activator (hemin) or inhibitor (ZnPP) before LPS stimulation, and we evaluated the expression of HO-1 by real-time PCR and Western blot. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 in rat ovary were analyzed using real-time PCR and ELISA. In addition, we also analyzed the p38 and p-p38 protein expression in the ovary. Our results demonstrate that HO-1 is an anti-inflammatory factor in LPS-stimulated ovary, which regulates the inflammatory response through downregulation of p38 signaling pathways in rat ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, People's Republic of China,
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