Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. and Its Biological Effects on Redox Status, Immunity, and Gut Microflora

Potential Surviving Effect of Cleome droserifolia Extract against Systemic Staphylococcus aureus Infection: Investigation of the Chemical Content of the Plant

The increasing rates of morbidity and mortality owing to bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus have necessitated finding solutions to face this issue. Thus, we elucidated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial potential of Cleome droserifolia extract (CDE). Using LC-ESI-MS/MS, the main phytoconstituents of CDE were explored, which were kaempferol-3,7-O-bis-alpha-L-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, kaempferide, kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside, caffeic acid, isoquercitrin, quinic acid, isocitrate, mannitol, apigenin, acacetin, and naringenin. The CDE exerted an antibacterial action on S. aureus isolates with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 128 to 512 µg/mL. Also, CDE exhibited antibiofilm action using a crystal violet assay. A scanning electron microscope was employed to illuminate the effect of CDE on biofilm formation, and it considerably diminished S. aureus cell number in the biofilm. Moreover, qRT-PCR was performed to study the effect of CDE on biofilm gene expression (cna, fnbA, and icaA). The CDE revealed a downregulating effect on the studied biofilm genes in 43.48% of S. aureus isolates. Regarding the in vivo model, CDE significantly decreased the S. aureus burden in the liver and spleen of CDE-treated mice. Also, it significantly improved the mice's survival and substantially decreased the inflammatory markers (interleukin one beta and interleukin six) in the studied tissues. Furthermore, CDE has improved the histology and tumor necrosis factor alpha immunohistochemistry in the liver and spleen of the CDE-treated group. Thus, CDE could be considered a promising candidate for future antimicrobial drug discovery studies.

Alginate Nanoencapsulated Synbiotic Composite of Pomegranate Peel Phytogenics and Multi-Probiotic Species as a Potential Feed Additive: Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities

A synbiotic composed of alginate nanoencapsulated prebiotic (pomegranate peel phytogenics) and multi-species probiotics (Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been developed as a potential eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics. The physicochemical properties of the encapsulated synbiotic were evaluated, and its gastric and storage tolerance, as well as its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, were tested and compared to that of the non-encapsulated synbiotic (free synbiotic). The results showed that the prebiotic pomegranate peel ethanolic extract contained seven phenolic compounds, with cinnamic being the most abundant (13.26 µL/mL). Sodium alginate-CaCl2 nanocapsules were effective in encapsulating 84.06 ± 1.5% of the prebiotic's phenolic compounds and 98.85 ± 0.57% of the probiotics. The particle size of the alginate-CaCl2 nanoencapsulated synbiotic was 544.5 nm, and the polydispersity index and zeta potential values were 0.593 and -12.3 mV, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the alginate-CaCl2 nanoencapsulated synbiotic had high thermal stability at high temperatures, with only 2.31% of its weight being lost within the temperature range of 70-100 °C. The count of viable probiotics in the nanoencapsulated synbiotic was significantly higher than that in the free synbiotic after exposure to gastric acidity and storage for six months at room temperature. The percent inhibition values of the nanoencapsulated synbiotic and ascorbic acid (as a standard antioxidant) were comparable and significantly greater than those of the free synbiotic. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of the nanoencapsulated synbiotic and ascorbic acid were significantly lower than those of the free synbiotic (3.96 ± 0.42 µg/mL and 4.08 ± 0.79 µg/mL for nanoencapsulated synbiotic and ascorbic acid, respectively, vs. 65.75 ± 2.14 µg/mL for free synbiotic). The nanoencapsulated synbiotic showed the highest significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). Both the nanoencapsulated and free synbiotics showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), similar to that of gentamicin, although the nanoencapsulated synbiotic showed significantly higher inhibition activity compared to the free synbiotic. The nanoencapsulated synbiotic showed antimicrobial activity comparable to gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 90274), whereas the free synbiotic showed the least antimicrobial activity (p < 0.05). Both synbiotics showed significantly higher antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi (ATCC 6539) than gentamicin. Both synbiotics showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, with a stronger effect observed for the nanoencapsulated synbiotic. However, the activity of both synbiotics was significantly lower than that of fluconazole (an antifungal drug).

Struggling Thermal Stress Impacts on Growth Performance and Health Status of Newly Weaned Rabbits Using Nanoemulsion of Origanum majorana Considering the Economic Efficiency of Supplementation

With the recent trend of global warming, HS-instigated diminishing could extremely jeopardize animal health, productivity, and farm profit. Marjoram essential oil (MEOE) is a worthy source of wide range phytogenic compounds that may improve heat tolerance, redox and inflammatory homeostasis, and immunity of newly weaned rabbits, specifically if included in the diets in a nano form. One hundred newly weaned rabbits were randomly distributed into four homogeneous groups. The first group (control group) included rabbits that received basal diet without supplementation. In contrast, the other three groups included rabbits that received basal diets supplemented with 200 (MEONE200), 400 (MEONE400), and 800 (MEONE800) mg MEONE/kg diet, respectively. Among MEONE-treated groups and control groups, MEONE400 group showed the highest (p < 0.001) growth performance traits, including final body weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and the performance index. Compared to the control, all MEONE-supplemented groups possessed lower rectal temperatures and respiration rates, recording the lowest values in the MEONE400 group. The oxidative stress biomarkers and immunoglobulins G and M were significantly improved in the MEONE400 and MEONE800 compared with the control and MEONE200 groups. The addition of MEONE (400 or 800 mg/kg) decreased the concentrations of serum interleukin-4 (p = 0.0003), interferon gamma (p = 0.0004), and tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.0001) but significantly elevated (p < 0.001) the activity of nitric oxide, amyloid A and lysozyme. Liver functions (lower concentrations of liver enzymes) were significantly improved in all MEONE-treated groups compared to the control group. There was a considerable significant effect of dietary supplementation of MEONE400 on economic efficiency. In conclusion, the addition of 400 mg/kg to the diets of newly weaned rabbits can be recommended as an affective intervention to mitigate the negative impacts of HS.

Promising remedies for cardiovascular disease: Natural polyphenol ellagic acid and its metabolite urolithins

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant worldwide factor contributing to human fatality and morbidity. With the increase of incidence rates, it is of concern that there is a lack of current therapeutic alternatives because of multiple side effects. Ellagic acid (EA), the natural polyphenol (C₁₄H₆O₈), is abundant in pomegranates, berries, and nuts. EA and its intestinal microflora metabolite, urolithins, have recently attracted much attention as a potential novel "medicine" because of their wide pharmacological properties.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to critically analyze available literature to summarize the beneficial effects of EA and urolithins, and highlights their druggability and therapeutic potential in various CVDs.

METHODS

We systematically studied research and review articles between 1984 and 2022 available on various databases to obtain the data on EA and urolithins with no language restriction. Their cardiovascular protective activities, underlying mechanism, and druggability were highlighted and discussed comprehensively.

RESULTS

We found that EA and urolithins may exert preventive and curative effects on CVD with negligible side effects and possibly regulate lipid metabolism imbalance, pro-inflammatory factor production, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, endothelial cell dysfunction, and Ca²⁺ intake and release. Potentially, this may lead to the prevention and amelioration of atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, cardiac fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiotoxicities in vivo. Several molecules and signaling pathways are associated with their therapeutic actions, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-κB, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2, sirtuin1, miRNA, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2.

CONCLUSION

In vitro and in vivo studies shows that EA and urolithins could be used as valid candidates for early prevention and effective therapeutic strategies for various CVDs.

Tributyrin and anise mixture supplementation improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, jejunal villus height, and fecal microbiota in weaned pigs

Introduction

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of tributyrin and anise mixture (TA) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, fecal noxious gas emission, fecal score, jejunal villus height, hematology parameters, and fecal microbiota of weaned pigs.

Methods

A total of 150 21-day-old crossbred weaned pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] were used in a randomized complete block design experiment. All pigs were randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the initial body weight (6.19 ± 0.29 kg). Each group had 10 replicate pens with 5 pigs (three barrows and two gilts) per pen. The experimental period was 42 days and consisted of 3 phases (phase 1, days 1-7; phase 2, days 8-21; phase 3, days 22-42). Dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal-basal diet and supplemented with 0.000, 0.075, or 0.150% TA.

Results and discussion

We found that dietary supplementation of graded levels of TA linearly improved body weight, body weight gain, average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency (P < 0.05). TA supplementation also had positive effects on apparent dry matter, crude protein, and energy digestibility (P < 0.05) and jejunal villus height (P < 0.05). The emission of ammonia from feces decreased linearly with the dose of TA increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, TA supplementation was capable to regulate the fecal microbiota diversity, manifesting in a linearly increased Chao1 index and observed species and a linearly decreased Pielou's index (P < 0.05). The abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Clostridium butyricum were increased, while the abundance of Prevotella copri was decreased, by treatment (P < 0.05). Therefore, we speculated that TA supplementation would improve growth performance and reduce fecal ammonia emission through improving nutrient digestibility, which was attributed to the increase of jejunal villus height and the regulation of fecal microbiota.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KC39 Immobilized on Prebiotic Wheat Bran to Manufacture Functional Soft White Cheese

In the current study, probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KC39 was immobilized on wheat bran as a carrier. The immobilized synbiotic biocatalyst was freeze-dried and used as an adjunct during the production of functional soft white cheese. Free freeze-dried Lc. paracasei cells as an adjunct and a control cheese with a commercial starter were used for comparison. In addition to a fiber content of 1.12%, the functional cheese made using the synbiotic biocatalyst showed higher cell viabilities in the gastric and intestinal phases as well as an enhanced microstructure and favorable sensory characteristics. The presented immobilization method could be applied to the production of soft cheese and other functional food products for the stabilized delivery of both probiotics and dietary fibers.

Theoretical evaluation of Cleome species' bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential: A literature review

The species of Cleome genus are taxonomically included in the family of Cleomaceae and in the order of Brassicales, representing flowering plants with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Phytochemical screening experiments revealed that Cleome species contain a wide range of beneficial bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, essential oils, fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenes, sterols, and anthocyanins, indicating a therapeutic potential. Furthermore, due to the presence of these phytocompounds, there are various plant species in this genus that have demonstrated a wide range of genotypic, chemo typic, and biological activity in several ecological settings around the world. The potential biological actions and pharmacological effects, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, antidepressant, antibacterial, anti-arthritic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective are closely related to the active substances contained in various parts of the plants. By centralizing medical data provided by the scientific literature, we offer in the present work a comprehensive perspective on a wide range of bioactive compounds identified from diverse Cleome species, emphasizing the correlation of natural active substances with potential pharmacological activities that can contribute to the improvement of therapeutic management for a range of pathologies. In addition, this review suggests future research perspectives to improve the use of phytochemicals contained in the species of Cleome genus, both in terms of increasing therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles, but also in terms of identifying a possible new pharmacological effect.

Improving Rabbit Doe Metabolism and Whole Reproductive Cycle Outcomes via Fatty Acid-Rich Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Supplementation in Free and Nano-Encapsulated Forms

Simple Summary

Under intensive rabbit production systems, due to the increased energy requirements of reproductive events, specifically pregnancy and lactation, rabbit does may confront several metabolic disorders as a result of energy imbalance. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract (ME) is one of the phytogenic extracts that has an impressive range of phytochemicals, specifically fatty acids (FAs). These phytochemicals may be biologically effective to support metabolism and reproductive functions of rabbit does during different reproductive cycle events. However, the high FAs content of ME makes them highly susceptible to lipid oxidation, diminishing their nutritional value and biological effects. In this study, we aimed to test the effects of FAs of ME either in a free-from or in a nano-encapsulated form on metabolism, immunity, milk production, milk composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does during different physiological status (premating, mating, pregnancy, and lactation). The results showed that ME improved health, metabolism, immune functions, milk production and composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does. These effects remained obvious even when a lower dose of ME was used in a nano-encapsulated form.

Abstract

The effects of free and nano-encapsulated ME supplementations on the metabolism, immunity, milk production and composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does during premating, mating, pregnancy, and lactation were investigated. Multiparous rabbit does (n = 26 per group) received 50 mg of free ME (FME) daily, 25 mg of nano-encapsulated ME (HNME), or 10 mg of nano-encapsulated ME (LNME) per kilogram of body weight or were not supplemented (C) during a whole reproductive cycle. The ME contained 30 fatty acids with 54.27% total unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs). The fatty acid encapsulation efficiency of alginate nanoparticles was 70.46%. Compared with the C group, rabbits in all ME treatments had significantly increased body weight, feed intake, and glucose concentration and significantly decreased non-esterified free fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Rabbits supplemented with ME also had significantly increased white blood cell counts, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin G and decreased interleukin-1β concentrations. Moreover, ME supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of colostrum immunoglobulins, milk yield and energy content, and milk USFAs (omega-3 and 6). Rabbit does in the ME treatments had significantly higher conception and parturition rates and better litter characteristics than the C rabbit does. These results demonstrate the positive role of ME fatty acids on the health status and productive and reproductive performance of rabbit does at different physiological stages. Compared with the FME treatment, these parameters were further improved in rabbits that received nano-encapsulated ME at lower doses, illustrating how nano-encapsulation technology improves the bioavailability of ME.

Understanding microbial networks of farm animals through genomics, metagenomics and other meta-omic approaches for livestock wellness and sustainability

The association of microorganisms with livestock as endosymbionts, opportunists, and pathogens has been a matter of debate for a long time. Several livestock-associated bacterial and other microbial species have been identified and characterized through traditional culture-dependent genomic approaches. However, it is imperative to understand the comprehensive microbial network of domestic animals for their wellness, disease management, and disease transmission control. Since it is strenuous to provide a niche replica to any microorganisms while culturing them, thus a substantial number of microbial communities remain obscure. Metagenomics has laid out a powerful lens for gaining insight into the hidden microbial diversity by allowing the direct sequencing of the DNA isolated from any livestock sample like the gastrointestinal tract, udder, or genital system. Through metatranscriptomics and metabolomics, understanding gene expression profiles of the microorganisms and their molecular phenotype has become unchallenging. With large data sets emerging out of the genomic, metagenomic, and other meta-omics methods, several computational tools have also been developed for curation, assembly, gene prediction, and taxonomic profiling of the microorganisms. This review provides a detailed account of the beneficial and pathogenic organisms that dwell within or on farm animals. Besides, it highlights the role of meta-omics and computational tools in a comprehensive analysis of livestock-associated microorganisms.

Effect of Nanoencapsulated Alginate-Synbiotic on Gut Microflora Balance, Immunity, and Growth Performance of Growing Rabbits

A synbiotic comprising Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) and Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) has been encapsulated using nanotechnology. This duo is used as a dietary supplement for growing rabbits. Physicochemical analyses, in vitro antimicrobial activity, and gastrointestinal system evaluation were used to evaluate the quality of the nanofabricated synbiotic. The in vivo study was conducted using 40-day-old male growing rabbits (n = 16 rabbits/group) to evaluate the effect of the nanofabricated synbiotic on the health and growth performance of examined rabbits. Rabbits were equally allocated into four groups; (a) NCS, which received a basal diet supplemented with a noncapsulated 11 × 10¹² CFU SCY + 0.15 g MOLE/kg diet, (b) LCS: those receiving a nanoencapsulated 5.5 × 10¹² CFU SCY + 0.075 g MOLE/kg diet, (c) HCS: those receiving an 11 × 10¹² CFU SCY + 0.15 g MOLE/kg diet, and (d) CON: those receiving a basal diet without treatment (control). The treatments continued from day 40 to day 89 of age. During the experimental period, growth performance variables, including body weight (BW), feed consumption, BW gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected on day 40 of age and immediately before the start of the treatments to confirm the homogeneity of rabbits among groups. On day 89 of age, blood samples, intestinal, and cecal samples were individually collected from eight randomly selected rabbits. The size and polydispersity index of the nanofabricated synbiotic were 51.38 nm and 0.177, respectively. Results revealed that the encapsulation process significantly improved yeast survival through the gastrointestinal tract, specifically in stomach acidic conditions, and significantly increased in vitro inhibitory activities against tested pathogens. Furthermore, treatments had no negative effects on hematobiochemical variables but significantly improved levels of blood plasma, total protein, and insulin-like growth factor-l. Compared to the CON, NCS, and LCS treatments, the HCS treatment increased the amount of intestinal and cecal yeast cells (p < 0.05) and Lactobacillus bacteria (p < 0.05) and decreased number of Salmonella (p < 0.05) and Coliform (p = 0.08) bacteria. Likewise, both LCS and HCS significantly improved the small intestine and cecum lengths compared to CON and NCS. The HCS treatment also significantly improved BW gain and feed conversion compared to CON treatment, whereas the NCS and LCS treatments showed intermediate values. Conclusively, the nanoencapsulation process improved the biological efficiency of the innovative synbiotic used in this study. A high dose of encapsulated synbiotic balanced the gut microflora, resulting in the growth of rabbits during the fattening period.