Alteration of the Gut Microbiota in Pigs Infected with African Swine Fever Virus

Effect of Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai extract on gut microbiota and production performance in pigs

Different dietary patterns affect the gut microbial compositions and diversity. Consistently, microbiome alterations are linked to digestion, immunity, and productivity. Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (SQ) is a perennial bamboo species rich in proteins and fiber. Previous studies have confirmed the health benefits of SQ; however, the effects of SQ supplementation on gut microbiome and production performance are unclear. Herein, Landrace pigs were supplemented with SQ extract (SQE) and gut microbial compositions as opposed to the control group were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, the influences of SQE supplementation on average daily gain (ADG) and backfat thickness (BF) were assessed after slaughter. In the SQE group, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla increased significantly, whereas Bacteroidetes and Spirochaetes phyla markedly decreased (p < 0.05). The expression level of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera increased, whereas that of Treponema, Prevotella, and Turicibacter decreased (p < 0.05). The microbial richness was similar between groups; however, microbial diversity decreased in the SQE supplementation group. Additionally, the SQE supplementation in pigs resulted in a slight increase in ADG. In contrast, BF in the SQE group decreased notably (p < 0.05). These results underscore the significant influence of SQE supplementation on the gut microbiota and demonstrate the potential of SQ as a valuable feed resource for enhancing animal productivity.

High-fat diet disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation, damage to tight junctions, and apoptosis and necrosis in Nyctereutes procyonoides intestines

Given the burgeoning Nyctereutes procyonoides breeding industry and its growing scale, it is imperative to investigate the impact of high-fat diets on the health of these animals. This study involved 30 male Nyctereutes procyonoides of comparable weights (3 kg ±0.5), randomly assigned to either a control group or a high-fat diet group (n = 15 each). The latter group was fed a mixture of lard and basal diet in a 2:5 ratio, establishing a high-fat diet model in Nyctereutes procyonoides. This diet induced diarrhea and histopathological changes in the Nyctereutes procyonoides. Analysis of the small intestine contents using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a high-fat diet-induced disruption in the gut microbiota. Specifically, Escherichia-Shigella emerged as the biomarker in the high-fat diet group (P = 0.049), while Vagococcus was prevalent in the control group (P = 0.049), indicating a significant increase in harmful bacteria in the high-fat diet group. Furthermore, this disrupted gut flora correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by marked increases in TNF-α (P < 0.01), IL-1β (P < 0.05), and IL-6 (P < 0.05) levels, measured via q-PCR, Western blot, and oxidative stress assays. In addition, q-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of apoptosis and necrosis markers, including Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9, Caspase12, RIPK3, and RIPK1 (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), and a concurrent downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 (P < 0.01) in the high-fat diet group, consistent with protein expression trends. These findings suggest that a high-fat diet alters the gut microbiome toward a more harmful bacterial composition, escalating inflammatory responses and intestinal tissue permeability, culminating in intestinal cell apoptosis and necrosis.IMPORTANCEThis study examines the impact of high-fat diets on Nyctereutes procyonoides. Our research established a Nyctereutes procyonoides model on a high-fat diet, revealing significant health impacts, such as diarrhea, histological anomalies, and alterations in the gut microbiota. These findings emphasize the importance of preventing health issues and promoting sustainable industry growth. They highlight the significant impact of diet on gut microbiota and overall animal health.