Dietary plasma protein supplements prevent the release of mucosal proinflammatory mediators in intestinal inflammation in rats

Nutritional, molecular, and functional properties of a novel enzymatically hydrolyzed porcine plasma product

In the present study, an enzymatically hydrolyzed porcine plasma (EHPP) was nutritionally and molecularly characterized. EHPP molecular characterization showed, in contrast to spray-dried plasma (SDP), many peptides with relative molecular masses (Mr) below 8,000, constituting 73% of the protein relative abundance. IIAPPER, a well-known bioactive peptide with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, was identified. In vivo functionality of EHPP was tested in C. elegans and two different mouse models of intestinal inflammation. In C. elegans subjected to lipopolysaccharide exposure, EHPP displayed a substantial anti-inflammatory effect, enhancing survival and motility by 40% and 21.5%, respectively. Similarly, in mice challenged with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B or Escherichia coli O42, EHPP and SDP supplementation (8%) increased body weight and average daily gain while reducing the percentage of regulatory Th lymphocytes. Furthermore, both products mitigated the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression associated with these challenged mouse models. In contrast, some significant differences were observed in markers such as Il-6 and Tnf-α, suggesting that the products may present different action mechanisms. In conclusion, EHPP demonstrated similar beneficial health effects to SDP, potentially attributable to the immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of its characteristic low Mr bioactive peptides.

Feeding spray-dried plasma to broilers early in life improved their intestinal development, immunity and performance irrespective of mycotoxins in feed

Introduction

Fungi that produce mycotoxins can grow on certain food products, such as grains and feed, and can cause a variety of health issues if consumed by animals, including chickens. The use of spray-dried plasma (SDP) is one strategy for combating the health problems caused by mycotoxins.

Materials and methods

In the present study, Ross 308 chickens (n = 960) were divided into four treatment groups. T1 group was given a control diet (corn-soybean meal), T2 group was given a control diet +2% SDP, T3 group was given a control diet +2% SDP + mixture mycotoxins and T4 group was givena control diet + mycotoxin mixture.

Results

The presence of SDP resulted in weight gain and decreased feed efficiency, whereas mycotoxins resulted in weight loss and increased feed efficiency. SDP increased the thymus' relative weight. The presence of mycotoxins increased the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio. The presence of mycotoxins reduced the production of IL-2 and macrophage inflammatory protein-3 Alpha (MIP-3a), whereas the presence of SDP increased the production of macrophage colony-stimulating Factor (M-CSF). SDP resulted in higher IgA concentrations in the intestinal and tracheal washes than mycotoxin. Finally, adding SDP to broiler diets boosts weight gain, feed efficiency, and immune system development.

Discussion

Our results provide information supporting that SDP is a promising tool for improving poultry immunity and performance.

Chemical Composition and Functional Properties of Spray-Dried Animal Plasma and Its Contributions to Livestock and Pet Health: A Review

Spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) is a functional ingredient derived from healthy animal blood, used as a nutritional additive in livestock and pet nutrition. SDAP is rich in macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, albumin, growth factors, peptides, transferrin, and enzymes. This review focuses on the chemical composition of SDAP from porcine, bovine, and poultry sources, including protein quality and mineral profile. SDAP enhances performance and health in monogastric farm animals, aquaculture, and pets. It promotes growth rates and feed intake due to its high digestibility and superior amino acid profile compared to other protein sources. In pigs, SDAP's positive effects stem from tissue-specific actions in the gastrointestinal tract, impacting digestion, immunity, and barrier function. For poultry, SDAP shows promise as a substitute for antibiotic growth promoters, particularly in chick starter diets. SDAP contains functional proteins that regulate immune response, enhance intestinal health, and aid in stress conditions. It is also used as a binder in pet food, providing high protein content and other desirable properties. SDAP meets the dietary requirements of carnivorous pets, appealing to owners seeking animal-derived protein sources. Additionally, SDAP may help prevent cognitive impairment in senior dogs and cats.

Spray-Dried Animal Plasma as a Multifaceted Ingredient in Pet Food

Plasma is a co-product from pork and beef obtained during the processing of animals for human consumption. The spray-drying process maintains the solubility of spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) and its nutritional and functional properties, making this ingredient multifunctional in human and animal nutrition. In pet food, SDAP has been used in the production of wet foods (pates and chunks in gravy) as an emulsifying and binding agent, with the potential to replace hydrocolloids partially or totally, which have some negative implications for digestibility, fecal quality, and intestinal inflammation. From a nutritional point of view, SDAP has high digestibility and an amino acid profile compatible with high-quality ingredients, such as powdered eggs. Studies in companion animals, especially in cats, have shown that SDAP is an ingredient with high palatability. Despite the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and neuroprotective properties demonstrated in some animal models, there are still few publications demonstrating these effects in dogs and cats, which limits its use as a functional ingredient for these species. In this review, the potential use of SDAP in pet food, aspects related to the sustainability of this ingredient, and opportunities for studies in companion animals are discussed.

Dietary supplementation with spray-dried animal plasma improves vaccine protection in aged mice

Background

Senescence is characterized by an aggravated inflammatory state that reduces vaccine responsiveness. Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) exerts anti-inflammatory effects in different mucosal areas. We aimed to determine if the anti-inflammatory properties of SDP improve the efficiency of immunization in senescent animals.

Methods

Experiments were performed in 2-month-old and 6-month-old male SAMP8 mice fed control or SDP (8%) feeds for 4  months. The mice received nasal doses of 2.5  μg of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) or vehicle every 15  days (i.e., 3 times). Fifteen days after the last dose, a lethal shock was induced by intraperitoneal administration of SEB and LPS.

Results

Immunization increased anti-SEB IgA in intestinal and bronchoalveolar fluid (p < 0.05). After the lethal shock, all immunized aged mice that were supplemented with SDP survived, in contrast to only 66% of those fed the control feed (p < 0.05). Moreover, after the lethal challenge, aged mice showed higher expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-6, Tnf-α, Ifn-γ, and Il-1β) in jejunal and (Tnf-α, and Il-1β) in lung tissues (p < 0.05), which were reduced by SDP supplementation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in senescent mice, SDP supplementation augmented Il-4 and Il-10 expression in both tissues (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

SDP reduces the mucosal inflammation associated with aging, improving vaccine protection in senescent mice.

Evaluating the Functional Properties of Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Fed Low Fish Meal Diets

Blood by-products are an untapped source of high-quality ingredients for aquafeeds, containing a broad variety of cytokines, hormones, growth factors, proteins, bioactive peptides, and amino acids. The effects of the spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP), a type of processed animal protein on several immune parameters, were evaluated in sea bream using ex vivo and in vitro assays. In this study, fish were fed with two isoproteic, isolipidic, and isoenergetic diets: control diet (7% fish meal, FM) and SDPP diet (2% FM and 5% SDPP). At the end of the 92-days trial, those fed the SDPP diet were larger in body weight (p < 0.05) without differences in feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). The ex vivo immune stimulation of splenocytes indicated that SDPP had a beneficial effect in promoting systemic immunity, since the surface cell marker (cd4), pro- (il-1β), and anti-inflammatory (tgf-β1) cytokines, and genes involved in humoral immunity (IgM) were up-regulated. The co-culture assays of skin mucus corroborated that SDPP enhanced the antibacterial capacity of mucus against V. anguillarum. In addition, main mucus biomarkers did not show significant differences, except for cortisol levels which were lower in the SDPP diet. The present study indicated that SDPP may be considered a functional ingredient in aquafeeds formulated with low FM levels.

Effects of combined prebiotic, probiotic, IgG and amino acid supplementation on the gut microbiome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: The effects of the Total Gut Restoration (TGR) system supplementation on the gut microbiome were evaluated. Materials & methods: A mucosal in vitro simulation of the human gastrointestinal tract (M-SHIME®) system was inoculated with fecal samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Chambers were supplemented for 5 days with the TGR system (five probiotic Bacillus strains, prebiotic mixture, immunoglobulin concentrate, amino acids and prebiotic flavonoids). Results: Compared with unsupplemented controls, supplementation was associated with a significant increase in short-chain fatty acid production, and changes to the microbiome were observed. Supernatants from supplemented chambers improved intestinal barrier function, increased IL-6 and IL-10 production and decreased MCP1 production versus control in Caco-2/THP1 coculture. Conclusion: Daily TGR supplementation facilitated changes to the gut microbiome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on growth performance, survival, feed utilization, immune responses, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Spray-dried animal plasma (SDP) in feed for several animal species provides health benefits, but research about use of SDP in shrimp feed is very limited. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of dietary SDP on growth performance, feed utilization, immune responses, and prevention of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In Experiment 1, the post-larvae were divided into five groups (four tank/group and 80 shrimp/tank) and fed four times daily diets with porcine SDP at 0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6% of the diet for 45 days. In Experiment 2, the surviving shrimp from Experiment 1 were redistributed into six groups: four SDP groups as in Experiment 1 plus the positive and negative controls (four tank/group and 30 shrimp/tank). They were then challenged with V. parahaemolyticus by immersion at 10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and were fed with the same diets for another 4 days. In Experiment 1, shrimp fed 4.5% or 6% SDP diets had significantly higher body weight, survival rate, and improved feed conversion ratio. The immune parameters (total hemocyte count and phagocytic, phenoloxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities) of the shrimp fed 3–6% SDP diets also showed significant enhancement compared to the control. In Experiment 2, the survival rates of the 3–6% SDP groups were significantly higher than the positive control at day 4 after the immersion challenge. Likewise, the histopathological study revealed milder signs of bacterial infection in the hepatopancreas of the 3–6% SDP groups compared to the challenged positive control and 1.5% SDP groups. In conclusion, shrimp fed diets with SDP, especially at 4.5–6% of the diet, showed significant improvement in overall health conditions and better resistance to V. parahaemolyticus infection.

Porcine Protein Hydrolysates (PEPTEIVA®) Promote Growth and Enhance Systemic Immunity in Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata)

Simple Summary

The development of functional feeds based on additives intended for supporting somatic growth, as well as promoting and modulating the host’s immune response is a promising and reliable strategy in the post-antibiotic era. In this study, we have evaluated porcine plasma protein hydrolysate (PPH), a by-product of the rendering industry, as a functional ingredient in aquafeeds. Thus, a 92-day nutritional trial was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of PPH in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) diets. In particular, the control diet contained 7% fishmeal (48% protein, 17% fat, and 22 MJ kg⁻¹ gross energy), whereas the PPH was included in the experimental diet at the expense of 5% fish meal. Results indicated that this rendering by-product had a beneficial effect on the growth performance and feed-efficiency parameters, as well as promoted systemic immunity. In addition, no differences in biochemical skin mucus biomarkers were found between both groups. The present study indicated that porcine protein hydrolysate obtained from blood plasma may be considered as a safe and functional ingredient for aquafeeds.

Abstract

The effects of porcine plasma protein hydrolysate (PPH) on growth, feed efficiency, and immune responses was evaluated in Sparus aurata. Fish were fed two isoproteic (48% protein), isolipidic (17% fat), and isoenergetic diets (21.7 MJ/kg) diets, one of them containing 5% PPH at the expense of fishmeal. Both diets were tested for 92 days. A significant increase in growth was observed in fish fed the PPH diet in comparison to the control group (182.2 ± 4.4 vs. 173.8 ± 4.1 g), as well as an increase in feed intake without worsening FCR values. An ex vivo assay, with splenocytes incubated with lipopolysaccharide, was conducted to evaluate the cellular immune competence of fish. Genes involved in humoral immunity (lys, IgM), pro- (tnf-α, il-1β), and anti-inflammatory (tgf-β1, il10) cytokines were upregulated in the PPH group in comparison to the control group. The inclusion of PPH in diets enhanced the antibacterial capacity of skin mucus, as the co-culture of selected bacteria (E. coli, V. anguillarum, and P. anguilliseptica) with skin mucus indicated. The present results showed that the PPH in low fishmeal diets (2%) promoted growth and feed efficiency, as well as enhancing the immune response, which indicates that this is a safe and functional ingredient for aquafeeds.

Dietary Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Reduces Neuropathological Alzheimer's Disease Hallmarks in SAMP8 Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the aberrant processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau, both of which are accompanied by neuroinflammation. Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) has anti-inflammatory effects in inflammation models. We investigated whether dietary supplementation with SDP prevents the neuropathological features of AD. The experiments were performed in 2- and 6-month-old SAMP8 mice fed a control diet, or a diet supplemented with 8% SDP, for 4 months. AD brain molecular markers were determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. Senescent mice showed reduced levels of p-GSK3β (Ser9) and an increase in p-CDK5, p-tau (Ser396), sAPPβ, and the concentration of Aβ40, (all p < 0.05). SDP prevented these effects of aging and reduced Bace1 levels (all p < 0.05). Senescence increased the expression of Mme1 and Ide1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-17 and Il-18; all p < 0.05); these changes were prevented by SDP supplementation. Moreover, SDP increased Tgf-β expression (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in aged mice, the gene expression levels of the microglial activation markers Trem2, Ym1, and Arg1 were increased, and SDP prevented these increases (all p < 0.05). Thus, dietary SDP might delay AD onset by reducing its hallmarks in senescent mice.

Bovine Coronavirus Immune Milk Against COVID-19

After a year of evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, there is still no specific effective treatment for the disease. Although the majority of infected people experience mild disease, some patients develop a serious disease, especially when other pathologies concur. For this reason, it would be very convenient to find pharmacological and immunological mechanisms that help control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since the COVID-19 and BCoV viruses are very close phylogenetically, different studies demonstrate the existence of cross-immunity as they retain shared epitopes in their structure. As a possible control measure against COVID-19, we propose the use of cow’s milk immune to BCoV. Thus, the antigenic recognition of some highly conserved structures of viral proteins, particularly M and S2, by anti-BCoV antibodies present in milk would cause a total or partial inactivation of SARS-COV-2 (acting as a particular vaccine) and be addressed more easily by GALT’s highly specialized antigen-presenting cells, thus helping the specific immune response.

Immunoregulatory Effects of Porcine Plasma Protein Concentrates on Rat Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Splenocytes

Simple Summary

Blood contains proteins which have interest as products that may regulate immune function. For this reason some protein-based products are currently used as nutritional supplements for animals, for instance two porcine concentrates, spray dried serum (SDS), and an immunoglobulin concentrate (IC). These products have shown to protect against colonic inflammation in rodents. In the present study we characterize the ability of these products to modulate immune function in isolated cells, namely intestinal epithelial cells (IEC18 cells) and rat spleen cells. Our data indicate that both porcine protein concentrates indeed alter immune cell function, based on the secretion of the modulators known as cytokines. In intestinal epithelial IEC18 cells they promoted the secretion of GROα and MCP-1 cytokines. In spleen cells they mainly inhibited the production of TNF, a key proinflammatory cytokine. In addition, the IC product augmented the release of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Taken together, our data indicate that the immunomodulatory effects observed in vivo are consistent with the direct actions of the protein concentrates on epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, and monocytes.

Abstract

Serum protein concentrates have been shown to exert in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. Specific effects on different cell types and their mechanism of action remain unraveled. We aimed to characterize the immunomodulatory effect of two porcine plasma protein concentrates, spray dried serum (SDS) and an immunoglobulin concentrate (IC), currently used as animal nutritional supplements with established in vivo immunomodulatory properties. Cytokine production by the intestinal epithelial cell line IEC18 and by primary cultures of rat splenocytes was studied. The molecular pathways involved were explored with specific inhibitors and gene knockdown. Our results indicate that both products induced GROα and MCP-1 production in IEC18 cells by a MyD88/NF-κB-dependent mechanism. Inhibition of TNF production was observed in rat primary splenocyte cultures. The immunoglobulin concentrate induced IL-10 expression in primary splenocytes and lymphocytes. The effect on TNF was independent of IL-10 production or the stimulation of NF-kB, MAPKs, AKT, or RAGE. In conclusion, SDS and IC directly regulate intestinal and systemic immune response in murine intestinal epithelial cells and in T lymphocytes and monocytes.

Field evaluation of feeding spray-dried plasma in the starter period on final performance and overall health of broilers

The effect of feeding spray-dried plasma (SDP) during the starter period was evaluated with a commercial broiler integrator on performance and overall health of broilers. The I See Inside (ISI) methodology assessing gut health in broilers was used as a tool to evaluate the impact of dietary interventions under commercial conditions. One hundred farms with approximately 1.1 million broilers were used at a Brazilian broiler integrator. Two groups of farms were fed either a control or an SDP diet containing 1% SDP, from 0 to 10 d of age. Diets were formulated to have similar nutritional density, containing zinc bacitracin and CuSO₄ from 0 to 28 d. After 10 d, both groups were fed common commercial diets. Performance data were analyzed together or by type of ventilation system: positive pressure or negative pressure. Birds were sent to market as they reached 3.05 kg; therefore, age at slaughter (AS) was evaluated as a dependent variable along with other performance measures. From the 100 farms in the trial, 35 (16 control and 19 SDP farms) were selected for the assessment of broilers health, biosecurity, and local management. For that, 6 broilers per farm at 14 ± 2 d of age were necropsied and ileum sampled for the ISI methodology evaluation. Biosecurity and management were also evaluated to obtain the influence of those parameters on animal health. SDP-fed birds demonstrated improved feed conversion ratio, reduced mortality, and 1 d less for AS (P < 0.05) vs. control group (P < 0.05) regardless of the type of ventilation. During necropsy, birds fed SDP showed lower coccidiosis and locomotor system lesions as the overall ISI score compared to controls. Histologic intestinal alterations were also lower in SDP-fed broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding 1% SDP in the starter period to broilers resulted in improved performance and health under both good and bad management and biosecurity standards independent of the type of ventilation. Overall, there was good agreement between the ISI method and performance improvements observed.

Probiotic Bacillus Spores Together with Amino Acids and Immunoglobulins Exert Protective Effects on a Rat Model of Ulcerative Colitis

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), experimental models have proven to be important tools for evaluating potential therapeutic agents and for investigating the mechanisms of pathogenesis. Oxidative stress and the immune response have been associated with acetic acid (AA)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Our study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the ability of a spore-based probiotic and an amino acid and immunoglobulin supplement in reducing tissue damage and inflammatory responses in an experimental animal model of UC. Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups, receiving 1% carboxymethylcellulose, 4% AA, MegaSporeBiotic™ (MSB; 1 × 10⁹ colony forming units/day) and MegaMucosa™ (MM; 70 mg/100 g/day). Pretreatment with MSB or MM alone and in combination significantly lowered inflammation and reduced damage to the colonic mucosa. Pretreatment with these agents resulted in levels of proinflammatory cytokines, vascular tight junction proteins, and measures of oxidative stress similar to those reported for methylprednisolone, one of the first-line therapies for moderate to severe activity of UC. The protection was further confirmed by histologic analysis of the colon tissue. In conclusion, pretreatment with probiotic spore-forming Bacillus strains and a supplement of amino acids in combination with immunoglobulins exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in an AA-induced rat model of UC.

Dietary Supplementation with Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Attenuates Colon Inflammation in a Genetic Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) can modulate the immune response of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. SDP supplementation reduces acute mucosal inflammation, as well as chronic inflammation associated with aging. The aim of this study was to analyze if SDP supplementation could ameliorate colitis in a genetic mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Wild-type mice and Mdr1a knockout (KO) mice were administered a control diet or an SDP-supplemented diet from day 21 (weaning) until day 56. The histopathological index, epithelial barrier, and intestinal immune system were analyzed in the colonic mucosa. KO mice had higher epithelial permeability, increased Muc1 and Muc4 expression, and lower abundance of E-cadherin and Muc2 (all p < 0.001). SDP prevented these effects (all p < 0.05) and decreased the colonic inflammation observed in KO mice, reducing neutrophil and monocyte infiltration and activation and the percentage of activated T helper lymphocytes in the colonic mucosa (all p < 0.05). SDP also diminished proinflammatory cytokine expression and increased the anti-inflammatory IL-10 concentration in the colonic mucosa (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SDP enhances colon barrier function and reduces mucosal inflammation in a mouse model of IBD.

Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on the growth performance of weaned piglets-A review

Spray-dried animal plasma sourced from bovine, porcine or other animal origin is often used as a main feed ingredient in the diets of weanling piglets to improve growth performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of animal plasma in diets on the performance of piglets in the post-weaning period, with and/or without pathogenic challenge, by undertaking a meta-analysis. Data were extracted from peer-reviewed reports published in scientific journals. The average initial weight of the piglets was 5.8 kg and the average initial age 19 days (2-56 days). The average duration of feeding animal plasma was 40 days. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found to be 22-28 g/day, 20-27 g/day and -0.28 to 0.06 g/g. Generally, diet supplemented with spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP) improved the ADG of the piglets and spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) led to increases in the ADFI. For the first week post-weaning alone, as the dietary animal plasma percentage increased there was an increase in ADG and ADFI; similarly, the latter two measures increased as weaning age increased. The evidence suggests that mainly IgG present in animal plasma prevents the binding of pathogens to the gut wall and reduces the incidence of sub-clinical infection in the post-weaning stage. Animal plasma containing IgG appears to be a useful in-feed supplement for piglets in the post-weaning phase.

Diet Modulates the High Sensitivity to Systemic Infection in Newborn Preterm Pigs

Background: Preterm infants are born with an immature immune system, limited passive immunity, and are at risk of developing bacteremia and sepsis in the postnatal period. We hypothesized that enteral feeding, with or without added immunoglobulins, improves the clinical response to systemic infection by coagulase negative staphylococci.

Methods: Using preterm cesarean delivered pigs as models for preterm infants, we infused live Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE, 5 × 10⁹ colony forming units per kg) systemically 0–3 days after birth across five different experiments. SE infection responses were assessed following different gestational age at birth (preterm vs. term), enteral milk diets (bovine colostrum, infant formula with or without added porcine plasma) and with/without systemic immunoglobulins. Pigs infected with SE were assessed 12–48 h for clinical variables, blood bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, and gut dysfunction (intestinal permeability, necrotizing enterocolitis lesions).

Results: Adverse clinical responses and increased mortality were observed in preterm vs. term pigs, when infected with SE just after birth. Feeding bovine colostrum just after birth improved blood SE clearance and clinical status (improved physical activity and intestinal structure, fewer bone marrow bacteria), relative to pigs fed infant formula. A few days later, clinical responses to SE bacteremia (hematology, neutrophil phagocytic capacity, T cell subsets) were less severe, and less affected by different milk diets, with or without added immunoglobulins.

Conclusion: Prematurity increases the sensitivity of newborn pigs to SE bacteremia, potentially causing sepsis. Sensitivity to systemic SE infection decreases rapidly in the days after preterm birth. Both age and diet (parenteral nutrition, colostrum, milk, formula) may influence gut inflammation, bacterial translocation and systemic immune development in the days after birth in preterm newborns.

The Canadian 2014 porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus outbreak: Important risk factors that were not considered in the epidemiological investigation could change the conclusions

The introduction and spread of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) in North America resulted in significant death loss in the swine industry. As the industry learned how to manage this disease, many new risks were identified, including the potential for feed and feed ingredients to become contaminated and spread PEDV. In addition, biosecurity practices were reevaluated and strengthened throughout the industry. At the time of the outbreak epidemiologists did not understand, as well as they are understood today, all the risk factors that contribute to the spread of PEDV. As a result, the epidemiological investigations into the 2014 PEDV outbreak in eastern Canada may not have investigated all risk factors as thoroughly as they would be investigated today. In retrospect, many of the Bradford Hill criteria used to determine causation were not fulfilled. This review identifies risk factors that were not included in the 2014 epidemiology. If these risk factors were included in the epidemiology, the conclusions and determination of causation may have been different.

Dietary Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Prevents Cognitive Decline in Senescent Mice and Reduces Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress

BACKGROUND

Aging is characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation that correlates with cognitive decline. Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) reduces immune activation in rodent models of inflammation and aging.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether the anti-inflammatory properties of SDP could ameliorate age-related cognitive deterioration and preserve brain homeostasis in an aging mouse model of senescence.

METHODS

Male senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were used. In Experiment 1, cognitive performance (n  = 10-14 mice/group) was analyzed by the novel object recognition test in 2-mo-old mice (2M group) and in mice fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with 8% SDP for 2 (4M-CTL and 4M-SDP groups) and 4 mo (6M-CTL and 6M-SDP groups). In Experiment 2, the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and junctional proteins in brain tissue was assessed, as well as synaptic density, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory genes and proteins in mice from the 2M, 6M-CTL, and 6M-SDP groups ( n = 5-11). Statistical analyses included one-factor ANOVA followed by Fisher's posthoc test.

RESULTS

6M-SDP mice had better cognitive performance than 6M-CTL mice in both short-term (P = 0.024) and long-term (P = 0.017) memory tests. In brain tissue, 6M-SDP mice showed reduced brain capillary permeability (P = 0.034) and increased ZO1 and E-cadherin expression (both P <0.04) compared with 6M-CTL mice. SDP also prevented the NFκB activation observed in 6M-CTL mice (P = 0.002) and reduced Il6 expression and hydrogen peroxide concentration (both P <0.03) observed in 6M-CTL mice. SDP also increased the concentration of IL10 (P = 0.027), an anti-inflammatory cytokine correlated with memory preservation.

CONCLUSIONS

In senescent SAMP8 mice, dietary supplementation with SDP attenuated cognitive decline and prevented changes in brain markers of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

Impact of Spray-Dried Plasma on Intestinal Health and Broiler Performance

Spray-dried plasma (SDP) is a functional ingredient commonly utilized in swine production and calf milk replacers to improve performance, feed efficiency, and health. The improvements noted with SDP in animal production are more pronounced under commercial production conditions compared to cleaner research settings. Multiple modes of action of SDP have been proposed, including either directly influencing the immune inflammatory response locally or systemically, and/or through the indirect modification of beneficial microbial populations. Spray-dried plasma included at various dietary levels and duration of feeding in broilers has been evaluated in different production and challenging conditions with beneficial effects on broiler performance, as noted in other animals. The purpose of this review is to discuss research related to the modes of action of SDP on immunomodulation and improved intestinal health and specifically discuss research conducted utilizing SDP in feed for poultry. Collectively, the data available indicates that SDP improves early intestinal health and supports an efficient immune system response both locally at the intestine and systemically, thereby benefiting growth, feed efficiency, and survival of broilers in conventional commercial production and under challenging conditions such as disease or environmental stressors.

Impact of oral immunoglobulins on animal health-A review

Immunoglobulin (Ig) is the one of the main anti-infective components of blood, colostrum and breast milk. It is the unique glycoprotein that defends the body from harmful bacteria, viruses and other environmental pathogens by either binding to them or by forming an encapsulating barrier. The expansion of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory products from natural sources for dietary supplementation in both animals and humans is an ever growing and thriving area of research. Purified Ig from sheep serum (ovine serum Ig) is one such candidate product. Recent work has shown the various biological effects of oral Ig in different animal models including its effect on growth, immunity, intestinal growth and gut barrier function. The objective of this paper is to review the results of recent studies demonstrating the effects of oral Ig in both pathogenic and non-pathogenic animal models and to suggest a possible mechanism of its action. Overall, purified oral Ig improves growth of healthy (and challenged) rats and defends against enteric infection by immunomodulation, mucin protein and/or modification of commensal microbial composition. The findings contribute to knowledge of how orally administered ovine Ig can influence and enhance key indicators of gut function and overall growth performance in an animal model.

Microbial insight into dietary protein source affects intestinal function of pigs with intrauterine growth retardation

PURPOSE

Dietary protein, as important macronutrient, is vital for intestinal function and health status. We aimed to determine the effects of dietary protein source on growth performance and intestinal function of neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in a pig model.

METHODS

Eighteen pairs of IUGR and normal birth weight (NBW) weaned pigs were allotted to be fed starter diet containing soybean protein concentrate (SPC) or spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) for 2 weeks. Growth performance, antioxidant variables, intestinal morphology and absorption capability, microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were assessed.

RESULTS

IUGR led to poor growth performance, absorption capability and changes on antioxidant variables, while SDPP diet improved the growth performance, diarrhea index, intestinal morphology and antioxidant variables of IUGR or NBW pigs relative to that fed SPC diet. Importantly, SDPP diet improved bacterial diversity and increased the abundance of phylum Firmicutes, but decreased the phylum Proteobacteria in colonic digesta, associating with higher genera Lactobacillus and lower genera Escherichia-Shigella, linking to the increased concentration of SCFA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that IUGR impairs the growth rate, intestinal function and oxidative status of weaned pigs, which could be partly improved by SDPP diet either for IUGR or NBW pigs, associating with the better antioxidant capability, composition of microbiotas and their metabolites.

Spray-dried plasma attenuates inflammation and lethargic behaviors of pregnant mice caused by lipopolysaccharide

This study evaluated whether dietary spray-dried plasma (SDP) can ameliorate inflammation, lethargic behaviors, and impairment of reproduction caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge during late pregnancy. Two experiments were conducted with 125 mated female mice (C57BL/6 strain) in each experiment. All mice were shipped from a vendor on the gestation day (GD) 1 and arrived at the laboratory on GD 3. Mice were randomly assigned to dietary treatments with or without 8% SDP in the diet. On GD 17, mice determined pregnant by BW and abdomen shape were randomly assigned to intraperitoneal injections with or without 2 μg LPS. In experiment 1, 17 mice (26.7 ± 1.7 g BW) were identified pregnant and euthanized 6 h after the LPS challenge to measure inflammatory responses in uterus and placenta. In experiment 2, 44 mice (26.0 ± 1.6 g BW) were identified pregnant and euthanized 24 h after the LPS challenge to assess behavior and late-term pregnancy loss. Growth performance and reproductive responses, such as loss of pregnancy, percentage of fetal death, and etc., were measured in all pregnant mice. The LPS challenge increased (P < 0.05) uterine and placental tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ, late-term pregnancy loss, and lethargy score, and decreased (P < 0.05) uterine transforming growth factor-β1, moving time and number of rearing, and growth and feed intake. The SDP decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in one or both tissues, and the lethargy score, and increased (P < 0.05) moving time and number of rearing, growth of pregnant mice, and fetal weight. However, the SDP did not affect late-term pregnancy loss caused by the LPS challenge. Consequently, dietary SDP attenuated acute inflammation and lethargic behaviors of pregnant mice caused by the LPS challenge, but did not affect late-term pregnancy loss after the acute inflammation.

Dietary spray-dried plasma improves intestinal morphology of mated female mice under stress condition

Background

Stress causes inflammation that impairs intestinal barrier function. Dietary spray-dried plasma (SDP) has recognized anti-inflammatory effects and improvement of gut barrier function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary SDP on intestinal morphology of mated female mice under stress condition.

Results

Villus height, width, and area of small intestines were low on gestation day (GD) 3 or 4 under stress conditions, and higher later (Time, P < 0.05). Crypt depth of colon was low on GD 4 and higher later (Time, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the SDP treatments improved (P < 0.05) intestinal morphology, indicated by increased villus height, villus width, villus area, and ratio between villus height and crypt depth of small intestines and crypt depth of colon, and by decreased crypt depth of small intestines, compared with the control diet. The SDP treatments also increased (P < 0.05) the number of goblet cells in intestines compared with the control diet. There were no differences between different levels of SDP.

Conclusion

Dietary SDP improves intestinal morphology of mated female mice under stress condition.

Dietary Animal Plasma Proteins Improve the Intestinal Immune Response in Senescent Mice

Increased life expectancy has promoted research on healthy aging. Aging is accompanied by increased non-specific immune activation (inflammaging) which favors the appearance of several disorders. Here, we study whether dietary supplementation with spray-dried animal plasma (SDP), which has been shown to reduce the activation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in rodents challenged by S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB), and can also prevent the effects of aging on immune system homeostasis. We first characterized GALT in a mouse model of accelerated senescence (SAMP8) at different ages (compared to mice resistant to accelerated senescence; SAMR1). Second, we analyzed the SDP effects on GALT response to an SEB challenge in SAMP8 mice. In GALT characterization, aging increased the cell number and the percentage of activated Th lymphocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes and Peyer's patches (all, p < 0.05), as well as the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in intestinal mucosa (both, p < 0.05). With respect to GALT response to the SEB challenge, young mice showed increased expression of intestinal IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as lymphocyte recruitment and activation (all, p < 0.05). However, the immune response of senescent mice to the SEB challenge was weak, since SEB did not change cell recruitment or the percentage of activated Th lymphocytes. Mice supplemented with SDP showed improved capacity to respond to the SEB challenge, similar to the response of the young mice. These results indicate that senescent mice have an impaired mucosal immune response characterized by unspecific GALT activation and a weak specific immune response. SDP supplementation reduces non-specific basal immune activation, allowing for the generation of specific responses.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Spray-Dried Plasma Is Mediated by a Reduction in Mucosal Lymphocyte Activation and Infiltration in a Mouse Model of Intestinal Inflammation

Spray-dried preparations from porcine and bovine plasma can alleviate mucosal inflammation in experimental models and improve symptoms in patients with enteropathy. In rodents, dietary supplementation with porcine spray-dried plasma (SDP) attenuates intestinal inflammation and improves the epithelial barrier function during intestinal inflammation induced by Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB). The aim of this study was to discern the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of SDP. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with 8% SDP or control diet (based on milk proteins) for two weeks, from weaning until day 33. On day 32, the mice were given a SEB dose (i.p., 25 µg/mouse) or vehicle. SEB administration increased cell recruitment to mesenteric lymph nodes and the percentage of activated Th lymphocytes and SDP prevented these effects). SDP supplementation increased the expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10) or transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) compared to the SEB group. The SEB challenge increased six-fold the expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); and these effects were attenuated by SDP supplementation. SEB also augmented NF-κB phosphorylation, an effect that was prevented by dietary SDP. Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of SDP involve the regulation of transcription factors and adhesion molecules that reduce intestinal cell infiltration and the degree of the inflammatory response.

Spray dried plasma as an alternative to antibiotics in piglet feeds, mode of action and biosafety

The use of growth promoting and therapeutic antibiotics in piglet feed has been a concerning subject over the last few decades because of the risk of generating antimicrobial resistance that could be transferred to humans. As a result, many products have been proposed as potential alternatives to the use of antibiotics, and among these, spray dried plasma is considered one of the most promising. However, there have been concerns about its biosafety, particularly during periods of emergence or re-emergence of swine diseases in different regions of the world, such as the recent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus outbreak in North America. The objectives of this paper are to review recent publications about the use of spray dried plasma as an alternative to antibiotics in weaned pig diets, the possible mechanisms of action of spray dried plasma, and the existing evidence related to the biosafety of spray dried animal plasma. Particular attention is given to studies in which spray dried plasma has been directly compared to antibiotics or other alternative antimicrobial products. Several studies on the possible modes of action for spray dried plasma, such as preservation of gut barrier function or modulation of the immune response, are also reviewed. Finally, the paper focuses on the review of the existing studies on the risks of disease transmission with the use of spray dried plasma from porcine origin. Overall, spray dried plasma is a promising alternative to in-feed antimicrobials for piglets, particularly during the early stages of the post-weaning phase. Additionally, there is enough evidence to support that commercial spray dried porcine plasma is a safe product for pigs.

Oral Serum-Derived Bovine Immunoglobulin/Protein Isolate Has Immunomodulatory Effects on the Colon of Mice that Spontaneously Develop Colitis

Dietary immunoglobulin concentrates prepared from animal plasma can modulate the immune response of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Previous studies have revealed that supplementation with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI) ameliorates colonic barrier alterations in the mdr1a-/- genetic mouse model of IBD. Here, we examine the effects of SBI on mucosal inflammation in mdr1a-/- mice that spontaneously develop colitis. Wild type (WT) mice and mice lacking the mdr1a gene (KO) were fed diets supplemented with either SBI (2% w/w) or milk proteins (Control diet), from day 21 (weaning) until day 56. Leucocytes in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and in lamina propria were determined, as was mucosal cytokine production. Neutrophil recruitment and activation in MLN and lamina propria of KO mice were increased, but were significantly reduced in both by SBI supplementation (p < 0.05). The increased neutrophil recruitment and activation observed in KO mice correlated with increased colon oxidative stress (p < 0.05) and SBI supplementation reduced this variable (p < 0.05). The Tact/Treg lymphocyte ratios in MLN and lamina propria were also increased in KO animals, but SBI prevented these changes (both p < 0.05). In the colon of KO mice, there was an increased production of mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2 (2-fold), IL-6 (26-fold) and IL-17 (19-fold), and of chemokines MIP-1β (4.5-fold) and MCP-1 (7.2-fold). These effects were significantly prevented by SBI (p < 0.05). SBI also significantly increased TGF-β secretion in the colon mucosa, suggesting a role of this anti-inflammatory cytokine in the modulation of GALT and the reduction of the severity of the inflammatory response during the onset of colitis.

Nutritional Impact of Dietary Plasma Proteins in Animals Undergoing Experimental Challenge and Implications for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disorders: A Meta-analysis

Studies administering plasma protein isolates (PPIs) to experimentally challenged animals have reported improvements in growth, food intake, and overall condition when compared with animals fed control diets, due in part to improvements in gut barrier function, normalization of cytokine signals, and support of enteric immune function. These and early clinical studies suggest that nutritional therapy with PPIs may similarly assist in restoring homeostasis to gut barrier function in humans experiencing mild or more acute enteropathic symptomatology such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. This meta-analysis evaluated the ability of PPIs to promote weight gain and food intake in weanling animals, primarily piglets, after oral challenge with various enteric pathogens or bacterial toxins. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched from 1980 through August 2012 for specified terms and keywords. Twenty-nine articles retrieved through this process were evaluated; 11 studies including 13 experiments were selected for inclusion in the analysis. The meta-analysis included descriptive analyses and methods for combining P values for the primary endpoint, average daily growth (ADG) at week 1, and secondary endpoints including ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) at weeks 1 and 2 and at the end of study. Primary and secondary endpoint analyses of growth (ADG, ADFI, and G:F) were significant (P < 0.01). The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly lower in animals fed dietary PPIs. Additional research in patients experiencing symptoms of enteropathy will further characterize the benefits of PPIs in clinical populations.

Dietary intervention with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulins protects barrier function in a mouse model of colitis

Dietary supplementation with immunoglobulins from animal plasma has anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal and lung models of acute inflammation. Here, we aimed to establish whether dietary intervention with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (SBI) can prevent alterations in intestinal barrier function in a mouse model with a genetic predisposition to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking the mdr1a gene (KO) were fed diets supplemented with either SBI (2% wt/wt) or milk proteins (control diet), from day 21 (weaning) until day 56. The epithelial permeability of distal colon crypts was measured by confocal microscopy using a fluorescent marker. The expression of junctional epithelial E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins were determined by Western blot and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) by immunofluorescence. Mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC4), TFF3, cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ), and inducible nitric oxide synthase RNA expression were quantified by real-time PCR. SBI blocked the increase in colon crypt permeability and partially prevented the reduction in E-cadherin and ZO-1 expression that characterize the KO mouse model (both P < 0.05). SBI inclusion also reduced the mucosal expression of the inflammatory markers TNF-α, IFN-γ, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (all P < 0.005). The number of goblet cells in the colon of KO mice was low and correlated well with MUC2 and TFF3 expression (P < 0.001), whereas dietary supplementation with SBI attenuated these effects (all P < 0.05). In short, dietary SBI ameliorated colonic barrier alterations and reduced the expression of mucosal inflammatory markers in a genetic model of IBD.

Survival and digestibility of orally-administered immunoglobulin preparations containing IgG through the gastrointestinal tract in humans

Oral immunoglobulin (Ig) preparations are prime examples of medicinal nutrition from natural sources. Plasma products containing Ig have been used for decades in animal feed for intestinal disorders to mitigate the damaging effects of early weaning. These preparations reduce overall mortality and increase feed utilization in various animal species leading to improved growth. Oral administration of Ig preparations from human serum as well as bovine colostrum and serum have been tested and proven to be safe as well as effective in human clinical trials for a variety of enteric microbial infections and other conditions which cause diarrhea. In infants, children, and adults, the amount of intact IgG recovered in stool ranges from trace amounts up to 25% of the original amount ingested. It is generally understood that IgG can only bind to antigens within the GI tract if the Fab structure is intact and has not been completely denatured through acidic pH or digestive proteolytic enzymes. This is a comprehensive review of human studies regarding the survivability of orally-administered Ig preparations, with a focus on IgG. This review also highlights various biochemical studies on IgG which potentially explain which structural elements are responsible for increased stability against digestion.

Dietary requirement for serum-derived bovine immunoglobulins in the clinical management of patients with enteropathy

A variety of human disease conditions are associated with chronic intestinal disorders or enteropathies that are characterized by intestinal inflammation, increased gut permeability, and reduced capacity to absorb nutrients. Such disruptions in the homeostasis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can lead to symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, abnormal bowel function, and malabsorption of nutrients. While significant advances have been made in understanding the factors that influence the complex and fragile balance between the gut microbiota, intestinal epithelial cell integrity, and the underlying immune system, effective therapies for restoring intestinal balance during enteropathy are still not available. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of oral immunoglobulins to improve weight gain, support gut barrier function, and reduce the severity of enteropathy in animals. More recently, studies in humans provide evidence that serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate is safe and improves nutritional status and GI symptoms in patients with enteropathy associated with irritable bowel syndrome or infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. This review summarizes studies showing the impact of enteropathy on nutritional status and how specially formulated bovine immunoglobulins may help restore intestinal homeostasis and nutritional status in patients with specific enteropathies. Such protein preparations may provide distinct nutritional support required for the dietary management of patients who, because of therapeutic or chronic medical needs, have limited or impaired capacity to digest, absorb, or metabolize ordinary foodstuffs or certain nutrients, or other special medically determined nutrient requirements that cannot be satisfied by changes to the normal diet alone.

Bovine immunoglobulin protein isolates for the nutritional management of enteropathy

The gastrointestinal tract is responsible for a multitude of digestive and immune functions which depend upon the balanced interaction of the intestinal microbiota, diet, gut barrier function, and mucosal immune response. Disruptions in one or more of these factors can lead to intestinal disorders or enteropathies which are characterized by intestinal inflammation, increased gut permeability, and reduced capacity to absorb nutrients. Enteropathy is frequently associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune enteropathy, radiation enteritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where pathologic changes in the intestinal tract lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating, abnormal bowel function (e.g., diarrhea, urgency, constipation and malabsorption). Unfortunately, effective therapies for the management of enteropathy and restoring intestinal health are still not available. An accumulating body of preclinical studies has demonstrated that oral administration of plasma- or serum-derived protein concentrates containing high levels of immunoglobulins can improve weight, normalize gut barrier function, and reduce the severity of enteropathy in animal models. Recent studies in humans, using serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate, demonstrate that such protein preparations are safe and improve symptoms, nutritional status, and various biomarkers associated with enteropathy. Benefits have been shown in patients with HIV infection or diarrhea-predominant IBS. This review summarizes preclinical and clinical studies with plasma/serum protein concentrates and describes the effects on host nutrition, intestinal function, and markers of intestinal inflammation. It supports the concept that immunoglobulin-containing protein preparations may offer a new strategy for restoring functional homeostasis in the intestinal tract of patients with enteropathy.

Vasopressin regulation of epithelial colonic proliferation and permeability is mediated by pericryptal platelet-derived growth factor A

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has trophic effects on the rat distal colon, increasing the growth of pericryptal myofibroblasts and reducing the colonic crypt wall permeability. This study aimed to reproduce in vitro the effects of AVP observed in vivo using cultures of human CCD-18Co myofibroblasts and T84 colonic epithelial cells. Proliferation of myofibroblasts was quantified by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation; the expression of platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGFA), platelet-derived growth factor B, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-β and vascular endothelial growth factor was measured by PCR and the expression of epithelial junction proteins by Western blot. Arginine vasopressin stimulated myofibroblast proliferation and the expression of PDGFA without affecting the expression of platelet-derived growth factor B, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-β or vascular endothelial growth factor. These effects were prevented when AVP receptor inhibitors were present in the medium. Pre-incubation of CCD-18Co cells with anti-PDGF antibody or with an inhibitor of the PDGF receptor abolished the effects of AVP. When colonocytes were incubated with medium obtained from myofibroblasts incubated with AVP, both cell proliferation and the expression of epithelial junction proteins increased; however, direct incubation of colonocytes with AVP did not modify these variables. These results demonstrate that AVP stimulates myofibroblast proliferation and induces PDGFA secretion, implying that PDGFA mediates local myofibroblast proliferation by an autocrine feedback loop and regulates epithelial proliferation and permeability by a paracrine mechanism.

Efficacy of dietary spray dried plasma protein to mitigate the negative effects on performance of pigs fed diets with corn naturally contaminated with multiple mycotoxins

The ability of spray dried plasma protein (SDPP) to reduce the negative effects of multiple mycotoxins from naturally contaminated corn on weaned pig performance and health was investigated (n = 180; 6.84 ± 0.11 kg). For 12 d after weaning, pigs were fed phase 1 nursery diets with either 0% SDPP (PP0) or 6% SDPP (PP6). After 12 d, pigs were fed phase 2 diets for 3 wk. Pigs fed PP0 in phase 1 continued to be fed a phase 2 diet with no SDPP (PP0/PP0) or were fed a diet including corn naturally contaminated with multiple mycotoxins (M), labeled PP0/PP0M. Pigs fed SDPP in phase 1 were fed either a diet with no SDPP (PP6/PP0), a diet with M and no SDPP (PP6/PP0M), a diet with M and 3% SDPP (PP6/PP3M), or a diet with M and 6% SDPP (PP6/PP6M). During phase 1, pigs fed PP6 had increased (P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, and G:F, whereas immunological parameters were not altered. During phase 2, pigs consuming PP0/PP0M had reduced ADG (P < 0.01) and ADFI (P < 0.05) in contrast to pigs fed PP0/PP0, whereas the performance of pigs fed PP6/PP0M was intermediate to pigs fed PP0/PP0M and PP6/PP0. The ADG and ADFI did not differ for pigs fed PP0/PP0M and PP6/PP0M during phase 2. Performance of pigs fed PP6/PP3M in contrast to pigs fed PP6/PP0M during phase 2 did not differ; however, these pigs had lower (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor α and tended (P = 0.094) to have lower DNA damage. During phase 2, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed PP6/PP6M did not differ from pigs fed PP6/PP0M, but G:F tended (P = 0.067) to be increased in pigs fed PP6/PP6M. Over the entire study period, pigs fed PP0/PP0M had reduced (P < 0.05) ADG and tended (P = 0.067) to have reduced ADFI. During this time, pigs fed PP6/PP0M tended to have greater ADG and ADFI (P = 0.093 and P = 0.067, respectively) compared with pigs fed PP0/PP0M. Overall, feeding a diet with SDPP improved growth performance and feed intake of young pigs directly after weaning. Feeding multiple M had a negative impact on growth performance of pigs during this trial. This response was more significant when pigs were not fed SDPP in phase 1. Overall, when combining phase 1 and 2 performance data, daily gain and feed intake tended to be reduced when pigs were not fed 6% SDPP in phase 1. This study indicates that the composition of diets fed immediately after weaning may be important for pigs that subsequently are under a M challenge.

Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate: postulated mechanism of action for management of enteropathy

The health and performance of the gastrointestinal tract is influenced by the interaction of a variety of factors, including diet, nutritional status, genetics, environment, stress, the intestinal microbiota, immune status, and gut barrier. Disruptions in one or more of these factors can lead to enteropathy or intestinal disorders that are known to occur in concert with certain disease states or conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Nutritional support in the form of a medical food along with current therapies could help manage the adverse effects of enteropathy, which include effects on nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism, as well as utilization of nutrients from foodstuffs. Numerous studies have demonstrated that oral administration of plasma- or serum-derived protein concentrates containing high levels of immunoglobulins can improve weight management, normalize gut barrier function, and reduce the severity of enteropathy in animals. Recent trials in humans provide preliminary evidence that a serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate is safe and improves symptoms, nutritional status, and various biomarkers associated with enteropathy in patients with HIV infection or diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. This review summarizes data from preclinical and clinical studies with immunoglobulin-containing plasma/serum protein concentrates, with a focus on the postulated mode of action of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate for patients with enteropathy.

Evaluation of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin protein isolate in subjects with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

There is increased interest in combining nutritional modalities with pharmacological therapies for managing patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).

AIM

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the impact of oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate (SBI) on gastrointestinal symptom scores and quality of life (QoL) in subjects with IBS-D.

METHODS

Study subjects previously diagnosed with IBS-D according to ROME II criteria were recruited from London, Ontario, Canada and assigned to receive 5 g/day SBI, 10 g/day SBI, or placebo for 6 weeks. Daily symptom frequency and severity scores and a modified IBS-36 questionnaire assessed the impact of nutritional intervention. Laboratory assessments were performed at screening and end of treatment (EOT) to evaluate safety. Within-group comparisons of changes in number of days per week with symptoms and symptom severity were conducted on the per-protocol population of subjects using a t-test.

RESULTS

Subjects who received SBI at 10 g/day (N = 15) had statistically significant within-group reductions in abdominal pain (p < 0.01), loose stools (p < 0.01), bloating (p < 0.05), flatulence (p < 0.01), urgency (p < 0.05) and any symptom (p < 0.01) at EOT vs. baseline. Subjects receiving 5 g/day of SBI (N = 15) realized statistically significant within-group reductions in days with flatulence (p < 0.035), incomplete evacuation (p < 0.05), and any symptom (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in QoL scores or in hematology or clinical chemistry among treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study showed that nutritional therapy with either 10 g/day or 5 g/day of SBI in 30 patients was well tolerated and resulted in statistically significant within group improvements in both symptom days and in daily symptom scores in subjects with IBS-D. Additional studies are underway with larger numbers of subjects to validate these findings.

Oral serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin improves duodenal immune reconstitution and absorption function in patients with HIV enteropathy

OBJECTIVES

To examine the impact of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin, an oral medical food known to neutralize bacterial antigen and reduce intestinal inflammation, on restoration of mucosal immunity and gastrointestinal function in individuals with HIV enteropathy.

DESIGN

Open-label trial with intensive 8-week phase of bovine serum immunoglobulin (SBI) 2.5 g twice daily with a 4-week washout period and an optional 9-month extension study.

METHODS

HIV enteropathy was defined as chronic gastrointestinal symptoms including frequent loose or watery stools despite no identifiable, reversible cause. Upper endoscopy for tissue immunofluorescent antibody assay and disaccharide gut permeability/absorption studies were performed before and after 8 weeks of SBI to test mucosal immunity and gastrointestinal function. Blood was collected for markers of microbial translocation, inflammation, and collagen kinetics. A validated gastrointestinal questionnaire assessed changes in symptoms.

RESULTS

All eight participants experienced profound improvement in symptoms with reduced bowel movements/day (P = 0.008) and improvements in stool consistency (P = 0.008). Gut permeability was normal before and after the intervention, but D-xylose absorption increased in seven of eight participants. Mucosal CD4 lymphocyte densities increased by a median of 139.5 cells/mm2 from 213 to 322 cells/mm2 (P = 0.016). Intestinal-fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), a marker of enterocyte damage, initially rose in seven of eight participants after 8 weeks (P = 0.039), and then fell below baseline in four of five who continued receiving SBI (P = 0.12). Baseline serum I-FABP levels were negatively correlated with subsequent rise in mucosal CD4 lymphocyte densities (r = -0.74, P = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

SBI significantly increases intestinal mucosal CD4 lymphocyte counts, improves duodenal function, and showed evidence of promoting intestinal repair in the setting of HIV enteropathy.

Aldosterone induces myofibroblast EGF secretion to regulate epithelial colonic permeability

In vivo studies show that raised aldosterone (Aldo) during low-Na adaptation regulates the growth of pericryptal myofibroblasts and reduces the permeability of the colonic epithelium. The aim of this study was to reproduce in vitro the in vivo condition of increased Aldo using human CCD-18Co myofibroblasts and T84 colonic epithelial cells to measure myofibroblast and epithelial proliferation and the expression of intercellular junction proteins. Proliferation was quantified by measuring 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation. The myofibroblast expression of EGF, VEGFa, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was measured by real-time PCR and the expression of junctional complex proteins by Western blot. Aldo stimulated the proliferation of myofibroblasts by 70% ( P < 0.05) and increased EGF mRNA expression by 30% ( P < 0.05) without affecting VEGFa and TGF-β1. EGF concentration in the incubation medium increased by 30% ( P < 0.05) 24 h after Aldo addition, and these effects were prevented by the addition of spironolactone. Myofibroblast proliferation in response to Aldo was mediated by EGF receptor (EGFR) and involved both MAPKK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways. When T84 cells were incubated with medium from myofibroblasts stimulated with Aldo (conditioned medium), the expression of β-catenin and claudin IV was increased by 30% ( P < 0.05) and proliferation by 40% ( P < 0.05). T84 proliferation decreased when α-EGF, or the EGFR antagonist AG1478, was present. Results in vivo indicate that rats fed a low-salt diet showed an increased expression of EGF and EGFR in the colonic mucosa. These results support the view that changes in colonic permeability during low-Na adaptation are mediated by the EGF secreted by myofibroblasts in response to raised Aldo.

Intact but not denatured ovine serum immunoglobulins positively modulate mucosal immune mediators in the growing rat challenged with Salmonella enteritidis

Immunoglobulins are major glycoproteins that modulate the immune response of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. In the present study, we sought to determine whether orally administered ovine serum immunoglobulins modulate selected indices of mucosal immune function and immune mediators in the growing rat challenged with Salmonella enteritidis. Rats were fed a casein-based basal control diet (BD; unchallenged). Three groups of rats were challenged orally with 1 × 107 viable S. enteritidis on day 15 of the study and were fed the BD, the BD containing freeze-dried ovine immunoglobulins (FDOI), or the BD containing autoclaved ovine immunoglobulins (AOI; negative control diet). The rats were randomly allocated to one of the four groups (n 15) and consumed their diet for 18 d. In all of the intestinal segments, the challenged rats fed either the BD or AOI diet produced higher (P< 0·05) mucosal levels of interferon-γ, TNFα, IgA and myeloperoxidase activity than the challenged rats fed the FDOI diet. In contrast, IL-4 and IL-10 levels were higher in the challenged FDOI-fed rats compared with the other challenged groups. The challenged FDOI-fed rats had higher (P< 0·05) mucosal anti-Salmonella IgA and IgG in all of the intestinal segments except the jejunum and ileum. Generally, the challenged rats receiving the FDOI diet had significantly (P< 0·05) higher mucosal mucin protein content compared with challenged rats receiving either the BD or AOI diet. In conclusion, an ovine immunoglobulin fraction positively modulated some selected indices of mucosal immune function and its mediators in growing rats challenged with S. enteritidis.

Spray-dried porcine plasma and yeast derived protein meal influence the adaption to weaning of primiparous and multiparous sow progeny in different ways

Pigs from 154 litters (n = 1132, 19 ± 3 days of age, 4.9 ± 1.1 kg of bodyweight) were used in a 3 × 2 factorial design to evaluate two raw materials with nutraceutical properties being used in feeds, spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) and a yeast protein meal, and their effects on growth performance, immune parameters and gastrointestinal adaption of piglets to weaning. Factors included dietary treatments being (1) 5% SDPP (PLA), (2) 3.5% yeast protein meal (NUP) and (3) medicated control (TMC) and parity (primiparous versus multiparous). The treatment groups were imposed from Day 19 through to weaning at Day 27. Selected pigs (n = 720, 28 ± 3 days of age, 7.4 ± 1.0 kg of bodyweight) were weaned and remained on their respective diets from Day 28 to Day 34. From Day 35 to Day 48 all group-housed pigs were offered a commercial weaner 1 diet, and from Day 49 to Day 68 pigs were offered a commercial weaner 2 diet. Growth performance, survival, and serum immunoglobulin G were monitored throughout the nursery phase (Day 28 to Day 68). Adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute post-weaning phase (Day 28 to Day 34) was assessed in 36 individually housed male weaners, with the effects of feed on structural, digestive, microbial and immune parameters along the gastrointestinal tract determined at Day 34. Pre-weaning feed disappearance was greater (P < 0.01) in multiparous litters independent of diet. In the commercial nursery, total removals (mortality and morbidity) were highest (P < 0.01) in primiparous sow progeny, with pigs offered NUP having greater (P ≤ 0.05) total removals. Pigs offered PLA had superior average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio from Day 28 to Day 34 (P < 0.05). Pigs offered NUP tended to (P = 0.07) have superior average daily gain from Day 35 to Day 49. Pigs offered NUP had higher (P < 0.05) serum immunoglobulin G concentrations at Day 68 compared with pigs offered TMC, with the effect most pronounced in primiparous sow progeny. Individually housed weaners offered PLA consumed more (P < 0.05) feed on Day 30 to Day 31, had shorter relative intestine length (P < 0.05), greater villous height in the medial jejunum (P < 0.10) and lower immuno-pathology scores along the intestine. Pigs offered PLA also tended (P < 0.10) to have increased pancreatic-specific lipase and amylase activity compared with pigs offered NUP. Pigs offered NUP had a higher ratio of E. coli : coliforms in the colon (P < 0.01) and more counts of β-haemolytic bacteria in the medial jejunum (P < 0.05) and colon (P < 0.10). Diets containing either SDPP or NUP offered pigs benefits beyond nutrition relative to the medicated control diet. The benefits of SDPP were highly effective but transient, while the yeast derived protein had a successive or accumulative effect which was more pronounced in primiparous sow progeny.

Dietary plasma proteins modulate the adaptive immune response in mice with acute lung inflammation

We examined the effects of oral plasma protein supplements on the pulmonary adaptive immune response in mice challenged with intranasal LPS. C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet or a diet supplemented with plasma proteins [spray-dried plasma (SDP) 80 g/kg] or with an Ig concentrate [(IC) 20 g/kg] from postnatal d 19 (weaning) until d 34. Mice were challenged with PBS or LPS from Escherichia coli at d 33 and killed 24 h later for leukocyte analyses or at d 34 and killed 6 h later for cytokine determination. LPS induced the activation of T helper (Th) lymphocytes in lung and blood and this response was reduced by SDP and IC (P < 0.05). In both tissues, LPS increased the Th1 and Th2 subpopulations and this effect was inhibited by the two plasma protein supplements (P < 0.05). The LPS challenge increased the expression of all the cytokines studied (P < 0.01). SDP and IC reduced the expression of IFNγ, IL-5, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-13, and IL-17 in both tissues, whereas they increased the percentage of regulatory Th lymphocytes in lung, even in PBS-treated mice (P < 0.05). LPS reduced the concentration of mature TGFβ1 (P < 0.05) in the lung but did not modify the expression of IL-10. Mice exposed to LPS and supplemented with SDP or IC showed an increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the two supplements increased the concentration of IL-10 in intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). Our results show that plasma supplementation reduces the immune response that characterizes the acute lung inflammation syndrome.

Supplementation of xanthophylls decreased proinflammatory and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines in hens and chicks

The present study investigated the effects of xanthophylls (containing 40 % of lutein and 60 % of zeaxanthin) on proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (LITAF)) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4 and IL-10) expression of breeding hens and chicks. In Expt 1, a total of 432 hens were fed diets supplemented with 0 (as the control group), 20 or 40 mg/kg xanthophylls (six replicates per treatment). The liver, duodenum, jejunum and ileum were sampled at 35 d of the trial. The results showed that both levels of xanthophyll addition decreased IL-1β mRNA in the liver and jejunum, IL-6 mRNA in the liver, IFN-γ mRNA in the jejunum and LITAF mRNA in the liver compared to the control group. Expt 2 was a 2 × 2 factorial design. Male chicks hatched from 0 or 40 mg/kg xanthophyll diet of hens were fed a diet containing either 0 or 40 mg/kg xanthophylls. The liver, duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected at 0, 7, 14 and 21 d after hatching. The results showed that in ovo xanthophylls decreased proinflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and LITAF) in the liver, duodenum, jejunum and ileum and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-4 and IL-10) in the liver, jejunum and ileum mainly at 0-7 d after hatching. In ovo effects gradually vanished and dietary effects began to work during 1-2 weeks after hatching. Dietary xanthophylls modulated proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ) in the liver, duodenum, jejunum and ileum and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the liver and jejunum mainly from 2 weeks onwards. In conclusion, xanthophylls could regulate proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in different tissues of hens and chicks.