Sylwia Szymańczyk

Exogenous pancreatic-like enzymes are recovered in the gut and improve growth of exocrine pancreatic insufficient pigs

The exocrine pancreatic insufficient (EPI) pigs grow less due to different disturbances in feed digestion, absorption, and retention. Use of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin in pigs may improve feed use and performance in slow-growing pigs. The aim was to study gut recovery and effectiveness of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin supplementation on pig performance. Six male pigs 10 to 12 kg BW underwent pancreatic duct ligation surgery to induce total exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Three cannulas to access the gastrointestinal tract content were installed in stomach, duodenum, and ileum in EPI pigs and in 3 control (healthy) pigs. One month after surgery, enzymes were given before feeding and digesta samples were collected for analyses. The BW of EPI pigs did not increase during 1 mo following surgery (11.7 vs. 11.6 kg BW); however, BW increased after 1 wk of enzyme supplementation (12.1 kg BW). Coefficient of fat and N absorption increased (P < 0.05) in EPI pigs after enzyme supplementation. Activity of amylase, lipase, and protease in chyme samples of EPI pigs was very low compared to controls. In EPI pigs after enzyme supplementation, amylase activity increased from 5.32 to 72.9 units/mL but remained lower than that of healthy pigs (162.7 units/mL). Lipase activity increased from 79.1 to 421.6 units/mL, which was similar to that of controls (507.3 units/mL). Proteolytic activity increased from 7.8 to 69.7 units/mL but still did not reach control pigs (164.3 units/mL). In conclusion, exogenous microbial enzymes mimic endogenous pancreatic enzymes being recovered along the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. These enzymes might be a useful tool to stimulate growth of slower-growing pigs after the weaning period.

Alterations of liver histomorphology in relation to copper supplementation in inorganic and organic form in growing rats

Abstract The aim of this study was to define the effects of diet containing the same mineral content of mineral salt or amino acid chelate, and diet containing various levels of Cu amino acid chelate on liver histomorphometry in growing rats. Male Wistar rats were used in the 12th week experiment. The control group (n = 12) was fed standard diet, which provided Cu in an inorganic form at the level required for rats. The experimental animals were divided into four groups (each n = 12) depending on different levels (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% covered daily demand) of Cu supplementation in chelated form. Cu content was determined in the liver tissue and blood plasma. Immunohistochemical staining with caspase-3 antibody was performed. Microscopic assessment of the liver structure indicated that Cu supplementation did not change the liver architecture. However, histomorphometric analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of nuclei, total cell number, and multinucleated hepatocytes in rats supplemented with the organic form of Cu at the level of 25% compared with the control group. There was a considerable increase in the number of apoptotic cells and ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, especially in groups supplemented with organic form of Cu covering the daily demand in 100% and 75%, in comparison to control group. Moreover, there was no Cu deposition in the liver and changes in Cu content in blood. Cu provided in the diet in organic form covering an amount of its minimum daily demand in 25% appears to be the least harmful with regard to the liver. It indicates that there is a need to establish the level of diet supplementation with Cu amino acid chelates.

Immunolocalization of NOS, VIP, galanin and SP in the small intestine of suckling pigs treated with red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lectin.

Lectins belong to a family of glycoproteins that can act both beneficially and detrimentally on the morphology of the small intestine. The aim of the study was to determine whether experimental treatment with red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lectin influences the chemical code of the small intestine nervous system of suckling pigs. The immunolocalization sites of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), substance P (SP) and galanin were determined in control and lectin-treated animals. In all segments of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), the subpopulations of VIP-, NOS-, SP- and galanin-immunoreactive (IR) myenteric neurons were unchanged. After lectin stimulation, increased proportions of NOS-IR and decreased numbers of VIP-IR submucous neurons/mucosa innervating nerve fibers were observed in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. In lectin-treated animals down-regulation of submucous neurons expressing SP and up-regulation of galanin-IR submucous neurons were seen in the duodenum and jejunum (but not in the ileum). The distribution patterns of NOS-IR, galanin-IR and SP-IR nerve fibers supplying the duodenum, jejunum and ileum of the lectin-treated animals showed no substantial differences in relation to control piglets. We conclude that exposure to red kidney bean (P. vulgaris) lectin substantially changes the chemical content of VIP, NOS, SP and galanin in submucous neurons of the small intestine. These results are in line with previous findings outlining the key role(s) of these substances in enteric neuroplasticity processes and may constitute the basis for further functional studies on maturation of the gut.

Pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin restore growth and normalize lipid absorption in a pig model with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Introduction The standard therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). In the present study we tested a new approach with a mixture of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin (PLEM) in a 1-week efficacy study in EPI pigs. In addition to the conventionally used coefficient of fat and nitrogen absorption (CFA and CNA), parameters that more accurately reflect the nutritional and health status, such as changes in the lipemic index (LI), plasma triglyceride (TG) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels, and somatic growth, were determined. Material and methods A PLEM dose containing 120 000 active lipase units, 80 000 active protease units and 12 000 active amylase units (all from Sigma, St. Louis, MO) was given as a powder, twice daily with a meal (40 g fat/meal) to 8 EPI pigs for 7 days. Ten healthy pigs were used as a comparator. Results The PLEM enhanced fat and protein digestion, and reversed growth impairment in EPI pigs. With treatment, CFA and CNA increased by 59% and 43% (p < 0.05), respectively. Although fat and protein absorption were lower than in the comparator, the postprandial blood lipid profile was normal as in healthy pigs. The mucosal thickness significantly increased by 27%, 50% and 26%, in the proximal, middle, and distal jejunum (p < 0.05) with treatment and resembled that of healthy animals. Conclusions Pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin supported somatic growth and normalized the postprandial lipid profile. As a measure of efficacy, postprandial LI, TG and NEFA are viable endpoints to be explored in human trials.

Gut-bone axis response to dietary replacement of soybean meal with raw low-tannin faba bean seeds in broiler chickens

It seems that faba bean (FB) seeds could be a good protein-energy component in animal feed, but the presence of anti-nutritional substances limits their use as a substitute of soybean meal. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of different concentrations of raw, low-tannin, FB seeds on the gut-bone axis in Ross 308 broilers. One-day old chickens were randomly subjected to one of the 3 dietary treatments: the control group was fed standard diet based on soybean meal and without FB seeds, and two groups were fed 8%/15% and 16%/22% of raw low-tannin FB seeds in the starter and grower, respectively. On the 35th day, hematological and serum biochemical analyses as well histomorphometry of the small intestine and liver tissue and bone mechanical tests were performed. The diet type had no effect on the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. However, the basal intestinal structures were significantly reduced in birds fed the lower concentration of FB. The enlargement of nerve plexuses was dependent on the concentration used in the diet and, additionally, on the kind of plexus and location in the intestinal tract. The liver was characterized by an increase in non-hepatocytes. There was no influence of the low-tannin FB seeds on most of the analyzed serum parameters in the 35-day-old broiler chickens, except the decreased concentration of total cholesterol and Ca in both experimental groups, triglycerides in group I, and P and uric acid in group II. Furthermore, the increasing concentration of the dietary low-tannin FB did not influence the activities of AspAT (except the group fed the higher amount of FB), ALAT, and LDH. The broiler chickens had no visible leg lesions and no problem in the locomotor function, but the tibiae were lighter mainly in birds fed the higher concentration of FB seeds. Geometric analysis revealed reduction of the cross section area and wall thickness, indicating a decline in the bone midshaft, which influenced the densitometric parameters and the results of mechanical tests. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seeds had no negative effects on broiler growth, but disturbed the intestine structure and tibia characteristics. Therefore, all these negative effects necessitate additional examinations before inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seed into poultry diet.

The influence of dietary replacement of soybean meal with high-tannin faba beans on gut-bone axis and metabolic response in broiler chickens

Abstract Faba bean (FB) seeds can be a good protein-energy component in animal feed. However, the presence of anti-nutritional substances is a negative feature of FB seeds. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different levels of unprocessed FB seeds in feed on the gut-bone axis and metabolic profile in broilers. Ninety six, 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly selected to one of the 3 dietary treatments (32 chickens in each, divided into 8 pens with 4 birds per each pen): the control group fed standard diet with soybean meal and without FB seeds, group I fed 8/15% (starter/grower) of high-tannin FB seeds, and group II fed 16/22% of high-tannin FB seeds. Bone mechanical examination, hematological and serum biochemical analysis as well histomorphometry of small intestine and liver tissue were performed. The intake of high-tannin FB seeds, irrespective of their amount, did not alter the bone geometric, mechanical and densitometric parameters nor influenced basal hematological parameters, however it resulted in: decreased serum concentration of total cholesterol and calcium; a reduced longitudinal myenteron of small intestine; increased mucosa and villus epithelium thickness, villus length, thickness and absorptive surface in duodenum; increased number of active crypts in jejunum; unchanged collagen area, intercellular space, and total cell number in the liver; decreased number of multinuclear hepatocyte cells. Moreover, the livers of birds fed the higher dose of high-tannin FB seeds had lymphocytic infiltrates in portal tracts and sinusoids. Feeding of unprocessed high-tannin FB seeds exerted an influence on the gastrointestinal tract by increased absorptive surface. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of unprocessed high-tannin FB seeds had no negative effects on broiler growth, tibial bone mechanical properties and intestinal characteristics. Unprocessed high-tannin FB seeds may be used in broiler diets, but their dietary levels should not be higher than those discussed.

Chloramphenicol-Induced Alterations in the Liver and Small Intestine Epithelium in Pigs

Abstract An effect of the exposure to chloramphenicol (CAP) at doses used therapeutically was studied in pigs at the age of slaughter. Pigs were treated with CAP intramuscularly (20 mg/kg b.w. two times every 24 hours). Histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical analyses of small intestine and liver were done. CAP increased the thickness of myenteron and submucosa, and the length of villi; decreased the depth of crypts in the duodenum and jejunum. CAP influenced the Auerbach plexus. A decrease in cell proliferation, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells and T lymphocytes in the CAP-treated pigs were observed. CAP induces hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity and disturbed intestinal epithelium. It can be concluded that short exposure of pigs to CAP at doses used therapeutically results in disturbed digestion and absorption process in the intestine.

Effect of sodium butyrate and Yucca schidigera extract on bone characteristics in growing pigs

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of diet supplementation with sodium butyrate and Yucca schidigera extract (0.2% and 0.3%) on femur quality of growing pigs (n = 45). Material and Methods: At the age of 28, 35 and 56 d, five piglets from each group fed a different diet were euthanised and the femora were collected for further analyses. The bone characteristics were assessed based on weight, length, densitometric analysis of BMC and BMD, pQCT analysis (area, mineral content, volumetric density of trabecular and cortical part of metaphysis and diaphysis, respectively), ultimate strength, and geometrical parameters (cross-sectional area and second moment of inertia). Results: There were no significant differences in femur bone parameters among experimental groups on the 28th d of life. On the 35th d of life, piglets with 0.2% supplementation of sodium butyrate and Yucca schidigera extract had significantly lower values of weight and second moment of inertia, and significantly higher trabecular BMD and BMC compared to other experimental groups. In 56-day-old pigs, the higher values were observed in both experimental groups regarding BMC, ultimate strength, geometrical parameters, cortical BMC, diaphyseal total area, and endosteal circumference (P < 0.05). Significant differences between experimental groups were observed only in bone weight and cortical thickness. Conclusion: This study proved that simultaneous supplementation with sodium butyrate and Yucca schidigera extract positively influences bone quality in pigs in the post-weaning period. However, there were no differences in bone characteristics between the addition of 0.2% and 0.3% preparations.

Is hyperoxaluria in a porcine model of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

1Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland Head of the Department: prof. Stanislaw Winiarczyk, PhD 2Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland Head of the Department: prof. Jose L. Valverde Piedra, PhD 3Department of Animal Physiology, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland Head of the Department: prof. Iwona Puzio, PhD 4Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden Head of the Department: prof. Christer Lofstedt, PhD 5R&D, SGPlus, Malmo, Sweden Chief Executive Officer: prof. Stefan G Pierzynowski, PhD 6General Surgery Department of the District Specialist Hospital, Lublin, Poland Head of the Department: Jerzy Mackiewicz, MD, PhD 7Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, Poland Head of the Department: Andrzej Chrościcki, MD, PhD 8Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, University of Life Sciences, Lublin, Poland Head of the Department: Jacek Madany, MD, PhD 9Department of Human Anatomy, Laboratory of Biostructure, Medical University of Lublin, Poland Head of the Department: prof. Ryszard Maciejewski, MD, PhD 10Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland Head of the Institute: prof. Iwona Bojar, MD, PhD 11Department of Cytology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine Head of Department: prof. Galyna Skibo, MD, PhD