Modulation of Bile Acid Metabolism to Improve Plasma Lipid and Lipoprotein Profiles

New drugs targeting bile acid metabolism are currently being evaluated in clinical studies for their potential to treat cholestatic liver diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Changes in bile acid metabolism, however, translate into an alteration of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, which may also affect cardiovascular outcomes in such patients. This review attempts to gain insight into this matter and improve our understanding of the interactions between bile acid and lipid metabolism. Bile acid sequestrants (BAS), which bind bile acids in the intestine and promote their faecal excretion, have long been used in the clinic to reduce LDL cholesterol and, thereby, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. However, BAS modestly but consistently increase plasma triglycerides, which is considered a causal risk factor for ASCVD. Like BAS, inhibitors of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBTi’s) reduce intestinal bile acid absorption. ASBTi’s show effects that are quite similar to those obtained with BAS, which is anticipated when considering that accelerated faecal loss of bile acids is compensated by an increased hepatic synthesis of bile acids from cholesterol. Oppositely, treatment with farnesoid X receptor agonists, resulting in inhibition of bile acid synthesis, appears to be associated with increased LDL cholesterol. In conclusion, the increasing efforts to employ drugs that intervene in bile acid metabolism and signalling pathways for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as NAFLD warrants reinforcing interactions between the bile acid and lipid and lipoprotein research fields. This review may be considered as the first step in this process.

Protein Source and Intake Effects on Diet Digestibility and N Excretion in Horses—A Risk of Environmental N Load of Horses

Six Finnhorse mares were used in a digestibility trial, in which six typical horse diets were compared. The diets were: (A) haylage 100%; (B) hay 100%; (C) hay 70% and oats 30%; (D) hay 70% and soybean meal + oats 30%; (E) hay 70%, rapeseed meal + oats 30% and (F) hay 70 %, linseed meal + oats 30%. The trial was conducted according to an unbalanced 6 × 4 Latin square design with four 3-week experimental periods. The experimental period consisted of 17-day preliminary feeding which was followed by a 4-day total faecal and urine collection periods to evaluate N excretion. The digestibilities of DM (p < 0.001) and OM (p < 0.001) in the haylage-only diet were lower compared to the other diets. The supplemental protein feeds improved the diet digestibility of CP (p = 0.002) compared to a hay + oats diet. Furthermore, the DM (p = 0.019), OM (p = 0.006), and CP (p = 0.016) digestibilities of the soya-supplemented diet were better than those of the rapeseed- and linseed-supplemented diets. Faecal excretion was greater for haylage (19.3 kg fresh faeces and 3.6 kg DM/day) and hay (18.7 kg fresh faeces and 3.6 kg DM/day) diets (p < 0.001) compared with the other diets. Urine excretion was also greater for forage-only diets compared with diets including protein supplements. Horses excreted 14.0 L urine/day on haylage-only diet (p = 0.026) and 14.3 L/day on a hay-only diet (p = 0.003). Horses excreted more nitrogen in their urine than in dung. N excretion differed between the diets. Horses on a haylage-only diet excreted 51.6 g N in faeces /day and on hay-only diet 51.4 g N/day. On the other hand, when protein content in forages increased, N excretion via urine increased (haylage vs. dried hay). Horses excreted less N in urine with hay-only diet than with haylage-only or protein-supplemented diets (p < 0.001). When N excreted in faeces and urine was counted together, horses excreted less N with a hay-only diet (p < 0.001) than with a supplemented one (oats and/or protein feeds). The results showed that feed choices affected the amount of nitrogen excreted. Feeding recommendations should consider not only the horse category and work level, but also the protein source. When good quality protein is fed, smaller N intakes can be applied to reduce the N excretion via urine and dung. At the farm level, improved understanding of feed quality, as well as feeding planning and practices, is a way to decrease the risk of N leaching and evaporation.

A report on the prevalence and the whole-genome sequence-based analysis of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli isolated from the recto-anal junction of slaughter-age Irish sheep

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a diverse group of pathogenic bacteria capable of causing serious human illness and serogroups O157 and O26 are frequently implicated in human disease. Ruminant hosts are the primary STEC reservoir and small ruminants are important contributors to STEC transmission. This study investigated the prevalence, serotypes and shedding dynamics of STEC, including the super-shedding of serogroups O157 and O26, in Irish sheep. Recto-anal mucosal swab samples (N=840) were collected over 24 months from two ovine slaughtering facilities. Samples were plated on selective agars and were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed via real-time PCR for Shiga-toxin prevalence and serogroup. A subset of STEC isolates (N=199) were selected for whole-genome sequencing and analysed in silico . In total, 704/840 (83.8%) swab samples were Shiga-toxin positive following RT-PCR screening, and 363/704 (51.6%) animals were subsequently culture positive for STEC. Five animals were shedding STEC O157 and three of these were identified as super-shedders. No STEC O26 was isolated. Post-hoc statistical analysis showed that younger animals are more likely to harbour STEC and STEC carriage is most prevalent during the summer months. Following sequencing, 178/199 genomes were confirmed as STEC. Thirty-five different serotypes were identified, fifteen of which were not yet reported in sheep. Serotype O91:H14 was the most frequently reported. Eight Shiga-toxin gene variants were reported, two stx 1 and six stx 2 , and three novel Shiga-toxin subunit combinations were observed. Variant stx 1c was the most prevalent, while many strains also harboured stx 2b . Importance Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne, zoonotic pathogens of significant public health concern. All STEC harbour stx , a critical virulence determinant, but it is not expressed in most serotypes. Sheep shed the pathogen via faecal excretion and are increasingly recognised as important contributors in the dissemination of STEC. In this study, we have found that there is high prevalence of STEC circulating within sheep and prevalence is related to animal age and seasonality. Further, sheep harbour a variety of non-O157 STEC, whose prevalence and contribution to human disease has been under investigated for many years. A variety of Stx variants were also observed, some of which are of high clinical importance.

Performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs fed with different roughage:concentrate ratios associated with variable physically effective neutral detergent fibre content

This study evaluated the effect of roughage:concentrate (R:C) ratio associated with a variable particle size of physically effective neutral detergent fibre (peNDF8) in the forage (Tifton-85 hay) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Seventy-two 4-month-old, non-castrated Santa Ines male lambs (23.5 ± 2.32 kg BW) were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement [two peNDF8 hay particle sizes (13 and 6 mm) and two R:C ratios (700:300 and 500:500 g/kg DM total)]. DMI, DM, NFC and TDN digestibility's, N-intake and N-faecal excretion were affected by the R:C ratio (P < 0.05). However, the N-retained was not affected by the studied variables (P > 0.05). It was observed an interaction (P < 0.05) between the peNDF8 and R:C ratios for final BW, average daily gain (ADG), colour parameters and pH 24 h. The lower roughage ratio provided greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of C14:1, C16:1–cis9, C18:1–cis9, ΣMUFA, Σn–6:Σn–3 and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index, enzymatic activity Δ9desaturase-C16 and -C18. Lambs fed a lower roughage diet had improved performance and feed efficiency, however, presented reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations in the meat, especially Σn–3 family. Higher roughage diet and larger peNDF8 particle size improved the concentrations of PUFA while decreased Σn–6:Σn–3 ratio in meat. Larger peNDF8 particle size associated with higher roughage proportion, have reduced animal performance however, it increased protein concentration, a* and C* colour parameter without affecting fatty acids profile of Longissimus lumborum muscle.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-induced bacterial perturbation contributes to altered host-bacterial co-metabolic phenotype

Background Bariatric surgery, used to achieve effective weight loss in individuals with severe obesity, modifies the gut microbiota and systemic metabolism in both humans and animal models. The aim of the current study was to understand better the metabolic functions of the altered gut microbiome by conducting deep phenotyping of bariatric surgery patients and bacterial culturing to investigate causality of the metabolic observations. Methods Three bariatric cohorts (n = 84, n = 14 and n = 9) with patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB), respectively, were enrolled. Metabolic and 16S rRNA bacterial profiles were compared between pre- and post-surgery. Faeces from RYGB patients and bacterial isolates were cultured to experimentally associate the observed metabolic changes in biofluids with the altered gut microbiome. Results Compared to SG and LGB, RYGB induced the greatest weight loss and most profound metabolic and bacterial changes. RYGB patients showed increased aromatic amino acids-based host-bacterial co-metabolism, resulting in increased urinary excretion of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate, phenylacetylglutamine, 4-cresyl sulphate and indoxyl sulphate, and increased faecal excretion of tyramine and phenylacetate. Bacterial degradation of choline was increased as evidenced by altered urinary trimethylamine-N-oxide and dimethylamine excretion and faecal concentrations of dimethylamine. RYGB patients’ bacteria had a greater capacity to produce tyramine from tyrosine, phenylalanine to phenylacetate and tryptophan to indole and tryptamine, compared to the microbiota from non-surgery, normal weight individuals. 3-Hydroxydicarboxylic acid metabolism and urinary excretion of primary bile acids, serum BCAAs and dimethyl sulfone were also perturbed following bariatric surgery. Conclusion Altered bacterial composition and metabolism contribute to metabolic observations in biofluids of patients following RYGB surgery. The impact of these changes on the functional clinical outcomes requires further investigation.

Tantangan dan Kendala Pengendalian African Swine Fever

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease that attacks pigs and wild pigs causing economic losses for farms small and large scale. ASF outbreaks that occurred in several regions in the world have caused unrest for the livestock sector. The rapid spread of the ASF virus has resulted in very high pig mortality. ASF virus transmission can occur through direct or indirect contact. Urine and faecal excretion of pigs is an important route of ASF transmission. The ASF virus has three transmission cycles, namely the silvatic, domestic and wild boar cycles. Outbreaks that occur in several countries encourage the strategy of controlling and overcoming the disease through surveillance. ASF disease control that has been carried out includes improving farm biosecurity management systems and limiting the movement of animals and animal products before the ASF vaccine is found.

Discharging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with faecal viral shedding and prolonged hospitalisation

The implication of gastrointestinal infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its transmission remains to be fully understood. We studied 4 paediatric patients with several weeks of faecal excretion of SARS-CoV-2 RNA who had only mild symptoms. International consensus on isolation practices is urgently needed.

Inclusion of Limited Amounts of Extruded Legumes Plus Cereal Mixes in Normocaloric or Obesogenic Diets for Rats: Effects on Lipid Profile

Overweight and obesity are regarded as world epidemics and are major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Two new highly palatable extruded mixes based on rice and pea (Pisum sativum) or kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) meals were incorporated into normocaloric or obesogenic diets for rats at a low inclusion level (25%). Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of dietary incorporation of this new food ingredient on lipid profile. Organs (heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, small intestine, colon, cecum) and visceral fat relative weights were different (p < 0.01) from controls for animals fed the obesogenic diets and in rats fed extruded diets with respect to controls. Faecal excretion of bile acids was higher (p < 0.01) for rats fed extruded mixes compared with controls. The inclusion of extruded mixes replacing part of the casein in the control diet lowered liver cholesterol and triglycerides (p < 0.001) and plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL; p < 0.01) values, although plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was unaltered. Both the inclusion of extruded mixes and the use of obesogenic diets resulted in significantly (p < 0.001) different long chain fatty acid (LCFA) profiles in liver and visceral fat. Incorporating extruded legume plus cereal mixes beneficially influenced lipid metabolism, and would therefore deserve closer attention in human intervention studies, particularly with adolescents. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the nutritional and physiological effects of extruded legume plus cereal mixes.

Efficacité des anthelminthiques usuels contre les strongles digestifs chez les ovins au centre de la Côte d’ivoire

Les données recueillies lors des études menées par certains chercheurs ont donné des prévalences élevées à l’infestation des strongles dans certaines régions de la Côte d’Ivoire, laissant soupçonner une diminution de l’efficacité des anthelminthiques dans les élevages ovins. Nous avons supposé que les moyens de lutte contre les strongles deviennent moins efficaces. C’est donc pour confirmer cette baisse de l’efficacité des traitements anthelminthiques, en déterminer les causes et proposer des solutions pour enrayer ce phénomène que cette étude a été réalisée. Elle s’est déroulée dans 12 élevages répartis dans 8 localités du centre de la Cote d’Ivoire. Elle visait à évaluer par des tests in vivo de réduction de l’excrétion fécale des oeufs (FECRT), la sensibilité des strongles gastro intestinaux aux anthelminthiques usuels, afin de vérifier l’apparition de cas de résistance. La molécule la plus utilisée était l’Albendazole, suivie du Lévamisole, puis de l’Ivermectine. L’Ivermectine a été testée dans un seul élevage, le Lévamisole dans 4 élevages et l’Albendazole dans 10 élevages. Les analyses coprologiques ont permis l’identification d’oeufs de strongles, de Trichuris sp, de Strongyloides sp, de Moniezia sp et d’ookystes du genre Eimeria. Avec l’Ivermectine, le taux de réduction de l’excrétion fécale (FECR) des oeufs de strongles a été de 100% dans le seul élevage où il a été testé. Avec le Lévamisole, le FECR a été de 100% dans 2 élevages et il était compris entre 92 et 99% dans les 2 autres élevages. Avec l’Albendazole, le FECR a été de 100% dans 7 élevages ; il était compris entre 94 et 99% dans 2 élevages, et entre 70 et 96% dans un élevage. Des autopsies ont permis d’identifier les espèces de strongles ; il s’agissait d’Haemonchus sp, Trichostrongylus sp, Cooperia sp et Oesophagostomum sp. Les animaux autopsiés provenant des élevages où le FECR était inférieur à 100%, hébergeaient un nombre de vers plus important que les animaux des autres élevages. Ce travail a permis de démontrer que la résistance aux anthelminthiques ne s’est pas encore installée dans les élevages ovins au centre de la Côte d’Ivoire. Un tel travail doit être étendu à l’échelle national avec des tests in vitro, afin de mieux cerner l’état des lieux, et par la même occasion sensibiliser l’ensemble des éleveurs sur les différentes pratiques à adopter afin de retarder voire empêcher la mise en place de la résistance dans nos différentes fermes en Côte d’Ivoire. Mots clés : Efficacité, anthelminthiques, strongles digestifs, ovins, Côte d’Ivoire. English Title: Efficacy of common anthelmintics against digestive strongles in sheep in central of Côte d’IvoireThe data collected during the studies carried out by some researchers gave high prevalence to the infestation of strongles in certain regions of Côte d'Ivoire, suggesting a decrease in the efficacy of anthelmintics in sheep farming. We have assumed that the means of combating strongles become less effective. This study was therefore carried out to confirm this drop in the effectiveness of anthelmintic treatments, to determine the causes and to propose solutions to curb this phenomenon. It took place in 12 farms spread over 8 localities in the center of Côte d’Ivoire. It aimed to evaluate, by in vivo tests for the reduction of faecal excretion of eggs (FECRT), the sensitivity of gastrointestinal strongyles to the usual anthelmintics, in order to check the appearance of cases of resistance. The most used molecule was Albendazole, followed by Levamisole and then Ivermectin. Ivermectinwas tested in a single farm, Levamisole in 4 farms and Albendazole in 10 farms. Coprology analyzes identified eggs of strongyles, Trichuris sp, Strongyloides sp, Moniezia sp and Oookies of the genus Eimeria. With Ivermectin, the rate of fecal excretion reduction (FECR) of strongle eggs was 100% in the one farm where it was tested. With Levamisole, the FECR was 100% in 2 farms and it was between 92 and 99% in the 2 other farms. With Albendazole, the FECR was 100% in 7 farms; it was between 94 and 99% in 2 farms, and between 70 and 96% in a farm. Autopsies identified species of strongyles; these were Haemonchus sp, Trichostrongylus sp, Cooperia sp and Oesophagostomum sp. Autopsied animals from farms where the FECR was less than 100% harbored a larger number of worms than animals from other farms. This work has made it possible to demonstrate that resistance to anthelmintics has not yet taken hold in sheep farming in the center of Côte d'Ivoire. Such work must be extended to the national level with in vitro tests, in order to better understand the inventory, and at the same time make all the breeders aware of the different practices to adopt in order to delay or even prevent the resistance set up in our different farms in Ivory Coast.Keywords: Efficacy, anthelmintics, digestive strongles, sheep, Côte d'Ivoire.

Nutritional parameters of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage to concentrate ratios

The objective of our study was to compare the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, and the nitrogen balance, of lambs fed extruded ration with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU), Experimental Farm Capim Branco, from 7 December 2016 to 6 January 2017. Ten lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper) aged between four and five months, and with a mean weight of 25.9 ± 2.8 kg, were used. The animals were placed in metabolic cages equipped with a feeder, drinking fountain, and salt shaker, and which had a wooden slatted floor. The treatments consisted of extruded ration with 30R:70C or 70R:30C. Treatments were distributed in a randomised, complete block design, with each treatment being performed twice and with ten replications. The experiment was carried out in two blocked stages. Differences in the means of treatments were evaluated by Tukey’s test at a significance level of 5%. Intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, water intake by animals, and nitrogen balance were also analysed. The 30R:70C treatment resulted in a lower intake of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and hemicellulose, and caused higher dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility. The 30R:70C treatment also resulted in a lower intake and faecal excretion of nitrogen, consequently establishing a higher ratio between retained and ingested nitrogen. In conclusion, the ration with 30R:70C results in lower intake, and better utilisation of nutrients by the animal.