scholarly journals Nutritional programming of gastrointestinal tract development. Is the pig a good model for man?

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Guilloteau ◽  
Romuald Zabielski ◽  
Harald M. Hammon ◽  
Cornelia C. Metges
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Nutritional Programming ◽  
The Impact

The consequences of early-life nutritional programming in man and other mammalian species have been studied chiefly at the metabolic level. Very few studies, if any, have been performed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as the target organ, but extensive GIT studies are needed since the GIT plays a key role in nutrient supply and has an impact on functions of the entire organism. The possible deleterious effects of nutritional programming at the metabolic level were discovered following epidemiological studies in human subjects, and confirmed in animal models. Investigating the impact of programming on GIT structure and function would need appropriate animal models due to ethical restrictions in the use of human subjects. The aim of the present review is to discuss the use of pigs as an animal model as a compromise between ethically acceptable animal studies and the requirement of data which can be interpolated to the human situation. In nutritional programming studies, rodents are the most frequently used model for man, but GIT development and digestive function in rodents are considerably different from those in man. In that aspect, the pig GIT is much closer to the human than that of rodents. The swine species is closely comparable with man in many nutritional and digestive aspects, and thus provides ample opportunity to be used in investigations on the consequences of nutritional programming for the GIT. In particular, the ‘sow–piglets’ dyad could be a useful tool to simulate the ‘human mother–infant’ dyad in studies which examine short-, middle- and long-term effects and is suggested as the reference model.

scholarly journals Maternal separation in rodents: a journey from gut to brain and nutritional perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Rincel ◽  
Muriel Darnaudéry
Keyword(s):  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Maternal Separation ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Early Life Adversity ◽  
Critical Window ◽  
Beneficial Impact ◽  
The Impact

The developmental period constitutes a critical window of sensitivity to stress. Indeed, early-life adversity increases the risk to develop psychiatric diseases, but also gastrointestinal disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome at adulthood. In the past decade, there has been huge interest in the gut–brain axis, especially as regards stress-related emotional behaviours. Animal models of early-life adversity, in particular, maternal separation (MS) in rodents, demonstrate lasting deleterious effects on both the gut and the brain. Here, we review the effects of MS on both systems with a focus on stress-related behaviours. In addition, we discuss more recent findings showing the impact of gut-directed interventions, including nutrition with pre- and probiotics, illustrating the role played by gut microbiota in mediating the long-term effects of MS. Overall, preclinical studies suggest that nutritional approaches with pro- and prebiotics may constitute safe and efficient strategies to attenuate the effects of early-life stress on the gut–brain axis. Further research is required to understand the complex mechanisms underlying gut–brain interaction dysfunctions after early-life stress as well as to determine the beneficial impact of gut-directed strategies in a context of early-life adversity in human subjects.

scholarly journals Peanut sensitisation and allergy: influence of early life exposure to peanuts

2010 ◽  
Vol 103 (9) ◽  
pp. 1278-1286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel L. Thompson ◽  
Lisa M. Miles ◽  
Joanne Lunn ◽  
Graham Devereux ◽  
Rebecca J. Dearman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
The Impact

The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the influence of early life exposure (maternal and childhood) to peanuts and the subsequent development of sensitisation or allergy to peanuts during childhood. Studies were identified using electronic databases and bibliography searches. Studies that assessed the impact of non-avoidance compared with avoidance or reduced quantities of peanuts or peanut products on either sensitisation or allergy to peanuts, or both outcomes, were eligible. Six human studies were identified: two randomised controlled trials, two case–control studies and two cross-sectional studies. In addition, published animal and mechanistic studies, relevant to the question of whether early life exposure to peanuts affects the subsequent development of peanut sensitisation, were reviewed narratively. Overall, the evidence reviewed was heterogeneous, and was limited in quality, for example, through lack of adjustment for potentially confounding factors. The nature of the evidence has therefore hindered the development of definitive conclusions. The systematic review of human studies and narrative expert-led reviews of animal studies do not provide clear evidence to suggest that either maternal exposure, or early or delayed introduction of peanuts in the diets of children, has an impact upon subsequent development of sensitisation or allergy to peanuts. Results from some animal studies (and limited evidence from human subjects) suggest that the dose of peanuts is an important mediator of peanut sensitisation and tolerance; low doses tend to lead to sensitisation and higher doses tend to lead to tolerance.

scholarly journals Ozone: A Review of Recent Experimental, Clinical and Epidemiological Evidence, with Notes on Causation—Part 1

1995 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
David V Bates
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Ozone Exposure ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Mechanisms Of Adaptation ◽  
Living Tissues ◽  
And Function ◽  
Theoretical Issues

Part 1 of this review is concerned with theoretical issues of ozone dosimetry, animal and cellular studies that illustrate the mechanism of action of ozone on living tissues, and with clinical studies. Animal studies have indicated that there are long term effects from low level long term ozone exposure. Clinical studies involve controlled ozone exposures on human subjects, both normals and asthmatics. Exercise concomitant with the ozone exposure increases the effect of the gas. It is concluded that the induction of an inflammatory response in the airway, both in the nose and in the lung, is the striking and earliest feature of ozone exposure. Current unexplained observations include: the dissociation between the inflammatory and function test response; the mechanisms of ‘adaptation’ and of airway hyperresponsiveness; and the phenomena that underlie the effect of ozone on maximal athletic performance.

scholarly journals The cognitive consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic: collateral damage?

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Ritchie ◽  
Dennis Chan ◽  
Tam Watermeyer
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Cognitive Difficulties ◽  
System A ◽  
Cognitive Consequences ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will be principally defined in terms of remission from respiratory symptoms; however, both clinical and animal studies have shown that coronaviruses may spread to the nervous system. A systematic search on previous viral epidemics revealed that while there has been relatively little research in this area, clinical studies have commonly reported neurological disorders and cognitive difficulties. Little is known with regard to their incidence, duration or underlying neural basis. The hippocampus appears to be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus infections, thus increasing the probability of post-infection memory impairment, and acceleration of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Future knowledge of the impact of COVID-19, from epidemiological studies and clinical practice, will be needed to develop future screening and treatment programmes to minimize the long-term cognitive consequences of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Selenium and its relationship to cancer: an update

2004 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. D. Whanger
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Incidence ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Cereal Grains ◽  
Patients With Cancer

Selenomethionine (Semet) is the major seleno-compound in cereal grains and enriched yeast whereas Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMCYS) is the major seleno-compound in Se-accumulator plants and some plants of economic importance such as garlic and broccoli exposed to excess Se. Animals can metabolize both Semet and SeMCYS. Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse relationship between Se intake and the incidence of certain cancers. Blood or plasma levels of Se are usually lower in patients with cancer than those without this disorder, but inconsistent results have been found with toenail-Se values and the incidence of cancer. There have been eight trials with human subjects conducted on the influence of Se on cancer incidence or biomarkers, and except for one, all have shown a positive benefit of Se on cancer reduction or biomarkers of this disorder. This is consistent with about 100 small-animal studies where Se has been shown to reduce the incidence of tumours in most of these trials. Se-enriched yeast is the major form of Se used in trials with human subjects. In the mammary-tumour model, SeMCYS has been shown to be the most effective seleno-compound identified so far in reduction of tumours. Several mechanisms have been proposed on the mechanism whereby Se reduces tumours. Even though SeMCYS was shown to be the most effective seleno-compound in the reduction of mammary tumours, it may not be the most effective seleno-compound for reduction of colon tumours.

scholarly journals Early nutrition and long-term health: a practical approach

2009 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lanigan ◽  
Atul Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Causal Link ◽  
Infant Growth ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality

Nutrition in early life, a critical period for human development, can have long-term effects on health in adulthood. Supporting evidence comes from epidemiological studies, animal models and experimental interventions in human subjects. The mechanism is proposed to operate through nutritional influences on growth. Substantial evidence now supports the hypothesis that ‘accelerated’ or too fast infant growth increases the propensity to the major components of the metabolic syndrome (glucose intolerance, obesity, raised blood pressure and dyslipidaemia), the clustering of risk factors that predispose to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The association between infant growth and these risk factors is strong, consistent, shows a dose–response effect and is biologically plausible. Moreover, experimental data from prospective randomised controlled trials strongly support a causal link between infant growth and later risk factors for atherosclerosis. Evidence that infant growth affects the development of atherosclerosis therefore suggests that the primary prevention of CVD should begin from as early as the first few months of life. The present review considers this evidence, the underlying mechanisms involved and its implications for public health.

scholarly journals The impact of early nutrition on the ageing trajectory

2014 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane L. Tarry-Adkins ◽  
Susan E. Ozanne
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Developmental Programming ◽  
Early Nutrition ◽  
Cellular Ageing ◽  
The Impact

Epidemiological studies, including those in identical twins, and in individualsin uteroduring periods of famine have provided robust evidence of strong correlations between low birth-weight and subsequent risk of disease in later life, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), CVD, and metabolic syndrome. These and studies in animal models have suggested that the early environment, especially early nutrition, plays an important role in mediating these associations. The concept of early life programming is therefore widely accepted; however the molecular mechanisms by which early environmental insults can have long-term effects on a cell and consequently the metabolism of an organism in later life, are relatively unclear. So far, these mechanisms include permanent structural changes to the organ caused by suboptimal levels of an important factor during a critical developmental period, changes in gene expression caused by epigenetic modifications (including DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNA) and permanent changes in cellular ageing. Many of the conditions associated with early-life nutrition are also those which have an age-associated aetiology. Recently, a common molecular mechanism in animal models of developmental programming and epidemiological studies has been development of oxidative stress and macromolecule damage, specifically DNA damage and telomere shortening. These are phenotypes common to accelerated cellular ageing. Thus, this review will encompass epidemiological and animal models of developmental programming with specific emphasis on cellular ageing and how these could lead to potential therapeutic interventions and strategies which could combat the burden of common age-associated disease, such as T2D and CVD.

scholarly journals Minireview: Translational Animal Models of Human Menopause: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

Endocrinology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (8) ◽  
pp. 3571-3578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Diaz Brinton
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Progesterone Receptors ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Clinical Issues ◽  
Discovery Research ◽  
The Impact

Increasing importance is placed on the translational validity of animal models of human menopause to discern risk vs. benefit for prediction of outcomes after therapeutic interventions and to develop new therapeutic strategies to promote health. Basic discovery research conducted over many decades has built an extensive body of knowledge regarding reproductive senescence across mammalian species upon which to advance animal models of human menopause. Modifications to existing animal models could rapidly address translational gaps relevant to clinical issues in human menopausal health, which include the impact of 1) chronic ovarian hormone deprivation and hormone therapy, 2) clinically relevant hormone therapy regimens (cyclic vs. continuous combined), 3) clinically relevant hormone therapy formulations, and 4) windows of opportunity and optimal duration of interventions. Modifications in existing animal models to more accurately represent human menopause and clinical interventions could rapidly provide preclinical translational data to predict outcomes regarding unresolved clinical issues relevant to women's menopausal health. Development of the next generation of animal models of human menopause could leverage advances in identifying genotypic variations in estrogen and progesterone receptors to develop personalized menopausal care and to predict outcomes of interventions for protection against or vulnerability to disease. Key to the success of these models is the close coupling between the translational target and the range of predictive validity. Preclinical translational animal models of human menopause need to keep pace with changes in clinical practice. With focus on predictive validity and strategic use of advances in genetic and epigenetic science, new animal models of human menopause have the opportunity to set new directions for menopausal clinical care for women worldwide.

Kinesiology and Mental Health: The Promise of Exercise Neuroscience Research for Diseases and Disorders of the Brain

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-58
Author(s):  
Bradley D. Hatfield
Keyword(s):  
Animal Studies ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Brain Disorder ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
The Impact

The relevance of kinesiology to the major issues of public health facing the nation is increasing with time. Of great importance is the area of exercise neuroscience in which remarkable developments have occurred in the past 35 years. The primary investigative efforts to date have been devoted to the impact of exercise on normal brain aging and recent efforts have also focused on the neurocognitive benefit to brain development in children. However, little work has been conducted in those with neurological disorders. The literature includes a number of animal studies that offer biological plausibility for the positive influence of exercise observed on brain structure and cognition in normal human subjects and, collectively, these studies provide a foundation on which to examine the role of exercise treatment in some of the major brain disorders that afflict adults and children today. These include the dementias, stroke, traumatic brain disorder (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attentional deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A role for exercise in building resilience to such disorders is discussed here that may assist in reducing the financial and emotional burden of these affictions.

Oxytocin: much more than childbirth and milk letdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 135 (17) ◽  
pp. 2121-2126
Author(s):  
Morley D. Hollenberg
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Dendritic Cell ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Chemical Synthesis ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This commentary deals with the new observations that dendritic cell (DC) oxytocin receptors play a role in the inflammatory response generated in murine animal models of colitis. The overview provides a context of the discovery of oxytocin (OT), its chemical synthesis and the cell biology of its neurohypophysial synthesis and secretion. This perspective provides insight and raises questions to be answered related to the impact of OT in the gastrointestinal tract and to further the exploration of OT as a potentially locally synthesised regulator of intestinal inflammatory pathophysiology.

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