scholarly journals Chronic Exposure to Perfluorohexane Sulfonate Leads to a Reproduction Deficit by Suppressing Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Expression in Mice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaorui Yin ◽  
Tingting Di ◽  
Xinyuan Cao ◽  
Zhengnan Liu ◽  
Jingyan Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Corn Oil ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Intraventricular Administration ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Antral Follicles

Abstract BackgroundPerfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is a six-carbon perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid found as an environmental contaminant. This study aims to investigate the effects of PFHxS exposure on female reproduction and the underlying mechanism in mice. MethodsEight-week-old ICR mice were divided randomly into four groups: corn oil (vehicle) and PFHxS at doses of 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg/day for 42 days by intragastric administration. Body weight, ovarian weight, estrous cycle, follicle counts, and serum sex hormone levels were evaluated. Expression of kisspeptin and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus was also detected. ResultsCompared to vehicle exposure, 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS prolonged the estrous cycle, especially the duration of diestrus, after 42 days of treatment. The numbers of antral follicles and corpus lutea were significantly reduced in PFHxS-treated mice. Moreover, compared with the control group, PFHxS-treated mice showed decreases in serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen (E2), and reduced GnRH mRNA levels, along with the lack of an LH surge. Furthermore, PFHxS-treated mice had lower levels of kisspeptin immunoreactivity and kiss-1 mRNA in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). After intraventricular administration of kisspeptin-10, the numbers of antral follicles and corpus lutea recovered, along with the levels of GnRH mRNA, FSH, and LH in mice treated with 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS. ConclusionThese results indicate that chronic exposure of mice to 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS affects reproductive functions by inhibiting kisspeptin expression in the ARC and AVPV regions, leading to the deficit of follicular development and ovulation.

scholarly journals Chronic exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate leads to a reproduction deficit by suppressing hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaorui Yin ◽  
Tingting Di ◽  
Xinyuan Cao ◽  
Zhengnan Liu ◽  
Jingyan Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Chronic Exposure ◽  
Corn Oil ◽  
Follicular Development ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Intraventricular Administration ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Antral Follicles

Abstract Background Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is a six-carbon perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid found as an environmental contaminant. This study aims to investigate the effects of PFHxS exposure on female reproduction and the underlying mechanism in mice. Methods Eight-week-old ICR mice were divided randomly into four groups administered corn oil (vehicle) and PFHxS at doses of 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg/day for 42 days by intragastric administration. Body weight, ovarian weight, estrous cycle, follicle counts, and serum sex hormone levels were evaluated. The expression of kisspeptin and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in the hypothalamus was also detected. Results Compared to vehicle exposure, 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS treatment prolonged the estrous cycle, especially the duration of diestrus, after 42 days of treatment. The numbers of secondary follicles, antral follicles and corpus lutea were significantly reduced in the PFHxS-treated mice. Moreover, compared with the control mice, the PFHxS-treated mice showed decreases in the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen (E2), and reduced GnRH mRNA levels, along with the lack of an LH surge. Furthermore, the PFHxS-treated mice had lower levels of kisspeptin immunoreactivity and kiss-1 mRNA in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) than the control mice. After intraventricular administration of kisspeptin-10, the numbers of secondary follicles, antral follicles and corpus lutea recovered, along with the levels of GnRH mRNA, FSH, and LH in the mice treated with 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS. Conclusion These results indicate that chronic exposure of mice to 5 mg/kg/day PFHxS affects reproductive functions by inhibiting kisspeptin expression in the ARC and AVPV regions, leading to deficits in follicular development and ovulation.

Gut Microbiota and Host Cyp450s Co-contribute to Pharmacokinetic Variability in Mice With Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Vary From Drug to Drug

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Guo ◽  
Ying Xu ◽  
Li-Jie Chen ◽  
Song-xia Zhang ◽  
Tai Rao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Intravenous Administration ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Minimal Effect ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Variability ◽  
Alcoholic Steatohepatitis ◽  
Nash Group

Abstract Background: Pharmacokinetic variability in disease state is common in clinical practice, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We aim to investigate the effects of gut microbiota and host Cyp450s on pharmacokinetic variability in mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).Methods: The pharmacokinetic variability of mice with NASH was explored under intragastric and intravenous administration of a cocktail mixture of omeprazole, phenacetin, midazolam, tolbutamide, chlorzoxazone, and metoprolol compared with the control group. The pharmacokinetic variability of the drugs and its relation with changes of gut microbiota and host Cyp450s were compared and analyzed.Results: The exposure of all drugs, except metoprolol, significantly increased in the NASH group under intragastric administration. However, no significant increase in the exposure of all drugs, except tolbutamide, was observed in the NASH group under intravenous administration. The pharmacokinetic variabilities of phenacetin, midazolam, omeprazole, and chlorzoxazone were mainly associated with decreased elimination activity of the gut microbiota. By contrast, the pharmacokinetic variability of tolbutamide was mainly related to the change in host Cyp2c65. However, gut microbiota and host Cyp450s exerted minimal effect on the pharmacokinetic variability of metoprolol.Conclusions: Gut microbiota and host Cyp450s co-contribute the pharmacokinetic variability in mice with NASH, and the degree of contribution varies from drug to drug.

scholarly journals Ghrelin attenuates avascular necrosis of the femoral head induced by steroids in rabbits

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 2097-2101
Author(s):  
Laigang Huang ◽  
Fanshuo Zeng ◽  
Baojuan Cui ◽  
Daoqing Wang ◽  
Min Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Femoral Head ◽  
Avascular Necrosis ◽  
Rabbit Model ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Vehicle Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor ◽  
Growth Hormone Secretagogue

Purpose: Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor. The current study was aimed at examining the effect of ghrelin on avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) induced by steroids in a rabbit model and also exploring the underlying mechanism. Methods: Experimental rabbits were separated into three groups: Control, Vehicle and Ghrelin. We established a steroid-induced ANFH model in rabbits. Then, MRI scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) were conducted to see ANFH. The mRNA levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2) were evaluated using real-time qRT-PCR. Results: Rabbits in the Vehicle group showed increased empty bone lacunae, reduced bone trabecula in femoral head; the number of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow was reduced, whereas number of adipocytes increased with evident fusion phenomenon in comparison with the Control group. All of the changes induced in Vehicle group were attenuated in Ghrelin group. MRI scanning showed obvious necrosis of femoral head in the Vehicle group and less in the Ghrelin group. The mRNA levels of VEGF and BMP-2 were raised in Vehicle group and further enhanced in Ghrelin group. Conclusion: Ghrelin attenuates steroid-induced avascular necrosis in femoral head in rabbit model. A possible mechanism may be through VEGF/BMP-2 axis. Keywords: ANFH, BMP-2, Ghrelin, VEGF

scholarly journals SAT-290 Food Restriction Effects on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naira Silva Mansano ◽  
Tabata Mariz Bohlen ◽  
Renata Frazao
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Food Restriction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Vaginal Smear ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Estrous Cyclicity ◽  
Ad Libitum

Abstract It is well known that nutritional status affects the reproduction, since an adequate amount of energy is necessary for puberty onset and fertility. However, the neural mechanisms by which energy homeostasis affects reproduction is not completely elucidated. To determine if acute or chronic food restriction (FR) are able to modulate the estrous cycle, adult female mice were used in the experiments. The estrous cycle was evaluated by daily observation of vaginal smear. To determine the effects of an acute FR protocol on estrous cycle, females were individualized and kept on ad libitum diet (control, n=17) or fasted for 24 hours (n= 21). A subgroup of animals was euthanized shortly after the 24-hours test to collect hypothalamus and determinate Kiss1 mRNA levels, while another group of mice were regrouped and fed ad libitum. To determine the effects of a chronic FR protocol on estrous cycle, control mice were individualized and maintained with 100% of daily food content (average of 5 g per day, n = 6), or submitted to 60% of FR (n= 12). Animals were fed ad libitum after test. As expected, mice fasted for 24-hours exhibited a significant weight loss (control: 21.7 g ± 0.5 vs 21.6 ± 0.5 g; fasted: 22.7g ± 0.5 vs 18.7g ± 0.4, P=0.0001). This effect was followed by a significant reduction of hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression (control: 1.0 ± 0.2; fasted: 0.3 ± 0.05, P=0.04, n=4/4 per group). Surprisingly, even under lower Kiss1 mRNA levels, 24-hours fasting induced no changes on estrous cycle. On the other hand, chronic FR induced a gradual weight loss (body weight at the 5th day of FR, control: 21.5g ± 0.2; FR: 17.3g ± 0.7, P=0.0002). The chronic FR was follow by the disruption of estrous cyclicity. While control mice exhibited a regular pattern of cyclicity during the period of evaluation, only leukocytes were identified in the vaginal smear of mice submitted to 60% of FR, even though they had a normal cycling pattern before the test. Therefore, by comparing 30 days of estrous cycle evaluation, including the period before chronic FR, while control mice exhibited cornified cells in the vaginal smear 58.5 ± 4.9% of days, female mice submitted to FR exhibited cornified cells in 38.3 ± 3.8% of days (P= 0.0068). Approximately 3-4 days after the end of the chronic FR females returned to exhibit estrous cyclicity, however the length of the estrous cycle was prolonged compared to control group. Our data suggest that chronic nutritional status variations are required to disrupt the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and therefore the estrous cyclicity.

scholarly journals BLACK AND RED ONCOM EXTRACT SUPPLEMENTATION LENGTHEN ESTROUS CYCLE AND THICKEN ENDOMETRIUM OF WHITE RATS

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-564
Author(s):  
Hanifah Alshofa Nurul Aini ◽  
Desak Nyoman Dewi Indira Laksmi ◽  
Ni Luh Eka Setiasih ◽  
Steven Dwi Purbantoro
Keyword(s):  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Feeding Tube ◽  
Vaginal Swab ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antral Follicles ◽  
White Rats ◽  
Fertile Female ◽  
Group I ◽  
Significant Difference

hytoestrogens are active compounds, derived from plants, which have a similar structure and function as estrogen. Phytoestrogens are commonly found in legumes. Oncom, which is assumed containing phytoestrogens, is one of the most famous legumes food from Indonesia and widely consumed daily in West Java. This study was aimed to determine the effect of oncom extract on estrous cycle, endometrium thickness, and the number of antral follicles in productive age rats (Rattus novergicus). This experimental study was using 21 three-to-four-month-old fertile female rats and divided into three groups. Group I (K) was considered as a control group without any treatment. Group II and III were treatment groups which were given black (H) and red (M) oncom extracts 0.005 g/g body weight, respectively, orally with a feeding tube for 14 days. The length of the estrous cycle was measured by performing vaginal swab with interval 12 hours after first treatment was given and during the treatment. Endometrium thickness and the number of antral follicles were measured by collecting the organs uterus and ovary for histological purpose with paraffin method after rats were euthanized post-treatment oncom extracts for 14 days. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and continued with LSD test. The total length of estrous cycle of control group, black oncom extract group, and red oncom extract group was 107,43±3,16 hours, 141,43±15,36 hours, and 161,14±17,10 hours, respectively. The mean of endometrium thickness of control group, black oncom extract group, and red oncom extract group was 346,945±65,88 ?m, 485,740±86,69 ?m, and 533,904±78,93 ?m, respectively. The number of antral follicles of control group, black oncom extract group, and red oncom extract group was 6,00±1,54, 8,43±2,99, and 9,14±2,72, respectively. Results showed that black and red oncom extracts had a significant effect on the length of estrous cycle and endometrium thickness in rats, yet there is no significant difference in the number of antral follicles. In summary, black and red oncom extracts had effects on the length of estrous cycle and endometrium thickness, yet there was no effect on the number of antral follicles.

Dietary Quercetin Alleviated DSS-induced Colitis in Mice Through Several Possible Pathways by Transcriptome Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 1666-1673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyang Dong ◽  
Jiaqi Lei ◽  
Bingkun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Colon Tissue ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Intestinal Integrity ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
Key Pathways

Background: The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is rapidly increasing around the world. Quercetin is a flavonoid commonly found in vegetables and fruits and has been reported to exert numerous pharmacological activities such as enhancing antioxidant capacity or suppressing inflammation. Objective: We aimed to explore whether quercetin was effective for IBD and the underlying mechanism of quercetin for the ameliorative effects on the DSS-induced colitis in mice. Methods: Thirty-six mice were randomly assigned to three treatments, including the control group (Ctr), DSS-induced colitis group (DSS) and DSS-induced colitis supplemented with 500 ppm quercetin (DQ500). Colitis was induced by DSS intake, and body weight was recorded every day. After six days administration of DSS, intestinal permeability was measured, and the liver was taken for antioxidant enzyme tests. Colonic tissue was taken for the histopathlogical score and RNA-sequencing analysis. Results: In this experiment, dietary quercetin for 500ppm alleviated the DSS-induced colitis, possibly by strengthening intestinal integrity, liver antioxidant capacity. Based on the results of the transcriptome of colon tissue, several key genes were modulated by quercetin. ERK1/2-FKBP pathway and RXR-STAT3 pathway were involved in the development of IBD, furthermore, in the down-regulation of S100a8/9, FBN2 contributed to lowering the risk of colongenesis. Conclusion: We demonstrated that dietary quercetin alleviated the DSS-induced colitis in mice. This is most likely due to its beneficial effects on intestinal integrity and modulation of several key pathways. Based on our research, quercetin was a promising candidate for IBD and its pharmaceutical effects on both IBD and colongenesis need further research.

scholarly journals Arginase Isoform Expression in Chronic Rhinosinusitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Vlad ◽  
Silviu Albu
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Chronic Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Endoscopic View ◽  
Important Regulator ◽  
Arginase I

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as an important regulator of upper airway inflammation, mainly as part of the local naso-sinusal defense mechanisms. Increased arginase activity can reduce NO levels by decreasing the availability of its precursor, L-arginine. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been associated with low levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO). Thus, the present study investigates the activity of arginase I (ARG1) and II (ARG2) in CRS and its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of this disease. Under endoscopic view, tissue samples of pathologic (n = 36) and normal (n = 29) rhinosinusal mucosa were collected. Arginase I and II mRNA levels were measured using real-time PCR. Our results showed low arginase I activity in all samples. The levels of ARG2 were significantly higher in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis compared to the control group (fold regulation (FR) 2.22 ± 0.42 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.016). Increased ARG2 expression was found in patients with CRS without nasal polyposis (FR 3.14 ± 1.16 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.0175), in non-allergic CRS (FR 2.55 ± 0.52 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.005), and non-asthmatic CRS (FR 2.42 ± 0.57 vs. 1.31 ± 0.21, p = 0.028). These findings suggest that the upregulation of ARG2 may play a role in the pathology of a distinctive phenotype of CRS.

scholarly journals Protective effect of snail secretion filtrate against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Gugliandolo ◽  
Marika Cordaro ◽  
Roberta Fusco ◽  
Alessio Filippo Peritore ◽  
Rosalba Siracusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Ulcer ◽  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Ethanol Administration ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Human Disorders ◽  
Interest In Research

AbstractGastric ulcer or peptic ulcer is a common disease worldwide. Basically, it develops when there is an imbalance between the protective and aggressive factors, especially at the luminal surface of epithelial cells. Thus, there is a constant interest in research new drugs for treatment of gastric ulcer. The snail secretion is a dense mucous, that covers the external surface of the snails, with important functions for the survival of snails. The biological proprieties of snail Helix Aspersa Muller mucus it has been known for centuries to treat human disorders in particular for skin disease. Recently the use of snail mucus has seen a worldwide increase, as a component in cosmetic product and it has been used in particular for the management of wound and skin disorders. In this study we use a murine model of ethanol intragastric administration which has been widely used to test the drugs efficacies and to explore the underlying mechanism for gastric ulcer development. The intragastric ethanol administration causes several mucosal damages and an induction of a severe inflammatory response. Our results show a significant protective effect of snail secretion filtrate in reducing macroscopic and histological lesions, as well the protective effect on mucus content, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In conclusion this study demonstrate the protective effect of intragastrical snail secretion filtrate, in a model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in mice, suggesting its possible useful use in the treatment or prevention of gastric ulcer.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-513b-5p targets COL1A1 and COL1A2 associated with the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysm

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Zheng ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Yinzhou Wang ◽  
Yongkun Li ◽  
Qiong Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysm ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Assay ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Reporter Assay ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Tnf Α

AbstractCollagen-type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) and COL1A2 are abnormally expressed in intracranial aneurysm (IA), but their mechanism of action remains unclear. This study was performed to investigate the mechanism of COL1A1 and COL1A2 affecting the occurrence and rupture of IA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of hsa-miR-513b-5p, COL1A1, COL1A2, TNF-α, IL-6, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9 and TIMP4 in patients with ruptured IA (RA) (n = 100), patients with un-ruptured IA (UA) (n = 100), and controls (n = 100). Then, human vascular smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) were cultured, and dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to analyse the targeting relationship between miR-513b-5p and COL1A1 or COL1A2. The effects of the miR-513b-5p mimic and inhibitor on the proliferation, apoptosis, and death of HASMC and the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and matrix metalloproteinase pathways were also explored. The effect of silencing and over-expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2 on the role of miR-513b-5p were also evaluated. Finally, the effects of TNF-α on miR-513b-5p targeting COL1A1 and COL1A2 were tested. Compared with those in the control group, the serum mRNA levels of miR-513b-5p, IL-6 and TIMP4 were significantly decreased in the RA and UA groups, but COL1A1, COL1A2, TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9 were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the UA group, the expression of COL1A1, COL1A2, TNF-α, IL-1β and MMP9 was significantly up-regulated in the RA group (p < 0.05). Results from the luciferase reporter assay showed that COL1A1 and COL1A were the direct targets of miR-513b-5p. Further studies demonstrated that miR-513b-5p targeted COL1A1/2 to regulate the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and MMP pathways, thereby enhancing cell death and apoptosis. Over-expression of COL1A1 or COL1A2, rather than silencing COL1A1/2, could improve the inhibitory effect of miR-513b-5p on cell activity by regulating the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and MMP pathways. Furthermore, over-expression of miR-513b-5p and/or silencing COL1A1/2 inhibited the TNF-α-induced cell proliferation and enhanced the TNF-α-induced cell death and apoptosis. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of collagen I and TIMP4 expression and promotion of the expression of RIP1, p-RIP1, p-RIP3, p-MLKL, MMP2 and MMP9. MiR-513b-5p targeted the inhibition of COL1A1/2 expression and affected HASMC viability and extracellular mechanism remodelling by regulating the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL and MMP pathways. This process might be involved in the formation and rupture of IA.

scholarly journals N-Acetylcysteine improves intestinal function and attenuates intestinal autophagy in piglets challenged with β-conglycinin

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiyun Wang ◽  
Chengcheng Li ◽  
Meng Peng ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
Di Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peptide Transporter ◽  
Mucosal Barrier ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Intestinal Function ◽  
Villus Height ◽  
Human Infants ◽  
Fatty Acid Binding ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Mucosal Barrier Function

Abstractβ-Conglycinin (β-CG), an anti-nutritional factor, is a major allergen in soybeans to induce intestinal dysfunction and diarrhea in neonatal animals, including piglets and human infants. This study with a piglet model determined the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on intestinal function and autophagy in response to β-CG challenge. Twenty-four 12-day-old piglets (3.44 ± 0.28 kg), which had been weaned at 7 days of age and adapted for 5 days after weaning, were randomly allocated to the control, β-CG, and β-CG + NAC groups. Piglets in the control group were fed a liquid diet containing 10% casein, whereas those in the β-CG and β-CG + NAC groups were fed the basal liquid diets containing 9.5% casein and 0.5% β-CG for 2 days. Thereafter, pigs in the β-CG + NAC group were orally administrated with 50 mg (kg BW)−1 NAC for 3 days, while pigs in the other two groups were orally administrated with the same volume of sterile saline. NAC numerically reduced diarrhea incidence (− 46.2%) and the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, but increased claudin-1 and intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (iFABP) protein abundances and activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the jejunum of β-CG-challenged piglets. Although β-CG challenge decreased the villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and mRNA levels of claudin-1 and occludin, no significant differences were observed in these indices between the control and β-CG + NAC groups, suggesting the positive effects of NAC supplementation on intestinal mucosal barrier function. Moreover, NAC increased the concentrations of citrulline and D-xylose in the plasma, as well as the expression of genes for aquaporin (AQP) 3, AQP4, peptide transporter 1 (PepT1), sodium/glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT-1), potassium inwardly-rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 13 (KCNJ13), and solute carrier family 1 member 1 (SLC1A1) in the jejunum, demonstrating that NAC augmented intestinal metabolic activity and absorptive function. Remarkably, NAC decreased Atg5 protein abundance and the LC3II/LC3I ratio (an indicator of autophagy) in the jejunum of β-CG-challenged piglets. Taken together, NAC supplementation improved intestinal function and attenuated intestinal autophagy in β-CG-challenged piglets.

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