scholarly journals Effects of Dietary Modified Bazhen on Reproductive Performance, Immunity, Breast Milk Microbes, and Metabolome Characterization of Sows

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Geng ◽  
Weicheng Jin ◽  
Jingyou Hao ◽  
Mohan Huo ◽  
Yuefeng Zhang ◽  
...  

Bazhen is a classic prescription used for the prevention of qi and blood deficiency. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with modified Bazhen powder (MBP) on sows during lactation. Forty pure-bred Yorkshire sows on day 100 of gestation were randomly fed a standard diet supplemented with 20 g MBP per sow per day (MBP group) or without (control group) during -14 to 7 days relative to parturition. Results showed that the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgG were higher, whereas IL-10 level was lower in sows fed with MBP diet than in controls on day 7 postpartum. A significantly elevated proportion of serum CD4+ T cells and a slight increase in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ T cells in the MBP group were also observed. Furthermore, MBP supplementation improved gastrointestinal function of postpartum sows, evidenced by increased levels of motilin, gastrin, and nitric oxide. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography combined with a quadrupole time of flight and tandem mass spectrometer identified a total of 21 absorbed milk components. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data revealed that the microbiota diversity of the colostrum and transitional milk in the MBP group was increased. At the genus level, relative abundances of Enterococcus and Anaerostipes were significantly lower in the MBP group on day 0 of lactation. Metabolomic analysis showed that 38 metabolites were upregulated, and 41 metabolites were downregulated in the transitional milk; 31 metabolites were upregulated and 8 metabolites were downregulated in the colostrum in response to MBP. Metabolic pathways, protein digestion and absorption, and biosynthesis of amino acids were enriched in the colostrum and transitional milk. Our findings provide new insights into the beneficial effects of MBP, highlighted by the changes to the microbiota and metabolomic profile of breast milk from sows fed with an MBP-supplemented diet. Thus, MBP should be considered as a potential dietary supplement for lactating sows in pork production.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Kutsyr ◽  
Lucía Maestre-Carballa ◽  
Mónica Lluesma-Gomez ◽  
Manuel Martinez-Garcia ◽  
Nicolás Cuenca ◽  
...  

AbstractThe gut microbiome is known to influence the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there has been relatively little focus upon the implications of the gut microbiome in retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we investigated changes in gut microbiome composition linked to RP, by assessing both retinal degeneration and gut microbiome in the rd10 mouse model of RP as compared to control C57BL/6J mice. In rd10 mice, retinal responsiveness to flashlight stimuli and visual acuity were deteriorated with respect to observed in age-matched control mice. This functional decline in dystrophic animals was accompanied by photoreceptor loss, morphologic anomalies in photoreceptor cells and retinal reactive gliosis. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data showed a microbial gut dysbiosis with differences in alpha and beta diversity at the genera, species and amplicon sequence variants (ASV) levels between dystrophic and control mice. Remarkably, four fairly common ASV in healthy gut microbiome belonging to Rikenella spp., Muribaculaceace spp., Prevotellaceae UCG-001 spp., and Bacilli spp. were absent in the gut microbiome of retinal disease mice, while Bacteroides caecimuris was significantly enriched in mice with RP. The results indicate that retinal degenerative changes in RP are linked to relevant gut microbiome changes. The findings suggest that microbiome shifting could be considered as potential biomarker and therapeutic target for retinal degenerative diseases.


Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 482
Author(s):  
Jae-Kwon Jo ◽  
Seung-Ho Seo ◽  
Seong-Eun Park ◽  
Hyun-Woo Kim ◽  
Eun-Ju Kim ◽  
...  

Obesity can be caused by microbes producing metabolites; it is thus important to determine the correlation between gut microbes and metabolites. This study aimed to identify gut microbiota-metabolomic signatures that change with a high-fat diet and understand the underlying mechanisms. To investigate the profiles of the gut microbiota and metabolites that changed after a 60% fat diet for 8 weeks, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomic analyses were performed. Mice belonging to the HFD group showed a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes but an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes compared to the control group. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, such as Lactococcus, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, Oscillibacter, Ruminiclostridium, Harryflintia, Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, and Erysipelatoclostridium, was significantly higher in the HFD group than in the control group. The increased relative abundance of Firmicutes in the HFD group was positively correlated with fecal ribose, hypoxanthine, fructose, glycolic acid, ornithine, serum inositol, tyrosine, and glycine. Metabolic pathways affected by a high fat diet on serum were involved in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and trypto-phan biosynthesis. This study provides insight into the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and metabolites altered by HFD and may help to understand the mechanisms underlying obesity mediated by gut microbiota.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel R. Glasser ◽  
Ryan C. Hunter ◽  
Theodore G. Liou ◽  
Dianne K. Newman ◽  

SummaryPseudomonas aeruginosalung infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients (1, 2). Our laboratory has studied a class of small molecules produced byP. aeruginosaknown as phenazines, including pyocyanin and its biogenic precursor phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA). As phenazines are known virulence factors (3), we and others have explored the possibility of using phenazine concentrations as a marker for disease progression (4–6). Previously, we reported that sputum concentrations of pyocyanin and PCA negatively correlate with lung function in cystic fibrosis patients (6). Our study used high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify phenazines by UV–vis absorbance after extraction from lung sputum. Since our initial study, methods for metabolite analysis have advanced considerably, aided in large part by usage of mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Because a more recent study employing LC-MS/MS revealed a surprising decoupling ofP. aeruginosametabolites in sputum and the detection ofP. aeruginosathrough culturing or microbiome profiles (4), we decided to check whether we could reproduce our previous findings by analyzing sputum samples from a different patient cohort with a new LC-MS instrument in our laboratory. Our new samples were provided by the Mountain West CF Consortium Sputum Biomarker study (7). In the course of performing our new analyses, comparison of our old HPLC data to our new LC-MS data led us to realize that the peak previously assigned to PCA instead originates from heme, and the peak assigned to pyocyanin originates from an as-yet unknown compound. This correction only affects the measurements of phenazines in sputum, and we are confident in the phenazine measurements from isolated cultures and the 16S rRNA gene sequencing data from that study (6). Here we outline the basis for our correction and present additional data showing that heme concentration negatively correlates with lung function in cystic fibrosis patients.


Author(s):  
Huiling Cao ◽  
Chunhui Zong ◽  
Wenkui Dai ◽  
Qiaoying Gao ◽  
Donghua Li ◽  
...  

Sepsis is a common and often treacherous medical emergency with a high mortality and long-term complications in survivors. Though antibiotic therapy can reduce death rate of sepsis significantly, it impairs gut microbiota (GM), which play imperative roles in human health. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of antibiotics, probiotics, and Chinese medicine QRD on the survival rates of septic model and observed the GM characteristics of experimental rats via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The 72 h survival rates of septic rat demonstrated the significant therapeutic effects in the three groups treated with antibiotics (AT), Chinses medicine QRD (QT), and probiotics (PT), which were elevated from the survival rate of 26.67% for the sepsis control group (ST) to 100.0% for AT, 88.24% for QT, and 58.33% for PT. The original characteristics of GM identified in the sham operation controls (SC) were relatively similar to those in PT and QT; nevertheless, the AT rats were shown dramatically decreased in the GM diversity. In addition, the septic rats in AT were revealed the higher abundances of Escherichia Shigella, Proteus, Morganella, Enterococcus, and Lysinibacillus, but the lower those of Parabacteroides, Alistipes, Desulfovibrio, Bacteroides, Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, Oscillibacter, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminiclostridium 9, when compared to the PT and QT rats. By contrast, the GM of PT and QT rats shared similar diversity and structure. Our findings indicated that QRD increased the survival rates without impairment of the GM characteristics, which provides novel insights into the role of Chinese medicine in therapy and long-term recovery of sepsis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhifang Chen ◽  
Yuejie Zhu ◽  
Rong Du ◽  
Nannan Pang ◽  
Fengbo Zhang ◽  
...  

This study is to investigate the role of regulatory B (Breg) cells in cervical cancer. In total, 70 cases of cervical cancer, 52 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 40 normal controls were enrolled. The percentage of Breg cells was detected by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-10 were measured by ELISA. The correlation between Breg cells and the clinical characterizations of cervical cancer was analyzed. The inhibition effect of Breg cells on CD8+ T cells was tested by blocking IL-10 in vitro. The percentage of CD19+CD5+CD1d+ Breg cells and the level of IL-10 of patients with cervical cancer or CIN were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). And the postoperative levels of Breg cells and IL-10 were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P<0.05). Breg cells and the IL-10 level were positively correlated in cervical cancer patients (r=0.516). In addition, the Breg cell percentage was closely related to the FIGO stages, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation, HPV infection, and the tumor metastasis of cervical cancer (P<0.05). The Breg cell percentage was negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells of cervical cancer patients (r=‐0.669). The level of IL-10 in the culture supernatant of Bregs treated with CpG was significantly higher than that of non-Bregs (P<0.05). After coculture with Bregs, the quantity of CD8+ T cells to secrete perforin and Granzyme B was significantly decreased, and this effect was reversed after blocking IL-10 by a specific antibody. Breg cells are elevated in cervical cancer and associated with disease progression and metastasis. Moreover, they can inhibit the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells.


Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
HE Prince ◽  
H Lee ◽  
ER Jensen ◽  
P Swanson ◽  
D Weber ◽  
...  

Abstract Previously we showed that mononuclear cells from about half of human T- lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-seropositive persons exhibit spontaneous proliferation in vitro. We sought to determine if proliferation was associated with other immunologic changes characteristic of HTLV infection. The parameters assessed were (1) percentages of lymphocytes expressing CD4 and/or CD25 (interleukin-2 receptor), (2) serum levels of soluble CD25, (3) serostatus for other viruses, (4) anti-HTLV antibody levels, and (5) HTLV type determined by polymerase chain reaction or serologic reactivity with type-specific peptides. The proliferation+ HTLV (PROL+) group, proliferation HTLV (PROL-) group, and control group showed similar percentages of CD4+, CD25+, and CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes; serum levels of soluble CD25 were also similar. Antibodies to cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B core, and hepatitis C were present in similar proportions of PROL+ and PROL+ groups. However, a significant association was found between spontaneous proliferation and anti-HTLV antibody levels; sera from 67% of PROL+ persons, but only 18% of PROL- persons, required dilution to yield absorbance values within the linear range of the anti-HTLV antibody assay. In the PROL+ group, persons whose sera required the most dilution had proliferative responses significantly higher than those whose sera required no dilution. The PROL+ and PROL groups were similar with regard to the relative distribution of HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection. These findings indicate that HTLV-related spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation is related to levels of circulating anti-HTLV antibodies, and characterizes both HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection.


1999 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 2253-2258 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Ceddia ◽  
J. A. Woods

This study determined the effects of exercise on the ability of macrophages (Mφ) to present antigen to T cells. Pathogen-free male Balb/c mice (8 ± 2 wk of age) were randomly assigned to either home cage control, moderate exercise (Mod; 18 m/min, 5% grade, 0.5 h/day), exhaustive exercise (Exh, 18–30 m/min, 3 h/day), or treadmill control groups. The mice underwent treatments for 4 days during peritoneal thioglycolate inflammation. Peritoneal Mφ were harvested, purified, and incubated with chicken ovalbumin (C-OVA; 0–10 mg/ml) for 18 h. Mφ were then cocultured with C-OVA-specific T cells for 48 h, and the supernatants were analyzed via ELISA for interleukin-2 as an indication of Mφ antigen presentation (AP). Exh exhibited suppressed (∼25–34%) Mφ AP across a wide range of C-OVA doses when measured immediately, 3, and 24 h postexercise. In contrast, Mod had reduced Mφ AP only at 3 h postexercise. Mφ AP was also lower in the treadmill control (4–27%) compared with the home cage control group, but was significantly higher than Exh. The reduction in Mφ AP was not due to exercise-induced differences in Mφ number, percentage, or expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, B7–2, or major histocompatability complex II, molecules important in AP. In conclusion, our data lend evidence that may help explain the increased incidence of infection observed after prolonged exhaustive exercise or overtraining.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Rafael Rodriguez Amado ◽  
Ariadna Lafourcade Prada ◽  
Julio Cesar Escalona Arranz ◽  
Renato Pérez Rosés ◽  
Humberto Morris Quevedo ◽  
...  

Hepatotoxic chemicals damage liver cells primarily by producing reactive oxygen species. The decoction of the leaves ofTamarindus indicaL. is used for liver disorders. In this work we evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of a tablet formulation of this plant. Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=7). First group (I) is control group, fed with standard diet. Groups II to V (hepatotoxic groups) were subjected to a subcutaneous injection of CCl4(0.5 mL/kg). Group II was negative control, fed with standard diet; group III was subjected to administration of Silymarin 150 mg/kg and groups IV and V were treated with tablets in dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Lipid peroxidation and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione were evaluated. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and a lipid profile were evaluated too. The tablets inhibit lipid peroxidation. The redox balance (SOD-CAT-GSH) remains normal in the experimental groups treated with tablets. The liver function using dose of 200 mg/kg of tablets was better than the other experimental groups. These results justify, scientifically, the ethnobotanical use of the leaves ofTamarindus indicaL.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Partika Kharunia Dewi ◽  
Diana Nur Afifah ◽  
Ninik Rustanti ◽  
Mohammad Sulchan ◽  
Gemala Anjani

Abstract Background and aims: Cardiovascular diseases are widespread and causes many deaths in the world. The concentration of acute phase protein: C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen will rise dramatically when inflammation happens, which that can be used as an early marker of cardiovascular disease risk. Tempeh gembus contains fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and isoflavones are believed to reduce the inflammatory reaction. The aim of the study was to determinate the effect of tempeh gembus variations to levels of hcCRP and levels of fibrinogen of Sprague Dawley rats with atherogenic diet. Material and methods: This study was quasi-experimental with posttest only randomized control group design using 35 Sprague Dawley mice. The rats were randomized into 5 groups: negative control group given the standard diet, the positive control group given standard diet and atherogenic diet, and three treatment groups were given the standard diet, atherogenic diet and variation of tempeh gembus (tempeh gembus, heated tempeh gembus and tempeh gembus with bromelain enzyme) for 28 days. Serum levels of hsCRP and fibrinogen examined using ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay). Results and conclusions: The administration of tempeh gembus with bromelain enzyme is the most effective treatment for hsCRP serum level indicated a significant difference (p=0.028) between the negative control group, positive control group and first group with the third group. Fibrinogen serum levels showed significant differences in all treatment groups (p =0.042), administration of tempeh gembus with bromelain enzyme is the most effective treatment is shown by a significant difference between the negative control group and the positive control group with third group. The administration of tempeh gembus with bromelain enzyme for 28 days can reduce the serum levels of hsCRP and fibrinogen on rats significantly.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Chen ◽  
Jun Chen

ABSTRACTSummaryNormalization is the first and a critical step in microbiome sequencing (microbiome-Seq) data analysis to account for variable library sizes. Though RNA-Seq based normalization methods have been adapted for microbiome-Seq data, they fail to consider the unique characteristics of microbiome-Seq data, which contain a vast number of zeros due to the physical absence or undersampling of the microbes. Normalization methods that specifically address the zeroinflation remain largely undeveloped. Here we propose GMPR - a simple but effective normalization method - for zeroinflated sequencing data such as microbiome-Seq data. Simulation studies and analyses of 38 real gut microbiome datasets from 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed method.Availability and Implementation‘GMPR’ is implemented in R andavailable at https://github.com/jchen1981/GMPRSupplementary InformationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics [email protected]


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