Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francois Blachier, Mireille Andriamihaja, Xiang-Feng Kong
Summary: In addition to its agricultural significance, the porcine species is an important model for studying intestinal physiology and nutrition. This review provides an overview of the fate of undigested proteins in the pig's small intestine, their conversion into peptides and amino acids in the large intestine by bacterial enzymes, and the potential effects of these metabolites on colonic epithelial cells. Further studies using the pig colonic organoid model are needed to better understand the relationship between diet-induced changes in bacterial metabolites and the function of the colon epithelial barrier.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akanksha Tyagi, Min-Jin Lim, Nam-Hyeon Kim, Kaliyan Barathikannan, Selvakumar Vijayalakshmi, Fazle Elahi, Hun-Ju Ham, Deog-Hwan Oh
Summary: This study evaluated the antioxidant properties and bioactive compound content of nine Korean rice varieties using various analysis methods. The results showed that colored rice varieties are high in amino acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. This research provides valuable insights into the nutritional value of different colored rice and their potential as natural antioxidants.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ana M. Vilas-Boas, Maria E. Brassesco, Andreia C. Quintino, Margarida C. Vieira, Teresa R. S. Brandao, Cristina L. M. Silva, Miguel Azevedo, Manuela Pintado
Summary: This study produced integral carob flour (CF) using an innovative process and evaluated its physicochemical and bioactive properties during simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion at different particle sizes. The results showed that particle size affected the sugar, antioxidant, and total phenolic content of CF and also its digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. The <= 100 mu m fraction demonstrated the most suitable profile as a functional food ingredient.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Madalina Neacsu, Nicholas J. Vaughan, Salvatore Multari, Elisabeth Haljas, Lorraine Scobbie, Gary J. Duncan, Louise Cantlay, Claire Fyfe, Susan Anderson, Graham Horgan, Alexandra M. Johnstone, Wendy R. Russell
Summary: This study found that plant-based diets can effectively increase satiety, and that hemp and buckwheat have important effects on GLP-1 and branched-chain amino acids, which may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Nyasha Charity Mukonowenzou, Kehinde Ahmad Adeshina, Janine Donaldson, Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim, Dawoud Usman, Kennedy Honey Erlwanger
Summary: The gastrointestinal tract serves as a direct interface with the external environment, influencing immunity and individual health. Development and maturation of the GIT need to match different stages of life, and intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as diet can affect this process. Medicinal plants and phytochemicals may have a positive impact on precocious maturation of the GIT.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marta Vazquez-Gomez, Consolacion Garcia-Contreras, Susana Astiz, Laura Torres-Rovira, Jose Luis Pesantez-Pacheco, Ana Heras-Molina, Teresa Castro Madrigal, Clemente Lopez-Bote, Cristina Ovilo, Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes, Beatriz Isabel
Summary: Nutritional strategies during pregnancy, such as amino acid supplementation with glutamine, are important for improving swine production outcomes. However, the effects of prenatal supplementation on traditional swine breeds, such as Iberian pigs, are complex and require further research to fully understand and optimize their outcomes.
Article
Microbiology
Jianzhu Wen, Yixing Yu, Mengqi Chen, Lei Cui, Qiang Xia, Xiaoqun Zeng, Yuxing Guo, Daodong Pan, Zhen Wu
Summary: This study investigated the tolerance, adhesion ability, and biofilm formation of a Lactobacillus strain in a coculture system using various methods. The results showed that the coculture system promoted the release of signal molecules and protected the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the gastrointestinal environment. Additionally, an amino acid-derived metabolite was found to enhance cell communication and increase the tolerance ability of L. acidophilus.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Karpiesiuk, Katarzyna Palus
Summary: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide that is widely distributed in the central nervous system and various peripheral organs, where it plays different regulatory functions and provides a cytoprotective effect. The physiological effects of PACAP are mediated through binding to different G protein-coupled receptors, including PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2 receptors. In the gastrointestinal tract, PACAP plays an important role in regulating functions and providing cytoprotection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
F. A. Eugenio, J. van Milgen, J. Duperray, R. Sergheraert, N. Le Floc'h
Summary: The objective of this experiment was to compare the postprandial concentrations of plasma amino acids and other metabolites after the ingestion of amino acids provided either as proteins or as free amino acids and small peptides. It was found that the postprandial appearance of amino acids in the plasma was slower and lower when proteins were consumed, which may result in inefficient protein synthesis. Therefore, providing amino acids in the form of free amino acids and small peptides may be more efficient.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Reza Barekatain, Peter Chrystal, Saad Gilani, Clive J. McLaughlan
Summary: Reducing crude protein and supplementing with synthetic amino acids in poultry nutrition is a recent trend to avoid protein and ammonia wastage in production systems. Stress induced by synthetic glucocorticoid DEX impairs intestinal barrier and increases inflammatory response, while arginine supplementation shows positive effects. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of amino acid supplementation on broiler diets.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zeyu Zhang, Ge Zhang, Shuai Zhang, Jinbiao Zhao
Summary: Our study demonstrates that extrusion can improve the nutritive values of full-fat rice bran and corn distillers dried grain with solubles by increasing the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and amino acids. This suggests that extrusion could be an effective strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of feed by-products.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Wenliang He, Kyohei Furukawa, Christopher A. Bailey, Guoyao Wu
Summary: This study found that chicken enterocytes do not uptake glutamate from arterial blood, confirming the importance of dietary glutamate for the chicken small intestine. These findings have implications for improving the growth and health of post-hatching chickens and developing new nutritional strategies.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rubina Aktar, Silvia Rondinelli, Madusha Peiris
Summary: Members of the GPCR superfamily play diverse physiological roles and are valuable targets for drug development. However, the orphan receptor GPR84 remains less characterized. GPR84 is stimulated by dietary nutrients and synthetic agonists, and emerging data suggest its involvement in inflammation and energy sensing for food intake regulation. This article reviews the various roles of GPR84, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, based on pre-clinical and clinical studies.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min Sun, Zeyu Cai, Chunyang Li, Yi Hao, Xinxin Xu, Kun Qian, Hao Li, Yaozu Guo, Anqi Liang, Lanfang Han, Heping Shang, Weili Jia, Yini Cao, Cuiping Wang, Chuanxin Ma, Jason C. White, Baoshan Xing
Summary: The study demonstrates that the use of nanoscale zinc can increase the nutritional value of vegetable crops without interfering with human digestion.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. E. Lindberg
Summary: By improving feed utilization efficiency, using diversified production systems, modifying feed composition, and incorporating free amino acids, the negative impact of animal food production on the environment and climate can be reduced. Accurate understanding of nutrient and energy requirements for animals with different physiological needs and effective feed evaluation systems are essential for efficient feed utilization. Available data on protein and amino acid requirements in pigs and poultry suggest that balanced diets with low or reduced protein content can be implemented without compromising animal performance. Potential feed resources can be derived from traditional food and agro-industries, as well as emerging feedstuffs from aquaculture, biotechnology, and innovative technologies, which do not compete with human food security. However, the high fiber content in waste streams and co-products used as feed for monogastric animals may reduce nutrient digestibility and dietary energy values. Nonetheless, adequate levels of dietary fiber are necessary for maintaining normal physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract, and fiber might also have positive effects on gut health, satiety, and overall well-being.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Carlo Corino, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Raffaella Rossi
Summary: In recent years, research has focused on identifying organic alternatives with antimicrobial properties to improve production efficiency and sustainability in pig production. The modulation of gut microbiota and environment is crucial in enhancing pig health, with seaweed polysaccharides gaining attention as potential prebiotics. The review highlights the importance of using sustainable and natural feed ingredients to boost animal health according to the European Green Deal and the One Health concept.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlo Corino, Raffaella Rossi
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raffaella Rossi, Chiara Maria Lo Feudo, Enrica Zucca, Francesco Vizzarri, Carlo Corino, Francesco Ferrucci
Summary: This study validated the Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL) test as a tool to determine oxidative stress in athletic horses. Results showed higher KRL values before taming and at 60 days of taming, with training affecting total protein levels but not muscle enzymes. These findings confirm the role of exercise in free radical production and highlight the potential of the KRL test for assessing oxidative stress in athletic horses.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giulio Curone, Filippo Biscarini, Elisa Cotozzolo, Laura Menchetti, Alessandro Dal Bosco, Federica Riva, Paola Cremonesi, Stella Agradi, Simona Mattioli, Bianca Castiglioni, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Alice Cartoni Mancinelli, Susanna Draghi, Alda Quattrone, Giulia Collodel, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Cesare Castellini, Gabriele Brecchia
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of two dietary sources of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the gut microbiota, caecal fermentations, and gastrointestinal histology in rabbits. Results showed that n-3 PUFAs supplementation led to an increase in beneficial bacterial populations and reduced Bacilli abundance and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. These findings suggest that n-3 PUFAs diet supplementation may have positive effects on gut health, although appropriate dosage should be further investigated.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Carlo Corino, Francesco Vizzarri, Sabrina Ratti, Mirco Pellizzer, Raffaella Rossi
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of adding omega-3 fatty acids (FA) lipid supplement to beef diet on the nutritional characteristics of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle. The results show that the supplement improves the fatty acid profile and decreases cholesterol content of the meat, enhancing consumer health.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eleonora Buoio, Chiara Cialini, Alessandra Cafiso, Lucia Aidos, Silvia Michela Mazzola, Raffaella Rossi, Simone Livolsi, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Vittorio Maria Moretti, Elena Selli, Massimiliano Bestetti, Silvia Franz, Gian Luca Chiarello, Annamaria Costa, Chiara Bazzocchi
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of photo-electrocatalysis (PEC) as a novel application for water remediation in rainbow trout culture. Compared to conventional biological filters, the PEC purification system showed improved water quality and higher welfare in the fish.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lucia Aidos, Alessandra Cafiso, Annalaura Lopez, Mauro Vasconi, Luisa M. P. Valente, Chiara Bazzocchi, Alessia Di Giancamillo
Summary: This study compared the effects of two different substrates on the Siberian sturgeon larvae during the endogenous feeding stage, finding that a specific substrate may positively impact growth, but further research is needed during the exogenous feeding stage.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marta Castrica, Laura Menchetti, Stella Agradi, Giulio Curone, Daniele Vigo, Grazia Pastorelli, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Federica Riva, Valentina Serra, Dino Miraglia, Egon Andoni, Gabriele Brecchia, Claudia Maria Balzaretti
Summary: Bovine colostrum supplementation in animal nutrition was found to have no impact on microbiological characteristics of rabbit loins, but it led to lower TBARS values and higher TVBN values, as well as changes in the fatty acid profile. Further research is needed to investigate other potential effects of bovine colostrum on meat quality in animal nutrition.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Barbara Canciani, Laura Mangiavini, Joel Fernando Soares Filipe, Lucia Aidos, Margherita Pallaoro, Giuseppe Maria Peretti, Paola Pocar, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Alessia Di Giancamillo
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of COL18A1 on swine meniscal cells and found that a higher concentration of COL18A1 promotes a fibro-chondrogenic phenotype and improves cellularity index and cell efficiency. These findings lay the foundation for future studies evaluating the use of 3D endostatin hydrogel scaffolds in the differentiation of avascular tissues.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Canciani, Francesca Semeraro, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Francesca Gervaso, Alessandro Polini, Antonella Stanzione, Giuseppe Michele Peretti, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Laura Mangiavini
Summary: This study investigated the biocompatibility, both in vitro and in vivo, of a thermosensitive, injectable chitosan-based hydrogel loaded with three different types of primary mesenchymal stromal cells. The cells were encapsulated in the hydrogel and analyzed for survival and proliferation. In vivo, the cell-laden hydrogels were implanted in nude mice and assessed over a period of 12 weeks. The results showed that the hydrogel formulation had a favorable safety and biocompatibility profile, making it a potential candidate for tissue engineering strategies in cartilage and meniscus repair.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margherita Pallaoro, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Andrea Fiorati, Lina Altomare, Giorgio Mirra, Paola Scocco, Alessia Di Giancamillo
Summary: According to statistics and future predictions, meat consumption will increase in the coming years. Biotechnologies are responding to this demand by developing new strategies for producing meat in vitro. However, the manufacturing of cultured meat has faced criticism concerning the practical issues of culturing together different cell types typical of meat. This review aims to clarify the main mechanisms and provide an overview of the most recent and successful strategies for overcoming this challenge.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Valentina Serra, Marta Castrica, Stella Agradi, Giulio Curone, Daniele Vigo, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Federica Riva, Claudia Maria Balzaretti, Roberta De Bellis, Gabriele Brecchia, Grazia Pastorelli
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of two concentrations (2.5% and 5%) of bovine colostrum (BC) on the antioxidant status in various tissues of rabbits. The results showed no significant differences in the plasma concentration of antioxidant enzymes or in the gene expression of these enzymes in the liver and muscle samples of rabbits. Further studies are needed to fully understand the potential value of BC in rabbit meat.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Stella Agradi, Paola Cremonesi, Laura Menchetti, Claudia Balzaretti, Marco Severgnini, Federica Riva, Bianca Castiglioni, Susanna Draghi, Alessia Di Giancamillo, Marta Castrica, Daniele Vigo, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Valentina Serra, Alda Quattrone, Elisa Angelucci, Grazia Pastorelli, Giulio Curone, Gabriele Brecchia
Summary: BC is a nutraceutical that can modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigates the effects of BC diet supplementation on luminal and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, caecum, and colon of rabbits. Significant differences were found in the microbial composition of the three groups, especially in the caecum and colon of the 2.5% BC group. A functional prediction has revealed several altered pathways in BC groups, with particular reference to amino acids and lactose metabolism. Findings suggest that BC supplementation could positively affect the intestinal microbiota.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lucia Aidos, Giorgio Mirra, Margherita Pallaoro, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Giuseppe Radaelli, Chiara Bazzocchi, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Alessia Di Giancamillo
Summary: The Atlantic salmon industry is projected to grow by 2-3% globally by 2030. The use of fishmeal, which is produced from wild-caught marine fish, as the main protein source in salmon feeds puts natural fish stocks at risk. Therefore, finding alternative feed ingredients that can ensure the health and growth performance of Atlantic salmon, while being environmentally sustainable, is of great importance.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lucia Aidos, Silvia Clotilde Modina, Valentina Rafaela Herrera Millar, Giuseppe Maria Peretti, Laura Mangiavini, Marco Ferroni, Federica Boschetti, Alessia Di Giancamillo
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the morphological, structural, biochemical, and mechanical changes of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) during meniscus development. The study collected fully developed menisci (FD), partially developed menisci (PD), and undeveloped menisci (ND) from pigs of different ages. The cellularity and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) deposition were evaluated, along with the analysis of Collagen 1 and aggrecan through immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed clear morphological and biomechanical changes in the swine meniscus, indicating the maturation and specialization of the meniscus during growth.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)