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Metabolites
Special Issues
Intestinal Health and Metabolites in Farm Animals
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Intestinal Health and Metabolites in Farm Animals

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 April 2025) | Viewed by 2487

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Qian Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
2. Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Interests: phenolic compounds and their metabolites in the regulation of intestinal health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Junquan Tian

E-Mail
Guest Editor
School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, China
Interests: the impact of amino acids and their metabolites on stem cell-mediated intestinal development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The intestine is one of the most vulnerable organs to oxidative stress and inflammation. The intestinal or bacterial metabolites could potentially affect the health status and growth performance of farm animals by ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation.

For this Special Issue of Metabolites, we invite authors to submit relevant manuscripts (research or review papers) on the nutrition, growth, and intestinal/bacterial metabolites of farm animals. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the effects of novel functional compounds, nutritional strategy, and feeding technology on animal growth and intestinal health, and (2) the potential mechanism of the bacterial/intestinal metabolites participating in affecting animal growth, epithelial barrier, microbiota, oxidative stress, and inflammation. We hope that your valuable input will enrich current knowledge and practical approaches to the production of farm animals.

Dr. Qian Jiang
Dr. Junquan Tian
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Metabolites is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • metabolites
  • intestinal health
  • oxidative stress
  • inflammation
  • epithelial barrier

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 6195 KiB  
Article
Dietary Tea Polyphenols Alleviate Acute-Heat-Stress-Induced Death of Hybrid Crucian Carp HCC2: Involvement of Modified Lipid Metabolisms in Liver
by Na Zhang, Jinsheng Tao, Qifang Yu, Gege Sun, Xiaopeng Liu, Weirong Tang, Lina Zhang and Zhe Yang
Metabolites 2025, 15(4), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15040229 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Background: Global warming poses significant challenges to aquaculture, as elevated water temperatures adversely affect fish health and survival. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of dietary tea polyphenols (TPs) on acute heat stress and survival in hybrid crucian carp HCC2. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Global warming poses significant challenges to aquaculture, as elevated water temperatures adversely affect fish health and survival. This study investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of dietary tea polyphenols (TPs) on acute heat stress and survival in hybrid crucian carp HCC2. Methods: The fish in the control (CON) group and heat stress group (HS group, three replicates, each containing 20 fish, n = 60 per group) were fed diets with 0 mg/kg TPs, and the three experimental groups (HSLTP, HSMTP, and HSHTP, n = 20 × 3 replicates) were fed the diets with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg TPs for 60 days. Further, fish in the experimental groups (HS, HSLTP, HSMTP, and HSHTP) were exposed at 38 °C for 24 h to induce acute heat stress. Survival data and serum and tissue samples were collected for the analysis. Metabolomics using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was employed to evaluate the metabolite changes in the fish livers. Results: Notably, dietary TPs significantly improved survival rates and antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced serum ALT, AST, cortisol, glucose, MDA, and liver HSP-70 levels in the heat-stressed fish. Metabolomic analysis revealed that TPs modulated lipid metabolism, particularly glycerophospholipid and arachidonic acid pathways, which may contribute to a higher tolerance to acute heat stress. Conclusions: These findings suggest that TPs are a promising, eco-friendly feed additive for protecting fish from heat stress and optimizing aquaculture practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Health and Metabolites in Farm Animals)
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13 pages, 3486 KiB  
Article
Toll-like Receptor Activation Remodels the Polyamine and Tryptophan Metabolism in Porcine Macrophages
by Meimei Zhang, Lingfei Du, Yinhao Shen and Peng Bin
Metabolites 2025, 15(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030162 - 1 Mar 2025
Viewed by 621
Abstract
Background: The early nutritional metabolism of piglets is intimately associated with the regulation of immune function, and amino acids play a crucial role in modulating the fate and function of porcine immune cells, especially macrophages. However, the metabolic changes upon macrophage activation remain [...] Read more.
Background: The early nutritional metabolism of piglets is intimately associated with the regulation of immune function, and amino acids play a crucial role in modulating the fate and function of porcine immune cells, especially macrophages. However, the metabolic changes upon macrophage activation remain elusive. Methods: We established an in vitro activation model of porcine macrophages and investigated alterations in metabolites involved in polyamine and tryptophan metabolism upon activation by various toll-like receptor (TLR) activators. Results: TLR activation inhibits the production of spermine and alters the kynurenine pathway of the tryptophan metabolism toward the kynurenic acid biosynthesis. Specifically, TLR9 activation redirects the metabolic pathway of tryptophan toward kynurenic acid synthesis, which subsequently inhibits melatonin production via the protein kinase A (PKA)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathways. Conclusions: TLR activation reprograms the polyamine and tryptophan metabolism in porcine macrophages. Knowledge of the metabolic alterations in polyamine and tryptophan upon TLR activation in macrophages offers valuable insights and potential strategies for nutritional intervention to enhance piglet immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Health and Metabolites in Farm Animals)
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13 pages, 3969 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Characteristics of Subcutaneous Fat Deposition in Small-Sized Meat Ducks
by Hao Zheng, Cui Wang, Ao Zhou and Xing Chen
Metabolites 2025, 15(3), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030158 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 546
Abstract
Background: Subcutaneous fat deposition is associated with ducks’ meat quality and the methods used to cook them. However, the reasons underlying the differences in the lipid deposition of small-sized Wuqin10 meat ducks remain unclear. Method: In the present study, to elucidate the metabolic [...] Read more.
Background: Subcutaneous fat deposition is associated with ducks’ meat quality and the methods used to cook them. However, the reasons underlying the differences in the lipid deposition of small-sized Wuqin10 meat ducks remain unclear. Method: In the present study, to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms of lipid deposition, we comprehensively analyzed the transcriptomics and lipidomics of subcutaneous fat in Wuqin10 meat ducks with different subcutaneous thicknesses with six replicates. Results: A total of 1120 lipids were detected in the lipidomic analysis, and 39 lipids were inexorably regulated in the ducks with the thick subcutaneous layer compared to those with the thin layer; further, the up-regulated lipids were primarily triglycerides (TGs), which may have resulted in adipocyte enlargement. Furthermore, the transcriptomic analysis identified 265 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 119 down-regulated and 146 up-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in the histidine, arginine, proline metabolism signaling and adipocytokine signaling pathways. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network in Cytoscape 3.8.2 identified hub genes HSP90AA1, RUNX2, ACTN2, ACTA1, IL10, CXCR4, EGF, SOCS3 and PTK2, which were associated with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and regulation of adipocyte hypertrophy. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings reveal the patterns of lipids and the gene expression of subcutaneous fat, providing a basis for future studies of subcutaneous fat deposition in small-sized meat ducks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Health and Metabolites in Farm Animals)
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Review

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18 pages, 321 KiB  
Review
Mycotoxins in Feed: Hazards, Toxicology, and Plant Extract-Based Remedies
by Xiangnan Zhang, Jiashun Chen, Xiaokang Ma, Xiongzhuo Tang, Bie Tan, Peng Liao, Kang Yao and Qian Jiang
Metabolites 2025, 15(4), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15040219 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 640
Abstract
Background: Mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites produced by fungi, are prevalent in animal feed and pose a serious risk to the healthy growth of livestock and poultry. Methods: This review aims to conclude current knowledge on the detrimental effects of mycotoxins on animal [...] Read more.
Background: Mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites produced by fungi, are prevalent in animal feed and pose a serious risk to the healthy growth of livestock and poultry. Methods: This review aims to conclude current knowledge on the detrimental effects of mycotoxins on animal health and to demonstrate the potential of plant extracts as a means to counteract mycotoxin toxicity in feed. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies on the impact of mycotoxins on livestock and poultry health, as well as research into the use of plant extracts as feed additives to mitigate mycotoxin effects. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic, and data were extracted regarding the mechanisms of action and the efficacy of plant extracts. Results: Excessive mycotoxins in feed can lead to reduced appetite, impaired digestion, and general health issues in animals, resulting in decreased food intake, slowed weight gain, and instances of acute poisoning. Plant extracts with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic properties have shown the potential to improve production efficiency and reduce the toxic effects of mycotoxins. Conclusion: This comprehensive review not only consolidates the well-documented adverse effects of mycotoxins on animal health but also introduces a novel perspective by highlighting the potential of plant extracts as a promising and natural solution to counteract mycotoxin toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Health and Metabolites in Farm Animals)
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