Search Results (126)

Under intensive farming conditions, a decline in feed intake after weaning in suckling piglets often results in reduced body weight or diarrhea. We hypothesized that a sow–piglet co-feeding strategy during the suckling period—in which piglets participate in the sow’s feeding process and consume both lactating sow feed and creep feed—could alleviate certain aspects of weaning stress. To test this hypothesis, 102 newborn piglets (Large White × Duroc × Min Pig) were selected and divided into a co-feeding group (CF) and a non-co-feeding group (NCF), based on whether they had access to the sow’s feed during lactation. The study investigated the effects of the two feeding strategies on piglet growth performance, diarrhea incidence, behavior, and post-weaning immune status, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that the CF group had significantly higher body weight at the end of the nursery period (p < 0.05) and a significantly lower post-weaning observed fecal staining rate (p < 0.05). At 16–17 days post-weaning, piglets in the CF group exhibited a significant increase in feeding behavior (p < 0.05). Compared with the NCF group, the CF group showed highly significant reductions in serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (p < 0.01), as well as significantly increased intestinal superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities (p < 0.05) and significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05). In terms of intestinal morphology, the CF group had a highly significant increase in the villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum (p < 0.01) and a highly significant reduction in crypt depth (p < 0.05), while villus length did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Overall, in the present study, sow–piglet co-feeding during the suckling period effectively alleviated weaning stress and reduced the incidence of diarrhea. These beneficial effects appear to be associated with reduced inflammatory responses, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and improved intestinal morphology. It should be noted that the relatively late weaning age used in this study likely facilitated the piglets’ ability to efficiently utilize solid feed and derive benefits from the co-feeding strategy. Therefore, caution should be exercised when extrapolating these findings to earlier weaning ages, at which the digestive tract is less mature. Full article

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin in cereal crops such as corn, wheat, and their processed products. It can cause feed refusal and growth retardation in piglets. This study systematically evaluated the effects of dietary exposure to purified DON at low doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg on growth performance, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, immune function, intestinal health, and reproductive development in female weaned piglets over a 42-day period. Although dietary exposure to 0.25–2.0 mg/kg of DON did not significantly affect growth performance, it induced subclinical multi-organ toxicity. Notably, decreased platelet count (PLT) at 0.25–2.0 mg/kg and increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity at 2.0 mg/kg were observed. DON exposure also impaired antioxidant function with reduced serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) at 0.25–2.0 mg/kg, and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the jejunum and ileum at 0.5–2.0 mg/kg. Furthermore, at all doses tested (0.25–2.0 mg/kg), DON suppressed anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in both serum and intestine, reduced duodenal villus height (VH), and decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Additionally, histopathological injuries of liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, uterus and ovaries were also observed at doses of 1.0–2.0 mg/kg. In summary, this study confirms the multi-organ toxicity of low-dose DON in piglets. Our findings suggest that DON concentrations in pig feed should be more strictly controlled and highlight the importance of considering subclinical health endpoints, such as oxidative stress markers and immune parameters, in future risk assessments of mycotoxin exposure. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection elicits sustained, high-level interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretion in cattle and pigs, which correlates with lymphopenia and immunosuppression. We previously showed that macrophages are the principal source of IL-10 during FMDV infection in mice, but the viral trigger and host pathways remained unknown. In the present study, we examined whether the FMDV structural protein VP3 regulates IL-10 expression. To this end, a eukaryotic VP3 expression vector was transfected into porcine alveolar macrophages (3D4/21 cells), and IL-10 expression together with related signaling pathways was interrogated by qRT-PCR, ELISA, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), confocal microscopy, and luciferase reporter assays. The results showed that VP3 significantly increased IL-10 mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.001) in a time-dependent manner. Mechanistically, VP3 promoted phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR; this effect was abolished by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, which also abrogated VP3-induced IL-10 secretion (p < 0.05). Furthermore, VP3 upregulated mRNA expression of STAT3, ATF1, and CREB (p < 0.05) and enhanced IL-10 promoter activity. The STAT3 inhibitor Stattic reduced IL-10 secretion by 22% (p < 0.05). Co-IP and confocal microscopy confirmed direct binding of VP3 to PI3K in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, FMDV VP3 induces IL-10 overexpression by directly activating the PI3K/AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, thereby elucidating a key mechanism of FMDV-induced immunosuppression. Full article

Background: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) remains one of the most important pathogens that infects swine, causing considerable economic losses worldwide. PCV2 vaccines are commercially available, and the development of experimental vaccines that could confer better protection against emerging genotypes is underway. The expression of virus-like particles (VLPs) carrying different PCV2 capsid (Cap) peptides in E. coli was recently reported. These chimeric particles were adjuvated with an oil-in-water emulsion with polymer and induced different titers of serum IgG in BALB/c mice after a single subcutaneous injection. The aim of this study was to assess the immune response and protective efficacy elicited by VLPs carrying the PCV2b Cap carboxy-terminal peptide in the target species. Methods: Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) were immunized intramuscularly with 25 μg of adjuvated chimeric VLPs on days 0 and 14 and challenged on day 28 with a PCV2b Mexican isolate. PCV2 peptide-specific IgG seroconversion, serum cytokines, viral load in nasal swabs and organs, and histopathological score were determined. Results: IgG levels peaked 28 days post-immunization. Interleukin-12 and -18 and interferon-gamma increased 21 days after immunization. In addition, genomic material of PCV2 was detected in nasal swabs from one specimen on day 7, two specimens on day 14, and two specimens on day 21 following viral challenge. Finally, histological lesions were not less severe in immunized specimens compared to non-vaccinated/challenged specimens. Conclusions: These results suggest that immunization with chimeric VLPs could contribute to controlling viral shedding in pig herds where a PCV2b genotype is most prevalent. Full article

Background: It was hypothesized that short statin treatment would shift adipose expression, plasma and adipose tissue concentrations of adipokines and cytokines. Methods: Effects of a statin administration on adipokines (leptin, resistin and visfatin), adipose inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα)] were examined in young pigs of both lean and fat breeds. Results: Expression of resistin was increased while that of visfatin was decreased in visceral adipose tissue and, to a lesser extent, in epicardial adipose tissue. In young pigs treated with statin, there were increases in the plasma concentrations of leptin, resistin and TNFα. There were also decreases in the plasma concentrations of visfatin, cortisol, Met-enkephalin and endothelin-1. Concentrations of leptin in both epicardial and visceral adipose tissue were reduced in statin-treated pigs. There were marked differences between the epicardial and visceral adipose tissue. Concentrations of leptin were reduced with statin treatment in visceral adipose tissue irrespective of whether they were lean or fat breeds of pigs. Statin treatment was associated with increased concentrations of TNFα in epicardial adipose tissue and of IL-6 in visceral adipose tissue in both lean and fat breeds of pigs. Conclusions: It is concluded that statins cause shifts in the expression and/or concentrations of both adipokines and inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Eustachian tube (ET) is a physiological channel connecting the middle ear with the external atmosphere. The ET plays a role in maintaining the pressure balance of the middle ear, protecting it from pathogen invasion, and cleaning secretions. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) can lead to middle ear diseases in animals. The ET morphological structure are different across species. Therefore, we aim to compare the anatomical and morphological of ET across species. Methods: The combined skull base–nasal approach was used to anatomy ET. Hematoxylin-eosin, luxol fast blue myelin and immunohistochemical Staining were used to observe the morphology of ET. Results: There were significant differences in the size and structure of ET among species: the rodents ET (mouse: 1.152 ± 0.084 mm; rat: 3.738 ± 0.04355 mm) is characterized by cartilage and obvious bubbles; while the miniature pigs ET (32.34 ± 2.157 mm) has a chondroid conical structure similar to that of humans. ET inflammation model was built by intro-tympanic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) significantly increased by 38.6% in inflamed mice, causing ET oxidative stress. The expressions of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) increased by 28.4% and 30.8%, resulting in thickening of the ET mucosa and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Conclusions: The combined skull base–nasal approach was an effective method to anatomy ET across species. The morphology of ET varied across species and NOX2 might play an important role in ET inflammation. Full article

To investigate the effects of low net-energy (NE) diets on intestinal health in Tunchang pigs, 96 animals (25.40 ± 1.11 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups with NE levels of 9.82 (CG), 9.57 (EY1), 9.32 (EY2), and 9.07 (EY3) MJ/kg. Each group consisted of six replicates with four pigs per replicate. The experiment lasted for 63 days. The results showed that compared with the CG, the EY2 increased jejunal villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, as well as reduced crypt depth in the colon (p < 0.05). Both the EY1 and EY2 demonstrated improved intestinal barrier function through upregulation of zonula occludens-1 and occludin expression in the jejunum, zonula occludens-1 in the ileum, and zonula occludens-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in the colon (p < 0.05). Furthermore, EY2 significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, while reducing malondialdehyde content in both the jejunum and colon (p < 0.05). EY2 showed significantly downregulated relative expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, in the jejunum, ileum, and colon (p < 0.05). Microbial and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analyses showed that the EY2 increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, CF231, Coprococcus, Ruminococcus, and Blautia and elevated the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In summary, reducing dietary NE levels to no less than 9.32 MJ/kg improved intestinal health by modulating the gut microbiota and increasing SCFA production. Full article

Background: Glaesserella parasuis (GPS) is a conditional pathogen that colonizes the upper respiratory tract in pigs and causes Glässer’s disease, resulting in high morbidity and mortality in piglets. GPS infection increases the vascular endothelial permeability, but the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Luteolin (Lut) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in plants such as vegetables, herbs, and fruits, but its potential to treat the increased vascular endothelial permeability caused by GPS infection has not been evaluated. Results: This study revealed that GPS infection induces increased vascular endothelial permeability in porcine iliac artery endothelial cells (PIECs) by increasing the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-1β, and by regulating F-actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Mechanistically, GPS infection or Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) overexpression significantly increased the expressions of vascular-endothelial-permeability-related proteins (CD44; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA); matrixmetalloProteinase-3 (MMP-3); MMP-9; and SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (c-Src)) and increased the vascular endothelial permeability; these changes were alleviated by a Lut treatment or CD44 silencing in the PIECs. Conclusions: This study comprehensively illustrates the potential targets and molecular mechanism of Lut in alleviating the GPS-induced increase in vascular endothelial permeability. The CD44 pathway and Lut may be an effective target and antibiotic alternative, respectively, to prevent the increased vascular endothelial permeability caused by GPS. Full article

Oxidative stress (OS) is a major concern in young poultry and livestock, prompting extensive research on OS models. This study aimed to systematically investigate the dynamic effects and temporal trends of OS induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) over time. Twenty-eight piglets were randomly divided into four groups and equally intraperitoneally injected with LPS at doses of 0 μg/kg (control), 50 μg/kg (L-LPS), 100 μg/kg (M-LPS) and 150 μg/kg (H-LPS) body weight, respectively. The results showed that total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and catalase (CAT) were decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid (D-LA) were increased in the M-LPS and H-LPS group on day 1 in comparison with the control group, but no differences were found among treatments on day 7. However, LPS treatments gave rise to varying degrees of pathological injury in the intestines, livers and spleens on day 7. Metabolomics analysis indicated that compared with the control group, glycyl-valine, histamine and lepidine F were decreased in the M-LPS group. Most differentially expressed metabolites were enriched in amino acid-related metabolism pathways on both day 1 and day 7. Microbiome analysis identified that Oscillibacter_sp._CAG:241 was decreased in the M-LPS group compared with the control group on day 1, while Bacteroides_thetaiotaomicron and Lactobacillus_amylovorus were reduced in the M-LPS group on day 7. Collectively, an LPS dose of 100 μg/kg body weight is optimal for inducing acute inflammation in Wuzhishan miniature pigs. These findings highlight the importance of considering both the duration of OS induction and the specific research objectives when establishing OS models. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary niacinamide supplementation on blood parameters, antioxidant status, and intestinal health in finishing pigs fed low-protein diets. Sixty-four pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 80.4 ± 0.1 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments supplemented with 30 (NAM30), 130 (NAM130), 230 (NAM230), and 330 (NAM330) mg/kg niacinamide for 30 days. Each treatment had four replicate pens and four pigs per pen. Growth performance was not significantly affected. However, the NAM130 group showed higher (p < 0.05) hemoglobin levels, reduced (p < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations, and altered intestinal microbiota composition, including lower Streptococcus abundance (p < 0.05). Serum alanine aminotransferase levels increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with niacinamide supplementation, with a breakpoint at approximately 221 mg/kg. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with 130 mg/kg niacinamide improves antioxidant status, modulates inflammation, and supports intestinal microbial balance, with a safety threshold to avoid hepatic stress. Full article

This study investigated the effects of potassium magnesium sulfate (PMS) on intestinal dissociation and absorption rate, immune function, and expression of the NOD-like receptor thermal domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, aquaporins (AQPs), and potassium and magnesium ion channels in weaned piglets. Experiment 1 involved the assessment of the dissociation rate of PMS in pig digestive fluid and the absorption rate of PMS in the small intestine using an Ussing chamber in vitro. In Experiment 2, 216 healthy 21-day-old weaned piglets were selected and randomly assigned to six groups (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, 0.60%, and 0.75% PMS), with each group 6 replicates of six piglets per replicate. The in vitro Ussing chamber results indicated that the absorption of K⁺ and Mg²⁺ in the jejunum and ileum was significantly higher than that in the duodenum (p < 0.05). The in vivo study demonstrated that the addition of PMS resulted in a linear increase in serum K⁺, IgG, and interleukin (IL)-2 levels while simultaneously reducing serum IL-1β levels (p < 0.05). Dietary PMS significantly elevated serum IL-10 and Mg²⁺ levels in feces (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation with 0.60% or 0.75% PMS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of NLRP3 in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Dietary PMS supplementation linearly reduced the mRNA expression levels of cysteine protease 1 (Caspase-1) and IL-1β in both the jejunum and colon as well as the mRNA expression levels of two-pore domain channel subfamily K member 5 (KCNK5) in these regions (p < 0.05). Notably, supplementation with 0.15% PMS significantly decreased the mRNA expression of transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPM6) in the jejunum and significantly increased the expression of TRPM6 in the colon (p < 0.05). Dietary addition of 0.45% and 0.60% PMS significantly increased the mRNA expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in the colon (p < 0.05), whereas 0.75% PMS significantly increased the mRNA expression of aquaporin 8 (AQP8) in both the jejunum and colon. Moreover, the expression levels of AQP3 and AQP8 were significantly negatively correlated with the diarrhea rate observed between days 29 and 42. In conclusion, dietary PMS supplementation improved immune function, inhibited the activation of intestinal NLRP3, and modulated the expression of water and ion channels in weaned piglets, thereby contributing to the maintenance of intestinal water and ion homeostasis, which could potentially alleviate post-weaning diarrhea in piglets. The recommended supplemental level of PMS in the corn-soybean basal diet for weaned piglets is 0.30%. Full article

Intestinal diseases in nursery pigs harm health and performance and drive antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated whether early probiotic inoculation helps piglets to cope with weaning-related gut challenges. The probiotic, containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Enterococcus lactis, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, and Bifidobacterium breve, was given orally to newborn piglets daily until day 4 and then every other day until weaning at day 28 (at 4 × 10⁹ CFU/dose). The control piglets received a placebo. The results showed that the probiotic pigs had reduced fecal alpha-diversity on day 7 but greater Shannon diversity on day 28 (feces) and day 23 (intestinal contents) compared to those of the control pigs. Beta-diversity analysis showed microbial differences between the groups on day 35. Most zOTUs (zero-radius operational taxonomic units) found to significantly differentiate the two treatment groups were found pre weaning. Bifidobacterium breve, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, as well as Clostridium ramosum were significantly more abundant in the feces of the probiotic pigs more than once. The probiotic pigs had higher expression levels of mucin 2 (MUC2); solute carrier family 5, member 8 (SLC5A8); and interleukin 8 (IL-8) post weaning. In the early post-weaning period, the probiotic pigs had less diarrhea as well as lower cadaverine levels in digesta than the control pigs. In conclusion, early probiotic inoculation may induce lasting immunomodulation via microbial antigen changes, enhancing resilience during challenges, like weaning. Notably, the effects persisted beyond weaning and probiotic cessation. Full article

Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) represent a promising alternative to traditional blood transfusions, offering the advantages of extended shelf life and avoiding blood compatibility limitations and infection risks. Positive effects of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) on hemorrhagic shock have been researched across various animal species, including swine, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and dogs. As previously described, HBOCs based on ovine hemoglobin display better efficiency in the context of hemorrhagic shock compared to those based on the more commonly used bovine hemoglobin. This was evidenced through higher survival rates and more favorable histopathological and immunological outcomes. The vascular effects of ovine hemoglobin polymerized with glutaraldehyde exposure included the absence of hypertension, minimal endothelial damage with slight alterations in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and reduced vascular inflammation mediated by interleukin-10 (IL-10). Ovine hemoglobin has emerged as a particularly promising raw material for the development of HBOCs, surpassing bovine and human hemoglobin due to its advantages in availability and efficacy. Furthermore, reducing oxidative stress by polymerizing hemoglobin with glutaraldehyde is most effective with ovine hemoglobin compared to bovine hemoglobin. This study evaluates the effectiveness of ovine hemoglobin polymerized with glutaraldehyde in managing hemorrhagic shock in rabbits, with a focus on its ability to maintain blood pressure, support oxygen transport, and assess potential systemic and oxidative responses. Fifteen adult New Zealand white rabbits, divided into three equal groups, were included in this study: a negative control group transfused with colloid solutions, a positive control group treated with autotransfusion, and a group receiving HBOCs. All groups underwent a hemorrhagic shock protocol, with 40% of their total blood volume withdrawn under deep anesthesia, followed by transfusions 30 min later. Vital parameters, including invasive arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and end-tidal CO₂, were measured throughout the experimental procedures. Arterial blood gas samples were collected before the procedures, after hemorrhagic shock induction, and at the conclusion of the transfusion. In summary, HBOCs offer a promising solution for oxygen delivery, but their effects on blood chemistry, particularly CO₂ and lactate levels, must be considered. Although no direct oxygenation issues were observed in experimental models, elevated CO₂ levels and the interference of HBOCs with lactate measurements emphasize the importance of vigilant clinical monitoring. Polymerized hemoglobin provides a non-nephrotoxic alternative, but challenges persist in preventing nitric oxide scavenging and ensuring effective oxygen delivery. Full article

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) commonly occurs in pigs and poses a significant challenge to the swine industry. This study investigated the effect of fermented milk on growth performance and intestinal health in IUGR-affected piglets. A total of 24 28-day-old weaned piglets with IUGR were randomly assigned to a corn-soybean basal diet (control) or a basal diet mixed with fermented milk (3:1 w/v, treatment). The results showed that fermented milk increased the average daily gain and decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.05). Fermented milk increased the villus height in the duodenum and decreased the jejunal crypt depth (p < 0.05). Pigs in the treatment showed higher activities of lipase, α-amylase, and sucrase in the duodenum, along with an elevation in jejunal sucrase activity (p < 0.05). The ileal glutathione concentration was increased by the treatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, fermented milk upregulated the protein expression of occludin and claudin-3 while decreasing the gene expression of interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor αlpha in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that dietary supplementation with fermented milk significantly improved growth performance through the enhancement of intestinal functions in IUGR piglets, highlighting the potential of fermented milk as a nutritional strategy to improve postnatal growth in IUGR piglets. Full article

Porcine cytomegalovirus/porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV), a porcine herpesvirus, has been shown to significantly reduce the survival time of porcine xenotransplants in non-human primates. The virus was detected in all the examined organs of baboons transplanted with PCMV/PRV-positive organs and it was also transmitted to the first human recipient of a pig heart, contributing to the patient’s death. PCMV/PRV induces consumptive coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia in xenotransplant recipients. Initial studies in baboons revealed that the virus triggered increased release of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), along with elevated levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) complexes. Since there is no evidence that PCMV/PRV infects primate cells, including human cells, the virus appears to directly interact with immune and endothelial cells, disrupting cytokine signaling and coagulation pathways. The highest viral load was detected in the explanted pig heart, suggesting active replication at this site. Additionally, cells expressing PCMV/PRV proteins were identified in all the examined baboon organs, where pig cells were also found. Since PCMV/PRV affects only xenotransplant recipients and not healthy humans, this condition should be classified as a xenozoonosis. Interestingly, antibodies against human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) cross-react with PCMV/PRV and may contribute to protection against infection in humans. Further research is needed to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying this xenozoonotic disease. Full article