Search Results (1,170)

To investigate the response mechanism of cold-resistant Enshi black pig breeds under cold stress, nine Enshi black pigs were randomly divided into three groups with three pigs in each: a control group (18 ± 2 °C for 58 d), a cold-stress-acclimated group (3 to 8 °C to −17 to −21 °C for 58 d), and an acute cold stress group (−17 to −21 °C for 3 d). RNA-seq technology was used to analyze mRNA and lncRNA expression patterns in subcutaneous adipose tissue under cold stress. The results showed that, under acute cold stress, many metabolic pathways were activated, including those involved in rapid energy supply (e.g., the citric acid cycle/TCA cycle, fatty acid degradation and metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis), signal transduction pathways (e.g., PI3K Akt, MAPK, PPAR, HIF-1, mTOR, and FoxO), and immune and cellular homeostasis pathways (chemokine signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling, Toll-like receptor signaling, and apoptosis and autophagy regulation). Under cold stress acclimation, metabolic regulatory pathways (e.g., AMPK, mTOR, FoxO, HIF-1, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid degradation), immune and inflammatory regulatory pathways (Toll-like receptors, NOD like receptors, and T/B cell receptor signaling pathways), and signal transduction and cell homeostasis pathways (MAPK, PI3K Akt, NF-κB, Notch signaling pathways, apoptosis, and autophagy regulation) were continuously activated to ensure the stability of adipose tissue structure and function. Acute cold stress activated more pathways than cold stress acclimation, but both led to significant changes in energy metabolism. The results identified the molecular regulatory mechanisms of adipose tissue under cold stress, providing a basis for the subsequent breeding of new cold-resistant pig breeds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a major pathogen that causes septicemia, meningitis, and polyserositis in pigs. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the diverse serotypes of ExPEC highlight the urgent need for broadly protective vaccines. Methods and Results: In this study, an OmpC epitope vaccine based on the T4 phage display system was developed and evaluated. Two B-cell epitopes (OmpC-1 and OmpC-2) were identified by bioinformatic analysis and displayed on recombinant T4 phages. Immunization induced strong antigen-specific IgG responses, with the OmpC-1-T4 group showing significantly higher antibody titers than the OmpC protein group. In the O11 serotype PCN033 challenge model, survival rates reached 100% in the OmpC-1-T4 group, 60% in the OmpC-2-T4 group, and approximately 80% in the OmpC protein group. In the O18 serotype 2103 challenge model, both recombinant phage groups had survival rates of approximately 60%, whereas all the mice in the OmpC protein group died within three days. OmpC-1-T4 immunization also significantly reduced bacterial loads in lung and brain tissues after PCN033 infection and decreased TNF-α and IL-6 expression in lung tissues, accompanied by reduced inflammatory infiltration and tissue damage. Conclusions: Overall, the T4 phage-displayed OmpC epitope vaccine induced strong humoral immunity and provided protection against different ExPEC serotypes. Among the candidates, OmpC-1-T4 showed superior immune protection, bacterial clearance, and inflammation control, supporting its potential as a vaccine candidate against porcine ExPEC infection. Full article

Indigenous pigs constitute crucial genetic reservoirs. Adipose tissue is central to pig growth and metabolism, yet its molecular ontogeny remains poorly characterized in indigenous breeds such as the Ningxiang pig. We employed mass spectrometry to profile backfat proteomes across six postnatal stages (60–360 days). Proteomes clearly separated early (60–120 days) from late stages (300–360 days). Older pigs showed enrichment in processes linked to energy metabolism, translation, immune function, and mitochondrial activity. We identified 43 lipid metabolism proteins exhibiting significant age-dependent abundance. Weighted co-abundance network analysis revealed four protein modules significantly correlated with lean meat percentage, fat percentage, and carcass weight. Intramodular analysis identified four hub proteins—ALDH18A1, FABP4, FBP1, and HADHB—as putative candidates associated with lipid transport, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation. This study links temporal proteomic profiles with key carcass traits, providing a data resource and a network-based framework for future research. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by a tapeworm of the Echinococcus granulosus s.l. species complex belonging to the Taeniidae family. CE affects more than 100 countries, including Poland, while remaining a significant public health threat to both humans and livestock. The aim of this study was to identify the genotypes responsible for cases of cystic echinococcosis in Poland by conducting molecular analysis of larvae isolated from Polish patients, and to investigate the diagnostic pathways leading to CE diagnosis. Between April 2023 and January 2025, tissue samples were collected from 10 patients following hepatectomy. Analysis of diagnostic pathways revealed that radiological findings followed by PCR or histopathological testing were sufficient to establish a reliable diagnosis of CE in 90% and 100% of cases, respectively. Serological tests showed lower sensitivity, reaching 86% for ELISA and 71% for Western blot. DNA extracted from all samples was used as the template in PCR to amplify and sequence the region of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 gene (nad1). PCR analysis confirmed presence of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. species in eight cases. All obtained nad1 sequences showed identity with the Echinococcus canadensis G7 (pig) strain. These results indicate that it remains the most frequent causative agent of human cystic echinococcosis in Poland. Full article

Background: Autonomic side effects are a major determinant of tolerability for many psychotherapeutic drugs. While often attributed to receptor-mediated mechanisms, the potential contribution of direct modulation of smooth muscle excitability remains poorly characterized at a comparative pharmacological level. Methods: A systematic comparative pharmacological profiling of a broad panel of psychotherapeutic drugs (antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics) was conducted using a standardized ex vivo model. Potassium chloride (KCl, 105 mM) was used to induce depolarization-dependent contraction in three isolated smooth muscle preparations (rat uterus, rat vas deferens, and guinea-pig ileum). Inhibitory potency (IC₅₀), dose-dependency, and tissue consistency were integrated to define functional inhibitory profiles. Results: Psychotherapeutic drugs exhibited marked heterogeneity in their ability to inhibit K⁺-induced smooth muscle contraction. Integrative analysis stratified compounds into four distinct functional profiles: (i) High Inhibitory Liability (e.g., nortriptyline, paroxetine), characterized by low micromolar IC₅₀ values and dose-dependent inhibition across multiple tissues; (ii) Non-Selective Inhibition (e.g., flunarizine, cinnarizine), showing consistent but dose-independent inhibition; (iii) Tissue-Dependent Inhibition (e.g., risperidone, reboxetine); and (iv) Minimal Inhibition (e.g., moclobemide). Agents classified within the High Inhibitory Liability profile correspond to drugs known to carry a higher clinical burden of autonomic adverse effects. Conclusions: This study reveals a previously underrecognized pharmacodynamic dimension of psychotherapeutic drugs and establishes a comparative functional taxonomy based on their direct, non-receptor-mediated inhibition of smooth muscle excitability. The identified profiles provide a mechanism-informed framework for contextualizing autonomic side-effect liability and may support improved safety evaluation in psychotherapeutic drug development. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel wireless energy-transmitting implantable diaphragm pacemaker for restoring respiratory ventilation. Methods: The diaphragm pacing (DP) system was designed based on the principle of electromagnetic resonance coupling. The safety of device implantation was analyzed through finite-element simulations of multi-field coupling between electromagnetic heating and biological tissue. In vitro testing with coils embedded in pork demonstrated the system output characteristics. This device was used in miniature Bama pigs that underwent deep anesthesia and respiratory arrest (N = 8). Respiratory airflow, diaphragmatic displacement, and blood gases were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed DP system. Results: Thermal effect simulation results show that the temperature rise of the surrounding tissue does not exceed 2 °C during 1 h of transmission power (0.5–1.3 W) operation of the receiver. In vitro tests with two receivers embedded in pork showed that the DP system can effectively output stimulation waveforms over a certain transmission distance (5–35 mm). The stimulation waveform output by the receiver is consistent with the parameters set by the external controller. In phrenic nerve electrical stimulation experiments, the peak respiratory airflow and tidal volume remained stable over 50 consecutive respiratory cycles. The tidal volume (108.63 mL) and diaphragmatic displacement (0.883–2.15 cm) in a pig induced by DP demonstrate the effectiveness of respiratory ventilation. The arterial blood gas analysis results and temperature rise experiment during implantation further confirmed the effectiveness and safety of the ventilation. Conclusions: The implantable diaphragmatic pacemaker developed in this study exhibits good thermal safety, stable output, and effective respiratory ventilation. A control group with commercial diaphragmatic pacemakers and data from chronic implantation experiments are needed to further evaluate its effectiveness. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chitooligosaccharide (COS) is a marine-derived natural product obtained from shrimp and crab shells. Although its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are documented, its potential effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome remain largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of COST (MW ≈ 1000 Da) against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome in Bama pigs. Methods: Bama pigs were fed a HFD for 12 weeks to establish an obesity model, followed by 12 weeks of oral COST administration. Serum biochemical parameters, tissue indicators, histopathology, and gene/protein expression related to cholesterol metabolism were analyzed. Fecal bile acid (BA) profiles, gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were also examined. Results: COST treatment significantly attenuated weight gain and improved multiple components of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Mechanistically, COST upregulated intestinal ABCG5/ABCG8 to promote cholesterol excretion, increased ABCA1 expression in intestine and liver to enhance reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), and upregulated hepatic LDL-R to facilitate LDL-C clearance from circulation while modulating hepatic cholesterol synthesis via SREBP2 downregulation and RNF145 upregulation. These transcriptional changes were confirmed at the protein level for LXR, LDL-R, and ABCA1. Additionally, COST decreased fecal secondary BA levels, reshaped gut microbiota composition, and increased SCFA production, with significant correlations among these factors. Conclusions: COST ameliorates protective effects against HFD-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, potentially through the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and the modulation of the gut microbiota-BA-SCFA network. Full article

This study aimed to assess the occurrence and contamination levels of OTA in edible tissues of slaughtered pigs in Greece using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). Kidney, liver, muscle, and fat samples were collected from 1695 healthy slaughtered pigs originating from 113 swine farms across eight geographical regions of Greece and analyzed for OTA. OTA was not detected in muscle or fat samples. In contrast, OTA was detected in 99 of 1695 kidney samples (5.8%), with concentrations ranging from 0.36 to 1.36 μg/kg (mean 0.73 μg/kg; median 0.70 μg/kg). OTA-positive kidney samples were identified in four regions, with the highest prevalence recorded in the regional unit of Karditsa, within the region of Thessaly (75/105 samples; 71.4%), where the maximum OTA concentration in kidneys was observed (1.36 μg/kg). Karditsa was also the only regional unit where OTA was detected in liver samples (40/1695; 2.4%), with concentrations ranging from 0.42 to 1.08 μg/kg (mean 0.61 μg/kg; median 0.53 μg/kg). The lack of detectable OTA levels in muscle and fat indicates minimal consumer exposure through pork; nevertheless, the presence of low-level residues in kidneys and liver emphasizes the necessity for ongoing monitoring using sensitive analytical methods. Overall, OTA contamination in edible tissues was low and unevenly distributed, reflecting localized exposure likely associated with region- or farm-specific feed contamination. Full article

While cochlear implants allow restoration of sound perception in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, there remains significant variability in patient outcomes. A potential factor that may account for this unexplained variability is the formation of fibrosis within the cochlea after implantation. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of pirfenidone (PFD) in preventing cochlear implant-induced fibrosis and compared outcomes with dexamethasone (DEX) treated animals. The utility of PFD was determined in cultures of fibrocytes isolated from the inner ear of guinea pigs. Specifically, PFD-treatment significantly reduced p38 MAPK signalling, fibrocyte cell proliferation, migration and collagen III deposition in response to pro-fibrotic stimuli. In a guinea pig model, local hydrogel-mediated delivery of PFD to the round window at the time of implant surgery significantly reduced the amount of tissue reaction measured by micro-computed tomography at two months post-implantation (p = 0.0297). Specifically, a 40% decrease in implant-induced tissue reaction was observed in PFD-treated animals compared to vehicle-treated controls. Notably, no evidence of ototoxicity was observed following PFD-treatment. In contrast, a 36% decrease in the amount of tissue reaction was measured in the DEX-treated control group (p = 0.0436). Overall, these data demonstrate that PFD shows significant therapeutic potential in reducing cochlear implant-induced fibrosis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bitter taste perception is important for pig feeding behavior and survival. The type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors responsible for the sense of bitter taste perception in mammals. T2Rs are expressed in taste receptor cells located in the taste buds of the papillae of the tongue and in other tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory epithelia, and immune system. In pigs, twelve T2R genes have previously been experimentally identified, although only a limited number of studies have investigated this gene family. We hypothesized that the full T2R gene repertoire in pigs has yet to be uncovered. Methods: Circumvallate papillae (CVP) were collected from 12 pigs, and a combination of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation was used to identify and annotate T2R transcripts in the pig transcriptome. The CVP transcriptome was explored using reference-guided assembly to identify potential novel transcripts, and newly identified protein-coding transcripts were confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Results: The results confirmed significant expression of 10 of the 12 known T2Rs (3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 16, 20, 39, 41, and 60). Two novel T2R transcripts (ENSSSCT00000089410.2 and ENSSSCT00000091318.1) were discovered and referred to as T2R61 and T2R62. T2R62 contained larger exons than those annotated in the reference genome. The results also showed that porcine T2R20 is a member of the porcine T2R family highly similar to several human TAS2Rs, including TAS2R20 (TAS2R49). In total, the porcine T2R repository contains 14 transcripts supported by strong evidence. Conclusions: This study expands knowledge of the porcine T2R repertoire and provides insight into the genetic basis of taste perception, food selection, nutrition, and adaptation biology in pigs. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological mechanisms and health resilience of Duroc pigs reared in an outdoor system compared to a conventional indoor system. A total of 24 Duroc pigs (approximately 3 months of age) were randomly assigned to either an indoor (IN, n = 12) or an outdoor (OUT, n = 12) rearing system for a 45-day trial. Growth performance (body weight and ADG) and spleen organ index were not significantly different between the two rearing systems (p > 0.05). Hematological profiles, including leukocyte and erythrocyte indices, showed no significant differences (p > 0.05), although plateletcrit tended to decrease in the OUT group (p = 0.08). For serum biochemical parameters, pigs in the OUT group exhibited significantly higher concentrations of total protein, triglycerides, calcium, and sodium compared to those in the IN group (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum albumin and glucose levels tended to be higher in the OUT group (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in liver and muscle enzyme activities (AST, ALP, GGT, CK) between the treatments (p > 0.05). In conclusion, outdoor rearing did not compromise growth performance or induce chronic physiological stress or tissue damage in Duroc pigs. Instead, it promoted active energy and lipid mobilization, enhanced protein metabolism, and improved mineral homeostasis, demonstrating the robust physiological adaptability of the Duroc breed to outdoor environments. Full article

An increasing number of studies have focused on the redundant roles of genes in various cellular processes. For instance, 37,000 and 127,300 publications are associated with P53 and Tumor Protein 53 (TP53) respectively, and numerous other genes are also repeatedly interpreted like them. Thus, it is crucial to reduce such non-essential duplicated studies. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of 6 commonly used tool cell lines and 43 tissue types from pigs were analyzed. The results indicated that genes relatively highly or specifically expressed in each cell type most likely perform that cell’s primary function. Specifically, such genes in skeletal muscle cells mainly regulate skeletal muscle structure, differentiation and development, with similar phenomena seen in the other 5 cell types. In addition, RNA expression levels of genes show high similarity and commonality between cells and tissues, with a total of 4117 ubiquitously expressed genes screened out overall. Meanwhile, embryonic samples display the largest number of RNA-specific expressed genes and the strongest tissue specificity. In conclusion, investigating highly and specifically expressed genes across cells, tissues and organs enables more efficient identification of core functional genes, whereas cataloging ubiquitously expressed genes in a species helps reduce redundant and unnecessary gene functional characterization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (FVs) has been inversely associated with a lower risk of ulcerative colitis. Using a pig model, we evaluated the effect of FV supplementation on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Methods: Six-week-old pigs were fed a grower diet (negative control), grower diet + 4% DSS (positive control), half-FV diet + DSS, or full-FV diet + DSS. FV levels matched half or full daily recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Clinical signs were monitored; proximal colon contents (PCs) and mucosa (PCM) were analyzed for metagenome, transcriptome and histopathology. Results: Full-FV pigs showed no diarrhea, less fecal occult blood (FOB), crypt hyperplasia, but no changes in gene expression or microbiome diversity (p < 0.05). Half-FV pigs had increased FOB, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to tissue remodeling, crypt/goblet cell hyperplasia and two cases of diarrhea (p < 0.05). DSS controls showed reduced immune-related DEGs, altered microbiome, PCM erosion, FOB, and persistent diarrhea in one pig (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A three-week full-FV diet conferred protection against DSS-induced colitis, with a dose-dependent protection of intestinal tissue and gut metagenome under inflammatory challenge. Full article

Streptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that typically causes bacteremia or meningitis in humans, whereas vertebral osteomyelitis with epidural abscess is exceedingly rare and may be missed. We describe a 65-year-old farmer with fever and severe low back pain after long-term bare-handed handling of raw pig lungs. Pre-treatment blood cultures yielded S. suis identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). After transient improvement on empirical therapy, fever recurred with worsening lumbar pain. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multilevel thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylitis with an epidural abscess and a sub-ligamentous abscess beneath the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) extending from L2 to L5. Computed tomography-guided lumbar biopsy followed by tissue metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) detected S. suis, providing concordant evidence supporting pathogen involvement at the vertebral focus. The bloodstream isolate (SS-JX2025-01) was serotype 2, sequence type 7 (ST7). It remained susceptible to β-lactams and glycopeptides but was resistant to macrolide–lincosamide and tetracycline classes, consistent with erm(B), tet(O), tet(40), and ant(6)-Ia detected by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Virulence profiling revealed an epf⁺/sly⁺/mrp⁻ pattern with multiple adhesins and immune-evasion factors, whereas canonical 89K pathogenicity island markers were absent. Core-genome phylogeny placed SS-JX2025-01 within the Chinese ST7 lineage associated with previous outbreaks. This biopsy-supported case expands the clinical spectrum of invasive S. suis infection, highlights the value of tissue mNGS as an adjunct for supporting deep-seated foci in zoonotic infections, and underscores the importance of occupational prevention in small-scale farming households. Full article

Oxidative stress (OS) is a central regulator of health and productivity in livestock, emerging from complex interactions between dietary inputs, microbiome composition, environmental stressors, and host metabolism. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on OS in cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry, emphasizing mechanistic pathways, tissue-specific responses, and translational applications. We highlight the central role of redox–inflammatory signaling hubs, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and inflammasomes, as integrators of metabolic and immune stress. Microbiome–metabolome interactions modulate systemic oxidative responses, influencing liver, mammary gland, gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, and reproductive tissues. Oxidative stress-related biochemical and molecular alterations are captured by a range of biomarkers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TOAC), gluthatione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), paraoxonase-1 (PON1), cytokines, and gene expression profiles, measurable in blood, milk, saliva, and tissues. Integrating these markers enables precision diagnostics, early disease detection, and evidence-based nutritional interventions. Furthermore, computational modeling and spatial–socioeconomic perspectives offer novel approaches to translate molecular redox insights into practical livestock management strategies. By framing OS as a regulated, context-dependent process rather than a simple imbalance of reactive oxygen species, this review advances a conceptual, cross-species framework for understanding, monitoring, and mitigating oxidative stress in livestock. This integrative perspective provides a foundation for targeted antioxidant strategies and sustainable production practices, bridging molecular mechanisms with practical applications in animal health and productivity. Full article