The intestinal
gene expression of RelA/p65 (NF-κB),
insulin growth factor 1 (
IGF-1),
glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and Na+/dependent
glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) were evaluated in response to
benzoic acid,
yeast culture,
L-glutamine, and
oregano essential oil, using an ex vivo model. Six piglets weighing approximately 20 kg each were sacrificed, and their
jejunum was collected and segmented into five 2-cm explants. Each explant was immersed in
cell culture medium according to one of the following
treatments control (without additive), 0.5%
benzoic acid, 1%
yeast culture, 1%
L-glutamine, and 0.015%
oregano oil.
Gene expression was evaluated using RT-PCR.
Yeast culture up-regulated the
gene expression of RelA/p65,
IGF-1, GLUT2, and SGLT1 in comparison with control. In addition, jejunal exposure to
L-glutamine and
oregano oil increased
mRNA levels of GLUT2 compared with the control
treatment. Exposure to
oregano oil increased intestinal SGLT1
gene expression, while
benzoic acid reduced SGLT1 expression compared with the control. Feed additives can differently modulate the
gene expression of
immune response, gut development, and
glucose absorption in jejunal explants. These findings can contribute for a better
understanding of the trophic action of these feed additives into the
diets to optimize
animal performance.(AU)