Gut microbiota-bile acid crosstalk and metabolic fatty liver in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus): The role of a cholesterol, taurine and glycine supplement.

The prevalent practice of substituting fishmeal with plant protein frequently leads to disturbances in bile acid metabolism, subsequently increasing the incidence of metabolic liver diseases. Bile acid nutrients such as cholesterol, taurine and glycine have been shown to enhance bile acid synthesis and confer beneficial effects on growth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of cholesterol-taurine-glycine (Ch-Tau-Gly) supplement on bile acid metabolism and liver health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fed a plant-based diet. Two isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated: (1) plant protein-based diet (PP); (2) PP supplemented 0.5% cholesterol, 0.5% taurine and 1.3% glycine (CTG). Each experimental diet was randomly fed to quadruplicate groups of 30 feed-trained spotted seabass in each tank. The results revealed that supplementing plant-based diet with Ch-Tau-Gly supplement led to an increase in carcass ratio (meat yield) in spotted seabass (P < 0.05), indirectly contributing positively to their growth. The dietary supplement effectively suppressed endogenous cholesterol synthesis in the liver, promoted the expression of bile acid synthesis enzyme synthesis, and simultaneously the expression of intestinal fxr and its downstream genes, including hnf4α and shp (P < 0.05). The reduction in Lactobacillus_salivarius and bile salt hydrolase (BSH) were observed in CTG group with concurrently increased conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) bile acids (P < 0.05), suggesting the enhancement of the hydrophilicity of the bile acid pool. In CTG group, fatty liver was alleviated with a corresponding increase in lipid metabolism, characterized by a downregulation of genes associated with lipogenesis and lipid droplet deposition, along with an upregulation of genes related to lipolysis. Our study underscored the ability of Ch-Tau-Gly supplement to influence the gut microbiota, leading to an increase in the levels of conjugated CDCA (P < 0.05) in the bile acid pool of spotted seabass. The interplay between the gut microbiota and bile acids might constitute a crucial pathway in the promotion of liver health. These findings offer a promising solution, suggesting that Ch-Tau-Gly supplement have the potential to promote the growth of aquatic species and livestock fed on plant-based diets while addressing issues related to metabolic fatty liver.

A potential role for inflammatory cytokines in a rare late-onset capsular block syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Late-onset capsule block syndrome (CBS) is a rare complication of cataract phacoemulsification and the implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL), which manifests six months to years after surgery. The hallmark of CBS is the formation of an opaque liquid substance between the implanted intraocular lens (IOL) and the posterior capsule. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old female patient with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (axis length < 21 mm) underwent trabeculectomy surgery combined with phacoemulsification and PCIOL. After a 4-year follow-up, a decline in visual acuity occurred in her right eye due to the location of opaque fluid in the visual axis and distension of the capsular bag. The initial course of action was to release the trapped fluid. Neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy could not be employed due to her non-dilating pupil and high extension of the posterior capsule. Subsequently, anterior capsule peeling and anterior segment vitrectomy surgery were performed. The depth of the anterior chamber (ACD), the distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the visual quality (VQ) were measured both before and after surgery. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the opaque substances (OS) trapped between the PCIOL and the posterior capsule were assessed using a flow cytometer and compared to normal statistical data in aqueous humor. After surgery, the patient experienced a significant improvement in BCVA and VQ. The distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule was on the verge of disappearing. However, ACD did not differ between pre- and post-operatively. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) concentrations were higher in the OS than in aqueous humor, especially in the former. However, the concentration of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in the OS was lower than in aqueous humor. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment vitrectomy surgery proved to be a successful treatment for late-onset CBS, presenting a challenging case. In the human lens, inflammatory cytokines originating from the opaque substances may contribute to abnormal metabolism in the sealed area, a consequence of late-onset CBS.

The application of protease in aquaculture: Prospects for enhancing the aquafeed industry.

Low-fishmeal and protein-saving diets are two prominent nutritional strategies utilized to address challenges related to the scarcity and sustainability of protein sources in aquaculture. However, these diets have been associated with adverse effects on the growth performance, feed utilization, and disease resistance of aquatic animals. To mitigate these challenges, exogenous protease has been applied to enhance the quality of diets with lower protein contents or fishmeal alternatives, thereby improving the bioavailability of nutritional ingredients. Additionally, protease preparations were also used to enzymatically hydrolyze fishmeal alternatives, thus enhancing their nutritional utilization. The present review aims to consolidate recent research progress on the use of protease in aquaculture and conclude the benefits and limitations of its application, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject and identifying opportunities for future research.

A missense GDF5 variant causes brachydactyly type A1 and multiple-synostoses syndrome 2.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the molecular defects and clinical manifestations in a Chinese family with brachydactyly (BD) type A1 (BDA1) and multiple-synostoses syndrome 2 (SYNS2). Methods: A Chinese family with BDA1 and SYNS2 was enrolled in this study. Whole-exome sequencing was used to analyze the gene variants in the proband. The sequences of the candidate pathogenic variant in GDF5 was validated via Sanger sequencing. I-TASSER and PyMOL were used to analyze the functional domains of the corresponding mutant proteins. Results: The family was found to have an autosomal-dominantly inherited combination of BDA1 and SYNS2 caused by the S475N variant in the GDF5 gene. The variant was located within the functional region, and the mutated residue was found to be highly conserved among species. Via bioinformatic analyses, we predicted this variant to be deleterious, which perturb the protein function. The substitution of the negatively charged amino acid S475 with the neutral N475 was predicted to disrupt the formation of salt bridges with Y487 and impair the structure, stability, and function of the protein, consequently, the abnormalities in cartilage and bone development ensue. Conclusions: A single genetic variant (S475N) which disrupt the formation of salt bridges with Y487, in the interface of the antagonist- and receptor-binding sites of GDF5 concurrently causes two pathological mechanisms. This is the first report of this variant, identified in a Chinese family with BDA1 and SYNS2.

Faslpr gene dosage tunes the extent of lymphoproliferation and T cell differentiation in lupus.

Sle1 and Faslpr are two lupus susceptibility loci that lead to manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. To evaluate the dosage effects of Faslpr in determining cellular and serological phenotypes associated with lupus, we developed a new C57BL/6 (B6) congenic lupus strain, B6.Sle1/Sle1.Faslpr/+ (Sle1homo.lprhet) and compared it with B6.Faslpr/lpr (lprhomo), B6.Sle1/Sle1 (Sle1homo), and B6.Sle1/Sle1.Faslpr/lpr (Sle1homo.lprhomo) strains. Whereas Sle1homo.lprhomo mice exhibited profound lymphoproliferation and early mortality, Sle1homo.lprhet mice had a lifespan comparable to B6 mice, with no evidence of splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Compared to B6 monogenic lupus strains, Sle1homo.lprhet mice exhibited significantly elevated serum ANA antibodies and increased proteinuria. Additionally, Sle1homo.lprhet T cells had an increased propensity to differentiate into Th1 cells. Gene dose effects of Faslpr were noted in upregulating serum IL-1⍺, IL-2, and IL-27. Taken together, Sle1homo.lprhet strain is a new C57BL/6-based model of lupus, ideal for genetic studies, autoantibody repertoire investigation, and for exploring Th1 effector cell skewing without early-age lymphoproliferative autoimmunity.

A rapid and sensitive method for determination of methylene-diphosphonate in rat bone using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of methylene-diphosphonate (MDP) in rat bone. This method employed derivatization of MDP and allowed rapid and sensitive quantification of MDP in rat shin bone. The analyte was extracted from the bone tissues with phosphoric acid and derivatized to MDP tetramethyl phosphonate using trimethylsilyl diazomethane (TMS-DAM). MDP tetramethyl phosphonate was then quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with high selectivity, accuracy, and precision. The total run time was 6.5 min. The lower limit of quantification was 2.00 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay precision (in RSD) calculated from quality control samples was less than 15%, and the accuracy was between 98.1% and 100.2%. The analytical process for the determination of MDP in rat bone is fully described, which is a pivotal step for further biomedical research on MDP.

Comparison of the feasibility and safety between distal transradial access and conventional transradial access in patients with acute chest pain: a single-center cohort study using propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Distal transradial access (dTRA) has been suggested to have great advantages over cTRA. However, there is a lack of preliminary data on dTRA in patients undergoing emergency coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To explore the feasibility and safety of distal transradial access in patients with acute chest pain. METHODS: A total of 1269 patients complaining of acute chest pain in our emergency department from January 2020 to February 2022 were retrospectively included. The patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into the conventional transradial access (cTRA) group (n = 238) and the dTRA group (n = 158). Propensity score matching was used to minimize the baseline differences. RESULTS: The cannulation success rate in the dTRA group was significantly lower than that in the cTRA group (87.41% vs. 94.81%, p < 0.05). No significant differences in the puncture time and total procedure time were noted between the two groups (p > 0.05). Compared with the cTRA group, the hemostasis duration was significantly shorter [4(4, 4) h vs. 10(8, 10) h, p < 0.001) and the incidence of minor bleeding (BARC Type I and II) was significantly lower in the dTRA group than that in the cTRA group (0.85% vs. 5.48%, p = 0.045). Asymptomatic radial artery occlusion was observed in six patients (5.83%) in the cTRA group and one patient (1.14%) in the dTRA group (p = 0.126). The subgroup analysis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) showed no significant differences in the puncture time, D-to-B time or total procedure time between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The dTRA for emergency CAG or PCI has an acceptable success rate and puncture time, a shorter hemostasis time, and a downward trend in RAO rate compared to the cTRA. The dTRA did not increase the D-to-B time in emergency coronary interventions in STEMI patients. On the contrary, a low incidence of RAO by the dTRA created an opportunity for future coronary interventions in non-culprit vessels in the same access. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registry number: ChiCTR2200061104, date of registration: June 15, 2022).

Effects of paraprobiotics on bile acid metabolism and liver health in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed a cottonseed protein concentrate-based diet.

Cottonseed protein concentrate is a sustainable fishmeal alternative in aquafeed. A 10-week experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a cottonseed protein concentrate-based diet with and without multi-strain yeast fractions (MsYF) on growth, bile acid metabolism, and health in largemouth bass. Four hundred fish (54.0 ± 0.0 g) were casually distributed into 16 tanks (4 replicates/diet). Fish were fed with 4 iso-nitrogen and iso-energetic diets 3 times daily, including a fishmeal diet (FM), a soy protein concentrate-based diet (SPC; replacing 81% fishmeal protein), a cottonseed protein concentrate-based diet (CPC; replacing 81% fishmeal protein), and a CPC diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg MsYF (CPCY). Results showed that the survival of SPC was the lowest, i.e., 48%, with no apparent diet effect among other treatments; we omitted the SPC in additional analyses. Fish fed cottonseed protein concentrate-based diets showed lower growth than FM (P < 0.05). Fish fed CPC showed the highest nuclear dense hepatic phenotypes ratio (50%), followed by CPCY (33%) and FM (17%). Further, dietary CPC increased hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride levels with concurrently increased cholesterol synthesis but decreased triglyceride synthesis-associated transcription levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary CPC increased bile acid synthesis but decreased bile acid transport-associated transcription levels (P < 0.05), and then induced an increment of plasma cholic acid and hepatic chenodeoxycholic acid content and the decrement of genus Romboustia (P < 0.05). Regarding the effect of MsYF, fish fed CPCY reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and total plasma bile acid content (P < 0.05) compared to CPC, suggesting an improvement in liver health. Also, dietary MsYF could reverse the microbiota community structure showing a similar gut microbial composition to FM. In conclusion, 81% of fishmeal protein replaced by cottonseed protein concentrate suppressed growth and liver health, while dietary MsYF might mitigate the negative impact of a high cottonseed protein concentrate level diet on liver functions via gut microbiota regulation.

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) enhances intestinal immunity in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) via the NFκB/survivin signaling pathway.

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor, YM) in intestinal immunity and health. Largemouth bass, as an enteritis modeling animal, were fed 3 diets containing YM at 0% (YM0), 24% (YM24) and 48% (YM48). The YM24 group had reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, while the YM48 group experienced a negative impact on intestinal health. Next, the Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) challenge test consisted of 4 YM diets, 0% (EYM0), 12% (EYM12), 24% (EYM24), and 36% (EYM36). The EYM0 and EYM12 groups exhibited intestinal damage and immunosuppression by the pathogenic bacteria. However, the above adverse phenotypes were attenuated in the EYM24 and EYM36 groups. Mechanistically, the EYM24 and EYM36 groups enhanced intestinal immunity in largemouth bass via activating NFκBp65 and further upregulating survivin expression to inhibit apoptosis. The results identify a protective mechanism of YM as a novel food or feed source by improving intestinal health.

Metabolic adaptation to high-starch diet in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was associated with the restoration of metabolic functions via inflammation, bile acid synthesis and energy metabolism.

A short-term 2-week (2w) and long-term 8-week (8w) feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of low-starch (LS) and high-starch (HS) diets on the growth performance, metabolism and liver health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Two isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing two levels of starch (LS, 9·06 %; HS, 13·56 %) were fed to largemouth bass. The results indicated that HS diet had no significant effects on specific growth rate during 2w, whereas significantly lowered specific growth rate at 8w. HS diet significantly increased hepatic glycolysis and gluconeogenesis at postprandial 24 h in 2w. The hepatosomatic index, plasma alkaline phosphatase, total bile acid (TBA) levels, and hepatic glycogen, TAG, total cholesterol, TBA, and NEFA contents were significantly increased in the HS group at 2w. Moreover, HS diet up-regulated fatty acid and TAG synthesis-related genes and down-regulated TAG hydrolysis and ß-oxidation-related genes. Therefore, the glucolipid metabolism disorders resulted in metabolic liver disease induced by HS diet at 2w. However, the up-regulation of bile acid synthesis, inflammation and energy metabolism-related genes in 2w indicated that largemouth bass was still in a state of 'self-repair' response. Interestingly, all the metabolic parameters were returned to homoeostasis, with up-regulation of intestinal glucose uptake and transport-related genes, even hepatic histopathological analysis showed no obvious abnormality in the HS group in 8w. In conclusion, HS feed induced short-term acute metabolic disorder, but long-term metabolic adaptation to HS diet was related to repairing metabolism disorders via improving inflammatory responses, bile acid synthesis and energy metabolism. These results strongly indicated that the largemouth bass owned certain adaptability to HS diet.

Effects of a Phytogenic Supplement Containing Olive By-Product and Green Tea Extracts on Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism, and Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity in Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Fed a High Soybean Meal Diet.

A 10-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) containing olive by-products and green tea extracts supplemented to a reduced fishmeal/high soybean meal diet on the growth performance, hepatic antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and liver health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Three experimental diets were tested: (1) a control high fishmeal (40%) and low soybean meal (15.57%) diet (named HFM), (2) a reduced fishmeal (30%) and high soybean meal (30.97%) diet (named HSB), and (3) a HSB diet supplemented with the PFA at 500 mg/kg (named HSB+P). Each diet was assigned to four replicate tanks, each containing 30 largemouth bass (initial body weight, IBW = 48.33 ± 0.01 g). The results showed that increasing the soybean meal content in the diet did not negatively affect growth performance, whereas supplementation with PFA significantly increased weight gain and specific growth rate of largemouth bass compared to both HFM and HSB groups. Reducing fishmeal and increasing soybean meal in the diet caused oxidative stress with a higher content of ROS in the liver. However, the hepatic antioxidant capacity was enhanced, with reduced ROS and increased GSH-Px levels in the HSB+P group. Moreover, the decrease of plasma TG, LDL-C, and LDL-C/TC, and downregulation of lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis gene expression in liver, indicated that supplementation with the PFA improved fish lipid metabolism. Protein retention efficiency was also significantly increased in largemouth bass fed the diet with PFA supplementation, which regulated (enhanced) AKT-mTOR phosphorylation. These results clearly indicated that a PFA containing olive by-product and green tea extracts can positively improve growth performance, protein retention efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism of largemouth bass fed a reduced fishmeal/high soybean meal diet.

Agouti-related protein as the glucose signaling sensor in the central melanocortin circuits in regulating fish food intake.

Agouti-related protein (AgRP) is a neuropeptide synthesized by AgRP/NPY neurons and transcribed as 132 amino acids in humans and 142 amino acids (AgRP1) in Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fish. AgRP neurons are activated by hormonal signals of energy deficits and inhibited by signals of energy surpluses and have been demonstrated to have the ability to sense the dynamics of blood glucose concentrations as the "glucose sensor" in mammals. It is widely recognized that AgRP is an endogenous antagonist of the melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R) in the hypothalamus, exhibiting potent orexigenic activity and control of energy homeostasis. Most fish, especially carnivorous fish, cannot make efficient use of carbohydrates. When carbohydrates like corn or wheat bran are added as energy sources, they often cause feeding inhibition and metabolic diseases. When fishmeal is replaced by plant protein, this does not completely eliminate carbs, limiting the utilization of carbohydrates and plant proteins in aquaculture. Our previous study showed that AgRP, and not neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the principal protein molecule that correlates well with feeding behavior in Japanese seabass from anorexia to adaptation. The Ghrelin/Leptin-mTOR-S6K1-NPY/AgRP/POMC feed intake regulatory pathway responds to the plant-oriented protein which contains glucose. However, its regulatory function and mechanism are still not clear. This review offers an integrative overview of how glucose signals converge on a molecular level in AgRP neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. This is in order to control fish food intake and energy homeostasis.

The Value of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Pituitary Adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the value of retinal vessel density (VD) in diagnosing optic nerve injuries in patients with pituitary adenomas using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, 100 patients with pituitary adenomas and 71 participants for normal controls, who visited the Beijing Tiantan Hospital from January 2019 to May 2021, were enrolled. The OCTA was used to measure retinal thickness and VD, and the correlation of these parameters with visual field (VF) factors was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the value of the above parameters in diagnosing VF abnormalities in the patients with pituitary adenomas; the differences in retinal VD between 41 patients with pituitary adenomas who had normal retinal thicknesses and 41 patients in the normal control group with no statistical differences in gender and age were compared. RESULTS: The radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density, superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP) density, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and ganglion cell layer complex thickness correlated with VF parameters (p < 0.05). The RPC density in the temporal quadrant had the highest capability in diagnosing VF abnormalities, with an area under the curve = 0.821, p < 0.001, with 72.3% sensitivity and 82.7% specificity. The mean RPC density and RPC density in the nasal and temporal quadrants in the 41 patients with pituitary adenomas who had normal retinal thicknesses were reduced compared with the normal control group (49.95% ± 1.86% vs. 51.30% ± 1.87%, p = 0.002; 49.09% ± 3.13% vs. 50.41% ± 3.90%, p = 0.034; 54.33% ± 3.14% vs. 55.89% ± 3.08%, p = 0.020) and other parameters had no statistical differences compared with the normal control group. CONCLUSIONS: The density of the RPC and SRCP may also be sensitive and specific indicators of VF damage in patients with pituitary adenomas. Measuring retinal VD in patients with pituitary adenomas may be a supplement to help identify VF impairments. In addition, abnormal retinal vascular density may indicate VF impairment in patients who are unable to cooperate with VF examinations.

The difference of the retinal structural and microvascular characteristics in patients with MOGAD-ON and AQP4-ON.

BACKGROUND: Antibodies against myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein (MOG-Abs) associated disease (MOGAD) has been recognized as a disease entity. Optic neuritis (ON) is the most common symptom in MOGAD. To demonstrate the differences in retinal microvascular characteristics between patients with MOGAD-ON and aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) positive ON. METHODS: In a prospective study, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were used to measure retinal and microvascular parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-six MOGAD-ON eyes, 40 AQP4-ON eyes, and 60 control eyes were included in the study. The thickness of RNFL and GCC in MOGAD-ON eyes was significantly lower than that of HC (p < 0.001, respectively), but comparable to AQP4-ON eyes. The vessel density in retina capillary plexus (RCP) was reduced significantly in MOGAD-ON than that in AQP4-ON (p < 0.05, respectively). The visual accuracy was positively correlated with vessel density of superficial RCP in MOG-ON (p = 0.001) and positively correlated with the thickness of the inner retina layer in AQP4-ON (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The retinal neuro-axonal damages between MOGAD-ON and AQP4-ON were comparable. Unlike AQP4-ON eyes, microvascular densities were significantly reduced in MOGAD-ON and were positively correlated with the deterioration of visual acuity in MOGAD-ON. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical and Imaging Patterns of Neuroinflammation Diseases in China (CLUE, NCT: 04106830).

A Natural Gas Fermentation Bacterial Meal (FeedKind®) as a Functional Alternative Ingredient for Fishmeal in Diet of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides.

A 10-week growth study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a natural gas fermentation bacterial meal (FeedKind®, FK) as a fishmeal (FM) alternative in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (48.0 ± 0.03 g). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated including one commercial control (C, 42% FM) and three experimental diets with gradient FK of 3% (FK3, 29%FM), 6% (FK6, 26%FM) and 9% (FK9, 23%FM), respectively. FK-fed groups showed significantly higher SR than that of C group. The WGR and SGR of fish fed FK3 and FK6 were significantly higher than those of FK9, but not statistical different from the C group. FK-fed groups showed higher apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and nutrients. Further, FK-fed groups increased the ratio of SOD/MDA in the plasma and liver, and the upregulation of intestinal Keap1 and downregulation of HIF1α was found in FK3. Furthermore, FK-fed groups showed higher microbial richness and diversity. Pearson correlation analysis found that antioxidant relevant biomarkers were negatively correlated with the relative abundance of certain potential beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, supplemented up to 3-6% FK replacing FM in a low FM diet of largemouth bass could increase growth, survival rate, antioxidant capacity, and improve gut microbiota.

Anti-Nutritional Factors and Protein Dispersibility Index as Principal Quality Indicators for Soybean Meal in Diet of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus GIFT), a Meta-Analysis.

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most important plant protein source in animal feed. This study investigated the characteristics of different SBMs, produced by soybeans from America and Brazil (SBM-A and SBM-B) in 2017−2021 under the same controlled conditions. The effects of different SBMs on the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, GIFT) and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of nutrients and energy were studied. The results showed that protein dispersibility index (PDI), urease activity (UA), glycinin and fiber were the four primary key indicators for distinguishing the characteristics of the tested SBMs. The meta-analysis results suggested that UA, glycinin, and fiber showed a negative effect on the survival rate (SR) and weight gain rate (WGR) of the Nile tilapia, whereas ß-conglycinin, PDI, and nitrogen solubility index (NSI) had a positive effect on the SR and WGR of the fish. The ADCs of dry matter, the gross energy, phosphorus, crude protein, valine (Val), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), serine (Ser), and glutamate (Glu) of the Diet-A group (SBM-A inclusion) were significantly higher than those in the Diet-B group (SBM-B inclusion) (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in ADCs of macro-nutrients between the two SBMs (p > 0.05). Overall, PDI, UA, glycinin, and fiber were the main indicators reflecting the characteristics of the tested SBMs, and UA, glycinin, ß-conglycinin, and PDI had the greatest impact on the growth performance of Nile tilapia in this study. PDI was a more sensitive indicator than NSI for representing the protein quality of SBM.

A new single-cell protein from Clostridium autoethanogenum as a functional protein for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) is a new single-cell protein source originating from inactivated bacteria. An in vitro digestion experiment and an 8-wk growth experiment were conducted to evaluate the molecular weight distribution of the CAP hydrolysate, and the effects of dietary CAP levels on the growth performance, plasma parameters, hepatic and intestinal health, and the diversity of gut-adherent microbiota of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The fish (initial body weight of 47.99 ± 0.01 g) were fed diets where CAP gradually replaced 0% (CAP0), 12.5% (CAP12.5), 25% (CAP25), 37.5% (CAP37.5) and 50% (CAP50) of low-temperature steam dried anchovy fish meal (LTFM) in the diet. Results showed that the content of peptides below 1,000 Da in the CAP hydrolysate (0.56 mg/mL) was higher than that of the LTFM hydrolysate (0.48 mg/mL). Dietary CAP inclusion had no negative effect on growth performance, while whole-body lipid content significantly reduced in the CAP25 and CAP50 groups (P < 0.05). The plasma alanine aminotransferase activities and triglyceride concentrations in the CAP inclusion groups were significantly lower than those in the CAP0 group (P < 0.05). The plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity was significantly reduced in the CAP37.5 group (P < 0.05). The richness and diversity of the gut-adhesive microbiota and the proportion of Clostridium sensu stricto 12 in the CAP50 group were significantly higher than those in the CAP0 group (P < 0.05). Dietary CAP inclusion inhibited inflammatory responses by down-regulating the mRNA levels of interleukin 1ß (IL1ß), IL10 and transforming growth factor ß1 (P < 0.05) in the liver. The mRNA levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 were significantly down-regulated in the CAP12.5, CAP25 and CAP37.5 groups (P < 0.05), while that of fatty acid synthase was significantly down-regulated in the CAP50 group (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that dietary CAP inclusion could improve the hepatic and intestinal health of largemouth bass, and can be helpful to further develop CAP as a functional feed ingredient.

Proteomic analysis of hepatic fibrosis induced by a high starch diet in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

Largemouth bass is sensitive to the dietary starch level and excess starch can induce metabolic liver diseases (MLD). Hepatic fibrosis is a typical pathological phenotype of MLD in largemouth bass, but the molecular basis underlying is largely unclear. This study fed fish with a low or high starch diet for 4 weeks. Liver tissues with or without fibrotic symptoms were recognized through histopathological and molecular markers analysis of hepatic fibrosis, following TMT Quantitative proteomics and conducted Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) analyses. 2455 differentially expressed proteins with 1618 up-regulated and 837 down-regulated were identified in this study. In GO terms, up-regulated proteins were correlated with cytoskeleton organization, supramolecular fiber, cytoskeleton protein binding, and actin-binding, while down-regulated proteins were involved in mainly metabolism-related processes, and molecular binding activity. Down-regulated proteins were enriched in 63 KEGG pathways and concentrated in metabolism-related pathways, especially glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. 70 KEGG pathways of up-regulated proteins mainly included immunity and inflammation-related pathways. The expression trends of 11 differentially expressed proteins were consistent with proteome results by PRM analysis. In conclusion, the development of hepatic fibrosis induced by high starch may be related to multi-signaling pathways, metabolism processes, and targets, which provides important data for further study on revealing the molecular mechanism of hepatic fibrosis.

Effects of High Starch and Supplementation of an Olive Extract on the Growth Performance, Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides).

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of high-starch diets and the supplementation of an olive extract (OE) on the growth performance, liver health and lipid metabolism of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared: two basal diets containing low (9.0%) and high (14.4%) levels of starch (named as LS and HS), and 0.125% OE was supplemented to each basal diet (named LSOE and HSOE). The results show that high-starch diets had significant negative effects on growth performance, with lower FR, SGR and higher FCR, whereas OE significantly lowered FCR, determined by two-way ANOVA analysis. High-starch diets induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and liver function injury, with significant increases in the content of plasmatic AKP, AST, ALT, hepatic SOD and MDA, and up-regulation of hepatic TNFα, IL1ß, and TGFß1 gene expression. In addition, a high-starch diet decreased the phosphorylation of AMPK and upregulated the expression of SREBP, together with higher hepatic liver lipid and HSI. The oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders indicate metabolic liver disease (MLD) of largemouth bass fed high-starch diets. Feeding on OE-supplemented diets increased the hepatic antioxidant capacity by decreasing the content of MDA and SOD. Fish fed the HSOE diet had an activated phosphorylation of JNK and decreased expression of pro-inflammatory IL1ß compared with those fed the HS diet, which strongly indicated that the degree of inflammatory responses was reduced after OE supplementation. Interestingly, this study demonstrated that OE regulates hepatic lipid metabolism in fish by inhibiting the expression of hepatic lipogenesis genes (ACC1 and FASN) and promoting lipolysis (ATGL) and ß-oxidation (CPT1α) to prevent TG accumulation. In conclusion, high-starch feed induced oxidative stress and lipid metabolic disorder of largemouth bass, while supplementation with OE improved its antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism. However, hepatic histopathological results suggested that OE supplementation could not completely repair the MLD caused by the high level of starch in largemouth bass.

An Integrated Bile Acids Profile Determination by UHPLC-MS/MS to Identify the Effect of Bile Acids Supplement in High Plant Protein Diet on Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Bile acids (BAs) have considerable importance in the metabolism of glycolipid and cholesterol. The purpose of the present study is to clarify the effects of bile acids supplementary in a high plant protein diet for the common carp BA profiles and hepatopancreas and intestine health. An 11-week feeding trial was conducted with high plant protein diet (18% soybean meal and 18% cottonseed protein concentrated) (HP) and HP added 600 mg/kg BAs (HP+BAs) for common carp, and then, the UHPLC-MS/MS technology was used to analyze the BAs in the bile and plasma of two groups. HP could induce vacuolation of hepatocytes and accumulation of glycogen in the common carp, while these phenotypes were significantly improved in the HP+BAs group. In addition, the BA profile of the HP group and HP+BAs group are described in detail, for the common carp bile with treatment by exogenous BAs, TCA, CA, TßMCA, and TωMCA were the main components. Furthermore, in the HP+BAs group plasma, CDCA, CA, LCA, and GCDCA increased significantly; they could activate TGR5, and the activation of hepatopancreas TGR5 might regulate glucose metabolism to relieve hepatopancreas glycogen accumulation. This study proved that BAs supplemented to plant protein diet could relieve the common carp hepatopancreas glycogen accumulation by changing the BAs' profile, thereby promoting its healthy growth, which has important guiding significance for the promotion of aquaculture development and makes an important contribution to expanding the strategic space of food security.