ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5152-3018
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2007
DOI: 10.1007/S10350-007-0213-X
Abstract: Opposing effects of the prebiotic, fructooligosaccharide, have been reported in experimental colitis. We compared the effects of the prebiotic, fructooligosaccharide, alone and in synbiotic combination with Lactobacillus fermentum BR11, on the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats. Rats consumed an 18 percent casein-based diet or diet supplemented with 6 percent fructooligosaccharide or maltodextrin for 14 days. The synbiotic group was gavaged 1 ml of L. fermentum BR11 (1x10(9) cfu/ml) twice daily. From Days 7 to 14, colitis was induced via 3 percent dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water. Disease activity was assessed daily, and at killing, gastrointestinal organs were measured, weighed, and examined by quantitative histology, proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry, and colonic myeloperoxidase activity. Administration of dextran sulfate sodium resulted in an increased colitic disease activity, and an increased colon and cecum weight compared with normal controls. Colon and cecum weights were further increased in dextran sulfate sodium+fructooligosaccharide (colon: 19 percent cecum: 48 percent) and dextran sulfate sodium+fructooligosaccharide/L. fermentum BR11-treated rats (16 and 62 percent) compared with dextran sulfate sodium+vehicle-treatment. Dextran sulfate sodium+fructooligosaccharide-treated rats displayed an 81 percent increase in colonic myeloperoxidase activity compared with dextran sulfate sodium-treated controls. Histologic damage severity scores increased in dextran sulfate sodium+vehicle, dextran sulfate sodium+fructooligosaccharide, and dextran sulfate sodium+fructooligosaccharide/L. fermentum BR11-treated rats compared with normal controls (P<0.05). Crypt depth increased in all treatments compared with normal controls (P<0.01). No protection from dextran sulfate sodium-colitis was accorded by fructooligosaccharide alone or in synbiotic combination with L. fermentum BR11, whereas fructooligosaccharide actually increased some indicators of colonic injury.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-04-2010
DOI: 10.1017/S000711451000084X
Abstract: Mucositis resulting from cancer chemotherapy is a serious disorder of the alimentary tract. Emu oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in animal models of arthritis and wound healing however, its effects on the intestine remain unknown. We investigated emu oil for its potential to decrease the severity of mucositis in a rat model. Female Dark Agouti rats (110–150 g) were orogastrically gavaged with emu oil (0·5 or 1 ml) or water (1 ml) for 5 d before intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 150 mg/kg) or saline (control), and this was continued up to the day of sacrifice (48, 72 and 96 h post 5-FU administration). Histological (villus height, crypt depth (CD) and disease severity score) and biochemical (myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity) parameters were determined in intestinal tissues collected at sacrifice. Sucrase activity in vivo was quantified by the sucrose breath test. Activated neutrophil activity (MPO) in the ileum was significantly decreased by emu oil (0·5 ml, 451 ( sem 168) U/g and 1 ml, 503 ( sem 213) U/g) compared with 5-FU-treated controls (1724 ( sem 431) U/g) 96 h post 5-FU administration. There were also significant increases in CD (152 ( sem 8) μm) in the ileum of rats that receivied 1 ml emu oil at 96 h compared with 5-FU-treated controls (CD (106 ( sem 12) μm)). Emu oil did not affect sucrase activity. Emu oil decreased acute ileal inflammation, and improved mucosal architecture in the intestine during recovery from chemotherapy in rats. Further studies investigating the potential benefits of emu oil as a nutritional supplement for the treatment of intestinal disorders are indicated.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2672.2008.04116.X
Abstract: Prebiotics are a potential alternative to in-feed antimicrobials to improve performance of chickens. We investigated the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth, performance and the intestinal microbiota. Cobb 500 birds were fed either: Control, starter diet without antimicrobials ZnB, Control + 50 ppm zinc bacitracin MOS, Control + 5 g kg(-1) MOS or FOS, Control + 5 g kg(-1) FOS. An energy metabolism study was conducted and intestinal microbial communities assessed by T-RFLP and Lac PCR-DGGE. Diet did not influence performance. Ileal microbial communities were significantly different in ZnB-fed birds compared to all diets, and FOS-fed chickens compared to Control. MOS-fed chickens had a different caecal profile to ZnB and FOS-fed birds. Consensus Lac PCR-DGGE profiles indicated Lactobacillus communities clustered according to diet with Lactobacillus johnsonii characteristic of ZnB diet. Control and MOS-fed chickens displayed significantly different jejunal Lactobacillus profiles to each other whilst ileal profiles were different between MOS and FOS-fed birds. Prebiotics influenced the intestinal microbiota, but did not affect performance. In light of pressure for in-feed antimicrobial withdrawal, the impact of alternative compounds on the intestinal microbiota and bird performance is critical to the poultry industry.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-11-2009
DOI: 10.1007/S10620-008-0495-4
Abstract: The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model has been utilized to screen for novel therapeutics for ulcerative colitis. Evidence suggests the small intestine may also be affected by DSS. We characterized the effects of DSS on the small intestine and assessed the potential for Lactobacillus fermentum BR11 to modify or normalize DSS-induced changes. Rats were allocated to three groups, Water + Vehicle, DSS + Vehicle, and DSS + L. fermentum BR11. BR11 was administered twice daily for 14 days. DSS (2%) was provided from days 7 to 14. Small-intestinal tissue was analyzed for sucrase activity, histology, and crypt cell proliferation. Increased ileum crypt depth and cell proliferation was observed in DSS-treated rats compared to controls (P < 0.05). BR11 normalized these parameters. While DSS predominantly induces colonic damage, minor morphological alterations were also detected in the distal small intestine. L. fermentum BR11 normalized these features.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 23-08-2016
Publisher: Rynnye Lyan Resources
Date: 20-06-2021
DOI: 10.26656/FR.2017.5(S2).010
Abstract: The aim of the study was to increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in eggs, mainly in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n -3) as EPA and DHA have beneficial health effects. This study tested whether the inclusion of a vegetable source of omega-3 (n-3) fat in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) in the diets of laying hens (Hy-Line brown) would improve n-3 fat accumulation, without altering the product performance or the sensory characteristics of eggs. In this study, the ALA levels of the diets were varied from 0.3 to 6% energy (%en). In order to optimize the conversion of ALA into n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), grain-based diets containing a low linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) level were chosen as a basal diet, and the level of competing substrate, LA, in the dietary treatments was also kept constant. Results showed that increasing the levels of dietary ALA increased all n-3 LCPUFA (EPA, DPA, and DHA) in the eggs. Importantly, diets enriched with ALA did not impair the sensory quality of the eggs. In conclusion, brown laying hens fed ALA enriched diets produced eggs higher in n-3 fatty acids, and met the requirement needed for labelling as n-3 PUFA sources, which provides an alternative n-3 rich food for consumers.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-02-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 13-11-2008
DOI: 10.1080/01635580802192841
Abstract: Although probiotics are beginning to enter mainstream medicine for disorders of the colon, their effects on the small bowel remain largely unexplored. We investigated the recently identified probiotic, Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) BR11 (BR11) and the prebiotic, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), both in idually and in synbiotic combination, for their potential to alleviate intestinal mucositis. From Days 0-9, rats consumed skim milk (SM saline + SM), low dose (LD-BR11 1 x 10(6)cfu/ml), high dose (HD-BR11 1 x 10(9)cfu/ml), LD-FOS (3%), HD-FOS (6%), or synbiotic (HD-BR11/FOS). On Day 7, rats were injected with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU 150 mg/kg). All rats were sacrificed on Day 10. Intestinal tissues were collected for quantitative histology, sucrase, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) determinations. 5-FU decreased sucrase activity, villus height, crypt depth, and crypt cell proliferation compared to controls. Compared to 5-FU + SM, histological damage severity scores were increased for all treatments, although all were effective at reducing jejunal inflammation, indicated by reduced MPO activity (P < 0.05). The combination of BR11 and FOS did not provide additional protection. Moreover, HD-FOS and the synbiotic actually increased clinical mucositis severity (P < 0.05). We conclude that L. fermentum BR11 has the potential to reduce inflammation of the upper small intestine. However, its combination with FOS does not appear to confer any further therapeutic benefit for the alleviation of mucositis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PLEFA.2012.07.005
Abstract: The effects of enriching broiler chicken diets with a vegetable source of n-3 fat in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) on the accumulation of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) in chicken meat were investigated. Sixty unsexed one-day-old broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly allocated to one of six diets (n=10 birds/diet) for 4 weeks. The ALA levels varied from 1 to 8% energy (%en) while the level of the n-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) was held to less than 5%en in all diets. At harvest (day 28) the levels of n-3 LCPUFA including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in breast and thigh meat increased in a curvilinear manner as dietary ALA increased, reaching 4- to 9-fold above the levels seen in control birds. In contrast, arachidonic acid (AA) was reduced in response to increasing dietary ALA.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-02-2011
DOI: 10.1080/10408390903551747
Abstract: Although chemotherapy remains the current best practice for the treatment of neoplasia, the severity of its associated side-effects continues to impact detrimentally on the quality of life. Mucositis can affect both the oral cavity and intestine, and represents one of the most common side-effects of chemotherapy. It is characterized by ulceration, inflammation, diarrhoea, and intense abdominal pain. Despite extensive research there remains no definitive therapy for mucositis. This may be due to the multiple factors which contribute to its pathogenesis, including up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased apoptosis of epithelial cells, alteration of the gastrointestinal microbiota, and damage to the epithelium. Although employed increasingly in other gastrointestinal disorders, probiotics are yet to be comprehensively investigated in the treatment or prevention of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Probiotic-based therapies have been shown to exert beneficial effects, including modulation of the microbiota and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review outlines the current evidence supporting the use of probiotics in intestinal mucositis, and suggests further research directions for the future.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-01-2007
DOI: 10.1007/S10620-006-9464-Y
Abstract: The sucrose breath test (SBT) was employed to noninvasively assess the efficacy of probiotics in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis. Dark Agouti rats were allocated to 5 groups (n = 10): 5-FU + L. fermentum BR 11, 5-FU + L. rhamnosus GG, 5-FU + B. lactis BB 12, 5-FU + skim milk (SM), and saline + SM. Probiotics were administered by oral gavage for 10 days. Mucositis was induced on day 7 by intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline). Rats were sacrificed 72 h after 5-FU injection. The SBT measured breath 13CO2 (expressed as percentage cumulative dose at 90 min %CD90) on days 0, 7, and 10. %CD90 was significantly lower in 5-FU-treated controls compared with that in saline-treated controls on day 10. 5-FU caused an 83% reduction in sucrase and a 510% increase in MPO activity. The SBT detected damage induced by 5-FU and is a simple, noninvasive indicator of small bowel injury. The probiotics assessed offered no protection from mucositis at the dose tested.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1071/AN12426
Abstract: Among the terrestrial production animals, chickens are the most efficient users of energy. Apparent metabolisable energy (AME) is a measure of energy utilisation efficiency representing the difference between energy consumed and energy lost via the excreta. There are significant differences in the energy utilisation capability of in idual birds that have a similar genetic background and are raised under identical conditions. It would be of benefit to poultry producers if the basis of these differences could be understood and the differences minimised. We analysed duodenal gene expression and microbiota differences in birds with different energy utilisation efficiencies. Using microarray analysis, significant differences were found in duodenal gene expression between high- and low-AME birds, indicating that level of cell turnover may distinguish different groups of birds. High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes indicated that duodenal microbiota was dominated by Lactobacillus species and two operational taxonomic units, identified as lactobacilli species, were found to be more abundant (P 0.05) in low-AME birds. The present study has identified gene expression and microbiota properties that correlate with differences in AME further studies will be required to investigate the causal relationships.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-04-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-012-1446-3
Abstract: The potential efficacy of a probiotic-based preventative strategy against intestinal mucositis has yet to be investigated in detail. We evaluated supernatants (SN) from Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for their capacity to prevent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced damage to intestinal epithelial cells. A 5-day study was performed. IEC-6 cells were treated daily from days 0 to 3, with 1 mL of PBS (untreated control), de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth, tryptone soy roth (TSB), LGG SN, or EcN SN. With the exception of the untreated control cells, all groups were treated with 5-FU (5 μM) for 24 h at day 3. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was determined on days 3, 4, and 5, while activation of caspases 3 and 7 was determined on days 4 and 5 to assess apoptosis. Pretreatment with LGG SN increased TEER (p < 0.05) compared to controls at day 3. 5-FU administration reduced TEER compared to untreated cells on days 4 and 5. Pretreatment with MRS, LGG SN, TSB, and EcN SN partially prevented the decrease in TEER induced by 5-FU on day 4, while EcN SN also improved TEER compared to its TSB vehicle control. These differences were also observed at day 5, along with significant improvements in TEER in cells treated with LGG and EcN SN compared to healthy controls. 5-FU increased caspase activity on days 4 and 5 compared to controls. At day 4, cells pretreated with MRS, TSB, LGG SN, or EcN SN all displayed reduced caspase activity compared to 5-FU controls, while both SN groups had significantly lower caspase activity than their respective vehicle controls. Caspase activity in cells pretreated with MRS, LGG SN, and EcN SN was also reduced at day 5, compared to 5-FU controls. We conclude that pretreatment with selected probiotic SN could prevent or inhibit enterocyte apoptosis and loss of intestinal barrier function induced by 5-FU, potentially forming the basis of a preventative treatment modality for mucositis.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2011
DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2011.587183
Abstract: 1. This study investigated the effect of Eimeria spp./Clostridium perfringens induced necrotic enteritis and traditional antibiotic preventatives on intestinal micro-architecture and mucin profile. 2. A total of 600 Cobb 500 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to the following three groups: (i) unchallenged, (ii) challenged, and (iii) zinc bacitracin/monensin (ZnB/monensin) (n = 25 chickens en, 8 pens/group). The challenged and ZnB/monensin chickens were in idually inoculated with Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima and E. tenella and C. perfringens type A (EHE-NE18) at 9 and 15 d post-hatch respectively, to induce necrotic enteritis. 3. The challenge procedure significantly decreased villus height, increased villus width and increased crypt depth in the challenged compared to the unchallenged chickens. Zinc bacitracin and monensin maintained villus-crypt structure similar to that of the unchallenged chickens. 4. Mucin profile was not affected by Eimeria spp./C. perfringens challenge as demonstrated by periodic acid-Schiff and high iron diamine-alcian blue pH 2 x 5 staining. Zinc bacitracin and monensin decreased the number of intestinal mucin-containing goblet cells. 5. Lectin histochemistry showed a trend towards greater Arachis hypogea (PNA) reactivity in unchallenged chickens. 6. In summary, Eimeria spp./C. perfringens challenge disrupted intestinal micro-architecture however, challenge did not appear to affect intestinal mucin profile. Traditional antibiotics, zinc bacitracin and monensin maintained micro-architecture.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-10-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S10620-011-1943-0
Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract associated with altered composition of the gut microbiota. Lactobacillus reuteri BR11 (BR11) has recently been reported to reduce the severity of experimental IBD because of its probiotic properties possibly attributed to a mechanism of thiol production via its unique cysteine/cystine-transport system. We compared BR11 and a BR11 mutant deficient in the cystine-uptake system (PNG201), for their capacity to reduce the severity of experimental colitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8 per group) were gavaged (1 ml/day) with skim milk, BR11 or PNG201 (1 × 10(9) CFU/ml) for 12 days. Rats consumed either water or 2% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water from days 6 to 12 to induce colitis. Metabolism data, disease activity index, intestinal mucin profile, and histological analyses were assessed and compared by ANOVA. Assessed histologically, DSS administration resulted in significant colonic deterioration, including loss of crypt area and increased damage severity. BR11 administration only partially alleviated the DSS effects, with a minor improvement in crypt area (P 0.05) against the DSS control for any of the end-points. However, the mutant strain induced significantly greater (P < 0.05) histological severity compared with BR11-treated colitic animals, indicative of possible exacerbation of colitis. The cystine-uptake system only minimally affects the biological effects of BR11, as evidenced by histological and macroscopic colitic changes.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-03-2005
DOI: 10.1002/JCP.20333
Abstract: Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a potent intestinotrophic growth factor that enhances repair of damaged intestinal tissue. However, its bioactivity is limited by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPIV)-mediated degradation. We hypothesized that DPIV(-/-) mice would display an increased resistance to, and an enhanced recovery from, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis compared to DPIV(+/+) mice. DPIV(+/+) and DPIV(-/-) mice consumed 2% DSS for 6 days, followed by a 15 day recovery period. Mice were killed at days 0, 3, 6, 9, 14, and 21 (n = 6-8) and the small intestine and colon removed for histological assessment of villus height, crypt depth, and crypt area. The epithelial cell proliferative labeling index was determined by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining. Small intestine, colon, and total body weight did not differ between DPIV(+/+) and DPIV(-/-) mice. Distal colon crypt depth did not differ significantly between DPIV(+/+) and DPIV(-/-) mice during the development of DSS-colitis or during the recovery phase. Similarly no significant effects were apparent on distal colon crypt area or PCNA labeling index between DPIV(+/+) and DPIV(-/-) during the development of and recovery from DSS-colitis. However, DPIV(-/-) mice still possessed significant levels of plasma DPIV-like activity. We conclude that loss of DPIV activity does not increase resistance to experimental colitis and hypothesize that other DPIV family members may also be involved in the cleavage of GLP-2.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Abstract: The capacity for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to improve broiler chicken growth, influence the intestinal microbial communities, and modify the PUFA content of meat was studied. Male Cobb 500 chickens were fed 1 of 4 diets from hatch: control (standard diet with no additives), ZnB (standard diet with added antibiotics), 2% SALmate (standard diet with 2% SALmate, which is composed of 42% fish oil and 58% starch), and 5% SALmate (standard diet with 5% SALmate). A 7-d energy metabolism study was conducted between d 15 and 22 posthatch. Birds were killed at d 25 and intestinal s les were collected to assess microbial communities by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and Lactobacillus PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Diet did not affect BW, feed intake, feed conversion, or ileal digestible energy (P > 0.05). Apparent ME was greater in ZnB-fed birds compared with all other diets (P < 0.05). Breast tissue levels of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and total n-3 PUFA were elevated significantly in 2% SALmate- and 5% SALmate-fed chickens compared with control and ZnB diets (P 0.05). Birds fed 2% SALmate had a significantly different cecal Lactobacillus species profile compared with birds fed the control diet (P < 0.05) however, no differences were observed in birds fed 5% SALmate compared with birds fed all other diets. In addition to the expected increase in breast tissue n-3 fatty acid levels, a low level of dietary n-3 PUFA also altered the intestinal Lactobacillus species profiles. However, n-3 PUFA supplementation did not alter the overall microbial communities or broiler performance.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2009
Abstract: The recent European Union ban on the prophylactic use of in-feed antibiotics has escalated the search for alternatives for use within the poultry industry. When evaluating the efficacy of potential antibiotic alternatives on bird health and productivity, it is important to analyze the competence of the immune cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), because it is routinely involved in the surveillance of colonizing microbes as well as in interacting with the ingested feed antigens. Therefore, we studied the effect of the prebiotics mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) and fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) on the phenotypic and functional competence of immune cells in cecal tonsil (CT), which is a major GALT. Day-old Cobb 500 male broilers were randomized to 4 groups. Control chickens were fed the basal diet only. Chickens in experimental groups received 0.05 g/kg zinc bacitracin or 5 g/kg of either FOS or MOS in addition to basal diet. At the end of 25 d, our comparison of the experimental groups with controls revealed that the addition of prebiotics to diet resulted in a significant reduction in the proportion of B cells and in mitogen responsiveness of lymphocytes in CT. Furthermore, FOS treatment significantly enhanced the IgM and IgG antibody titers in plasma. These findings emphasize the need for the analyses of the gut immune function following treatment with novel feed additives. The knowledge obtained from such analyses may aid in understanding the mechanisms underlying the immune competence of the birds, which needs consideration when selecting and optimizing new feed additives instead of antibiotics for poultry production.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2012
Abstract: Clostridial infection of the intestine can result in necrotic enteritis (NE), compromising production and health of poultry. Mucins play a major role in protecting the intestinal epithelium from infection. The relative roles of different mucins in gut pathology following bacterial challenge are unclear. This study was designed to quantify the expression of mucin and mucin-related genes, using intestinal s les from an NE challenge trial where birds were fed diets with or without in-feed antimicrobials. A method for quantifying mucin gene expression was established using a suite of reference genes to normalize expression data. This method was then used to quantify the expression of 11 candidate genes involved in mucin, inflammatory cytokine, or growth factor biosynthesis (IL-18, KGF, TLR4, TFF2, TNF-α, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5ac, MUC5b, MUC13, and MUC16). The only genes that were differentially expressed in the intestine among treatment groups were MUC2, MUC13, and MUC5ac. Expression of MUC2 and MUC13 was depressed by co-challenge with Eimeria spp. and Clostridium perfringens. Antimicrobial treatment prevented an NE-induced decrease in MUC2 expression but did not affect MUC13. The expression of MUC5ac was elevated in birds challenged with Eimeria spp./C. perfringens compared with unchallenged controls and antimicrobial treatment. Changes to MUC gene expression in challenged birds is most likely a consequence of severe necrosis of the jejunal mucosa.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 19-08-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2672.2010.04758.X
Abstract: The capacity for Lactobacillus johnsonii and an organic acid (OA) blend to prevent Clostridium perfringens-induced clinical necrotic enteritis (NE) in chickens was studied. Cobb 500 birds were allocated into six groups (n = 25 birds en, eight pens/treatment) Unchallenged, Challenged, Antimicrobial (zinc bacitracin (ZnB)/monensin), OA, probiotic Lact. johnsonii and probiotic sham (Phosphate-buffered saline). All birds were challenged with Eimeria spp. and Cl. perfringens except for unchallenged controls. Birds fed antimicrobials were protected from NE development as indicated by maintenance of body weight, low mortality and clostridium levels, and decreased intestinal macroscopic lesion scores compared to challenged controls (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus johnsonii-fed birds had reduced lesion scores, whilst OA-fed birds had decreased Cl. perfringens levels. Both Lact. johnsonii and OA-fed birds had improved feed efficiency between days 0 and 28 compared to challenged controls however, mortality and body weights were not improved by either treatment. Microbial profiling indicated that the challenge procedure significantly altered the jejunal microbiota. The microbiota of antimicrobial-fed birds was significantly different from all other groups. Whilst Lact. johnsonii and OA altered specific intestinal parameters, significant protection against NE was not observed. Lactobacillus johnsonii and OA did not prevent NE however, some improvements were evident. Other related treatments, or combinations of these two treatments, may provide greater protection.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2011
Abstract: Pre-clinical studies have indicated that palifermin may be an effective treatment modality for intestinal mucositis, a debilitating complication of cancer chemotherapy. We determined whether palifermin was protective in rats with experimentally induced intestinal mucositis and the applicability of the sucrose breath test (SBT) to monitor palifermin for its efficacy as an anti-mucositis agent. SBT values and sucrase activity were reduced in all 5-FU-treated groups compared with untreated controls (p < 0.05). At 72 h post 5-FU, sucrase activity was higher in rats treated with palifermin compared with 5-FU controls (p < 0.05). Jejunal and ileal villus heights were lower in all 5-FU groups compared with saline controls. Dark agouti rats (n = 10) were subcutaneously injected with palifermin or vehicle for 3 d after which they were injected with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and sacrificed after 72 h. The in vivo SBT and in vitro sucrase assay were used to evaluate small intestinal function and damage. Intestinal disease severity was determined by histological assessment of villus height and crypt depth. The SBT can monitor the ability of palifermin to modify the functional capacity of the small intestine in rats with intestinal mucositis. Further studies are indicated to investigate the prophylactic potential of palifermin against intestinal mucositis.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-08-2016
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2012.741082
Abstract: Mucositis, characterized by ulcerative lesions along the alimentary tract, is a common consequence of many chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy negatively disrupts the intestinal microbiota, resulting in increased numbers of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridia and Enterobacteriaceae, and decreased numbers of "beneficial" bacteria, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Agents capable of restoring homeostasis in the bowel microbiota could, therefore, be applicable to mucositis. Prebiotics are indigestible compounds, commonly oligosaccharides, that seek to reverse chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysbiosis through selective colonization of the intestinal microbiota by probiotic bacteria. In addition, evidence is emerging that certain prebiotics contribute to nutrient digestibility and absorption, modulate intestinal barrier function through effects on mucin expression, and also modify mucosal immune responses, possibly via inflammasome-mediated processes. This review examines the known mechanisms of prebiotic action, and explores their potential for reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the intestine.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.GHIR.2004.12.002
Abstract: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) has been demonstrated to enhance mucosal repair following intestinal damage induced by chemotherapeutic agents (intestinal mucositis). However, the potential for prophylactic IGF-I to protect the intestine remains undefined. We investigated the effects of IGF-I pre-treatment on chemotherapy-induced mucositis in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated for 7 days with 0 or 4.3mg/kg/day IGF-I delivered systemically via osmotic mini-pump. Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 0 or 150 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on day 7 and were killed 48 h later for assessment of intestinal damage and repair. Compared to normal controls, 5-FU decreased epithelial proliferation by 86%, concurrently increasing the incidence of apoptosis 87-fold, whilst decreasing small intestinal (SI) length by 14%, SI weight by 30% and total gut weight by 24%. 5-FU decreased villus height in the duodenum (23%), jejunum (20%) and ileum (30%) with crypt depths decreased by 31%, 27% and 33% in these gut regions. These effects were less profound in IGF-I pre-treated rats in which apoptosis was increased 48-fold, with SI length decreased by 7%, SI weight by 18% and total gut weight by 15% accompanied by decreases in villus height of 8% (duodenum), 14% (jejunum) and 21% (ileum), and crypt depth decreases of 23%, 16% and 17% for the same gut regions, compared to normal controls. We conclude that IGF-I pre-treatment only partially attenuates features of intestinal mucositis when assessed 48 h after 5-FU chemotherapy.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 07-03-2017
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.3071
Abstract: This study compared the effects of wheat- and sorghum-based diets on broiler chickens. The growth performance and caecal microbial community of chickens were measured and correlations between productivity and specific gut microbes were observed. Cobb broilers 15 days of age were in idually caged and two dietary treatments were used, one with a wheat-based diet ( n = 48) and another one with a sorghum-based diet ( n = 48). Growth performance measurements were taken over a 10 day period and s les for microbiota analysis were taken at the end of that period. Caecal microbiota was characterised by sequencing of 16S bacterial rRNA gene licons. Overall, the results indicated that a sorghum-based diet produced higher apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and body-weight gain (BWG) values in chickens, compared to a wheat-based diet. Nevertheless, sorghum-fed birds had higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) values than wheat-fed birds, possibly because of some anti-nutritional factors in sorghum. Further analyses showed that caecal microbial community was significantly associated with AME values, but microbiota composition differed between dietary treatments. A number of bacteria were in idually correlated with growth performance measurements. Numerous OTUs assigned to strains of Lactobacillus crispatus and Lachnospiraceae, which were prevalent in sorghum-fed chickens, were correlated with high AME and BWG values, respectively. Additionally, a number of OTUs assigned to Clostridiales that were prevalent in wheat-fed chickens were correlated with low FCR values. Overall, these results suggest that between-diet variations in growth performance were partly associated with changes in the caecal microbiota.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/AN14743
Abstract: We have previously demonstrated that feeding chickens a diet containing high levels of the n-3 PUFA α-linolenic acid (ALA) significantly increases the content of the principal omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in their meat and eggs. However, the effect of the diet on production characteristics of the birds has not been assessed. This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding male and female Cobb 500 broilers (n = 3840) a high ALA diet (containing 2.5% flaxseed oil) compared with a standard commercial Control diet (containing 2.5% tallow) on growth, feed conversion ratio and mortality until 6 weeks of age. As expected the dietary flaxseed oil significantly increased breast meat levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (~4-fold), with most eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid being deposited in the phospholipid fraction. Both male and female birds fed the high ALA diet were significantly heavier at 6 weeks of age (77 g heavier in females, 87 g heavier in males). They also had a significantly (10%) lower feed conversion ratio, and a mortality rate that was not different from the Control diet across the 6-week feeding period. These findings indicate that a high ALA diet has the potential to enrich chicken breast meat with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid without loss of growth rate or feed efficiency, or increase in fat content of breast meat.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2009
DOI: 10.1002/IBD.20938
Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing disorder that is increasing in prevalence in Western society and has been linked to the development of colorectal cancer. There remains no definitive treatment for IBD, hence recent investigations have focused on the development of new therapeutics, including probiotics, which can reduce intestinal inflammation and restore balance to the gastrointestinal microbiota. Probiotics are currently being studied in greater detail, albeit predominantly in animal models of IBD. Clinical studies have yielded promising findings and justify further investigation. Furthermore, the use of inactivated probiotics as well as the soluble products produced by these bacteria has demonstrated therapeutic potential, and may in fact be more suitable, as there is no risk of sepsis associated with their administration and they can be manufactured with greater quality control. Further research is essential to define the mechanism and source of probiotic action, and to identify more efficacious strains, while future clinical trials must focus on determining whether the bacterial and genetic profiles of IBD patients influence the effectiveness of treatment.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJFOODMICRO.2006.09.018
Abstract: Current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are relatively ineffective. Recently, probiotics have emerged as a potential treatment modality for numerous gastrointestinal disorders, including IBD. Few probiotics, however, have undergone appropriate preclinical screening in vivo. The current study compared the effects of four candidate probiotics on development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were gavaged 1 mL of the potential probiotic (1 x 10(10) CFU/mL), or vehicle, twice daily for 14 days. Strains tested were Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 (TH-4), Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 (Bb12) and Lactobacillus fermentum BR11 (BR11). Colitis was induced from day 7 to 14 via administration of 2% DSS in drinking water. Disease activity index (DAI) was monitored daily until rats were killed at day 14. DAI decreased in DSS+Bb12 and DSS+BR11 compared to DSS+Vehicle. Colon length increased in DSS+BR11 (10%) and DSS+LGG (10%) compared to DSS+Vehicle. DSS+Bb12 and DSS+BR11 prevented the distal colon crypt hyperplasia evident in DSS+Vehicle, DSS+LGG and DSS+TH-4. BR11 was most effective at reducing colitic symptoms. Bb12 had minimal effects, whilst TH-4 did not prevent DSS-colitis and LGG actually exacerbated some indicators of colitis. Further studies into the potential benefits of L. fermentum BR11 are indicated.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-03-2007
DOI: 10.1007/S10620-006-9443-3
Abstract: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 (Bb12) were assessed for their potential to prevent indomethacin-induced ulceration in the small intestine of Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were gavaged skim milk, LGG, or Bb12 twice daily for 14 days. Between days 7-14, rats were gavaged indomethacin (Indo 6 mg/kg). At sacrifice, small intestine was scored for ulceration and s led for histologic, immunohistochemical, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) analyses. Indo+LGG-treated rats exhibited a 2.3-fold increase in MPO activity and a 9.8-fold increase in ulceration area compared to Indo-treated controls these parameters did not differ significantly between Indo+Bb12 and Indo-treated controls. Crypt cell apoptosis decreased by 82% in Indo+Bb12-treated and 55% in Indo+LGG-treated rats compared to Indo-treated controls. Proliferation increased by 209% in Indo+LGG-treated animals compared to Indo-treated controls. Bb12 did not reduce indomethacin-induced intestinal ulceration, whereas LGG actually increased some indicators of injury. LGG and Bb12, at the doses tested, cannot alleviate indomethacin-induced intestinal injury.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2011
Abstract: Certain live bacteria have demonstrated preliminary indications of efficacy for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis. However, probiotic derived supernatants (SN) have yet to be investigated in the mucositis setting. We evaluated SN from Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) and Lactobacillus fermentum BR11 (BR11) for their capacity to decrease 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced damage in vivo. Female Dark Agouti rats were gavaged with 1 mL of either SN or vehicle daily (days 0-8) and intraperitoneally injected with 5-FU (150 mg/kg) on day 5 to induce mucositis. On day 9, animals were culled and intestinal tissues collected. Significantly lower histological damage scores were apparent in the jejunum of 5-FU treated rats receiving SN compared to 5-FU controls. Myeloperoxidase levels in the jejunum of 5-FU treated rats were increased in vehicle and BR11 SN treatments compared to untreated controls, whereas no significant increase was observed after EcN SN treatment. 5-FU treatment significantly reduced villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum compared to normal controls however no significant reduction in these parameters was observed in 5-FU treated rats receiving either SN. We conclude that bacterial SN, especially EcN, partially protect the intestine from 5-FU mucositis. Further studies are required to define specific mechanisms by which SN exert their beneficial effects.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-02-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00253-017-8193-9
Abstract: Unravelling the mechanisms of how antibiotics influence growth performance through changes in gut microbiota can lead to the identification of highly productive microbiota in animal production. Here we investigated the effect of zinc bacitracin and avilamycin on growth performance and caecal microbiota in chickens and analysed associations between in idual bacteria and growth performance. Two trials were undertaken each used 96 in idually caged 15-day-old Cobb broilers. Trial 1 had a control group (n = 48) and a zinc bacitracin (50 ppm) treatment group (n = 48). Trial 2 had a control group (n = 48) and an avilamycin (15 ppm) treatment group (n = 48). Chicken growth performance was evaluated over a 10-day period, and caecal microbiota was characterised by sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene licons. Avilamycin produced no effect on growth performance and exhibited little significant disturbance of the microbiota structure. However, zinc bacitracin reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in treated birds, changed the composition and increased the ersity of their caecal microbiota by reducing dominant species. Avilamycin only produced minor reductions in the abundance of two microbial taxa, whereas zinc bacitracin produced relatively large shifts in a number of taxa, primarily Lactobacillus species. Also, a number of phylotypes closely related to lactobacilli species were positively or negatively correlated with FCR values, suggesting contrasting effects of Lactobacillus spp. on chicken growth performance. By harnessing such bacteria, it may be possible to develop high-productivity strategies in poultry that rely on the use of probiotics and less on in-feed antibiotics.
Publisher: Springer US
Date: 2006
Publisher: IMR Press
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.2741/3193
Abstract: New treatment strategies are required for the debilitating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. DP inhibitors can prolong the bioactivity of the potent intestinotrophic growth factor glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2(1-33)). We investigated whether novel inhibitors of DP activity could modify the course of disease activity in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model of colitis. C57BL/6 mice consumed 2 percent DSS in drinking water for 6 days. Mice were orally gavaged twice daily with 0.9% saline, 10 mg/kg isoleucyl-cyano-pyrrolidine (P59/99) or isoleucyl-thiazolidine (P32/98). Assessment of disease severity incorporated a disease activity index (DAI), together with histological assessment of crypt area and depth in the distal colon. DP activity was significantly inhibited at all time points. The DAI was significantly lower in the P59/99 and P32/98 treatment groups compared to saline treatment in all three time courses. Crypt hyperplasia (p<0.05) was observed in the saline group compared to P32/98 treatment at day 9. This preliminary study shows that novel inhibitors of DP activity may provide a new treatment strategy for IBD.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 31-12-2013
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-02-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJFOODMICRO.2006.10.006
Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing disorder involving a dysregulated host-microbiota interaction. IBD patients have been shown to possess an increased risk for the development of colorectal cancer. Recently, focus has been placed on probiotic and prebiotic therapies, which aim to restore balance to the gastrointestinal microbiota, and reduce intestinal inflammation. Probiotics have been assessed extensively in animal models, with a number of clinical trials also demonstrating potential therapeutic benefits. However, it is widely accepted that more double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trials are required. Future research also needs to focus on determining which probiotics are the most efficacious in the IBD setting, and how the genetic and bacterial profiles of the patient will influence treatment responsiveness. Prebiotics have been studied less extensively, however, they may become an ideal treatment or co-treatment option due to their capacity to increase endogenous lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics may offer a new therapeutic option for the treatment of IBD, however, a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind their action on the gastrointestinal microbiota is required in order to determine which probiotic, prebiotic or combinations thereof are the most beneficial.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1071/EA08139
Abstract: Emu oil possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties in vivo, primarily when applied topically. However, to date, the evidence supporting its therapeutic application has been largely anecdotal, and significant batch-to-batch variations in potency have been reported. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory properties of emu oil suggest therapeutic promise for the adjunctive treatment of a range of disparate gastrointestinal diseases and disorders characterised by inflammatory processes. These include the idiopathic condition inflammatory bowel disease, chemotherapy-induced mucositis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug enteropathy and the various infective enteritides (i.e. fungal, bacterial and viral gastroenteritis). Although rigorous scientific investigations are in their infancy, the evidence for emu oil efficacy in extra-intestinal disorders, supported by limited in vivo investigations of other naturally sourced oils, identifies emu oil as a possible adjunct to conventional treatment approaches for inflammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-09-2011
DOI: 10.1002/JCP.22682
Abstract: The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model of colitis has been commonly utilized in mice to assess novel treatments for ulcerative colitis. Recent studies have indicated that morphological and biochemical changes extend to the small intestine (SI). This study aimed to characterize histological and biochemical changes in the SI during DSS colitis in wild-type (WT) and DPIV knock-out (DPIV(-/-) ) mice treated with saline or the DPIV inhibitors, Ile-Pyrr-(2-CN)*TFA or Ile-Thia. Groups (n = 10) of DPIV(-/-) and WT mice were orally gavaged twice daily with saline, Ile-Pyrr-(2-CN)*TFA or Ile-Thia. Mice consumed 2% DSS in drinking water for 6 days to induce colitis. Small intestinal tissue was assessed for histological changes, sucrase, and DPIV activity and neutrophil infiltration. Jejunal villus length was increased in all groups after 6 days DSS consumption (P < 0.05). Jejunal DPIV activity was significantly lower by 35% in WT mice receiving Ile-Pyrr-(2-CN)*TFA compared to saline controls. Jejunal MPO activity was significantly increased in the WT + saline and DPIV(-/-) + saline groups following DSS consumption, compared to WT and DPIV(-/-) controls at day 0. Increased sucrase activity was apparent at day 0 in DPIV(-/-) compared to WT mice (P < 0.05). We conclude that DSS-induced damage is not restricted to the colon, but also extends to the small intestine. Furthermore, reduced or absent DPIV activity resulted in functional adaptations to brush border enzyme activity. DPIV inhibitors are now a recognized therapy for type-II diabetes. The work presented here highlights the need to delineate any long-term effects of DPIV inhibitors on SI function, to further validate their safety and tolerability.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2011.607429
Abstract: The influence of in-feed lactoferrin (Lf) on bird production, intestinal microbiota, mucosal immune system and gut microarchitecture was assessed in male Cobb 500 broiler chickens. Birds were given one of four diets from day of hatch: Control (basal diet with no additives), ZnB (basal diet + 50 mg/kg zinc bacitracin), Lf 250 mg/kg (basal diet + 250 mg/kg Lf) and Lf 500 mg/kg (basal diet + 500 mg/kg Lf) n = 24 birds/treatment. An apparent metabolisable energy study was performed between d 25-32. Lf did not affect growth rate or feed conversion in the period 0-21 d of age, nor performance or energy metabolism during the 7 d metabolism experiment which commenced at 25 d of age.The profiles of caecal microbial communities were significantly different in birds given ZnB compared with birds given a diet with no additives, or supplemented with 250 mg/kg Lf. Birds given 250 mg/kg Lf also had a different microbial profile compared with birds given 500 mg/kg Lf. In comparison to control birds, Lf treated birds showed some differences in the T cell proportions in caecal tonsil and spleen. No differences in ileal villus height, crypt depth or goblet cell proportions were observed amongst dietary treatments. Whilst Lf had little effect on the measured parameters, the use of an integrated approach to study the influence of novel feed additives may facilitate a greater understanding of the relationships between nutrition, gut health and bird performance.
Publisher: American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP)
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1637/10774-011614-REG.1
Abstract: Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an important infectious disease in chickens. Predisposing factors play critical roles both in disease outbreaks in the field and in models for experimental induction of disease. Systematic manipulation and study of predisposing factors help to optimize methods for the experimental reproduction of disease. The nature of such factors may play a confounding role in challenge models and, therefore, warrant investigation to determine their importance in industry-relevant NE reproduction models. In the present study, we examined the roles of dietary fishmeal inclusion, Eimeria inoculation (E), and Clostridium perfringens challenge (C) on broiler growth performance and induction of NE infection. The results showed that E, preceding C, greatly increased the severity of NE induced in broiler chickens, but fishmeal addition played only a marginal role in the challenge model. Bird performance was significantly affected by all three factors during the 35-day experimental period. Fishmeal increased body weight, but statistically significant effects of fishmeal were not observed on feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed intake. Both Eimeria and C. perfringens significantly reduced body weight gain and feed intake. E but not C led to significantly poorer FCR. These findings indicate that dietary fishmeal may be removed from the model to allow the performance results of challenged chicks to be equivalent to the performance of chicks in the field. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that an NE challenge model without fishmeal is valid and removes bird performance bias in the model introduced by feeding high fishmeal diets, refining the model to facilitate the yield of more commercially relevant results.
No related grants have been discovered for Mark Geier.