2 research outputs found
Linoleic Acid:Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid Ratio Predicts the Efficacy of Zn-Biofortified Wheat in Chicken (Gallus gallus)
The amount of Zn absorbed from Zn-biofortified
wheat material has
been determined using an <i>in vivo</i> model of Zn absorption.
The erythrocyte linoleic:dihomo -γ-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA)
ratio was used as a biomarker of Zn status. Two groups of chickens
(<i>n</i> = 15) were fed different diets: a high-Zn (46.5
μg Zn g<sup>–1</sup>) and a low-Zn wheat-based diet (32.8
μg Zn g<sup>–1</sup>). Dietary Zn intakes, body weight,
serum Zn, and the erythrocyte fatty acid profile were measured, and
tissues were taken for gene expression analysis. Serum Zn concentrations
were greater in the high Zn group (<i>p</i> < 0.05).
Duodenal mRNA expression of various Zn transporters demonstrated expression
upregulation in the birds fed a low Zn diet (<i>n</i> =
15, <i>p</i> < 0.05). The LA:DGLA ratio was higher in
the birds fed the low Zn diet (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The
higher amount of Zn in the biofortified wheat resulted in a greater
Zn uptake
Alterations in the Gut (<i>Gallus gallus</i>) Microbiota Following the Consumption of Zinc Biofortified Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i>)‑Based Diet
The
structure and function of cecal microbiota following the consumption
of a zinc (Zn) biofortified wheat diet was evaluated in a well-studied
animal model of human nutrition (<i>Gallus gallus</i>) during
a six-week efficacy trial. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a significant
increase in β- but not α-microbial diversity was observed
in the animals receiving the Zn biofortified wheat diet, relative
to the control. No significant taxonomic differences were found between
the two groups. Linear discriminant analysis revealed a group of metagenomic
biomarkers that delineated the Zn replete versus Zn deficient phenotypes,
such that enrichment of lactic acid bacteria and concomitant increases
in Zn-dependent bacterial metabolic pathways were observed in the
Zn biofortified group, and expansion of mucin-degraders and specific
bacterial groups able to participate in maintaining host Zn homeostasis
were observed in the control group. Additionally, the <i>Ruminococcus</i> genus appeared to be a key player in delineating the Zn replete
microbiota from the control group, as it strongly predicts host Zn
adequacy. Our data demonstrate that the gut microbiome associated
with Zn biofortified wheat ingestion is unique and may influence host
Zn status. Microbiota analysis in biofortification trials represents
a crucial area for study as Zn biofortified diets are increasingly
delivered on a population-wide scale