Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and the Glutathione Peroxidase System; a Link between One-Carbon Metabolism and Antioxidation

Vitamin B6 (B6) has a central role in the metabolism of amino acids, which includes important interactions with endogenous redox reactions through its effects on the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) system. In fact, B6-dependent enzymes catalyse most reactions of the transsulfuration pathway, driving homocysteine to cysteine and further into GPX proteins. Considering that mammals metabolize sulfur- and seleno-amino acids similarly, B6 plays an important role in the fate of sulfur-homocysteine and its seleno counterpart between transsulfuration and one-carbon metabolism, especially under oxidative stress conditions. This is particularly important in reproduction because ovarian metabolism may generate an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the peri-estrus period, which may impair ovulatory functions and early embryo development. Later in gestation, placentation raises embryo oxygen tension and may induce a higher expression of ROS markers and eventually embryo losses. Interestingly, the metabolic accumulation of ROS up-regulates the flow of one-carbon units to transsulfuration and down-regulates remethylation. However, in embryos, the transsulfuration pathway is not functional, making the understanding of the interplay between these two pathways particularly crucial. In this review, the importance of the maternal metabolic status of B6 for the flow of one-carbon units towards both maternal and embryonic GPX systems is discussed. Additionally, B6 effects on GPX activity and gene expression in dams, as well as embryo development, are presented in a pig model under different oxidative stress conditions

Bioavailability of Vitamin B12 from Dairy Products Using a Pig Model

The present study compares the bioavailability of vitamin B12 (B12) of dairy products or synthetic B12, using the pig as an experimental model for humans. Eleven pigs were used in a cross-over design to assess the net portal drained viscera (PDV) flux of blood plasma B12 after ingestion of tofu (TF; devoid of B12), Swiss cheese (SC), Cheddar cheese (CC), yogurt (YG), and synthetic B12 (TB12; TF supplemented with cyanocobalamin), providing a total of 25 µg of B12 each. PDV blood plasma flow for SC and CC were higher than for TF and TB12 (p ≤ 0.04) whereas YG was higher than TF (p = 0.05). Porto-arterial difference of blood plasma B12 concentrations were higher for CC and TB12 than for TF and YG (p ≤ 0.04) but not different from SC (p ≥ 0.15). Net PDV flux of B12 was only different from zero for CC. However, the net PDV flux of B12 for CC was not different from SC or TB12. Cumulative net PDV flux of B12 for SC, TB12, and CC were 2.9, 4.4, and 8.3 µg 23 h post-meal, corresponding to a bioavailability of 11.6%, 17.5%, and 33.0%, respectively. In conclusion, CC had the best bioavailability of B12 among the tested dairy products or compared to synthetic B12

Gene ontology analysis of expanded porcine blastocysts from gilts fed organic or inorganic selenium combined with pyridoxine

Abstract Background Gene ontology analysis using the microarray database generated in a previous study by this laboratory was used to further evaluate how maternal dietary supplementation with pyridoxine combined with different sources of selenium (Se) affected global gene expression of expanded porcine blastocysts. Data were generated from 18 gilts randomly assigned to one of three experimental diets (n = 6 per treatment): i) basal diet without supplemental Se or pyridoxine (CONT); ii) CONT + 0.3 mg/kg of Na-selenite and 10 mg/kg of HCl-pyridoxine (MSeB610); and iii) CONT + 0.3 mg/kg of Se-enriched yeast and 10 mg/kg of HCl-pyridoxine (OSeB610). All gilts were inseminated at their fifth post-pubertal estrus and euthanized 5 days later for embryo harvesting. Differential gene expression between MSeB610 vs CONT, OSeB610 vs CONT and OSeB610 vs MSeB610 was performed using a porcine embryo-specific microarray. Results There were 559, 2458, and 1547 differentially expressed genes for MSeB610 vs CONT, OSeB610 vs CONT and OSeB610 vs MSeB610, respectively. MSeB610 vs CONT stimulated 13 biological processes with a strict effect on RNA binding and translation initiation. OSeB610 vs CONT and OSeB610 vs MSeB610 impacted 188 and 66 biological processes, respectively, with very similar effects on genome stability, ceramide biosynthesis, protein trafficking and epigenetic events. The stimulation of genes related with these processes was confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Conclusions Gene expression of embryos from OSeB610 supplemented gilts was more impacted than those from MSeB610 supplemented gilts. Whereas maternal OSeB610 supplementation influenced crucial aspects of embryo development, maternal MSeB610 supplementation was restricted to binding activity

Magnesium supplementation in swine finishing stage: performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de óxido de magnésio (MgO) na fase de terminação sobre o desempenho, as características de carcaça e qualidade de carne de suínos. Foram utilizados 48 suínos, suplementados com MgO por 7 dias antes do abate, sendo os tratamentos: rações com 0; 0,2; 0,4 e 0,6% de inclusão de MgO. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, sendo os animais blocados de acordo com o peso inicial em leves, médios e pesados. O ganho diário em peso foi influenciado pelos tratamentos, apresentando efeito quadrático com ponto de máxima inclusão de 0,3% de MgO. A suplementação com MgO diminuiu as concentrações séricas de cortisol, apresentando efeito de regressão linear decrescente. A espessura de toucinho apresentou efeito de regressão quadrática, em que o ponto de mínima deposição ocorreu com a inclusão de 0,37% de MgO. Quantidade de carne na carcaça resfriada, rendimento de carne na carcaça e índice de bonificação apresentaram efeito quadrático para suplementação dietética com MgO sendo os pontos de máxima 0,31, 0,37 e 0,28% respectivamente. A porcentagem de perda de água e a perda de água no descongelamento apresentaram efeito quadrático, com pontos de mínima perda iguais a 0,31 e 0,35%, respectivamente.There was evaluated the performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters of swine on the finishing stage receiving a dietetic supplementation with magnesium oxide (MgO). The animals were 48 male swine, supplemented 7 days before the slaughter by the following treatments: feed with 0; 0.2; 0.4 e 0.6% of MgO inclusion. The pigs were blocked by the initial weight as: lights, medium and heavy. The treatments had influence on the daily weight gain showing a quadratic effect, maximum inclusion point 0.3% MgO. The effect on the plasmatic cortisol and on the carcass yield was a linear decreasing regression. Back fat thickness shows a quadratic effect, minimal deposition point 0.37% MgO. Amount of meat in chilled carcass, meat yield and gratification index showed quadratic effect for the treatments, the maximum points are 0.31, 0.37 and 0.28% of inclusion respectively. Water losses and liquid losses on defrosting presented quadratic effect; the minimal point was to 0.31 and 0.35% of inclusion, respectively

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Various Sources and Amounts of Copper on Nursery Piglets

This study evaluated the impact of different dietary levels and sources of copper on the growth performance of nursery piglets through a combination of systematic review and meta-analysis. The database for this study was created using articles selected from major electronic databases. Data analysis involved forest plots and analysis of variance using mixed-effects models. The database included 63 articles published between 1990 and 2021, comprising 21,113 piglets in 946 treatments. Positive effects of supranutritional levels of copper from both inorganic and organic sources on the growth performance of nursery piglets were detected using Forest plots and analysis of variance (p p p p 81 mg Cu/kg of diet) improved the performance of nursery piglets, but levels higher than 201 mg Cu/kg of diet did not further improve growth performance compared to 80–200 mg Cu/kg of diet. The feed conversion was worse in piglets fed with inorganic Cu sources (p < 0.001). In conclusion, dietary Cu supplementation influenced the weight gain and feed conversion rate in weaned piglets, particularly during the first few weeks post-weaning. Levels of 81 and 200 mg Cu/kg improved growth performance, but no further benefits were obtained for higher levels

Defatted corn-germ flour as an ingredient in swine feed and a source of endogenous antioxidants in pork<br>Farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado como ingrediente na dieta de suínos e fonte de antioxidante endógeno na carne

The effects of including defatted corn-germ flour (DCGF), a source of phytic acid, as an ingredient in pig feed for different periods in the growing-finishing phase were evaluated with respect to feed performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. The test group consisted of 24 male pigs from the same genetic background, with an average initial weight of 75.41±4.41 kg and an average age of 123 days. The treatments consisted of adding 50% DCGF to the feed at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days before slaughter. The zootechnical performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and antioxidant effects of phytic acid were evaluated through the analysis of lipid oxidation in the meat of the slaughtered animals. There were no effects (P>0.05) for any period of DCGF feed supplementation on the zootechnical performance or carcass characteristics. Refrigerated meat showed less oxidation as the length of the DCGF-inclusion period in the diet was increased.O experimento avaliou os efeitos de diferentes períodos de inclusão do farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado (FGMD), como ingrediente e fonte de ácido fítico em rações de suínos em fase de terminação, sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne. Foram utilizados 24 suínos machos de mesma genética comercial com peso médio inicial de 75,41 ± 4,41 kg e idade média de 123 dias. Os tratamentos corresponderam a inclusão de 50% de FGMD na ração nos períodos de 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias antes ao abate. Foram avaliados o desempenho zootécnico, as características de carcaça e de qualidade da carne e o efeito antioxidante do ácido fítico, através da análise de oxidação lipídica na carne. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos (peso inicial dos animais) ao acaso, com 4 tratamentos e 6 repetições por tratamento. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) do tempo de inclusão do FGMD na dieta no desempenho zootécnico e nas características de carcaça. Na qualidade de carne houve efeito linear decrescente (P?0.05) na oxidação lipídica da carne mantida em refrigeração durante 7 dias. A carne refrigerada apresentou menor oxidação com o aumentou do período de inclusão de FGMD nas rações

Efeitos da condição de alojamento e do nível de glutamina sobre odesempenho de leitões desmamados

This study aimed to determine the effects of housing conditions and glutamine (GLN) levels on growth performance and incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets. Forty-eight piglets were randomly assigned (4x2 factorial design) to one of the eight experimental diets represented by four levels of dietary GLN (0.0, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 %) and two housing conditions (AD = adequate and INAD = inadequate). From 22 to 28 days of age all animals were challenged daily with Escherichia coli polysaccharides. No effect of GLN level was found on daily gain (ADG), daily feed intake (ADFI) or body weight at 28 days postweaning (BW28). For housing conditions, ADG at 21 days after weaning was greater for animals of treatment AD than INAD, and AD had lower body weight variation than INAD pigs at 21 days after weaning. Considering the whole period, AD had a higher ADG, ADFI and BW28 than INAD. However, an interaction effect was observed for feed:gain rate, in which values decreased linearly (Y = 2.1727 - 0.4017x; R2=0.92) just for AD pigs as GLN levels increased. No GLN level effects were observed for diarrhea incidence; however, AD had a higher number of animals without diarrhea and with lower incidence of severe diarrhea than INAD pigs. In conclusion, supplementing GLN doesn’t affect ADG, ADFI or BW28 but it improves feed efficiency when housing conditions are adequate.Este estudo visou determinar o efeito das condições de alojamento e dos níveis de glutamina (GLN) sobre o desempenho e a incidência de diarréia em leitões desmamados. Quarenta e oito leitões foram divididos aleatoriamente (modelo fatorial 4x2) e submetidos a oito dietas experimentais representadas por quatro níveis de GLN dietética (0.0, 1.0, 1.5 ou 2.0 %) e duas condições de alojamento (AD = adequada e INAD = inadequada). A partir do 22º dia de idade até os 28 dias de experimentação, todos os leitões foram desafiados com lipopolissacarídeo de Escherichia coli. Nenhum efeito do nível de GLN foi observado sobre o ganho de peso diário (GDP) consumo diário de ração (CDR), conversão alimentar (CA), e peso dos animais no dia 28 pós-desmame (BW28). Para a condição de alojamento, o valor de GDP no dia 21 pós-desmame foi maior para os animais AD que os INAD e os animais AD apresentaram menor heterogeneidade de peso que INAD. Considerando todo o período experimental, os animais de AD obtiveram maiores GDP, CDR e BW28 que animais INAD. No entanto, houve efeito de interação para CA, com valores decrescendo linearmente (Y = 2,1727 0,4017x; R2 = 0.92) para leitões AD conforme aumentou a suplementação de GLN. Nenhum efeito de nível de GLN foi observado para a incidência de diarreia, no entanto, o tratamento AD apresentou maior número de animais sem diarreia e menor número de diarreias severas. Em conclusão, a suplementação com GLN não afeta GDP, CDR e BW28, mas melhora a eficiência alimentar quando as condições de alojamento são favoráveis

Enzymatic complex in feed containing defatted corn germ meal for pigs during growth and finish phases

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar a uso do farelo de gérmen de milho desengordurado (FGMD) em associação a um complexo enzimático (CE) nas rações de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação sobre o desempenho, digestibilidade, características de carcaça, qualidade da carne e sobre parâmetros de eficiência econômica. Foram utilizados 50 suínos (Agroceres PIC), 25 machos castrados e 25 fêmeas, com peso médio inicial de 41,14 ± 2,95 kg. Os animais foram submetidos a cinco tratamentos experimentais: T1- ração controle (milho + farelo de soja); T2- ração com milho + farelo de soja + 20% FGMD (isonutriente e isoenergética em relação a T1) ; T3- ração com milho + farelo de soja + 20% FGMD e CE (isonutriente e isoenergética em relação a T1); T4- ração com milho + farelo de soja + 20% FGMD sem CE (formulada igual a T3, descontada a matriz nutricional do CE, com menores níveis nutricionais e energéticos que T1); T5- ração com milho + farelo de soja + 20% FGMD e CE (formulada igual a T2, com o CE adicionado na forma on top, apresentando valores nutricionais e energéticos superiores a T1). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com 5 tratamentos e 5 repetições, sendo cada baia com dois animais de diferentes sexos a unidade experimental. Foi verificada diferença significativa (p<0,05) para o ganho médio de peso, com melhores resultados para T5 e piores para T4. Para a conversão alimentar o pior resultado observado foi para T4 (P<0,05). Os maiores valores de pH final da carne foram observados para T1, mas influencias deste parâmetro sobre a qualidade da carne não foram verificadas para nenhum dos tratamentos. Na avaliação econômica os melhores resultados foram observados para T3. A adição do complexo enzimático em dietas de suínos em crescimento e terminação contendo a inclusão de 20% de FGMD melhorou o desempenho zootécnico sem comprometer as características de carcaça e de qualidade da carne, demonstrando vantagens econômicas.The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the use of defatted corn germ meal (DCGM) with an enzymatic complex (EC) in feed for pigs in growing and finishing phases on the performance, digestibility, carcass, meat quality and economic efficiency characteristics. A total of 50 pigs (Agroceres PIC), 25 castrated male and 25 female, with initial average weight of 41.14 ± 2.95 kg, were used The animals were submitted to 5 treatments: T1- control feed (corn + soya meal), T2- ration with corn + soybean meal + 20% DCGM (isonutrient and isoenergetic compared to T1), T3- ration with corn + soybean meal + 20% DCGM and CE (isonutrient and isoenergetic compared to T1), T4 - ration with corn + soybean meal + 20% DCGM without EC (formulated equal T3, without considering the nutritional matrix of CE, with lower nutritional and energetic levels than T1), T5-ration with corn + soybean meal + 20% DCGM and EC (formulated equal T2, with EC added in on top form, presenting higher nutritional and energetic levels than T1). The experimental design was in random blocks, with 5 treatments and 5 repetitions per treatment, being each pen with two animals of different genders considered an experimental unit. Significant difference was verified for average weight gain when was considered the entire experimental period, with advantages for T5 and worst results for T4. For feed conversion, the worst result was verified in T4 (P<0.05). The highest final pH values for meat were observed for T1, but influences from this parameter could not be verified (in any of the treatments) on the quality of the meat. Economic evaluations have shown best results for T3. Adding the enzymatic complex to diets in growing and finishing pigs with 20% DCGM has improved the zoo-technical performance without compromising carcass characteristic neither meat quality, with an increase in economic feasibility