Methionine metabolism, functions, and application in swine.

Methionine (Met) is the only sulfur-containing essential amino acid for animals and is the second or third limiting amino acid in swine diets. It plays a role not only in protein synthesis, but also as an important methyl donor to participate in various biochemical reactions. Additionally, Met can be converted into several functional derivatives, such as S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and homocysteine (Hcy) through which it exerts its biological functions.

Glutamate increases the lean percentage and intramuscular fat content and alters gut microbiota in Shaziling pigs.

This study aimed to explore the effects of glutamate (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, composition of amino acids and fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and the colonic microbial community of Shaziling pigs. A total of 48 healthy male Shaziling pigs (150 d, 31.56 ± 0.

Odd-Chain Fatty Acid-Enriched Fats Improve Growth and Intestinal Morphology and Function in Milk Replacer-Fed Piglets.

Background: The intestinal development and nutritional needs of piglets after birth are similar to those of human infants.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of different forms of odd-chain fatty acids (OCFAs) on the growth and intestinal morphology and function of milk replacer-fed piglets, as a model for human infants.

Methods: Forty 7-d-old piglets from 8 sows were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 8, each from a different litter) and fed sow milk or milk replacers supplemented with different kinds of fats (control fats, docosahexaenoic acid algal oil-, OCFA algal oil-, and OCFA-enriched fats) for 21 d.

Different effects of dietary β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on composition of fatty acid and free amino acid, and fatty metabolism in the different muscles of broilers.

In the study, 336 broiler chickens were selected to explore dietary effects of different β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) levels (0 (control), 0.05, 0.10, and 0.

Development and Recovery of Liver Injury in Piglets by Incremental Injection of LPS.

This study aimed to explore the effects of the incremental injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on liver histopathology, inflammation, oxidative status, and mitochondrial function in piglets. Forty healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire castrated boars (21 ± 2 days old, weight 6.84 ± 0.

β-Hydroxy-β-methyl Butyrate Regulates the Lipid Metabolism, Mitochondrial Function, and Fat Browning of Adipocytes.

A growing number of in vivo studies demonstrated that β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate (HMB) can serve as a lipid-lowering nutrient. Despite this interesting observation, the use of adipocytes as a model for research is yet to be explored. To ascertain the effects of HMB on the lipid metabolism of adipocytes and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the 3T3-L1 cell line was employed.

Mitochondrial Iron Metabolism: The Crucial Actors in Diseases.

Iron is a trace element necessary for cell growth, development, and cellular homeostasis, but insufficient or excessive level of iron is toxic. Intracellularly, sufficient amounts of iron are required for mitochondria (the center of iron utilization) to maintain their normal physiologic function. Iron deficiency impairs mitochondrial metabolism and respiratory activity, while mitochondrial iron overload promotes ROS production during mitochondrial electron transport, thus promoting potential disease development.

Development of Intestinal Injury and Restoration of Weaned Piglets under Chronic Immune Stress.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chronic immune stress on intestinal morphology and function, immune system, oxidative status, and mitochondrial function in piglets. Fifty healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets (21 ± 2 days old, barrow, 6.98 ± 0.