Evaluation of dietary curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on growth, blood biochemistry, gut barrier integrity and enteric gas emissions in weaned piglets.
Supplementing weaned piglets' diets with curcumin-loaded nanoparticles may improve growth and metabolic health, but further research is needed to confirm these effects.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the ara 290 corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the effects of dietary curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SL@Cur) on growth performance and metabolic health in weaned piglets. Thirty-six piglets were assigned to diets containing 0, 30, or 60 mg/kg SL@Cur for 21 days. Results indicated that piglets fed 30 or 60 mg/kg SL@Cur had higher final body weight and weight gain compared to the control diet.
Abstract
Weaning stress often impairs growth, metabolic function, gut barrier integrity, and microbial balance in piglets, underscoring the need for effective nutritional interventions to enhance post-weaning health. This study evaluated the effects of dietary curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SL@Cur) on growth performance, serum biochemical profiles, antioxidant capacity, gut epithelial integrity, gut microbial diversity, and fecal noxious gas emissions in weaned piglets. Thirty-six piglets (Duroc × [Yorkshire × Landrace]; 28 ± 1 days of age; 6-7 kg) were randomly assigned to diets containing 0, 30, or 60 mg/kg SL@Cur for 21 days. Piglets fed 30 or 60 mg/kg SL@Cur exhibited significantly higher final body weight, weight gain and average daily gain compared with control diet (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Myogenic gene expressions such as Pax7, Myf5 and Myf6 were significantly enhanced in piglets fed at 60 mg/kg SL@Cur compared to the control diet (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Serum triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced at 30 mg/kg (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The 30 mg/kg dose of SL@Cur also significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase and increased high-density lipoprotein concentrations than the control diet (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Serum glucose declined dose-dependently, whereas superoxide dismutase and cortisol remained unaffected. Gut barrier integrity was enhanced, as evidenced by significantly increased expression of tight junction proteins, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-2 concentrations in SL@Cur supplied diets (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Analyzing the piglets' intestinal microbiomes showed that different dietary treatments lead to variations in their bacterial communities. As a result, the lower dose increased the presence of probiotics and lactic acid bacteria, while the higher dose showed more bacterial taxa and a mixed microbial shift. Additionally, SL@Cur markedly reduced fecal NH₃ and H<sub>2</sub>S gas emissions (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Overall, SL@Cur supplementation enhanced growth performance, improved metabolic and intestinal health parameters, and reduced enteric gas emissions in weaned piglets.
Background
This paper addresses the impact of weaning stress on growth and metabolic function in piglets, a known issue that can affect their overall health. Previous studies have indicated that nutritional interventions can mitigate these effects, but specific mechanisms and effective compounds remain under investigation. This study is significant as it explores the use of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles as a potential dietary supplement to enhance post-weaning health in piglets.
Methods
The study utilized a randomized design involving 36 weaned piglets (Duroc × [Yorkshire × Landrace]; 28 ± 1 days of age; 6-7 kg). The piglets were assigned to receive diets containing 0, 30, or 60 mg/kg of SL@Cur for a duration of 21 days. Primary outcomes included growth performance metrics, serum biochemical profiles, and gut health indicators.
Results
Piglets fed 30 or 60 mg/kg SL@Cur exhibited significantly higher final body weight and weight gain compared to the control diet, p<0.05. Additionally, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced at the 30 mg/kg dose, p<0.05. The study also reported enhanced gut barrier integrity with increased expression of tight junction proteins, p<0.05.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that SL@Cur may have beneficial effects on growth and metabolic health in weaned piglets, aligning with previous literature on dietary interventions. However, the effect sizes, while statistically significant, may not be clinically meaningful in broader applications. Limitations such as the small sample size and short duration of the study may confound the conclusions drawn.
Key findings
- Final body weight significantly higher in 30 and 60 mg/kg SL@Cur groups compared to control diet, p<0.05.
- Weight gain significantly higher in 30 and 60 mg/kg SL@Cur groups compared to control diet, p<0.05.
- Serum triglycerides significantly reduced at 30 mg/kg SL@Cur, p<0.05.
- Total cholesterol levels significantly reduced at 30 mg/kg SL@Cur, p<0.05.
- Fecal NH₃ and H₂S gas emissions significantly reduced with SL@Cur, p<0.05.
Limitations
- small sample size of 36 piglets
- short duration of 21 days
- single-site study
- no long-term follow-up