not found in terrestrial plants, nor freshwater microalgae or yeast cell walls). Olmix Group marine bioactive ingredient extraction know- how has led to the development of an in-feed product, Algi- mun, which is based on the combination of two bioactive mac- roalgal extracts: MSP Barrier, a red algal extract, which enhances the gut barrier function; and MSP Immunity, a green algal extract, that modulates innate and adaptive immune re- sponses. Algimun bioactive molecules proved to be resistant to feed processing, especially to heat treatment and extrusion.


Gut health promoting properties The effect of red algal extract on intestinal barrier function was assessed by measuring the expression of tight junction proteins and mucin-related genes using epithelial cell lines. Results showed that MSP Barrier upregulates the expression of genes that determine transmembrane (CLND-2) and scaf- folding protein (ZO-1) synthesis which are essential for opti- mal functioning of the tight junction complexes. Moreover red algal extract upregulates the expression of genes that are necessary for the establishment of the mucus layer (MUC-2 and MUC-4) and the prevention of pathogen colonisation. It plays an important role in the maintenance of gut mucosa in- tegrity by rendering the tight junctions stronger and promot- ing a more functional mucus layer. The extract strengthens gut integrity as observed by an increase in trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in IPEC-1 cell line incubated with a E.coli K88 1305. These findings were corroborated in an in vivo scientific study. MSP Barrier reduced the paracellular passage of FITC-dextran (gut permeability biomarker) to the blood stream in an animal model known to induce specific stress leading to an inflammation of the gut epithelium and conse- quently a higher degree of permeability (Figure 2). Supplementation of the red algal extract reinforced the intes-


Figure 2 - Evaluation of intestinal paracellular permeability in vivo (FITC-dextran levels in blood).


* 250 200


150 100 50 0


Bonferroni test p<0.001*; Mann and Whitney test p=0.0036


NC: Negative control (without stress) MSP Barrier: without stress ST: Positive control (with stress) ST + MSP Barrier: Test group (MSP Barrier with stress)


Source: Inserm, 2018 


tinal barrier function of the gut epithelium which is the front- line of the innate immune de- fence against pathogens and toxins (significant reduction of the passage of the marker). A research project in collaboration with INRA (France) led to the demon- stration of the effect of MSP Immunity on immune mediators’ transcription in an in vitro model (IPEC-1 cell line), including the iden- tification of the metabolic pathways involved in this activation. Berri et al. (2016) first highlighted the green algal extract could positively influence the gene transcription of a broad array of immune mediators involved in defence mechanisms within the innate and the adaptive immune response, among others, the recruitment and activation of antigen-presenting cells, the differentiation and proliferation of lymphocytes B and lymphocytes T, while inducing immune tolerance thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. In vivo scientific studies fur- ther confirmed the immunomodulating properties of MSP Immunity, namely by improving the defence activities of monocytes and heterophils in broiler chickens, by favouring the immune transfer through colostrum and milk from sow to piglet and by improving the phagocytic activity of mac- rophages and neutrophils in rainbow trout. MSP Immunity also upregulates the gene expression of immune mediators with anti-inflammatory activities in carp macrophages.


Combining macroalgal extracts The benefits of Algimun during sensitive phases of the production cycle were assessed in the field in different animal species. Adding the supplement during the transition period in piglets (from day 21 until day 64) resulted in a lower inflammatory status (-16% haptoglobin level), a significantly lower percentage of animals needing a veterinary treatment (-57%, P<0.01) and improved live weight (+300g at the end of the trial) when compared to the control group. It also renders a high profitability: ROI = 3:1. The use of it in broilers has a positive effect on health parameters and growth performance. Algimun reduces stress in animals as seen by a decreased heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and reinforces mucosal protection (higher level of immunoglobulin A). In short, red and green macroalgal extracts can be used as a natural alternative in-feed strategy to improve health and growth performance by reinforcing gut barrier function, supporting the development of the immune system in young animals and during challenges; and increasing the immune transfer from the mother to the progeny. By doing so, antibiotic use can be reduced.


References available on request ▶ GUT HEALTH | DECEMBER 2020 31


Dextran-FITC in vivo (%/control mean)


PHOTO: OLMIX


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