rumen degradation, maintaining blood glucose levels and benefiting insulin-independent tissues such as the mam- mary gland6
. These receptors also improve animals’ ability
to endure heat stress periods by influencing metabolic thermoregulation systems7
.
Immune-modulatory effects Recent research also indicates that these receptors are in- volved in immune system regulation both in the intestines and throughout the body. The gut contains various types and subtypes of immune cells such as B and T lymphocytes, regulatory cells, granulocytes and macrophages. Among these macrophages, dendritic cells emit pseudopods that pass through the mucosa, coming into direct contact with intestinal contents. Dendritic cells have many kinds of receptors including one which detects the bio-functional molecules of plants such as TRPV11. This particular receptor is also found in the membrane of other immune cells such as T cells, natural killer cells and other macrophages. When stimulated by capsaicin, it has an immune-modulatory effect which lowers production of prostaglandin E, NF-kB factor, cytokines, chemokines and decreases inflamma- tion8
. Capsaicin has a scientifically proven effect on the
immune system of farm animals. In piglets challenged with pathogenic Escherichia coli F-18, a capsicum-enriched diet reduced the number of leukocytes, circulating neutro- phils, ileal macrophages and serum concentrations of the inflammatory markers TNF-A and haptoglobin, as well as reducing diarrhoea9
.
Effect on gene expression Recent nutrigenomic research on plant extracts with bio-functional properties shows that they have a substantial impact on gene expression. Experimental infection with a pathogenic strain of E. coli in weaned piglets modified the expression of 418 genes in intestinal cells. The use of bio-functional components such as capsicum oleoresin, garlic extract and turmeric oleoresin modified 74, 203 and 183 genes respectively in challenged animals. Bioinformat- ics analysis of these variations in gene expression revealed increased expression of genes related to intestinal mucus secretion and reduced expression of genes related to im- mune overreaction. Benefits range from modulating immune reactions to enabling animals to better protect themselves against infections10
.
Value of gut health research This brief review of scientific advances in animal nutrition highlights the huge strides made in digestive system re- search. We are gaining new insights into how the digestive system works at an amazing pace. Today, we have an excep- tional opportunity to apply this knowledge to animal nutri- tion, using bio-functional compounds to meet current and future challenges in animal nutrition, production and health.
References 1-10 are available on request.
* Jose Luis Cano Muñoz is Customer Technical Manager SEMEA at Pancosma, part of ADM Animal Nutrition
▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 29, No. 9, 2021 19
The gut contains specific recep- tors for bio-functional components of plant extracts.
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