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Published on: November 15, 2019
Whey protein processing influences formula-induced gut maturation in preterm pigs
Yanqi Li1, Mette V Østergaard, Pingping Jiang
1Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, and.
The Journal of Nutrition
|September 20, 2013
Summary
Processing whey protein concentrate (WPC) impacts gut maturation in preterm pigs. Minimally processed WPC formulas improved gut integrity and function compared to conventional methods, suggesting processing optimization is key for infant nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Animal models
Background:
- Preterm infants' immature guts are vulnerable to nutritional challenges and complications like necrotizing enterocolitis.
- Industrial processing of milk formulas, particularly whey protein concentrate (WPC), may degrade bioactive proteins crucial for gut health.
- The impact of different WPC processing methods on gut maturation in preterm neonates remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different processing methods for whey protein concentrate (WPC) affect gut maturation in formula-fed preterm pigs, serving as a model for preterm infants.
- To compare the effects of conventional, gently treated, and minimally treated WPC formulas against bovine colostrum on intestinal development and function.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-five preterm pigs were fed one of four isoenergetic diets: conventional WPC (CF), gently treated WPC (GF), minimally treated WPC (MF), or bovine colostrum (BC).
- Gut structure (villus height), function (lactose digestion, absorption), permeability, plasma citrulline, and intestinal markers (interleukin-8, claudin-4, cleaved caspase-3, phosphorylated c-Jun) were analyzed.
- Porcine intestinal epithelial cell proliferation was assessed for CF and GF WPC.
Main Results:
- Bovine colostrum (BC) group exhibited significantly greater villus heights, lactose digestion/absorption, and lower gut permeability compared to CF, GF, and MF groups.
- Minimally treated WPC (MF) and BC groups showed higher plasma citrulline concentrations than CF and GF groups.
- MF pigs had reduced intestinal claudin-4, cleaved caspase-3, and phosphorylated c-Jun compared to CF pigs, indicating improved intestinal integrity.
- BC pigs had lower intestinal interleukin-8 levels than other groups.
Conclusions:
- The processing method of whey protein concentrate (WPC) significantly influences intestinal structure, function, and integrity in preterm pigs.
- Minimally processed WPC, particularly when freeze-dried, shows promise in supporting gut maturation compared to conventional or gently treated WPC.
- Optimizing WPC processing technology is crucial for preserving bioactivity and nutritional value in infant formulas for vulnerable newborns.
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