Enteral plasma feeding improves gut function and immunity in piglets after birth asphyxia

Area of Science:

• Neonatal physiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Birth asphyxia can impair newborn gut function and immunity.
• Immunomodulatory diets may protect against asphyxia-related damage.
• Pigs serve as a model for studying neonatal gut and immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if enteral plasma feeding improves gut and immune functions in asphyxiated newborns.
• To assess the effects of plasma supplementation on piglets experiencing birth asphyxia.
• To explore plasma's potential as a therapeutic agent for compromised newborns.

Main Methods:

• Near-term piglets were subjected to transient birth asphyxia (ASP) or used as controls (CON).
• Piglets received either porcine plasma or a vehicle control via enteral feeding.
• Dietary interventions included bovine colostrum and formula over 72 hours.

Main Results:

• Asphyxiated piglets exhibited reduced respiratory stability, pH, weight gain, and survival.
• Plasma supplementation decreased gut lesions, permeability, and inflammatory cytokines.
• Plasma improved villous morphology, enzyme activity, and immune response to bacterial stimulation.

Conclusions:

• Dietary plasma improves survival, gut function, and immunity in both normal and asphyxiated newborns.
• Plasma components may mediate protective gut effects, warranting further identification.
• Plasma holds potential for novel oral therapies for compromised newborn infants and piglets.