Zinc Oxide Administration Relieves the Diarrhea of ETEC K88-Infected Piglets by Reducing Ileal Apoptosis and Maintaining Gut Microbial Balance

Overview

Journal Vet Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Veterinary Medicine

Date 2025 Feb 26

PMID 40005874

Authors

Yanyan Zhang

Jiale Liu

Muzi Li

Yi Dong

Zongyun Li

Dan Yi

Tao Wu

Lei Wang

Di Zhao

Yongqing Hou

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The impact of ZnO as a feed additive on growth-performance and intestinal function of (ETEC) K88-infected piglets remains unclear. Fecal scores of piglets in ETEC group were significantly increased compared to control group. ETEC K88 significantly damages the small intestine, including a reduction in villus height in the jejunum, duodenum, and ileum, and a decrease in total superoxide dismutase activity in the jejunum and catalase activity in the ileum and jejunum. Compared to control group, ETEC K88 infection significantly elevated the mRNA level of gene and the level of ileal epithelial cell apoptosis. ZnO administration significantly alleviated these negative effects and improved the antioxidative capability of the ileum. Moreover, ZnO supplementation alleviated the imbalance of gut microbiota by restoring the reduced amount of and in the jejunum, in the ileum, and in the cecum, as well as the increased amount of total eubacteria in the ileum and in the cecum induced by the ETEC K88 infection. In conclusion, ZnO administration can reduce the diarrhea of piglets infected with ETEC K88 by reducing the structural damage of the intestine, attenuating intestinal oxidative stress and epithelial cell apoptosis, and modulating the gut microbiota.

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