Dietary fiber supplementation during the last 50 days of gestation improves the farrowing performance of gilts by modulating insulin sensitivity, gut microbiota, and placental function

Abstract

Our previous study found dietary konjac flour (KF) supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity and reproductive performance of sows, but its high price limits its application in actual production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation of a cheaper combined dietary fiber (CDF, using bamboo shoots fiber and alginate fiber to partially replace KF) from the last 50 days of gestation to parturition on farrowing performance, insulin sensitivity, gut microbiota, and placental function of gilts. Specifically, a total of 135 pregnant gilts with a similar farrowing time were blocked by backfat thickness and body weight on day 65 of gestation (G65d) and assigned to 1 of the 3 dietary treatment groups (n = 45 per group): basal diet (CON), basal diet supplemented with 2 % KF or 2 % CDF (CDF containing 15 % KF, 60% bamboo shoots fiber, and 25% alginate fiber), respectively. The litter performance, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance parameters, placental vessel density, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels in feces were assessed. The gut microbiota population in gilts during gestation was also assessed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Compared with CON, both KF and CDF treatments not only increased the piglet birth weight (P < 0.05) and piglet vitality (P < 0.01), but also decreased the proportion of piglets with birth weight ≤ 1.2 kg (P < 0.01) and increased the proportion of piglets with birth weight ≥ 1.5 kg (P < 0.01). Additionally, KF or CDF supplementation reduced fasting blood insulin level (P < 0.05), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (P < 0.05), serum hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.05), and the level of advanced glycation end products (P < 0.05) at G110d, and increased the placental vascular density (P < 0.05) at farrowing. Meanwhile, KF or CDF supplementation increased microbial diversity (P < 0.05) and SCFAs levels (P < 0.05) in feces at G110d. Notably, the production cost per live-born piglet was lower in CDF group (¥ 36.1) than KF group (¥ 41.3). Overall, KF or CDF supplementation from G65d to farrowing could improve the farrowing performance of gilts possibly by improving insulin sensitivity, regulating gut microbiota and metabolites, and increasing placental vascular density, with higher economic benefits and a similar effect for CDF versus KF, suggesting the potential of CDF as a cheaper alternative to KF in actual production.

Lachnospiraceae -derived butyrate mediates protection of high fermentable fiber against placental inflammation in gestational diabetes mellitus

“…In human studies, HFDFs were shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes because of their protective effects on gut homeostasis and chronic inflammation (13). Our and other previous studies in sows and mice have demonstrated that konjac flour, a source of HFDF, has beneficial effects on glucose metabolism and anti-inflammation during pregnancy (14)(15)(16). However, it remains unknown whether HFDF can resist high-fat diet (HFD)-induced maternal insulin resistance, inflammation, and poor pregnancy outcomes via gut-placenta axis.…”

“…Lachnospiraceae is a highly abundant member of the gut bacteria able to synthesize SCFAs by fermenting dietary polysaccharides (27)(28)(29). The HFDF used in this study is a hydrogel-like polysaccharide extracted from the tubers of the konjac plant with high microbial availability and SCFA production (14)(15)(16). Data from pregnant women demonstrated that butyrate levels in the umbilical vein serum and placenta were lower in GDMs than in non-GDMs, and butyrate levels in the umbilical vein serum and placenta were negatively correlated with placental TNF-α.…”

Maternal gut microbiota in the health of mothers and offspring: from the perspective of immunology

“…Similar results were also found in pigs. A high-fiber diet reduced proinflammatory markers like IL-6 and increased the anti-inflammatory markers like IL-10 in sows and piglets through promoting beneficial bacteria and the production of SCFAs ( 247 – 249 ). However, studies that investigated the therapeutic effects of dietary fiber in HDP and preterm birth are still lacking.…”

Exploring the Role of Mediterranean and Westernized Diets and Their Main Nutrients in the Modulation of Oxidative Stress in the Placenta: A Narrative Review

“…Excessive intake of DF is rare but is associated with impaired absorption of nutrients and diarrhea during pregnancy [147]. The use of DF supplementation in pregnancy has been demonstrated to improve insulin sensitivity, modulate the gut microbiota and metabolites, and increase placental vascular density [148]. Previous works have evidenced that DF can raise placental serotonin levels by promoting maternal serotonin synthesis in the colon and transport from the mother to the placenta [149].…”