INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE EXPRESSION OF MOLECULAR MARKERS AND THE STATE OF THE MYCOBIOME IN THE DUODENUM OF PIGLETS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37406/2706-9052-2025-3.22Keywords:
piglets, intestine, molecular markers, isotonic protein mixture, weaningAbstract
This study presents the results of a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying the relationships between the expression of key molecular markers of the intestinal epithelium (E-CAD, fibronectin, IFN-α, TNF-α, GFAP, Casp-3) and the state of the microbiome in the small intestine of piglets during the early postnatal period. The relevance of the research is driven by the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in the establishment of intestinal barrier and immune functions, especially under the influence of biologically active nutraceutical compounds. The experiment involved 168 three-breed hybrid piglets of DanBred genetics divided into control and experimental groups. From days 3 to 8 of life, piglets in the experimental group were administered an isotonic protein mixture (IPM). On days 9, 21, and 35, samples of the duodenum and jejunum tissues were collected for analysis of molecular marker expression using the Western blot method, along with intestinal content samples for bacteriological evaluation. It was found that both groups demonstrated strong positive correlations among adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix proteins, pro-inflammatory markers, glial activation, and apoptosis indicators, suggesting coordinated involvement in shaping the functional state of the intestinal barrier. In the control group, a high presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. was associated with elevated expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, indicating potential pathogenic pressure from these taxa. In contrast, piglets that received IPM showed microbiome stabilization, reduced inflammatory signaling intensity, maintained intra-network correlations between molecular markers, and diminished susceptibility to colonization by conditionally pathogenic bacteria. The most pronounced effects of IPM were observed on day 35, when enhanced coordination in the “microbiome – epithelium – neuroimmune response” axis was recorded. These findings support the potential of IPM as an effective modulator of neuroepithelial homeostasis and a promising tool for maintaining gut health in piglets during critical developmental stages.
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