Research

14 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolism of Imidazole Dipeptides, Taurine, Branched-Chain Amino Acids, and Polyamines of the Breast Muscle Are Affected by Post-Hatch Development in Chickens

by Shozo Tomonaga, Takahiro Kawase, Takamitsu Tsukahara, Yoshiyuki Ohta and Jun-ichi Shiraishi

Metabolites 2022, 12(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo12010086 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

To explore metabolic characteristics during the post-hatch developmental period, metabolomic analyses of breast muscle and plasma were performed in chickens. The most significant growth-related changes in metabolite levels were observed between seven and 28 days of age. Some of these metabolites are essential [...] Read more.

To explore metabolic characteristics during the post-hatch developmental period, metabolomic analyses of breast muscle and plasma were performed in chickens. The most significant growth-related changes in metabolite levels were observed between seven and 28 days of age. Some of these metabolites are essential nutrients or reported as growth-promoting metabolites. In the muscle, two imidazole dipeptides—carnosine and its methylated metabolite, anserine—increased with the development. These dipeptide levels may be, in part, regulated transcriptionally because in the muscle mRNA levels of carnosine synthase and carnosine methylation enzyme increased. In contrast, taurine levels in the muscle decreased. This would be substrate availability-dependent because some upstream metabolites decreased in the muscle or plasma. In branched-chain amino acid metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine decreased in the muscle, while some of their downstream metabolites decreased in the plasma. The polyamines, putrescine and spermidine, decreased in the muscle. Furthermore, mRNA levels associated with insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling, which play important roles in muscle growth, increased in the muscle. These results indicate that some metabolic pathways would be important to clarify metabolic characteristics and/or growth of breast muscle during the post-hatch developmental period in chickens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5248 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Analytical Methodology for a Metabolome Atlas of Goat’s Plasma, Milk and Feces Using ¹H-NMR and UHPLC-HRMS

by Cécile Martias, Julie Gatien, Léa Roch, Nadine Baroukh, Sylvie Mavel, Antoine Lefèvre, Frédéric Montigny, Laurent Schibler, Patrick Emond and Lydie Nadal-Desbarats

Metabolites 2021, 11(10), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11100681 - 04 Oct 2021

Viewed by 1989

Abstract

Metabolomics has been increasingly used in animal and food sciences. Animal health is one of the most important factor that can also alter animal integrity and welfare. Some studies have already investigated the link between health and metabolic profile of dairy animals. These [...] Read more.

Metabolomics has been increasingly used in animal and food sciences. Animal health is one of the most important factor that can also alter animal integrity and welfare. Some studies have already investigated the link between health and metabolic profile of dairy animals. These studies in metabolomics often consider a single type of sample using a single analytical platform (nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectrometry). Only few studies with multi-platform approaches are also used with a single or a multi type of sample, but they mainly consider dairy cows’ metabolome although dairy goats present similar diseases, that it could be interesting to detect early to preserve animal health and milk production. This study aims to create a metabolic atlas of goat plasma, milk and feces, based on healthy animals. Our study describes a standard operating procedure for three goat matrices: blood plasma, milk, and feces using multiple platforms (NMR (¹H), UHPLC (RP)-MS and UHPLC (HILIC)-MS) that follows a unique sample preparation procedure for each sample type to be analyzed on multi-platforms basis. Our method was evaluated for its robustness and allowed a better characterization of goat metabolic profile in healthy conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation between Pre-Ovulatory Follicle Diameter and Follicular Fluid Metabolome Profiles in Lactating Beef Cows

by Casey C. Read, Lannett Edwards, Neal Schrick, Justin D. Rhinehart, Rebecca R. Payton, Shawn R. Campagna, Hector F. Castro, Jessica L. Klabnik, Emma J. Horn and Sarah E. Moorey

Metabolites 2021, 11(9), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11090623 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4792

Abstract

Induced ovulation of small pre-ovulatory follicles reduced pregnancy rates, embryo survival, day seven embryo quality, and successful embryo cleavage in beef cows undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination. RNA-sequencing of oocytes and associated cumulus cells collected from pre-ovulatory follicles 23 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) [...] Read more.

Induced ovulation of small pre-ovulatory follicles reduced pregnancy rates, embryo survival, day seven embryo quality, and successful embryo cleavage in beef cows undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination. RNA-sequencing of oocytes and associated cumulus cells collected from pre-ovulatory follicles 23 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration to induce the pre-ovulatory gonadotropin surge suggested reduced capacity for glucose metabolism in cumulus cells of follicles ≤11.7 mm. We hypothesized that the follicular fluid metabolome influences metabolic capacity of the cumulus-oocyte complex and contributes to reduced embryo cleavage and quality grade observed following induced ovulation of small follicles. Therefore, we performed a study to determine the correlation between pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and follicular fluid metabolome profiles in lactating beef cows (Angus, n = 130). We synchronized the development of a pre-ovulatory follicle and collected the follicular contents approximately 20 h after GnRH administration. We then performed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography—high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) metabolomic studies on 43 follicular fluid samples and identified 38 metabolites within pre-ovulatory follicles of increasing size. We detected 18 metabolites with a significant, positive correlation to follicle diameter. Individual and pathway enrichment analysis of significantly correlated metabolites suggest that altered glucose and amino acid metabolism likely contribute to reduced developmental competence of oocytes when small pre-ovulatory follicles undergo induced ovulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Undernutrition during Pregnancy Alters Amino Acid Metabolism and Gene Expression Associated with Energy Metabolism and Angiogenesis in Fetal Calf Muscle

by Susumu Muroya, Yi Zhang, Aoi Kinoshita, Kounosuke Otomaru, Kazunaga Oshima, Yuji Gotoh, Ichiro Oshima, Mitsue Sano, Sanggun Roh, Mika Oe, Koichi Ojima and Takafumi Gotoh

Metabolites 2021, 11(9), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11090582 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3806

Abstract

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying maternal undernutrition (MUN)-induced fetal skeletal muscle growth impairment in cattle, the longissimus thoracis muscle of Japanese Black fetal calves at 8.5 months in utero was analyzed by an integrative approach with metabolomics and transcriptomics. The pregnant cows were [...] Read more.

To elucidate the mechanisms underlying maternal undernutrition (MUN)-induced fetal skeletal muscle growth impairment in cattle, the longissimus thoracis muscle of Japanese Black fetal calves at 8.5 months in utero was analyzed by an integrative approach with metabolomics and transcriptomics. The pregnant cows were fed on 60% (low-nutrition, LN) or 120% (high-nutrition, HN) of their overall nutritional requirement during gestation. MUN markedly decreased the bodyweight and muscle weight of the fetus. The levels of amino acids (AAs) and arginine-related metabolites including glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and putrescine were higher in the LN group than those in the HN group. Metabolite set enrichment analysis revealed that the highly different metabolites were associated with the metabolic pathways of pyrimidine, glutathione, and AAs such as arginine and glutamate, suggesting that MUN resulted in AA accumulation rather than protein accumulation. The mRNA expression levels of energy metabolism-associated genes, such as PRKAA1, ANGPTL4, APLNR, CPT1B, NOS2, NOS3, UCP2, and glycolytic genes were lower in the LN group than in the HN group. The gene ontology/pathway analysis revealed that the downregulated genes in the LN group were associated with glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, HIF-1 signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, pentose phosphate, and insulin signaling pathways. Thus, MUN altered the levels of AAs and expression of genes associated with energy expenditure, glucose homeostasis, and angiogenesis in the fetal muscle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uterine Metabolomic Analysis for the Regulation of Eggshell Calcification in Chickens

by Xiqiong Wang, Ping Zhu, Zhihua Sun, Junnan Zhang and Congjiao Sun

Metabolites 2021, 11(9), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11090575 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2218

Abstract

Eggshell quality is economically important for table eggs and functionally indispensable for hatching eggs. During the formation of eggshell in the uterus, organic matrixes in uterine fluid can control and modify the formation of calcified eggshell. At present, there are limited studies focusing [...] Read more.

Eggshell quality is economically important for table eggs and functionally indispensable for hatching eggs. During the formation of eggshell in the uterus, organic matrixes in uterine fluid can control and modify the formation of calcified eggshell. At present, there are limited studies focusing on the effect of uterine organic metabolites on eggshell quality. In this study, an LC-MS-based metabolomic technology was performed to identify the crucial uterine metabolites that differently presented in hens producing eggs with divergent eggshell quality (eggshell strength, thickness, and weight). More than 1000 metabolites were identified in uterine fluid, and six putative metabolites, including phosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol, verapamil, risedronate, coproporphyrinogen III, and biliverdin, were screened to play crucial roles in eggshell calcification. Then, two trials for oral administration and in vitro calcite crystal growth were conducted to verify the effect of potential different metabolites on the eggshell quality. Verapamil has a temporary effect on decreasing eggshell strength and eggshell thickness. Coproporphyrinogen III could induce smaller calcite crystals to improve eggshell strength while biliverdin could modify crystal morphology by forming rougher faces and rounder edges to strengthen the eggshell. The present study gives us new insight to understand the role of uterine fluid matrixes in eggshell calcification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Lipids Involved in the Formation of Characteristic Lactones in Japanese Black Cattle

by Shuji Ueda, Ryo Sasaki, Rio Nakabayashi, Minoru Yamanoue, Yasuhito Sirai and Eiji Iwamoto

Metabolites 2021, 11(4), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11040203 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3139

Abstract

The meat from Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) is finely marbled and exhibits a rich and sweet aroma known as Wagyu beef aroma. To clarify the key metabolites involved in the aroma, we analyzed the correlation between lactone and lipid composition in Japanese [...] Read more.

The meat from Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) is finely marbled and exhibits a rich and sweet aroma known as Wagyu beef aroma. To clarify the key metabolites involved in the aroma, we analyzed the correlation between lactone and lipid composition in Japanese Black cattle. Using gas chromatography-olfactometry, we identified 39 characteristic odorants of the intermuscular fat. Seven characteristic lactones considered to be involved in Wagyu beef aroma were quantified and compared in the marbled area and intermuscular fat using a stable isotope dilution assay. Among them, γ-hexalactone was the only lactone whose level was significantly higher in the marbled area. To explore the lipid species involved in lactone formation, we analyzed samples with different aroma characteristics. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed eight lipid classes and showed significant differences in triacylglycerides (TAGs). To determine the molecular species of TAGs, we performed high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and identified 14 TAG species. However, these analyses showed that seven lactones had a low correlation with the TAGs. However, γ-hexalactone showed a positive correlation with linoleic acid. This study suggests that lipid composition affects the characteristic lactone profile involved in the Wagyu beef aroma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 3181 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Metabolites Secreted by Bovine Embryos In Vitro Predict Pregnancies That the Recipient Plasma Metabolome Cannot, and Vice Versa

by Enrique Gomez, Nuria Canela, Pol Herrero, Adrià Cereto, Isabel Gimeno, Susana Carrocera, David Martin-Gonzalez, Antonio Murillo and Marta Muñoz

Metabolites 2021, 11(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11030162 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

This work describes the use of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics as a non-invasive approach to accurately predict birth prior to embryo transfer (ET) starting from embryo culture media and plasma recipient. Metabolomics was used here as a predictive platform. Day-6 in vitro produced embryos [...] Read more.

This work describes the use of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics as a non-invasive approach to accurately predict birth prior to embryo transfer (ET) starting from embryo culture media and plasma recipient. Metabolomics was used here as a predictive platform. Day-6 in vitro produced embryos developed singly in modified synthetic oviduct fluid culture medium (CM) drops for 24 h were vitrified as Day-7 blastocysts and transferred to recipients. Day-0 and Day-7 recipient plasma (N = 36 × 2) and CM (N = 36) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to the quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-qTOF). Metabolites quantified in CM and plasma were analyzed as a function to predict pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62, and birth (univariate and multivariate statistics). Subsequently, a Boolean matrix (F1 score) was constructed with metabolite pairs (one from the embryo, and one from the recipient) to combine the predictive power of embryos and recipients. Validation was performed in independent cohorts of ETs analyzed. Embryos that did not reach birth released more stearic acid, capric acid, palmitic acid, and glyceryl monostearate in CM (i.e., (p < 0.05, FDR < 0.05, Receiver Operator Characteristic—area under curve (ROC-AUC) > 0.669)). Within Holstein recipients, hydrocinnamic acid, alanine, and lysine predicted birth (ROC-AUC > 0.778). Asturiana de los Valles recipients that reached birth showed lower concentrations of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and hippuric acid (ROC-AUC > 0.832). Embryonal capric acid and glyceryl-monostearate formed F1 scores generally >0.900, with metabolites found both to differ (e.g., hippuric acid, hydrocinnamic acid) or not (e.g., heptadecanoic acid, citric acid) with pregnancy in plasmas, as hypothesized. Efficient lipid metabolism in the embryo and the recipient can allow pregnancy to proceed. Changes in phenolics from plasma suggest that microbiota and liver metabolism influence the pregnancy establishment in cattle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Characteristic Aroma of Beef from Japanese Black Cattle (Japanese Wagyu) via Sensory Evaluation and Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry

by Shuji Ueda, Minoru Yamanoue, Yasuhito Sirai and Eiji Iwamoto

Metabolites 2021, 11(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo11010056 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4199

Abstract

Beef from Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) is renowned for its flavor characteristics. To clarify the key metabolites contributing to this rich and sweet aroma of beef, an omics analysis combined with GC-olfactometry (GC-O) and metabolomics analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were [...] Read more.

Beef from Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) is renowned for its flavor characteristics. To clarify the key metabolites contributing to this rich and sweet aroma of beef, an omics analysis combined with GC-olfactometry (GC-O) and metabolomics analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were applied. GC-O analysis identified 39 odor-active odorants from the volatile fraction of boiled beef distilled by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation. Eight odorants predicted to contribute to Wagyu beef aroma were compared between Japanese Black cattle and Holstein cattle using a stable isotope dilution assay with GC–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. By correlating the sensory evaluation values of retronasal aroma, γ-hexalactone, γ-decalactone, and γ-undecalactone showed a high correlation with the Wagyu beef aroma. Metabolomics data revealed a high correlation between the amounts of odorants and multiple metabolites, such as glutamine, decanoic acid, lactic acid, and phosphoric acid. These results provide useful information for assessing the aroma and quality of beef. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary Defatted Meat Species on Metabolomic Profiles of Murine Liver, Gastrocnemius Muscle, and Cecal Content

by Rise Nakata, Mikako Sato and Shozo Tomonaga

Metabolites 2020, 10(12), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo10120503 - 09 Dec 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2368

Abstract

In both humans and animals, meat not only constitutes one of the sources of protein, but also includes various water-soluble bioactive substances such as imidazole peptides (carnosine and anserine) and taurine. Previous studies demonstrated that dietary meat species could differently affect physiological functions; [...] Read more.

In both humans and animals, meat not only constitutes one of the sources of protein, but also includes various water-soluble bioactive substances such as imidazole peptides (carnosine and anserine) and taurine. Previous studies demonstrated that dietary meat species could differently affect physiological functions; however, the mechanisms of this remain unclear. To explore the physiological effects of dietary defatted meat species, especially on metabolism, we investigated their influence on the metabolomic profiles of the liver, gastrocnemius muscle, and cecal content in mice. Casein (control) or a defatted meat species (beef leg, pork leg, chicken leg, or chicken breast) was supplied as the major protein source in the diet for four weeks, and metabolism-related molecules were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We found that various metabolite levels in tissues and cecal content differed according to the types of dietary protein consumed. Specifically, differences in carnosine, 1,5-anhydro-glucitol, inositol, butyric acid, and propionic acid were clearly observed. Among them, the highest carnosine intake by dietary pork leg was clearly related to the highest carnosine level in the liver. In addition, taurine intake was suggested to be linked to some metabolic pathways including taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in cecal content. These results provide additional knowledge of the effects of different dietary meat species on human and animal health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Added Dietary Betaine and Soluble Fiber on Metabolites and Fecal Microbiome in Dogs with Early Renal Disease

by Eden Ephraim and Dennis E. Jewell

Metabolites 2020, 10(9), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo10090370 - 15 Sep 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3864

Abstract

Renal diets are recommended for dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study examined the effects of foods with added betaine and fiber on the plasma and fecal metabolome and fecal microbiome in dogs with early stage CKD. At baseline, several metabolites differed [...] Read more.

Renal diets are recommended for dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study examined the effects of foods with added betaine and fiber on the plasma and fecal metabolome and fecal microbiome in dogs with early stage CKD. At baseline, several metabolites differed between healthy dogs and those with CKD. Dogs with CKD (n = 28) received a control food, low soluble fiber plus betaine food (0.5% betaine, 0.39% oat beta-glucan, and 0.27% short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS)), or high soluble fiber plus betaine food (0.5% betaine, 0.59% oat beta-glucan, and 0.41% scFOS) each for 10 weeks in different sequences. Consumption of test foods led to several favorable, significant changes in the plasma metabolome, including decreases of several uremic toxins and other deleterious metabolites, and increases in favorable metabolites compared with the control food. Only 7 fecal metabolites significantly changed with consumption of the test foods compared with the control food, largely increases in polyphenols and lignans. Few changes were seen in the fecal microbiome, though some taxa that significantly changed in response to the test foods have beneficial effects on health, with some negatively correlating with uremic toxins. Overall, foods with added betaine and soluble fiber showed positive effects on the plasma and fecal metabolomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Metabolomic Applications in Animal Science Volume 2

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI