Intrauterine growth restriction in piglets alters blood cell counts and impairs cytokine responses in peripheral mononuclear cells 24 days post-partum

Abstract

Large litter sizes have resulted in more piglets being exposed to intrauterine growth restriction (iUGR). Growth restriction during fetal life is linked with lower growth efficiency and increased susceptibility to infections in postnatal life and iUGR may associate with an altered innate immune system. We investigated the haematological, thromboelastography and plasma biochemical profiles of IUGR and normal piglets as well as cytokine responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 24 days of age. Piglets were classified at birth based on their head morphology as either iUGR or normal. the present study showed a modulation of the immune function of IUGR pigs, characterized by an increase in neutrophil percentage and fibrinogen levels but a decrease in CD4+ T-cells. A lower level of LPS-induced IL-1β production was evident in iUGR pigs, suggesting immunological hypo-responsiveness. furthermore, higher levels of reticulocytes, McV and McH and lower levels of erythrocytes in iUGR pigs suggest altered bone marrow hematopoiesis. All together, the results suggest a moderate suppression of the immune response of iUGR piglets, which may have implications for resistance to pathogen challenges in the post-weaning period. Serum metabolites and blood clotting profile did not differ between IUGR and normal piglets.

Color of Colon Content of Normal and Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Weaned Piglets Is Associated with Specific Microbial Taxa and Physiological Parameters

“…The relative abundances of these genera were subsequently correlated to all measured parameters in Amdi et al [ 24 ] (see Figure 7 ). We identified a significant correlation for a few parameters.…”

“…Treponema was most abundant in the black feces and is a genera that is associated with infections in IUGR piglets [ 40 ], although it was not elevated in IUGR piglets in this study. To further support these results, no differences were found in the blood biochemistry between IUGR and normal piglets, for example, the albumin levels (34.9 g/L vs. 34.5 g/L; p = 0.796) and total protein levels (49.95 g/L vs. 47.65 g/L; p = 0.207) were similar in normal and IUGR pigs, respectively [ 24 ].…”

“…On day 24, piglets were transported to research facilities at the University of Copenhagen and were blood sampled within 1 h after arriving to the facilities. Five blood samples were taken from each piglet (results presented in Amdi et al [ 24 ]). Briefly, the first sample was taken in a 1.8 mL citrate stabilized tube for thromboelastografy (TEG) and fibrinogen analysis.…”

“…Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from heparinized blood samples by differential centrifugation using histopaque 1.077 (Sigma-Aldrich). Flow cytometric analysis of T cell and B cell populations and production of Interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) from PBMC following LPS stimulation was assessed as described by Amdi et al [ 24 ].…”

Impaired Neonatal Immunity and Infection Resistance Following Fetal Growth Restriction in Preterm Pigs

“…Some studies even suggested that this impaired immune status may persist for years after birth with SGA (8,9). From animal studies, low birth weight following term birth has been correlated with negative long term effects on growth as well as systemic and gut immune functions (10)(11)(12)(13). The possible effects of being both premature and SGA on immune development and infection risks during the first few days of life, remain elusive.…”