Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides decrease molecular expression and activity of disaccharidases and aminopeptidases in weaned pigs

Background:Escherichia coli populations in the gut increase after weaning, releasing cell wall lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are potent pro-inflammatory substances.Objective: this study evaluated LPS intake effects on protein expression and activity of intestinal disaccharidases and aminopetidases. Methods: sixty-four pigs (weaning age: 21 d) were fed a basal diet with added LPS (0.0, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 µg LPS/mg feed) during 10 days post-weaning. Pigs were slaughtered on days 1, 5, 7, and 10 post-weaning to assess small intestine molecular expression and enzyme activity. A randomized block design in a 4x4 factorial arrangement was used. Results:intestinal enzyme expression and activity was lower in pigs fed the highest LPS level (p