Effects of alpha-(1,2)-fucosyltransferase genotype variants on plasma metabolome, immune responses and gastrointestinal bacterial enumeration of pigs pre- and post-weaning

Abstract

In pigs, the alpha-(1,2) fucosyltransferase ( FUT1) gene has been highlighted for its properties in controlling the intestinal expression of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) F18 receptors; a pathogen causing edema disease and post-weaning diarrhoea. In this study, we hypothesized that pigs with different genotypes (ETEC F18 resistant ( FUT1 ^AA) versus susceptible ( FUT1 ^AG)) differed in following systemic and enteric responses: growth performance, plasma metabolic profiles, expression of candidate genes for intestinal mucosal homeostasis and immunity, number of selected bacteria and the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in faeces and digesta in piglets pre and post-weaning, and on the ETEC F18 adherence ex vivo. Genotype had the strongest impact on plasma metabolomic profile on day 7 and 28 of age. FUT1 ^AG piglets had higher level of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, hippuric acid, oxindole, and 3-oxo-5-beta-chol-7-en-24-oic acid on day 7, and a higher level of guanosine on day 28 than that in the FUT1 ^AA piglets. FUT1 ^AA piglets had a higher level of betaine on day 7 and 3-methylguanine on day 28. On day 34 of age, the FUT1 ^AA pigs had higher levels of S-2-hydroxyglutarate, L-phenylalanine, tauroursodeoxycholic acid and an undetermined PC/LysoPC, while Ile Glu Phe Gly peptide and genistein 5-O-glucuronide, and PC (18:0/0:0) were at higher levels in the FUT1 ^AG piglets. FUT1 genotype did not affect the growth performance and expression of candidate genes. FUT1 ^AG piglets had a higher number of haemolytic bacteria in faeces and in digesta than that in FUT1 ^AA at 34 days of age. The colonic acetic acid concentration was highest in FUT1 ^AG piglets. FUT1 genotype may influence not only the expression of E. coli F18 receptors but could potentially impact the gut homeostasis and metabotype of piglets pre and post-weaning. Further investigations on the relation between FUT1 genotype and these aspects including the intestinal commensal microbiota will expand the knowledge on factors affecting the intestinal ecosystem.