Effects of glycinin and beta-conglycinin on enterocyte apoptosis, proliferation and migration of piglets

Glycinin and beta-conglycinin have been identified as major food/feed allergens. But effects of glycinin and beta-conglycinin on enterocyte migration in piglets are scare. Fifteen weanling (7.06 +/- 0.18 kg) General No. 1 barrows, weaned at 28 days, were used. The piglets were randomly allotted to three (A, B and C) treatments with five replicates. The piglets in the A group (control group) were fed diets without ingredients originating from leguminous products, while the piglets in the B or C groups were fed the diets containing purified glycinin or beta-conglycinin, which replaced protein in Group A by 4%. All the experimental periods were followed for 7 days. Five-micrometre thick sections of small intestinal tissue were stained with the TUNEL method to assess apoptotic activity, and with Ki-67 immunohistochemistry to assess cellular proliferation. The results indicated that glycinin or beta-conglycinin increased proliferative index and apoptotic index in duodenum for piglets (P<0.05).