Central 43 RFamide peptide (QRFP43) administration modulates microbial activity and fatty acid biohydrogenation in the ovine digestive tract.

The 43 RFamide peptide (QRFP43) is a neuropeptide implicated in central regulation of energy balance. The present study evaluated the effects of central administration of QRFP43 to the brain on microbial activity and fatty acid biohydrogenation in the ovine digestive tract. The analysis focused on protozoan populations, polysaccharidase activity, and fatty acid (FA) profiles in the rumen, reticulum, and small intestine. QRFP43 administration resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in total protozoa count and reduced enzymatic activity in rumen and reticulum digesta. An increased concentration of isoacids and propionic acid in the reticulum suggested alterations in microbial fermentation patterns. Fatty acid analysis revealed changes in the biohydrogenation index and conjugated FA abundance, particularly in the high-dose group (50 µg of QRFP43), indicating modified microbial lipid metabolism. Multivariate analyses revealed a tendency towards clustering of samples according to treatment and highlighted strong correlations between QRFP43 treatment, protozoan abundance, enzymatic activity, and FA composition. These findings demonstrate that central QRFP43 administration influences microbial and lipid metabolic processes within the ovine digestive tract.