Liver transcriptome of rabbits supplemented with oral Moringa oleifera leaf powder under heat stress is associated with modulation of lipid metabolism and up-regulation of genes for thermo-tolerance, antioxidation, and immunity

Abstract

Heat stress resulting from global warming is a serious threat to livestock and humans and can cause impaired metabolism, dysregulated immune functions, and even death. Liver transcriptome of the heat-stressed rabbits supplemented with oral Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) was performed with the hypothesis that antioxidative properties of MOLP might help to maintain homeostasis under heat stress environment. A total of 21 rabbits were divided into 3 groups (n = 7/group); control (CON, 25°C), heat stress (HS, 35°C for 7 hours daily), and HS supplemented with MOLP (HSM, 35°C) at 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days. Serum analysis indicated that dietary MOLP (HSM) reduced glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents compared with the HS group (P < .05). The HS group showed increased mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β (P < .05), whereas enhanced expression of Nrf2 was observed in HSM compared with the HS group indicates antioxidative capacity of MOLP. Up-regulated genes PCK1 and ANGPTL4 as indicated by transcriptome analysis can explain increased serum glucose and lipid levels in the HS group. Up-regulation of antiapoptotic gene BCL2A1 by MOLP may suggest protection from heat stress induced apoptosis. In HSM, the up-regulated IL-6 family genes dictate their importance for immune and survival response, whereas genes PIK3R5 and TLR-2 are vital in thermo-tolerance. Further, identification of marker genes elucidates stress regulation response. In conclusion, findings of current study reveal beneficial aspects of dietary MOLP on liver function in heat-stressed rabbits.