The impact of polystyrene nanoplastics on the chicken gut and liver: Based on transcriptomics and microbiomics.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an extraintestinal pathogen that causes diverse local and systemic infections in poultry and poses a potential zoonotic threat. Although extensive research has addressed its antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors, and host immune responses, the temporal transition from early infection to recovery remains poorly characterized. Here, we established a systemic infection model in broilers by inoculating the pectoral muscle with E. coli O18:K1 and monitored sequential changes in organ weights and indices, serum biochemistry, and histopathology. Parallel RNA-sequencing of liver and spleen tissues delineated stage-specific transcriptional reprogramming. Peak mortality occurred 2 days post-infection (dpi) and ceased at 5 dpi. The infected and uninfected control groups differed significantly in organ weights and indices and blood biochemical indicators at 2 dpi; however, many indicators recovered by 5 dpi in the infected group. Liver transcriptomics during acute infection revealed concerted downregulation of minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family genes and concurrent suppression of the cell cycle and DNA repair pathways. By 5 dpi, these genes and pathways were reactivated, mirroring the transition from pathology to recovery. Key immune mediators in the spleen (IL1B, IL6, FOS, PTGS2, JUN, and NFKBIA) were enriched in immune response pathways and displayed a temporal switch from activation to repression, underscoring the dynamic regulation imposed by this immune organ. Collectively, our data provide a comprehensive spatiotemporal map of the molecular and immune landscape that demarcates the infection and recovery phases of APEC in broilers.

Integrative meta-GWAS and lipidomics reveal genetic regulators of nutritional fatty acids and lipid metabolites in chicken liver lipid accumulation

Blow flies represent one of the most forensically significant insects in legal investigations. Their habitat-specific abundance and temperature-dependent development rates can help estimate a post-mortem interval (PMI), cause of death and post-mortem movement of a deceased body. As the role of forensic entomology expands in human and wildlife criminal investigations, there is a need for updated regional surveys for blow fly species. All recent and previous blow fly surveys in Arizona have been limited to the southern and central ecoregions. The objective of this study was to identify blow fly species between two contrasting habitats in northwestern Arizona-the Black Mountains (Mojave Desert) and the Hualapai Mountains (Arizona/New Mexico Mountains). This research aimed to assess the impacts of food source (game meat (javelina; Tayassu tajacu) compared to chicken (Gallus domesticus) liver), seasonality and elevation on blow fly biodiversity. Each habitat had three site locations at different elevational gradients (low, middle, high) with four bait traps deployed at each site (two of each bait type). This study found a significant difference in the biodiversity of blow flies between and within each habitat seasonally, as well as elevational variation within each habitat. Bait-preference also was statistically significant for overall abundance, and two indicator species for each bait type were identified. Additionally, this research presents the northernmost recorded presence of Chrysomya rufifacies in Arizona, as well as the first records of Cynomya cadaverina and Calliphora alaskensis in the state. The data collected establishes an important baseline for these understudied regions of Arizona and facilitates a wider use of blow flies in forensic investigations for rural areas of Mohave County, AZ.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of a probiotic based on Bacillus subtilis BKM B3701D on morphofunctional indicators of the liver of broiler chickens with enrofloxacin-induced hepatopathy. The experiment was carried out on 100 broiler chickens of Ross-308 line from day 1 to day 21 of life. Birds were divided into 4 groups: control (standard diet), probiotic (probiotic administered daily from day 1 to day 20 at a dose of 1 g/kg of body weight), enrofloxacin (200 mg/l of water for the first 5 days), enrofloxacin + probiotic (enrofloxacin for the first 5 days, followed by probiotic from day 6 to day 20). On 1, 7, 14 and 21 days of life birds were slaughtered, body and liver weights were determined and liver histology was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. It was found that enrofloxacin causes centrilobular hepatic hyperemia of liver of 14-day-old chickens (detected in 50% of histological preparations). The frequency of hyperemia decreased to 28.6% and its severity was moderate in the group with the combined use of an antibiotic and subsequent probiotic. Morphological changes in all groups leveled out by the 21st day of life. Live weight in the enrofloxacin group on the 14th day was lower, than the control (479.02 ± 18.10 g versus 507.72 ± 7.71 g, p < 0.05), but differences disappeared by the 21st day. Live weight was reduced on the 21st day in the enrofloxacin + probiotic group (882.21 ± 24.28 g versus 968.74 ± 21.49 g in the control, p < 0.001), which may be associated with the redistribution of resources to reparative processes in the liver. The obtained results indicate the hepatoprotective potential of Bacillus subtilis BKM B3701D probiotic, which is capable of reducing microcirculatory disorders caused by enrofloxacin and justify its inclusion in broiler growing regimens to reduce the drug load on the liver.

Free amino-acid and imidazole-ring dipeptide profiles of chicken-liver-hydrolysate supplement and its modulatory effects on lipid metabolism, oxidative status, and inflammation in livers, as well as gut microbiota in a high-fat diet.

The combination of matrine and tannic acid protects chickens against intestinal infection caused by Salmonella Typhimurium.

Health risk assessment of trace elements in chicken liver samples sold in Salvador, Brazil

The mammalian liver lobules have zonation for various hepatic functions. It remains to be precisely determined which vertebrate taxa exhibit the hepatic zonation. There are two types of liver architectures in vertebrates: the portal triad type (roughly vertebrates except teleosts) and the non-portal triad type (teleosts). The aim of the present study is to determine histochemically and immunohistochemically how the hepatic zonation is established in vertebrates with a reference to the liver architectures and evolution. As a result, the typical hepatic zonation of metabolic enzymes, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and Cyp1a2, was detectable in mammals, including the opossums, pigs, dolphins, guinea pigs, mice, and marmosets. They also consistently exhibited pericentral expression of glutamine synthase, one of ammonia-metabolizing enzymes, which was undetectable in other vertebrates. Murine livers had a more remarkable zonation of cell adhesion molecules and carbamoyl-phosphate synthase I, which other mammals did not exhibit. Chicken and Japanese quail livers showed zonation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in sinusoidal cells, but no zonation of metabolic enzymes. The amphibian and reptilian livers showed poor zonation. Although many actinopterygians did not exhibit hepatic zonation, some teleost livers showed zonation for the accumulation of periodic acid-Schiff-positive substances and sinusoidal ALP activity. Grass puffer exhibited zonation of transcription factors and cell adhesion molecules. These data indicated that hepatic zonation was not associated with the two types of liver architectures. Mammals and some teleosts may have acquired remarkable hepatic zonation during evolution. Zonation of pericentral glutamine synthase expression is unique to mammalian species among vertebrates.

The extensive use of antibiotics in intensive poultry production has raised serious concerns regarding residual drug accumulation in edible tissues and the associated risks to animal health, food safety, and public health. This study assessed the presence, concentrations, and biological implications of residual antibiotics in broiler chicken breast and liver samples from poultry farms and retail supermarkets in Keffi metropolis. Broiler chickens were administered commonly used antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones, sulphonamides, gentamicin, oxytetracycline, neomycin, tylosin, and penicillin, while a control group received no antibiotics. Antibiotic residues in poultry and supermarket samples were analyzed using chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. Secondary exposure and bioaccumulation were assessed in albino rats fed antibiotic-contaminated chicken meat. Microbial isolation and antibiotic sensitivity testing were conducted using standard culture and disk diffusion methods. Antibiotic-treated broiler chickens exhibited altered locomotor activity, heat stress (body temperature increase of 0.5–1.0 °C), reduced feeding behaviour, and increased mortality, with some groups losing up to two birds. From weeks 5–8, all antibiotic-treated groups showed significantly higher body weight compared to controls (P < 0.05). Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of multiple antibiotic residues in both breast and liver tissues, with liver samples consistently showing higher accumulation. Quantitatively, residue concentrations exceeded international Maximum Residue Limits, reaching 4.88 mg/g in poultry breast and 11.42 mg/g in poultry liver for penicillin. Supermarket frozen chicken samples showed even higher levels, with oxytetracycline concentrations as high as 30.08 mg/g. Gentamicin, oxytetracycline, and penicillin residues were detected in albino rat tissues, confirming dietary bioavailability. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Citrobacter, and Lactobacilli, alongside retained antimicrobial activity of residues against selected bacteria. These findings highlight significant risks to animal welfare, food safety, and public health and underscore the urgent need for strengthened regulatory control, routine residue monitoring, and responsible antibiotic stewardship in poultry production.

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients for rendered animal protein ingredients fed to juvenile Ussuri Catfish Pseudobagrus ussuriensis. Methods Fourteen diets containing different feedstuffs were created by blending a control diet (70%) with each test ingredient (30%) and using 0.5% chromic oxide as an indicator. Results Results showed that protein peptide meal and white fish meal had higher gross energy, crude protein, and amino acid availability values, whereas horsemeat and bonemeal and pet-food-grade poultry by-product meal had lower dry matter, crude protein, and amino acid availability values. Enzymatically treated feather meal had relatively good apparent protein digestibility but led to a lower availability of lysine, histidine, methionine, and tryptophan. Conclusions White fish meal and protein peptide meal were optimal protein sources for Ussuri Catfish. Porcine blood plasma meal, porcine blood cell meal, feed-grade poultry by-product meal, poultry by-product meal from China, poultry by-product meal from America, whole-egg meal, and hydrolyzed chicken liver meal are potentially viable substitutes for fish meal. Enzymatically treated feather meal supplemented with amino acids could be a suitable protein source. Horsemeat and bonemeal and pet-food-grade poultry by-product meal were less favorable alternatives.

Boron compounds, classified as prohibited food additives due to their high toxicity, persist in pesticides and fertilisers, industrial processes, food supply chains, and consumer goods, perpetuating multisource exposure risks. Chronic ingestion may induce fatal hepatorenal injury; however, mechanistic insights and epidemiological surveillance remain critically lacking amidst sector-wide regulatory gaps. This study employed integrated cellular and organismal models to elucidate the relationship between boron-induced hepatotoxicity and ferroptosis. We demonstrate that dietary boron accumulation in chicken livers is associated with histopathological damage, mitochondrial cristae dissolution and atrophy (a hallmark of ferroptosis), and elevated serum biomarkers AST and ALT. Boron exacerbates oxidative damage in hepatocytes by elevating malondialdehyde (MDA) production while modulating the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling pathway-specifically downregulating key genes (Nrf2, HO-1, GCLM, CAT). Concurrently, it inhibits critical antioxidant enzymes (SOD, T-AOC), thereby depleting cellular antioxidant defenses. Crucially, boron disrupts iron homeostasis and induces ferroptosis by dysregulating the SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway: upregulating pro-ferroptotic genes (ACSL4, TF, TFR) and downregulating cytoprotective genes (SLC7A11, GPX4, FTH1). Co-treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) attenuated boron-induced oxidative damage, whereas the ferroptosis inducer Erastin potentiated toxicity. Collectively, we pioneer the dual-pathogenic mechanism of boron hepatotoxicity-oxidative stress and ferroptotic cell death-establishing the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis as a novel therapeutic target against boron toxicity.

Avians have a complex system of light sensation and circadian organization. We previously found that light wavelength could affect the circadian expression of clock genes in chick liver, and that melatonin participated in this process. Melatonin functions through membrane and nuclear receptors, but their circadian rhythm and the effect of monochromatic light remain unclear. The effects of different receptors on clock gene expression are also unknown. In this study, 144 newly hatched chicks were divided into sham-operation and pinealectomy groups. They were raised under white (WL), red (RL), green (GL) and blue (BL) light for two weeks, and their livers were sampled at 6 time points with 4 h intervals. Using qPCR and western blot, the mRNA and protein expression of three membrane receptors (Mel1a, Mel1b, Mel1c) and one nuclear receptor (RORα) were measured for circadian rhythm analysis. The results showed that melatonin receptors, especially Mel1a and Mel1b, displayed a significant circadian rhythm. The rhythm mesor and amplitude of the membrane receptors were enhanced by GL and reduced by RL; further, pinealectomy dampened their rhythm and diminished the effect of light wavelength. However, the rhythm of melatonin nuclear receptor contrasted that of the membrane receptors. In vitro experiments involving the addition of different agonists and antagonists into primary chick hepatocytes showed that Mel1a and RORα activation induced the expression of seven clock genes (cClock, cBmal1, cBmal2, cCry1, cCry2, cPer2, cPer3). Similarly, activation of Mel1b and Mel1c induced the expression of five clock genes (except cBmal1 and cCry1). Moreover, melatonin entrained the rhythm of cBmal1 and cPer2 in long-term cultured hepatocytes. Overall, this research elucidates the role of melatonin receptors in regulating clock gene expression, and enhances our understanding regarding the effect of light wavelength on chick circadian rhythm.

Study on Antioxidant Capacity and Apoptosis in Liver of Chicks Following in Ovo Feeding of Selenized Glucose and Methylselenised Glucose.

Dietary supplemental l-Ornithine l-Aspartate reduced lipid deposition and alleviated mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the liver of broiler chicken

We report the draft genome of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli UA1 from Kosovo retail chicken liver, revealing ARGs (blaEC-18, blaCTX-M-55, and dfrA36), virulence genes, and plasmids. Assembled into 86 contigs and 214 scaffolds, it highlights antimicrobial resistance dissemination in the food chain.

Scarabaeidae, particularly dung beetles, are saprophagous insects that underpin ecosystem functioning by facilitating dung removal, soil aeration, efficient nutrient turnover, seed dispersal, parasite suppression, and habitat restoration, while exploiting a broad dietary range from plant material to carrion. Understanding their feeding ecology and habitat-specific distributions is essential for habitat conservation and for developing effective strategies for soil rehabilitation. This study examined the influence of EUNIS habitat types and food sources on the richness, abundance, diversity, and composition of Scarabaeidae assemblages. Field sampling was conducted between May 2018 and October 2019 on the Kazan Hills, Ankara, Türkiye, using pitfall traps baited with banana, chicken liver, and cattle dung. To evaluate the effects of habitat and bait type on species assemblages, we compared richness using the Shannon–Wiener and evenness indices, assessed community similarities with Bray–Curtis (single-linkage) cluster analysis, and tested community variation through SHE analysis. Among the studied habitats, the steppe habitat (E1.2) supported the highest species richness and diversity, whereas forest plantation (G3.5) and ruderal areas (X18) exhibited the lowest values. Cattle dung proved to be the most effective attractant, yielding significantly higher numbers and species compared with other baits. These findings demonstrate the combined role of habitat characteristics and food resources in structuring Scarabaeidae communities. Our findings indicate that dung input can enhance dung beetle populations and indirectly provide a practical approach to support soil rehabilitation in degraded habitats. The quantitative data from this study serve as a reference for evaluating habitat conservation and monitoring changes in population trends at the species level. Standardized long-term monitoring is crucial for detecting population dynamics and assessing habitat changes.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), particularly nephropathogenic strains, causes severe renal and hepatic pathology in broiler chickens, leading to significant economic losses. The present study was conducted in Assam to investigate the gross and histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys of broiler chickens affected with nephropathogenic IBV. The study was carried out from December 2023 to December 2024 on broiler carcasses received for post-mortem examination. Clinically, affected birds showed dehydration, depression, diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, and mild respiratory signs. Gross examination revealed predominant renal involvement characterized by congestion, necrosis, ureteral distension with urates, and visceral gout with urate deposition on serosal surfaces of visceral organs. Microscopically, the liver showed congestion, haemorrhages, and mild hepatitis, while kidneys exhibited interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis, tubular degeneration, and urate crystal deposition. The study demonstrates that nephropathogenic IBV primarily targets the kidneys while also inducing notable hepatic alterations in affected broiler chickens.

IntroductionThe resistance of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) poses a serious challenge to the control of bacterial diseases in the poultry industry. Identification of useful phages as alternatives to antibiotics for APEC O78 is a priority.MethodsThe phage LQ5 was isolated from the contents of the chicken intestines. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina NovaSeq 2500 platform, and then bioinformatics analysis was conducted on the genome. The application effect of LQ5 in the O78 infection model of chickens was systematically evaluated.ResultsThe phage LQ5 was identified as a member of Myoviridae by electron microscopy. Whole-genome sequencing showed that phage LQ5 is a double strand DNA virus with a genome of 171,908 bp containing active components, such as endolysin, holin lysis mediator. Comparison of the bacterial load of APEC in chicken liver and spleen tissue in samples treated with phage LQ5 and Amoxicillin showed that the phage LQ5 reduced the bacterial load compared with the antibiotic.DiscussionThese results have enriched the information of the phage gene bank for APEC, laying the foundation for the development of targeted phage biocontrol agents against the APEC O78 strain.

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed protozoan capable of infecting humans as well as numerous warm-blooded hosts, such as poultry, and livestock. One of the primary ways it is transmitted to humans is through the consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked meat containing the parasite's tissue cysts. This study investigated the existence of T. gondii DNA in retail beef, chicken meat and offal sold in Kayseri, Türkiye. A total of 100 samples were collected from local butchers and delicatessens, comprising 25 samples each of chicken meat, chicken liver, cubed beef and beef liver. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples and analyzed using TaqMan-based real-time PCR targeting the B1 gene, which is a highly conserved and sensitive marker for T. gondii. All samples tested negative, with no DNA amplification observed within the assay’s threshold (Ct ≤ 35). These results indicate a low level of, or absence of, T. gondii contamination in the meat products tested in this region during the sampling period. However, when interpreting the results, factors such as limited sample size, seasonal variation, regional animal husbandry practices, and low parasitic load must be considered. Additionally, the heterogeneous distribution of tissue cysts and the possible degradation of parasitic DNA may influence detection. Given the public health significance of toxoplasmosis, further studies involving larger sample sizes, diverse geographical locations and complementary diagnostic techniques are recommended. Continuous surveillance, the implementation of good agricultural and hygienic practices, and raising public awareness of proper meat handling, preparation, freezing and cooking are crucial to minimising the risk of T. gondii transmission through foodborne pathways.