Damage In Broilers Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory properties of Bacillus pumilus TS1 in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory damage in broilers

This study investigates whether Bacillus pumilus TS1 improves growth performance and alleviates inflammatory damage in broilers and explored its feasibility as an antibiotic alternative. We divided 240 one-day-old AA308 white-finned broilers into five groups (con, LPS, TS1L + LPS, TS1M + LPS and TS1H + LPS). The TS1L + LPS, TS1M + LPS and TS1H + LPS groups were fed TS1 for 15 days by gavage. The LPS, TS1L + LPS, TS1M + LPS and TS1H + LPS groups were injected intraperitoneally with 1 mg/kg LPS for three days. We investigated the probiotic and anti-inflammatory activities by measuring body weight, sequencing the intestinal flora and examining the structure of tissues by using pathological stain, real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical detection. TS1 could improve growth performance and intestinal flora composition, also reduced different organ damage and inflammatory cytokine expression in serum and organs. The mechanism may involve upregulating HSP60 and HSP70 expression, targeting and regulating Nrf2 and P38 MAPK and modulating NF-κB and HO-1 expression at the transcriptional level in different organs. B. pumilus TS1 alleviated Inflammatory injury caused by LPS and attenuated the inflammatory response in broilers, and these effects were achieved through MAPK and Nrf2 regulation of HSPs/HO-1 in different organs. The above results suggested broilers fed with TS1 could release the LPS caused organ damage, and the most suggested dosage was 1.4 × 108 CFU/mL.

Protective Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate against Hepatic Oxidative Stress Induced by tert-Butyl Hhydroperoxide in Yellow-Feathered Broilers.

Recent studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), as an effective antioxidant, could attenuate the oxidative damage, inflammation and necrosis in the liver in response to oxidative stress. The present study investigated whether oral administration of EGCG could effectively alleviate the hepatic histopathological changes and oxidative damage in yellow-feathered broilers induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). Broilers were exposed to 600 μmol t-BHP/kg body weight (BW) to induce oxidative stress by intraperitoneal injection every five days, followed by oral administration of different doses of EGCG (0, 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg BW) and 20 mg vitamin E (VE)/kg BW every day during 5-21 days of age. The results showed that t-BHP injection decreased (p < 0.05) body weight and the relative weight of the spleen; the enzyme activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD); and gene mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), CAT, SOD1, SOD2 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACACA); as well as increased (p < 0.05) necrosis formation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS)accumulation, and peroxisome proliferator activates receptor-α (PPARα) mRNA expression in the liver of yellow-feathered female broilers at 21 days of age. Treatment with 60 mg EGCG/kg BW orally could enhance antioxidant enzyme activities and reverse the hepatic damage induced by t-BHP injection by reducing the accumulation of ROS and MDA in the liver and activating the Nrf2 and PPARα pathways related to the induction of antioxidant gene expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, intraperitoneal injection of t-BHP impaired body growth and induced hepatic ROS accumulation, which destroyed the antioxidant system and led to oxidative damage in the liver of yellow-feathered broilers from 5 to 21 days of age. It is suggested that EGCG may play an antioxidant role through the Nrf2 and PPARα signaling pathways to effectively protect against t-BHP-induced hepatic oxidative damage in broilers, and the appropriate dose was 60 mg EGCG/kg BW by oral administration.

Research Note: Poria cocos polysaccharide alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier damage in broiler chickens

This study aimed to explore the impact of dietary supplementation of Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation, morphology, and barrier damage in broilers. A total of 240 1-day-old male Arbor Acre broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design comprising PCP supplementation (0 or 2 g/kg PCP from d 1 to 23) and LPS challenge (intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg body weight of LPS or the same volume of sterile saline at d 22). Our results showed that compared to the non-LPS-treated groups, the treated birds showed a decrease in the ADG, VH, V/C, and the expression of ZO-1, occludin, claudin 1, and mucin2 in the duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05). However, dietary PCP supplementation significantly mitigated these effects (P < 0.05) except for mucin2 in the duodenum. Furthermore, LPS treatment increased the levels of sIgA and upregulated the mRNA abundances of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, TLR-4, and MyD88 both in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). Whereas, PCP supplementation significantly reversed the LPS-induced effects on these genes (P < 0.05) except for the TLR-4 and MyD88. However, LPS did not impact the expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa (P > 0.05). Briefly, this study implied that dietary PCP supplementation could ameliorate intestinal inflammation and mucosal damage of LPS-challenged broilers, improving broiler performance.

Effect of arginine, glycine + serine concentrations, and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in vegetable-based diets for chickens

The study investigated guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation with varying dietary digestible arginine (Arg) and glycine+serine (Gly+Ser) concentrations in the starter phase, exploring respective carry-over effects on growth performance, blood chemistry, incidence of pectoral myopathies and proximate composition in broilers. A total of 2,800 one-day-old male broiler chicks were distributed in a central composite design with 2 factors and double experimental mesh, represented by supplementation or omission of 0.6 g per kg of GAA, with a central point represented by 107% of Arg and 147% of Gly+Ser, 4 factorial points (combinations of Arg/Gly+Ser concentrations: 96.4/132.5%; 117.6/132.5%; 96.4/161.5%, and 117.6/132.5%), and 4 axial points (combinations of axial points estimated for Arg and Gly+Ser, with the central points of 92/147%; 122/147%; 107/126.5, and 107/167.5%), totaling 18 treatments, 4 repetitions to factorial and axial points, 24 replicates to the central point, and 25 birds per pen. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 1 to 10 had a linear response (P = 0.009) for the decreasing Arg content and a quadratic response (P = 0.047) for Gly+Ser concentrations. Broilers supplemented GAA had lower FCR compared with nonsupplemented groups from d 1 to 10 (P = 0.048) and d 1 to 42 (P = 0.026). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) exhibited increasing and decreasing linear effects as a function of Arg (P = 0.008) and Gly+Ser (P = 0.020) concentrations, respectively. Guanidinoacetic acid decreased serum AST (P = 0.028). Guanidinoacetic acid reduced moderate + severe (P = 0.039) and mild (P = 0.015) Wooden Breast scores. The occurrence of normal White Striping increased (P = 0.002), while severe score was reduced (P = 0.029) with GAA supplementation. In conclusion, increased digestible Arg:Lys and 14% and 6% above the recommendations (107% and 147%), respectively, provided improved FCR during the starter phase. Dietary GAA supplementation (0.6 g per kg) improved FCR, reduced severity of breast myopathies and appears to have reduced muscle damage in broilers fed plant-based diets.

Viola yedoensis Makino alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the gut microbiota and NF-κB-NLRP3/ Nrf2-MAPK signaling pathway in broiler

Viola yedoensis Makino (Vy) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the regulatory effects of dietary Vy supplementation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal damage in broilers and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, broilers were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg LPS on days 17, 19 and 21 to induce intestinal damage. Vy supplementation at 0.5, 1.5 and 4.5 % in the diet was administered separately for 21 days to investigate the potential protective effects of Vy supplementation against LPS-induced intestinal impairment in broilers. Vy supplementation improved intestinal morphology and restored growth performance. Vy supplementation attenuated intestinal inflammation by regulating the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) / NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway and inhibited its downstream pro-inflammatory factor levels. In addition, Vy supplementation relieved intestinal oxidative impairment by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) / mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and downstream antioxidant enzyme activity. Vy supplementation reduced LPS-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis. Furthermore, Vy supplementation alleviated LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage in chickens by increasing the abundance of protective bacteria (Lactobacillus and Romboutsia) and reducing the number of pathogenic bacteria (unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, unclassified_f_Oscillospiraceae and norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_vadinBB60_group). Overall, Vy supplementation effectively ameliorated LPS-induced intestinal damage by regulating the NF-κB-NLRP3/Nrf2-MAPK signaling pathway and maintaining intestinal microbiota balance. Vy supplementation can be used as a dietary supplement to protect broilers against intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage.

Dietary supplementation with a silicate clay mineral (palygorskite) alleviates inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier damage in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli

This experiment aimed to explore the protective effects of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was designed to assess the effects of Pal administration (0 or 5 g/kg of feed) and E. coli challenge (E. coli or bacterial culture medium) on broilers in a 21-d feeding trial. Birds were randomly assigned into one of the 4 groups, and each group had 8 replicates with ten birds each. The challenged chickens were orally gavaged with E. coli suspended in Luria-Bertani broth on 14 d of age, while unchallenged birds were administrated with an equivalent amount of culture medium. The sampling was performed at 21 d of age. Compared with the normal birds, an oral E. coli challenge reduced final body weight, and decreased feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency during the challenge period (P < 0.05). E. coli challenge promoted colonization of E. coli in cecal content and their translocation to internal organs (heart, liver, and spleen) (P < 0.05). E. coli infection also increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in jejunum and ileum possibly through activating the toll-like receptor-4-mediated signaling pathway (P < 0.05). Moreover, E. coli administration increased intestinal mucosal permeability (higher serum D-lactate level and diamine oxidase activity, and lower intestinal mucosal disaccharidase activities), altered intestinal morphology, and downregulated the gene expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (P < 0.05). In contrast, Pal supplementation enhanced growth performance, inhibited colonization of E. coli, reduced intestinal inflammation, decreased intestinal permeability, restored intestinal morphology, and normalized the expression of genes responsible for inflammatory processes and maintenance of intestinal mucosal barrier (P < 0.05), and most of these beneficial effects resulting from Pal administration were independent of bacterial challenge. The results indicated dietary Pal incorporation was effective in improving growth performance and alleviating inflammation and intestinal mucosal barrier damage in broilers challenged with E. coli.

Rutin Nanoparticles Alleviate Cadmium-Induced Oxidative and Immune Damage in Broilers' Bursa of Fabricius via Modulating Hsp70/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Cadmium (Cd) is a serious environmental pollutant affecting various tissues/organs in broilers and compromising their immunological function and productivity. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate Cd-induced immunotoxicity and potential immunoprotective effect of rutin nanoparticles (RNPs) in the bursal tissue of broilers. A total number of 150 chicks from the Hubbard breed were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group I was fed on standard basal diet (SD) with normal drinking water (DW), Group II received SD containing RNPs (50mg/kg feed) with DW, Group III fed on SD and DW containing Cd (150mg/L), Group IV co-treated with rutin-enforced SD (50mg/kg diet) and DW containing Cd (150mg/L), and finally, Group V co-supplemented with RNP-enhanced SD (50mg/kg diet) DW containing Cd (150mg/L). Productive performance, economic efficiency, oxidative biomarkers, histopathological changes, and the expression level of TLR-4, HSP-70, caspase 3, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and Bax were assessed in the BF tissue. Cd led to severe production and economic losses in exposed birds with a marked surge of oxidative biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological changes in the bursal tissue which could be explained through upregulation of the Hsp70/TLR4/NF-κB molecular pathway in the BF tissue. Meanwhile, RNPs could alleviate most of these changes and prevail optimistic immunomodulatory properties which subsequently could enhance broilers' productivity when incorporated in their diets.

Combined Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Growth Performance and Kidney Function in Broiler Chicken.

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals prevalent in the environment and feed, and they reduce production performance of domestic animals, as well as they result in residue in animal tissues. The kidney is the target tissue for Cd and Pb. And the kidney is crucial for the reabsorption of calcium (Ca), which consequently influences bone strength. However, there are relatively few studies related to the effects of Cd and Pb exposure on performance, bone strength and kidney damage in livestock. The purpose of this experiment was to explore the combined effect of Cd and Pb on growth performance and renal impairment and the possible underlying mechanism. For this, 168 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four groups of six birds each, with seven replicates in each group: control group, 50mg Cd/kg body weight group, 200mg Pb/kg body weight group and 50mg Cd/kg body weight + 200mg Pb/kg body weight group. Feed intake was recorded daily and body weight was recorded weekly. The results show that at the end of the 3rd and 6th week, one broiler from each replicate was randomly selected for sampling. Boilers co-exposed to Cd and Pb for 3weeks and 6weeks had significantly decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily body weight gain (ADG) than the control group, and the ratio of feed-to-weight gain (F/G) significantly increased after 6weeks of co-exposure to Cd and Pb. Microscopic picture and ultrastructure analyses of the kidneys showed that Cd and Pb caused kidney damage to broiler chickens, and the damage was more serious in the Cd + Pb group, which was manifested by increased renal tubular epithelial degeneration and increased interstitial stasis points. Dietary exposure to Cd and Pb impaired production performance and induced renal oxidative damage in broilers. The combined effects of Cd and Pb on the kidneys are greater than their effects alone. The PERK-ATF4 pathway mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress participates the renal oxidative damage during chronic Cd and Pb exposure.

Low-Se Diet Increased Mitochondrial ROS to Suppress Myoblasts Proliferation and Promote Apoptosis in Broilers via miR-365-3p/SelT Signaling Axis.

microRNA (miRNA) controls the post-transcriptional translation of mRNA to affect the expression of many genes participating in functional interaction pathways. Selenoproteins are characterized by their antioxidant activity, wherein selenoprotein T (SelT) is an essential membrane-bound selenoprotein serving as a guardian of intracellular homeostasis. During muscle development and regeneration, myoblasts enter the cell cycle and rapidly proliferate. However, the role of SelT in muscle development and selenium (Se) deficiency-induced muscle damage remains poorly investigated. This study established Se deficient broiler models, chicken embryos models, and cultured chicken primary myoblasts in vitro. We showed that Se deficiency induced skeletal muscle damage in broilers, promoted miR-365-3p expression, and downregulated the level of SelT, significantly. The absence of SelT led to the accumulation of mitochondrial superoxide and downregulated mitochondrial dynamics gene expression, which, in turn, induced the disruption of mitochondria potential and blocked the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process. Limited ATP production rate caused by mitochondrial ROS overproduction went along with cell cycle arrest, cell proliferation slowness, and myocyte apoptosis increase. Using Mito-TEMPO for mitochondrial ROS elimination could effectively mitigate the above adverse reactions and significantly restore the proliferation potential of myoblasts. Moreover, we identified miR-365-3p, a miRNA that targeted SelT mRNA to inhibit myoblast proliferation by disrupting intracellular redox balance. The omics analysis results showed that Se deficiency led to the significant enrichment of "cell cycle", "oxidative stress response", and "oxidative phosphorylation" pathway genes. Finally, we proved that the effect of the miR-365-3p/SelT signaling axis on muscle development did exist in the chicken embryo stage. In summary, our findings revealed that miR-365-3p was involved in broiler skeletal muscle damage in Se deficiency by targeting SelT, and SelT, serving as an intracellular homeostasis guardian, resisted mitochondrial oxidative stress, and protected ATP generation, promoting myoblast proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. This study provides an attractive target for the cultivated meat industry and regenerative medicine.

Effect of Wu Zhi San supplementation in LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier damage in broilers.

Intestinal inflammation and barrier damage can inhibit the absorption and transportation of nutrients in the small intestine, and lead to various chronic diseases. Wu Zhi San (WZS) is a traditional Chinese formula composed of Schisandrae, Anemarrhenae, Lonicerae, and Glycyrrhizae that was made to cure intestinal inflammation and barrier damage in broilers. To evaluate the protective effect of WZS on intestinal inflammation and barrier damage of broilers under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress, a total of 200 one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into five groups, namely, the CON group, LPS group, and three WZS groups (WZS-H, WZS-M, and WZS-L). The groups were designed for stress phase I (days 15, 17, 19, and 21) and stress phase II (days 29, 31, 33, and 35). The protective effect of WZS on the intestinal tract was evaluated by measuring the levels of serum myeloperoxidase (MPO), diamine oxidase (DAO), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and serum D-lactate (D-LA) and the expression of inflammatory factors in jejunum. The results showed that the diet supplemented with WZS could significantly reduce serum MPO, DAO, and D-LA levels and jejunal CD in broilers (p < 0.05), increase serum SOD levels and jejunal VH (p < 0.05), significantly downregulate the expression of NF-κB, TLR4, MyD88, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10), and upregulate Claudin-1, Occludin-1, and ZO-1 in broiler jejunum mucosa (p < 0.05). On the other hand, WZS could significantly reduce the protein expression of NF-κB (p65) in broiler jejunum (p < 0.05). These results indicate that supplementing WZS in the diet can reduce intestinal inflammation and alleviate intestinal barrier damage, and by inhibiting the NF-κB/TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, supplementation with WZS intervenes in LPS-induced stress injury in broilers.

Intermittent mild cold stimulation alleviates cold stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in broilers

To investigate the potential protective effect of intermittent cold stimulation on lung tissues of broilers exposed to acute cold stress (ACS). A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were assigned to 4 experimental groups with 6 replicates of 16 birds each: control (CON) and ACS groups were reared at normal feeding temperature from d 1 to 42; cold treatment groups (CS3+ACS and CS9+ACS) were reared, respectively, at 3°C or 9°C for 5 h on alternate days below the CON group from d 15 to 35. Animals in CS3+ACS, CS9+ACS, and ACS groups were exposed at 10°C for 24 h on d 43. Subsequently, lung tissues were collected to perform histopathological examination and measurement of relevant indexes. The results showed that lung tissues in CS9+ACS and ACS groups exhibited increased inflammatory cell infiltrates and collagen deposition compared to the CON group, while this pathological phenomenon was less pronounced in the CS3+ACS group. Compared to CON group, H2O2 and MDA contents were increased, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, T-AOC) were reduced in CS9+ACS and ACS group (P < 0.05); mRNA and protein levels of inhibitor of NF-κB, Smad7, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2, MMP9, and antioxidant-related genes were downregulated, whereas mRNA and protein levels of genes related to NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway-regulated inflammation and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-regulated fibrosis were upregulated in cold-stressed broilers (P < 0.05). mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1, and MMP9 were increased in CS3+ACS group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of most antioxidant-related genes was increased, and that of inflammation- and fibrosis-related genes was reduced in CS3+ACS group (P < 0.05). Therefore, cold stress caused oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to pulmonary fibrosis in broilers, whereas intermittent mild cold stimulation at 3°C below normal rearing temperature alleviated fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway modulated by the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. This study suggests that intermittent mild cold stimulation can be a potential strategy to reduce ACS-induced lung damage in broilers.

Dietary resveratrol supplementation on growth performance, immune function and intestinal barrier function in broilers challenged with lipopolysaccharide

This study discusses the effects of resveratrol (RES) on the productive performance, immune function and intestinal barrier function of broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Two hundred and forty 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 replicates each, with 10 broilers per replicate. This experiment used a 2×2 factorial design with dietary factors (basal diets or basal diets supplemented with 400 mg/kg RES were administered from d 1 to 21) and stress factors (intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg BW of saline or LPS at 16, 18 and 20 d of age). The results showed that LPS challenge had a significant adverse effect on average daily gain (ADG) in broilers at 16 to 21 d of age (P < 0.05), whereas the addition of RES to the diet inhibited the LPS-induced decrease in ADG (P < 0.05). RES also alleviated LPS-induced immune function damage in broilers, which was manifested by the decrease of spleen index (P < 0.05) and the recovery of serum immunoglobulin M and ileal secretory immunoglobulin A content (P < 0.05). The LPS challenge also disrupts intestinal barrier function and inflammation, and RES mitigates these adverse effects in different ways. RES attenuated LPS-induced reduction of villus height in the jejunum and ileum of broilers (P < 0.05). LPS also caused an abnormal increase in plasma D-lactic acid levels in broilers (P < 0.05), which was effectively mitigated by RES (P < 0.05). LPS challenge resulted in a significant decrease in mRNA expression of occludin in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05), which was mitigated by the addition of RES (P < 0.05). RES significantly decreased the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa-B and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the ileum tissue stimulated by LPS (P < 0.05). Taken together, this study shows that RES exerts its beneficial effect on broilers challenged with LPS by alleviating immune function damage, relieving intestinal inflammation and barrier damage, and thus improving growth performance.

The protective effects of Bacillus licheniformis against inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier damage in broilers with necrotic enteritis induced by Clostridium perfringens.

Bacillus licheniformis is a gram-positive bacterium that has strong environmental adaptability and can improve the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant function of broilers. The current study aimed to elucidate the protective capability of B. licheniformis against inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier damage in broilers with necrotic enteritis (NE) induced by Clostridium perfringens (CP). The results showed that B. licheniformis enhanced the final body weight in broilers compared with that of broilers in the CP group after the stress of infection (P < 0.05). Bacillus licheniformis reversed the decreased levels of serum and jejunum mucosa immunoglobulins and anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduced the values of villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth, and mitigated the increased levels of serum d-lactic acid and diamine oxidase in CP-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). Moreover, B. licheniformis modulated the expression levels of genes involved in the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway, the NLRP3 inflammasome activation pathway, and the sirt 1/Parkin signalling pathway in CP-challenged broilers. Compared with the CP challenge group, the B. licheniformis-treated group exhibited reduced abundance values of Shuttleworthia and Alistipes and enhanced abundance values of Parabacteroides in the caecal contents (P < 0.05). Bacillus licheniformis improved the final body weight and alleviated the inflammatory response and intestinal barrier function damage in birds with NE induced by CP by maintaining intestinal physiological function, enhancing immunity, regulating inflammatory cytokine secretion, modulating the mitophagy response, and increasing the abundance of beneficial intestinal flora. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of stocking density and dietary nano-zinc supplementation on stress indicators, immunity, and DNA damage in broiler chickens

Effects of stocking density (SD) and nano zinc on oxidative status, immune function, and DNA damage in broilers were examined in the current study. Totally 480 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into 4 treatments each contained 8 replicates. A 2 ´ 2 factorial arrangement with two groups for dietary zinc (Zn) form (inorganic or nano) and two groups for SD (low = 12 birds/m2 and high = 18 birds/m2) was conducted. Basal diets based on the corn-soybean meal were formulated. Relative liver weight was lower (P&lt;0.05) in broiler subjected high stocking density (HSD) but other lymphoid organ weights did not affect. Relative lymphoid organ weights were not affected by dietary nano zinc. HSD increased the serum corticosterone level of broiler (P&lt;0.05) but did not affect the blood heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, serum glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels. Dietary nano zinc had no effect on these stress indicators. Serum interferon-gamma, interleukin 12, and interleukin 18 levels were not affected by HSD. Dietary nano zinc tended to reduce the interferon-gamma level (P=0.05) but did not affect interleukin 12, and interleukin 18 levels in broiler. Eeither HSD or nano zinc had no effect on DNA damage in lymphocyte. In conclusion, HSD may decrease the relative lymphoid organ weights and increase the stress indicators but did not affect the immunity and DNA damage. Generally, dietary nano zinc had no effect on stress indicators, immunity, and DNA damage in broiler.

Mycotoxin deoxynivalenol-induced intestinal flora disorders, dysfunction and organ damage in broilers and pigs

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common environmental contaminant that causes food refusal and growth retardation in animals. DON targets the intestine and is hazardous to animal, however, it is not clear whether its effect on animals is consistent. Chickens and pigs are the two main animals affected by DON exposure with different susceptibilities. In this study, we found that DON inhibited animal growth and caused damage to the intestine, liver and kidney. DON caused intestinal flora disorders in both chickens and pigs, such as changes of flora diversity and the relative abundance of dominant phyla. Functional analysis showed that changes in the intestinal flora induced by DON were mainly related to metabolic and digestive functions, indicated that the intestinal flora may be associated with the DON-induced intestinal dysfunction. Comparative analysis of differentially altered bacteria suggested that Prevotella may play an important role in maintaining intestinal health, and the presence of differentially altered bacteria in the two animals suggested that DON may have different toxicity modes in animals. In summary, we confirmed the multi-organ toxicity of DON in two major livestock and poultry animals, and speculated that the intestinal flora may be related to the toxic damage caused by DON through species comparison analysis.

Resveratrol relieves chronic heat stress-induced liver oxidative damage in broilers by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway

Heat stress (HS) affects poultry production and welfare, causing enormous damage to poultry. Resveratrol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natural plant polyphenol, is widely used in agriculture for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases. This study aimed to explore the effects and potential mechanism of resveratrol on liver oxidative damage in heat-stressed broilers. Sixty SPF chickens were randomly divided into control, heat stress (HS) and HS+ resveratrol (resveratrol) groups. Broilers were exposed to 35 ± 2 ℃ (8 h/d) for 7 consecutive days to induce HS, and the other 16 h/d were kept at 23 ± 2 ℃, similar to the control group. Broilers received 400 mg/kg resveratrol in the basic diet 2 days before exposure to HS and for the following 7 days. The results showed that resveratrol improved growth performance by increasing the average daily gain (ADG) and reducing the feed conversion ratio (FCR), compared with the HS group. Heat stress reduced liver weight and index, increased inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver, enhanced serum AST levels, and decreased TP and ALB II levels, which resulted in liver injury in broilers, and resveratrol effectively alleviated liver injury. Moreover, supplementation with resveratrol enhanced the activities of liver antioxidant enzymes resulting in higher GPX and SOD levels than those in the heat-stressed broilers, and decreased MDA levels. Furthermore, resveratrol alleviated liver oxidative stress by activating the gene and protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1, enhancing NQO1 and SOD1 gene levels, and decreasing protein levels of HSP70, p62, and Keap1, and thereby alleviated the liver injury of heat-stressed broilers. Compared with the HS group, Nrf2 immunofluorescence was significantly up-regulated in the livers of resveratrol group. These results suggest that resveratrol can enhance the liver antioxidant function by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway to promote growth performance in broilers under HS.

Dietary Catalase Supplementation Alleviates Deoxynivalenol-Induced Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Broiler Chickens.

Catalase (CAT) can eliminate oxygen radicals, but it is unclear whether exogenous CAT can protect chickens against deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplemental CAT on antioxidant property and gut microbiota in DON-exposed broilers. A total of 144 one-day-old Lingnan yellow-feathered male broilers were randomly divided into three groups (six replicates/group): control, DON group, and DON + CAT (DONC) group. The control and DON group received a diet without and with DON contamination, respectively, while the DONC group received a DON-contaminated diet with 200 U/kg CAT added. Parameter analysis was performed on d 21. The results showed that DON-induced liver enlargement (p &lt; 0.05) was blocked by CAT addition, which also normalized the increases (p &lt; 0.05) in hepatic oxidative metabolites contents and caspase-9 expression. Additionally, CAT addition increased (p &lt; 0.05) the jejunal CAT and GSH-Px activities coupled with T-AOC in DON-exposed broilers, as well as the normalized DON-induced reductions (p &lt; 0.05) of jejunal villus height (VH) and its ratio for crypt depth. There was a difference (p &lt; 0.05) in gut microbiota among groups. The DON group was enriched (p &lt; 0.05) with some harmful bacteria (e.g., Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacteriales, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia/Shigella) that elicited negative correlations (p &lt; 0.05) with jejunal CAT activity, and VH. DONC group was differentially enriched (p &lt; 0.05) with certain beneficial bacteria (e.g., Acidobacteriota, Anaerofustis, and Anaerotruncus) that could benefit intestinal antioxidation and morphology. In conclusion, supplemental CAT alleviates DON-induced oxidative stress and intestinal damage in broilers, which can be associated with its ability to improve gut microbiota, aside from its direct oxygen radical-scavenging activity.

MiR-129-3p regulates ferroptosis in the liver of Selenium-deficient broilers by targeting SLC7A11

Selenium (Se) has been proven to be an essential trace element for organism. Se deficiency in poultry can cause widespread damage, such as exudative diathesis. The liver is not only the main organ of metabolism, but also one of the organs with high Se content in organism. Recent studies have shown that solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) plays a key role in the negative regulation of ferroptosis. In order to explore the mechanism of Se deficiency induces liver ferroptosis in broilers, and the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in this process, we divided broilers into 2 groups: control group (0.2 mg/kg Se) and Se deficiency group (0.03 mg/kg Se). Hematoxylin-Eosin staining detected liver tissue damage in broilers. Predicted and verified the targeting relationship between miR-129-3p and SLC7A11 through miRDB and dual luciferase report experiments. The genes related to ferroptosis were detected by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. The results showed that the expression level of miR-129-3p mRNA in Se-deficient liver was significantly increased. To understand whether the miR-129-3p/SLC7A11 axis could involve in the process of ferroptosis, our further research showed that overexpression of miR-129-3p could reduce the expression of SLC7A11 and its downstream GCL, GSS, and GPX4, thereby inducing ferroptosis. These data indicates that miR-129-3p affected ferroptosis under Se deficiency conditions through the SLC7A11 pathway. Our research provides a new perspective for the mechanism of Se deficiency on the liver damage.

Selenium-enriched yeast modulates the metal bioaccumulation, oxidant status, and inflammation in copper-stressed broiler chickens.

Copper (Cu) could be seriously hazardous when present at excessive levels, despite its vital contribution to various cellular processes. Selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) was reported to improve the health and metabolic status in broiler chicken. Hence, our study was endeavored to illustrate the mitigating efficacy of SeY on Cu-induced hepatic and renal damage. Cobb chicks aged 1 day were allocated into four experimental groups and offered a basal diet, SeY (0.5 mg/kg), CuSO4 (300 mg/kg), or SeY plus CuSO4 in their diets for 42 days. Our results revealed that SeY supplement antagonized significantly the Cu accumulation in livers and kidneys of exposed birds. Marked declines were also detected in the AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels, besides marked increases in total protein, glycerides, and cholesterol in the SeY-supplemented group. Moreover, enhancement of cellular antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, CAT, GPx, and GSH) along with lowered MDA contents were achieved by SeY in hepatic and renal tissues. Further, SeY exerted a noteworthy anti-inflammatory action as indicated by decreased inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β and TNF-α) and NO levels in both organs. Noticeable histopathological alterations of both organs further validated the changes in the markers mentioned above. To sum up, our findings indicate that SeY can be considered a potential feed supplement for alleviating Cu-induced hepatic and renal damage in broilers, possibly via activation of antioxidant molecules and lessening the inflammatory stress.

Andrographolide restored production performances and serum biochemical indexes and attenuated organs damage in Mycoplasma gallisepticum-infected broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study aimed to study the preventive and therapeutic effects of andrographolide (Andro) during Mycoplasma gallisepticum HS strain (MG) infection in ArborAcres (AA) broilers. 2. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Andro against MG was measured. Broiler body weight, feed efficiency, morbidity, cure rate and mortality were recorded during the experiment. Air sac lesion scores and immune organ index were calculated. Expression of pMGA1.2 in lung tissue and serum biochemical indices were examined. Histopathological examinations of immune organs, liver, trachea and lung tissue were conducted by Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. 3. MIC was 3.75 μg/mL and Andro significantly inhibited the expression of pMGA1.2 (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro low-dose and high-dose prevention reduced the morbidity of chronic respiratory disease in 40.00% and 50.00%, respectively. Mortality of C, D and E group was 16.67%, 10.00% and 6.67%, respectively. Cure rate of E, F, G and H group was 92.00%, 92.86%, 93.33% and 100.0%, respectively. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro treatment significantly increased average weight gain (AWG), relative weight gain rate (RWG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) at 18 to 24 days (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control group, Andro alone treatment significantly increased AWG in broilers (P ≤ 0.05). 4. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly attenuated MG-induced air sac lesion, immune organs, liver, trachea and lung damage in broilers. Andro alone treatment did not induce abnormal morphological changes in these organs in healthy broilers. Serum biochemical analysis results showed, comparing with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly decreased the content of total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, and increased the albumin/globulin ratio and content of alkaline phosphatase, apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I in a dose-dependent manner (P ≤ 0.05). 5. Andro could act as a potential agent against MG infection in broilers.