iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis of the spleen reveals innate immunity and cell death pathways associated with heat stress in broilers (Gallus gallus)

Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata dietary supplementation in mitigating heat stress-induced behavioral, metabolic and genetic alterations in broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental stressors on poultry production and welfare worldwide. Identification of innovative and effective solutions is necessary. This study evaluated the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata on behavioral patterns, hematological and biochemical parameters, Oxidative stress biomarkers, and HSP70, I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR genes expression in different organs of broiler chickens under chronic HS conditions. A total of 208 one-day-old Avian-480 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatments (4 replicate/treatment, 52 birds/treatment): Thermoneutral control treatment (TN, fed basal diet); Thermoneutral treatment (TN, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY).

RESULTS

The findings of the study indicate that HS led to a decrease in feeding, foraging, walking, and comfort behavior while increasing drinking and resting behavior, also HS increased red, and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) counts, and the heterophile/ lymphocyte (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05); while both mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, HS negatively impacted lipid, protein, and glucose levels, liver and kidney function tests, and oxidative biomarkers by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreasing reduced glutathion (GSH) activity (P < 0.05). Heat stress (HS) caused the upregulation in HSP70, duodenal TLR4 gene expression, and the downregulation of I-FABP2, IL10, mTOR in all investigated tissues, and hepatic TLR4 (P < 0.05) compared with the TN treatment. Phytogenic feed additives (PHY) effectively mitigated heat stress's negative impacts on broilers via an improvement of broilers' behavior, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress biomarkers with a marked decrease in HSP70 expression levels while all tissues showed increased I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR (except liver) levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Phytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata have ameliorated the HS-induced oxidative stress and improved the immunity as well as the gut health and welfare of broiler chickens.

Dietary Peppermint Extract Inhibits Chronic Heat Stress-Induced Activation of Innate Immunity and Inflammatory Response in the Spleen of Broiler Chickens

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary peppermint extract (PE) on innate immunity and inflammatory responses in the spleen of broiler chickens under chronic heat stress. In order to further study the mechanism of the activation of innate immunity and inflammation induced by chronic heat stress and the regulatory effect of peppermint extract, we examined the spleen's histological change, the mRNA expression of major pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (TLR2, TLR4, NOD1, MDA5 and DAI) and transcription factors (NF-κB, AP-1 and IRF3) and downstream inflammatory cytokines (IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) of innate immune signaling pathways associated with heat stress in the spleen of broiler chickens. The results indicated that chronic heat stress damaged the spleen tissue. In addition, chronic heat stress induced the activation of innate immunity and inflammatory responses by increasing the mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR4 and DAI, mRNA expression of transcriptional factors (NF-κB, AP-1 and IRF3) and the concentration of downstream inflammatory cytokines in the spleen of broiler chickens. Dietary peppermint extract alleviated the damage of spleen tissue caused by chronic heat stress. In addition, peppermint extract reduced the mRNA expression of DAI, mRNA expression of transcriptional factors NF-κB, AP-1 and IRF3, and the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the spleen of broiler chickens under chronic heat stress. In conclusion, dietary peppermint extract could have a beneficial effect on regulating inflammatory response and innate immunity via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, AP-1 and IRF3 signaling pathways mediated by DAI in the spleen of broiler chickens induced by chronic heat stress.

Analysis of the differentially expressed genes in the combs and testes of Qingyuan partridge roosters at different developmental stages

BACKGROUND

The sexual maturity of chickens is an important economic trait, and the breeding of precocious and delayed puberty roosters is an important selection strategy for broilers. The comb serves as an important secondary sexual characteristic of roosters and determines their sexual precocity. Moreover, comb development is closely associated with gonad development in roosters. However, the underlying molecular mechanism regulating the sexual maturity of roosters has not yet been fully explored.

RESULTS

In order to identify the genes related to precocious puberty in Qingyuan partridge roosters, and based on the synchrony of testis and combs development, combined with histological observation and RNA-seq method, the developmental status and gene expression profile of combs and testis were obtained. The results showed that during the early growth and development period (77 days of age), the development of combs and testis was significant in the high comb (H) group versus the low comb (L) group (p < 0.05); however, the morphological characteristic of the comb and testicular tissues converged during the late growth and development period (112 days of age) in the H and L groups. Based on these results, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed on the comb and testis tissues of the 77 and 112 days old Qingyuan Partridge roosters with different comb height traits. GO and KEGG analysis enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in MAPK signaling, VEGF signaling, and retinol metabolism pathways. Moreover, weighted correlation network analysis and module co-expression network analysis identified WNT6, AMH, IHH, STT3A, PEX16, KPNA7, CATHL2, ROR2, PAMR1, WISP2, IL17REL, NDRG4, CYP26B1, and CRHBP as the key genes associated with the regulation of precocity and delayed puberty in Qingyuan Partridge roosters.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we identified the key regulatory genes of sexual precocity in roosters, which provide a theoretical basis for understanding the developmental differences between precocious and delayed puberty in roosters.

The Immuno-Suppressive Effects of Cyclic, Environmental Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens: Local and Systemic Inflammatory Responses to an Intradermal Injection of Lipopolysaccharide

To assess effects of environmental heat stress (HS) on the local and systemic inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), broilers were reared under thermoneutral (TN) or cyclic HS conditions. Thermoneutral temperatures followed commercial production settings, with HS broilers exposed to 35 °C for 14 h/day from 4 days onward. At 37 days, HS- and TN-broilers were assigned to either LPS (100 μg/mL) or endotoxin-free phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; vehicle) treatments, eight each to HS- and TN-LPS, four each to HS- and TN-PBS. Treatments were administered by intradermal injection of growing feather (GF) pulps; 10 μL/GF; 12 GF/broiler. Blood and GF were collected before and at 6 and 24 h post-injection to assess leukocyte population changes in GF-pulps and blood, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cytokine expression in GF-pulps, and plasma concentrations of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP-1). HS-LPS broilers had lower (p ≤ 0.05) infiltration of heterophils and macrophages, ROS generation, and inflammatory cytokine expression in GF-pulps, and lacked the increases in heterophil, monocyte, and plasma AGP-1 concentrations observed in TN-LPS broilers. HS-broilers had similar or greater drops in blood lymphocytes 6 h post-LPS or -PBS injection, respectively, and lower baseline levels (p ≤ 0.05) of circulating T- and B-lymphocytes than TN-broilers. Results indicated that cyclic HS reduced the local and systemic acute inflammatory responses to LPS in broilers, likely impairing their innate defense against microbial infection.

Spleen-based proteogenomics reveals that Escherichia coli infection induces activation of phagosome maturation pathway in chicken

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) leads to economic losses in poultry industry and is also a threat to human health. Various strategies were used for searching virulence factors, while little is known about the mechanism by which APEC survives in host or is eliminated by host. Thus, chicken colibacillosis model was constructed by intraperitoneally injecting E. coli O78 in this study, then the protein dynamic expression of spleen was characterized at different post-infection times by quantitative proteome. Comparative analysis showed that E. coli induced significant dysregulation at 72 h post infection in spleen tissue. Transcriptomic method was further used to assess the changes of dysregulated proteins at 72 h post infection at the mRNA level. Total 278 protein groups (5.7%) and 2,443 genes (24.4%) were dysregulated, respectively. The upregulated proteins and genes were consistently enriched in phagosome and lysosome pathways, indicating E. coli infection activates phagosome maturation pathway. The matured phagolysosome might kill the invasive E. coli. This study illuminated the genetic dysregulation in chicken spleen at the protein and mRNA levels after E. coli infecting and identified candidate genes for host response to APEC infection.

Appropriate Genetic Approaches for Heat Tolerance and Maintaining Good Productivity in Tropical Poultry Production: A Review

Heat stress is a major environmental threat to poultry production systems, especially in tropical areas. The effects of heat stress have been discovered in several areas, including reduced growth rate, reduced egg production, low feed efficiency, impaired immunological responses, changes in intestinal microflora, metabolic changes, and deterioration of meat quality. Although several methods have been used to address the heat stress problem, it persists. The answer to this problem can be remedied sustainably if genetic improvement approaches are available. Therefore, the purpose of this review article was to present the application of different approaches to genetic improvement in poultry in the hope that users will find suitable solutions for their poultry population and be able to plan future poultry breeding programs.

Transcriptome analysis of the uterovaginal junction containing sperm storage tubules in heat-stressed breeder hens

Sperm storage tubules (SSTs) in the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the oviduct are major sites of sperm storage after artificial insemination or mating. Female birds may regulate sperm motility in the UVJ. Heat stress can decrease the reproductive ability of broiler breeder hens. However, its effects on UVJ remain unclear. Changes in gene expression aid in understanding heat stress-affected molecular mechanisms. Herein, we wanted to conduct a comparative transcriptomic analysis to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the UVJ of breeder hens under thermoneutral (23°C) and heat stress (36°C for 6 h) conditions. The results indicated that cloacal temperatures and respiratory rates were significantly increased in heat-stressed breeder hens (P < 0.05). Total RNA was extracted from the hen UVJ tissues containing SSTs after heat exposure. Transcriptome analysis identified 561 DEGs, including 181 upregulated DEGs containing heat shock protein (HSP) transcripts and 380 downregulated DEGs containing immune-related genes, such as interleukin 4-induced 1, radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2, and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase like, in heat-stressed hens. Gene Ontology analysis revealed the significantly enriched terms involving HSPs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified 9 significant pathways, including the protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum (11 genes including HSPs), neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction (13 genes including luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor), biosynthesis of amino acids (4 genes including tyrosine aminotransferase), ferroptosis (3 genes including heme oxygenase 1), and nitrogen metabolism (carbonic anhydrase [CA]-12 and CA6) pathways. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of DEGs revealed 2 large networks, one containing upregulated HSPs and the other containing downregulated interferon-stimulating genes. Overall, heat stress inhibits innate immunity in the UVJ tissues of broiler chickens, and heat-stressed chickens protect their cells by increasing the expression levels of HSPs. The identified genes are potential candidates for further exploration of the UVJ in heat-stressed hens. The identified molecular pathways and networks increase our understanding of the sperm storage reservoirs (UVJ containing SSTs) within the reproductive tract and may be used to prevent heat stress-induced fertility loss in breeder hens.

Shotgun proteomics reveals changes in the pectoralis major muscle of broilers supplemented with passion fruit seed oil under cyclic heat stress conditions

The aim of this study was to characterize the proteins differentially expressed in the pectoralis major muscle of broilers supplemented with passion fruit seed oil (PFSO) under cyclic heat stress conditions. Ninety one-day-old male chicks were housed in cages arranged in a climatic chamber, where they were kept under cyclic heat stress for eight hours a day from the beginning to the end of the experiment. The birds were divided into two experimental groups, one group supplemented with 0.9% PFSO and a control group (CON) without PFSO supplementation. At 36 days of age, 18 birds were slaughtered to collect muscle samples. From pools of breast fillet samples from each group, proteolytic cleavage of the protein extracts was performed, and later, the peptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The 0.9% PFSO supplementation revealed the modulation of 57 proteins in the pectoralis major muscle of broilers exposed to cyclic heat stress. Among them, four proteins were upregulated, and 46 proteins were downregulated. In addition, seven proteins were expressed only in the CON group. These results suggest that PFSO may increase heat tolerance, with a possible reduction in oxidative stress, activation of neuroprotective mechanisms, protection against apoptosis, decrease in inflammatory responses, and regulation of energy metabolism.

Effects of supplemental different clay minerals in broiler chickens under cyclic heat stress

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementing clay minerals and organic chromium in feed on broiler chicken under heat stress (HS). A total of 90 one-day-old broiler chicken (Arbor Acres) with an initial body weight of 45.0 ± 0.2 g were assigned to five treatment groups (six replications, three birds each cage): 1) NC group, basal diet under room temperature environment; 2) PC group, basal diet under high temperature (HT) environment; 3) ILT group, basal diet + 1% illite + HT; 4) ZLT group, basal diet + 1% zeolite + HT; 5) OC group, basal diet + 400 ppb/kg organic chromium + HT. The ILT and ZLT groups had significantly higher body weight than the PC group in 4 weeks. Apparent total tract digestibility of gross energy was increased in the ILT, ZLT, and OC groups compared to the PC group. The NC group had lower foot-pad dermatitis score than other groups. Escherichia coli population in the cecum and feces was decreased in the ZLT group than in the PC group. Lactobacillus in cecum and feces was significantly increased in the ZLT group than in the PC group. Regarding blood profiles, blood cortisol was decreased in the NC and ILT groups compared to the PC group. Water holding capacity and pH were increased in the ZLT group than the PC group. In conclusion, according to the results of growth performance, nutrients digestibility, bacteria counts, and meat characteristics, supplementation of the ZLT in broiler diet can alleviate HS.

Adverse effects of heat stress during summer on broiler chickens production and antioxidant mitigating effects

Broiler chicken meat is a good source of protein consumed universally, and is one of the most commonly farmed species in world. In addition to providing food, poultry non-edible byproducts also have value. A major advantage of broiler chicken production is their short production cycle, which results in a greater rate of production in comparison to other species. However, as with any production system, there are constraints in broiler production with one of the most pressing being energy requirements to keep the birds warm as chicks and cool later in the growth cycle, as a result of the cost needing mechanical heating and cooling. While this is feasible in more advanced economies, this is not readily affordable in developing economies. As a result, farmers rely on natural ventilation to cool the rearing houses, which generally becoming excessively warm with the resultant heat stress on the birds. Since little can be done without resorting to mechanical ventilation and cooling, exploring the use of other means to reduce heat stress is needed. For this review, we cover the various factors that induce heat stress, the physiological and behavioral responses of broiler chickens to heat stress. We also look at mitigating the adverse effect of heat stress through the use of antioxidants which possess either an anti-stress and/or antioxidant effects.

The adverse effect of heat stress and potential nutritional interventions

Heat stress can cause tissue damage and metabolic disturbances, including intestinal and liver dysfunction, acid-base imbalance, oxidative damage, inflammatory response, and immune suppression. Serious cases can lead to heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. The body often finds it challenging to counteract these adverse effects, and traditional cooling methods are limited by the inconvenience of tool portability and the difficulty of determining the cooling endpoint. Consequently, more research was conducted to prevent and mitigate the negative effect of heat stress via nutritional intervention. This article reviewed the pathological changes and altered metabolic mechanisms caused by heat stress and discussed the protein (amino acid), vitamin, trace element, and electrolyte action pathways and mechanisms to mitigate heat stress and prevent heat-related disease. The main food sources for these nutrients and the recommended micronutrient supplementation forms were summarized to provide scientific dietary protocols for special populations.

Mechanism of Ferroptosis and Its Relationships with Other Types of Programmed Cell Death: Insights for Potential Therapeutic Benefits in Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious health issue with a high incidence, high morbidity, and high mortality that poses a large burden on society. Further understanding of the pathophysiology and cell death models induced by TBI may support targeted therapies for TBI patients. Ferroptosis, a model of programmed cell death first defined in 2012, is characterized by iron dyshomeostasis, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH) depletion. Ferroptosis is distinct from apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and necroptosis and has been shown to play a role in secondary brain injury and worsen long-term outcomes after TBI. This review systematically describes (1) the regulatory pathways of ferroptosis after TBI, (2) the neurobiological links between ferroptosis and other cell death models, and (3) potential therapies targeting ferroptosis for TBI patients.

Intermittent Lighting Program Relieves the Deleterious Effect of Heat Stress on Growth, Stress Biomarkers, Physiological Status, and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Chronic heat stress remains the most detrimental factor for broiler productivity in hot and desert regions. The manipulation of the lighting program is a useful and inexpensive tool to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress on broiler performance. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of an intermittent lighting (I.L.) program consisting of repeated periods of 1 h light to 3 h dark during a day on broiler performance under chronic heat-stress conditions. The results indicate that applying the I.L. program to heat-stressed broilers relieved the stress indicators and improved the immune response, physiological status, and growth performance of broilers. Therefore, the application of the I.L. program could be used as a beneficial strategy to recover broiler performance during heat-stress conditions.

Abstract

The effects of heat stress on broiler performance and immunological response were explored using lighting-program manipulation as a potential tool. The study included 200 Cobb500 broiler chicks that were one day old at the time of recruitment. The birds were divided into four-compartment groups with similar environments (five cages per compartment, ten chicks per cage). Starting from the fourth day of age, birds of two compartments received a continuous lighting program (23L:1D a day; C.L. groups) while birds of the other two compartments received an intermittent lighting program (1L:3D 6 times per day; I.L. groups). Within each lighting program during 22–42 d of age, one group was subjected either to a thermoneutral temperature at 24 °C or heat stress at 35 °C. The results reveal that stress biomarkers, especially the plasma concentrations of corticosterone (CORT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were relieved by 46%, 27%, and 51%, respectively, in the I.L. treatment groups compared to the C.L. program in broiler chicks subjected to heat stress. The liver function was also improved by 24% and 32% in AST and ALT levels, respectively, in the I.L. program compared to the C.L. program in stressed birds. Furthermore, the I.L. program positively influenced the immune response of the heat-stressed broilers. Eventually, the I.L. program increased the heat-stressed broilers’ body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that applying the I.L. program to broiler chickens can effectively improve their physiological balance and growth performance under heat-stress conditions.

Heat Stress Affects Faecal Microbial and Metabolic Alterations of Rabbits

Heat stress can impair the rabbit immune system, induce oxidative stress, and cause many complications. These diseases are characterized by metabolic disorders, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. As a result, the current research determines the effects of HS on intestinal microorganisms in rabbits and the metabolic pathway disorders caused by HS. Twelve rabbits were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CON (22–24°C) and HS (30°C–32°C). Both the groups were treated for 15 days. Blood and fecal samples were collected on day 15. Serum immune oxidation indices were determined using a commercial ELISA kit, and the microbiome of rabbit feces was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Non-targeted metabolomics was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPC MS/MS). The findings revealed that HS significantly increased IgG and T-AOC levels in serum, whereas it decreased TNF-α and IL-10. NMDS analysis revealed a substantial difference in bacterial community composition between HS and CON groups. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes, Protobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota was significantly higher in the HS group, whereas the abundance of Bacteriodota was reduced in the CON group. V9D2013 group, Haloplasma, Comamonas, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Ruminiclostridium, Syntrophus Lutispora, at the genus level Syntrophorhabdus, Paeniclostridium, Clostridium sensu stricto 6, Candidatus Caldatribacterium, Spirochaeta Synergistaceae, Syner-01, [Eubacterium] xylanophilum group, Cellulosilyticum, ADurb.Bin120, and Devosia were significantly upregulated in the HS group. The metabolism of the HS group was considerably upregulated compared with the metabolism of the CON group, according to principal component analysis (PCA) and least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). HS increased the concentrations of 4-pyridoxic acid, kynurenine, 20-OH-leukotriene B4, and dopamine and decreased the concentration of pyridoxal. In the rabbit gut, these compounds primarily impact the metabolic pathways of vitamin B6, tryptophan, neutrophil activation, and prolactin. 4-Pyridoxic acid, pyridoxal, kynurenine, 20-OH-leukotriene B4, and dopamine are essential inflammatory response markers and oxidative stress.

Proteomic changes in broiler liver by body weight differences under chronic heat stress

The increasing global temperature is causing economic losses and animal welfare problems in the poultry industry. Because poultry do not have sweat glands, it is difficult for them to return to their usual body temperature. Heat stress has negative impact on production and health in broilers. Given the effects of chronic stress on broilers, the objective of this study was to identify physiological changes in differentially expressed proteins in broilers with different growth performances using liver tissue from 35-day-old chickens (Ross-308). Changes in protein levels were analyzed with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and mass spectrometry. This study contained 2 groups (control and heat treatment groups) with 8 replicates per group. After d 20, ten birds were assigned to each replicate. On d 35, the heat treatment group was subdivided into 2 groups, a heat stressed high body weight group (HH) and a heat stressed low body weight group (HL). Body weight was lower in the heat treatment group than that in the control group. In the heat treatment group, the HH group had a significantly higher body weight than the HL group. The expression of heat shock protein 70 significantly increased in the HL group. Protein spots with significant differences in 2DE analysis were screened and selected. Thirteen significant spots were excised and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF). Among the 13 spots, 8 spots were identified. The identified spots were MRP-126, fatty acid binding protein, ferritin heavy chain, glutathione S-transferase, agmatinase; mitochondrial, alpha-enolase, 60 kDa heat shock protein; mitochondrial, and tubulin beta-7 chain. Our study has showed that high temperature stress aggravated oxidative stress in broilers, which resulted in comparatively slow growth to preserve body homeostasis.

Synergistic effect of Spirulina platensis and selenium nanoparticles on growth performance, serum metabolites, immune responses, and antioxidant capacity of heat-stressed broiler chickens

This study examined the effects of dietary Spirulina platensis (SP) at levels of 0, 5, and 10 g.kg^-1 and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) at 0, 0.1, and 0.2 mg.kg^-1, individually and in combination, on heat-stressed broiler chickens for 5 weeks. Four hundred fifty one-day-old Ross-308 chicks were allocated to 9 dietary groups with 5 replicates (10 chicks each). The control diet was consisted of corn-soybean-based basal diet. The obtained results displayed a significant increase in final body weight (p = 0.005) and weight gain during the periods from 22 to 35 days (p = 0.002) and 1 to 35 days (p = 0.005) in birds fed supplemented diets compared to those fed control diet, with the highest being in birds fed with both 10 g SP and 0.1 mg SeNPs. Feed conversion ratio was also improved in birds fed supplemented compared to control group. Dietary supplements significantly improved carcass dressing (p < 0.001), carcass yield (p = 0.001) percentages, and blood lipid profile. Blood triiodothyronine was higher (p = 0.005) with all treated diets except that contain 5 g SP compared to the control, with the highest being in birds fed diet contains 5 g SP + 0.2 mg SeNPs. Immunoglobulin subclasses IgG, IgM, and IgA were higher in birds fed supplemented diets compared to the control group. Antibody titers to Newcastle disease, avian influenza, and infectious bursal disease were numerically increased with dietary supplementation compared to the control group. Dietary treatments increased (p < 0.001) glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, except diet contains 5 g SP for SOD level and decreased (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde level. It is concluded that dietary inclusion of SP and SeNPs, particularly their combination at levels 5 g SP plus 0.2 mg SeNPs kg^-1 and 10 g SP plus 0.1 mg SeNPs kg^-1, improved growth performance, carcass yield, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of heat-stressed broilers.

Mapping Microproteins and ncRNA-Encoded Polypeptides in Different Mouse Tissues

Small open reading frame encoded peptides (SEPs), also called microproteins, play a vital role in biological processes. Plenty of their open reading frames are located within the non-coding RNA (ncRNA) range. Recent research has demonstrated that ncRNA-encoded polypeptides have essential functions and exist ubiquitously in various tissues. To better understand the role of microproteins, especially ncRNA-encoded proteins, expressed in different tissues, we profiled the proteomic characterization of five mouse tissues by mass spectrometry, including bottom-up, top-down, and de novo sequencing strategies. Bottom-up and top-down with database-dependent searches identified 811 microproteins in the OpenProt database. De novo sequencing identified 290 microproteins, including 12 ncRNA-encoded microproteins that were not found in current databases. In this study, we discovered 1,074 microproteins in total, including 270 ncRNA-encoded microproteins. From the annotation of these microproteins, we found that the brain contains the largest number of neuropeptides, while the spleen contains the most immunoassociated microproteins. This suggests that microproteins in different tissues have tissue-specific functions. These unannotated ncRNA-coded microproteins have predicted domains, such as the macrophage migration inhibitory factor domain and the Prefoldin domain. These results expand the mouse proteome and provide insight into the molecular biology of mouse tissues.

Citrullus colocynthis Seeds: A Potential Natural Immune Modulator Source for Broiler Reared under Chronic Heat Stress

Simple Summary

Chronic heat-stress exposure directly affects broiler immune response. Immunosuppression was demonstrated in broiler exposed to chronic heat stress with deterioration in humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Natural immune modulator material is considered as a safe material for human consumption of poultry products. Citrullus colocynthis (CC) is a natural herb plant that has traditionally been used in folk remediation. Anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory attributes are some of the CC medical properties. The present study aims to investigate the immune modulator potentials of CC seeds supplementation to chronically heat- stressed-exposed broilers. Results demonstrated that CC seeds supplementation to heat-stressed broilers was able to alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on broiler immune responses and antioxidant status. Thus, CC seeds are suggested to be added to broilers reared under heat stress in order to improve the immune response and consequently ameliorate productivity.

Abstract

There is an extensive search for natural products that can be introduced to broiler rations to improve performance, especially during the unfavorable breeding conditions. Under heat-stress conditions, the immune response seriously deteriorates, which consequently impairs broiler production performance. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the potentials of Citrullus colocynthis seeds (CCs) supplementation to modulate the immune response of broilers subjected to chronic heat stress. A total of 300 Cobb-500 male broiler chickens aged 21 days were randomly divided into two equal groups and reared under either thermo-neutral condition (24 ± 1 °C) or subjected to cyclic heat stress (34 ± 1 °C for 8 h). Each group was further divided into two groups (5 replicate × 15 chicks) and was fed either the basal diet or the basal diet with 0.1% CCs supplementation. The results showed that heat stress impaired the production performance by lowering the final body weight and feed intake as well as impairing feed conversion. The levels of stress markers (i.e., malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α and corticosterone) increased (p < 0.05), whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased in broilers exposed to heat stress. Further, heat stress caused direct suppression of broiler humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The stimulating index of T and B lymphocytes proliferation, as well as the antibody titer against sheep red blood cells, were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by heat-stress exposure. However, CCs supplementation to broilers subjected to heat stress improved (p < 0.05) the final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), compared to the non-supplemented stressed group. The cellular and cell-mediated immune response indicators significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) with CCs supplementation. Supplementation of CCs to broilers reared under similar environmental conditions elevated the total white blood cells (TWBCs) count and the broiler stimulating index of T and B lymphocytes. It can be concluded that CC seeds can be effectively used to stimulate the immune response and improve the production performance of broilers reared under heat-stress condition.

Nutritional manipulation to combat heat stress in poultry - A comprehensive review

Global warming and climate change adversely affect livestock and poultry production sectors under tropical and subtropical conditions. Heat stress is amongst the most significant stressors influencing poultry productivity in hot climate regions, causing substantial economic losses in poultry industry. These economic losses are speculated to increase in the coming years with the rise of global temperature. Moreover, modern poultry strains are more susceptible to high ambient temperature. Heat stress has negative effects on physiological response, growth performance and laying performance, which appeared in the form of reducing feed consumption, body weight gain, egg production, feed efficiency, meat quality, egg quality and immune response. Numerous practical procedures were used to ameliorate the negative impacts of increased temperature; among them the dietary manipulation, which gains a great concern in different regions around the world. These nutritional manipulations are feed additives (natural antioxidants, minerals, electrolytes, phytobiotics, probiotics, fat, and protein), feed restriction, feed form, drinking cold water and others. However, in the large scale of poultry industry, only a few of these strategies are commonly used. The current review article deliberates the different practical applications of useful nutritional manipulations to mitigate the heat load in poultry. The documented information will be useful to poultry producers to improve the general health status and productivity of heat-stressed birds via enhancing stress tolerance, oxidative status and immune response, and thereby provide recommendations to minimize production losses due to heat stress in particular under the growing global warming crisis.

Hippocampal proteomic analysis reveals activation of necroptosis and ferroptosis in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression

Neuronal loss has been identified in depression, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. Proteomic analyses provide a novel insight to explore the potential mechanisms of such pathological alterations. In this study, mice were treated with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 2 months to establish depression models. The hippocampus was analyzed for proteomic patterns by mass spectrometry followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Behavioral tests showed that mice receiving CUMS showed depression-like symptoms such as anhedonia in the sucrose preference test (SPT) and behavioral despair in the forced swimming test (FST). CUMS induced anxiety-like behaviors in the open field test (OFT), but did not impair spatial learning and memory ability in the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Out of 4046 quantified proteins, 47 differentially expressed proteins were obtained between the CUMS and control groups. These proteins were functionally enriched in a series of biological processes. Among the notably enriched pathways, necroptosis and ferroptosis were significantly activated. Western blot and biochemical assay analyses identified changes in receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3), phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (p-MLKL), ferritin light chain 1 (Ftl1) and lipid peroxidation that were related to necroptosis and ferroptosis. Further, we found reduced levels of alpha-crystallin B (Cryab) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which were also associated with neuronal survival. Our study highlighted that necroptosis and ferroptosis were involved in depression and partially account for neuronal loss, thereby providing potentially novel targets for the treatment of depression.

Effects of acute heat stress on protein expression and histone modification in the adrenal gland of male layer-type country chickens

The adrenal gland responds to heat stress by epinephrine and glucocorticoid release to alleviate the adverse effects. This study investigated the effect of acute heat stress on the protein profile and histone modification in the adrenal gland of layer-type country chickens. A total of 192 roosters were subject to acute heat stress and thereafter classified into a resistant or susceptible group according to body temperature change. The iTRAQ analysis identified 80 differentially expressed proteins, in which the resistant group had a higher level of somatostatin and hydroxy-δ-5-steroid dehydrogenase but a lower parathymosin expression in accordance with the change of serum glucocorticoid levels. Histone modification analysis identified 115 histone markers. The susceptible group had a higher level of tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and showed a positive crosstalk with K36me and K37me in the H3 tails. The differential changes of body temperature projected in physiological regulation at the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis suggest the genetic heterogeneity in basic metabolic rate and efficiency for heat dissipation to acclimate to thermal stress and maintain body temperature homeostasis. The alteration of adrenal H3K27me3 level was associated with the endocrine function of adrenal gland and may contribute to the thermotolerance of chickens.

Transcriptome Analysis Revealed Inflammation Is Involved in the Impairment of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Induced by Post-hemorrhagic Shock Mesenteric Lymph

Vascular endothelial injury caused by post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph (PHSML) return is an important manifestation during refractory hemorrhagic shock. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and transcriptome analysis, this study sought to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the adverse effect of PHSML on vascular endothelium. Post-hemorrhagic shock mesenteric lymph was collected from male rats after they underwent hemorrhagic shock and following resuscitation, while normal mesenteric lymph (NML) was harvested from sham rats. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with the culture medium containing either 10% phosphate buffered saline (Control), NML, or PHSML for 3 h, and then were harvested for RNA sequencing. In comparison with NML treated cells, 37 genes were differentially expressed in PHSML-treated HUVECs, including 32 upregulated genes and five downregulated genes. These differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in inflammatory pathways, including signaling pathways for activation of the NOD-like receptors, NF-κB, and TNF. Furthermore, we found that C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) was increased significantly after PHSML treatment, and Bindarit, a CCL2 production inhibitor, attenuated the damage of HUVECs induced by PHSML. The results provide molecular evidence on vascular endothelium damage caused by PHSML. C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 might represent a new target for reducing vascular injury after severe hemorrhagic shock.

Proteomic profiling reveals the differential toxic responses of gills of common carp exposed to nanosilver and silver nitrate

Although the toxic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on fish gills have been reported, the underlying mechanism of toxicity remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of toxicity in the gills of common carp following exposure to AgNPs and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) using histopathology and proteomics. Histopathological findings revealed that both AgNPs and AgNO₃ caused telangiectasia and epithelial cell hyperplasia in fish gills; however, the pathological features and location of lesions caused by the two forms of silver were markedly different. Proteomics revealed that AgNPs and AgNO₃ induced 139 and 185 differential expression proteins (DEPs) in gills, respectively, and the two forms of silver induced only 42 shared proteins. AgNPs specifically induced 87 DEPs which mainly involved signaling mechanisms, cytoskeleton, and the arachidonic acid metabolism processes. AgNO₃ specifically induced 125 DEPs that were mainly clustered in the glutathione metabolism and protease processes. These results suggested that the toxic effects of AgNPs and AgNO₃ were dramatically different in terms of protein expression in fish gills, which may provide novel perspectives for understanding the toxicity mechanism of silver nanoparticles in fish gills.

Effects of stocking density on growth performance, growth regulatory factors, and endocrine hormones in broilers under appropriate environments

Stocking density is an important environment factor that affects the development of poultry farming, which has caused widespread concern. This study was carried out to determine the effects of stocking density on growth performance, growth regulatory factors, and endocrine hormones in broilers under appropriate environments. A total of 144 Arbor Acres male broilers (BW 1000 ± 70 g) were randomly divided into low stocking density (LSD; 6.25 birds/m²), medium stocking density (MSD; 12.50 birds/m²), and high stocking density (HSD; 18.75 birds/m²) groups, with 6 replicates in each group, and raised in 3 environmental chambers (same size) from 29-day-old to 42-day-old, respectively. The trial period lasted for 14 D with 21 ± 1°C and 60 ± 7% relative humidity, wind speed < 0.5 m/s, ammonia level<5 ppm. The results indicated that average daily food intake and average daily gain in HSD group showed significantly lower than other 2 groups (P < 0.05). Besides, the HSD group significantly reduced breast muscle yield, tibial length, tibial width, and tibial weight of broilers (P < 0.05). The HSD group increased the mRNA expression level of myostatin, and reduced the mRNA expression levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and myogenic determination factor 1 (P < 0.05). The HSD group significantly reduced the expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein in tibial growth plate (P < 0.05). The HSD group increased the serum corticosterone levels of broilers (P < 0.05), and decreased the serum IGF-1 and thyroxine (T4) levels of broiler chickens (P < 0.05) than other stocking density groups. Moreover, the serum alkaline phosphatase levels were decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking density, whereas there were no significant effects on the serum 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in 3 groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, under appropriate environments HSD reduced the growth performance of broilers and this negative effect was likely associated with decreased growth of muscle and bone.

Proteomics analysis reveals the defense priming effect of chitosan oligosaccharides in Arabidopsis-Pst DC3000 interaction

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) worked effectively in multiple plant-pathogen interactions as plant immunity regulator, however, due to the complexity of the COS-induced immune signaling network, the topic requires further investigation. In the present study, quantitative analysis of proteins was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism of COS induced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) in Arabidopsis thaliana. 4303 proteins were successfully quantified, 186, 217 and 207 proteins were differently regulated in mock + Pst, COS, and COS + Pst treated plants, respectively, compared with mock plants. From detailed functional and hierarchical clustering analysis, a priming effect of COS on plant immune system by pre-regulated the key proteins related to signaling transduction, defense response, cell wall biosynthesis and modification, plant growth and development, gene transcription and translation, which confers enhanced resistance when Pst DC3000 infection in Arabidopsis. Moreover, RACK1B which has the potential to be the key kinase receptor for COS signals was found out by protein-protein interaction network analysis of COS responsive proteins. In conclusion, COS treatment enable plant to fine-tuning its defense mechanisms for a more rapid and stronger response to future pathogen attacks, which obviously enhances plants defensive capacity that makes COS worked effectively in multiple plant-pathogen interactions.

Proteomic characterization of the hepatopancreas in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei under cold stress: Revealing the organism homeostasis mechanism

To understand the homeostasis mechanism of crustacean hepatopancreas to cold stress, iTRAQ proteomics based on the genome database of Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) was applied to investigate proteins changes and variety of the hepatopancreas during cold stress stage in this study. A total of 4062 distinct proteins were identified, 137 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) including 62 differentially up-regulated proteins (DUPs) and 75 differentially down-regulated proteins (DDPs) were identified in G1 (18 °C) compared with CK (28 °C), 359 DEPs including 131 DUPs and 228 DDPs were identified in G2 (13 °C for 24 h) compared with CK. Based on bioinformatics analysis, the cold tolerance of L. vannamei might be related to energy metabolism such as amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, and oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, shrimp immunity was declined during cold stress stage. However, L. vannamei could cope with cold stress by enhancing the production of ATP and UFA. Notably, arginine kinase, heat shock proteins, and histones may act as positive regulators in L. vannamei under cold stress. Ten randomly selected proteins were used for validation using qRT-PCR and the expressions on the transcription level for most of the genes were similar to the results of iTRAQ. These results indicated that L. vannamei can maintain the organism homeostasis by a series of orderly regulatory process during cold stress. Furthermore, the results can provide guidance for shrimp farming.