Cold stimulation causes oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis in broiler heart via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathway

Chronobiological Patterns and Risk of Acute Aortic Dissection: A Clinical Retrospective and Two-Sample Mendelian Randomisation Study

AIM

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) represents a cardiovascular ailment characterised by a notable mortality rate. Chronobiological patterns can offer a predictive framework for anticipating the onset of AAD.

METHOD

Data were gathered from 1,151 patients diagnosed with AAD at Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China, spanning 2000-2023. The χ2 test was used to assess whether specific periods exhibited significantly different seasonal/weekly distributions compared with others. Fourier models were utilised for the analysis of rhythmicity in monthly/circadian distribution. Publicly available genome-wide association studies datasets were used to establish the causal relationship between chronotype and AAD. Two sets of genetics instruments were used for analysis, derived from publicly available genetic summary data: 75 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with chronotype; and SNPs associated with AAD in the FinnGen consortium.

RESULTS

The mean age was 51.5±13.8 years, with 665 patients (57.8%) aged <55 years. Among the 1,151 patients, 80.9% were male. The distribution of DeBakey types was 73.2% (843) for DeBakey I, 21% (242) for DeBakey II, and 5.7% (66) for DeBakey III. Comorbidities included hypertension in 58.5% (673 cases) and diabetes in 7.8% (90 cases). A peak occurred during colder periods (winter/December), and a trough was noted in warmer periods (summer/June). Weekly distribution exhibited no significant variation. Fourier analysis revealed a statistically significant circadian variation (p<0.0001) with a trough between 23:00 and 00:00, a prominent peak from 07:00 to 08:00, and a minor peak between 20:00 and 21:00. Subgroup analyses identified circadian rhythmicity in all subgroups, except for the DeBakey III group and the female group. Using the 75 chronotype-related SNPs, evidence was found of a potential causal effect of chronotype on the risk of AAD, as the inverse-variance weighting analysis showed that self-report chronotype of morningness was associated with a decreased risk of AAD.

CONCLUSION

The findings substantiate that the initiation of AAD displays noteworthy seasonal, monthly, and circadian patterns. The Mendelian randomisation analysis also indicated that the onset of acute aortic dissection is related to circadian rhythm. These findings offer a fresh perspective, facilitating the identification of triggering factors for AAD and bolstering preventive measures for this catastrophic event.

Dietary resveratrol supplementation alleviates cold exposure-induced pyroptosis and inflammation in broiler heart by modulating oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress

To explore the potential protective effect of resveratrol (RES) on cold-exposed broilers, 360 21-day-old broilers were equally divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates. A control (CON) group was reared at the normal feeding temperature and received a basal diet, and 4 cold exposure (8 ± 1°C for 10 h/d from d 29 to 42) groups were fed the basal diet with 0 (CE), 250 (CE + RES250), 500 (CE + RES500), and 750 (CE + RES750) mg/kg RES from d 22 to 42. Broilers were slaughtered on d 42 and heart tissues were collected to measure the relevant indexes. The results showed that heart tissues of all CE-broilers had inflammatory cell infiltrations, and dietary RES supplementation reduced this phenomenon. Compared to CON group, the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 were increased and activities of SOD and CAT were decreased in all CE-broilers (P < 0.05). mRNA expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (GRP78, IRE1, PERK, EIF-2α, ATF4, ATF6, and CHOP), pyroptosis (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1, GSDME, IL-18, and IL-1β), and proinflammation (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-6) was upregulated and that of ant-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) was downregulated in CE and all CE + RES groups compared to CON group (P < 0.05). Compared to CE group, the activities of SOD and CAT and mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory genes were increased (P < 0.05), and concentrations of MDA and H2O2 and mRNA expression of ER stress, pyroptosis and proinflammatory genes were reduced (P < 0.05) in 3 CE + RES groups. Additionally, protein levels of PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, Caspase1, GSDMD, IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 were similar in their mRNA expression. Overall, cold exposure caused oxidative stress and ER stress, and induced pyroptosis and inflammatory response, resulting in heart injury in broilers, and dietary RES addition reduced heart damage by enhancing antioxidant defense function. This study indicates that RES can be a feed additive to alleviate cold exposure-induced heart injury in broilers, and a 500 mg RES/kg diet is the optimal supplemental level.

Prolonged exposure to a music-enriched environment mitigates acute noise-induced inflammation and apoptosis in the chicken spleen by modulating the Keap-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways

The rise of operational noise as an environmental pollutant for farm animals is an emerging concern. The mechanisms through which music can alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by noise exposure remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate the alleviating effects and underlying mechanisms of long-term music exposure on noise-induced damage to the chicken spleen. Male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were divided into four groups: control (C), acute noise stimulation (NS), noise stimulation with music mitigation (NSM), and music only (M). NS and NSM groups were exposed to noise (simulating sudden intensity noise, 115 to 120dB) for 10 minutes daily for a week, starting at 14-days-old. NSM and M groups then received 28 days of 6-hour daily music (Mozart K.448, 60-65 dB). The results showed that noise stimulation significantly activated the Keap-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Long-term music intervention has also been demonstrated to successfully mitigate oxidative stress and abnormal apoptosis induced by acute noise stimulation. Microscopic examination of the spleen revealed that acute noise stimulation resulted in an increase in splenic cells, a decrease in lymphocytes, and blurred boundaries between the red and white pulps in the NS group. However, these pathological changes were alleviated in the NSM group following music intervention. Compared with the control group, the NS group exhibited significantly elevated oxidative stress parameters. In contrast, music intervention in the NSM group notably improved antioxidant capacity and partially alleviated morphological abnormalities in the spleen. Additionally, noise stimulation activated the NF-κB pathway, upregulating the downstream genes of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Noise-induced mitochondrial damage led to apoptosis, as observed by TUNEL staining, along with increased gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cyt-C, Casp-3, Casp-8, and Casp-9. These findings indicate that acute noise exposure can induce splenic damage via oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating the Keap-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. Prolonged music stimulation effectively mitigates noise-induced damage, offering a vital experimental foundation for further research on noise pollution's impact on organisms and music's alleviating role.

Assessing Temperature Distribution inside Commercial Stacked Cage Broiler Houses in Winter

The temperature inside broiler houses is crucial to broiler health, welfare, and productivity. High stocking density in broiler houses can easily lead to nonuniform temperature conditions, which would cause broilers to suffer cold and heat stress. It is essential to assess the temperature distribution inside broiler houses and investigate the factors that affect temperature uniformity. Therefore, in this study, temperature, wind velocity, and differential pressure were monitored in the aisle, at the sidewall inlet, and outside the sidewalls of a commercial stacked-deck cage broiler house in Northeast China aiming to continuously monitor the temperature throughout the entire fattening period. Results show that the maximum temperature difference increased from 1.85 °C to 6.43 °C, while the daily fluctuation increased from 2.27 °C to 5.80 °C. The highest temperature was consistently recorded at the side of the exhaust fans (p < 0.001) in the longitudinal direction. In the lateral direction, the temperature difference varies periodically with solar radiation. The average temperature at the southern location (23.58 ± 1.97 °C), which faces the sun, was higher than that at the northern location (23.35 ± 1.38 °C), which is in the shade, during periods of solar radiation (p < 0.001) at the last testing period. However, without solar radiation, the northern location recorded a warmer temperature (23.19 ± 1.41 °C) compared to the southern location (22.30 ± 1.67 °C) (p < 0.001). The lateral temperature differences are strongly positively correlated with solar radiation and wind speed (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the inside temperature nonuniformity and fluctuation increased as the broiler age increased, which affected the production performance of broilers. Nonuniform solar radiation and wind speed can lead to differences in the inlet temperature and air volume between both sidewalls, thereby affecting the uniformity of the lateral temperature inside the house.

Diets containing phytobiotics, l-arginine, vitamin E and captopril modulate ascites syndrome-related genes expression in broiler chickens exposed to low ambient temperature

BACKGROUND

Our hypothesis centred on the potential to mitigate ascites outbreaks in birds exposed to cold stress by inhibiting pulmonary artery contraction through dietary intervention.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural and synthetic medications on growth performance, ascites-related parameters and the expression of ascites-related genes in the lung tissue of broiler chickens under low ambient temperature.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 450 one-day-old male Ross 308 chicks to six dietary treatments across five replicate pens, each containing 15 chicks. The treatments included a basal diet (control), and the basal diet was supplemented with hydroalcoholic extracts of sumac (HES, 200 mg/kg), Syrian mesquite (HEM, 200 mg/kg), l-arginine (40% above requirement), captopril (15 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg).

RESULTS

Diets containing HEM, l-arginine and vitamin E resulted in increased average daily gain on days 8-14 and 0-28, whereas HES showed a similar effect only during days 8-14 compared to the control diet (p < 0.05). Additionally, feed additives decreased packed cell volume, left and right ventricle volumes and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). Moreover, chickens fed the control and l-arginine diets exhibited higher levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA in lung tissue compared to those fed HES, HEM and captopril (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, supplementation with HEM and l-arginine increased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in lung tissue compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Regarding Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) expression, feed additives increased mRNA level in lung tissue, except for captopril (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the plant extracts may reduce the incidence of ascites syndrome not only through their antioxidant properties but also by modulating the expression of ACE, iNOS and Cu/Zn-SOD genes.

Intermittent mild cold acclimation ameliorates intestinal inflammation and immune dysfunction in acute cold-stressed broilers by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

To investigate the potential protective effect of prior cold stimulation on broiler intestine induced by acute cold stress (ACS). A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were divided into control (CON), ACS, cold stimulation Ⅰ (CS3+ACS), and cold stimulation Ⅱ (CS9+ACS) groups. Broilers in CON and ACS groups were reared normally, and birds in CS3+ACS and CS9+ACS groups were reared at 3℃ and 9℃ below CON group for 5 h, respectively, on alternate days from d 15 to 35. Broilers in ACS, CS3+ACS, and CS9+ACS groups were subjected to 10℃ for 24 h on d 43. Eventually, small intestine tissues were collected for histopathological observation and indexes detection. The results showed that intestinal tissues in all ACS-broilers exhibited inflammatory cell infiltrates, microvilli disruption, reduced villus length in jejunum and increased crypt depth in jejunum and ileum. Whereas these phenomena were relatively light in CS3+ACS group. Compared to CON group, mRNA expression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related genes (TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, PTGEs, TNF-α), Th1/Th17-derived cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-17), and HSPs (HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90) was upregulated (P < 0.05), and that of Th2-deviated cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13) and IκBα was downregulated (P < 0.05) in small intestine in almost all ACS-broilers. Compared to ACS group, mRNA expression of most of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related genes, Th1/Th17-derived cytokines, and HSPs was downregulated and that of Th2-derived cytokines was upregulated in CS3+ACS group (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-p65/p65, p-IκBα/IκBα, IKK, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and HSPs were similar to their mRNA expression. The concentration of sIgA and activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-px were decreased and MDA and H2O2 were increased in ACS and CS9+ACS groups compared to CON group (P < 0.05). Therefore, cold stress caused oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to gut immune dysfunction; while mild cold stimulation at 3℃ below normal rearing temperature alleviated cold stress-induced intestinal injure and dysfunction by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in broilers.

Long-term music stimulating alleviated the inflammatory responses caused by acute noise stress on the immune organs of broilers by NF-κB signaling pathway

As an environmental enrichment, music can positively influence the immune function, while noise has an adverse effect on the physical and mental health of humans and animals. However, whether music-enriched environments mitigate noise-induced acute stress remains unclear. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of music on the immune organs of broiler chickens under conditions of early-life acute noise stress, 140 one-day-old white feather broilers (AA) were randomly divided into four groups: control (C), the music stimulation (M) group, the acute noise stimulation (N) group, the acute noise stimulation followed by music (NM) group. At 14 days of age, the N and NM groups received 120 dB noise stimulation for 10 min for one week. After acute noise stimulation, the NM group and M group were subjected to continuous music stimulation for 14 days (6 h per day, 60 dB). At 28 days of age, the body temperature of the chicks, the histopathological changes, quantification of ROS-positive density and apoptosis positivity in tissues of spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius (BF) were measured. The results showed that acute noise stimulation led to an increase in the number and area of splenic microsomes and the cortex/medulla ratio of the detected immune organs. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of immune tissues of broilers in N group were decreased compared to the broilers in C group, while the mRNA levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-1β increased. In addition, the gene and protein expression levels of IKK, NF-κB, and IFN-γ of three immune organs from broilers in the N group were increased. Compared to the C and N group, chickens from the NM group showed a decrease in the number and area of splenic follicles, an increase in the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, and a decrease in the expression levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-1β. Therefore, a music-enriched environment can attenuate oxidative stress induced by acute noise stimulation, inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and consequently alleviating the inflammatory response in immune organs.

Effects of intermittent cold stimulation on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and liver lipid metabolism in broiler chickens

Intermittent cold stimulation (ICS) enhances broilers' resistance to cold stress. Nonetheless, further research is needed to investigate the underlying mechanisms that enhance cold stress resistance. A total of 160 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 2 groups (CC and CS5), with the CC group managing temperature according to the standard for broiler growth stages, while the CS5 group were subjected to cold stimulation at a temperature 3℃ lower than the CC group for 5 h, every 2 d from 15 to 35 d. Sampling was conducted at 36 d (36D), 50 d (50D) and after acute cold stress for 24 h (Y24). First, we examined the effects of ICS on broiler growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism. The results demonstrated that ICS enhanced the performance of broilers to a certain degree. Specifically, the average weight gain in the CS5 group was significantly higher than that of the CC group, and the feed conversion ratio significantly decreased compared to CC at 4 W and 6 W (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, cold stimulation significantly reduced drip loss, shearing force, and yellowness (a* value) of chicken meat, while significantly increased redness (b* value) (P ≤ 0.05). At Y24, the levels of T-AOC and GSH-PX in the serum of the CS5 group were significantly higher than those of the CC group, while the level of MDA was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). The content of TG, FFA, and VLDL in the serum of the CS5 group was significantly elevated, whereas the level of TC and HDL was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, we further explored whether AMPK-mTOR pathway is involved in the regulation of changes in lipid metabolism and the possible regulatory mechanisms downstream of the signaling pathway. The results showed that ICS significantly upregulated the expression levels of AMPK mRNA and protein in the liver of the CS5 group at 36D and Y24, while significantly down-regulating mTOR (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with the CC group, ICS significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of lipid synthesis and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (SREBP1c, FAS, SCD, ACC, GRP78 and PERK) at 36D and Y24, while significantly up-regulating the mRNA expression levels of lipid decomposition and autophagy-related genes (PPAR and LC3) (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, at Y24, the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes (GRP78) in the CS5 group were significantly lower, while autophagy-related genes (LC3 and ATG7) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). ICS can affect meat quality and lipid metabolism in broilers, and when broilers are subjected to acute cold stress, broilers trained with cold stimulation have stronger lipid metabolism capacity.

Effects of Dietary Terminalia chebula Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health of Broilers

Terminalia chebula extract (TCE) has many physiological functions and is potentially helpful in maintaining poultry health, but its specific effect on the growth of broilers is not yet known. This research investigated the effects of dietary Terminalia chebula extract (TCE) supplementation on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were divided into four treatment groups (72 broilers/group), each with six replicates of 12 broilers. The broilers were given a basal diet of corn-soybean meal supplemented with 0 (control), 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg TCE for 56 d. The results demonstrated that, compared with the basal diet, the addition of TCE significantly increased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the final body weight and overall weight gain and performance and decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio in the overall period. Dietary TCE increased (linear, p < 0.05) the levels of IgM, IL-4, and IL-10 and decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the level of IL-6 in the serum. Dietary TCE increased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the levels of IL-2 and IL-4, decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the level of IL-1β, and decreased (linear, p < 0.05) the level of IL-6 in the liver. Dietary TCE increased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the level of IgM and IL-10, increased (linear, p < 0.05) the level of IgG, and decreased (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the spleen. Supplementation with TCE linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.05) the catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity activities while decreasing (p < 0.05) the malonic dialdehyde concentrations in the serum, liver, and spleen. TCE-containing diets for broilers resulted in a higher (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) villus height, a higher (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) ratio of villus height to crypt depth, and a lower (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05) crypt depth compared with the basal diet. TCE significantly increased (linear, p < 0.05) the acetic and butyric acid concentrations and decreased (quadratic, p < 0.05) the isovaleric acid concentration. Bacteroidaceae and Bacteroides, which regulate the richness and diversity of microorganisms, were more abundant and contained when TCE was added to the diet. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that supplementing broilers with TCE could boost their immune function, antioxidant capacity, and gut health, improving their growth performance; they could also provide a reference for future research on TCE.

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.

Intermittent cold stimulation affects energy metabolism and improves stress resistance in broiler heart

To investigate the effect of intermittent cold stimulation on cardiac energy metabolism and cold resistance of broilers, 288 broilers were divided into 3 groups: control group (CC) and 2 cold stimulation groups (CS3 and CS9). The CS3 and CS9 groups received cold stimulation at temperatures of 3°C and 9°C lower than CC group for 5 h from d 15 to 35. Three groups were subjected to acute cold stress (ACS) of 10°C for 12 and 24 h at 44 d. Performance, cardiac histopathological changes, heat shock proteins (HSPs), and lipid metabolism levels were measured. Results showed that the performance was not different among groups at 22 and 29 d (P > 0.05), but the mRNA levels of Acyl CoA synthase long-chain family member 1 (ACSL1) and acyl-coenzyme oxidase (ACO) in CS group were upregulated compared to CC group (P < 0.05). At 36 d, the performance of the CS3 group was better than the other 2 groups, myocardial structure was normal and other lipid metabolism indexes, except for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) levels, were similar to those of CC group (P > 0.05). The myocardial fiber disorder, Triglyceride (TG), and leptin (LEP) contents were significantly lower in CS9 group than in CC and CS3 groups at 36 d (P < 0.05). The HSP protein levels were significantly higher in CS group than in CC group before ACS (P < 0.05). After 24 h of ACS, the mRNA of lipid metabolism genes, the protein levels of HSP40 and HSP60, and the contents of TG and LEP in the CS3 group were upregulated compared to other groups. The CC and CS9 groups showed myocardial structure was destroyed, with lower TG and LEP levels compared to before ACS (P < 0.05). Therefore, cold stimulation at 3°C lower than the normal feeding temperature for 5 h did not impair performance but can increase the resistance of broilers to ACS by promoting lipid metabolism.

Mild Intermittent Cold Stimulation Affects Cardiac Substance Metabolism via the Neuroendocrine Pathway in Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the impact of cold adaptation on the neuroendocrine and cardiac substance metabolism pathways in broilers. The broilers were divided into the control group (CC), cold adaptation group (C3), and cold-stressed group (C9), and experimental period was divided into the training period (d 1-35), recovery period (d 36-43), and cold stress period (d 43-44). During the training period, the CC group was reared at ambient temperature, while C3 and C9 groups were reared at 3 °C and 9 °C lower than the ambient temperature, respectively, for 5 h/d at 1 d intervals. During the recovery period, all the groups were maintained at 20 °C. Lastly, during the cold stress period, the groups were divided into two sub-groups, and each sub-group was placed at 10 °C for 12 h (Y12) or 24 h (Y24) for acute cold stimulation. The blood, hypothalamic, and cardiac tissues samples were obtained from all the groups during the training, recovery, and acute stress periods. The results revealed that the transcription of calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1 C (CACNAIC) was increased in the hypothalamic tissues of the C3 group (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared to the CC group, the serum norepinephrine (NE) was increased in the C9 group (p < 0.05), but insulin (INS) was decreased in the C9 group (p < 0.05). In addition, the transcription of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), SREBP1c, FASN, ACC1, and SCD genes was down-regulated in the C3 and C9 groups (p < 0.05); however, their expression increased in the C3 and C9 groups after acute cold stimulation (p < 0.05). Compared to the CC group, the transcription of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), PEPCK, G6Pase, GLUT1, HK1, PFK, and LDHB genes was up-regulated in the C3 and C9 groups (p < 0.05. Furthermore, compared to the CC and C9 groups, the protein and mRNA expressions of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and HSP90 were significantly increased in the C3 group (p < 0.05). These results indicate that intermittent cold training can enhance cold stress tolerance in broilers by regulating their neuroendocrine and cardiac substance metabolism pathways.

Toxicity induced by orellanine from the mushroom Cortinarius orellanus in primary renal tubular proximal epithelial cells (RPTEC): Novel mechanisms of action

The toxicity of Orellanine (OR), a significant factor in mushroom poisoning, has severe effects on the kidneys, particularly the proximal tubules. This study investigated the acute toxicity of OR from the Cortinarius orellanus mushroom in human Primary Renal Tubular Proximal Epithelial Cells (RPTEC). Additionally, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of OR in MCF-7 cells was established. RPTEC were subjected to a 6.25 μg/ml dose of orellanine for 24 h, while Control cells were exposed to 0.05% DMSO (vehicle). The RT2 Profiler™ PCR Array Human Nephrotoxicity was utilized to identify genes that were upregulated or downregulated. Western blotting confirmed the protein product of some significantly regulated genes compared to control cells. The IC50 of OR was found to be 319.2 μg/ml. The mechanism of OR toxicity involved several pathways including apoptosis, metal ion binding, cell proliferation, tissue remodeling, xenobiotic metabolism, transporters, extracellular matrix molecules, and cytoskeleton pathways. Other genes from non-specific pathways were also identified. These findings enhance our understanding of OR nephrotoxicity and pave the way for future research into potential treatments or antidotes for natural mushroom poisoning.

Baicalein inhibits apoptosis and autophagy induced by chlorpyrifos exposure to kidney of Cyprinus carpio through activation of PI3K/AKT pathway

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used organophosphate pesticide that has caused large-scale contamination globally, has become a major concern. Baicalein (BAI), as a flavonoid extract, shows anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant activities. The kidneys of fish serve to excrete toxins and are major target organs for environmental contaminants. However, it is not obvious whether BAI can counteract the damage caused by CPF exposure to fish kidneys. Therefore, we conducted a 30-day simulation of CPF poisoning and/or BAI treatment by adding 23.2 μg/L CPF to water and/or 0.15 g/kg BAI to feed. In the transmission electron microscopy results, we observed obvious phenomenon of autophagy and apoptosis in the CPF group, and the TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence of LC3B and p62 double-staining results confirmed that CPF induced autophagy and apoptosis in the kidney of common carp. Furthermore, CPF induced the increase of ROS level and inhibition of PI3K and Nrf2 pathways, which in turn triggered oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis in carp kidney according to western blot, RT-qPCR and kit assays. However, addition of BAI significantly alleviated oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis due to binding to PI3K protein. Additionally, through phylogenetic tree and structural domain analyses, we also found that the binding sites of BAI and PI3K are conserved in a variety of representative species. These results suggest that BAI antagonizes CPF-caused renal impairments in carp involving the PI3K/AKT pathway and the Nrf2 pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the nephrotoxicity effects of CPF and the potential use of BAI as a detoxification agent for CPF intoxication.

Resveratrol improves emamectin benzoate-induced pyroptosis and inflammation of Ctenopharyngodon idellus hepatic cells by alleviating oxidative stress/endoplasmic reticulum stress

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is the most widely used pesticide in the world and contributes to water pollution. Owing to the lack of a specific antidote, EMB has a severe negative impact on the health of aquatic organisms. Resveratrol (RES), a substance with antioxidant capacity, is secreted by the fruits of many plants. This study was to explore the protection of RES against EMB-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory response in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) hepatic liver (L8824) cells by oxidative stress/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The results showed that compared to the CON group, EMB induced oxidative stress in L8824 cells with the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents and the decrease of total superoxide dismutase (t-sod) and glutathione peroxidase (gsh-px) activities (P < 0.05). In addition, EMB triggered ERS, increasing the relative mRNA expression of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (perk), inositol requiring enzyme 1 alpha (ire1α), glucose-regulated protein 78 (grp78), activating transcription factor 4 (atf4), activating transcription factor 6 (atf6), and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (chop) and the protein expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eif2α), chop, atf6, and atf4. Meanwhile, EMB further induced pyroptosis by upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of nlrp3, aptamer protein (asc), caspase-1, gsdmd, interleukin-1β (il-1β), and interleukin-18 (il-18). EMB also induced inflammation in L8824 cells by increasing the mRNA expression of interleukin-2 (il-2), interleukin-6 (il-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), and ifn-γ and decreasing the content of interleukin-10 (il-10). However, compared to the EMB group, the oxidant indices and expression of genes related to ER stress, pyroptosis, and pro-inflammatory factors were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05), whereas the antioxidant indicators and anti-inflammatory factor were significantly up-regulated in the EMB + RES group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, EMB caused hepatocytes pyroptosis and inflammation in grass carp, and RES could alleviate EMB-induced pyroptosis and inflammation in L8824 cells by ameliorating oxidative stress/ER stress.

New insights into Microalgal astaxanthin's effect on Lambda-cyhalothrin-induced lymphocytes immunotoxicity in Cyprinus carpio: Involving miRNA-194-5p-FoxO1-mediated-mitophagy and pyroptosis

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LC), a pyrethroid insecticide widely used in agriculture, causes immunotoxicity to aquatic organisms in the aquatic environment. Microalgal astaxanthin (MA) is a natural carotenoid that enhances viability of a variety of fish. To investigate the immunotoxicity of LC and the improvement effect of MA in lymphocytes (Cyprinus carpio), lymphocytes were treated with LC (80 M) and/or MA (50 M) for 24 h. Firstly, CCK8 combined with PI staining results showed that MA significantly attenuated the LC-induced lymphocyte death rate. Secondly, LC exposure resulted in excessively damaged mitochondrial and mtROS, diminished mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content, which could be improved by MA. Thirdly, MA upregulated the levels of mitophagy-related regulatory factors (Beclin1, LC3, ATG5, Tom20 and Lamp2) induced by LC. Importantly, MA decreased the levels of pyroptosis-related genes treated with LC, including NLRP3, Cas-4, GSDMD and active Cas-1. Further study indicated that LC treatment caused excessive miRNA-194-5p and reduced levels of FoxO1, PINK1 and Parkin, which was inhibited by MA treatment. Overall, we concluded that MA could enhance damaged mitochondrial elimination by promoting the miRNA-194-5p-FoxO1-PINK1/Parkin-mitophagy in lymphocytes, which reduced mtROS accumulation and alleviated pyroptosis. It offers insights into the importance of MA application in aquaculture as well as the defense of farmed fish against agrobiological hazards in fish under LC.