Study on the interactive effect of deoxynivalenol and Clostridium perfringens on the jejunal health of broiler chickens

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JM113 alleviates deoxynivalenol induced intestinal damage by microbial modulation in broiler chickens

Deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination causes the grievous injury in public and animal health, poultry suffer from the greater toxin challenge. Probiotic have been considered as a potential way to mitigate the deleterious effects of DON. In this study, a total of 144 1-day-old Arbor Acres chickens were randomly assigned into 3 groups: control group, DON group (5 mg/kg DON diet), DJ group (1×109 cfu Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JM113/kg DON diet). The results showed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JM113 (L. plantarum JM113) increased the growth performance of 21-day-old broilers that challenged by the DON (P < 0.05), and the DON-induced disorder of jejunal morphology was recovered in DJ group (P < 0.05). Compared with the DON group, the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and NQO-1 were upregulated in jejunum of DJ group broilers (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, administration of L. plantarum JM113 effectively increased the expression level of barrier-related genes, and the protein abundance of occludin and claudin1 (P < 0.05). L. plantarum JM113 restored the mRNA and protein abundance of PCNA, and proliferation-linked gene (Lgr5 and Bmi1) expression levels in jejunum of DON-insulted broilers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, administration of L. plantarum JM113 significantly enhanced the relative abundance of s_Limosilactobacillus_reuteri in jejuna of DON-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that s_Limosilactobacillus_reuteri was positively associated with the jejunal barrier related genes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, L. plantarum JM113 alleviated the toxic effects of DON by regulating the jejunal function through microbial adjustment. Our findings proposed a viable approach to mitigating the adverse effects of deoxynivalenol exposure in broilers.

Baicalin ameliorates the gut barrier function and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens

The deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated feeds can impair chicken gut barrier function, disturb the balance of the intestinal microbiota, decrease chicken growth performance and cause major economic loss. With the aim of investigating the ameliorating effects of baicalin on broiler intestinal barrier damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by DON, a total of 150 Arbor Acres broilers are used in the present study. The morphological damage to the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum caused by DON is reversed by treatment with different doses of baicalin, and the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin) is also significantly increased in the baicalin-treated groups. Moreover, the disturbance of the intestinal microbiota caused by DON-contaminated feed is altered by baicalin treatment. In particular, compared with those in the DON group, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Lachnoclostridium, Ruminiclostridium and other beneficial microbes in the baicalin-treated groups are significantly greater. However, the percentage of unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae in the baicalin-treated groups is significantly decreased in the DON group. Overall, the current results demonstrate that different doses of baicalin can improve broiler intestinal barrier function and the ameliorating effects on broiler intestinal barrier damage may be related to modulations of the intestinal microbiota.

Endotoxin Translocation Is Increased in Broiler Chickens Fed a Fusarium Mycotoxin-Contaminated Diet

Broiler chickens in livestock production face numerous challenges that can impact their health and welfare, including mycotoxin contamination and heat stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate the combined effects of two mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FBs), along with short-term heat stress conditions, on broiler gut health and endotoxin translocation. An experiment was conducted to assess the impacts of mycotoxin exposure on broilers, focusing on intestinal endotoxin activity, gene expression related to gut barrier function and inflammation, and the plasma concentration of the endotoxin marker 3-OH C14:0 either at thermoneutral conditions or short-term heat stress conditions. Independently of heat stress, broilers fed DON-contaminated diets exhibited reduced body weight gain during the starter phase (Day 1-12) compared to the control group, while broilers fed FB-contaminated diets experienced decreased body weight gain throughout the entire trial period (Day 1-24). Furthermore, under thermoneutral conditions, broilers fed DON-contaminated diets showed an increase in 3-OH C14:0 concentration in the plasma. Moreover, under heat stress conditions, the expression of genes related to gut barrier function (Claudin 5, Zonulin 1 and 2) and inflammation (Toll-like receptor 4, Interleukin-1 beta, Interleukin-6) was significantly affected by diets contaminated with mycotoxins, depending on the gut segment. This effect was particularly prominent in broilers fed diets contaminated with FBs. Notably, the plasma concentration of 3-OH C14:0 increased in broilers exposed to both DON- and FB-contaminated diets under heat stress conditions. These findings shed light on the intricate interactions between mycotoxins, heat stress, gut health, and endotoxin translocation in broiler chickens, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions for the development of effective management strategies in livestock production to enhance broiler health and welfare.

Establishment of a chicken intestinal organoid culture system to assess deoxynivalenol-induced damage of the intestinal barrier function

BACKGROUND

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that has received recognition worldwide because of its ability to cause growth delay, nutrient malabsorption, weight loss, emesis, and a reduction of feed intake in livestock. Since DON-contaminated feedstuff is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, we used chicken organoids to assess the DON-induced dysfunction of the small intestine.

RESULTS

We established a culture system using chicken organoids and characterized the organoids at passages 1 and 10. We confirmed the mRNA expression levels of various cell markers in the organoids, such as KI67, leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), mucin 2 (MUC2), chromogranin A (CHGA), cytokeratin 19 (CK19), lysozyme (LYZ), and microtubule-associated doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1), and compared the results to those of the small intestine. Our results showed that the organoids displayed functional similarities in permeability compared to the small intestine. DON damaged the tight junctions of the organoids, which resulted in increased permeability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our organoid culture displayed topological, genetic, and functional similarities with the small intestine cells. Based on these similarities, we confirmed that DON causes small intestine dysfunction. Chicken organoids offer a practical model for the research of harmful substances.

Modulation of Broiler Intestinal Changes Induced by Clostridium perfringens and Deoxynivalenol through Probiotic, Paraprobiotic, and Postbiotic Supplementation

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a DON and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenge on the intestinal morphology, morphometry, oxidative stress, and immune response of broilers. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of a Lactobacillus spp. mixture as an approach to mitigate the damage induced by the challenge. One-day-old broiler chickens (n = 252) were divided into seven treatment groups: Control, DON, CP, CP + DON, VL (DON + CP + viable Lactobacillus spp. mixture), HIL (DON + CP + heat-inactivated Lactobacillus spp. mixture), and LCS (DON + CP + Lactobacillus spp. mixture culture supernatant). Macroscopic evaluation of the intestines revealed that the CP + DON group exhibited the highest lesion score, while the VL and HIL groups showed the lowest scores. Microscopically, all Lactobacillus spp. treatments mitigated the morphological changes induced by the challenge. DON increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the jejunum, and CP increased ROS levels in the jejunum and ileum. Notably, the Lactobacillus spp. treatments did not improve the antioxidant defense against CP-induced oxidative stress. In summary, a Lactobacillus spp. mixture, whether used as a probiotic, paraprobiotic, or postbiotic, exerted a partially protective effect in mitigating most of the intestinal damage induced by DON and CP challenges.

Effect of Lactobacillus sp. and yeast supplementation on performance and some blood attributes in deoxynivalenol-challenged broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of probiotic (Lactobacillus sp.) and yeast (Saccharomycese cerevisiae) on performance, organ attributes and blood traits in broiler chickens. A total of 360 one-day-old female broiler chickens (Hubbard)® were allocated to 9 treatments and four replicates (10 birds per replication). The trail was performed in a completely randomized design (3 × 3 factorial arrangement) to examine the interaction effect of three concentrations of Lactobacillus sp. (0, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg) and yeast (0, 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg) in deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated diets. The results showed that consumption of Lactobacillus sp. and yeast in DON-contaminated diets did not have a significant effect on broiler performance except for feed intake during starter period which was enhanced by yeast administration (P < 0.05). Increasing the Lactobacillus sp. content also reduced (P = 0.05) the proportional liver weight. Administration of Lactobacillus sp. to DON diets increased total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations (P < 0.05). Calcium and creatinine were influenced by yeast and Lactobacillus sp., respectively. Yeast (1.5 g/kg) and Lactobacillus sp. (0.2 g/kg) and combination of two additives (1.5 × 0.2) led to lower triglyceride concentration compared to DON group (P < 0.05). The DON diet increased aspartate amino transferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes concentrations; while, inclusion of 0.4 g/kg Lactobacillus sp. to DON diet decreased AST and LDH enzymes concentrations (P < 0.05). In conclusion, administration of Lactobacillus sp. and yeast could not influence the performance of DON-fed birds; but these additives could reduce negative effects of DON on enzyme activities and some blood attributes.

Crosstalk between Mycotoxins and Intestinal Microbiota and the Alleviation Approach via Microorganisms

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungus. Due to their widespread distribution, difficulty in removal, and complicated subsequent harmful by-products, mycotoxins pose a threat to the health of humans and animals worldwide. Increasing studies in recent years have highlighted the impact of mycotoxins on the gut microbiota. Numerous researchers have sought to illustrate novel toxicological mechanisms of mycotoxins by examining alterations in the gut microbiota caused by mycotoxins. However, few efficient techniques have been found to ameliorate the toxicity of mycotoxins via microbial pathways in terms of animal husbandry, human health management, and the prognosis of mycotoxin poisoning. This review seeks to examine the crosstalk between five typical mycotoxins and gut microbes, summarize the functions of mycotoxins-induced alterations in gut microbes in toxicological processes and investigate the application prospects of microbes in mycotoxins prevention and therapy from a variety of perspectives. The work is intended to provide support for future research on the interaction between mycotoxins and gut microbes, and to advance the technology for preventing and controlling mycotoxins.

Effects of dietary β-1,3-glucan addition on the growth performance, mRNA expression in jejunal barrier, and cecal microflora of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens

This experiment aimed to explore the interaction of β-1,3-glucan and Clostridium perfringens on the growth performance, intestinal health and cecal microflora of broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old Arbor Acre broilers were sorted into 4 treatments with 6 replications. There were 2 factors in this trial: dietary β-1,3-glucan addition including 0 and 250 mg/kg, intestinal enteritis challenged with Clostridium perfringens attack or not. Results showed that Clostridium perfringens infection disrupted the integrity of the intestinal mucosa by reducing the jejunal Occludin and Claudin-1 mRNA expression of broiler chickens at 21 d of age (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, when considering Clostridium perfringens as the main effect, it also decreased the mRNA expression of the glucose transporter recombinant sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) at d 21 and the fatty acid transporter liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) at d 42 (P < 0.05) as well as affect cecum microbial diversity, especially in relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. In addition, Clostridium perfringens infection reduced body weight, daily weight gain, and feed-gain ratio (FCR) in broilers at d 42 (P < 0.05). The dietary β-1,3-glucan could alleviate intestinal mucosal damage caused by the Clostridium perfringens to some extent. When considering β-1,3-glucan as the main effect, it increased the SGLT1 at 42 d of age (P < 0.05), and stabilized gut microbiota disorder caused by Clostridium perfringens. More over dietary β-1,3-glucan addition increased body weight at 42-day-old (P < 0.05), and improved daily weight gain and FCR during 1 to 42 d (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary β-1,3-glucan could improve growth performance and intestinal health in broilers infected with Clostridium perfringens.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates DON-induced intestinal damage depending on the enrichment of beneficial bacteria in weaned piglets

BACKGROUND

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most common environmental pollutants that induces intestinal inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a probiotic that not only has anti-inflammatory effects, but also shows protective effect on the intestinal barrier. However, it is still unknown whether LGG exerts beneficial effects against DON-induced intestinal damage in piglets. In this work, a total of 36 weaned piglets were randomized to one of four treatment groups for 21 d. The treatment groups were CON (basal diet); LGG (basal diet supplemented with 1.77 × 10¹¹ CFU/kg LGG); DON (DON-contaminated diet) and LGG + DON (DON-contaminated diet supplemented with 1.77 × 10¹¹ CFU/kg LGG).

RESULT

Supplementation of LGG can enhance growth performance of piglets exposed to DON by improving intestinal barrier function. LGG has a mitigating effect on intestinal inflammation induced by DON exposure, largely through repression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, supplementation of LGG increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus_torques_group and Anaerofustis), and decreased the relative abundances of harmful bacteria (e.g., Parabacteroides and Ruminiclostridium_6), and also promoted the production of SCFAs.

CONCLUSIONS

LGG ameliorates DON-induced intestinal damage, which may provide theoretical support for the application of LGG to alleviate the adverse effects induced by DON exposure.

In Vivo Recovery of Bacteriophages and Their Effects on Clostridium perfringens-Infected Broiler Chickens

The objectives of this study were to recover bacteriophages (BPs) from the intestinal digesta of BP-fed broilers and to evaluate the antibacterial effects of encapsulated or powdered BPs in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens. Day-old broiler chicks (n = 320/experiment) were randomly assigned to 32 pens (n = 10 broilers/pen) and allocated to one of four dietary groups: (1) unchallenged group (NEG); (2) C. perfringens-challenged group (POS); (3) POS group fed a diet supplemented with powdered BPs; and (4) POS group fed a diet supplemented with encapsulated BPs. On days 21, 22, and 23 post-hatch, all chickens except NEG were orally inoculated twice a day with 2 mL C. perfringens (1.0 × 10⁸ cfu/mL). Varying BP levels were detected in gut digesta at all ages and were numerically or significantly higher in the encapsulated BP group than in the powdered BP group. Dietary powder or encapsulated BPs reversed the C. perfringens-mediated increase in crypt depth. In addition, villus height to crypt depth ratio was elevated in the NEG and BP-treated/challenged groups compared with that in the POS group. C. perfringens counts in the cecum were significantly lower in the BP-fed chickens than in the POS group. The encapsulated BP-supplemented diet-fed chickens had the highest serum IgA levels. Collectively, our results suggest that dietary BP remains viable in intestinal digesta upon ingestion and can inhibit cecal C. perfringens counts.

Dietary Supplementation With Lactobacillus plantarum Ameliorates Compromise of Growth Performance by Modulating Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Intestinal Dysbiosis in Broilers Under Clostridium perfringens Challenge

Clostridium perfringens is an important zoonotic pathogen associated with food contamination and poisoning, gas gangrene, necrotizing enterocolitis or necrotic enteritis in humans and animals. Dysbacteriosis is supposedly associated with the development of C. perfringens infection induced necrotic enteritis, but the detailed relationship between intestinal health, microbiome, and C. perfringens infection-induced necrotic enteritis remains poorly understood. This research investigated the effect of probiotics on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers, and the involved roles of intestinal microbiota and microbial metabolic functions under C. perfringens infection. Results showed that subclinical necrotic enteritis was successfully induced as evidenced by the significant lower body weight (BW), suppressed feed conversion ratio (FCR), decreased ileal villus height and mucosal barrier function, and increased ileal histopathological score and bursal weight index. Lactobacillus plantarum or Paenibacillus polymyxa significantly attenuated C. perfringens-induced compromise of growth performance (BW, FCR) and ileal mucosa damage as illustrated by the increased ileal villus height and villus/crypt ratio, the decreased ileal histopathological score and the enhanced ileal mucosal barrier function. L. plantarum also significantly alleviated C. perfringens-induced enlarged bursa of fabricius and the decreased levels of ileal total SCFAs, acetate, lactate, and butyrate. Furthermore, dietary L. plantarum improved C. perfringens infection-induced intestinal dysbiosis as evidenced by significantly enriched short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospira, Faecalibacterium, Blautia), reduced drug-resistant bacteria (Bacteroides, Alistipes) and enteric pathogens (Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis) and bacterial metabolic dysfunctions as illustrated by significantly increased bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis, decreased bacterial lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and antibiotic biosynthesis (streptomycin and vancomycin). Additionally, the BW and intestinal SCFAs were the principal factors affecting the bacterial communities and microbial metabolic functions. The above findings indicate that dietary with L. plantarum attenuates C. perfringens-induced compromise of growth performance and intestinal dysbiosis by increasing SCFAs and improving intestinal health in broilers.

Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisins on Broiler Gut Cytoprotective Capacity

Mycotoxins are a crucial problem for poultry production worldwide. Two of the most frequently found mycotoxins in feedstuffs are deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins (FUM) which adversely affect gut health and poultry performance. The current knowledge on DON and FUM effects on broiler responses relevant for gut detoxification, antioxidant capacity, and health is still unclear. The aim of this study was to assess a range of selected molecular intestinal biomarkers for their responsiveness to the maximum allowable European Union dietary levels for DON (5 mg/kg) and FUM (20 mg/kg) in broilers. For the experimental purpose, a challenge diet was formulated, and biomarkers relevant for detoxification, antioxidant response, stress, inflammation, and integrity were profiled across the broiler intestine. The results reveal that DON significantly (p < 0.05) induced aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) expression mainly at the duodenum. Moreover, DON and FUM had specific significant (p < 0.05) effects on the antioxidant response, stress, inflammation, and integrity depending on the intestinal segment. Consequently, broiler molecular responses to DON and FUM assessed via a powerful palette of biomarkers were shown to be mycotoxin and intestinal site specific. The study findings could be highly relevant for assessing various dietary bioactive components for protection against mycotoxins.