Effects of berberine on the growth performance, antioxidative capacity and immune response to lipopolysaccharide challenge in broilers

Dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract alleviates intestinal injury in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide by regulating gut microbiota and plasma metabolites

Introduction

The prevention and mitigation of intestinal immune challenge is crucial for poultry production. This study investigated the effects of dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on the prevention of intestinal injury in broiler chickens challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

A total of 256 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups using a 2×2 factorial design with 2 MCE supplemental levels (0 and 400 mg/kg) and 2 LPS challenge levels (0 and 1 mg/kg body weight). The experiment lasted for 21 d.

Results and discussion

The results showed that MCE supplementation increased the average daily feed intake during days 0-14. MCE supplementation and LPS challenge have an interaction on the average daily gain during days 15-21. MCE supplementation significantly alleviated the decreased average daily gain of broiler chickens induced by LPS. MCE supplementation increased the total antioxidant capacity and the activity of catalase and reduced the level of malondialdehyde in jejunal mucosa. MCE addition elevated the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the ileum. MCE supplementation decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in the jejunum. MCE addition mitigated LPS-induced mRNA up-expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-17 in the jejunum. MCE supplementation increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria (such as Lactobacillus and Blautia) and reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (such as Actinobacteriota, Peptostretococcaceae, and Rhodococcus), leading to alterations in gut microbiota composition. MCE addition altered several metabolic pathways such as Amino acid metabolism, Nucleotide metabolism, Energy metabolism, Carbohydrate metabolism, and Lipid metabolism in broilers. In these pathways, MCE supplementation increased the levels of L-aspartic acid, L-Glutamate, L-serine, etc., and reduced the levels of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, thromboxane B2, 13-(S)-HODPE, etc. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 400 mg/kg MCE effectively improved the growth performance and intestinal function in LPS-challenged broiler chickens, probably due to the modulation of gut microbiota and plasma metabolites.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance of Muscovy ducklings (Cairina moschata)

OBJECTIVE

The current experiment was performed to investigate the influence of different dietary levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, immune response, caecal microbiota, and carcass characteristics of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) during 7 to 63 d of age.

METHODS

A total of 240 unsexed 7-d-old ducklings were distributed into five (treatment) groups; each one contained six replicates with eight ducklings each. Birds of the first group were fed basal diet without MOLM and served as control, while the other four groups were fed basal diet with 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.0%, and 2.0% MOLM inclusion level, respectively.

RESULTS

The obtained results revealed that including MOLM in the diets significantly improved body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and economic efficiency compared with the control group. Among the different MOLM inclusion treatments, increasing MOLM inclusion level decreased (p<0.05) such previous parameters. Decreasing MOLM inclusion levels in duckling diets increased (p>0.05) the digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and nitrogen free extract, however all MOLM treatments were significantly higher than the control group. Results also revealed that feeding ducks lower MOLM inclusion levels (0.25% or 0.50%) improved blood parameters (p<0.05) compared with the higher inclusion levels (1.0% or 2.0% MOLM) and the control group. Ducks fed different MOLM levels had significantly higher phagocyte index and activity, immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity compared with control group.

CONCLUSION

Despite the beneficial effects of all MOLM treatments on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological status, and immune response of duckling, the increasing MOLM inclusion level in the diet had deleterious effects on such studied traits, consequently 0.25% was the best MOLM inclusion level in duckling diets.

The Effects of Glutamine Supplementation on Liver Inflammatory Response and Protein Metabolism in Muscle of Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Broilers

The aim of our present study was to investigate the effects of Gln supplementation on liver inflammatory responses as well as protein synthesis and degradation in the muscle of LPS-challenged broilers. A total of 120 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Arbor Acres Plus) were randomly arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with five replicates per treatment and six broilers per replicate, containing two main factors: immune challenge (injected with LPS in a dose of 0 or 500 µg/kg of body weight) and dietary treatments (supplemented with 1.22% alanine or 1% Gln). After feeding with an alanine or Gln diet for 15 days, broilers were administrated an LPS or a saline injection at 16 and 21 days. The results showed that Gln supplementation alleviated the increased mRNA expressions of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α induced by LPS in liver. Moreover, the increased activity of aspartate aminotransferase combined with the decreased expression of glutaminase in muscle were observed following Gln addition. In addition, in comparison with the saline treatment, LPS challenge altered the signaling molecules' mRNA expressions associated with protein synthesis and degradation. However, Gln supplementation reversed the negative effects on protein synthesis and degradation in muscle of LPS-challenged broilers. Taken together, Gln supplementation had beneficial effects: alleviating inflammatory responses, promoting protein synthesis, and inhibiting protein degradation of LPS-challenged broilers.

Protective effects of berberine in chronic copper-induced liver and gill injury in freshwater grouper (Acrossocheilus fasciatus)

This experiment aimed to investigate the protective effects of berberine on copper-induced liver and gill toxicities in freshwater grouper (Acrossocheilus fasciatus). Fish (initial weight 1.56 ± 0.10 g) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks (80 L, 20 fish per tank) and divided into four experimental groups: The control group, exposed to 0.02 mg/L Cu2+ (Cu group), exposed to 0.02 mg/L Cu2+ and fed 100 mg/kg berberine (BBR100 group), and exposed to 0.02 mg/L Cu2+ and fed 400 mg/kg berberine (BBR400 group). After a 30-day experiment, the results showed that berberine significantly increased the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver, gills, and serum inhibited by Cu2+ exposure (P < 0.05). Berberine inclusion significantly decreased the activities of lysozyme and acid phosphatase, as well as the content of immunoglobulin M compared to the Cu group (P < 0.05). Berberine significantly suppressed the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 signaling transducer, and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 in the liver and gills induced by Cu2+ exposure while downregulating the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor β1. Additionally, berberine significantly reduced the activities of the liver injury markers alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, the levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride in serum, as well as alleviated the histopathological damage in the liver and gills caused by Cu2+ exposure. In summary, berberine enhanced antioxidant capacity, mitigated inflammation, and exerted significant protective effects on liver and gill damage in freshwater grouper under Cu2+ exposure.

Biomarkers of oxidative stress in broiler chickens attacked by lipopolysaccharide: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Oxidative stress (OS) constitutes a pivotal factor in the initiation and progression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges in broiler chickens. Increasing studies have demonstrated that Alleviation of oxidative stress seems to be a reasonable strategy to alleviate LPS-mediated afflictions in broilers. Nonetheless, the relationship between OS-related indicators and exposure to LPS remains a topic of debate. The aim of this investigation was to precisely and holistically evaluate the effect of LPS exposure on OS-associated markers. We conducted a systematic search of four electronic databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane for relevant studies, and a total of 31 studies were included. The overall results showed that the LPS treatment significantly increased the levels of oxygen radicals and their products, such as malondialdehydes (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), while significantly reduced the levels of antioxidants, such as total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione (GSH), in the chickens. Intriguingly, though the observed trends in alterations were not strictly correlated with LPS concentrations, the enzyme activity levels were indeed influenced by the concentration of LPS. This observation highlights the complex relationship between LPS exposure and the body's antioxidant response. Despite some limitations, all the included studies were deemed credible. Subgroup evaluations revealed that the jejunum and duodenum has demonstrated stronger antioxidant capability compared to other tissues. Overall, our study presents compelling evidence that exposure to LPS induces significant OS in chickens. And we also found that the extent of OS was related to LPS doses, target tissues, and dietary ingredients.

Effects of dietary polyherbal mixtures on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function and jejunal health of yellow-feathered broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of polyherbal mixtures (PHM) on growth performance, antioxidant capacities, immune function, and intestinal health in yellow-feathered broilers. PHM is composed of five traditional Chinese medicine herbs (Portulaca oleracea L., Radix Sophora flavescens, Thalictrum glandulosissimum, Terra flava usta, and Pogostemon cablin). A total of 270 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allotted into 3 treatments for a 42-d feeding trial, each with 6 replicates of 15 birds. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (CON), a basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC), and a basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg PHM. The results showed that dietary PHM supplementation increased body weight, ADG, and decreased F/G compared to the CON. PHM also increased spleen index and mRNA expression of IL-4 (d 21), and thymus index, serum IgA (d 42) and IgG, IL-4 and sIgA in jejunal mucosa (d 21 and 42), but decreased serum IFN-γ and mRNA expression of IFN-γ (d 21 and 42). In addition, PHM increased serum SOD, GSH-Px (d 21 and 42) and T-AOC (d 42), but decreased the content of serum MDA (d 21), the up-regulated mRNA expression of GSH-Px, CAT (d 21), SOD and CAT (d 42). Furthermore, PHM also improved the intestinal epithelial barrier indicators by the up-regulated mRNA expression of CLDN-1, OCLN (d 21 and 42) and ZO-1 (d 21), and the increased of villus height and villus height to crypt depth in jejunum (d 42). The high-throughput sequencing results showed that dietary PHM supplementation increased the alpha diversity and relative abundance of Oscillospira and Ruminococcus (d 21) and Lactobacillus (d 42), whereas decreasing that of Enterococcus (d 21) compared with CON. PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways of carbohydrate, energy, lipid, cofactors, and vitamins were significantly enriched in the PHM group. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the genera Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Ruminococcus, Oscillospira, and Faecalibacterium were related to growth performance, intestinal integrity, immune-related factors, antioxidant indices, and tight junction proteins. In conclusion, the results indicated that dietary PHM supplementation improved growth performance and immune status of yellow-feathered broilers by enhancing antioxidant capacities, barrier function, and modulated jejunal microbial communities. PHM used in our study has the potential to replace prophylactic antibiotic use in poultry production systems.

A High Dose of Dietary Berberine Improves Gut Wall Morphology, Despite an Expansion of Enterobacteriaceae and a Reduction in Beneficial Microbiota in Broiler Chickens

Phytogenic products are embraced as alternatives to antimicrobials, and some are known to mitigate intestinal inflammation and ensure optimal gut health and performance in broiler chickens. Dietary inclusion of berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in plants, is believed to exert gut health-promoting effects through modulation of the gut microbiota; however, there are only a few studies investigating its effects in chickens. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between dietary supplementation of a high concentration of berberine, the gastrointestinal microbiota, and histomorphological parameters in the gut. Berberine was shown to increase villus length and decrease crypt depth and CD3⁺ T-lymphocyte infiltration in the gut tissue of chickens at different ages. Berberine affected the diversity of the gut microbiota from the jejunum to the colon, both at a compositional and functional level, with larger effects observed in the large intestine. A high concentration of berberine enriched members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and depleted members of the Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae families, as well as tended to reduce butyrate production in the cecum. In vivo results were confirmed by in vitro growth experiments, where increasing concentrations of berberine inhibited the growth of several butyrate-producing strains while not affecting that of Enterobacteriaceae strains. Positive correlations were found between berberine levels in plasma and villus length or villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum. Our study showed that berberine supplementation at a high concentration improves chicken gut morphology toward decreased inflammation, which is likely not mediated by the induced gut microbiota shifts. IMPORTANCE Dietary additives are widely used to reduce intestinal inflammation and enteritis, a growing problem in the broiler industry. Berberine, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, would be an interesting feed additive in this regard. This study investigates for the first time the impact of berberine supplementation on the chicken gastrointestinal microbiota, as a potential mechanism to improve gut health, together with histological effects in the small intestine. This study identified a dose-effect of berberine on the gut microbiota, indicating the importance of finding an optimal dose to be used as a dietary additive.

Effects of Dietary Ferulic Acid on Intestinal Health and Ileal Microbiota of Tianfu Broilers Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been considered the primary agent to establish animal models of inflammation, immunological stress, and organ injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that LPS impaired gastrointestinal development and disrupted intestinal microbial composition and metabolism. Ferulic acid (FA) isolated from multiple plants exhibits multiple biological activities. This study investigated whether FA ameliorated intestinal function and microflora in LPS-challenged Tianfu broilers. The results showed that LPS challenge impaired intestinal function, as evidenced by decreased antioxidant functions (p < 0.05), disrupted morphological structure (p < 0.05), and increased intestinal permeability (p < 0.05); however, these adverse effects were improved by FA supplementation. Additionally, FA supplementation preserved sIgA levels (p < 0.05), increased mRNA expression levels of CLDN and ZO-1 (p < 0.05), and enhanced epithelial proliferation (p < 0.05) in the ileal mucosa in LPS-challenged chickens. Moreover, FA supplementation rectified the ileal microflora disturbances in the LPS-challenged broilers. The results demonstrate that dietary FA supplementation decreased LPS-induced intestinal damage by enhancing antioxidant capacity and maintaining intestinal integrity. Furthermore, FA supplementation protects intestinal tight junctions (TJs), elevates secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, and modulates ileal microflora composition in LPS-challenged broilers.

Effect of Immune Stress on Growth Performance and Immune Functions of Livestock: Mechanisms and Prevention

Simple Summary

Immune stress is an important stressor in domestic animals that leads to decreased feed intake, slow growth, and reduced disease resistance of pigs and poultry. Especially in high-density animal feeding conditions, the risk factor of immune stress is extremely high, as they are easily harmed by pathogens, and frequent vaccinations are required to enhance the immunity function of the animals. This review mainly describes the causes, mechanisms of immune stress and its prevention and treatment measures. This provides a theoretical basis for further research and development of safe and efficient prevention and control measures for immune stress in animals.

Abstract

Immune stress markedly affects the immune function and growth performance of livestock, including poultry, resulting in financial loss to farmers. It can lead to decreased feed intake, reduced growth, and intestinal disorders. Studies have shown that pathogen-induced immune stress is mostly related to TLR4-related inflammatory signal pathway activation, excessive inflammatory cytokine release, oxidative stress, hormonal disorders, cell apoptosis, and intestinal microbial disorders. This paper reviews the occurrence of immune stress in livestock, its impact on immune function and growth performance, and strategies for immune stress prevention.

Effects of Dietary Ferulic Acid Supplementation on Hepatic Injuries in Tianfu Broilers Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin that can cause an imbalance between the oxidation and antioxidant defense systems and then induces hepatic damages. Ferulic acid (FA) has multiple biological functions including antibacterial and antioxidant activities; however, the effect of FA on lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic injury remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of dietary Ferulic acid against Lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatic injuries in Tianfu broiler chickens. The results showed that supplementation of FA in daily feed increased body weight (BW) and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in LPS treatment broilers significantly (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplement of FA alleviated histological changes and apoptosis of hepatocytes in LPS treatment broilers. Supplement of FA significantly decreases the activities of ROS. Interestingly, the levels of antioxidant parameters including total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and glutathione (GSH) in LPS group were significantly increased by the FA supplementation (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, administration of LPS to broilers decreased the expressions of Nrf2, NQO1, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and Bcl-2, whereas it increased the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of Nrf2, NQO1, SOD, CAT, Bcl-2 were significantly upregulated and Caspase-3 were significantly downregulated in the FL group when compared to LPS group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of FA in daily feed improves growth performance and alleviates LPS-induced oxidative stress, histopathologic changes, and apoptosis of hepatocytes in Tianfu broilers.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Phytogenic Substances for Optimizing Gut Health in Poultry

The gut microbiota has been designated as a hidden metabolic ‘organ’ because of its enormous impact on host metabolism, physiology, nutrition, and immune function. The connection between the intestinal microbiota and their respective host animals is dynamic and, in general, mutually beneficial. This complicated interaction is seen as a determinant of health and disease; thus, intestinal dysbiosis is linked with several metabolic diseases. Therefore, tractable strategies targeting the regulation of intestinal microbiota can control several diseases that are closely related to inflammatory and metabolic disorders. As a result, animal health and performance are improved. One of these strategies is related to dietary supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and phytogenic substances. These supplements exert their effects indirectly through manipulation of gut microbiota quality and improvement in intestinal epithelial barrier. Several phytogenic substances, such as berberine, resveratrol, curcumin, carvacrol, thymol, isoflavones and hydrolyzed fibers, have been identified as potential supplements that may also act as welcome means to reduce the usage of antibiotics in feedstock, including poultry farming, through manipulation of the gut microbiome. In addition, these compounds may improve the integrity of tight junctions by controlling tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory signaling pathways in the host animals. In this review, we discuss the role of probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic substances in optimizing gut function in poultry.

The protective impact of berberine against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known anti-neoplastic agent that is widely employed to treat several types of malignancies. The current study was designed to investigate the renoprotective potential of berberine (BEB) on the doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotoxicity and renal fibrosis. Rats were allocated into four groups; Negative Control, DOX nephrotoxic-induced group received a single dose of DOX (20 mg/kg, i.p.), BEB-group received (50 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days, and co-treatment group BEB + DOX where rats were pre-treated with BEB for 10 successive days, then received a single dose of DOX on the 11th day, followed by 4 days of receiving BEB. DOX resulted in nephrotoxicity manifested by significant increments in urea, creatinine, and kidney injury molecule (KIM-1), these biochemical findings were supported with the histopathological lesions in renal tissues. Moreover, DOX provoked oxidative stress through enhancing renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents, and decreased renal catalase (CAT) activity. DOX triggered renal fibrosis represented by increased transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and elevated collagen deposition. DOX stimulated apoptosis and inflammation in renal tissues as confirmed by increased immunoexpression of caspase-3 and NF-κB, respectively. These effects were alleviated by BEB co-treatment. Co-treatment with BEB markedly prohibited DOX-induced oxidative damage, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis in renal tissue. Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations showed the nephroprotective potential of BEB on renal injury, which was consistent with the biochemical findings. Accordingly, it could be concluded that the nephroprotective potential of BEB against DOX-induced kidney injury and fibrosis might be mediated by the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis activities.

Glucocorticoid receptor-mediated alleviation of inflammation by berberine: in vitro, in silico and in vivo investigations

As a natural dietary ingredient, berberine possesses multiple biological activities including anti-inflammatory effects. In this work, glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated alleviation of inflammation by berberine was investigated by a combination of in vitro, in silico, and in vivo approaches. The fluorescence polarization assay showed that berberine bound to GR with an IC₅₀ value of 9.14 ± 0.16 pM. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation suggested that berberine bound stably to the active site of GR via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Berberine induced GR nuclear translocation but did not activate the glucocorticoid response element in HeLa cells. Furthermore, both gene and protein expressions of PEPCK were significantly attenuated by berberine in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, berberine downregulated CBG mRNA and protein levels without up-regulating TAT mRNA and protein levels in HepG2 cells, demonstrating its dissociated characteristics that could separate transrepression from transactivation. In addition, the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of berberine were confirmed in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells and in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis, respectively. In conclusion, berberine might serve as a potential selective GR modulator.

Berberine improves intestinal barrier function and reduces inflammation, immunosuppression, and oxidative stress by regulating the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway in deoxynivalenol-challenged piglets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of berberine (BBR) on the intestinal health of piglets exposed to deoxynivalenol (DON). A total of 180 weaned piglets were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatment groups with 10 replication pens per treatment and 6 piglets per pen. The treatments were basal diet, basal diet +4 mg/kg DON, and basal diet +4 mg/kg DON +40 mg/kg BBR. The experiment lasted for 21 d. BBR improved the growth performance of DON-challenged piglets. BBR could inhibit DON-induced intestinal injury by increasing the expression of serum antioxidant enzymes and T cell surface antigens and reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines in the small intestine. BBR significantly increased the protein expression levels of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), Occludin and Claudin-1 in the ileal and jejunal mucosa and increased the morphological parameters of the jejunum. Moreover, we found that BBR significantly reduced the DON-induced gene and protein expression levels of ERK, JNK, and NF-κB in the jejunum and ileum. In conclusion, BBR can regulate DON-induced intestinal injury, immunosuppression and oxidative stress by regulating the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways and ultimately maintain the intestinal health of piglets.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Dry Hydrastis canadensis on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Serum Biochemical Parameters and Cecal Microbiota in Laying Hens

Simple Summary

Extensive studies on alternative sources of feed additives to replace antibiotics are required. Plants of the Ranunculaceae family have been used as medicines or dyes. The representative plant is goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), which has a long history of use in North America, with berberine considered the most effective ingredient in goldenseal. Some natural compounds in Hydrastis canadensis function as efflux pump inhibitors and thus may have bactericidal effects against pathogens with antibiotic resistance. However, no conclusive beneficial effects of goldenseal on the livestock industry have been reported. The objective of this study was to examine whether the alternative use of goldenseal roots or leaves has potential health benefits in chickens. Our data demonstrate that Hydrastis canadensis can improve the egg quality and modulate the microbiota composition of laying hens.

Abstract

Alternative growth promoters are able to not only effectively replace the traditional use of antibiotics but also provide additional health benefits for livestock and reduce food safety concerns. This study investigated the effects of dry Hydrastis canadensis on the laying performance and fecal microbial community of laying hens. Twenty-four Lohmann (LSL, white layer strain) hens were reared from 40 to 48 weeks of age and randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (six birds/treatment). The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet with no treatment as control, a basal diet plus 0.6% powder of dry Hydrastis canadensis roots (R) or leaves (L), and a basal diet plus 0.6% powder of a mixture of dry Hydrastis canadensis roots and leaves (1:1, LR). No mortality was observed in the whole experimental period. The results indicated that albumen height in the LR group was significantly greater than that in the control group. The diet supplemented with Hydrastis canadensis had no significant effects on egg production rate, egg weight, eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, or yolk height during the whole experimental phase. However, principal coordinate analysis, comparative heat map analysis, and cluster dendrogram analysis of cecal microbiota showed distinct clusters among the groups treated with Hydrastis canadensis and the control group. Regarding blood biochemical parameters, serum cholesterol levels were significantly lower in all Hydrastis canadensis-treated groups compared with those in the control group. Moreover, serum low-density lipoprotein levels were lower in hens supplemented with the leaf of Hydrastis canadensis. The abundances of the phyla Fusobacteria and Kiritimatiellaeota were increased (p < 0.05) in laying hens fed with 0.6% Hydrastis canadensis leaves, whereas the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes in cecum digesta decreased in response to treatment with Hydrastis canadensis roots and leaves. The relative abundance of the Fusobacterium genus was higher in the LR group compared with that in the control. On the contrary, we found a different trend in the Synergistes genus. The potential influences of these microbiota on the performance of laying hens were discussed. The results demonstrate that Hydrastis canadensis can improve the egg albumen height and modulate the cecum digesta microbiota composition of laying hens.

Effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide in diet on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers

In the present study, we analyzed the effects of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GCP) on growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and biochemistry of broilers. A total of 600, one-day-old AA broilers randomly divided into 5 treatment groups with 6 replicate pens of 20 birds per cage received dietary supplementation with GCP (0, 200, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg) for 42 d. The supplementation of GCP linearly decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion rate on day 22 to 42. Dietary supplementation with GCP reduced (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol on day 21 and 42 and linearly improved (P < 0.05) albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity on day 21 and 42 and reduced (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde content on 21 d. Dietary supplementation with 1,000 or 1,500 mg/kg GCP significantly improved (P < 0.05) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expressions in liver on day 21 and 42. At the end of the experiment, we randomly selected 20 broilers from 3 treatment groups (0, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg), respectively, to perform an lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute stress experiment. The 60 broilers were divided into 6 treatment groups with 10 birds per cage. The experiment was designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with GCP (0, 1,000, or 1,500 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 1 mg/kg body weight) levels as treatments. When the grouping was finished, the broilers were immediately intraperitoneally injected with LPS or normal saline. Six hours after challenged, serum antioxidant and liver immunity were analyzed. The results showed that dietary GCP prevented LPS-induced reductions in T-SOD activity and increases in malonaldehyde content (P < 0.05). Also, dietary GCP supplementation mitigated the LPS-induced increase in IL-1β and IFN-γ in the liver. Supplementation with 1,500 mg/kg GCP showed the most optimal effect in broilers. GCP has the potential to be used as feed additive in broilers.

Dietary supplementation with berberine improves growth performance and modulates the composition and function of cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers

This study investigated the effect of berberine (BBR) on growth performance and composition and function of cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old female broilers were assigned to 3 dietary treatments, each with 6 replicates of 20 birds. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet as negative control (NC), basal plus 200 mg/kg oxytetracycline calcium and 250 mg/kg nasiheptide as an antibiotic positive control (PC), and basal plus 250 mg/kg BBR. On day 21, 42, and 63, one chicken from each replicate was randomly selected for blood collection and cecal sampling. The 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the community composition and function of cecal microbiota. Dietary supplementation with antibiotics or BBR increased the final body weight (BW) at day 63 and the average daily gain (ADG) during 1 to 21 d compared with the NC (P < 0.05). Supplementation with BBR improved the average daily feed intake (ADFI) at 22 to 42 d, 43 to 63 d, and 1 to 63 d (P < 0.05). Feed efficiency, indicated by feed to gain ratio (F/G), increased with PC during day 1 to 21 compared with NC (P < 0.05). The plasma concentrations of total protein at 42 d and uric acid at 21 d were increased, whereas creatine concentration at 63 d was decreased by BBR treatment (P < 0.05). The Chao 1 and Shannon index representing microbial α-diversity was reduced by BBR treatment (P < 0.05). The abundances of phylum Firmicutes and genera Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, Clostridiales, and Intestinimonas were decreased, whereas the abundances of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Bacteroides were increased with BBR treatment. Functional prediction of microbiota revealed that BBR treatment enriched pathways related to metabolism, organismal systems, and genetic information processing, especially DNA replication. The abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes, and genera Bacteroides and Lactobacillus in cecal contents were positively correlated with broiler growth performance. These results demonstrated dietary BBR supplementation improved the growth performance of yellow-feathered broilers, and was closely related to the significant changes in cecal microbiota composition.

Effects of feeding diets with processed Moringa oleifera stem meal on growth and laying performance, and immunological and antioxidant activities in laying ducks

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera stem (MOS) meal in ducks. A total of 225 ducklings at 1 D of age were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatment groups with 3 replicates of 25 each. The growth experiment lasted 63 D . The egg experiment started from 23 to 27 wk of age. Ducks were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups with 3 replications of 15 each. The following dietary treatments were applied: 1) Control (CON), basal diet + 0% MOS meal; 2) basal diet + 2% MOS meal; 3) basal diet + 4% MOS meal. During 0 to 4 wk of age, ducks fed 2% MOS diet showed significantly increase in average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.05) and ducks fed 4% MOS diet had a significant improvement in feed conversion rate (FCR; P < 0.05). However, ADFI, ADG, and FCR were not affected significantly during 5 to 9 wk of age (P > 0.05). In egg production experiment, ADFI, average egg weight, laying rate, and FCR showed significant increase in 4% MOS diets (P < 0.05). Laying ducks fed 4% MOS diet had a higher egg shape index, whereas a lower yolk color compared with CON (P < 0.05). The proportion of broken shell eggs were zero in experimental diets, whereas 3% of which occurred in CON (P < 0.05). However, no significant effects in proportion of soft shell eggs, proportion of abnormal-shape eggs, albumen height, haugh unit, and eggshell thickness were observed among all treatments (P > 0.05). For serum biochemical parameters, total protein and albumin were increased in MOS diets during 0 to 4 wk of age, but decreased during 5 to 9 wk of age. For serum antioxidant index, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase values were increased whereas malondialdehyde values were decreased in MOS diets from 0 to 9 wk of age. The results suggest that MOS positively affects early growth performance and laying performane of duckling but partially affects egg quality. The antioxidative activity and immunological index may be improved.

Hepatic Inflammatory Response to Exogenous LPS Challenge is Exacerbated in Broilers with Fatty Liver Disease

This study aimed to examine hepatic function and inflammatory response in broilers with fatty livers, following acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. One-day-old Lihua yellow broilers were fed a basal diet. Broilers were divided into four groups: control (CON), corticosterone treatment (CORT), LPS treatment (LPS), and LPS and CORT treatment (LPS&CORT). Results show that CORT induced an increase in plasma and liver triglycerides (TGs), which were accompanied by severe hepatic steatosis. The LPS group showed hepatocyte necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration. Total liver damage score in the LPS&CORT group was significantly higher than that in the LPS group (p < 0.05). Activity levels of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were similar in the CON and CORT groups, but higher in the LPS group. Gene expression upregulation of the proinflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and iNOS) was also noted in the LPS group (p < 0.05). In particular, LPS injection exacerbated the gene expression of these proinflammatory cytokines, even when accompanied by CORT injections (p < 0.05). In summary, our results indicate that broilers suffering from fatty liver disease are more susceptible to the negative effects of LPS, showing inflammatory response activation and more severe damages to the liver.

Berberine Maintains the Neutrophil N1 Phenotype to Reverse Cancer Cell Resistance to Doxorubicin

This study explores the contributions of neutrophils to chemotherapeutic resistance and berberine-regulated cancer cell sensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX). In vitro experiments, continuous DOX treatment led to the shift of HL-60 cells to N2 neutrophils and thus induced chemotherapeutic resistance. The combination treatment with DOX and 2 µM berberine resulted in the differentiation of HL-60 cells toward N1 and therefore stimulated HL-60 cell immune clearance. Berberine increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased autophagy and therefore induced apoptosis in HL-60-N2 cells with morphological changes, but had no effect on cell viability in HL-60-N1 cells. The neutrophil-regulating efficacy of berberine was confirmed in the urethane-induced lung carcinogenic model and H22 liver cancer allograft model. Furthermore, we found that DOX-derived neutrophils had high levels of CD133 and CD309 surface expression, which prevented both chemotherapeutic sensitivity and immune rejection by self-expression of PD-L1 and surface expression of PD-1 receptor on T cells, whereas berberine could downregulate CD133 and CD309 surface expression. Finally, berberine-relevant targets and pathways were evaluated. This study first suggests an important role of berberine in regulating neutrophil phenotypes to maintain cancer cell sensitivity to DOX.