Dietary Macleaya cordata extract supplementation improves the growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis

The interaction between Angelica sinensis polysaccharide ASP-2pb and specific gut bacteria alleviates rheumatoid arthritis in rats

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) alleviated Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but whether the relief was attributed to ASP itself or its microbial metabolites remained unclear. We characterized the main fraction of ASP (ASP-2pb) as a polysaccharide with molecular weight of 92.02 kDa. It contained approximately 48 repeating units of →6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 3)-4-OMe-β-D-Galp-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 → 6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 3)-4-OMe-β-D-Galp-(1→3)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Galp-(1 → with branches of Araf and Galp. Using ASP-2pb as intervention, the symptoms of RA in rats including joint swelling and inflammation were alleviated. Pseudo-germ-free animal test confirmed the necessity of specific gut bacteria during this alleviation. Bacteria such as Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, Parvibacter, Ruminococcus_torques_group, Fournierella and Alloprevotella ought to be the key bacteria. Metabolites generated by these gut bacteria such as myristoleic acid, cuminaldehyde, 4-deoxypyridoxine and galactosylhydroxylysine, should be the key to RA remission. Therefore, specific metabolites were the consequence of the interaction between ASP-2pb and specific intestinal bacteria, and were responsible for the RA improvement.

Hawthorn Pectin Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Ameliorating Intestinal Barrier Function and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Pectin, as a kind of soluble dietary fiber in hawthorns, exhibits a wide range of biological activities. Nevertheless, its role and mechanism in ulcerative colitis (UC) remain unclear. In this study, the effect of hawthorn pectin (HP) against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice and its underlying mechanism were evaluated. HP dramatically alleviated the pathological symptoms related to colitis in mice, displaying an increase in body weight and colon length and inhibition in colon damage. Importantly, HP inhibited the serum levels of inflammation-related factors including tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 as well as decreased the number of F4/80-positive macrophages in the colon. Moreover, the expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin proteins related to intestinal permeability were increased. A significant decrease in a dose-dependent manner at the gut bacterial genus level (such as Alistipes, Colidextribacter, and Blautia) was observed after HP treatment. HP improved the metabolic pathways of gut microbiota and increased the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in cecal contents of UC mice. Intriguingly, fecal microbiota transplantation intervention with an HP-derived microbiome notably increased the length and relieved histopathological changes of colon in UC mice. Conclusively, our study provided valuable insights into the potential of HP as a prebiotic for maintaining intestinal health and confirmed that HP could ameliorate UC in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.

Multi-Omics Reveal the Effects and Regulatory Mechanism of Dietary Magnolol Supplementation on Production Performance of Post-Peak Laying Hens

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of magnolol on production performance in postpeak laying hens. We divided the hens into three groups (ND, MAG300, MAG500) and conducted a 10-week feeding trial. The results indicated that daily supplementation with magnolol improved the laying rate, reduced the feed-to-egg ratio, controlled liver fat accumulation, and alleviated ovarian oxidative stress and apoptosis. Additionally, 16S rDNA analysis revealed that magnolol increased microbial diversity in the cecum, augmented the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and diminished the abundance of harmful bacteria. Untargeted metabolomics of blood demonstrated that magnolol reduced the concentration of glycerophospholipid-related metabolites while increasing the levels of propionate and amino acid metabolites. Furthermore, liver transcriptome analysis indicated that magnolol inhibited fatty acid synthesis, transport, and elongation, while promoting fatty acid oxidation. These results collectively demonstrate that magnolol can positively regulate the gut-liver-ovary axis to enhance the production performance in laying hens.

Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides alleviate chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression through the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway and symptoms of sexual dysfunction in mice

Background

In recent years, depression has become a global public health concern, and one of the common concomitant symptoms are diminished sexual motivation and impaired sexual performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOO) on depression and its concomitant symptom, sexual dysfunction.

Methods

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression model was constructed, and the effects of MOO on depression and sexual abilities were evaluated.

Results

The results revealed that MOO was able to alleviate CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in mice, to inhibit hippocampal neuron apoptosis, to reverse monoamine neurotransmitter imbalance, increase Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression levels in the hippocampus, to modulate the composition and distribution of gut microbiota, and to increase the abundance of probiotics after continuous gavage of MOO for 28 days. MOO further confirmed that sexual dysfunction is closely related to the development of depression by improving the lack of sexual motivation and low sexual performance in CUMS-induced depressed mice, modulating the disruption of sex hormone secretion in serum, and alleviating sperm morphology and functional defects in the epididymis.

Conclusion

These findings on MOO provide a basis for exploring its antidepressant mechanism, its use to improve hypogonadotropic symptoms, and for future development of new antidepressant drug to improves hypogonadotropic symptoms.

Relationship between dietary fiber physicochemical properties and feedstuff fermentation characteristics and their effects on nutrient utilization, energy metabolism, and gut microbiota in growing pigs

BACKGROUND

There is a growing focus on using various plant-derived agricultural by-products to increase the benefits of pig farming, but these feedstuffs are fibrous in nature. This study investigated the relationship between dietary fiber physicochemical properties and feedstuff fermentation characteristics and their effects on nutrient utilization, energy metabolism, and gut microbiota in growing pigs.

METHODS

Thirty-six growing barrows (47.2 ± 1.5 kg) were randomly allotted to 6 dietary treatments with 2 apparent viscosity levels and 3 β-glucan-to-arabinoxylan ratios. In the experiment, nutrient utilization, energy metabolism, fecal microbial community, and production and absorption of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) of pigs were investigated. In vitro digestion and fermentation models were used to compare the fermentation characteristics of feedstuffs and ileal digesta in the pig's hindgut.

RESULTS

The production dynamics of SCFA and dry matter corrected gas production of different feedstuffs during in vitro fermentation were different and closely related to the physical properties and chemical structure of the fiber. In animal experiments, increasing the dietary apparent viscosity and the β-glucan-to-arabinoxylan ratios both increased the apparent ileal digestibility (AID), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), and hindgut digestibility of fiber components while decreasing the AID and ATTD of dry matter and organic matter (P < 0.05). In addition, increasing dietary apparent viscosity and β-glucan-to-arabinoxylan ratios both increased gas exchange, heat production, and protein oxidation, and decreased energy deposition (P < 0.05). The dietary apparent viscosity and β-glucan-to-arabinoxylan ratios had linear interaction effects on the digestible energy, metabolizable energy, retained energy (RE), and net energy (NE) of the diets (P < 0.05). At the same time, the increase of dietary apparent viscosity and β-glucan-to-arabinoxylan ratios both increased SCFA production and absorption (P < 0.05). Increasing the dietary apparent viscosity and β-glucan-to-arabinoxylan ratios increased the diversity and abundance of bacteria (P < 0.05) and the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, increasing the dietary β-glucan-to-arabinoxylan ratios led to a linear increase in SCFA production during the in vitro fermentation of ileal digesta (P < 0.001). Finally, the prediction equations for RE and NE were established.

CONCLUSION

Dietary fiber physicochemical properties alter dietary fermentation patterns and regulate nutrient utilization, energy metabolism, and pig gut microbiota composition and metabolites.

Effects of ursolic acid on growth performance, serum biochemistry, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health of broilers

Previous studies have shown that adding 450 mg/kg of ursolic acid (UA) can improve the growth performance of broilers. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to further explore whether UA promotes the growth of broilers by affecting the intestinal environment of broilers. We randomly divided 120 broilers with similar BW (46.53 ± 0.05 g) into two groups. Each group had six replicates, with 10 broilers per replicate. The broilers were fed either the corn-soybean meal-basal diet (CON group) or the corn-soybean meal-basal diet supplemented with 450 mg/kg UA (UA group). This study lasted 42 days. Adding UA increased the daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broilers (P < 0.05). The UA group exhibited reduced aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, interleukin 6 and interleukin 1, and triacylglycerol levels, with increased interleukin 10 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum (P < 0.05). The UA supplementation improved total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity in serum (P < 0.05), and increased these levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05). It reduced malondialdehyde concentration in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05), improved jejunal morphology by increasing villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio, and decreased crypt depth (P < 0.05). Gene expression of zona occludens 1 and Claudin-1 was higher, while interleukin 6 was lower in the UA group (P < 0.05). Additionally, interleukin 10 gene expression in jejunal mucosa was higher (P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the abundance of Bacteroides, proteobacteria, and desulfurisation bacteria (P < 0.05), with higher Barnesiella and Clostridia_UCG-014, and lower Romboutsia in the UA group (P < 0.05). Barnesiella negatively correlated with interleukin 6, interleukin 1, and triacylglycerol, but positively correlated with interleukin 10 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 450 mg/kg UA to broiler feed can improve serum and jejunal antioxidant capacity, reduce jejunal and ileal inflammation, improve jejunal morphology, and regulate caecal microbiota structure composition, promoting broiler growth.

In ovo sodium butyrate administration differentially impacts growth performance, intestinal barrier function, immune response, and gut microbiota characteristics in low and high hatch-weight broilers

BACKGROUND

Hatch weight (HW) affects broiler growth and low HW (LHW) often leads to suboptimal performance. Sodium butyrate (SB) has been shown to promote growth through enhanced intestinal health. This study investigated how broilers with different HW responded to in ovo SB injection and whether SB could enhance gut health and performance in LHW chicks. Ross 308 broiler eggs were injected on incubation d 12 with physiological saline (control) or SB at 0.1% (SB1), 0.3% (SB3), or 0.5% (SB5). Post-hatch, male chicks from each treatment were categorized as high HW (HHW) or LHW and assigned to 8 groups in a 4 × 2 factorial design. Production parameters were recorded periodically. Intestinal weight, length, and gene expression related to gut barrier function and immune response were examined on d 14 and 42. Cecal microbiota dynamics and predicted functionality were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

SB treatments did not affect hatchability. HHW-control group exhibited consistently better weight gain and FCR than LHW-control group. SB dose-dependently influenced performance and gut health in both HW categories, with greater effects in LHW broilers at 0.3%. LHW-SB3 group attained highest body weight on d 42, exceeding controls but not significantly differing from HHW-SB3 group. LHW-SB3 group showed upregulation of gut-barrier genes CLDN1 in ileum, TJP1 in jejunum and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both jejunum and ileum on d 14. Additionally, LHW-SB3 group upregulated mucin-producing MUC6 gene in ileum, while HHW-SB5 group increased pro-inflammatory IL-12p40 cytokine in caecum on d 42. LHW-SB3 group demonstrated shorter relative intestinal lengths, while HHW-SB5 had longer lengths. HHW-control group had higher bacterial diversity and growth-promoting bacteria while LHW-control group harbored the potential pathogen Helicobacter. SB reshaped gut microbiota biodiversity, composition, and predicted metabolic pathways in both HW categories. The LHW-SB3 group exhibited highest alpha diversity on d 14 and most beneficial bacteria at all timepoints. HHW-SB5 group presented increased pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella and Campylobacter on d 42.

CONCLUSIONS

HW significantly affects subsequent performance and SB has differential effects based on HW. LHW chicks benefited more from 0.3% SB, showing improvements in growth, intestinal development, health, and gut microbiota characteristics.

The Interactive Effects of Nutrient Density and Breed on Growth Performance and Gut Microbiota in Broilers

This study investigated whether variations in growth response to low nutrient density across breeds are linked to microbiota regulation. Arbor Acres (AA) and Beijing-You (BY) were fed high- (HN) and low-nutrient (LN) diets from day (d) 0 to d42. Body weight, feed intake, and intestinal measurements were recorded, and microbiota from the ileum and cecum were analyzed on d7, d21, and d42. Results showed that AA broilers had greater growth performance with a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) and greater average daily gain (ADG) than BY chickens. The LN diet negatively affected AA broiler growth due to impaired intestinal development, while BY chickens compensated by increasing feed intake. Microbiota composition was primarily affected by breed than by nutrient density, with AA broilers having more beneficial bacteria and BY chickens having more short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria. The LN diets reduced anti-inflammatory bacteria such as Shuttleworthia and Eisenbergiella in the cecum on d7. By d21, LN diets decreased Lactobacillus and increased proinflammatory Marvinbryantia, potentially impairing growth. However, LN diets enriched SCFA-producing bacteria like Ruminococcaceae_UCG.013, Eisenbergiella, and Tyzzerella in BY chickens and Faecalitalea in AA broilers by d21, which may benefit gut health. By d42, LN diets reduced genera linked to intestinal permeability and fat deposition, including Ruminococcus_torques_group, Romboutsia, Erysipelatoclostridium, and Oscillibacter. Additionally, LN diets enriched Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in AA broilers, associated with intestinal barrier integrity, and increased anti-inflammatory bacteria Alistipes and Barnesiella in AA broilers and BY chickens, respectively, by d42. Overall, AA broilers were more susceptible to reduced nutrient density due to impaired intestinal development, while BY chickens adapted better by increasing feed intake. The microbiota responses to low nutrient density varied over time, potentially negatively affecting gut health in the early stage and growth in the middle stage but possibly improving lipid deposition and gut health in the middle and late stages.

Macleaya cordata extract improves egg quality by altering gut health and microbiota in laying hens

This study investigated the effect of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on the performance, gut health, and microbiota of laying hens. A total of 192 thirty-wk-old Hyline brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups. The CON group received a basal diet, while the low (MCE250), medium (MCE350), and high (MCE450) dose groups were supplemented with 250, 350, and 450 mg/kg MCE, respectively. The egg weight and Haugh unit demonstrated a linear and quadratic increase with the MCE dose during the initial 4-wk period of the experiment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the dietary supplementation of MCE led to a significant enhancement in eggshell thickness and Haugh unit at wk 8 and the data showed a statistically significant linear and quadratic increase (P < 0.05). Serum cytokine assay showed that dietary supplementation of MCE led to linear and quadratic increases in IL-4 and IL-10 level (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 350 and 450 mg/kg MCE was observed to result in linear and quadratic increase in serum lysozyme levels (P < 0.05). The addition of MCE to the diet resulted in a linear and quadratic increase in the levels of sIgA in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). In terms of gene expression, the addition of MCE to the diet resulted in linear and quadratic increases in the expression of IL-10, IgA, Serpinb14, Serpinb14B, and OIH (P < 0.05). The expression of jejunal genes pIgR and IL-4 was observed to increase in a linear and quadratic manner, respectively, following the dietary addition of 350 mg/kg MCE and IL-1β decreased in a linear manner (P < 0.05). Moreover, these favorable effects were maximized at medium dosage (350 mg/kg) of MCE addition, and intestinal microbial composition in the control and MCE350 groups was assessed. 350 mg/kg MCE increased the relative abundance of Bryobacter and Parasutterella and decreased the relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium in the cecum (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Bryobacter, Parasutterella, Skermanella, and Erysipelatoclostridium were associated with nonspecific immune functions (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 350 mg/kg MCE supplementation elevated the immune response, and upregulated the expression of genes related to protein production in eggs, thereby improving egg quality. These effects may be associated with changes in the microbiota, specifically Bryobacter, Parasutterella, and Erysipelatoclostridium.

Extracellular Vesicles from Nanomedicine-Trained Intestinal Microbiota Substitute for Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Treating Ulcerative Colitis

The biosafety concerns associated with fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) limit their clinical application in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). Gut microbiota secrete abundant extracellular vesicles (Gm-EVs), which play a critical role in bacteria-to-bacteria and bacteria-to-host communications. Herein, intestinal microbiota are trained using tea leaf lipid/pluronic F127-coated curcumin nanocrystals (CN@Lp127s), which can maintain stability during transit through the gastrointestinal tract. Compared with FMT, Gm-EVs derived from healthy mice significantly improve treatment outcomes against UC by reducing colonic inflammatory responses, restoring colonic barrier function, and rebalancing intestinal microbiota. Strikingly, Gm-EVs obtained from CN@Lp127-trained healthy mice exhibit a superior therapeutic effect on UC compared to groups receiving FMT from healthy mice, Gm-EVs from healthy mice, and FMT from CN@Lp127-trained healthy mice. Oral administration of Gm-EVs from CN@Lp127-trained healthy mice not only alleviates colonic inflammation, promotes mucosal repair, and regulates gut microbiota but also regulates purine metabolism to decrease the uric acid level, resulting in a robust improvement in the UC. This study demonstrates the UC therapeutic efficacy of Gm-EVs derived from nanomedicine-trained gut microbiota in regulating the immune microenvironment, microbiota, and purine metabolism of the colon. These EVs provide an alternative platform to replace FMT as a treatment for UC.

Bacteroidales reduces growth rate through serum metabolites and cytokines in Chinese Ningdu yellow chickens

Increasing evidence has indicated that the gut microbiome plays an important role in chicken growth traits. However, the cecal microbial taxa associated with the growth rates of the Chinese Ningdu yellow chickens are unknown. In this study, shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to identify cecal bacterial species associated with the growth rate of the Chinese Ningdu yellow chickens. We found that nine cecal bacterial species differed significantly between high and low growth rate chickens, including three species (Succinatimonas hippei, Phocaeicola massiliensis, and Parabacteroides sp. ZJ-118) that were significantly enriched in high growth rate chickens. We identified six Bacteroidales that were significantly enriched in low growth rate chickens, including Barnesiella sp. An22, Barnesiella sp. ET7, and Bacteroidales bacterium which were key biomarkers in differentiating high and low growth rate chickens and were associated with alterations in the functional taxa of the cecal microbiome. Untargeted serum metabolome analysis revealed that 8 metabolites showing distinct enrichment patterns between high and low growth rate chickens, including triacetate lactone and N-acetyl-a-neuraminic acid, which were at higher concentrations in low growth rate chickens and were positively and significantly correlated with Barnesiella sp. An22, Barnesiella sp. ET7, and Bacteroidales bacterium. Furthermore, the results suggest that serum cytokines, such as IL-5, may reduce growth rate and are related to changes in serum metabolites and gut microbes (e.g., Barnesiella sp. An22 and Barnesiella sp. ET7). These results provide important insights into the effects of the cecal microbiome, serum metabolism and cytokines in Ningdu yellow chickens.

Effect of dietary supplementation with sanguinarine on meat quality and lipid metabolism of broilers

Dietary Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) can improve the meat quality of poultry. However, the specific mechanism by which MCE regulates the meat quality has not been clarified yet. Sanguinarine (SAN) is one of the important natural active components in MCE. Our study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of dietary SAN supplementation on meat quality through transcriptomic and gut microbiome analysis, thereby providing a basis for regularing meat quality with MCE. 240 1-day-old broilers were divided into 4 groups according to different doses of SAN (0, 0.225, 0.75, and 2.25 mg/kg). The results indicated that SAN significantly improve the physicochemical quality indicators of breast and thigh muscle in broilers, improved the serum biochemical indexes. Through transcriptome sequencing analysis of the liver and ileum tissues of broilers, we found that the differentially expressed genes induced by SAN were mainly enriched in lipid metabolism, which were related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. It reconfirmed that SAN can regulate lipid metabolism in the body by promoting the expression of genes related to cholesterol metabolism, fatty acid transport and oxidation by RT-PCR, this ultimately affects the physicochemical quality of muscle. Additionally, through 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, we found that dietary addition of SAN increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, while decreased the relative abundance of Alistipes in ceca. To further investigate the impact of gut microbiota on lipid metabolism, we conducted a correlation analysis of PPAR pathway factor expression in cecum tissue and microflora structure. The results showed that Bacteroides exhibited a positive correlation with the expression of most genes in the PPAR signaling pathway. Unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae is positively correlated with PPARγ, Cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 5 (ACSL5). In conclusion, dietary addition of SAN can promote the genes expression of the PPAR pathway, target the regulation of intestinal microflora structure and abundance and regulate lipid metabolism, thereby improving meat quality of 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.

The inflammatory immunity and gut microbiota are associated with fear response differences in laying hens

The fear response is a crucial adaptive mechanism for coping with environmental changes, and the individuals have different levels of fearfulness. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of the immune response and gut health in hens with different fear responses. A total of 80 healthy 75-wk-old native Lindian chickens were individually housed in conventional cages and categorized into high (TH) and low (TL) levels of fearfulness using the tonic immobility (TI) test. The immunological status and intestinal health of the laying hens were assessed, and the intestinal microbial community was sequenced using 16S rRNA testing. The results showed that the immune-related genes of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IgG were significantly upregulated in the spleen of TH hens compared with hens in the TL group (P < 0.01). The inflammatory immune-related genes Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, IL-10, and IgG were significantly increased in the intestinal tract, whereas IL-4, IgA, and the intestinal barrier gene claudin-4 were significantly decreased in TH hens (P < 0.05). In addition, serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-α and IgG were significantly higher in TH hens (P < 0.01). A high fear response also led to changes in gut microbial diversity, with a higher Simpson's index and lower β-diversity similarity than hens with a low-fear response (P < 0.05). The TH group showed an increase in 8 genera, including Bacillaceae and Coprococcus, whereas the genus Anaerorhabdus decreased (P < 0.05). The gut microbiota has also been associated with gut barrier genes, and inflammatory cytokines. Bartonella stimulates IL-1β and IgG secretion, whereas Lactobacillus inhibits IL-6 secretion, and Coprococcus and Subdoligranulum are associated with the maintenance of intestinal barrier function. The results of this study suggest that laying hens with high fear response levels have a more sensitive immune response and a more enriched gut microbiota, which may have positive effects on adapting to a complex environment.

Effect of dietary aspirin eugenol ester on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal inflammation, and cecal microbiota of broilers under high stocking density

This study was designed to examine the impact of aspirin eugenol ester (AEE) on the growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, jejunal barrier function, and cecal microbiota of broilers raised under stressful high density (HD) stocking conditions compared with normal density broilers (ND). A total of 432 one-day-old AA+ male broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal density (ND, 14 broilers /m2), high density (HD, 22 broilers /m2), ND + AEE, and HD + AEE. The results of the study revealed a significant decrease in the growth performance of broiler chickens as a result of HD stress (P < 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum demonstrated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) at both 28 and 35 d. Conversely, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) exhibited a significant increase (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of AEE resulted in a significant elevation (P < 0.05) of serum GSH-PX, SOD and T-AOC activity at both 28 and 35 d. Moreover, exposure to HD stress resulted in a considerable reduction in the height of intestinal villi and mRNA expression of tight junction proteins in the jejunum, along with, a significant elevation in the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). However, the administration of AEE reversed the adverse effects of HD-induced stress on villus height and suppressed the mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory genes, COX-2 and mPGES-1. Additionally, the exposure to HD stress resulted in a substantial reduction in the α-diversity of cecal microbiota and disruption in the equilibrium of intestinal microbial composition, with a notable decrease in the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium (P < 0.05). In contrast, the addition of AEE to the feed resulted in a notable increase in the relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium and enhanced microbial diversity (P < 0.05). The inclusion of AEE in the diet has been demonstrated to enhance intestinal integrity and growth performance of broilers by effectively mitigating disruptions in gut microbiota induced by HD stress.

Effects of a dietary isoquinoline alkaloids blend on gut antioxidant capacity and gut barrier of young broilers

Extensive mechanistic evidence to support the beneficial function of dietary phytobiotic applications for broiler performance, gut function and health is highly warranted. In particular, for isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ) the underlying mechanisms related to critical gut homeostasis components such as cytoprotection and gut barrier are scarce, especially for young broilers at the starter growth stage (d1-10). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a standardized blend of IQs on the relative gene expression of critical biomarkers relevant for antioxidant response and barrier function along the intestine of young broilers at the end of starter growth phase. For this purpose, 182 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were allocated in 2 treatments with 7 replicates of 13 broilers each: control diet-no other additions (NC), and control diet containing a standardized blend of IQs at 200 mg/kg of diet (M) for the starter growth period (1-10d). The results revealed that the IQs blend significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of genes related to antioxidant response in all intestinal segments. Moreover, the IQs blend enhanced (P < 0.05) gut barrier components primarily at duodenal level. In conclusion, the blend of IQs beneficially affected critical pathway components relevant for the gut antioxidant capacity and barrier along the intestine of young broilers.

Celastrol ameliorates experimental autoimmune uveitis through STAT3 targeting and gut microenvironment reprofiling

BACKGROUND

Extensive research has revealed the favorable effects of celastrol (CEL) against various diseases, but the role of CEL in autoimmune uveitis remains unexplored.

METHODS

We first assessed the prophylactical and therapeutical effects of CEL on autoimmune uveitis via rat experimental autoimmune uveitis model. After network pharmacology, functional enrichment and molecular docking analyses, we predicted the potential target of CEL and validated its effect on EAU by clinical and histopathological scores, Evans blue staining, immunofluorescence assay and western blotting. Then we evaluated the role of CEL in the gut environment by 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analysis.

RESULTS

We confirmed that CEL treatment suppressed the pathological TH17 response, inhibited the migration of inflammatory cells, and preserved the integrity of BRB via targeting STAT3-IL17 pathway. Furthermore, CEL was found to reduce the relative abundance of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria including Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Parasutterella and GCA-900066575, and enrich the relative abundance of beneficial Oscillospirales and Ruminococcus_torques_group in EAU rats by fecal 16S rRNA sequencing. Meanwhile, CEL treatment reshaped the gut metabolites in the EAU rats by increasing the relative concentrations of cholic acid, progesterone and guggulsterone, and decreasing the relative levels of isoproterenol, creatinine and phenylacetylglutamine.

CONCLUSIONS

CEL exerts its ameliorative effects on the experimental autoimmune uveitis through the dual mechanisms of targeting STAT3 and reprofiling the gut microenvironment.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HW1 on Growth Performance, Intestinal Immune Response, Barrier Function, and Cecal Microflora of Broilers with Necrotic Enteritis

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HW1 on growth performance, intestinal immune response, barrier function, and cecal microflora of broilers with necrotic enteritis. In total, 180 one-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly allocated into three groups comprising a non-infected control (NC) group, basal diet + necrotic enteritis challenge (NE) group, and basal diet + 4 × 106 CFU/g Lactobacillus plantarum HW1 + necrotic enteritis challenge (HW1) group. Broilers in the NE and HW1 groups were orally given sporulated coccidian oocysts at day 14 and Clostridium perfringens from days 19 to 21. The results showed that the HW1 treatment increased (p < 0.05) the average daily gain of broilers from days 15 to 28 and from days 0 to 28 compared with the NE group. Moreover, the HW1 treatment decreased (p < 0.05) the oocysts per gram of excreta, intestinal lesion scores, ileal interleukin (IL) 1β and tumor necrosis factor α levels, and serum D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase levels, while increasing (p < 0.05) the ileal IL-10 level, thymus index, and protein expressions of ileal occludin and ZO-1. Additionally, the HW1 treatment decreased (p < 0.05) the jejunal and ileal villus height, jejunal villus height/crypt depth value, and cecal harmful bacterial counts (Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus), and increased (p < 0.05) the cecal Lactobacillus count. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 4 × 106 CFU/g Lactobacillus plantarum HW1 could relieve necrotic enteritis infection-induced intestinal injury and improve growth performance in broilers by improving intestinal barrier function and regulating intestinal microbiology.