1
|
Ndunguru SF, Reda GK, Csernus B, Knop R, Lugata JK, Szabó C, Lendvai ÁZ, Czeglédi L. Embryonic Leucine Promotes Early Postnatal Growth via mTOR Signalling in Japanese Quails. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2596. [PMID: 39272381 PMCID: PMC11394045 DOI: 10.3390/ani14172596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Nutritional cues during embryonic development can alter developmental trajectories and affect postnatal growth. However, the specific mechanisms by which nutrients influence avian growth remain largely unknown. Amino acids can directly interact with the nutrient-sensing pathways, such as the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, which are known to regulate growth. We examined the effects of embryonic leucine on gene expression and phenotypic growth in Japanese quails by injecting 2.5 mg leucine or saline (control) into Japanese quail eggs on the tenth day of incubation and incubating them under standard conditions. The treatment groups had similar hatching success and size at hatching. However, between 3 and 7 days post-hatching, quails treated with embryonic leucine showed increased growth in body mass and wing, tarsus, head, and intestinal lengths, lasting up to 21 days. The hepatic expression of IGF1, IGF1R, mTOR, and RPS6K1 was upregulated in leucine-treated quails, while the expression of FOXO1 remained unaffected. In conclusion, a subtle increase in embryonic leucine may induce developmental programming effects in Japanese quail by interacting with the IGF-1/mTOR nutrient-sensing pathway to promote growth. This study highlights the role of embryonic amino acids as crucial nutrients for enhancing growth. It provides valuable insight into nutrient intervention strategies during embryonic development to potentially improve poultry growth performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sawadi F Ndunguru
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gebrehaweria K Reda
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Csernus
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renáta Knop
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - James K Lugata
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szabó
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ádám Z Lendvai
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Czeglédi
- Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim WK, Singh AK, Wang J, Applegate T. Functional role of branched chain amino acids in poultry: a review. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101715. [PMID: 35299066 PMCID: PMC8927823 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides insight into the effects of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine, and valine) on the growth, production performance, immunity, and intestinal health of poultry. Besides providing nitrogen substrates and carbon framework for energy homeostasis and transamination, BCAA also function as signaling molecules in the regulation of glucose, lipid, and protein synthesis via protein kinase B and as a mechanistic target of the rapamycin (AKT-mTOR) signaling pathway that is important for muscle accretion. The level of leucine is generally high in cereals and an imbalance in the ratio among the 3 BCAA in a low protein diet would produce a negative effect on poultry growth performance. This occurs due to the structural similarity of the 3 BCAA, which leads to metabolic competition and interference with the enzymatic degradation pathway. Emerging evidence shows that the inclusion of BCAA is essential for the proper functioning of the innate and adaptive immune system and the maintenance of intestinal mucosal integrity. The recommended levels of BCAA for poultry are outlined by NRC (1994), but commercial broilers and laying hen breed standards also determine their own recommended levels. In this review, it has been noted that the requirement for BCAA is influenced by the diet type, breed, and age of the birds. Additionally, several studies focused on the effects of BCAA in low protein diets as a strategy to reduce nitrogen excretion. Notably, there is limited research on the inclusion ratio of BCAA in a supplemental form as compared to the ingredient-bound form which would affect the dynamics of utilization in different disease-challenged conditions, especially those affecting digesta passage ratio. In summary, this review encompasses the role of BCAA as functional AA and discusses their physiological effects on the productivity and health of poultry. The observations and interpretations of this review can guide future research to adjust the recommended levels of BCAA in feeding programs in the absence of subtherapeutic antibiotics in poultry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Woo Kyun Kim
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jinquan Wang
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Todd Applegate
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
L-Leucine In Ovo Administration Causes Growth Retardation and Modifies Specific Amino Acid Metabolism in Broiler Embryos. J Poult Sci 2021; 58:163-170. [PMID: 34447280 PMCID: PMC8371536 DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.0200086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Leucine (L-Leu) in ovo administration was demonstrated to afford thermotolerance and modified amino acids metabolism in post-hatched broiler chicks under heat stress. This study aimed to investigate the changes in embryonic growth and amino acid metabolism after in ovo injection of L-Leu. Fertilized broiler eggs were subjected to in ovo injection of sterile water or L-Leu on embryonic day (ED) 7. The weight of embryos and yolk sacs were measured on ED 12, 14, 16, and 18. Plasma and livers were collected on ED 14 and 18 for free amino acid analysis. The weight and relative weight of embryos were significantly lowered by in ovo administration of L-Leu, but those of yolk sacs were not altered. Moreover, L-Leu in ovo injection significantly reduced the plasma proline concentration during embryogenesis and increased the plasma concentrations of tyrosine (Tyr) and lysine (Lys) in ED 18. Hepatic Lys concentration was also significantly increased by L-Leu in ovo injection. Interestingly, Leu concentrations in the plasma and liver were not affected by L-Leu administration. These results indicated that in ovo administered L-Leu was metabolized before ED 14 and affected embryonic growth and amino acid metabolism during embryogenesis.
Collapse
|
4
|
Chowdhury VS, Han G, Eltahan HM, Haraguchi S, Gilbert ER, Cline MA, Cockrem JF, Bungo T, Furuse M. Potential Role of Amino Acids in the Adaptation of Chicks and Market-Age Broilers to Heat Stress. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:610541. [PMID: 33490137 PMCID: PMC7820334 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.610541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased average air temperatures and more frequent and prolonged periods of high ambient temperature (HT) associated with global warming will increasingly affect worldwide poultry production. It is thus important to understand how HT impacts poultry physiology and to identify novel approaches to facilitate improved adaptation and thereby maximize poultry growth, health and welfare. Amino acids play a role in many physiological functions, including stress responses, and their relative demand and metabolism are altered tissue-specifically during exposure to HT. For instance, HT decreases plasma citrulline (Cit) in chicks and leucine (Leu) in the embryonic brain and liver. The physiological significance of these changes in amino acids may involve protection of the body from heat stress. Thus, numerous studies have focused on evaluating the effects of dietary administration of amino acids. It was found that oral l-Cit lowered body temperature and increased thermotolerance in layer chicks. When l-Leu was injected into fertile broiler eggs to examine the cause of reduction of Leu in embryos exposed to HT, in ovo feeding of l-Leu improved thermotolerance in broiler chicks. In ovo injection of l-Leu was also found to inhibit weight loss in market-age broilers exposed to chronic HT, giving rise to the possibility of developing a novel biotechnology aimed at minimizing the economic losses to poultry producers during summer heat stress. These findings and the significance of amino acid metabolism in chicks and market-age broilers under HT are summarized and discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishwajit S Chowdhury
- Laboratory of Stress Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Guofeng Han
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hatem M Eltahan
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shogo Haraguchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elizabeth R Gilbert
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mark A Cline
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - John F Cockrem
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Takashi Bungo
- Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Furuse
- Laboratory of Regulation in Metabolism and Behavior, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xie WY, Fu Z, Pan NX, Yan HC, Wang XQ, Gao CQ. Leucine promotes the growth of squabs by increasing crop milk protein synthesis through the TOR signaling pathway in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia). Poult Sci 2020; 98:5514-5524. [PMID: 31172174 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pez296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine (Leu) plays a critical regulatory role in protein synthesis, however, the effects and molecular mechanisms of Leu on crop milk protein in the domestic pigeons (Columba livia) are still unknown. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Leu supplementation on crop milk protein synthesis and the growth performance of squabs and the possible underlying mechanism. A total of 240 pairs of breeding pigeons (1102.3 ± 9.5 g/pair) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments, including a positive control (PC) diet that had adequate crude protein (crude protein, CP = 18%; Leu = 1.30%), a negative control (NC) diet that was low in CP (CP = 16%, Leu = 1.30%), and NC diets supplemented with Leu at 0.15%, 0.45%, or 1.05%. Compared with the NC diet, 0.15 to 0.45% Leu supplementation decreased BW loss and increased relative crop weight, crop thickness, and protein levels in the crop tissue and milk of breeding pigeons. However, dietary supplementation with 1.05% Leu inhibited ADFI in breeding pigeons. Dietary supplementation with 0.15 to 0.45% Leu decreased the mortality rate and increased the BW, eviscerated yield, and breast muscle yield of young squabs. The protein expression levels of the target of rapamycin (TOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1), and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) were upregulated in the crop tissue of breeding pigeons in PC, 0.15% and 0.45% Leu-supplemented groups. Collectively, these results indicated that 0.15 to 0.45% Leu supplementation could decrease BW loss, increase milk protein synthesis in the crop of breeding pigeons, and enhance the survival rate and growth performance of young squabs through the TOR signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Y Xie
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Z Fu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - N X Pan
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - H C Yan
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - X Q Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - C Q Gao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Effects of l-leucine in ovo feeding on thermotolerance, growth and amino acid metabolism under heat stress in broilers. Animal 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731120000464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
|
7
|
Kop-Bozbay C, Ocak N. In ovo injection of branched-chain amino acids: Embryonic development, hatchability and hatching quality of turkey poults. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2019; 103:1135-1142. [PMID: 31050076 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the influence of a branched-chain amino acid blend (BCAA composed of 3 l-leucine:1 l-valine:2 l-isoleucine) injected into the amniotic fluid was evaluated for embryonic growth, yolk-sac (YS) utilization and development of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and skeletal muscles of turkey embryos from day 24 of incubation (24E) to hatching, together with hatchability, poult quality and liver L* (lightness), a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values at hatch. At day 22 of incubation, embryonated eggs (n = 240) were assigned to three treatments, that is, eggs were not injected (control, NC) or injected with 1.5 ml sterile solution with 0.9% salt (SA) or 0.2% BCAA blend (BCAAb). These solutions were injected manually into the amniotic fluid of the embryonated eggs. To determine weights and lengths (where appropriate) of the studied organs and tissues, four embryonated eggs and poults per treatment were selected at 24E and at hatch. While the BCAAb decreased the YS and embryo weight, hatchability and the liver L* value, it increased the weight and quality of poults and the weights of breast and thigh muscles at hatch. In conclusion, the in ovo feeding of the BCAA blend negatively affected hatchability but positively affected hatching weight and poult quality by improving development of skeletal muscles and by regulating energy metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Canan Kop-Bozbay
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Nuh Ocak
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Han G, Yang H, Bungo T, Ikeda H, Wang Y, Nguyen LT, Eltahan HM, Furuse M, Chowdhury VS. In ovo L -leucine administration stimulates lipid metabolisms in heat-exposed male, but not female, chicks to afford thermotolerance. J Therm Biol 2018; 71:74-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
9
|
l-Leucine acts as a potential agent in reducing body temperature at hatching and affords thermotolerance in broiler chicks. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2016; 204:48-56. [PMID: 27840178 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Thermal manipulation (TM) of incubation temperature causes metabolic alterations and contributes to improving thermotolerance in chicks post hatching. However, there has been no report on amino acid metabolism during TM and the part it plays in thermotolerance. In this study, we therefore first analyzed free amino acid concentrations in the embryonic brain and liver during TM (38.6°C, 6h/d during embryonic day (ED) 10 to ED 18). It was found that leucine (Leu), phenylalanine and lysine were significantly decreased in the embryonic brain and liver. We then chose l-Leu and other branched-chain amino acids (l-isoleucine (L-Ile) and l-valine (l-Val)) for in ovo injection on ED 7 to reveal their roles in thermoregulation, growth, food intake and thermotolerance in chicks. It was found that in ovo injection of l-Leu, but not of l-Ileu or l-Val, caused a significant decline in body temperature at hatching and increased food intake and body weight gain in broiler chicks. Interestingly, in ovo injection of l-Leu resulted in the acquisition of thermotolerance under high ambient temperature (35±1°C for 180min) in comparison with the control thermoneutral temperature (28±1°C for 180min). These results indicate that the free amino acid concentrations during embryogenesis were altered by TM. l-Leu administration in eggs caused a reduction in body temperature at hatching, and afforded thermotolerance in heat-exposed young chicks, further suggesting that l-Leu may be one of the key metabolic factors involved in controlling body temperature in embryos, as well as in producing thermotolerance after hatching.
Collapse
|