Alteration of the Antioxidant Capacity and Gut Microbiota under High Levels of Molybdenum and Green Tea Polyphenols in Laying Hens

Effect of tea polyphenols supplement on growth performance, antioxidation, and gut microbiota in squabs

Early life nutritional supplementation can significantly improve pigeon health. Both the nutritional crops of parental pigeons and the intestinal development of squabs play key roles in the growth rate of squabs. Tea polyphenols (TPs), as natural plant extracts, exhibit potential biological activities. However, the impact of TPs on the intestinal function of squabs is not known. This study evaluated the effects of TPs on growth performance, immunity, antioxidation, and intestinal function in squabs. A total of 432 young pigeons (1 day old) were divided into four groups: a control group (fed a basic diet) and three treatment groups (low, medium, and high dose groups; 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg TPs, respectively). On the 28th day, samples of serum, mucosal tissue, and digests from the ileum of squabs were collected for analysis. The results revealed that TP supplementation significantly reduced the feed-to-meat ratio and improved the feed utilization rate and serum biochemical indices in squabs. Additionally, it enhanced the intestinal barrier function of birds by promoting intestinal development and integrity of tight junctions and regulating digestive enzyme activities and intestinal flora. Mechanistically, TPs activated the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which may be associated with improved antioxidant and immune responses, correlating with an increased abundance of Candida arthritis and Corynebacterium in the ileum.

Effects of dietary supplementation with tea polyphenols and probiotics on laying performance, biochemical parameters intestinal morphology and microflora of laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) and probiotics (PB) on the production performance, biochemical indices, and gut health of laying hens. A total of 400 Hy-line Brown layers (45 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 8 diet groups for 8-week feeding trial. Compared with the control basal diet (CT), dietary high dosage of TP and PB (HTP-PB) increased egg mass (P < 0.05). Supplementation with HTP-PB improved the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreased the malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05) without affecting the contents of immunoglobulins in the serum. The combination of HTP and PB supplementation promoted the secretion of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) compared with treatment with TP or PB alone (P < 0.05). The combined use of HTP and PB induced higher jejunal villus height (VH) than the CT group (P < 0.05). Dietary TP and PB could optimize the functional network of intestinal microflora and the interactions between the intestinal microflora and the host. Therefore, the combined use of the high dosage of TP and PB affected laying performance, improved antioxidant capacity, and promoted intestinal health, which may be associated with regulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Dietary pyrroloquinoline quinone improvement of the antioxidant capacity of laying hens and eggs are linked to the alteration of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and gut microbiota

Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ·Na2) has been considered a human food supplement for human health promotion with its antioxidant properties. To determine whether PQQ·Na2 had similar functions to improve the antioxidant ability of layers and eggs, 180 laying hens were fed with 0 or 0.4 mg/kg PQQ·Na2 diets. Supplementation with PQQ·Na2 increased the albumen height, Haugh unit of the eggs. PQQ·Na2 also led to a higher glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentration in plasma and a lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver and egg yolk. Similarly, liver gene and protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were up-regulated by PQQ·Na2. Moreover, PQQ·Na2 increased the abundance of Firmicutes, Microbacterium, Erysipelatoclostridium, Mailhella, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010, and Herbaspirillum in gut. Overall, these results suggested PQQ·Na2 increased the antioxidant ability of layers and eggs which might be in connection with the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and optimized gut microflora.

The effect of theabrownins on the amino acid composition and antioxidant properties of hen eggs

Pu-erh tea theabrownins (TBs) exert beneficial effect on egg quality and antioxidant properties of eggs, but the underlying mechanisms behind this response are unclear. In this study, we investigate the effect of TBs on egg antioxidative activity, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and the underlying relationship between the TBs and oxidant-sensitive Nrf2 signaling pathway in laying hens. Eighty layers were fed a basal diet (control) and 400 mg/kg of TBs supplemented diet for 12 wk. TBs led to an increase in albumen height and Haugh unit (P < 0.05). The albumen lysine, valine, and tryptophan were higher in layers fed TBs, whereas yolk tryptophan, methionine, vitamin A, and α-tocopherol content were enhanced by TBs (P < 0.05). Eggs albumen and yolk showed higher total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), reducing power (RP), and the scavenging rate of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH), and lower MDA content than those of eggs from the control group (P < 0.05). Also, magnum Nrf2, hemeoxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and Bcl2 expression were up-regulated by TBs, whereas magnum proapoptotic gene (Bax, caspase 3, Cyt C) were down-regulated by TBs (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that TBs improved egg albumen quality and antioxidant activity, and the Nrf2-ARE pathway were found to be involved in this process.

Spermidine alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis by inducing autophagy of granulosa cells in Sichuan white geese

Spermidine have been reported a role in antioxidative, antiaging, and antiinflammatory. Oxidative stress causes granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis, follicular atresia, and impairs poultry reproductive functions. Studies have found that autophagy is the protective mechanism against antioxidant stress and apoptosis in cells. However, the relationship between spermidine-induced autophagy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in goose GCs remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the autophagy mechanism to mediate spermidine effects on the alleviation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in goose GCs. Follicular GCs were treated with spermidine combination with 3-Nitropropanoic acid (3-NPA), rapamycin (RAPA), and chloroquine (CQ) or with hydrogen peroxide, RAPA, and CQ. Spermidine upregulated the ratio of LC3-II/I, inhibited the accumulation of p62 protein, and induced autophagy. 3-NPA treatment significantly increased ROS production, MDA content, SOD activity, cleaved CASPASE-3 protein expression, and decreased BCL-2 protein expression in follicular GCs. Spermidine inhibited oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by 3-NPA. In addition, hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress was inhibited by spermidine. However, the inhibitory effect of spermidine was eliminated under chloroquine. Our results demonstrated that spermidine relieved oxidative stress and apoptosis of GCs by inducing autophagy, indicating that spermidine has a great potential to maintain proteostasis and sustain granulosa cell viability in geese.

Effects of tea residues-fermented feed on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, caecal microbiota, and ammonia emissions of laying hens

This study was to assess the effects of tea residues-fermented feed (TR-fermented feed) on production performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity, caecal microbiota, and ammonia emissions of laying hens. A total of 1,296 Lohmann laying hens have randomly distributed four groups with six parallels and fed with diets TR-fermented feed at the rates of 0 (control), 1, 3, and 5%. The inclusion of 1% (TR)-fermented feed resulted in a significant increase in egg-laying rate and average egg weight of birds, and a reduction in the feed-to-egg ratio when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The addition of 1 and 3% of (TR)-fermented feed significantly improved the Haugh unit of eggs (p < 0.05). The eggshell thickness was observed to increase by almost one-fold upon the inclusion of 3 and 5% (TR)-fermented feed in the basal diet (p < 0.05). The supplementation of 3% (TR)-fermented feed significantly increased the content of methionine, tyrosine, proline, essential amino acids (EAA), alpha linoleic acid (C18:3n6), docosanoic acid (C22:0), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3), twenty-three carbonic acids (C23:0), ditetradecenoic acid (C24:1) and total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (∑ω-3 PUFA) in the eggs (p < 0.05). The addition of a certain amount of (TR)-fermented feed can enhance the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in chicken serum, and reduce the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). The ammonia concentration in the hen house of laying hens in the treatment groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, the main phyla in the cecal bacterial community, were differentially abundant in each group, comprising greater than 55 and 33%, respectively. Collectively, this research indicates that (TR)-fermented feed supplementation improves the performance of laying hens and reduces ammonia emissions and can be used in industry-scale layer production.

Dietary 25-hydroxyvitamin D improves productive performance and intestinal health of laying hens under Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide challenge

The effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) on the immune response of laying hens is not well elucidated. This study investigated the effects of 25OHD on egg production, egg quality, immune response, and intestinal health of laying hens challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). One hundred and sixty laying hens at 45 wk of age were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 4 birds. Hens were fed the corn-soybean based diets contained either 0 or 80 µg/kg 25OHD for 8 wks. At wk of 53 wk, birds of each dietary treatment were injected into the abdomen with 1.5 mg/kg body weight of either LPS or saline a day at 24-h intervals for continuous 7 d. LPS injection significantly decreased (P_LPS < 0.05) egg laying rate, feed intake and feed efficiency; while the supplementation of 25OHD increased (P_Interaction < 0.05) egg laying rate, feed efficiency and decreased (P_Interaction < 0.05) the broken egg rate in layers under LPS injection. LPS challenge decreased (P_LPS < 0.05) eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, albumen height and Haugh unit, while dietary 25OHD supplementation increased eggshell strength and eggshell thickness (P_25OHD < 0.05). The serum proinflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], endotoxin and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels were higher in layers under LPS challenge (P_LPS < 0.05); whereas the dietary addition of 25OHD were shown to decrease (P_25OHD < 0.05) serum IL-1β and IL-6 concentration irrespective of LPS challenge and led to a higher serum 25OHD level and a reduction in endotoxin concentration in layers under LPS challenge (P_Interaction < 0.05). The layers under LPS challenge had higher crypt depth and lower villus height/crypt depth (V/C) ratio in duodenum and jejunum (P_LPS < 0.05), while feeding 25OHD were shown to have decreasing effect on crypt depth and increasing effect V/C ratio in layers under LPS challenge (P_Interaction < 0.05). Layers under LPS challenge had lower mRNA expression of intestinal barrier associated proteins (claudin-1 and mucin-1) (P_LPS < 0.05), while the addition of 25OHD up-regulated claudin-1 and mucin-1 expression (P_interaction < 0.05). Lower antioxidant enzymes activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content in jejunum were found in layers challenged with LPS (P_25OHD < 0.05). The effect of 25OHD reversed the effect of LPS on SOD, T-AOC, and MDA content (P_Interaction< 0.05). These results suggest that supplementing 80 µg/kg 25OHD in diets may elevate laying performance and egg quality through the improvement of intestinal barrier function, antioxidant capacity, and decreased the proinflammatory cytokines levels in laying hens with Escherichia coli LPS challenge.

The Associations between Multiple Essential Metal(loid)s and Gut Microbiota in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Several experimental studies have suggested that individual essential metal(loid)s (EMs) could regulate the gut microbiota. However, human studies assessing the associations between EMs and gut microbiota are limited. This study aimed to examine the associations of individual and multiple EMs with the compositions of the gut microbiota in older adults. A total of 270 Chinese community-dwelling people over 60 years old were included in this study. Urinary concentrations of selected EMs, including vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and molybdenum (Mo), were examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The gut microbiome was assessed using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The zero-inflated probabilistic principal components analysis PCA (ZIPPCA) model was performed to denoise substantial noise in microbiome data. Linear regression and the Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models were utilized to determine the associations between urine EMs and gut microbiota. No significant association between urine EMs and gut microbiota was found in the total sample, whereas some significant associations were found in subgroup analyses: Co was negatively associated with the microbial Shannon (β = -0.072, p < 0.05) and the inverse-Simpson (β = -0.045, p < 0.05) indices among urban older adults; Ca (R² = 0.035) and Sr (R² = 0.023) exhibited significant associations with the altercations of beta diversity in females, while V (R² = 0.095) showed a significant association with altercations of beta diversity in those who often drank. Furthermore, the associations between partial EMs and specific bacterial taxa were also found: the negative and linear associations of Mo with Tenericutes, Sr with Bacteroidales, and Ca with Enterobacteriaceae and Lachnospiraceae, and a positive and linear association of Sr with Bifidobacteriales were found. Our findings suggested that EMs may play an important role in maintaining the steady status of gut microbiota. Prospective studies are needed to replicate these findings.

What is the role of phenolic compounds of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in gut microbiota?

Diet actively influences gut microbiota and body homeostasis. The predominance of beneficial species results in symbiosis, while dysbiosis is characterized by an imbalance between microbial communities. Food plays a key role in this dynamic and in promoting the health of individuals. Ilex paraguariensis, also known as yerba mate, is a traditional plant from Latin America that has a complex matrix of bioactive substances, including methylxanthines, triterpenes, saponins, and phenolics. The consumption of yerba mate is associated with antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies on yerba mate as a modulating agent of intestinal microbiota. Phenolics are the major compounds in yerba mate and have been reported to act in modulating the microbiome. In this review, we explore the activity of yerba mate as a possible stimulant of gut microbiota and present its main phenolics and their biological effects. We also propose different mechanisms of action of these phenolics and possible doses for their effectiveness.

Response surface methodology optimization and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis on ultrasonic-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and their antioxidant activity

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has attracted a growing attention for its nutritional and medicinal values, while few studies focused on systemic study of okra polyphenols (OP). In order to obtain the maximum extracted efficiency, response surface methodology was used to optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions. The maximum TPC was 7.02 mg GAE/g dw under the condition of solid-liquid ratio 1:25, ethanol concentration 70 %, 40 min, and 142 W at 46 °C. Then 27 compounds in OP were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, among which 7-hydroxycoumarin, scopoletin, luteolin and et al were firstly identified from okra. Furthermore, OP exhibited antioxidant activity in reducing power (FRAP, 9.77 mM Fe²⁺/g OP) and radical scavenging (DPPH, IC₅₀ 19.31 µg/mL; SARC, IC₅₀ 210.81 µg/ml). Moreover, OP significantly inhibited cell apoptosis and ROS generation, and alleviated oxidative damage in t-BHP induced HUVECs. Overall, our findings could provide perspective for further potential employments of okra as functional food.

Effects of Dietary Rutin Supplementation on the Intestinal Morphology, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Microbiota of Aged Laying Hens

This research investigated the effects of dietary rutin supplementation on the intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and microbiota of aged laying hens. The results showed that 500 mg/kg rutin supplementation increased the villus height of jejunum (P < 0.05). Rutin affected the immune system of the ileum and the jejunum. In the jejunum, a diet with 500 mg/kg rutin supplementation enhanced secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (P < 0.05). A diet with 1000 mg/kg rutin supplementation increased jejunal sIgA, immunologlobulin M (IgM), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels while decreasing interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNF-α, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, a diet with 500 mg/kg rutin increased sIgA, immunologlobulin G (IgG), IgM, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels and reduced TNF-α and IFN-γ levels in the ileum (P < 0.05). In the ileum, a diet with 1000 mg/kg rutin supplementation raised sIgA, IgG, IgM, IL-4, and IL-10 levels while decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels (P < 0.05). At the family level, a diet with 500 mg/kg rutin supplementation raised the relative abundance of Monoglobaceae and decreased the relative abundance of Eubacteriaceae (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. In the 1000 mg/kg rutin group, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Unclassified Coriobacteriale was considerably lower and the relative abundance of Monoglobaceae was higher than the control group (P < 0.05). This study showed that a diet with rutin supplementation can improve the intestinal health of aged laying hens, and the mechanism is related to improving the intestinal morphology and intestinal immune status, and regulating the intestinal microbes.

R- Is Superior to S-Form of α-Lipoic Acid in Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects in Laying Hens

The development of single enantiomers with high efficiency and low toxic activity has become a hot spot for the development and application of drugs and active additives. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the application of α-lipoic acid with a different optical rotation to alleviate the inflammation response and oxidative stress induced by oxidized fish oil in laying hens. Sixty-four 124-week-old Peking Red laying hens were randomly allocated to four groups with eight replicates of two birds each. The normal group was fed basal diets supplemented with 1% fresh fish oil (FO), and the oxidative stress model group was constructed with diets supplemented with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO). The two treatment groups were the S-form of the α-lipoic acid model with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO + S-LA) and the R-form of the α-lipoic acid model with 1% oxidized fish oil (OFO + R-LA) added at 100 mg/kg, respectively. Herein, these results were evaluated by the breeding performance, immunoglobulin, immune response, estrogen secretion, antioxidant factors of the serum and oviduct, and pathological observation of the uterus part of the oviduct. From the results, diets supplemented with oxidized fish oil can be relatively successful in constructing a model of inflammation and oxidative stress. The OFO group significantly increased the levels of the serum inflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ) and the oxidative factor MDA and decreased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme (T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and CAT) in the oviduct. The addition of both S-LA and R-LA significantly reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ), increased the activity of antioxidant indexes (T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and CAT), and decreased the MDA contents in the serum and oviduct. Meanwhile, the supplementation of S-LA and R-LA also mitigated the negative effects of the OFO on the immunoglobulins (IgA and IgM) and serum hormone levels (P and E2). In addition, it was worth noting that the R-LA was significantly more effective than the S-LA in some inflammatory (IL-1β) and antioxidant indices (T-SOD, GSH, and CAT). Above all, both S-LA and R-LA can alleviate the inflammation and oxidative damage caused by oxidative stress in aged laying hens, and R-LA is more effective than S-LA. Thus, these findings will provide basic data for the potential development of α-lipoic acid as a chiral dietary additive for laying hens.

Effects of Dietary Bopu Powder Supplementation on Serum Antioxidant Capacity, Egg Quality, and Intestinal Microbiota of Laying Hens

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Bopu powder supplementation on the serum antioxidant capacity, serum biochemical indices, egg quality, and intestinal microbiota. Six hundred and forty-eight 33-week-old Lohmann Brown commercial laying hens were randomly allocated into six groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg Bopu powder for 8 weeks, denoted BP0, BP25, BP50, BP100, BP200, and BP400, respectively. The results showed that dietary Bopu powder supplementation reduced serum cholesterol concentrations (linear, p < 0.01) while increasing serum globulin and albumin concentrations (linear, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the BP50 and BP100 groups had greater serum catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.05). The egg Haugh Units were considerably higher in BP25 and BP50 (p < 0.05), and eggshell thickness was higher in BP25, BP200, and BP400 (p < 0.05) when compared to BP0. Dietary treatment with Bopu powder at doses ranging from 25–100 mg/kg improved glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities while decreasing malondialdehyde concentrations in the yolk (p < 0.05). The addition of Bopu powder increased the diversity of microbiota and the relative abundance of Bacteroidota in the gut. For instance, dietary Bopu powder supplementation of 25–50 mg/kg significantly raised the relative abundance of Enterococcus, Bacteroides, and Fusobacterium in the foregut. Supplementing the diet with 50–100 mg/kg of Bopu powder improved the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the hindgut. In conclusion, dietary Bopu powder supplementation enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the foregut of laying hens and improved egg quality and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, in the laying hen diet, the optimal dosage of Bopu powder additive was 25–50 mg/kg.

Resveratrol Alleviating the Ovarian Function Under Oxidative Stress by Alternating Microbiota Related Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway

Oxidative stress (OS) is a key factor regulating the systemic pathophysiological effects and one of the fundamental mechanisms associated with aging and fertility deterioration. Previous studies revealed that resveratrol (RV) exhibits a preventive effect against oxidative stress in the ovary. However, it remains unknown whether gut microbiota respond to resveratrol during an OS challenge. In Exp. 1, layers received intraperitoneal injection of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) (0 or 800 μmol/kg BW) or received resveratrol diets (0 or 600 mg/kg) for 28 days. In Exp. 2, the role of intestinal microbiota on the effects of resveratrol on tBHP-induced oxidative stress was assessed through fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The OS challenge reduced the egg-laying rate and exhibited lower pre-hierarchical follicles and higher atretic follicles. Oral RV supplementation ameliorated the egg-laying rate reduction and gut microbiota dysbiosis. RV also reversed the tryptphan-kynurenine pathway, upregulated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) levels, and decreased the expression of forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) and P53. These findings indicated that the intestinal microbiota-related tryptophan-kynurenine pathway is involved in the resveratrol-induced amelioration of ovary oxidative stress induced by tBHP in the layer model, while SIRT1-P53/FoxO1 and Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway were involved in this process.

Dietary resveratrol improved production performance, egg quality, and intestinal health of laying hens under oxidative stressRESVERATROL IN LAYING HENS

Resveratrol (RV) is associated with protection against oxidative stress to improve health, however the effect of RV in layers under oxidative stress (OS) is limited. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the negative effect of OS and protective effects of RV against OS in laying hens. 40 Lohmann layers (25-wk-old; BW = 1.44±0.10 kg) were allocated to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with either RV (0 or 600 mg/kg) or intraperitoneal injection of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) (0 or 800 μmol/kg BW) for 31 days. The results shown that the hens challenged with tBHP presented lower egg-laying rate, feed intake, feed efficiency and higher defective egg rate (P_(tBHP)<0.05). The RV were also observed to attenuated egg laying rate and feed intake reduction together with decreased broken egg rate under t-BHP challenge (P_{(Interaction)}≤0.01). The tBHP challenged layer demonstrated lower intestinal morphology (villus height in duodenum and jejunum), lower antioxidant enzymes activities [total superoxidase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC)], and glutathione (GSH) levels and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) level] (P_(tBHP)<0.05). Dietary RV increased jejunal SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC activities, and reduced MDA concentration (P_(RV) ≤0.05). Layers under tBHP challenge up-regulated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and nuclear factor NF-κB (P_(tBHP)<0.05) in jejunum. Dietary RV supplementation down-regulated mRNA gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB (P_(RV) ≤0.05). Dietary RV up-regulated mRNA expression of jejunal barrier-related proteins (claudin-1, claudin-2, mucin-1, and occludin) and ovarian reproductive hormone receptor [steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and activin a receptor type 1 (ACVR1)] (P_(RV) ≤0.05). Overall, the results indicate that tBHP induced oxidative stress to result in reducing production performance, intestinal health and induced ovarian inflammation; whereas dietary RV was able to maintain intestinal health and mitigate the negative impact of tBHP challenge on production performance and ovarian function.

The difference in the dietary inflammatory index, functional food, and antioxidants intake between COVID -19 patients and healthy persons

BACKGROUND: The healthy diet is important to maintain immunity against infection. This study aimed to assess and compare the consumption of functional foods, some antioxidants, and dietary inflammatory index between Iranian COVID-19 patients and healthy persons. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted between 1000 (500 cases and 500 controls) adults aged 18–65years in Iran, that were sampling based on the snowball method and their information was collected electronically. The dietary intake was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p = 0.044) in vitamin D consumption between healthy people and COVID-19 patients. Vitamin E intake in healthy participants was significantly (p = 0.041) more than COVID-19 patients. There was a significant difference in Zinc (p = 0.011), selenium (p = 0.021), and vitamin C (p = 0.023) between healthy persons and COVID-19 patients. Healthy participants’ consumption of onion (56.5±7.82 g/day), garlic (4.32±0.01 g/day) and oat (6.32±0.71 g/day) was significantly (p≤0.05) more than COVID-19 patients. With the increase of each unit in the score of the dietary inflammatory index, the risk of COVID-19 incidence increased 1.63 times (OR = 1.63 95% CI: 1.54–1.72). There was an inverse association between the consumption of antioxidants and functional foods with the risk of COVID-19 incidence in the study population (p≤0.05). CONCLUSION: Healthy people consumption of antioxidants and functional foods was more than COVID-19 patients and there was a significant inverse association between the risk of COVID- 19 incidence with the consumption of functional foods and antioxidants. Increasing the dietary inflammatory index score increased the risk of COVID- 19 incidence. There is a need for further clinical trials to confirm the effect of consuming functional foods and antioxidants on the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

The Effect of Oxidative Stress on the Chicken Ovary: Involvement of Microbiota and Melatonin Interventions

The poultry ovary is used as a classic model to study ovarian biology and ovarian cancer. Stress factors induced oxidative stress to cause follicle atresia, which may be a fundamental reason for the reduction in fertility in older laying hens or in aging women. In the present study, we set out to characterize the relationships between oxidative stress and ovarian function. Layers (62 weeks of age; BW = 1.42 ± 0.12 kg) were injected with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) at 0 (CON) and 800 μmol/kg BW (oxidative stress group, OS) for 24 days and the role of melatonin (Mel) on tBHP-induced ovary oxidative stress was assessed through ovary culture in vitro. The OS (800 μmol/kg BW tert-butyl hydroperoxide) treatment decreased the reproduction performance and ovarian follicle numbers. OS decreased the expression of SIRT1 and increased the P53 and FoxO1 expression of the ovary. A decreased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, enriched Marinifilaceae (family), Odoribacter (genus) and Bacteroides_plebeius (species) were observed in the cecum of the OS group. Using Mel in vitro enhanced the follicle numbers and decreased the ovary cell apoptosis induced by tBHP. In addition, it increased the expression of SIRT1 and decreased the P53 and FoxO1 expression. These findings indicated that oxidative stress could decrease the laying performance, ovarian function and influence gut microbiota and body metabolites in the layer model, while the melatonin exerts an amelioration the ovary oxidative stress through SIRT1-P53/FoxO1 pathway.

Dietary Enteromorpha Polysaccharides Supplementation Improves Breast Muscle Yield and Is Associated With Modification of mRNA Transcriptome in Broiler Chickens

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Enteromorpha polysaccharides (EP) on carcass traits of broilers and potential molecular mechanisms associated with it. This study used RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to detect modification in mRNA transcriptome and the cognate biological pathways affecting the carcass traits. A total of 396 one-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres) were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments containing EP at 0 (CON), 1000 (EP_1000), 2500 (EP_2500), 4000 (EP_4000), 5500 (EP_5500), and 7000 (EP_7000) mg/kg levels for a 35-d feeding trial with 6 replicates/treatment. At the end of the feeding trial, six birds (one bird from each replicate cage) were randomly selected from each treatment and slaughtered for carcass traits analysis. The results showed that the dietary supplementation of EP_7000 improved the breast muscle yield (p < 0.05). Subsequently, six breast muscle samples from CON and EP_7000 groups (three samples from each group) were randomly selected for RNA-Seq analysis. Based on the RNA-Seq results, a total of 154 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (p < 0.05). Among the DEGs, 112 genes were significantly upregulated, whereas 42 genes were significantly down-regulated by EP_7000 supplementation. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways, macromolecule biosynthetic, DNA-templated, RNA biosynthetic, and metabolic process (p < 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the DEGs were enriched in signaling pathways related to viral infectious diseases and cell adhesion molecules (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of EP_7000 improves the breast muscle yield, which may be involved in improving the immunity and the cell differentiation of broilers, thus promoting the muscle growth of broilers. These findings could help understand the molecular mechanisms that enhance breast muscle yield by dietary supplementation of EP in broilers.

In Vitro Modulatory Effect of Stevioside, as a Partial Sugar Replacer in Sweeteners, on Human Child Microbiota

The effect of stevioside on human health is still insufficiently highlighted by recent research. The total or partial replacement of sugar with sweeteners influences the general state of health, especially the human microbiota's response as a determining factor in the onset of type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to present the long-term (one-year) in vitro effect that regular stevioside consumption had on children's pattern microbiota. A metabolomic response was established by determining the synthesis of organic acids and a correlation with antioxidant status. An increase in the number of bacterial strains and the variation of amount of butyrate and propionate to the detriment of lactic acid was observed. The effect was evidenced by the progressive pH increasing, the reduction of acetic acid, and the proliferation of Escherichia coli strains during the simulations. Synthesis of the main short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was interpreted as a response (adaptation) of the microbiota to the stevioside, without a corresponding increase in antioxidant status. This study demonstrated the modulatory role of stevioside on the human microbiota and on the fermentation processes that determine the essential SCFA synthesis in maintaining homeostasis. The protection of the microbiota against oxidative stress was also an essential aspect of reducing microbial diversity.

The effect of dietary pectic oligosaccharide supplementation on intestinal health of broiler breeders with different egg-laying rates

This study was conducted to explore whether dietary pectic oligosaccharide (POS) supplementation could improve gut health of broiler breeders with different egg-laying rates. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used in this study. Two hundred fifty-six Arbor Acres broiler breeders (48 wk of age), including 128 average egg-laying rate and 128 low egg-laying rate (LELR) birds, were randomly fed with the diets supplemented with or without 200 mg kg⁻¹ of POS (n = 8). The trial lasted for 8 wk. Compared with average egg-laying rate broiler breeders, LELR broiler breeders had lower laying rate and qualified egg rate (P < 0.05), higher egg weight and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05), higher IL-6 (P < 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (P = 0.07) mRNA expressions in the jejunal mucosa, and lower microflora diversity in cecal digesta. Dietary POS supplementation increased egg weight of broiler breeders (P < 0.05), enhanced superoxide dismutase activity in the jejunum (P < 0.05), decreased MDA level in the jejunum (P < 0.05), upregulated zonula occluden 1 mRNA expression in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), downregulated IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), and regulated relative abundance of some microbiota (including the phylum and genus, P < 0.05). In addition, in LELR broiler breeders, POS administration enhanced villus height (P = 0.08) and ZO-2 mRNA expression (P = 0.09) in the jejunal mucosa, alleviated the increasing MDA level in the jejunum (P < 0.05) and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), and regulated relative abundance of some microbiota (including the phylum and genus, P < 0.05). These results suggest that supplementing POS in diets may elevate gut health via improvement of intestinal barrier function, antioxidant capacity, and microbiota composition in broiler breeders with different egg-laying rates.

Algae-Derived Polysaccharides Promote Growth Performance by Improving Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Function in Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of dietary algae-derived polysaccharides (ADPs) from Enteromorpha on growth performance, intestinal morphology, intestinal permeability, and antioxidant capacity in serum, liver, and intestinal mucosa of broilers. Three hundred and ninety six day-old male chicks were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments containing 0 (Control), 1,000, 2,500, 4,000, 5,500, and 7,000 mg ADP/kg basal diet in a 35 day feeding trial. During day 1-21, compared with the control group, dietary 1,000-7,000 mg/kg ADP supplementation improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Overall (day 1-35), dietary inclusion of 1,000 mg/kg ADP increased the final body weight and ADG (p < 0.05). Besides, on day 21, dietary 2,500 mg/kg ADP supplementation increased the serum catalase (CAT) and liver total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities (p < 0.05), whereas dietary 1,000-5,500 mg/kg ADP supplementation decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in serum and liver (p < 0.05). On day 35, supplementation of 1,000 mg/kg ADP increased the serum glutathione peroxidase and CAT activities and liver T-SOD activities (p < 0.05). It decreased the MDA level of serum and liver (p < 0.05). Also, dietary 2,500 mg/kg ADP increased the villus height of jejunum and ileum on day 21 (p < 0.05), and dietary 4,000 mg/kg ADP increased the villus height of duodenum and ileum on day 35 (p < 0.05). On day 21, dietary 4,000 mg/kg ADP increased the CAT activities of the duodenum and T-SOD activities of jejunum and ileum and decreased the MDA contents in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p < 0.05). On day 35, dietary inclusion of 1,000-7,000 mg/kg ADP reduced MDA contents of duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary inclusion of ADP at 1,000-7,000 mg/kg decreased serum DAO activities at day 21 and day 35 (p < 0.05), and the serum D-lactic acid concentration was reduced by dietary supplementation of 1,000, 2,500, and 7,000 mg/kg ADP on day 21. In conclusion, dietary ADP exerted beneficial effects on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut health in broilers; based on the studied parameters, the appropriate recommended dose is 1,000-4,000 mg/kg. These findings provided new insights into the potential application of ADP as natural growth promoters in broilers.

Effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the composition of cecal microbiome of Lohmann hens

Supplementation of n-3 fatty acids to poultry diets is widely acknowledged for its role in enhancing poultry products, however, little is known about the compositional responses of gut microbial communities to type and dosage of these supplements.  Here, we compared the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), supplied as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on the composition of bacterial communities in ceca of laying hens.  Corn-soybean basal diets were supplemented with either flaxseed oil (FO, ALA-rich) or marine algal biomass (MA, DHA-rich), and each supplied 0.20 and 0.60% of total n-3 PUFA in the diet.  Lohmann LSL-Classic laying hens (n = 10/treatment) were randomly allocated to one of the 4 diets.  After 8 weeks of feeding, blood, liver and cecal digesta samples were obtained for plasma glucose, fatty acids, and short chain fatty acids analyses, respectively.  The gut bacterial communities were characterized using genomic DNA extracted from cecal contents, whereby the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Illumina Miseq® platform.  Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the predominant phyla in both the FO- and MA-fed groups.  The relative abundance of Tenericutes, often associated with immunomodulation, was relatively higher (P<0.0001) in the FO than MA group.  Although the relative abundance of Bacteroides was greater for the FO- than the MA-fed group, this genus was negatively correlated (P<0.05) with total n-3 PUFA in the liver at higher dosages of both FO- and MA-fed hens.  Higher dose of FO (0.60%) and both dosages of MA (0.20 and 0.60%) substantially enriched several members of Firmicutes (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Clostridium and Ruminococcus) which are known to produce butyrate.  Moreover, co-occurrence network analysis revealed that, in the FO 0.60- and MA 0.20-fed hens, Ruminococcaceae was the most influential taxon accounting for about 31% of the network complexity.  These findings demonstrate that supplementation of different type and level of n-3 PUFA in hens' diets could enrich microbial communities with potential role in lipid metabolism and health.