Genistein is an isoflavone naturally present in numerous staple food crops, such as soybeans and chickpeas. This study utilized the Gallus gallus intraamniotic administration procedure to assess genistein administration effects on trace mineral status, brush border membrane (BBM) functionality, intestinal morphology, and intestinal microbiome in vivo. Eggs were divided into five groups with 1 mL injection of the following treatments: no-injection, DI H2O, 5% inulin, and 1.25% and 2.5% genistein (n = 8 per group). Upon hatch, blood, cecum, small intestine, and liver were collected for assessment of hemoglobin, intestinal microflora alterations, intestinal morphometric assessment, and mRNA gene expression of relevant iron and zinc transporter proteins, respectively. This study demonstrated that intraamniotic administration of 2.5% genistein increased villus surface area, number of acidic goblet cells, and hemoglobin. Additionally, genistein exposure downregulated duodenal cytochrome B (DcytB) and upregulated hepcidin expression. Further, genistein exposure positively altered the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. Our results suggest a physiological role for genistein administration in improving mineral status, favorably altering BBM functionality and development, positively modulating the intestinal microbiome, as well as improving physiological status.
Objectives Assess the effects of intraamniotic genistein administration on brush border membrane (BBM) functionality, intestinal morphology, cecal microbiome and Fe status in-vivo (Gallus gallus). Methods Broiler chickens (Gallus gallus, n = 39) were injected in ovo (day 17 of embryonic incubation) with varying concentrations of 1 mL pure genistein in 18 Ω H2O. Two treatment groups (1.25, 2.5%), two controls (water and non-injected), and a positive control (5% inulin) were administered. Upon hatch, blood was taken for hemoglobin determination and chicks were then euthanized. Nutritional status was assessed using pectoral muscle glycogen storage and body weight analysis. Duodenal and cecal tissues were excised for BBM morphometric analysis, mRNA gene expression of relevant BBM Fe transporter proteins, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was done to evaluate gut microbiota modulation in the intestinal cecum. Results Preliminary results reveal significant increase in body weight, decrease of cecum weight, and increase in villus surface area with the higher dose of genistein administration (P < 0.05) compared to controls. Blood hemoglobin was found to be increased in the genistein-treated groups when compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Additionally, genistein administration downregulated the expression of duodenal cytochrome B (DcytB) and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and upregulated the expression of ferroportin with a dose responsive effect, indicating improved Fe physiological status. Further, administration of genistein altered the composition and function of cecal microbiota. Conclusions Genistein is a compound present in multiple staple food crops, including soybeans and chickpeas, and may be extracted and potentially used to enhance dietary Fe bioavailability and improve Fe deficiency in vulnerable populations. Recent evidence suggests a physiological role for genistein administration in improving the functionality and development of the BBM, improving Fe status, affecting the intestinal microbiome, as well as improving physiological status. Funding Sources N/A.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.