Adaptive Poultry Gut Capacity to Resist Oxidative Stress

Dietary phytogenic inclusion level affects production performance and expression of ovarian cytoprotective genes in laying hens

“…Growing evidence indicates that dietary phytogenics, in addition to their benefits for performance ( Abdel-Wareth and Lohakare, 2020 ; Zhang et al, 2022 ), may also attenuate the oxidative stress as they regulate the gene expression of cytoprotective enzymes with detoxifying, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions ( Köhle and Bock, 2006 ; Xun et al, 2021 ; Mountzouris et al, 2022 ). The latter involves the activation of two signaling pathways, namely aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2).…”

“…After the binding with AhR nuclear translocator ( ARNT ) the AhR-ARNT complex binds to xenobiotic-responsive element ( XRE ) and regulates the expression of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes ( XME ) or phase I enzymes. In particular, cytochrome P450 ( CYP ) enzymes ( CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 ) are involved in Phase I metabolism, and their enzyme activity participates in detoxification of xenobiotics ( Larigot et al, 2018 ; Mountzouris et al, 2022 ). In particular, transcription factors AhRs are responsible for the regulation of quinone oxidoreductase 1 ( NQO1 ) and glutathione transferase A2 ( GSTA2 ) enzymes, which link both AhR and Nrf2 pathways, displaying detoxifying and antioxidant properties ( Köhle and Bock, 2006 ; Lee et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The latter is an imbalance of free radicals such as reactive oxygen species ( ROS ), reactive nitrogen species and antioxidant defense in cells and tissues. If not controlled, oxidative stress may result in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA damage, apoptosis and inflammation, which negatively impact birds’ productive and reproductive performance, health and product quality ( Sahin et al, 2013 ; Pisoschi and Pop, 2015 ; Lee et al, 2019 ; Lauridsen, 2019 ; Mountzouris et al, 2022 ).…”

“…More specifically, dietary phytogenics may activate two signaling pathways, namely the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ( AhR ) and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 ( Nrf2 ), which are essential for cellular protection. In particular, the AhR pathway is responsible for detoxification and the Nrf2 is responsible for the adaptive antioxidant defense and overall cytoprotection ( Köhle and Bock, 2006 ; Seymour et al, 2013 ; Mountzouris et al, 2022 )…”