Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Phytogenic Substances against Secret Killers in Poultry: Current Status and Prospects

Abstract

Chronic stress is recognized as a secret killer in poultry. It is associated with systemic inflammation due to cytokine release, dysbiosis, and the so-called leaky gut syndrome, which mainly results from oxidative stress reactions that damage the barrier function of the cells lining the gut wall. Poultry, especially the genetically selected broiler breeds, frequently suffer from these chronic stress symptoms when exposed to multiple stressors in their growing environments. Since oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory damages are multi-stage and long-term processes, overshooting immune reactions and their down-stream effects also negatively affect the animal’s microbiota, and finally impair its performance and commercial value. Means to counteract oxidative stress in poultry and other animals are, therefore, highly welcome. Many phytogenic substances, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are known to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this review, firstly, the main stressors in poultry, such as heat stress, mycotoxins, dysbiosis and diets that contain oxidized lipids that trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, are discussed, along with the key transcription factors involved in the related signal transduction pathways. Secondly, the most promising phytogenic substances and their current applications to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in poultry are highlighted.

The effects of essential oil from Lippia origanoides and herbal betaine on performance, intestinal integrity, bone mineralization and meat quality in broiler chickens subjected to cyclic heat stress

“…Thymol protects duodenal villi from oxidative stress ( He et al, 2017 ). When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, oxidative stress ensues ( Basiouni, et al, 2023 ). Free radicals destroy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and disease.…”

“…Essential oils (EO) may reduce chicken heat stress ( Pandey et al, 2019 ; Yilmaz and Gul, 2023a ) due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects ( Basiouni et al, 2023 ; Mnisi et al, 2023 ; Rafeeq et al, 2023 ). Some of the most used essential oils in poultry include oregano, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, cumin, mint, lemon, and cinnamon ( Yilmaz and Gul, 2023b ; AL-Ramamneh, 2023 ; Shanthi and Diwan, 2023 ).…”

Sodium Salicylate as Feed Additive in Broilers: Absence of Toxicopathological Findings

“…High antigenic stimulation leads to considerable mononuclear cell infiltration in the gut, giving rise to a state of constant controlled inflammation, also called "physiological inflammation" [23]. Thus, it is essential for health to control intestinal inflammation; for that purpose, important mechanisms are in place [24]. Inflammation linked to illness or feed is inversely related to growth and health, with the impact of inflammation on growth reduction dependent on the magnitude of the stimulus [25].…”

Effects of replacing Na selenite in laying hen feed with selenized glucose on production performance, egg quality, egg selenium content, microbial population, immunological response, antioxidant enzymes, and fatty acid composition

“…Modern laying hens, with greater productivity and metabolic rates, are more susceptible to the negative impacts of environmental elements such as, heat stress, mycotoxins and heavy metals in their feed, huge flock numbers, and oxidative stress ( Wang et al, 2020 ; Ding et al, 2022 ). Oxidative damage, caused by reactive nitrogen species ( RNS ) or reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) leads to protein degradation, nucleic acid impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, and lipid peroxidation ( Zhang et al, 2017 ; Basiouni et al, 2023 ). The presence of these toxic compounds can cause oxidative stress, which can disrupt biological systems, decrease egg production, and increase susceptibility to diseases.…”