Dietary hydrolyzed wheat gluten supplementation ameliorated intestinal barrier dysfunctions of broilers challenged with Escherichia coli O78

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate a protective effect of hydrolyzed wheat gluten ( HWG ) on Escherichia coli ( E. coli )-induced intestinal barrier dysfunctions in broilers. Broilers fed a basal diet unsupplemented or supplemented with HWG (0.5% or 1%) were intraperitoneally injected with either E. coli O78 suspension (10 8 CFU/mL) or equal volume of vehicle on d 18 of age. Blood and tissue samples were collected 3rd d post infection. The results showed that E. coli -infection increased immune-organ indexes of spleen and thymus, enhanced serum diamine oxidase ( DAO ) level, impaired ileal villus structure and reduced tight junction mRNA levels ( Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1, P < 0.05), while increased mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines ( TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 ) and TLR4 in the ileum of broilers ( P < 0.05). The effects of E. coli O78 challenge on organ indexes of spleen and thymus, serum DAO level, mRNA levels of tight junctions were alleviated by 1% HWG supplementation, the upregulations of IL-1β and TLR4 were prevented by 0.5% HWG supplementation ( P < 0.05). In addition, increased IFN-γ of E. coli -infected broilers was abrogated by 0.5% or 1% HWG supplementation ( P < 0.05). In summary, dietary HWG supplementation ameliorated intestinal barrier dysfunctions triggered by E. coli -infection in the ileum of broilers. HWG supplementation might be a nutritional strategy to improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function of broilers.

Quercetin Reduces Inflammation and Protects Gut Microbiota in Broilers

“…Similarly, this study showed that LPS-challenged chickens exhibited increased expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IFN-γ), TLR-4 and apoptosis-related genes (Bax and Caspase3), and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in jejuna of broiler chickens, while dietary quercetin reversed the expression of these genes induced by LPS. Tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and DAO affect the normal function of the intestinal mucosal barrier [ 27 ]. We found that LPS injection decreased the mRNA expression of ZO-1 and occludin, increased the level of DAO, and caused damage to the structure and function of the jejunum barrier; dietary quercetin prevented the adverse effects of LPS injection.…”