Mitigating the Growth, Biochemical Changes, Genotoxic and Pathological Effects of Copper Toxicity in Broiler Chickens by Supplementing Vitamins C and E

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to explore the efficiency of an individual or combined doses of vitamin C (Vit. C) and vitamin E (Vit. E) in alleviating biochemical, genotoxicity, and pathological changes in the liver induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4) toxicity in broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old broiler chicks were haphazardly allotted into five groups (five replicates/group, ten chicks/replicate). The birds were fed five experimental diets; (1) basal diet with no additives (CON), (2) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet (CuSO4), (3) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet, (4) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet +250 mg Vit. E /kg diet, (5) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet + 250 mg Vit. E /kg diet for six weeks. The results displayed that CuSO4-intoxicated birds had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased bodyweight, weight gain, and feed intake with increased feed conversion ratio from the 2nd week till the 6th week compared with the CON. However, these changes were minimized by single or combined supplementation of vitamin C and E. The FCR was insignificantly different in birds-fed diets complemented with vitamin C and E singly or in combination from the 3rd week of age compared to the CON. Serum aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated in CuSO4-intoxicated birds (p < 0.05). Additionally, they showed a drop in serum total protein (TP), albumin, globulins, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to the CON (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, histopathological and DNA changes were perceived in the liver of CuSO4-intoxicated birds. Co-supplementation of Vit. C and Vit. E single-handedly or combined with CuSO4-intoxicated chickens enhanced the performance traits and abovementioned changes, especially with those given combinations of vitamins. From the extant inquiry, it could be established that supplementation of vitamin C and E was beneficial for mitigating the harmful effects of CuSO4 toxicity on growth performance and liver histoarchitecture in broiler chickens.

Selenium-enriched yeast modulates the metal bioaccumulation, oxidant status, and inflammation in copper-stressed broiler chickens

“…Our findings showed significant increases in serum transaminases and decreased serum TP levels in the Cu-exposed group, implying hepatotoxicity because the liver is the central Frontiers in Pharmacology frontiersin.org location for Cu accumulation. These findings agree with former studies (Wu et al, 2020;Hashem et al, 2021a). This may be endorsed for the hepatic damage that resulted in excess release of hepatic intracellular enzymes into the bloodstream (Atta et al, 2009).…”

“…Our results also showed that birds supplemented with excess CuSO 4 had marked declines in serum TG and TC compared with the controls, which coincides with previous reports (Idowu et al, 2011;Hashem et al, 2021a). The rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolic process of cholesterol 7-hydroxylase was found to be more active when Cu-supplemented meals were administered (Konjufca et al, 1997).…”

“…Notably, it contributes substantially to cellular metabolism and numerous physiological processes such as hematopoiesis, mitochondrial respiration, antioxidation, and immunity (Yang et al, 2020). Despite its valuable physiological functions, former studies had reported that excess Cu could evoke toxicity and damage to hepatic, renal, nervous, and digestive systems (Hashem et al, 2021a;Liao et al, 2021). Cu can impair the respiratory enzyme complexes that stimulate the over-generation of highly reactive radicals and cellular oxidative injury (Hashem et al, 2021a).…”

“…Despite its valuable physiological functions, former studies had reported that excess Cu could evoke toxicity and damage to hepatic, renal, nervous, and digestive systems (Hashem et al, 2021a;Liao et al, 2021). Cu can impair the respiratory enzyme complexes that stimulate the over-generation of highly reactive radicals and cellular oxidative injury (Hashem et al, 2021a).…”

Effects of Small Peptide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Intestinal Barrier of Laying Hens During the Brooding and Growing Periods

“…The ban on commercial antibiotics usage in the animal industry causes researchers to develop alternate feed supplements. Recently, feed additives such as amino acids, trace elements, and vitamins (1)(2)(3), as well as probiotics, polyphenols, and flavonoid have been utilized to maximize poultry immunity and productivity (4)(5)(6).…”