The effect of Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate on small intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory effect in heat‐stressed broilers

Abstract

This study was to investigate the effects of Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory response in heat‐stressed broiler. A total of 192 2‐week‐old Arbour Acres broilers chickens were divided into four groups with six replicates per group and eight chickens per replicate: one thermoneutral control group (28°C, group TN), which was fed the basal diet; and three cyclic high‐temperature groups (35°C from 7:00 to 19:00 hr; 28°C from 19:00 hr to 7:00 hr, heat stress group), which were fed the basal diet supplementation with EGCG 0 mg/kg (group HS0), 300 mg/kg (group HS300) and 600 mg/kg (group HS600). The gut morphology and intestinal mucosal oxidative stress indicators, as well as intestinal barrier‐related gene expression, were analysed. The results showed that compared with group TN, heat stress reduced the villus height (VH), activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD)and catalase (CAT), increased the crypt depth (CD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)content at 21, 28 and 35 days (p < 0.05). After the heat‐stressed broilers were supplemented with EGCG, VH, VH/CD (V/C), and the activities of GSH‐Px, SOD and CAT were increased, and CD and MDA content were reduced compared with those in group HS0 without EGCG supplementation at 21, 28 and 35 days (p < 0.05). The EGCG supplementation promoted the gene expression of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), Claudin‐1, Mucin 2 (Muc2) and alleviated the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumour necrosis factor (LITAF) gene expression compared with group HS0 (p < 0.05). Moreover, intestinal morphology was strongly correlated with antioxidant ability and inflammatory response. In conclusion, EGCG alleviated the gut oxidative injury of heat‐stressed broilers by enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting inflammatory response.

Effect of probiotic supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier integrity, and inflammatory response in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress

“…The gastrointestinal tract is primarily considered as one of the main target organs affected by heat stress, and a variety of adverse changes can be observed, including injured intestinal morphology and impairment of intestinal barrier integrity (Alhenaky et al., 2017; Lambert, 2009; Song et al., 2019). Villus height and crypt depth, serving as criteria that reflect intestinal morphology, are indicative of gut function and health (Uni, Noy, & Sklan, 1995).…”

“…Served as the digestive and absorbing organ and the largest immune organ in the body, the gastrointestinal tract is particularly responsive to heat stress (Abuajamieh et al., 2018). Accumulating studies have demonstrated that heat stress can damage the intestinal mucosal epithelium of chickens (Burkholder, Thompson, Einstein, Applegate, & Patterson, 2008; Garriga et al., 2006; Quinteiro‐Filho et al., 2010; Song et al., 2013, 2019), which allows endotoxins and pathogens passage from the gastrointestinal lumen into bloodstream, thereby leading to local and systemic inflammation and multiple‐organ dysfunction (Alhenaky, Abdelqader, Abuajamieh, & Al‐Fataftah, 2017; Lambert, 2009).…”

“…epithelium of chickens (Burkholder, Thompson, Einstein, Applegate, & Patterson, 2008;Garriga et al, 2006;Quinteiro-Filho et al, 2010;Song et al, 2013Song et al, , 2019, which allows endotoxins and pathogens passage from the gastrointestinal lumen into bloodstream, thereby leading to local and systemic inflammation and multiple-organ dysfunction (Alhenaky, Abdelqader, Abuajamieh, & Al-Fataftah, 2017;Lambert, 2009). Increasing evidence has shown that gut commensal microbiota, which functions as a microbial organ, plays a vital role in promoting the development and maturation of intestinal mucosa and immune system, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and regulating innate and adaptive immunity in the gut (Kabat, Srinivasan, & Maloy, 2014;Soderholm & Pedicord, 2019).…”

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Epigallocatechin Gallate on Meat Quality and Muscle Antioxidant Capacity of Broilers Subjected to Acute Heat Stress

“…Wang et al reported that EGCG partially improved the antioxidant system in vanadium-challenged hens [ 11 ]. Moreover, previous studies of broilers subjected to cyclic chronic HS found that dietary EGCG supplementation can effectively improve growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related 2 ( Nrf2 ) in liver and jejunum, kidney, and ovary [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Nevertheless, there exists no report on the effect and mechanism of action of EGCG on meat quality and antioxidant function in broilers under AHS.…”

Evaluation of the Relationship between Adipose Metabolism Patterns and Secretion of Appetite-Related Endocrines on Chicken

“…Song et al [ 18 ] reported the differences in energy balance and endocrines in mammals and poultry, they also pointed out that animal appetite regulation was mainly through the central nervous system. Recent researchers further indicated that endocrines such as leptin (LEP), reproductive-related hormone, insulin, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which were modulated in accordance with the energy level in the diet, were also positively related to the adipose metabolism [ 19 ].…”