Dose-Dependent Enrichments and Improved Redox Status in Tissues of Broiler Chicks under Heat Stress by Dietary Supplemental Microalgal Astaxanthin

Health effects of astaxanthin in the intestinal tract of yellow-feathered broilers

Astaxanthin (AST), a keto carotenoid, is widely recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptosis-regulating properties, but its effects on intestinal health have not been elucidated. Therefore, this experiment aimed to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on intestinal morphology, barrier function, mucosal immunity, and cecal flora in yellow-feathered broilers, and to explore the potential mechanisms. A total of 288 male yellow-feathered broilers (1-day-old) were randomly allocated to four groups with six replicates of 12 birds each. The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet, the test groups were fed a basal diet added with 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80mg/kg of astaxanthin (AST20, AST40, and AST80), respectively. The results showed that compared with the CON group, the villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio of broiler jejunum in the astaxanthin-added group increased, while the crypt depth decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, IL-1β content and gene expression in broiler jejunal mucosa decreased, IL-6 gene expression decreased, and IL-4 content and gene expression increased (P < 0.05). The tight junction protein ZO-1 expression level in the jejunum mucosa of broilers was up-regulated, and the content of serum D-lactic acid was decreased (P < 0.05). Besides, the α-diversity and β-diversity analyses showed that astaxanthin regulated both the diversity and the structure of the intestinal flora of broilers. After multiple comparative analyses, the relative abundance of norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Lachnospiraceae NC2004_group, and unclassified_p_Firmicutes increased in the AST20 group compared to the CON group, while that of Ruminococcus_torques_group in the AST80 group decreased (P < 0.05). Therefore, AST can regulate the immune function of broiler intestinal mucosa, improve intestinal morphology and structure, and then influence intestinal permeability. It also has a considerable regulatory effect on the diversity and structure of broiler intestinal flora and plays a multifaceted role in maintaining broiler intestinal health.

Impact of complementary feeding on infant gut microbiome, metabolites and early development

Introducing complementary foods is critical for promoting infant health and development. During the weaning period, the dietary patterns provide essential nutrients and facilitate the development of a diverse gut microbiome, which plays significant roles in the regulation of immune, metabolic, and neurological functions. This study enrolled 200 families to assess the impact of complementary feeding on infant growth and health outcomes. Data included detailed records of feeding practices, infant growth measurements, health assessments, and fecal samples and breast milk collected between weeks 12 and 32 postpartum. The gut microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, while metabolites such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), monosaccharides, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured using chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results revealed a high prevalence of breastfeeding, with complementary food introduced at around 16 weeks. Significant alterations in the infant gut microbiome were observed, particularly in the genera Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, and Staphylococcus. Additionally, the levels of HMOs, monosaccharides, and SCFAs were found to be influenced by the introduction of complementary foods. Significant correlations emerged between complementary feeding practices, gut microbiome diversity, specific bacterial genera (e.g., Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridioides), and key metabolites (such as lacto-N-tetraose, lacto-N-neotetraose, mannose, and butyric acid). This study offers valuable insights into the complex interactions between complementary feeding, gut microbiome development, and metabolite profiles during early infant growth. Future research with larger cohorts and targeted dietary interventions is recommended to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Algae as an alternative source of protein in poultry diets for sustainable production and disease resistance: present status and future considerations

Integrating algae into poultry diets offers a promising avenue for enhancing nutrition, boosting sustainability efforts, and potentially stimulating disease resistance. This comprehensive review delves into the essence, diversity, chemical composition, and nutritional merits of algae, spotlighting their emergence as innovative nutrient sources and health supplements for poultry. The growing interest in algae within poultry nutrition stems from their diverse nutritional profile, boasting a rich array of proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, thus positioning them as valuable feed constituents. A key highlight of incorporating both macroalgae and microalgae lies in their elevated protein content, with microalgae varieties like Spirulina and Chlorella exhibiting protein levels of up to 50-70%, outperforming traditional sources like soybean meal. This premium protein source not only furnishes vital amino acids crucial for muscular development and overall health in poultry but also serves as an exceptional reservoir of omega-3 fatty acids, notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), presenting multiple health benefits for both poultry and consumers alike. Moreover, algae boast antioxidant properties attributed to bioactive compounds like phycocyanin and astaxanthin, mitigating oxidative stress and boosting the bird's immune response, thereby fostering robust health and disease resilience. Incorporating macroalgae and microalgae into poultry diets yields positive impacts on performance metrics. Research evidence underscores the enhancement of growth rates, feed conversion ratios, carcass quality, and meat attributes in broilers, while in layers, supplementation promotes increased egg production, superior egg quality, and increased concentrations of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, algae hold promise for mitigating the environmental footprint of poultry production, though significant outcomes from trials remain sporadic, necessitating further research to elucidate optimal dosages and blends for different algae species in poultry diets. Standardizing the composition of algae utilized in research is imperative, paving the way for potential applications in poultry nutrition as growth stimulants and substitutes for antibiotics. Nonetheless, a deeper understanding of dosage, combination, and mechanism of action through rigorous scientific investigation is key to unlocking algae's full potential within poultry nutrition.

The effect of combining green iron nanoparticles and algae on the sustainability of broiler production under heat stress conditions

Background

Natural feed additives in broiler feed contribute to the overall health, productivity, and economic viability of broiler chickens while meeting consumer demands and preferences for natural products. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of green iron nanoparticles (Nano-Fe) and Halimeda opuntia supplementation in broiler diets on performance, ammonia excretion in excreta, Fe retention in tissues and serum, carcass criteria, and meat quality under hot environmental conditions.

Methods

A total of 256 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of four feeding treatments for 42 days. Each treatment had eight replications, with eight chicks per replicate. The treatments were Negative control (CON), positive control (POS) supplemented with 1 g/kg Halimeda opuntia as a carrier, POS + 20 mg/kg Nano-Fe (NFH1), POS + 40 mg/kg Nano-Fe (NFH2).

Results

When compared to CON and POS, dietary Nano-Fe up to 40 mg/kg enhanced (p < 0.001) growth performance in terms of body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Nano-Fe had the highest BWG and the most efficient FCR (linear, p < 0.01, and quadratic, p < 0.01) compared to POS. Without affecting internal organs, the addition of Nano-Fe and POS enhanced dressing and reduced (p < 0.001) abdominal fat compared to control (CON). Notably, the water-holding capacity of breast and leg meat was higher (p < 0.001), and cooking loss was lower in broilers given Nano-Fe and POS diets against CON. In comparison to POS, the ammonia content in excreta dropped linearly as green Nano-Fe levels increased. When compared to CON, increasing levels of Nano-Fe levels boosted Fe content in the breast, leg, liver, and serum. The birds fed on POS showed better performance than the birds fed on CON.

Conclusion

Green Nano-Fe up to 40 mg/kg fed to broiler diets using 1 g/kg Halimeda opuntia as a carrier or in single can be utilized as an efficient feed supplement for increasing broiler performance, Fe retentions, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and reducing ammonia excretions, under hot conditions.

Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase 1 regulates transcription of elongase 3 in murine tissues

We have previously shown dysregulated lipid metabolism in tissues of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) overexpressing (OE) or deficient (KO) mice. This study explored underlying mechanisms of GPX1 in regulating tissue fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis. GPX1 OE, KO, and wild-type (WT) mice (n = 5, male, 3-6 months old) were fed a Se-adequate diet (0.3 mg/kg) and assayed for liver and adipose tissue FA profiles and mRNA levels of key enzymes of FA biosynthesis and redox-responsive transcriptional factors (TFs). These three genotypes of mice (n = 5) were injected intraperitoneally with diquat, ebselen, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at 10, 50, and 50 mg/kg of body weight, respectively, and killed at 0 and 12 h after the injections to detect mRNA levels of FA elongases and desaturases and the TFs in the liver and adipose tissue. A luciferase reporter assay with targeted deletions of mouse Elovl3 promoter was performed to determine transcriptional regulations of the gene by GPX1 mimic ebselen in HEK293T cells. Compared with WT, GPX1 OE and KO mice had 9-42% lower (p < 0.05) and 36-161% higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0 in these two tissues, respectively, along with reciprocal increases and decreases (p < 0.05) of Elovl3 transcripts. Ebselen and NAC decreased (p < 0.05), whereas diquat decreased (p < 0.05), Elovl3 transcripts in the two tissues. Overexpression and knockout of GPX1 decreased (p < 0.05) and increased (p < 0.05) ELOVL3 levels in the two tissues, respectively. Three TFs (GABP, SP1, and DBP) were identified to bind the Elovl3 promoter (-1164/+33 base pairs). Deletion of DBP (-98/-86 base pairs) binding domain in the promoter attenuated (13%, p < 0.05) inhibition of ebselen on Elovl3 promoter activation. In summary, GPX1 overexpression down-regulated very long-chain FA biosynthesis via transcriptional inhibition of the Elovl3 promoter activation.

Astaxanthin: Past, Present, and Future

Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective.

Supranutrition of microalgal docosahexaenoic acid and calcidiol improved growth performance, tissue lipid profiles, and tibia characteristics of broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and calcidiol could be enriched in chicken for improving public nutrition and health. It remains unclear if supranutritional levels of DHA and calcidiol impair growth performance or metabolism of broiler chickens. This study was to determine singular and combined effects of high levels of supplemental DHA-rich microalgal biomass or oil and calcidiol on growth performance, concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and nonesterfied fatty acids in plasma, liver, breast, and thigh, and biophysical properties of tibia.

METHODS

In Exp. 1, 144 day-old Cornish chicks were divided into 4 groups (6 cages/treatment, 6 birds/cage), and were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet (BD), BD + 10,000 IU calcidiol/kg (BD + Cal), BD + 1% DHA-rich Aurantiochytrium (1.2 g DHA/kg; BD + DHA), and BD + Cal + DHA for 6 weeks. In Exp. 2, 180 day-old chicks were divided into 5 groups, and were fed: BD, BD + DHA (0.33% to 0.66% oil, 1.5 to 3.0 g DHA/kg), BD + DHA + EPA (1.9% to 3.8% eicosapentaenoic acid-rich Nannochloropsis sp. CO18, 0.3 to 0.6 g EPA/kg), BD + DHA + calcidiol (6000 to 12,000 IU/kg diet), and BD + DHA + EPA + Cal for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Birds fed BD + Cal diet in Exp. 1 and BD + DHA + EPA diet in Exp. 2 had higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain (10%-11%) and gain:feed ratio (7%), and lower (P < 0.05) total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in plasma (18%-54%), liver (8%-26%), breast (19%-26%), and thigh (10%-19%), respectively, over the controls. The two diets also improved (P < 0.05) tibial breaking strength (8%-24%), total bone volume (2%-13%), and (or) bone mineral density (3%-19%) of chickens.

CONCLUSION

Supranutrition of dietary calcidiol and DHA alone or together did not produce adverse effects, but led to moderate improvements of growth performance, lipid profiles of plasma and muscle, and bone properties of broiler chickens.

Dietary vasodilator and vitamin C/L-arginine/choline blend improve broiler feed efficiency during finishing and reduce woody breast severity at 6 and 7 wks

Woody breast has become a considerable economic concern to the poultry industry. This myopathy presents rigid, pale breasts characterized by replacement of lean muscle protein with connective tissue, a result of hypoxia and oxidative stress in a metabolically starved muscle with inadequate circulation. Hence, the objectives were to supplement broiler diets with ingredients specifically aimed to improve circulation and oxidative status. About 1,344 male Ross 708 broilers were assigned to 1 of 4 diets: 1) a basal diet (control), 2) basal diet plus a blend of 0.2% supplemental L-arginine, 0.17% choline bitartrate, and 0.03% vitamin C (blend), 3) 0.1% vasodilator ingredient (vasodilator), or 4) 0.02% Astaxanthin ingredient (AsX). At d 14, 28, 42, and 49, performance outcomes were collected on all birds and serum from 16 broilers/diet (n = 64) was analyzed for creatine kinase and myoglobin. Once weekly beginning on d 28, a subset of 192 broilers were measured for breast width. On d 42 and 49, breast fillets from 16 broilers/diet (n = 64) were palpated for woody breast severity, weighed, and analyzed for compression force at 1-day postmortem and water-holding capacity at 2-day postmortem. mRNA was isolated from 15 breast fillets/timepoint for qPCR quantification of myogenic gene expression. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS Version 9.4) with the fixed effect of diet. Feed conversion ratio was improved in the blend and vasodilator-fed birds d 42 to 49, each by over 2 points (P < 0.05). Breast width was increased in the control on d 42 compared to the vasodilator and AsX-fed broilers (P < 0.05). At d 42, there were 12% greater normal fillets in blend diet-fed birds and 13% more normal scores in vasodilator-fed birds at d 49 compared to the control. At d 49, myogenin expression was upregulated in the AsX diet compared to blend and control diets (P < 0.05), and muscle regulatory factor-4 expression was increased by 6.5% in the vasodilator diet compared to the blend and AsX diets (P < 0.05). Blend and vasodilator diets simultaneously improved feed efficiency in birds approaching market weight while reducing woody breast severity.

Astaxanthin as a Potential Antioxidant to Improve Health and Production Performance of Broiler Chicken

Recent interest in carotenoids has increased due to their antioxidant and production performance. Astaxanthin (AST) is a xanthophyll carotenoid abundantly distributed in microalgae, which is described as a highly potent antioxidant. Therefore, recent studies have tended to investigate the role of antioxidants in improving metabolic processes and physiological functioning of the body. It is now evident that AST could significantly reduce free radicals and oxidative stress and help to maintain a healthy state. Moreover, AST also could improve the performance of broiler chicken by increasing the daily feed intake, followed by improvement in the food conversion rate.

Dietary microalgae on poultry meat and eggs: explained versus unexplained effects

Different types and sources of microalgae are used to feed broiler chickens and laying hens. This review provides a concise update on various impacts of feeding these novel ingredients on physical, chemical, and nutritional attributes of the resultant meat and eggs. Some of the observed effects may be associated with biochemical and molecular mechanisms derived from unique chemical compositions and nutritional values of microalgae. However, the full potential and the accurate mechanism of microalgae in producing health-promoting poultry foods remain to be explored.

Replacing fish oil and astaxanthin by microalgal sources produced different metabolic responses in juvenile rainbow trout fed 2 types of practical diets

Dietary fish oil supplementation provides n-3 long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids for supporting fish growth and metabolism and enriching fillet with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; c22:6n-3). Two experiments were performed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments for 16 wk to determine effects and mechanisms of replacing 0%, 50%, and 100% fish oil with DHA-rich microalgae in combination with synthetic vs. microalgal source of astaxanthin in plant protein meal (PM)- or fishmeal (FM)- based diets for juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish (22 ± 0.26 g) were stocked at 17/tank and 3 tanks/diet. The 100% fish oil replacement impaired (P < 0.0001) growth performance, dietary protein and energy utilization, body indices, and tissue accumulation of DHA and EPA in both diet series. The impairments were associated (P < 0.05) with upregulation of hepatic gene expression related to growth (ghr1and igf1) and biosynthesis of DHA and EPA (fads6 and evol5) that was more dramatic in the FM than PM diet-fed fish, and more pronounced on tissue EPA than DHA concentrations. The source of astaxanthin exerted interaction effects with the fish oil replacement on several measures including muscle total cholesterol concentrations. In conclusion, replacing fish oil by the DHA-rich microalgae produced more negative metabolic responses than the substitution of synthetic astaxanthin by the microalgal source in juvenile rainbow trout fed 2 types of practical diets.

Supplemental Microalgal DHA and Astaxanthin Affect Astaxanthin Metabolism and Redox Status of Juvenile Rainbow Trout

Microalgal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and astaxanthin (AST) may substitute for fish oil and synthetic AST in aquafeeds. This study explored the effects and mechanisms of those substitutions on AST metabolism and redox status of rainbow trout fed plant protein meal (PM)- or fishmeal (FM)-based diets. Two parallel experiments (PM vs. FM) were performed with 612 juvenile rainbow trout for 16 weeks as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with two AST sources (synthetic (SA) vs. microalgal (AA), at 80 mg/kg) and three levels (0, 50, and 100%) of fish oil substitutions with DHA-rich microalgae. The fish oil substitutions exhibit main effects (p < 0.05) and/or interactive effects (p < 0.05) with the source of AST on AST deposition, malondialdehyde and glutathione concentrations, and mRNA levels and activities of major redox enzymes (glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) in the muscle and liver of trout fed both diet series. The AST source produced only differences in tissue AST deposition (p < 0.05) and number of metabolites. In conclusion, the substitutions of fish oil by the DHA-rich microalgae exerted more impacts than those of SA by AA on redox status and functional expression of antioxidant enzymes in the tissues of rainbow trout.

Effects of dietary supplementation of natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and accumulation in the egg yolk of laying hens

The present study evaluated the effects of natural astaxanthin (ASTA) from Haematococcus pluvialis on the antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, and ASTA accumulation in the egg yolk of laying hens. Hy-Line Brown layers (n = 288, 50 wk old) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatment groups. Each group had 6 replicates of 12 hens each. All birds were given a corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 wk. The results showed that the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase level, and glutathione peroxidase level in the plasma, livers, and egg yolks were significantly increased in the ASTA groups compared with those of the control group (P < 0.05), whereas the content of malondialdehyde linearly decreased (P < 0.05). The plasma levels of high-density and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the ASTA groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, ASTA supplementation decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the other lipid metabolism parameters among the ASTA-supplemented groups relative to the control group except for an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the liver. Compared with the control, dietary ASTA supplementation significantly increased the enrichment of ASTA in egg yolks at the end of week 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) and very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) in the ASTA groups was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group in the liver and ovaries, respectively. In conclusion, these results suggest that dietary ASTA enhances the antioxidant capacity and regulates lipid metabolism in laying hens. ASTA enrichment in egg yolks may be closely related to the upregulation of SCARB1 and VLDLR gene expression.

Muscle Antioxidant Activity and Meat Quality Are Altered by Supplementation of Astaxanthin in Broilers Exposed to High Temperature

This study investigated the effect of dietary astaxanthin (AST) on the meat quality, antioxidant status, and immune response of chickens exposed to heat stress. Four hundred and eighty male broilers were assigned to four treatments including AST0, AST20, AST40, and AST80 with 0, 20, 40, and 80 ppm astaxanthin supplementation levels, respectively. There was a linear decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leg muscle. Catalase and superoxide dismutase levels in the plasma were linearly increased. There was a linear increase in the level of total antioxidant capacity in the leg muscle. The 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate reducing activity of leg muscle was significantly increased in the AST80 treatment. The AST40 treatment showed an increase in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity of leg muscles. Breast meat redness and yellowness were linearly increased. The astaxanthin-supplemented treatments exhibited lower drip loss and MDA concentration of leg muscle compared with the AST0 treatment at days 3 and 9 of storage. Supplementation of 40 or 80 mg/kg astaxanthin significantly decreased heat shock protein (HSP)27, HSP70, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 expression in the livers. The feather corticosterone was significantly lower in the astaxanthin-supplemented treatments than in the AST0 treatment. In conclusion, astaxanthin decreased the hyperthermic stress level and improved meat quality, and antioxidant status of chickens exposed to heat stress.

Supplemental methionine and stocking density affect antioxidant status, fatty acid profiles, and growth performance of broiler chickens

Broilers stocked in high densities may be prone to oxidative and inflammatory insults, resulting in impaired health status, growth performance, and meat quality. This study was to determine if 30% extra supplemental dl-methionine alleviated or prevented those adverse effects of a higher stocking density in broiler chickens. A total of 560 male Cornish Cross cockerels (day old) were divided into four groups: two stocking densities (9 and 12 birds/m2) and two supplementations of methionine (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Growth performance was recorded weekly. Blood and tissues were sampled at the end of each period. High stocking density decreased (P < 0.05) body weight and growth performance of growers and (or) finishers. Those differences were partially attenuated by the extra methionine supplementation. The high methionine elevated (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) concentration in the thigh at both ages (> 24%). The high stocking density elevated (>28%, P < 0.05) glutathione concentration in the plasma, breast, and thigh of growers, but decreased (P < 0.05) it in the liver of growers and thigh of finishers. Interaction effects (P < 0.05) between dietary methionine and stocking density were found on activities of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase in the liver of growers and breast, thigh, and adipose tissue of finishers. The interaction effect was also found on activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in the thigh of growers. The extra methionine decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic gene expression of heat shock protein 90 (18%) and thigh and breast malondialdehyde concentrations of the finishers (35%). In conclusion, the 30% extra dl-methionine supplementation was able to partially mitigate adverse effects caused by the higher stocking density and to improve the redox status of the broilers.

Dietary supplemental microalgal astaxanthin modulates molecular profiles of stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens and laying hens under high ambient temperatures

This research was to determine effects of supplemental dietary microalgal astaxanthin (AST) on hepatic gene expression and protein production of redox enzymes, heat shock proteins (HSPs), cytokines, and lipid metabolism in broilers (BR) and laying hens (LH) under high ambient temperatures. A total of 240 (day old) Cornish male BR and 50 (19 wk old) White Leghorn Shavers LH were allotted in 5 dietary treatments with 6 and 10 cages/treatment (8 BR or 1 LH/cage), respectively. The birds were fed corn-soybean meal basal diets supplemented with microalgal (Haematococcus pluvialis) AST at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg diet for 6 wk. Supplemental AST to the BR diet linearly decreased (P < 0.10, R² = 0.18–0.36) hepatic mRNA levels of several redox status-controlling genes, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSTF1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), tumor necrosis factor-α, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1). The supplementation linearly elevated (P = 0.04, R² = 0.20) diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) mRNA level and produced quadratic changes (P < 0.10, R² = 0.15–0.47) in mRNA levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST), serine/threonine kinase (AKT1), P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAKP), lipid metabolism–controlling genes, and the protein production of HSP90 and P38MAPK in the liver. Supplementing AST to the LH diets linearly decreased (P < 0.10, R² = 0.18–0.56) mRNA levels of GST, HSF1, JNK1, and interleukin 10; lipogenesis genes; and JNK1 protein production. However, supplemental dietary AST produced quadratic changes (P < 0.10, R² = 0.26–0.72) in mRNA levels of most antioxidant-, stress-responsive, and lipid metabolism–related genes in the liver of LH. In conclusion, supplemental dietary AST affected the hepatic gene expression and protein production related to redox status, heat stress and inflammation, and lipid metabolism in both BR and LH. The impacts varied with the chicken type and demonstrated linear and quadratic regressions with the inclusion levels of AST.

Supplemental methionine exerted chemical form-dependent effects on antioxidant status, inflammation-related gene expression, and fatty acid profiles of broiler chicks raised at high ambient temperature1

This study was to explore metabolic effects of two forms and concentrations of supplemental methionine in grower and finisher diets for broiler chickens raised at high temperature. Male Cornish cockerel chicks (total = 360, day-old) were divided into four groups (10 pens/treatment, 9 chicks/pen) and fed with 100% or 130% required methionine in the diets as DL-methionine (DL-MET) or 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoate (HMTBA). The room was maintained at 4 to 13 °C above the suggested thermoneutral temperature. The higher concentration of both DL-MET and HMTBA enhanced (P < 0.05) hepatic GSH concentrations of the growers and plasma ferric reducing ability of the finishers. The DL-MET-fed growers had greater (P < 0.05%) muscle GSH and hepatic unsaturated fatty acid concentrations than those fed HMTBA. Expression of inflammation-related genes in the liver of finishers was affected (P < 0.05) by interaction effects of the methionine form and concentration. In conclusion, effects of the extra methionine supplementation on the high ambient temperature-related metabolic responses of broilers varied with their age and(or) tissue and the methionine form.

Gut microbiota, dietary phytochemicals and benefits to human health

Purpose of the review

In this review, we discuss the roles of the gut microbiota, dietary phytochemicals in improving human health. Recent studies have reported that the human gut microbiota can be altered by dietary phytochemicals including phenolics, carotenoids, and dietary fibers. In addition, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria show regulatory effects with phytochemicals, suggesting potential synergistic effects in the improvement of human gut health and prevention of chronic diseases.

Recent findings

Numerous studies have been conducted on gut microbial alterations induced by phytochemicals, such as phenolics and carotenoids. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced via bacterial fermentation in the colon, also shows a significantly beneficial effect in the maintenance of gut microbial homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of diets and the interactions of the gut microorganisms remain poorly understood. The gut microbiome profile changes have been observed in chronic inflammation-induced diseases including colitis, Crohn's disease, immune dysfunction, colon cancer, obesity and diabetes. The anti-inflammatory effects of dietary phytochemicals against these diseases may be partially mediated by regulation of microbial profiles. Latest advances in biomedical technology such as the next-generation sequencing (NGS), and continuous cost reduction associated with these technologies, enabled researchers to perform ever-increasing number of large-scale, high-throughput computational analyses to elucidate the potential mechanism of phytochemical-microbiome interactions.

Summary

Information obtained from these studies may provide valuable insights to guide future clinical research for the development of therapeutics, botanicals and drug efficacy testing, many of which will be discussed in this review.

Inclusion of Dietary Defatted Microalgae Dose-Dependently Enriches ω-3 Fatty Acids in Egg Yolk and Tissues of Laying Hens

BACKGROUND

The potential for dietary microalgae to enrich eggs of laying hens with ω-3 (n-3) fatty acids, and the mechanisms involved, are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effects and molecular regulation of a defatted Nannochloropsis oceanica microalgae (DNOM) biomass on the enrichment of the eggs and tissues of laying hens with ω-3 fatty acids.

METHODS

Fifty Shaver-White Leghorn hens (46 wk of age, body weight: 1.70 ± 0.27 kg) were individually caged (n = 10) and fed a corn-soy-based diet supplemented with DNOM at 0% (control), 2.86%, 5.75%, 11.5%, and 23% for 6 wk. Fatty acid profiles, health status, and related gene expression in eggs, blood, and tissues were performed at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6. Data were analyzed by a combination of 1-factor ANOVA and correlation between DNOM doses and measures.

RESULTS

The DNOM produced linear (P < 0.01) enrichments of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total ω-3 fatty acids in the egg yolk (R2 > 0.9) and of DHA in the liver, breast, and thigh (R2 = 0.66-0.82). Concentrations of EPA + DHA in the egg yolk and these 3 tissues of hens fed 11.5% and 23% DNOM were 1.4-2.1, 0.6-1, 3.3-5.3, and 6-7 times greater (P < 0.001) than those in the controls, respectively. The DNOM caused dose-dependent elevations (P < 0.01) of malic enzyme and elongases 3, 4, and 5 mRNA levels (R2 = 0.97, 0.78, 0.97, and 0.86, respectively), along with increased (P < 0.01) Δ5- and Δ6-desaturases and decreased (P < 0.01) Δ9-desaturase and acyl-coenzyme A thioesterase 4 mRNA levels in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeding DNOM to laying hens produced dose-dependent enrichments of DHA in their eggs, liver, and muscles by regulating key genes involved in the elongation and desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our findings will help produce DHA-enriched eggs.