Special Issue "Oxidative Stress in Animal/Poultry Production: Molecular Mechanisms and Protection"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Poultry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2021.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Peter F. Surai
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Vitagene and Health Research Centre, 53 Dongola Road, Ayr KA7 3BN, Scotland, UK
Interests: vitamin E; Se; carotenoids; carnitine; betaine; vitagenes; stress adaptaion
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Commercial meat, egg, and milk production is associated with a range of stresses, including environmental, technological, nutritional, and internal/biological stresses. It is important to realise that because of technological restrictions or financial reasons, it is practically impossible to avoid stresses in commercial poultry/animal production, so there is a need to develop optimal strategies to effectively deal with them. Since, on the molecular level, most of commercially-relevant stresses are associated with overproduction of free radicals and the disturbance of the redox homeostasis, nutritional antioxidants became important players in the development of the anti-stress strategy. 

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

    1. Commercially-relevant stresses in poultry and farm animals: protective strategies;
    2.  Molecular mechanisms of interactions between antioxidants: vitamin E and selenium and beyond;
    3. Interactions between dietary antioxidants and drugs in the development of antibiotic free animal/poultry production;
    4. Oxidative stress and poultry diseases/disorders: sudden death syndrome, ascites, breast muscle myopathies (wooden breast, white stripping, stringy-spongy, etc.), etc.;
    5. Preslaughter stress and meat quality;
    6. Maternal effects of dietary antioxidants;
    7. Regulatory roles of microbiota in the redox balance in the gut;
    8. Similarities and differences in antioxidant defence systems between monogastric and ruminant animals;
    9. Antioxidant-enriched food production: prom prevention of oxidative stress in poultry/animals to functional food production;
    10. Omega-3 fatty acids and natural antioxidants—the important interplay between oxidative stress prevention and functional food production.

Prof. Dr. Peter F. Surai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • antioxidants
  • poultry nutrition
  • oxidative stress
  • vitagenes

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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Article
Effects of Chronic Thermal Stress on Performance, Energy Metabolism, Antioxidant Activity, Brain Serotonin, and Blood Biochemical Indices of Broiler Chickens
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092554 - 31 Aug 2021
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of chronic thermal stress on the performance, energy metabolism, liver CoQ10, brain serotonin, and blood parameters of broiler chickens. In total, 100 one-day-old chicks were divided into two equal groups of five replicates. [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of chronic thermal stress on the performance, energy metabolism, liver CoQ10, brain serotonin, and blood parameters of broiler chickens. In total, 100 one-day-old chicks were divided into two equal groups of five replicates. At 22 days of age and thereafter, the first group (TN) was maintained at a thermoneutral condition (23 ± 1 °C), while the second group (TS) was subjected to 8 h of thermal stress (34 °C). The heat-stressed group showed significantly lower ADFI but higher FCR than the thermoneutral group (p = 0.030 and 0.041, respectively). The TS group showed significantly higher serum cholesterol, ALT, and AST (p = 0.033, 0.024, and 0.010, respectively). Meanwhile, the TS group showed lower serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, and Na+ than the TN group (p = 0.001, 0.025, 0.032, and 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, the TS group showed significantly lower SOD and catalase in heart tissues (p = 0.005 and 0.001, respectively). The TS group showed significantly lower liver ATP than the TN group (p = 0.005). Meanwhile, chronic thermal stress significantly increased the levels of ADP and AMP in the liver tissues of broiler chickens (p = 0.004 and 0.029, respectively). The TS group showed significantly lower brain serotonin (p = 0.004) and liver CoQ10 (p = 0.001) than the TN group. It could be concluded that thermal stress disturbed the antioxidant defense system and energy metabolism and exhausted ATP levels in the liver tissues of broiler chickens. Interestingly, chronic thermal stress reduced the level of brain serotonin and the activity of CoQ10 in liver tissues. Full article
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Article
Cinnamon Extract and Probiotic Supplementation Alleviate Copper-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Broiler Chickens
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1609; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061609 - 29 May 2021
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Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the potential protective effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cin) and probiotic against CuSO4-induced nephrotoxicity in broiler chickens. One-day-old Cobb chicks were assigned into seven groups (15 birds/group): control group, fed basal diet; Cin group, fed [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to assess the potential protective effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cin) and probiotic against CuSO4-induced nephrotoxicity in broiler chickens. One-day-old Cobb chicks were assigned into seven groups (15 birds/group): control group, fed basal diet; Cin group, fed the basal diet mixed with Cin (200 mg/kg); PR group, receiving PR (1 g/4 L water); Cu group, fed the basal diets mixed with CuSO4 (300 mg/kg); Cu + Cin group; Cu + PR group; and Cu + Cin + PR group. All treatments were given daily for 6 weeks. Treatment of Cu-intoxicated chickens with Cin and/or PR reduced (p < 0.05) Cu contents in renal tissues and serum levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid compared to the Cu group. Moreover, Cin and PR treatment decreased lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in chickens’ kidney. Additionally, significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-2) and Bax, and in cyclooxygenase (COX-II) enzyme expression, and significant elevation (p < 0.05) in mRNA expression of IL-10 and Bcl-2 were observed in kidneys of Cu + Cin, Cu + PR, and Cu + Cin + PR groups compared to Cu group. Conclusively, Cin and/or PR afford considerable renal protection against Cu-induced nephrotoxicity in chickens. Full article
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Article
Assessment of Total Antioxidant Capacity in Serum of Heathy and Stressed Hens
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112019 - 03 Nov 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 586
Abstract
Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in healthy and dexamethasone-stressed hens was measured by applying four different spectrophotometric methods—the ferric reducing ability (FRAP) assay, the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzotiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), and the total thiol levels (TTL). [...] Read more.
Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in healthy and dexamethasone-stressed hens was measured by applying four different spectrophotometric methods—the ferric reducing ability (FRAP) assay, the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzotiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), and the total thiol levels (TTL). TAC assessed by all four methods did not change throughout the experimental period in the control group, whereas significant changes were shown by all adopted assays in the stressed group with some remarkable differences. TAC increased in the stressed group when FRAP and ABTS assays were applied, while it was reduced when sera were assessed by FRSA and TTL assays. Furthermore, FRAP assay was the only test able to show a significant change in TAC immediately after the end of the induced stress. At the end of the experimental period, TAC assessed by ABTS and FRSA assays showed a complete recovery in the stressed group, whereas TAC assessed by FRAP and TTL assays still showed significant persistent differences when compared to the control group. The observed differences in TAC are discussed in the light of the different contribution in each assay of the various antioxidant substances present in the samples. Full article
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Review

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Review
Research Progress on Oxidative Stress and Its Nutritional Regulation Strategies in Pigs
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11051384 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 586
Abstract
Oxidative stress refers to the dramatic increase in the production of free radicals in human and animal bodies or the decrease in the ability to scavenging free radicals, thus breaking the antioxidation–oxidation balance. Various factors can induce oxidative stress in pig production. Oxidative [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress refers to the dramatic increase in the production of free radicals in human and animal bodies or the decrease in the ability to scavenging free radicals, thus breaking the antioxidation–oxidation balance. Various factors can induce oxidative stress in pig production. Oxidative stress has an important effect on pig performance and healthy growth, and has become one of the important factors restricting pig production. Based on the overview of the generation of oxidative stress, its effects on pigs, and signal transduction pathways, this paper discussed the nutritional measures to alleviate oxidative stress in pigs, in order to provide ideas for the nutritional research of anti-oxidative stress in pigs. Full article
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Review
Impacts of Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress on the Milk Protein Biosynthesis of Dairy Cows
Animals 2021, 11(3), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030726 - 07 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 753
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) is one of the most important factors posing harm to the economic wellbeing of dairy industries, as it reduces milk yield as well as milk protein content. Recent studies suggest that HS participates in the induction of tissue oxidative stress [...] Read more.
Heat stress (HS) is one of the most important factors posing harm to the economic wellbeing of dairy industries, as it reduces milk yield as well as milk protein content. Recent studies suggest that HS participates in the induction of tissue oxidative stress (OS), as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in dairy cows exposed to hot conditions. The OS induced by HS likely contributes to the reduction in milk protein content, since insulin resistance and apoptosis are promoted by OS and are negatively associated with the synthesis of milk proteins. The apoptosis in the mammary gland directly decreases the amount of mammary epithelial cells, while the insulin resistance affects the regulation of insulin on mTOR pathways. To alleviate OS damages, strategies including antioxidants supplementation have been adopted, but caution needs to be applied as an inappropriate supplement with antioxidants can be harmful. Furthermore, the complete mechanisms by which HS induces OS and OS influences milk protein synthesis are still unclear and further investigation is needed. Full article
Review
Modulation of Heat-Shock Proteins Mediates Chicken Cell Survival against Thermal Stress
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122407 - 16 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1074
Abstract
Heat stress is one of the most challenging environmental stresses affecting domestic animal production, particularly commercial poultry, subsequently causing severe yearly economic losses. Heat stress, a major source of oxidative stress, stimulates mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell dysfunction, leading to cell damage and [...] Read more.
Heat stress is one of the most challenging environmental stresses affecting domestic animal production, particularly commercial poultry, subsequently causing severe yearly economic losses. Heat stress, a major source of oxidative stress, stimulates mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell dysfunction, leading to cell damage and apoptosis. Cell survival under stress conditions needs urgent response mechanisms and the consequent effective reinitiation of cell functions following stress mitigation. Exposure of cells to heat-stress conditions induces molecules that are ready for mediating cell death and survival signals, and for supporting the cell’s tolerance and/or recovery from damage. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) confer cell protection against heat stress via different mechanisms, including developing thermotolerance, modulating apoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling pathways, and regulating cellular redox conditions. These functions mainly depend on the capacity of HSPs to work as molecular chaperones and to inhibit the aggregation of non-native and misfolded proteins. This review sheds light on the key factors in heat-shock responses for protection against cell damage induced by heat stress in chicken. Full article
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Milk protein biosynthesis of dairy cows under heat stress
Authors: Dengpan Bu
Affiliation: Institute of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Electronic address

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