Search Results (278)

Background: Ganoderma lucidum triterpenes are bioactive compounds with recognized anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties. This systematic review synthesizes evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of these triterpenes based on studies from the last two decades. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Medline, and Embase (2003–2025) for original in vitro and in vivo (non-clinical) studies evaluating G. lucidum triterpene extracts or isolated compounds. Clinical trials, reviews, and multi-species extracts were excluded. The review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024510982), and animal study quality was assessed using the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. Findings: From over 3000 records, 23 articles were included. Studies utilized diverse models, including macrophages, human PBMCs, and various animal strains (mice, rats, chickens). All studies reported significant anti-inflammatory effects via reduction in pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), primarily through downregulation of MAPK and TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathways. Meta-analysis of in vitro data confirmed significant reductions in NO levels (−3.29 [95% CI: −5.21, −1.37]; p = 0.0008), IL-6 (−3.51 [−4.73, −2.29]; p < 0.00001), and TNF-α (−2.20 [−2.93, −1.48]; p < 0.00001). Similar anti-inflammatory profiles were observed in vivo across hepatic and splenic tissues. Interpretation: Evidence consistently demonstrates the potent anti-inflammatory activity of G. lucidum triterpenes, highlighting their potential as therapeutic candidates for inflammatory diseases. However, the structural complexity and isomer diversity of these compounds remain significant barriers to pharmacological standardization. Future research must prioritize clinical translation by investigating compound synergism, bioavailability, and long-term toxicity profiles, which were notably absent in current non-clinical literature. Full article

Currently, there is no report on prediction models of standardized ileal amino acid digestibilities (SIAADs) in soybean meals (SBMs) for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. This study firstly analyzed the chemical compositions of 10 SBMs, then determined their SIAADs in chickens, and finally established and verified prediction models for SBM SIAADs based on their chemical compositions and amino acid (AA) profiles. A total of 276 55 d-old Tianluma roosters were selected and randomly divided by body weight into 11 treatment groups. On d 63, chickens were fed either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or one of 10 SBM diets for 5 d. On d 67, ileal chyme samples were collected to determine SIAADs. Data from nine SBM samples and stepwise regressions were employed to build prediction models, while one SBM sample was randomly selected to validate model accuracy. Different SBM sources affected (p ≤ 0.007) SIAADs in medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of glutamic acid (Glu) was the highest (93.9%), whereas that of cysteine (Cys) was the lowest (81.7%). Fifteen prediction models (R² = 0.567–0.993, p < 0.03) for the SIDs of methionine (Met), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), arginine (Arg), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), Glu, glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), Cys, tyrosine (Tyr), and proline (Pro) in SBMs for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens were effectively established based on chemical compositions and AA profiles. Among them, the prediction model for the SID of Cys showed the best fit (R² = 0.993, p = 0.002), while the model for the SID of Ala had the lowest fit (R² = 0.567, p = 0.019). Except for His and Pro, which exhibited poor predictive accuracy, all other models showed good accuracy. These prediction models thus provide a valuable reference for rapidly estimating the SIDs of key AAs in SBMs for medium-growing yellow-feathered chickens. Full article

The extensive use of antibiotics in intensive farming weakens immunity and threatens food safety. Stevia isochlorogenic acid (SICA), a kind of dicaffeoylquinic acid derived from stevia residue, exhibits strong antioxidant activity. This study evaluated the ability of SICA to improve immune function in an immunosuppressed broiler model. SICA significantly increased the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius indices (p < 0.05), alleviated spleen damage, and elevated serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, interferon-γ, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG), and complement components C3 and C4 (p < 0.05). Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-based proteomics indicated that SICA enhanced splenic immune function by activating cell adhesion molecules, phagosomes, and the intestinal immune network for IgA production pathways. Quantitative PCR analysis showed upregulation of mRNA and protein levels of B-cell receptor, major histocompatibility complex class II, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C, and neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (p67phox) and downregulation of C-C motif chemokine receptor 9. Molecular docking demonstrated the strongest binding affinity between SICA and p67phox. Overall, SICA effectively alleviated immunosuppression in broiler chickens and represents a promising natural alternative to antibiotic feed additives. Full article

In this study, the effects of pediocin (PP) on intestinal barrier function, renal injury, and immune regulation were evaluated in Salmonella pullorum-infected chickens. Forty-five 7-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were randomly assigned to three groups: control (CON), S. pullorum infection (SP), and S. pullorum infection + PP treatment (SPA). The results showed that S. pullorum infection significantly elevated (p < 0.05) the renal (CREA, UREA), hepatic (ALT, AST), immunological (IgG, IgM), and inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, SAA, CRP) parameters, as well as the expression of trefoil factor 3, Toll-like receptor 2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In contrast, the jejunal villus height and the villus-to-crypt ratio, and the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and Zonula occludens-1), mucin-2, and transforming growth factor-β1 were significantly decreased in both the SP and SPA groups. In the SP group, the parameter alterations observed at 6 DPI compared to the CON group persisted until 12 DPI. In contrast, in the SPA group, these parameters returned to levels comparable to those of the CON group after 6 days of PP treatment. Moreover, S. pullorum infection markedly reduced the α-diversity of the gut microbiota, and this reduction could be partially restored following PP treatment. At the phylum level, S. pullorum infection significantly reduced the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. PP treatment increased the abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while also restoring the abundances of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia to some extent. At the genus level, PP treatment significantly increased the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Lactobacillus. Additionally, Faecalibacterium and Butyricicoccus were significantly more abundant in the SPA group. Thus, PP could alleviate S. pullorum infection induced intestinal barrier damage, reduce immune stress responses, and exert a protective effect by modulating the composition of the intestinal microbiota of chickens. Full article

LigiLactobacillus saerimneri (L. sae) has shown considerable promise as a probiotic in recent years, particularly in poultry production. Comprehensive evaluation of its genetic functions, safety profile, and immunogenicity is essential prior to practical application. Our previous study demonstrated that the chicken-derived strain L. sae M-11 colonizes effectively and exhibits a favorable safety profile at adequate dosages. In this study, we further evaluated the potential of L. sae M-11 by analyzing its genetic basis for intestinal adaptation, metabolic features, safety risks, and suitability as a delivery vector. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that L. sae has evolved distinctive genetic features and functional specialization that may facilitate host adaptation. Genomic stability assessments and virulence factor screening confirmed that L. sae M-11 poses no substantial health risks. Furthermore, based on transmembrane protein predictions, the LPQTGE-motif protein was identified as a cell wall anchor in genetically engineered L. sae M-11 using immunoelectron microscopy. Notably, this delivery system selectively activated peripheral blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (PB-MoDCs) in vitro, as evidenced by the up-regulation of maturation markers (CD83, CD80), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), Th1-associated IL-12, and the chemokine CXCLi1. However, it exhibited a limited antigen presentation capacity, indicated by low expression levels of CD40, MHCII, DEC205, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. The prospects and challenges associated with the application of L. sae M-11 have been discussed. Overall, these findings support the potential development of L. sae M-11 as a microbial cell factory and mucosal delivery vector. Full article

Procyanidin B1 (PB1), a polyphenol abundant in Cyperus esculentus stems and leaves extract (CELE), exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, though its mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigated CELE’s effects in chickens and LPS-stimulated HD11 macrophages. Chickens fed CELE showed increased blood levels of SOD, GSH-Px, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, while MDA decreased. RNA-seq of LPS + PB1 vs. LPS-treated cells identified 696 differentially expressed genes enriched in inflammation and antioxidant pathways. Analysis indicated 120 transcription factors (TFs) may regulate these changes, with FOSL1, HIF1A, and STAT2 significantly downregulated. In HD11 cells, PB1 reduced expression of HIF1A/STAT2-target genes (e.g., HMGA2, EPSTI1), lowered IL-1β, IL-6, and ROS, and shifted macrophage polarization from M1 to M2. PB1’s effects were enhanced by an HIF1A inhibitor but reversed by a STAT2 activator. These findings support PB1 and CELE as potential feed additives for livestock. Full article

Flavor is a pivotal indicator influencing the meat quality and palatability of premium broiler chickens, shaped by multiple factors. The flavor differences among broiler chicken breeds/lines stem from the specificity of their metabolite profiles and volatile flavor compounds. This study aims to identify key metabolites and pathways that regulate flavor variations in high-quality broilers, providing data support and theoretical references for breeding superior broiler lines and developing technologies to enhance flavor quality. Breast Muscle tissue from 15-week-old roosters of the S3 and H lines (n = 6) was used as experimental material. Broad-targeted metabolomics and volatile metabolomics technologies were employed to identify key metabolites and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) influencing the flavor of breast meat in these two high-quality broiler lines. Broad-target metabolomics identified 167 differentially expressed metabolites (VIP > 1, p < 0.05) between the two strains, including 141 upregulated and 26 downregulated metabolites. These metabolites were primarily amino acids and their derivatives, and were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways such as ABC transporters (p < 0.05). Leu-Tyr, Ile-Tyr, Val-Leu, Val-Ile, and Tyr-Ala were identified as key metabolites influencing the flavor formation of breast meat from both high-quality broiler lines. Volatile metabolomics results identified 33 downregulated VOCs (VIP > 1 and p < 0.05). The flavor differences between the two strains primarily involved fatty and grassy flavor. Key flavor markers included 2-Nonanone, 2-Nonanone, 3-hydroxymethyl, 2-Methylheptanoic acid, and Hexanoic acid, butyl ester as the primary flavor markers. These significantly downregulated volatiles are formed through lipid oxidation and amino acid degradation pathways, respectively, collectively shaping the more pronounced fatty and grassy aromas in the S3 strain. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between Met-Asn and Hexanoic acid, butyl ester, suggesting it may represent a key regulatory pathway influencing green flavor formation. In summary, this study elucidates key metabolites and pathways governing flavor differences in high-quality broiler rooster breast meat, providing a scientific foundation for poultry breeding, optimization of farming practices, and flavor regulation in meat products. Full article

Poultry have higher blood glucose concentrations, which are 1.5–2 times those of their mammalian counterparts with equivalent body mass, yet do not show any adverse effects. However, the underlying mediators that inhibit systemic inflammation under hyperglycemia are unclear. In this study, chickens and rats were chosen as representatives of poultry and mammals, and the physiological differences in blood glucose regulation between them were investigated under control conditions and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia, respectively, to explore the internal causes of hyperglycemia without symptoms in poultry. Firstly, the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glucagon concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.01) and the insulin concentrations decreased when chickens and rats were treated with STZ (p < 0.001). STZ injections in rats resulted in higher oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) levels (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in chickens. In addition, the body weight development of STZ-inducted rats was retarded, while it was not the case for chickens receiving STZ. Secondly, high glucose metabolism products, including advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were detected in STZ-inducted rats and chickens. The AGEs concentration in the rats receiving STZ was significantly higher than that in control group rats (p < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference in chickens. Also, the concentrations of free amino acids inhibiting AGEs were further explored, and higher concentrations of taurine, leucine, and lysine were observed in chickens than those observed in rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, the concentrations were decreased significantly in STZ-treated chickens (p < 0.05). Finally, the inflammation in tissues vulnerable to high blood glucose was examined, and it was found that there were significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory factors such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in STZ-injected rats (p < 0.001), while there was no obvious effect in STZ-induced chickens. The results revealed the damage and inflammation resulting from STZ-induced hyperglycemia in chickens were significantly lower compared to rats. This may be attributed to the high concentrations of free amino acids in chickens, which inhibit AGE formation by functioning as carbonyl scavengers. This study elucidates the underlying causes of the absence of inflammation in chickens compared to rats under hyperglycemic conditions, offering new insights for controlling diabetic complications. Full article

The H6N6 avian influenza virus has expanded its host range from birds to mammals. Some strains can now bind to human-like receptors, raising concerns about human infection. Although H6N6 is a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV), it is unclear whether it triggers pyroptosis in human lungs, a process linked to cytokine storms in infections like H7N9. Here, we found that the chicken-origin H6N6 LPAIV can effectively replicate in and infect human alveolar macrophages and their M1 macrophages. Viral infection of M1 macrophages upregulated the mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, and Gasdermin D (GSDMD). Subsequently, caspase-1 was activated and cleaved GSDMD protein into its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-N), which formed pores in the cell membrane and triggered the release of IL-1β and IL-18. Further analysis demonstrated that inhibition of the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway by specific inhibitors attenuated pyroptosis in infected M1 macrophages. In summary, our study revealed that H6N6 virus infection induces M1 macrophage pyroptosis via the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway. Notably, M1 macrophages inherently produce pro-inflammatory cytokines; their pyroptosis, accompanied by the release of IL-1β and IL-18, can amplify inflammation and potentially trigger a cytokine storm in the lungs. These findings reveal novel pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for avian influenza viruses. Full article

Bidens pilosa L. extract (BPE), a traditional medicine known for its antimicrobial properties, has not been thoroughly investigated for its potential against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), a major pathogen responsible for severe economic losses and high mortality in poultry. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the antibacterial activity of BPE against APEC through both in vivo and in vitro experiments and to explore its underlying mechanisms. In a chicken infection model, BPE treatment led to an 80% cure rate and 20% mortality, in contrast to the 90% diarrhea and 70% mortality observed in the untreated model group. BPE also significantly alleviated intestinal tissue damage and reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β (p < 0.01). In vitro analyses revealed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 625 mg/mL. BPE dose-dependently suppressed bacterial motility, swarming, and biofilm formation (p < 0.01) and markedly increased membrane permeability, indicated by elevated release of nucleic acids, proteins, and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.001). Moreover, PCR results showed that treatment with BPE at 1/2 MIC for 24 h significantly downregulated multiple virulence-associated genes, including aatA, papC, ibeB, vat, ompA, iss, fyuA, and irp2 (p < 0.01). These results demonstrate that BPE exerts its anti-APEC effects by damaging cell membrane integrity, inhibiting biofilm formation and motility, and suppressing virulence gene expression. Our findings support the potential of BPE as a natural alternative for controlling APEC infections and contribute a scientific basis for the use of traditional herbal medicine in combating bacterial diseases. Full article

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a common mycotoxin contaminant, poses significant health risks through its multi-organ toxicity. While OTA is known to cause immune organ dysfunction leading to immunotoxicity, its precise mechanistic pathways remain unclear. The spleen is an important immune organ of the body and plays a key role in immune defense and homeostasis maintenance. Astaxanthin (AST), a potent antioxidant with demonstrated immunomodulatory properties, exhibits a broad therapeutic potential including anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, anti-aging, and hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mechanism by which AST attenuates OTA-induced immunotoxicity using a chicken OTA/AST treatment model. Sixty 1-day-old, white-feathered, sex-undifferentiated chicks were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 15): (1) Control, (2) OTA (1 mg/kg), (3) AST (100 mg/kg), and (4) OTA + AST (1 mg/kg OTA + 100 mg/kg AST). The experiment lasted for 21 days to establish the model. Subsequently, serum ELISA, antioxidant capacity assays, qRT-PCR, and western blot (WB) analyses were employed to explore the protective role of AST against immunotoxicity. The results showed that AST increased splenic organ coefficients and serum immunoglobulin (IgM and IgG) concentrations (p < 0.01) and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-8, IL-6, and IL-1β) (p < 0.01). We found that OTA was involved in the expression of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (PTEN, PI3K, AKT, p-AKT (Ser473)) and apoptotic genes (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9). Notably, AST significantly attenuated OTA-induced oxidative damage (ROS, MDA, T-AOC) in the spleen (p < 0.05), upregulated the expression of PI3K and p-AKT (Ser473) (p < 0.05) and inhibited the expression of PTEN and apoptosis-related genes (p < 0.05). In summary, AST attenuates OTA-induced immunotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress and modulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Full article

Background: Campylobacter spp. are leading foodborne pathogens, with increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) posing a critical public health threat. While broiler chickens have been widely studied, turkeys represent an underexplored reservoir. The present study investigates Campylobacter spp. in turkeys, focusing on isolation frequency, resistance, and virulence within the context of One Health. Methods: A total of 182 cecal samples were collected from slaughtered turkeys in Romania. Isolation and identification of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli followed ISO 10272-1:2017 guidelines. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted via broth microdilution, and molecular analyses using PCR targeted species identification, resistance determinants, and virulence-associated genes. Results: Campylobacter spp. were detected in 75.8% of samples, with C. jejuni and C. coli accounting for 54.3% and 45.7%, respectively. High resistance rates were observed to ciprofloxacin (89.9%) and tetracycline (85.5%), with moderate resistance to erythromycin and ertapenem. No resistance was found to gentamicin or chloramphenicol. Genotypic analyses confirmed the presence of resistance genes (e.g., tetO, gyrA—Thr-86-Ile mutation, ermB, cmeB) and widespread virulence genes (flaA, cadF, cdtAB, ciaB), supporting phenotypic results. Conclusions: The survey highlights turkeys as a significant but neglected source of resistant and virulent Campylobacter spp., with implications for food safety and public health. The convergence of AMR and virulence aspects calls for integrated surveillance and control strategies across veterinary and human health sectors, supporting the One Health strategy. Full article

The current study aims to investigate the effects of additional valine and isoleucine in different necrotic enteritis (NE) challenge intensities. A total of 648 seven-day-old male Cobb 500 were allotted to nine treatments with six replicates. Two different NE intensity experiments (Exp-1 and Exp-2) were conducted. The five treatments for each NE experiment were as follows: (1) non-challenged shared control (NC), (2) NE challenge (NE), (3) 130% additional valine (VAL), (4) 130% additional isoleucine (ILE), and (5) 130% valine and isoleucine (MIX). In both experiments, all NE-challenged groups had decreased body weight gain compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The ILE group in Exp-1 had further reduced body weight compared to the NE group on day 21 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in intestinal permeability, jejunal NE lesion score, jejunal C. perfringens colony counts, jejunal morphology, jejunal gene expression levels, breast muscle yield, and body mineral compositions among all NE-challenged groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, 130% additional valine and isoleucine hardly mitigated the negative effects of NE. Additional isoleucine may further worsen chicken growth performance, but this effect may vary depending on the intensity of the NE challenge. Full article

In recent years, scientific interest in functional ingredients capable of replacing the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animal feed has intensified, fostering the exploration of novel additives such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae hydrolysate (SCH). This study investigated the effect of dietary SCH supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, local immune response, and cecal microbiota composition in Ross 308 broiler chickens. A total of 300 one-day-old male chicks were randomly assigned to two experimental groups, receiving either a standard diet or a diet supplemented with SCH (500 mg/kg during the starter and grower phases; 250 mg/kg during the finisher phase). SCH supplementation significantly improved growth performance during the finisher phase, with increases in final body weight (p = 0.025), average daily gain (p = 0.049), and average daily feed intake (p = 0.027), without significant changes in feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Favourable intestinal morphological modifications were observed, with a significant increase in villus height to crypt depth ratio in both the jejunum and ileum at days 28 (p = 0.035 and 0.002, respectively) and 42 (p < 0.001). The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes was significantly reduced, with lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while tight junction protein genes ZO-1 and Occludin were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). Microbiota profiling revealed higher alpha diversity and greater abundance of Prevotella. These findings highlight SCH as a promising dietary strategy to improve broiler performance, intestinal function, and sustainability in poultry production systems. Full article

The current study evaluated the role of dietary fennel essential oil (FO) supplementation in ameliorating the effects of heat stress on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant activity, inflammatory responses, and liver histopathology in broiler chickens. Six hundred male broiler chicks (three-day-old ROSS broilers) were allocated into six experimental treatments (TRTs); the first was the negative control (Neg. CON, not subjected to hot temperature conditions), and the second was the positive control group (PS CON, subjected to hot temperatures). The control groups (Neg. and PS) were fed the basal diet without supplements. The third, fourth, and fifth groups were fed diets supplemented with 1 g FO/kg diet, 2 g FO/kg diet, and 3 g FO/kg diet, respectively and subjected to hot temperatures. The sixth group was fed the basal diet, received 500 mg of paracetamol per liter of drinking water, and subjected to hot temperatures. Hot temperature conditions (36 ± 0.5 °C) was applied for 6 h/day from the 22nd to the 25th day of the feeding period. The feeding period lasted for 35 days. The results showed that FO supplementation improved the body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio compared to those in the PS CON and paracetamol groups. The growth hormone concentrations increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and the paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations significantly increased in the FO-supplemented TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups and the paracetamol TRTs. The serum TAC increased in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The serum activity of CAT and SOD increased in the 3 and 2 g FO/kg TRTs and the paracetamol TRTs compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The serum MDA concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented TRTs and paracetamol groups compared to those in the Neg. and PS CON groups. The IL1β and IFN-α concentrations decreased in the FO-supplemented and paracetamol groups compared to those in the PS CON groups. The HSP70 concentration was the highest in the 3 g FO/kg TRT. The immune expression of IL1-β and TGF-β in the liver tissues was downregulated in the FO-supplemented groups, especially the FO3 group, compared to those in the PS CON group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FO increased the broiler chickens’ growth more than that in the PS CON and paracetamol groups under hot temperatures. Fennel oil supplementation (3 g/kg diet) can alleviate the negative impacts of heat stress on broiler chickens’ antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Full article