Abstract
Background
Antibiotic residues and resistance issues have led to the ban on antibiotic growth promoters in the poultry industry. Targeted dietary supplementation such as glycerol monolaurate (GML) has been found to ameliorate the negative effects of restriction on the use of antibiotic growth promoters by modulating the animal immune system and intestinal health. However, the mechanism by which GML contributes to the health and growth of broilers is indistinct. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of GML on immunity, intestinal barrier function, and cecal microbiota profiles in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers.
Results
The results revealed that dietary GML intake augmented serum immunoglobulin A and G levels in LPS-challenged broilers. GML supplementation normalized LPS-induced variations in serum interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and LPS levels; jejunal villus height; and gene expression of interleukin-6, macrophage inflammatory protein-3α, toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), caspase-1, tight junction proteins, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α1, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2, and superoxide dismutase-1. GML administration ameliorated LPS-induced peroxidation by reducing malondialdehyde content and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. Dietary GML intake enhanced the abundances of cecal probiotics such as Blautia, Lactobacillus, and Coprobacter in challenged broilers. The LPS-induced reduction in Anaerostipes, Pseudoflavonifractor, and Gordonibacter abundances in the cecum was inhibited by GML supplementation. Dietary GML intake was positively correlated with alterations in antioxidant enzyme activities and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α1, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and zonula occludens-1 levels. The genera Anaerostipes, Lachnospira, Gordonibacter, Lachnospira, Marvinbryantia, Peptococcus, and Pseudoflavonifractor were linked to attenuated inflammation and improved immunity and antioxidant capacity of LPS-challenged broilers.
Conclusion
Dietary GML intake alleviated LPS-induced immunological stress and intestinal injury in broilers. This beneficial effect of GML supplementation was attributed to the suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress by regulation of cecal microbiota and the AMPK/NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway in LPS-challenged broilers.