Compromised liver mitochondrial function and complex activity in low feed efficient broilers are associated with...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Biochemistry
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Broiler feed efficiency (FE) varies, partly due to mitochondrial function and biochemistry.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are implicated in reduced growth and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between mitochondrial function, electron transport chain (ETC) complex activities, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in broilers with differing feed efficiency.
• To analyze the association of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and protein oxidation with feed efficiency.
• To compare mitochondrial protein expression in broilers with low versus high feed efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Mitochondrial function and ETC complex activities were measured using polarography and spectrophotometry.
• Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were quantified fluorimetrically.
• Protein oxidation (carbonyls) and specific mitochondrial proteins were analyzed via Western blotting.

Main Results:

• High FE broilers showed enhanced mitochondrial function (ETC coupling) and higher ETC complex activities (I-IV) compared to low FE broilers.
• Low FE broilers had elevated levels of H2O2 and protein carbonyls in the liver, indicating increased oxidative stress.
• Differential expression of specific mitochondrial proteins (Complexes I, II, III, IV, and V) was observed between low and high FE groups.

Conclusions:

• Increased oxidative stress in low FE broilers is linked to or contributes to altered mitochondrial function and differential expression of mitochondrial proteins.
• Understanding the role of oxidative stress in low FE broilers provides insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying feed efficiency.
• These findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial health in optimizing broiler performance.