Dietary high vanadium causes oxidative damage-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in broilers

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Toxicology
• Animal Nutrition
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• High vanadium intake is a concern in animal feed.
• Understanding vanadium's toxicological effects is crucial for poultry health.
• Oxidative damage mechanisms in avian species require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the renal and hepatic oxidative damage and toxicity induced by high dietary vanadium in broilers.
• To determine the threshold level of dietary vanadium causing adverse effects.
• To evaluate vanadium accumulation and its impact on antioxidant status and liver/kidney function.

Main Methods:

• 420 broilers were fed diets with vanadium levels ranging from 0.073 mg/kg (control) to 60 mg/kg for 42 days.
• Renal and hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH-Px), hydroxy radical inhibition, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and vanadium content were measured.
• Histopathological examination of kidney and liver tissues was performed.

Main Results:

• Dietary vanadium at 5 and 15 mg/kg showed no significant changes in oxidative stress markers or vanadium content.
• Vanadium levels of 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg significantly decreased SOD and GSH-Px activities and GSH content.
• These higher vanadium levels also increased MDA and vanadium accumulation, induced renal and hepatic lesions, and impaired organ function.

Conclusions:

• Dietary vanadium in the range of 30-60 mg/kg causes significant oxidative damage and vanadium accumulation in broilers.
• This level of vanadium intake induces renal and hepatic toxicity and lesions.
• High vanadium exposure ultimately impairs renal and hepatic function in chickens.