Mucin gene mRNA levels in broilers challenged with eimeria and/or Clostridium perfringens
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Abstract:
The effects of Eimeria (EM) and Clostridium perfringens (CP) challenges on the mRNA levels of genes involved in mucin (Muc) synthesis (Muc2, Muc5ac, Muc13, and trefoil family factor-2 [TFF2]), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha] and interleukin-18 [IL-18]), and metabolic processes (cluster of differentiation [CD]36) in the jejunum of broilers were investigated. Two parallel experiments involving 1) EM challenge and 2) EM and CP challenges were conducted. The first experiment was a 2 X 2 study with 12 birds per treatment (N = 48) involving fishmeal substitution (25%) in the diet (FM) and EM challenge. The treatments were: Control (FM-, EM-), Fishmeal (FM+, EM-), EM challenge (FM-, EM+), and fishmeal substitution and EM challenge (FM+, EM+). The second experiment was a 2 X 2 X 2 experiment with six birds per treatment (N = 48) involving fishmeal (FM-, FM+), Eimeria (EM-, EM+), and C perfringens (CP-, CP+). In both arms of the study, male broilers were given a starter diet for the whole period of 16 days, except those assigned to FM+, where 25% of the starter ration was replaced with fishmeal from days 8 to 14. EM inoculation was performed on day 9 and CP inoculation on days 14 and 15. The EM challenge birds were euthanatized for sampling on day 13; postmortem examination and sampling for the Eimeria plus C perfringens challenge arm of the study were on day 16. In the Eimeria challenge arm of the study, fishmeal supplementation significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of TNF-alpha, TFF2, and IL-18 pre-CP inoculation but simultaneously increased the levels of Muc13 and CD36 mRNAs. Birds challenged with Eimeria exhibited increased mRNA levels of Muc13, Muc5ac, TNF-alpha, and IL-18. In the Eimeria and C. perfringens challenge arm, birds exposed to EM challenge exhibited significantly lower mRNA levels of Muc2 and CD36. The mRNA levels of CD36 were also significantly suppressed by CP challenge. Our results showed that the transcription of mucin synthesis genes in the jejunum of broilers is modulated by fishmeal inclusion in the diet. Furthermore, we show for the first time suppression of CD36 mRNA levels in the intestine of broilers challenged with Eimeria or C. perfringens.
Insights
Fishmeal supplementation impacts broiler jejunum gene expression during Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens challenges. Dietary fishmeal modulated mucin synthesis genes and suppressed CD36 mRNA levels in challenged broilers.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Eimeria (EM) and Clostridium perfringens (CP) are significant enteric pathogens in broilers.
- Gut health and immunity are crucial for broiler performance and are influenced by diet and disease challenges.
- Understanding gene expression changes in response to these challenges is vital for developing effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of EM and CP challenges on mRNA levels of genes related to mucin synthesis, inflammation, and metabolism in broiler jejunum.
- To evaluate the impact of dietary fishmeal (FM) substitution on these gene expression patterns during pathogen challenges.
Main Methods:
- Two parallel experiments were conducted: one with EM challenge and another with combined EM and CP challenges.
- Factorial designs (2x2 and 2x2x2) were used with varying levels of FM inclusion and pathogen challenges.
- mRNA levels of specific genes (Mucin synthesis: Muc2, Muc5ac, Muc13, TFF2; Inflammation: TNF-alpha, IL-18; Metabolism: CD36) were quantified using RT-qPCR in jejunal tissues.
Main Results:
- In the EM challenge arm, FM supplementation suppressed TNF-alpha, TFF2, and IL-18 mRNA but increased Muc13 and CD36 mRNA.
- EM challenge alone increased mRNA levels of Muc13, Muc5ac, TNF-alpha, and IL-18.
- In the combined EM and CP challenge arm, EM challenge reduced Muc2 and CD36 mRNA, while CP challenge also suppressed CD36 mRNA.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fishmeal inclusion modulates the transcription of mucin synthesis genes in the broiler jejunum.
- This study provides the first evidence of CD36 mRNA suppression in the intestine of broilers challenged with Eimeria or Clostridium perfringens.
