Mucin gene mRNA levels in broilers challenged with eimeria and/or Clostridium perfringens

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.