Dietary Lycopene Supplementation Could Alleviate Aflatoxin B₁ Induced Intestinal Damage through Improving Immune...

Area of Science:

• Poultry Nutrition
• Toxicology
• Immunology

Background:

• Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination poses a significant threat to broiler health, impacting intestinal integrity and immune function.
• Lycopene (LYC), a potent antioxidant, has potential benefits for mitigating toxin-induced damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of lycopene supplementation against AFB1-induced intestinal damage in broilers.
• To assess LYC's impact on intestinal immune function, barrier integrity, and antioxidant capacity.

Main Methods:

• 144 Arbor Acres broilers were divided into three groups: control, AFB1-contaminated diet, and AFB1 + LYC supplemented diet.
• Intestinal immune markers (cytokines), barrier function indicators (CLDN-1, ZO-1), and oxidative stress markers (DAO, D-lactate, MDA, H2O2) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• LYC supplementation reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β) and increased tight junction proteins (CLDN-1, ZO-1) in AFB1-exposed broilers.
• LYC reversed AFB1-induced increases in serum DAO, D-lactate, and mucosal MDA and H2O2 levels.
• LYC improved antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression, restoring redox balance.

Conclusions:

• Dietary lycopene effectively alleviates AFB1-induced intestinal immune and barrier dysfunction in broilers.
• Lycopene supplementation enhances the antioxidant status of broilers challenged with aflatoxin B1.