Pulmonary microbiota intervention alleviates fine particulate matter-induced lung inflammation in broilers

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Environmental Health
• Microbiology

Background:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from the livestock industry poses a significant threat to avian respiratory health.
• Previous studies indicated PM2.5 exposure leads to lung inflammation and pulmonary microbiome alterations in broilers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal role of the pulmonary microbiota in the pathogenesis of PM2.5-induced lung inflammation in broilers.
• To determine if modulating the pulmonary microbiota can mitigate PM2.5-induced lung inflammation.

Main Methods:

• A pulmonary microbiota intervention broiler model was established using antibiotics.
• Broilers were assigned to control, PM2.5 exposure, and antibiotic-treated PM2.5 exposure groups.
• Lung histomorphology, inflammatory cytokine expression, pulmonary microbiome composition, and microbial growth conditions were analyzed.

Main Results:

• PM2.5 exposure caused lung histological injury and significant changes in pulmonary microbiota diversity and structure.
• Antibiotic intervention prevented PM2.5-induced lung injury and reduced the expression of key inflammatory markers.
• PM2.5 altered the bacterial growth environment, promoting the growth of Enterococcus cecorum and dysbiosis.

Conclusions:

• The pulmonary microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of PM2.5-induced lung inflammation in broilers.
• Modulating the pulmonary microbiota can protect against PM2.5-induced lung inflammation.
• PM2.5 exacerbates inflammation by altering the lung's bacterial growth environment and promoting dysbiosis.