Exploring Bile-Acid Changes and Microflora Profiles in Chicken Fatty Liver Disease Model

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in laying hens negatively impacts egg production.
• Bile acid metabolism is an emerging target for NAFLD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a high-cholesterol, low-choline diet on bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota in a chicken model of NAFLD.
• To elucidate the relationship between diet-induced NAFLD, bile acid profiles, and cecal microbial composition in chickens.

Main Methods:

• NAFLD was induced in ISA female chickens using a high-cholesterol, low-choline diet for 6 weeks.
• Serum and cecal bile acids were analyzed using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS).
• Cecal digesta 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to assess microbial community structure.

Main Results:

• The diet significantly altered bile acid distribution, increasing secondary bile acids in serum and specific primary bile acids.
• Upregulation of hepatic bile acid synthesis enzymes (CYP7A1, CYP8B1) was observed in NAFLD chickens.
• NAFLD induced significant changes in gut microbiota diversity and composition, with altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and specific bacterial taxa.

Conclusions:

• Diet-induced NAFLD in chickens is associated with distinct alterations in bile acid profiles and gut microbial communities.
• These findings enhance understanding of the metabolic interplay in fatty liver disease.
• The study provides a foundation for developing targeted interventions for NAFLD in poultry.