Inulin alleviates inflammatory response and gut barrier dysfunction via modulating microbiota in...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in broilers causes systemic inflammation and compromises intestinal barrier function.
• Immune stress negatively impacts broiler growth and production efficiency.
• Dietary interventions are explored to mitigate LPS-induced negative effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of inulin against LPS-induced inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction in broilers.
• To evaluate inulin's impact on the cecal microbiota composition and metabolite production.
• To assess inulin's role in alleviating LPS-induced growth retardation.

Main Methods:

• 108 broilers were divided into control, LPS-challenged, and inulin-supplemented LPS-challenged groups.
• LPS challenge was induced via intraperitoneal injection.
• Samples of blood, intestinal mucosa, and cecal digesta were collected for analysis.

Main Results:

• LPS challenge led to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and damaged intestinal barrier.
• Inulin supplementation attenuated LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting TLR4 and NF-κB p65 activation.
• Inulin modulated cecal microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Faecalibacterium) and short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate).

Conclusions:

• Dietary inulin partially alleviates LPS-induced inflammation and intestinal barrier injury in broilers.
• Inulin's benefits are mediated through modulation of the intestinal microbiota and metabolite production.
• Inulin shows potential for mitigating immune stress and improving growth in broiler production.