Modulating effects of Phellinus linteus polysaccharides on antioxidant capacity, immune function, intestinal function...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Phellinus linteus polysaccharides (PLP) show promise for gut health.
• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge negatively impacts broiler performance and intestinal integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of PLP on broilers under LPS challenge.
• To assess PLP's impact on growth, immunity, intestinal barrier, and gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

• 120 Arbor Acres broilers were divided into control, LPS, and PLP + LPS groups.
• PLP (200 mg/kg/d) was administered, and LPS was injected on specific days.
• Growth performance, serum/duodenal parameters, gene expression, histology, and gut microbiota were analyzed.

Main Results:

• LPS challenge reduced growth, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier function, while increasing inflammation markers.
• PLP supplementation counteracted LPS effects, improving growth, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology.
• PLP altered gut microbiota composition, increasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and beneficial genera.

Conclusions:

• Dietary PLP at 200 mg/kg enhances growth, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in LPS-challenged broilers.
• PLP's benefits are linked to improved intestinal barrier integrity and beneficial gut microbiota modulation.