In vivo and in vitro protective effect of lutein against inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-induced broilers

Lutein, a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid abundant in leafy green vegetables, is known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. This research assessed how lutein modulates intestinal inflammation triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in vivo and in vitro. In vivo trials involved 240 male yellow-feathered broilers (1-day-old) divided into four groups: control (basal diet), lutein-supplemented (40 mg/kg), LPS-challenged (1 mg/kg), and lutein+LPS. Growth parameters, inflammatory cytokines, and TLR4/MyD88 pathway components were analyzed. In vitro, chicken intestinal epithelial cells were exposed to LPS (20 μg/mL) with or without lutein pretreatment. Results indicated that lutein mitigated LPS-induced growth suppression (ADG: P = 0.09; BWG: P = 0.10) and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) and the inflammatory signaling pathway transduction molecules TLR4, MyD88 expression (P < 0.05). In vitro, 80 μmol/L lutein optimally attenuated inflammatory markers. In conclusion, lutein prevented the LPS-induced decline in growth performance, attenuated the inflammatory response, and inhibited the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the intestinal tract of broilers. These findings highlight lutein's potential to counteract LPS-induced inflammation via TLR4/MyD88 modulation, offering a strategy for poultry health management.