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Zinc-loaded montmorillonite alleviates avian pathogenic Escherichia coli-induced intestinal barrier damage in broiler
Pingping Zha1, Xinghuo Liu1, Zihao Qin1
1Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University.
Abstract:
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) significantly compromises the intestinal barrier of broiler chickens. This study evaluated the protective effects of zinc-loaded montmorillonite (Zn-MMT), an inorganic antibacterial compound, against APEC challenge in broiler chickens. A total of 180 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates of 10 birds each. The treatment groups were: 1) the control group (basal diet); 2) the APEC-challenged group (basal diet); and 3) the Zn-MMT-supplemented group (basal diet + 1,000 mg/kg Zn-MMT). On day 14, groups 2 and 3 were orally challenged with APEC, while controls received sterile broth. Intergroup differences were assessed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test. Compared with the APEC-challenged group, dietary Zn-MMT supplementation reduced myeloperoxidase activity in both jejunal and ileal mucosa and increased the relative weight of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) (P < 0.05). Moreover, Zn-MMT lowered serum endotoxin and D-lactate concentrations, as well as diamine oxidase activity, while increasing jejunal villus height and the ratio between villus height and crypt depth (P < 0.05). The incorporation of Zn-MMT upregulated the expression of jejunal zonula occludens-1 and claudin-1 and ileal zonula occludens-1 (P < 0.05). Additionally, Zn-MMT decreased the apoptosis rates of the epithelial cells in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). The Zn-MMT supplementation restored the expression of cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-3, cysteine-requiring aspartate protease-9, B cell lymphoma-2, and tumor protein 53 in the jejunum and/or ileum of the APEC-challenged chickens (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with Zn-MMT improved antioxidant capacity of APEC-challenged chickens by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, elevating reduced glutathione levels, and inhibiting the accumulation of malondialdehyde in serum and/or intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). The results suggested that Zn-MMT was effective in alleviating intestinal barrier damage in APEC-challenged broiler chickens by alleviating inflammation, reducing intestinal permeability, regulating tight junction protein expression, preventing intestinal apoptosis, modulating apoptosis-related genes, and mitigating oxidative stress.
Insights
Zinc-loaded montmorillonite (Zn-MMT) protects broiler chickens against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) by improving intestinal barrier function. Zn-MMT supplementation alleviates inflammation, reduces gut permeability, and enhances antioxidant capacity in challenged birds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Nutrition
- Microbiology
Background:
- Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) poses a significant threat to poultry health, compromising the intestinal barrier.
- Maintaining intestinal integrity is crucial for broiler chicken health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of zinc-loaded montmorillonite (Zn-MMT) against APEC challenge in broiler chickens.
- To assess Zn-MMT's impact on intestinal barrier function, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- 180 broiler chickens were divided into control, APEC-challenged, and Zn-MMT supplemented groups.
- Zn-MMT (1,000 mg/kg) was administered orally to the supplemented group.
- Intestinal barrier integrity, inflammatory markers, apoptosis, and antioxidant capacity were assessed.
Main Results:
- Zn-MMT reduced inflammation (myeloperoxidase activity) and intestinal permeability (serum endotoxin, D-lactate).
- Supplementation increased villus height, tight junction protein expression (ZO-1, Claudin-1), and antioxidant enzyme activities.
- Zn-MMT decreased epithelial cell apoptosis and modulated related gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Zn-MMT effectively alleviates intestinal barrier damage in APEC-challenged broiler chickens.
- The protective mechanisms involve reducing inflammation, improving gut permeability, regulating tight junctions, preventing apoptosis, and mitigating oxidative stress.
