Butyrate improves dextran sulfate sodium-induced imbalance of intestinal stem cell homeostasis in broilers

Intestinal homeostasis is maintained through the ongoing self-renewal and differentiation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Butyrate, a microbial metabolite, connects the gut microbiome with the epithelium. This research delves deeper into how butyrate influences ISC to enhance the intestinal mucosal barrier in broilers.

Our research results show that dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated broilers exhibit damaged intestinal villi structure (including reduced villus length and increased crypt depth) and impaired intestinal mucosal barrier, including decreased numbers of goblet cells, mast cells and paneth cells, and MUC2 protein and tight junction protein expression. Importantly, DSS treatment not only reduces the number of ISCs but also hinders their differentiation and proliferation abilities. However, butyrate intervention can effectively improve intestinal mucosal barrier function by restoring the homeostasis of intestinal stem cells.

The findings imply that butyrate might promote ISC self-renewal and differentiation, improving the structure and function of the intestinal lining by triggering the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways. The study provides clinical value by highlighting the key role of immunometabolism in intestinal diseases and potential therapeutic targets, and it has broad application prospects in livestock and poultry farming for improving growth performance by enhancing gut health.