Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation Alleviates Heat Stress-Induced Intestinal Oxidative Damage by Activating...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Heat stress (HS) negatively impacts rabbit health and productivity by causing intestinal oxidative damage.
• Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural polyphenol, exhibits antioxidant properties.
• Understanding CGA's protective mechanisms against HS-induced intestinal injury is crucial for the rabbit industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of CGA against heat stress-induced intestinal damage in rabbits.
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly the role of Nrf2 signaling.

Main Methods:

• In vivo studies in HS-challenged rabbits measuring serum antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD), oxidative stress markers (MDA), and HSP70 levels.
• Gene expression analysis of antioxidant (HO-1, SOD1) and apoptosis-related genes (Bax, caspase-3).
• In vitro studies using intestinal epithelial cells to assess apoptosis, ROS production, tight junction protein expression (occludin, ZO-1), and Nrf2 pathway activation.

Main Results:

• CGA significantly increased serum CAT and SOD activities and decreased MDA and jejunal HSP70 levels in HS rabbits.
• CGA reversed HS-induced changes in antioxidant and apoptosis-related gene expression.
• In vitro, CGA reduced apoptosis and ROS, preserved tight junction proteins, and activated Nrf2 signaling, which was essential for these protective effects.

Conclusions:

• CGA effectively alleviates heat stress-induced intestinal oxidative damage and maintains gut barrier integrity in rabbits.
• The protective mechanism involves the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
• CGA presents a promising, safe nutritional intervention to enhance heat stress resistance and productivity in rabbits, supporting industry sustainability.