Effects of Ban Lian Zi Jin compound on intestinal barrier and apoptosis of Heat-stressed broilers

Heat stress can damage the integrity of the intestinal barrier in broiler chickens. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective and reparative effects and related mechanisms of Ban Lian Zi Jin (BLZJ) compound on the intestinal barrier function of heat stressed broiler chickens. Acute heat stress was induced in 216 broilers, which were randomly allocated to six treatment groups. Broilers in the treatment groups received BLZJ daily via dietary supplementation or drinking water, whereas the HS group was fed a basal diet with normal water only. LC-MS results indicate that components such as scopolamine and magnolol in BLZJ may alleviate heat stress-induced intestinal barrier damage through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regulatory activities.Moreover, Supplementation with BLZJ significantly increasing the jejunum gene expression of TJPs (Occludin, Claudin-1, Claudin-5), MUCs (MUC2, E-cadherin) and the anti-apoptotic protein(BCL2)(P<0.05), significantly decreased the jejunum gene expression of pro-apoptotic factors (BAX, CYTC, caspase-3, caspase-9)(P < 0.05), enhanced the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota, and improved microbial community stability. In conclusion, BLZJ can repair intestinal barrier damage in heat stressed broiler chickens by enhancing tight junctions and mucin expression, regulating intestinal microbiota homeostasis, and inhibiting excessive intestinal mucosal apoptosis.