Assessing the Interactions between Zinc and Vitamin A on Intestinal Functionality, Morphology, and the Microbiome In Vivo (Gallus gallus)

Abstract

Dietary deficiencies in zinc (Zn) and vitamin A (VA) are among the leading micronutrient deficiencies globally and previous research has proposed a notable interaction between Zn and VA physiological status. This study aimed to assess the effects of zinc and vitamin A (isolated and combined) on intestinal functionality and morphology, and the gut microbiome (Gallus gallus). The study included nine treatment groups (n~11)—no-injection (NI); H2O; 0.5% oil; normal zinc (40 mg/kg ZnSO4) (ZN); low zinc (20 mg/kg) (ZL); normal retinoid (1500 IU/kg retinyl palmitate) (RN); low retinoid (100 IU/kg) (RL); normal zinc and retinoid (40 mg/kg; 1500 IU/kg) (ZNRN); low zinc and retinoid (ZLRL) (20 mg/kg; 100 IU/kg). Samples were injected into the amniotic fluid of the fertile broiler eggs. Tissue samples were collected upon hatch to target biomarkers. ZLRL reduced ZIP4 gene expression and upregulated ZnT1 gene expression (p < 0.05). Duodenal surface area increased the greatest in RL compared to RN (p < 0.01), and ZLRL compared to ZNRN (p < 0.05). All nutrient treatments yielded shorter crypt depths (p < 0.01). Compared to the oil control, ZLRL and ZNRN reduced (p < 0.05) the cecal abundance of Bifidobacterium and Clostridium genera (p < 0.05). These results suggest a potentially improved intestinal epithelium proceeding with Zn and VA intra-amniotic administration. Intestinal functionality and gut bacteria were modulated. Further research should characterize long-term responses and the microbiome profile.

Effects of Pea (Pisum sativum) Prebiotics on Intestinal Iron-Related Proteins and Microbial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus)

“…In this study, the potential effects of soluble extracts from the cotyledon and seed coats of different pea varieties on the expression of brush border membrane iron-related proteins (DCTYB and DMT-1) and populations of beneficial intestinal bacteria was assessed using the Gallus gallus model. The Gallus gallus model in previous studies has been proven to be valid for initial in vivo screening of iron bioavailability in staple foods due to its sensitivity to micronutrient deficiency, taxonomic similarities at the phylum level between humans and this model, as well as genetic similarities in nutrient metabolism proteins between the two [ 34 , 41 , 48 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”

“…Since the body lacks an active iron excretion system, iron homeostasis is tightly regulated to maintain iron balance, and this is predominantly controlled at the level of iron absorption from the intestines [ 81 , 85 ]. Thus, in a state of iron deficiency, more iron is mobilized from body iron stores and increased intestinal iron absorption [ 50 ]. These processes are, however, downregulated when the body is iron-replete [ 75 ].…”

“…Like humans and most other animals, the Gallus gallus model has a complex and dynamic gut microbiota [ 86 ] which is greatly influenced by diet, environment, and host genetics [ 48 , 53 , 87 ]. Its gut microbiota shares considerable similarities with humans at the phylum level, with Actinobacteria , Proteobacteria , Bacteroidetes , and Firmicutes representing the four most abundant bacterial phyla in both [ 48 , 50 , 53 , 88 ]. The genus Bifidobacterium consists of gram-positive bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteria and represents one of the most dominant microbial populations in the gut of various animals [ 89 , 90 ].…”

Pet Wellness and Vitamin A: A Narrative Overview

“…Zinc, an indispensable trace element, plays a pivotal role in numerous enzymatic reactions, immune modulation, and the process of wound healing [198]. Studies in humans and chickens, as well as ex vivo research using cultures of spleen leukocytes from dogs, have suggested the existence of a synergistic relationship between the dietary intake of zinc and the metabolism and status of vitamin A [199][200][201]. Simultaneous long-term zinc and vitamin A supplementation was shown to be associated with reduced parasitic gastrointestinal infections caused by Giardia lamblia and Ascaris lumbricoides in humans [202].…”

“…Moreover, zinc deficiency has been shown to diminish the lymphatic absorption of retinol in animal models, a phenomenon linked to a decline in the output of lymphatic phospholipids due to compromised biliary secretion into the intestinal lumen [205]. Conversely, vitamin A is required for the absorption and utilization of zinc by improving intestinal functionality [201,204].…”