Supplementation of Dietary Quercetin and Vitamin E Promotes the Intestinal Structure and Immune Barrier Integrity in Aged Breeder Hens

Abstract

In aged animals, the physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are reduced. Dietary intervention is necessary to re-activate GIT functions. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of dietary combination of quercetin (Q) and vitamin E (VE) on the intestinal structure and barrier integrity in aged breeder chickens. A sum of 400 (65-wks-old) Tianfu breeder hens were randomly allotted into four (4) groups with four (4) replicates, and fed with basal diet; basal diet supplemented with 0.4g/kg of Q; basal diet supplemented with 0.2g/kg of VE; and basal diet supplemented with the combination of Q (0.4 g/kg) and VE (0.2 g/kg) for 14 weeks. At the end of the 14th week, serum and gut segments were collected from eight hens per group for analyses. The results showed that Q+VE exerted synergistic effects on intestinal morphology by promoting villi height and crypt depth (P < 0.05), as well as mitigated the intestinal inflammatory damage of the aged hens, but decreased the concentration of serum D-lactate and diamine oxidase; and increased the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and Mucin-2 mRNA (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of intestinal tight junction proteins including occludin, ZO1, and claudin-1 was increased by Q+VE (P < 0.05). Moreover, Q+VE decreased the mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory genes (IL-10 and IL-4) (P < 0.05). These results were consistent with the mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl-2. In addition, Q+VE protected the small intestinal tract from oxidative damage by increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, catalase (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression of SOD1 and GPx-2. However, Q+VE decreased malondialdehyde levels in the intestine compared to the control (P < 0.05). These results indicated that dietary Q+VE improved intestinal function in aged breeder hens, by protecting the intestinal structure and integrity. Therefore, Q+VE could act as an anti-aging agent to elevate the physiological functions of the small intestine in chickens.

Effects of Dietary Vitamin E Supplementation on Reproductive Performance, Egg Characteristics, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Status in Breeding Geese during the Late Laying Period

“…Although 40 IU/kg VE was included in both diets, the difference in egg characteristics could be induced primarily according to geese breeds. Maternal dietary VE was suggested to improve egg quality by enhancing the eggshell quality and changing the egg components [ 6 , 40 , 41 ]. Amevor et al [ 16 ] reported that dietary 200 IU/kg VE (vs. 0 IU/kg) increased egg yolk weight, yolk height, yolk diameter, albumen height, and the Haugh unit after a 10 week trial from 52 weeks of age.…”

Effects of dietary supplementation with quercetagetin on nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of broilers

“…Flavonols have numerous biological functions. For instance, quercetin enhances the antioxidant capacity of broilers' intestines, alleviates intestinal inflammatory reactions, regulates the internal intestinal environment, maintains the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and improves the structure and morphology of the intestinal tract (15)(16)(17). Rutin exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species and cell apoptosis (18).…”

“…Flavonol compounds have immunomodulatory effects, with sufficient supplementation improving the immunity of broilers. For example, dietary supplementing Tianfu broilers with 0.4 g/kg quercetin for 14 weeks significantly increases the secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (16). Besides, supplementing 1-day-old broilers with 0.5 mg/kg quercetin exerts immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects and alleviates ochratoxin A-induced immunotoxicity by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway (22).…”

Quercetin Reduces Inflammation and Protects Gut Microbiota in Broilers

“…Previous studies have shown that quercetin has anti-inflammatory effects [ 18 , 19 ]. Supplementation of dietary quercetin could mitigate intestinal inflammatory damage, as well as promote intestinal structure and immune barrier integrity in aged breeder hens [ 20 ]. In addition, intestinal inflammation could also be alleviated by regulating intestinal flora [ 21 ] The present study demonstrated, for the first time, that dietary quercetin could alleviate inflammatory responses induced by LPS injection and modulate the jejunum microflora of broiler chickens.…”