The Effect of Chromium Nanoparticles and Chromium Picolinate in the Diet of Chickens on Levels of Selected Hormones and Tissue Antioxidant Status

Abstract

Simple Summary:We have postulated that supplementation with Cr can increase serotonin levels and improve the antioxidant status of chickens, with no adverse effect on the secretion of other hormones. Obtaining such results may be beneficial in high-density rearing of poultry exposed to many stressors. The studies compared the effects of two forms of Cr (Cr-Pic and Cr-NP) found at two doses 3 and 6 mg/kg. It was found that at the dose of 3 mg/kg, the expected beneficial results can be obtained (increase in serotonin and decrease in norepinephrine level), however, due to the deterioration of the antioxidative system, these studies should be continued to verify these results. Due to the adverse effect of Cr at 3 mg/kg on the antioxidant status of chickens, this level of Cr should not be considered in both forms Cr-Pic and Cr-NP as a feed additive for broiler chickens. In the future, studies on the potential beneficial effects of Cr on the organism should take into account doses lower than 3 mg/kg. Abstract:We have postulated that supplementation with Cr can increase serotonin levels and improve the antioxidant status of chickens, with no adverse effect on the secretion of other hormones. The study aimed to determine what form and dose of Cr more favorably affect the level of selected hormones (insulin, glucagon, serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, histamine, T3 and T4) and the antioxidant status (level of malondialdehyde and lipid peroxides, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase) of chicken tissues. The experiment was carried out on chickens randomly divided into five treatment groups. The basal diets (control group) were supplemented with two levels of Cr (3 and 6 mg/kg) and two Cr sources: Cr-picolinate (Cr-Pic) and Cr-nano (Cr-NP) to obtain four experimental diets: 3 mg/kg Cr-Pic, 6.0 mg/kg Cr-Pic, 3.0 mg/kg Cr-NP. and 6.0 mg/kg Cr-NP. The addition of Cr in both forms increased the level of serotonin at a dose of 3 mg/kg and, at the same time, reduced the level of noradrenaline. The addition of Cr at 3 mg/kg, irrespective of the form used, regulated the level of hormones of carbohydrate metabolism (increasing insulin levels and reducing glucagon levels) and had an adverse effect on the antioxidant status of the liver and breast muscle. Due to the adverse effect of Cr at 3 mg/kg on the antioxidant status of chickens, this level of Cr should not be considered in both forms Cr-Pic and Cr-NP as a feed additive for broiler chickens. In the future, studies on the potential beneficial effects of Cr on the organism should take into account doses lower than 3 mg/kg. writing-original draft preparation, A.S.; Writing-Review and editing, K.O. and J.J.; Visualization, A.S.; Supervision, J.J.; Project administration, A.S., J.J. and K.O.; Funding acquisition, J.J. and K.O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Estimated intestinal absorption of phosphorus and its deposition in chosen tissues, bones and feathers of chickens receiving chromium picolinate or chromium nanoparticles in diet

“…According to Yang et al [43] and Sontakke and Tare [44], ROS are involved in the resorption of Ca and P from bone. Our previous research [5] showed that Cr may have a pro-oxidative effect, and therefore the reduction in P levels noted in the bones may also be associated with oxidative stress generated by Cr. Stępniowska et al [5] noticed that the addition of 6 mg/kg Cr to the diet of chickens, increased lipid peroxidation in both the liver and breast muscle, as evidenced by increased LOOH levels.…”

“…Our previous research [5] showed that Cr may have a pro-oxidative effect, and therefore the reduction in P levels noted in the bones may also be associated with oxidative stress generated by Cr. Stępniowska et al [5] noticed that the addition of 6 mg/kg Cr to the diet of chickens, increased lipid peroxidation in both the liver and breast muscle, as evidenced by increased LOOH levels. Also the changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes noted in this study were the body's response to the intensification of oxidative processes due to the addition of Cr to the diet.…”

“…Intestinal absorption and accumulation of phosphates in tissues may also be regulated by other hormones, including PTH, insulin, and dopamine, whose secretion is influenced by Cr [23,40]. Our previous research [5] has shown that the addition of Cr to the diet of chickens in the form of both Cr-Pic and Cr-NP increases insulin secretion, while the addition of Cr in the form of Cr-NP increases plasma dopamine levels.…”

“…Dietary chromium (Cr) affects birds physiology, improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, reduces stress responses, stimulates the immune systems, and above all can improve production results and reduce carcass fat [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Although Cr is not currently considered as essential trace element for poultry, researchers are increasingly investigating its potential to relieve heat stress.…”

“…Once absorbed, Cr, by promoting the secretion of certain hormones, e.g. PTH, corticosterone, insulin, and dopamine [3,5,23], may indirectly influence the absorption of phosphorus, and thus its content in the cell and tissues. PTH regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism.…”