In the heart of China, researchers have uncovered a promising solution to a longstanding problem in the poultry industry: fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS). This condition, which often leads to the death of laying hens in caged egg production, has puzzled scientists for years. But now, a team led by Daojie Li from the Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has made a significant breakthrough.
Li and his team have discovered that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4, a strain of beneficial bacteria, can effectively alleviate FLHS in laying hens. The findings, published in the journal Microbiome, reveal that this probiotic works by enhancing antioxidant activity and regulating inflammation, ultimately improving the health and productivity of the hens.
FLHS is a complex condition characterized by lipid peroxidation, hepatocyte injury, decreased antioxidant capacity, and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can regulate lipid metabolism, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions and mechanisms remained unclear. This is where Li’s research comes in.
“The preventive mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 in alleviating FLHS are multifaceted,” Li explains. “It enhances the levels of antioxidant enzymes like T-AOC, T-SOD, and GSH-Px, while reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and NLRP3 in the liver and ovary of laying hens.”
But the benefits don’t stop at antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 also improves the structure and metabolic functions of gut microbiota. It regulates the relative abundances of dominant phyla like Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, and genera like Prevotella and Alistipes. This, in turn, influences key metabolic pathways, including tryptophan metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, insulin signaling pathway, and the FoxO signaling pathway.
The research also found that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 modulates the mRNA expressions of related factors in the FoxO/TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway, further enhancing its protective effects against FLHS. Moreover, the levels of estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, and vitellogenin were significantly increased in the ovary after Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 intervention, indicating improved reproductive health.
So, what does this mean for the poultry industry? For starters, it could lead to significant reductions in hen mortality rates, improving productivity and profitability. But the implications go beyond just the poultry industry. This research opens up new avenues for exploring the use of probiotics in managing oxidative stress and inflammation in other livestock species.
As Li puts it, “Our findings provide a new perspective on the preventive mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 in alleviating FLHS. This could pave the way for developing novel strategies to improve animal health and productivity.”
The study, published in Microbiome, is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research. By combining expertise in microbiology, animal science, and molecular biology, Li and his team have made a significant contribution to the field of agritech. Their work not only advances our understanding of FLHS but also highlights the potential of probiotics in animal health management.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that probiotics will play an increasingly important role in sustainable agriculture. By harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria, we can improve animal health, enhance productivity, and reduce our reliance on antibiotics. And with researchers like Li leading the way, the future of agritech looks brighter than ever.