Evaluation of phytochemicals from Thymus serpyllum as potential drug candidates to manage oxidative stress in transition dairy cows.

Dairy cows undergo immense stress and experience autoimmune reactions during the transition period, majorly due to the generation of ROS in the body. So, pharmacological approaches are needed to manage oxidative stress in the transition cows. Recently, the use of phytochemicals as feed additives in cows' nutrition has gained interest in managing various disease conditions. In the current study, we have evaluated the potential effects of phytochemicals derived from methanolic extract of Thymus serpyllum against oxidative stress and autoimmunity via inhibition of bovine nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). The free radical scavenging activity of Thymus serpyllum seed and leaf extracts was 71.8 and 75.6%, respectively at 100 µg/mL concentration. Similarly, both extracts displayed radicals reducing power and inhibition of lipid-peroxidation maximally at 100 µg/mL. A total of 52 bioactive compounds were identified when the plant extract was characterized by the GC-MS analysis, and five (Thymol, Luteolin 7-o-glucuronide, Rosmarinic acid, Apigenin 6,8-di-c-glucoside, Kaempferol) had binding free energy values of -11.6433, -10.002, -8.2615, -7.1714, -6.4870, respectively, in complexes with bovine NF-κB. Through computational analysis, the screened compounds showed good pharmacokinetic parameters, including non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic, high gastrointestinal absorption and thus can serve as potential drug candidates. MD simulation studies predicted the stability of complexes and the complex of Kaempferol was most stable based on RSMD value and MM/GBSA binding energy. The biochemical assays and computational studies indicated that Thymus serpyllum could be used as a promising feed additive in dairy cows to manage oxidative stress during the transition period.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Identification of phytochemicals as putative ligands for the targeted modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in animals.

The PPAR family of transcription factors are ligand-activated and regulate diverse functions including metabolic, neurological, and inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, fertility or reproduction in the body. Specifically, PPARα is known to play a role in reducing the levels of circulating triglycerides and regulating energy homeostasis in livestock animals. This study aimed to identify phytochemicals that could serve as ligands for modulation of the bovine nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) using molecular docking studies. Therefore, we investigated 1000 flavonoids belonging to different groups for their ability to bind to PPARα using molecular docking. Out of 1000, 6 top lead compounds with maximum binding affinity, evaluated through molecular docking, were further analysed for physicochemical properties and drug-likeness attributes. The results revealed that two flavonoids, Quercetin-3-o-rhamnoside and (-)- epicatechingallate, which are known fatty acid synthase inhibitors, demonstrated high docking scores with PPARα (-8.66 kcal/mol and -8.49 kcal/mol, respectively) and low RMSD values with PPARα (1.61 kcal/mol and 1.28 kcal/mol, respectively) as compared to PPARα agonist (synthetic), fenofibrate (-6.24 kcal/mol and 2.19 kcal/mol) and thus analyzed further for prediction of stability of docked complexes through MD simulations. MD simulation studies predicted the stability of complexes and the complex of Quercetin-3-o-rhamnoside and (-)- epicatechingallate were found to be stable at 100 ns based on RSMD value and RMSF residue index. Through computational analysis, the screened compounds showed good pharmacokinetic parameters, including non-toxicity, non-carcinogenic, high gastrointestinal absorption and thus can serve as potential drug candidates. Finally, the findings suggest that these phytochemicals have the potential to act as potent PPARα pharmacological agonists to prevent disease mechanisms and their related complications, providing insights into the role of phytochemicals as feed additives in animals for modulating PPARα functions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Genome-wide identification and evolutionary analysis of the FGF gene family in buffalo.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are important polypeptide growth factors that play a critical role in many developmental processes, including differentiation, cell proliferation, and migration in mammals. This study employs in silico analyses to characterize the FGF gene family in buffalo, investigating their genome-wide identification, physicochemical properties, and evolutionary patterns. For this purpose, genomic and proteomic sequences of buffalo, cattle, goat, and sheep were retrieved from NCBI database. We identified a total of 22 FGF genes in buffalo. Physicochemical properties observed through ProtParam tool showed notable features of these proteins including in-vitro instability, thermostability, hydrophilicity, and basic nature. Phylogenetic analysis grouped 22 identified genes into nine sub-families based on evolutionary relationships. Additionally, analysis of gene structure, motif patterns, and conserved domains using TBtools revealed the remarkable conservation of this gene family across selected species throughout the course of evolution. Comparative amino acid analysis performed through ClustalW demonstrated significant conservation between buffalo and cattle FGF proteins. Mutational analysis showed three non-synonymous mutations at positions R103 > G, P7 > L, and E98 > Q in FGF4, FGF6, and FGF19, respectively in buffalo. Duplication events revealed only one segmental duplication (FGF10/FGF22) in buffalo and two in cattle (FGF10/FGF22 and FGF13/FGF13-like) with Ka/Ks values <1 indicating purifying selection pressure for these duplications. Comparison of protein structures of buffalo, goat, and sheep exhibited more similarities in respective structures. In conclusion, our study highlights the conservation of the FGF gene family in buffalo during evolution. Furthermore, the identified non-synonymous mutations may have implications for the selection of animals with better performance.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Potential of Spirulina platensis as a feed supplement for poultry to enhance growth performance and immune modulation.

Increase in drug resistance as well as ineffective immunization efforts against various pathogens (viruses, bacteria and fungi) pose a significant threat to the poultry industry. Spirulina is one of the most widely used natural ingredients which is becoming popular as a nutritional supplement in humans, animals, poultry and aquaculture. It contains protein, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, pigments, and essential amino acids. Moreover, it also has considerable quantities of unique natural antioxidants including polyphenols, carotenoids, and phycocyanin. Dietary supplementation of Spirulina can beneficially affect gut microbial population, serum biochemical parameters, and growth performance of chicken. Additionally, it contains polyphenolic contents having antibacterial effects. Spirulina extracts might inhibit bacterial motility, invasion, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing in addition to acting directly on the bacterium by weakening and making the bacterial cell walls more porous, subsequently resulting in cytoplasmic content leakage. Additionally, Spirulina has shown antiviral activities against certain common human or animal viruses and this capability can be considered to exhibit potential benefits against avian viruses also. Spirulan, a calcium-rich internal polysaccharide of Spirulina, is potentially responsible for its antiviral effect through inhibiting the entry of several viruses into the host cells, boosting the production of nitric oxide in macrophages, and stimulating the generation of cytokines. Comparatively a greater emphasis has been given to the immune modulatory effects of Spirulina as a feed additive in chicken which might boost disease resistance and improve survival and growth rates, particularly under stress conditions. This manuscript reviews biological activities and immune-stimulating properties of Spirulina and its potential use as a dietary supplement in poultry to enhance growth, gut health and disease resistance.

De Novo Transcriptome Dataset Generation of the Swamp Buffalo Brain and Non-Brain Tissues.

The sequenced data availability opened new horizons related to buffalo genetic control of economic traits and genomic diversity. The visceral organs (brain, liver, etc.) significantly involved in energy metabolism, docility, or social interactions. We performed swamp buffalo transcriptomic profiling of 24 different tissues (brain and non-brain) to identify novel transcripts and analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of brain vs. non-brain tissues with their functional annotation. We obtained 178.57 Gb clean transcriptomic data with GC contents 52.77%, reference genome alignment 95.36%, exonic coverage 88.49%. Totally, 26363 mRNAs transcripts including 5574 novel genes were obtained. Further, 7194 transcripts were detected as DEGs by comparing brain vs. non-brain tissues group, of which 3,999 were upregulated and 3,195 downregulated. These DEGs were functionally associated with cellular metabolic activities, signal transduction, cytoprotection, and structural and binding activities. The related functional pathways included cancer pathway, PI3k-Akt signaling, axon guidance, JAK-STAT signaling, basic cellular metabolism, thermogenesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. Our study provides an in-depth understanding of swamp buffalo transcriptomic data including DEGs potentially involved in basic cellular activities and development that helped to maintain their working capacity and social interaction with humans, and also, helpful to disclose the genetic architecture of different phenotypic traits and their gene expression regulation.

Effect of Sodium Nitrate and Cysteamine on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation, Amino Acid Metabolism and Microbiota in Buffalo.

Nitrate is used as a methane inhibitor while cysteamine is considered as a growth promoter in ruminants. The present study evaluated the effect of sodium nitrate and cysteamine on methane (CH4) production, rumen fermentation, amino acid (AA) metabolism, and rumen microbiota in a low protein diet. Four treatments containing a 0.5 g of substrate were supplemented with 1 mg/mL sodium nitrate (SN), 100 ppm cysteamine hydrochloride (CS), and a combination of SN 1 mg/mL and CS 100 ppm (CS+SN), and a control (no additive) were applied in a completely randomized design. Each treatment group had five replicates. Two experimental runs using in vitro batch culture technique were performed for two consecutive weeks. Total gas and CH4 production were measured in each fermentation bottle at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation. The results showed that SN and CS+SN reduced the production of total gas and CH4, increased the rumen pH, acetate, acetate to propionate ratio (A/P), and microbial protein (MCP) contents (p < 0.05), but decreased other volatile fatty acids (VFA) and total VFA (p = 0.001). The CS had no effect on CH4 production and rumen fermentation parameters except for increasing A/P. The CSN increased the populations of total bacteria, fungi, and methanogens but decreased the diversity and richness of rumen microorganisms. In conclusion, CS+SN exhibited a positive effect on rumen fermentation by increasing the number of fiber degrading and hydrogen-utilizing bacteria, with a desirable impact on rumen fermentation while reducing total gas and CH4 production.

Cysteamine administration in lambs grazing on mountain pastures: Effects on the body weight, antioxidant capacity, thyroid hormones and growth hormone secretion.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous injection of cysteamine (CS) on body weight (BW), growth hormone (GH), thyroid hormones (TH) secretion, and antioxidant status of growing lambs grazing on mountain pastures. Fifteen lambs (3-4 months of age) were randomly allocated into three experimental groups which received different dosages of CS: 0, 20, and 50 mg/kg BW-1 . The CS was injected on the 1st, 10th, and 20th days of the experiment to the lambs through the jugular vein. Assessment of plasma concentration of GH and TH hormones was carried out at days 0 (a day before the start of CS injections), 15, and 30 of the experiment. The antioxidant enzymes were measured at the end of the experiment. Lambs were weighed at days 0, 10, 20, and 30 of the experiment. The results showed that treatment and time affected the BW, GH, triiodothyronine (T3 ), and tetraiodothyronine (T4 ) secretion. The intravenous injection of CS increased the BW of growing lambs (p < 0.01) and increased the plasma concentration of GH, T3, and T4 (p < 0.01). The treatment also enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px; p < 0.05) and reduced malondialdehyde concentrations (MDA; p < 0.01). Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level reduced in CS-1 treatment compared to GC and CS-2 treatments (p < 0.01). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were not affected by CS. In conclusion, intravenous injection of CS improved BW, GH, and TH concentrations and antioxidant capacity in growing lambs grazing on mountain pastures.

Comparative Genomic Characterization of Buffalo Fibronectin Type III Domain Proteins: Exploring the Novel Role of FNDC5/Irisin as a Ligand of Gonadal Receptors.

FN-III proteins are widely distributed in mammals and are usually involved in cellular growth, differentiation, and adhesion. The FNDC5/irisin regulates energy metabolism and is present in different tissues (liver, brain, etc.). The present study aimed to investigate the physiochemical characteristics and the evolution of FN-III proteins and FNDC5/irisin as a ligand targeting the gonadal receptors including androgen (AR), DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 6 (DCAF6), estrogen-related receptor ß (ERR-ß), estrogen-related receptor γ (ERR-γ), Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), and nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1). Moreover, the putative role of irisin in folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis was also elucidated. We presented the molecular structure and function of 29 FN-III genes widely distributed in the buffalo genome. Phylogenetic analysis, motif, and conserved domain pattern demonstrated the evolutionary well-conserved nature of FN-III proteins with a variety of stable to unstable, hydrophobic to hydrophilic, and thermostable to thermo-unstable properties. The comparative structural configuration of FNDC5 revealed amino acid variations but still the FNDC5 structure of humans, buffalo, and cattle was quite similar to each other. For the first time, we predicted the binding scores and interface residues of FNDC5/irisin as a ligand for six representative receptors having a functional role in energy homeostasis, and a significant involvement in folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis in buffalo.

Olive Oil: Nutritional Applications, Beneficial Health Aspects and its Prospective Application in Poultry Production.

Plant polyphenols have promoting health features, including anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-atherogenic, and anti-allergic effects. These polyphenols improve the immune system by affecting the white blood cell proliferation, as well as by the synthesis of cytokines and other factors, which contribute to immunological resistance. Olive trees are one of the most famous trees in the world. Whereas, olive olive oil and derivatives represent a large group of feeding resource for farm animals. In recent years, remarkable studies have been carried out to show the possible use of olive oil and derivatives for improvement of both animal performance and product quality. In vivo application of olive oil and its derived products has shown to maintain oxidative balance owing to its polyphenolic content. Consumption of extra virgin olive oil reduces the inflammation, limits the risk of liver damage, and prevents the progression of steatohepatitis through its potent antioxidant activities. Also, the monounsaturated fatty acids content of olive oil (particularly oleic acid), might have positive impacts on lipid peroxidation and hepatic protection. Therefore, this review article aims to highlight the nutritional applications and beneficial health aspects of olive oil and its effect on poultry production.

Copper Nanoparticles as Growth Promoter, Antioxidant and Anti-Bacterial Agents in Poultry Nutrition: Prospects and Future Implications.

Copper (Cu) is a vital trace mineral involved in many physiological functions of the body. In the poultry industry, copper sulfate is being used as a major source of Cu. Copper in the bulk form is less available in the body, and much of its amount excreted out with feces causing environmental pollution and economic loss. The application of nanotechnology offers promise to address these issues by making nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) are relatively more bioavailable due to their small size and high surface to volume ratio. Although, there is limited research on the use of Cu-NP in the poultry industry. Some researchers have pointed out the importance of Cu-NP as an effective alternative of chemical, anti-bacterial agents, and growth promoters. The effect of Cu-NP depends on their size, dose rate and the synthesis method. Apart from there, high bioavailability Cu-NP exhibited positive effects on the immunity of the birds. However, some toxic effects of Cu-NP have also been reported. Further investigations are essentially required to provide mechanistic insights into the role of Cu-NP in the avian physiology and their toxicological properties. This review aims to highlight the potential effects of Cu-NP on growth, immune system, antioxidant status, nutrient digestibility, and feed conversion ratio in poultry. Moreover, we have also discussed the future implications of Cu-NP as a growth promoter and alternative anti-bacterial agents in the poultry industry.

Biotechnological approaches to the production of plant-derived promising anticancer agents: An update and overview.

The plant kingdom is a rich source of bioactive compounds, many of which have been used since pre-history for their therapeutic properties to treat a range of illnesses. These metabolites have recently attracted attention to their antineoplastic activities to treat various cancers relying on different mechanisms. Some of these molecules are glycosides, which have proven useful as anti-cancer agents, namely podophyllotoxin (PPT) anaryltetralin lignan or alkaloids. There are three primary forms of alkaloids, such as indole alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine from Catharanthus roseus), quinoline alkaloid (camptothecin from Camptotheca acuminata), and diterpenoid alkaloid (taxol and it's analogous from Taxus and Corylus species). This review considers various plant biotechnology approaches used to enhance the production of these anticancer molecules in different species. In this regard, many in vitro culture techniques such as stimulation of suspension culture and hairy roots are being used to investigate the effects of plant growth regulators and elicitors on various explants.

Genomic Identification, Evolution and Sequence Analysis of the Heat-Shock Protein Gene Family in Buffalo.

Heat-shock proteins (HSP) are conserved chaperones crucial for protein degradation, maturation, and refolding. These adenosine triphosphate dependent chaperones were classified based on their molecular mass that ranges between 10-100 kDA, including; HSP10, HSP40, HSP70, HSP90, HSPB1, HSPD, and HSPH1 family. HSPs are essential for cellular responses and imperative for protein homeostasis and survival under stress conditions. This study performed a computational analysis of the HSP protein family to better understand these proteins at the molecular level. Physiochemical properties, multiple sequence alignment, and phylogenetic analysis were performed for 64 HSP genes in the Bubalus bubalis genome. Four genes were identified as belonging to the HSP90 family, 10 to HSP70, 39 to HSP40, 8 to HSPB, one for each HSPD, HSPH1, and HSP10, respectively. The aliphatic index was higher for HSP90 and HSP70 as compared to the HSP40 family, indicating their greater thermostability. Grand Average of hydropathicity Index values indicated the hydrophilic nature of HSP90, HSP70, and HSP40. Multiple sequence alignment indicated the presence of highly conserved consensus sequences that are plausibly significant for the preservation of structural integrity of proteins. In addition, this study has expanded our current knowledge concerning the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relatedness of HSPs of buffalo with other mammalian species. The phylogenetic tree revealed that buffalo is more closely related to Capra hircus and distantly associated with Danio rerio. Our findings provide an understanding of HSPs in buffalo at the molecular level for the first time. This study highlights functionally important HSPs and indicates the need for further investigations to better understand the role and mechanism of HSPs.

Camelina sativa L. Oil Mitigates Enteric in vitro Methane Production, Modulates Ruminal Fermentation, and Ruminal Bacterial Diversity in Buffaloes.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Camelina sativa oil (CO) on fermentation kinetics and methane (CH4) production in rations with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratios. Three total mixed rations (TMRs) were used as substrates (R70:C30, R50:C50, and R30:C70) supplemented with different levels of CO (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% on dry matter basis) in an in vitro batch culture system. The enteric CH4 production was determined at different times of incubation while fermentation parameters were measured at the end of incubation. Results revealed that CO significantly decreased (P < 0.05) CH4 production at 48 h in medium (R50:C50) and low- (R30:C70) roughage diets than control. Camelina oil at all levels significantly (P < 0.05) affected ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and microbial protein (MCP) in all rations. Propionate concentration was increased by supplementing 8% CO to R70:C30 TMR, but it decreased with increasing levels of CO for low- and medium-roughage diets. Acetate concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at 4% CO supplementation, but it decreased with 8% CO level in R30:C70 TMR. For all rations, CO decreased (P < 0.001) total bacteria, protozoa, and methanogens. Total fungi counts were affected by CO in all rations, especially with a 6% level in two rations (R30:C70 and R50:C50) and 8% level with high-roughage ration (R70:C30). Supplementation of CO in medium-roughage ration (R50:C50) showed a linear (P < 0.05) decrease in bacterial richness and evenness indices along with Shannon diversity as compared to the control. Moreover, CO also increased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in all TMRs more effectively at higher levels. Camelina oil also affected the relative abundance of Prevotella in both low- and medium-roughage diets while increasing the abundance of Ruminobacter and Pseudobutyrivibrio. The present study concluded that CO enhanced fermentation kinetics while decreasing enteric in vitro CH4 production from fibrous diets. Thus, it may be considered as a potentially effective and environmentally friendly way of mitigating CH4 emission from livestock.

Moringa Oleifera Oil Modulates Rumen Microflora to Mediate In Vitro Fermentation Kinetics and Methanogenesis in Total Mix Rations.

This study was conducted to evaluate potential of Moringa oleifera seed oil (MOSO) to modulate rumen microflora to mitigate methane (CH4) production in different total mixed rations (TMRs). Three TMRs with different roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio were used as substrates (R70:C30, R50:C50 and R30:C70) for in vitro fermentation study using batch culture technique. Results revealed that supplementation of MOSO in different rations with variable roughage to concentrates ratio altered (P < 0.05) CH4 production and fermentation parameters. M. oleifera seed oil at 3 and 4% increased (P < 0.01) microbial protein (MCP) and propionate concentration for all rations but decreased acetate concentration in R70:C30 TMR. Two levels of MOSO (3 and 4%) quadratically increased (P = 0.001) MCP and decreased acetate in R30:C70 while all levels increased propionate. For R30:C70 and R50:C50 rations, MOSO linearly and quadratically decreased (P < 0.001) protozoa and methanogen counts; however, protozoa, methanogens and bacteria were significantly increased in R70:C30 ration without any change in fungal counts. Supplementation of higher level of MOSO (4%) in high roughage ration (R70:C30) showed negative effects on diversity (Shannon index) and evenness of bacterial species as compared to control and lower oil level. Moreover, it also decreased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in high roughage rations more obviously at lower levels. Moringa oil also stimulated Prevotella in both high and low roughages diets that indicates its potential to mediate rumen acidosis. Conclusively, MOSO enhanced fermentation kinetics and decreased CH4 production through effective modulation of rumen microbiome.

Curcumin as an Alternative Epigenetic Modulator: Mechanism of Action and Potential Effects.

Curcumin (a polyphenolic compound in turmeric) is famous for its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, and has a great potential to act as an epigenetic modulator. The epigenetic regulatory roles of curcumin include the inhibition of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), regulation of histone modifications via the regulation of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), regulation of microRNAs (miRNA), action as a DNA binding agent and interaction with transcription factors. These mechanisms are interconnected and play a vital role in tumor progression. The recent research has demonstrated the role of epigenetic inactivation of pivotal genes that regulate human pathologies such as cancers. Epigenetics helps to understand the mechanism of chemoprevention of cancer through different therapeutic agents. In this regard, dietary phytochemicals, such as curcumin, have emerged as a potential source to reverse epigenetic modifications and efficiently regulate the expression of genes and molecular targets that are involved in the promotion of tumorigenesis. The curcumin may also act as an epigenetic regulator in neurological disorders, inflammation, and diabetes. Moreover, curcumin can induce the modifications of histones (acetylation/deacetylation), which are among the most important epigenetic changes responsible for altered expression of genes leading to modulating the risks of cancers. Curcumin is an effective medicinal agent, as it regulates several important molecular signaling pathways that modulate survival, govern anti-oxidative properties like nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and inflammation pathways, e.g., nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Curcumin is a potent proteasome inhibitor that increases p-53 level and induces apoptosis through caspase activation. Moreover, the disruption of 26S proteasome activity induced by curcumin through inhibiting DYRK2 in different cancerous cells resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation opens up a new horizon for using curcumin as a potential preventive and treatment approach in proteasome-linked cancers. This review presents a brief summary of knowledge about the mechanism of epigenetic changes induced by curcumin and the potential effects of curcumin such as anti-oxidant activity, enhancement of wound healing, modulation of angiogenesis and its interaction with inflammatory cytokines. The development of curcumin as a clinical molecule for successful chemo-prevention and alternate therapeutic approach needs further mechanistic insights.

Prospects of HSP70 as a genetic marker for thermo-tolerance and immuno-modulation in animals under climate change scenario.

Heat stress induced by long periods of high ambient temperature decreases animal productivity, leading to heavy economic losses. This devastating situation for livestock production is even becoming worse under the present climate change scenario. Strategies focused to breed animals with better thermo-tolerance and climatic resilience are keenly sought these days to mitigate impacts of heat stress especially in high input livestock production systems. The 70-kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70) are a protein family known for its potential role in thermo-tolerance and widely considered as cellular thermometers. HSP70 function as molecular chaperons and have major roles in cellular thermotolerance, apoptosis, immune-modulation and heat stress. Expression of HSP70 is controlled by various factors such as, intracellular pH, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP), protein kinase C and intracellular free calcium, etc. Over expression of HSP70 has been observed under oxidative stress leading to scavenging of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and protection of pulmonary endothelial barrier against bacterial toxins. Polymorphisms in flanking and promoter regions in HSP70 gene have shown association with heat tolerance, weaning weight, milk production, fertility and disease susceptibility in livestock. This review provides insight into pivotal roles of HSP70 which make it an ideal candidate genetic marker for selection of animals with better climate resilience, immune response and superior performance.

Influence of Graded Levels of l-Theanine Dietary Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, Organs Histomorphometry, Blood Chemistry and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens.

l-theanine is a water-soluble non-proteinous amino acid mainly found in green tea leaves. Despite the availability of abundant literature on green tea, studies on the use of l-theanine as a feed additive in animals, and especially broilers are limited. The objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effect of different dietary levels of l-theanine on meat quality, growth performance, immune response, and blood metabolites in broilers. A total of 400 day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups using a completely randomized design; C-control, basal diet; 100LT-basal diet + 100 mg l-theanine/kg diet; 200LT-basal diet + 200 mg l-theanine/kg diet; and 300LT-basal diet + 300 mg l-theanine/kg diet. Results revealed that the intermediate level of l-theanine (200 mg/kg diet) showed better results in terms of body weight gain (BWG), feed consumed (FC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared with the other supplemented groups and the control. The live weight eviscerated weight and gizzard weight were higher in all l-theanine levels as compared to those of the control group. Increased weight (p ≤ 0.05) of spleen and bursa were found in group 200LT (200 mg l-theanine/kg diet). Concerning meat color parameters, values for yellowness (b*), and redness (a*) were greater in l-theanine-supplemented groups than the control. Supplementing broiler diet with l-theanine reduced (p = 0.02) total serum cholesterol contents while increased HDL. Further analysis revealed lower relative serum cytokines (IL-2 and INF-γ) and reduced mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in thymus, and IFN-γ and IL-2 in spleen in the treated group. Moreover, supplementation with 200 mg/kg of l-theanine improved antioxidant status in blood by increasing SOD, GSH-Px, and relative CAT levels. It is concluded that the optimum supplementation level of l-theanine is 200 mg/kg of diet because it resulted in improved performance parameters in broilers. However, higher levels of l-theanine (300 mg/kg diet) may have deleterious effects on performance and health of broiler chickens.

Reconsidering betaine as a natural anti-heat stress agent in poultry industry: a review.

Betaine is found ubiquitously in plants, animals, microorganisms, and rich dietary sources including seafood, spinach, and wheat bran. The chief physiological role of betaine is to function as a methyl donor and an osmolyte. Betaine also acts as an osmolyte, to maintain the avian's cellular water and ion balance to improve the avian's capacity against heat stress via preventing dehydration and osmotic inactivation. It helps in maintaining the protective osmolytic activity, especially in heat-stressed birds. Betaine may promote various intestinal microbes against osmotic variations and thus improve microbial fermentation activity. Previous studies showed that dietary supplementation of betaine in poultry diets could positively affect nutrients' digestibility, reduce abdominal fat weight, and increase breast meat yield. In addition, betaine has been reported to protect internal organs and boost their performance. Its inclusion in poultry diet is sparing essential amino acids like choline and methionine. In addition, it may play an important role in lean meat production by positively affecting the lipid metabolism with increased fatty acids catabolism and thus reducing carcass fat deposition. The aim of this review article was to broaden the knowledge regarding betaine and its importance in the poultry industry to cope with the heat stress problem. Moreover, it should be added to the diet as a natural anti-stressor through different routes (water/feed) to overcome the heat stress problem. However, further studies need to be conducted at the genetic and molecular basis to elucidate the mechanism behind the betaine as a natural anti-heat agent to decrease the heat stress problem in the poultry industry.