Molecular and metabolic responses to immune stress in the jejunum of broiler chickens: transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis

In the large poultry industry, where farmed chickens are fed at high density, the prevalence of pathogens and repeated vaccinations induce immune stress, which can significantly decrease the production performance and increase the mortality. This study was designed to shed light on the molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways involved in immune stress through an in-depth analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic changes in jejunum samples from the broilers. Two groups were established for the experiment: a control group and an LPS group. LPS group received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS solution at a dose of 250 μg per kg at 12, 14, 33, and 35 days of age, whereas the control group received a sterile saline injection. The severity of immune stress was assessed using the Disease Activity Index. A jejunal section was collected to measure the intestinal villus structure (villus length and crypt depth). RNA sequencing and metabolomics data analysis were conducted to reveal differentially expressed genes and metabolites. The results showed that the DAI index was increased and jejunal villus height/crypt depth was decreased in the LPS group. A total of 96 differentially expressed genes and 672 differentially accumulating metabolites were detected in the jejunum by LPS group compared to the control group. The comprehensive analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data showed that 23 pathways were enriched in the jejunum and that appetite, nutrient absorption, energy and substance metabolism disorders and ferroptosis play an important role in immune stress in broilers. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the molecular and metabolic responses in broilers to LPS-induced immune stress, suggesting potential targets for therapeutic strategies to improve the production performance of broiler chickens.