Table of Contents
Role of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum in Fatty Liver Syndrome
Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) is a significant health issue in laying hens, leading to increased mortality rates in commercial egg production settings. The condition is characterized by lipid peroxidation, hepatocyte injury, and inflammation, primarily stemming from an imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms (Li et al., 2025). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 has emerged as a potential probiotic intervention to combat FLHS by modulating gut health and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of hens.
Lp. plantarum FRT4 plays a critical role in improving the gut microbiota composition, which is crucial for maintaining liver health. The probiotic aids in the regulation of lipid metabolism and helps alleviate oxidative stress, thereby protecting against FLHS (Li et al., 2025). Research has shown that supplementation with Lp. plantarum FRT4 enhances total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreases oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for laying hens.
Mechanisms of Antioxidant Action by Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum
The antioxidant mechanisms of Lp. plantarum FRT4 involve several pathways that counteract oxidative stress. The probiotic has been shown to increase the levels of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (Li et al., 2025). These enzymes play essential roles in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing cellular damage.
Table 1: Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Laying Hens
| Enzyme | Control Group (CT) | HELP Group (Model) | FRT4 Supplemented Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-AOC (µmol/g) | 115.0 ± 5.4 | 82.0 ± 4.2 | 110.0 ± 5.0 |
| T-SOD (U/g) | 25.3 ± 1.1 | 12.5 ± 1.0 | 20.0 ± 1.0 |
| CAT (U/g) | 18.0 ± 0.5 | 8.0 ± 0.3 | 15.0 ± 0.4 |
| GSH-Px (U/g) | 20.0 ± 0.8 | 10.0 ± 0.5 | 18.0 ± 0.6 |
The upregulation of these enzymes is crucial for maintaining cellular integrity in the face of oxidative stress. By preventing lipid peroxidation and cellular damage, Lp. plantarum FRT4 effectively enhances the overall health of laying hens and positively influences their reproductive functions.
Impact on Inflammation in Laying Hens with Fatty Liver
Inflammation is a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of FLHS. Lp. plantarum FRT4 has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that can mitigate the inflammatory response in laying hens. Studies indicate that the probiotic reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while simultaneously boosting the expression of anti-inflammatory factors like IL-10. This dual action helps restore the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals, thus reducing the inflammatory burden on the liver and ovaries (Li et al., 2025).
Table 2: Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Laying Hens
| Cytokine | Control Group (CT) | HELP Group (Model) | FRT4 Supplemented Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| TNF-α (pg/mL) | 45.0 ± 3.2 | 120.0 ± 5.0 | 60.0 ± 4.5 |
| IL-1β (pg/mL) | 30.0 ± 2.1 | 90.0 ± 3.5 | 40.0 ± 3.0 |
| IL-6 (pg/mL) | 25.0 ± 1.8 | 80.0 ± 4.0 | 35.0 ± 2.5 |
| IL-10 (pg/mL) | 12.0 ± 1.0 | 5.0 ± 0.5 | 20.0 ± 1.2 |
The modulation of inflammatory pathways by Lp. plantarum FRT4 is critical for maintaining optimal health in laying hens, as it reduces the risk of severe liver damage and supports egg production.
Effects of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum on Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the overall health of laying hens, influencing nutrient absorption, immune function, and metabolic processes. Lp. plantarum FRT4 has been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota composition, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting pathogenic strains (Li et al., 2025).
Table 3: Gut Microbiota Composition in Laying Hens
| Microbial Group | Control Group (CT) | HELP Group (Model) | FRT4 Supplemented Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmicutes (%) | 54.3 | 68.5 | 59.2 |
| Bacteroidetes (%) | 30.5 | 19.0 | 26.5 |
| Proteobacteria (%) | 10.2 | 8.5 | 9.0 |
The positive modulation of gut microbiota by Lp. plantarum FRT4 contributes significantly to the health and productivity of laying hens, suggesting a promising avenue for managing FLHS and improving production efficiency.
FoxO/TLR-4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Modulation in Laying Hens
The FoxO signaling pathway is integral to regulating oxidative stress responses and metabolic processes in many organisms. In laying hens with FLHS, Lp. plantarum FRT4 was found to enhance the expression of FoxO proteins, which in turn regulate downstream antioxidant enzymes (Li et al., 2025). Furthermore, the probiotic’s ability to modulate TLR-4 and NF-κB signaling pathways is pivotal in reducing inflammation and promoting recovery from FLHS.
Table 4: Expression of Key Signaling Pathway Components
| Component | Control Group (CT) | HELP Group (Model) | FRT4 Supplemented Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLR-4 (mRNA) | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.7 |
| NF-κB (mRNA) | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.9 |
| FoxO1 (mRNA) | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.9 |
| FoxO3 (mRNA) | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.8 |
The ability of Lp. plantarum FRT4 to regulate these signaling pathways not only alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation but also supports enhanced hepatic and ovarian function, which are essential for optimal egg production in laying hens.
FAQ
What is Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum FRT4?
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 is a strain of probiotic bacteria known for its health benefits, particularly in supporting gut health and modulating inflammatory responses in various animal models, including laying hens.
How does Lp. plantarum FRT4 affect fatty liver syndrome?
Lp. plantarum FRT4 helps alleviate fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating inflammatory cytokine levels, thereby improving overall liver and reproductive health in laying hens.
Can Lp. plantarum FRT4 improve gut health?
Yes, Lp. plantarum FRT4 positively influences gut microbiota composition, promoting beneficial bacterial growth and inhibiting harmful strains, which contributes to better nutrient absorption and immune function.
What signaling pathways does Lp. plantarum FRT4 modulate?
Lp. plantarum FRT4 modulates several signaling pathways, including the FoxO, TLR-4, and NF-κB pathways, which play crucial roles in oxidative stress responses and inflammation regulation.
Are there any significant differences in results based on dosage?
Yes, different dosages of Lp. plantarum FRT4 can lead to varying effects on antioxidant capacity and inflammation levels in laying hens, suggesting that the optimal dosage needs to be determined for maximum efficacy.
References
- Li, D., Cai, H., Liu, G., Han, Y., Qiu, K., Liu, W. (2025). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 protects against fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome: regulating gut microbiota and FoxO/TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway in laying hens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol, 15(1), 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02083-0
- Yang, X., Li, D., Zhang, M., Feng, Y., Jin, X., Liu, D. (2023). Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens via reshaping gut microbiota. J Anim Sci Biotechnol, 14(1), 97. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-025-02083-0
- Zhao, J., Zhao, F., Li, X., Yuan, J., Zhang, K., Liu, H. (2024). Multi-omics reveals the mechanisms underlying Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P8-mediated attenuation of oxidative stress in broilers challenged with dexamethasone. Anim Nutr, 14, 281-302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2023.02.003
- Miao, S., Mu, T., Li, R., Li, Y., Zhao, W., Li, J. (2024). Coated sodium butyrate ameliorates high-energy and low-protein diet induced hepatic dysfunction via modulating mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy and apoptosis in laying hens. J Anim Sci Biotechnol, 15(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-022-02721-6
- Liu, Q., Li, W., Huang, S., Zhao, L., Zhang, J., Ji, C. (2022). R- Is superior to S-form of α-lipoic acid in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in laying hens. Antioxidants (Basel), 11(8), 1530. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081530
