Using Algae-Derived Sulfated Polysaccharides to Regulate Lipid Metabolism and Minimize Hepatic Steatosis of Laying Hens

Excessive fat deposition in the liver of poultry due to high-fat diets eventually leads to hepatic steatosis and is a matter of concern for the industry and consumers. To avoid disease establishment and progression, dietary compounds with anti-hyperlipidemic benefits are usually supplemented. In the present study, the effects of providing 30-weeks-old laying hens with marine-derived sulfated polysaccharides (MSPs) on the levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and chicken peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (cPPAR?) in lymphocytes and hepatocytes were evaluated and compared to those obtained for hens supplemented with a choline-sorbitol complex or not supplemented. Overall, MSPs-supplemented hens consistently showed lower levels of LDLR in both cell types and lower levels of cPPAR? in hepatocytes than hens in the other two groups indicating that MSPs may regulate LDLR and cPPAR? transcription in both cell types and/or compete with triglycerides and cholesterol for the same cellular receptors., ultimately preventing the risk of hepatic steatosis. Levels of hepatic inflammation markers corroborated these results, as did liver histological analysis. As the levels of cPPARγ and LDLR in lymphocytes were good indicators of the levels of these markers in hepatocytes, hens’ liver health may be assessed and monitored using blood samples avoiding more invasive procedures.