Integrating gut microbiome and serum metabolomes to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum PA01 against deoxynivalenol-induced liver injury in broilers.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination is a significant challenge in broilers, which has a negative impact on liver function and health, endangering broiler production. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of L. plantarum PA01 in mitigating DON-induced liver injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A total of 144 one-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were divided into three groups: the control group receiving only a basal diet, the DON group (5 mg DON/kg diet), and the DP group (1 × 109 cfu L. plantarum PA01/g diet + 5 mg DON/kg diet). The results showed that L. plantarum PA01 supplementation significantly restored the growth performance in the broilers fed a DON-contaminated diet. Notably, DON exposure induced liver injury, as evidenced by hepatocellular damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Whereas L. plantarum PA01 supplementation significantly ameliorated these pathological alterations by restoring hepatic morphology, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Jejunal microbiota analysis revealed that L. plantarum PA01 effectively reversed DON-induced jejunal microbial dysbiosis, as characterized by reduced pathogenic taxa (Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus) and increased beneficial genera (Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus). Serum metabolomics further revealed L. plantarum PA01 rectified DON-induced metabolic disturbances, particularly in oxidative phosphorylation and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Among the differential metabolites, the dipeptide Glu-Phe was identified as a candidate mediator, which was positively correlated with beneficial jejunal bacteria and liver antioxidant gene expression. This was further supported by an in vitro assay, where Glu-Phe similarly upregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes in DON-treated LMH cells. Overall, L. plantarum PA01 could mitigate DON-induced liver injury in broilers by restoring jejunal microbial compositions, elevating serum Glu-Phe levels, and enhancing the liver antioxidant capacity.