Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Poultry Systems

Lipid metabolism disorders in poultry are characterised by imbalances between lipid synthesis, transport and oxidation within the avian liver, the principal site of de novo lipogenesis. Conditions such as fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in broilers arise from dietary, hormonal and genetic factors that promote excessive accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes. Central pathways include the upregulation of lipogenic regulators (for example SREBP-1c, FASN and ACC) and the suppression of β-oxidation enzymes, often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. These disorders lead to reduced egg production, impaired growth and increased mortality, with significant economic and welfare implications. Current research emphasises nutritional interventions, selective breeding and nutraceutical approaches to restore lipid homeostasis, enhance antioxidant defences and modulate gut–liver crosstalk for improved flock health and productivity.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have elucidated the mechanistic role of insulin resistance in fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome. Using a high-energy, low-protein dietary model, researchers identified elevated fasting glucose and insulin indices alongside impaired glucose tolerance. Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of insulin receptor and glucose transporter genes with concurrent activation of mTOR signalling, linking insulin insensitivity to disrupted lipid and amino acid metabolism. Metabolomic profiling uncovered a panel of differentially expressed metabolites and perturbed pathways in lipid, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, highlighting novel biomarkers and mechanistic targets for mitigating hepatic steatosis in poultry.

Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Poultry Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in lipid metabolism disorders in poultry systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS): A metabolic disorder in laying hens characterised by excessive fat deposition and haemorrhage in the liver, leading to reduced productivity and increased mortality.

Lipogenesis: The enzymatic process by which acetyl-CoA is converted into fatty acids and triglycerides, predominantly in the liver.

β-oxidation: The mitochondrial catabolic pathway that breaks down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA units, supplying energy and reducing hepatic lipid stores.

Insulin resistance: A physiological condition in which tissues exhibit diminished responsiveness to insulin signalling, disrupting glucose and lipid homeostasis.

Gut microbiota: The complex community of microorganisms residing in the intestinal tract that influence host nutrient absorption, immune function and metabolic regulation.

References

1. Supplementation of Chlorogenic Acid Alleviates the Effects of H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress on Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, Hepatic Inflammation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Lipid Accumulation in Laying Hens. Antioxidants (2024).
2. Ginkgo biloba extract alleviates fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens via reshaping gut microbiota. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology (2023).
3. Protective Effects of Abrus cantoniensis Hance on the Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Laying Hens Based on Liver Metabolomics and Gut Microbiota. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022).
4. Insulin resistance and metabonomics analysis of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens induced by a high-energy low-protein diet. Scientific Reports (2019).