Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Health in Animal Models

Oxidative stress arises when the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the capacity of endogenous antioxidant defences, leading to molecular damage and perturbation of cellular homeostasis. In the gastrointestinal tract, epithelial cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative insults owing to their high metabolic activity and constant exposure to dietary and microbial metabolites. Disruption of redox balance can compromise intestinal barrier integrity, provoke inflammatory cascades and alter microbial communities, with consequences for nutrient absorption, systemic immunity and overall animal performance. Animal models—from rodents to porcine and insect systems—have been instrumental in dissecting the mechanistic interplay between ROS production, antioxidant pathways and epithelial resilience.

Studies in mice, piglets and invertebrate models have elucidated key pathways, notably the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, mitochondrial dynamics and tight junction regulation, that underpin barrier protection under oxidative challenge. Insights from these systems have informed the development of dietary strategies, feed additives and nutraceuticals designed to bolster endogenous defences, restore epithelial function and maintain microbial equilibrium. The translational relevance of such findings is underscored by their potential application in livestock production, where oxidative stress associated with weaning, environmental toxins or infection presents a persistent threat to gut health and animal welfare.

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Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Health in Animal Models publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in oxidative stress and intestinal health in animal models across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Oxidative stress: An imbalance between ROS generation and antioxidant defences leading to cellular damage.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide.

Intestinal barrier: The multilayered defence of epithelial cells, mucus, tight junctions and immune components that prevents pathogen translocation and maintains homeostasis.

Nrf2 signalling pathway: A cellular defence mechanism in which the transcription factor Nrf2 induces genes coding for antioxidant and detoxification enzymes.

Tight junction proteins: Transmembrane and scaffolding proteins (e.g., occludin, claudins, ZO-1) that seal adjacent epithelial cells to regulate paracellular permeability.

References

1. The Water Extract of Ampelopsis grossedentata Alleviates Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Inflammation. Antioxidants (2023).
2. Selenium‐Enriched Yeast Alleviates Oxidative Stress‐Induced Intestinal Mucosa Disruption in Weaned Pigs. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2020).
3. Ellagic Acid Alleviates Oxidative Stress by Mediating Nrf2 Signaling Pathways and Protects against Paraquat-Induced Intestinal Injury in Piglets. Antioxidants (2022).