Dietary curcumin supplementation regulates the lipid metabolism in laying hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin on the hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in Roman laying hens. A total of 144 Roman laying hens (28 weeks old) were allocated 4 dietary treatments that included curcumin at concentrations of 0, 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg for 9 weeks. Each treatment had 6 replicates per group with 6 hens per replicate (2 birds/cage). The results showed that dietary supplementation of curcumin decreased (P < 0.05) the absolute and relative abdominal fat weight during 32-34 wk. Curcumin supplemented at 150 mg/kg had been reduced (P < 0.05) the concentrations of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol in plasma, the liver TG concentrations, and the enzyme activities of malic (ME) and lipoprotein lipase of Roman laying hens throughout the experiment. Curcumin supplemented also decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of Sterol expression-regulatory protein-1c (SREBP-1c), ACC, FAS, ME and while it increased the mRNA expression of Apolipoprotein B-100 and Apolipoprotein-II. Further research found that dietary curcumin boosted the activity of the antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione peroxidase in plasma and liver. It lowered the levels of Malondialdehyde in plasma and liver. In conclusion, curcumin inclusion regulated the hepatic fat metabolism, reduced abdominal fat deposition and improved the antioxidant capacity of Roman laying hens.