Cinnamon Extract and Probiotic Supplementation Alleviate Copper-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Broiler Chickens

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Copper (Cu), an essential trace element required for many biological processes inside the body, may cause deleterious effects on several body organs when its administration exceeds the tolerable upper intake level. Recently, great attention has been given to the use of natural compounds that are rich sources of biologically active molecules to prevent and treat many diseases. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the possible protective effects of cinnamon extract and probiotic against nephrotoxicity caused by overdose of Cu in broiler chickens. The whole experiment lasted 6 weeks. Cinnamon extract and probiotic showed remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties against the toxic effects of excess Cu in renal tissues of chickens. Based on our results, we conclude that cinnamon extract and/or probiotic can serve as an effective therapeutic option to decrease the renal injury caused by Cu poisoning in broiler chickens. ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to assess the potential protective effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cin) and probiotic against CuSO(4)-induced nephrotoxicity in broiler chickens. One-day-old Cobb chicks were assigned into seven groups (15 birds/group): control group, fed basal diet; Cin group, fed the basal diet mixed with Cin (200 mg/kg); PR group, receiving PR (1 g/4 L water); Cu group, fed the basal diets mixed with CuSO(4) (300 mg/kg); Cu + Cin group; Cu + PR group; and Cu + Cin + PR group. All treatments were given daily for 6 weeks. Treatment of Cu-intoxicated chickens with Cin and/or PR reduced (p < 0.05) Cu contents in renal tissues and serum levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid compared to the Cu group. Moreover, Cin and PR treatment decreased lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in chickens’ kidney. Additionally, significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-2) and Bax, and in cyclooxygenase (COX-II) enzyme expression, and significant elevation (p < 0.05) in mRNA expression of IL-10 and Bcl-2 were observed in kidneys of Cu + Cin, Cu + PR, and Cu + Cin + PR groups compared to Cu group. Conclusively, Cin and/or PR afford considerable renal protection against Cu-induced nephrotoxicity in chickens.