Abnormal expression of liver autophagy and apoptosis-related mRNA in fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome and improvement function of resveratrol in laying hens.

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is characterized by hepatic rupture and hemorrhage leading to sudden death in laying hens. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can ameliorate chronic liver disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the improved effect of Res on the altered expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related genes in laying hens with FLHS. A total of 144 healthy 150-day-old laying hens were randomly divided into four group: control group (standard diet), HELP group (high-energy-low-protein (HELP) diet), HELP + Res group (HELP diet with 400 mg/kg Res) and Res group (standard diet with 400 mg/kg Res). Histopathological lesions of the liver and the mRNA levels of Beclin-1, Atg5, Atg7, p62, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 on days 40, 80, and 120 were measured. The results showed that lipid accumulation and hepatocyte damage in HELP group were more serious than those in HELP + Res group. The mRNA levels of Beclin-1, Atg5, Atg7, and Bcl-2 in HELP and HELP + Res groups were strikingly declined (P < 0.01) compared to the control group, and their mRNA levels were markedly higher in HELP group than those in HELP + Res group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the mRNA levels of p62, Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased in HELP and HELP + Res groups (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but their mRNA levels in HELP group were higher than those in HELP + Res group (P < 0.05). Collectively, FLHS could induce severe lipid accumulation, abnormal mRNA levels of liver autophagy and apoptosis-related genes. Res as a dietary supplement could attenuate these abnormal changes.