Effect of selenium-enriched Ganoderma lucidum powder in testicular tissues, oxidative stress biomarkers and antiapoptotic capacities in roosters

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animals, playing irreplaceable roles in growth, development, reproduction, and health by enhancing antioxidant and anti-apoptotic functions. selenium-enriched Ganoderma lucidum powder (SeGL), a novel organic Se source with high bioavailability and safety, has potential for regulating animal reproductive function, but its effects on rooster testicular function remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary SeGL supplementation on testicular histology, antioxidant/anti-apoptotic capacities, and reproductive potential in roosters. Sixty 30-day-old Kangle yellow roosters were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15/group): a control group (fed a diet with non-enriched Ganoderma lucidum powder), a low-SeGL group (LSe, 4 mg/kg Se via SeGL), a medium-SeGL group (MSe, 8 mg/kg Se via SeGL), and a high-SeGL group (HSe, 12 mg/kg Se via SeGL). After 130 days of feeding, testicular samples were collected for analysis using H.E. staining, antioxidant index detection, qPCR, and Western blot. Results showed that SeGL supplementation, especially in the MSe group, significantly promoted structural maturation of testicular tissue and spermatogenesis in seminiferous tubules, enhanced testicular antioxidant capacity (increased CAT and T-SOD activities, upregulated mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and Gpx1), strengthened anti-apoptotic capacity (decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, downregulated NF-κB and p53 expression), and upregulated the expression of testosterone synthesis-related genes (StAR, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1). Notably, the HSe group showed increased MDA concentration, indicating potential adverse effects of excessive Se. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with an appropriate dose of SeGL (8 mg/kg Se) effectively enhances rooster testicular antioxidant and anti-apoptotic functions, thereby improving testicular reproductive function. This study provides a theoretical basis for clarifying the mechanism of SeGL in regulating poultry reproductive potential and offers a reference for its practical application in poultry production.