Multi-omics evaluation of <i>Akkermansia muciniphila</i> intervention on LPS-challenged yellow-feathered broilers

Abstract This study explored the effects of different preparations of Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) on the gut microbiota and jejunal transcriptome of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 100 one-day-old broilers were divided into five groups, including control group (Control), LPS injection (LPS), gavage of AKK broth culture plus LPS injection (AKK), gavage of viable AKK suspension plus LPS injection (Active) and gavage of heat-inactivated AKK suspension plus LPS injection (Inactive). Growth performance results showed that LPS significantly reduced the body weight of broilers. Alpha diversity showed no significant group differences. At the phylum level, Firmicutes was significantly lower in groups with AKK gavage. At the genus level, Bacteroides was relatively more abundant, whereas Streptococcus was numerically less abundant in AKK-treated groups. The Active group had the highest abundance of Akkermansia . Transcriptome analysis revealed the Inactive group had significantly lower Occludin. Combined KEGG and GO analyses revealed that the LPS challenge suppressed innate immunity by downregulating the Retinoic acid-inducible gene (RIG)-I-like receptor signaling pathway. In response, different interventions distinctly modulated the transcriptome. The AKK group counteracted this suppression by upregulating innate immune and antiviral defense responses. The Active group primarily influenced metabolism, downregulating pathways for drug and glutathione metabolism and xenobiotic responses while upregulating retinol metabolism. In addition, the Inactive group demonstrated an upregulation of ribosome biogenesis, and energy metabolism, suggesting a restoration of core cellular functions. In summary, all gavaged AKK preparations maintained broiler gut microbiome stability, while AKK broth culture demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating LPS-induced jejunal stress.