The Impact of Dietary Melatonin on Heart and Lung Telomere Length and Shelterin Protein Gene Expression of Pulmonary Hypertensive Broiler Chickens.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) is a common metabolic disease in broiler chickens linked to oxidative stress. This study explored the potential of melatonin, an antioxidant, to improve PHS response and telomere structure in chickens with cold-induced PHS.

Methods

We investigated the effects of dietary melatonin supplementation on telomere length and the expression of genes related to telomere protection (shelterin genes) in the heart and lungs of broiler chickens with PHS.

Results

Melatonin supplementation improved telomere length in the heart tissue of chickens with PHS. We also observed changes in the expression of genes (TRF1, RAP1, and TPP1) responsible for protecting telomeres, suggesting a potential mechanism for melatonin's beneficial effects.

SUBMITTER: Gheytaspour P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12010761 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature