Simulated poultry-house PM_2.5 exposure reveals a gut-lung axis mechanism of microbial propionate in protecting against pneumonia.

ABSTRACT: Poultry house fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) poses significant respiratory risks to poultry by penetrating deep into the lung and triggering inflammatory cascades. In this study, 21- to 28-day-old broilers were exposed to total suspended particulates enriched in PM_2.5 (2 mg/m³, 2 h/day) to investigate pulmonary injury and gut-lung axis perturbations. PM_2.5 exposure induced collapse of the hexagonal lobular architecture, elevated pulmonary expression of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, and activated NF-κB signaling. Concurrently, cecal microbiota α-diversity increased while the community shifted toward pro-inflammatory taxa (Alistipes, Rikenellaceae) and away from SCFA-producing species (Bacteroides uniformis, Parabacteroides)

SUBMITTER: Wang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12915341 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature