Key result
Allicin at 2.5 mg/kg daily decreased haematocrit and right ventricular hypertrophy, and provided a 4.3% protection against ascites mortality in broilers.
Why the study?
Ascites syndrome in fast-growing chickens is preceded by pulmonary arterial hypertension involving ATR1, prompting investigation into whether allicin could modulate ATR1, ascites traits, and mortality.
Absolute Risk Reduction: 4.3%
Allicin at 2.5 mg/kg mitigated pulmonary arterial hypertension and ascites syndrome traits in broilers raised at high altitude without compromising growth performance.
Allicin effects in broiler ascites warrant mammalian PAH studies; should not yet inform clinical practice.
Ascites syndrome (AS) is a deadly condition in fast-growing chickens, preceded by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), where the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (ATR1) plays a role. We investigated whether allicin (ALLI), a garlic derivative, could (a) interact with broiler ATR1, (b) affect ascites-related traits [haematocrit content (Hct%), blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), and the right-to-total ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV)], (c) modify ATR1 expression in the lung, heart, and liver, alongside ascites mortality and growth performance in Ross 308 broilers raised at high altitude and under cold temperatures promoting PAH/AS. Three groups (n = 70 each) were studied: 0-ALLI (untreated), 1-ALLI (allicin 1 mg/kg bodyweight/daily at 14–27 days of age by oral-oesophageal route), and 2.5-ALLI. After 3–6 weeks, Hct%, SaO2, RV:TV ratios, and ATR1 expression in the lung, heart, and liver, were evaluated. Weekly productive performance and AS mortality were recorded. Molecular dockings and dynamic simulations predicted that ALLI might inhibit broiler ATR1 in a transitory manner. At 42 days of age, birds in the 2.5-ALLI group exhibited lower Hct% and lower RV:TV values, while ALLI marginally enhanced SaO2. ATR1 expression in the 1-ALLI and 2.5-ALLI groups was higher (i.e. restored) in the lungs and heart, respectively, but not in the liver compared with the untreated group. Productive performance remained unaffected by ALLI, and 2.5-ALLI provided a protection of 4.3% against ascites mortality. In conclusion, 2.5-ALLI mitigated PAH/AS traits in the lungs and heart without compromising broiler productive performance. Further studies adjusting ALLI doses and combinations are warranted.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Broilers bred at >2000 m OSL and <20°C were treated with 1 or 2.5 mg allicin per os.Allicin at 2.5 mg per os decreased haematocrit and right ventricular hypertrophy.Allicin treatments restored ATR1 expression in the heart and lungs.Productive performance of broilers was not affected by allicin treatments.Allicin is a promising candidate to enhance the quality of poultry production.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Vargas-Galicia et al. (2025) studied Ascites syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=210). Allicin vs. Untreated (0-ALLI) was evaluated on Ascites-related traits (haematocrit, blood oxygen saturation, right-to-total ventricular weight ratio), ATR1 expression, and ascites mortality. Allicin at 2.5 mg/kg daily decreased haematocrit and right ventricular hypertrophy, and provided a 4.3% protection against ascites mortality in broilers.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: