Therapeutic effects of Salidroside on broiler ascites syndrome via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

This study aimed to examine the impact of salidroside on PI3K, AKT, and mTOR expression in the lung tissue of broilers afflicted with ascites syndrome, and to elucidate its potential mechanism against ascites syndrome. Ninety Qingjiao Ma chickens were randomly allocated to three groups of thirty each: the model, treatment, and control groups. To induce ascites syndrome, both the model and treatment groups were fed a basal diet enriched with high fat (5 % rapeseed oil), high protein (4 % fish meal), and high sodium (0.12 % NaCl in drinking water) from 1 day of age to 42 days of age. The treatment group additionally received 0.2 % salidroside. All the chickens were euthanatized at 42 days of age, and lung tissue was collected. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in lung tissues was analysed by qRT- PCR, IHC, and WB, and one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis with a significance level set at P < 0.05. The expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR - at mRNA and protein level was highly up-regulated in the ascites syndrome induced broiler when compared with control group (P < 0.05), including their phosphorylated form. The salidroside treatment reversed the changes by decreasing gene and protein level expressions of those signal molecules relative to the model group (P < 0.05). PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal transduction pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of ascites syndrome, salidroside may exert therapeutic effects on ascites syndrome byprobably by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.