Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic and hypotensive properties of pomegranate peel (PP) on antioxidant status, fat deposition, lipid peroxidation and pulmonary hypertensive response in broiler chickens. A total of 375 one-day-old male broilers (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to five treatments included dietary PP levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 g/kg. Supplementation of PP at 7.5 and 10 g/kg resulted in significant upregulation of hepatic catalase (p < 0.004) and superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1; p < 0.05), which reflected in decreased concentration of circulatory malondialdehyde (MDA). Dietary inclusion of PP at 7.5 and 1.0 g/kg significantly decreased serum concentrations of triglycerides (p < 0.004) and cholesterol (p < 0.006) with concomitant decrease in abdominal fat deposition (p < 0.05). The antihyperlipidemic effect of PP was mediated through down-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Hypotensive effect of PP was also observed at 7.5 and 10 g/kg as reduced heart weight and the right-to-total ventricular weight ratio (RV/TV) and decreased mortality from pulmonary hypertension. The hypotensive property of PP was associated with increased concentration of serum nitric oxide. In conclusion, this study revealed antioxidative, antihyperlipidemic and hypotensive effects of PP at 7.5 and 10 g/kg in broiler chickens exposed to hypobaric hypoxia. Health-beneficial effects of PP suggest this product as a promising multi-functional phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens.