Response in liver gene expression and DNA methylation to changes in the intestinal microbial profile after in ovo stimulation of chickens

Abstract

. The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the signalling between the gut and the liver. Intestinal bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids and other signalling molecules that affect internal communication. Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota can lead to alternations in this communication, which may ultimately lead to modifications in gene expression driven by epigenetic mechanisms. This study aimed to determine the effect of early microbiome modifications by bioactive substances delivered in ovo on changes in the relative abundance of bacteria in the intestinal contents and the level of expression and methylation of hepatic genes. On day 12 of incubation, a probiotic, a prebiotic