Antioxidant Effect of Apple Pomace Diet in Intestinal Lymph Nodes of Weaned Piglets Challenged with Escherichia coli Endotoxin
Keywords:
apple, piglets, pomace, wasteAbstract
The valorization of agro-industrial by-products represents an important strategy for promoting circular economy and sustainable agri-food systems. Apple pomace, a major by-product of the fruit processing industry, is a rich source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, with potential applications in animal nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary apple pomace inclusion on oxidative stress in weaned piglets challenged with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). A total of 26 weaned piglets were assigned to four experimental groups: control, LPS-challenged, apple pomace and LPS + apple pomace. After 21 days, oxidative stress markers were assessed in intestinal lymph nodes, including antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and biomarkers of lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation. LPS challenge significantly impaired antioxidant defense by decreasing enzyme activities and TAC, while increasing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Dietary inclusion of apple pomace improved antioxidant enzyme activities and partially restored TAC. Moreover, it significantly reduced LPS-induced oxidative damage, as evidenced by decreased levels of protein carbonyls, TBARS, and 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine. In conclusion, apple pomace inclusion in the diet mitigates oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant status in weaned piglets under inflammatory challenge. These findings support the potential use of apple pomace as a functional feed ingredient in animal nutrition.
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