Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Growth Performance and Intestinal Epithelial Function in Weaned Pigs Exposed to Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a major challenge in weaned piglet production because it impairs intestinal health, nutrient utilization, and growth performance; however, the effects of dietary epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on intestinal dysfunction under oxidative stress conditions have not been fully elucidated. This study examined whether dietary EGCG supplementation could improve intestinal function in weaned pigs subjected to Diquat-induced oxidative stress. Thirty-two weaned piglets were allocated to four treatments according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement involving dietary EGCG supplementation (0 or 50 mg/kg) and exposure to saline or Diquat (50 mg/kg body weight). Diquat exposure impaired intestinal morphology and antioxidant status and altered the transcription of genes associated with epithelial barrier integrity and redox regulation. Dietary EGCG supplementation partially attenuated these alterations, as reflected by improvements in villus architecture, intestinal antioxidant indices, and the mRNA expression of barrier- and antioxidant-related genes. These findings indicate that dietary EGCG supplementation was associated with improved intestinal function in weaned pigs exposed to oxidative stress. These beneficial effects may be related, at least in part, to changes in redox status, inflammatory responses, epithelial barrier-related gene expression, and selected gut microbial populations. This study supports EGCG as a potential bioactive dietary factor for maintaining intestinal health under oxidative stress conditions.