Genistein Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation in Broilers with Necrotic Enteritis

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that regulates the immune system through complicated transcriptional programs. Genistein, an AhR ligand, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. However, its role in modulating immune responses via the AhR signaling pathway remains unclear. In this study, 360 male Arbor Acre broilers (1-day-old) were fed a basal diet supplemented with 40 or 80 mg/kg genistein and infected with or without Clostridium perfringens (Cp). Our results demonstrated that genistein ameliorated Cp-induced intestinal damage, as reflected by the reduced intestinal lesion scores and improved intestinal morphology and feed-to-gain ratio. Moreover, genistein increased intestinal sIgA, TGF-β, and IL-10, along with elevated serum IgG, IgA, and lysozyme levels. Genistein improved intestinal AhR and cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (CYP1A1) protein levels and AhR+ cell numbers in Cp-challenged broilers. The increased number of AhR+CD163+ cells in the jejunum suggested a potential association between genistein-induced AhR activation and anti-inflammatory effects mediated through M2 macrophage polarization. In IL-4-treated RAW264.7 cells, genistein increased the levels of AhR, CYP1A1, CD163, and arginase (Arg)-1 proteins, as well as IL-10 mRNA levels. This increase was attenuated by the AhR antagonist CH223191. In summary, genistein activated the AhR signaling pathway in M2 macrophages, which enhanced the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and attenuated intestinal damage in Cp-infected broilers Cp.