Curcumin attenuates heat-stress-induced oxidant damage by simultaneous activation of GSH-related antioxidant enzymes and Nrf2-mediated phase II detoxifying enzyme systems in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT The object of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on modulating the glutathione (GSH)-related antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant responses via NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in heat-stressed broiler chickens. A total of 400 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks was reared in an environmentally controlled room. At 21 d, broiler chicks were divided into 5 treatment groups and were fed one of 4 diets under 2 temperature conditions: 22°C + a basal diet (CON treatment); 34°C for 8 h (0900–1700) + a basal diet supplemented with 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg curcumin (HS, CMN1, CMN2, and CMN3 treatments, respectively). The heat treatment lasted for 20 consecutive days. The results showed that heat stress significantly increased (P