The data demonstrate the relative expression of neurotrophin genes (BDNF, NGF, NT-3, and NT-4) and their receptor genes (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC), as well as BDNF concentrations, in selected brain structures of rats fed freeze-dried broiler meat, whose diet was enriched with selenium (Se), nano-selenium (NSe), and/or cannabidiol (CBD).
In summary: Research indicate that Se, NSe and CBD improve health and meat quality in broilers, however, their biological effects following dietary transfer remain unclear. We verified the hypothesis that various forms of bioavailable Se, along with CBD, can potentially affect neurotrophin signaling in rats used as a consumer model. Freeze-dried pectoral muscles from broilers fed a diet enriched with selenate, NSe and CBD were incorporated into male rat diets (240 g/kg). Following eight weeks of exposure, the expression of genes encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), and their receptors (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) was analyzed in the rat hippocampus (CA), hypothalamus (MBH) and prefrontal cortex (PCx). BDNF protein levels were also quantified in these regions. In most cases, both forms of bioavailable Se significantly upregulated neurotrophin and receptor gene expression when compared to the meat-free control group. CBD showed divergent effects on neurotrophin gene expression when combined with selenate, but stimulatory effects were observed with NSe. Co-administration of CBD with either Se form enhanced the expression of most neurotrophin receptor genes. BDNF protein levels increased significantly in the hippocampus in response to selenate, NSe, and NSe combined with CBD, and in the hypothalamus after combined NSe and CBD exposure. Thus, bioavailable Se and CBD, delivered via the food chain, can modulate neurotrophic signaling in specific brain structures of a consumer model. Notably, NSe exerted the most consistent stimulatory effects, both alone and in combination with CBD.
