Evaluation of the effect of biochar on the metabolic status, oxidative stress, and immune response of Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract

Livestock health is seriously endangered by environmental pollutants in feed, water, and soil, affecting organ health, productivity, and immune system performance. Biochar, a material rich in carbon produced via pyrolysis, attracts interest as an additive to foods for its ability to adsorb toxins, influence gut microbiota, and enhance immune responses. The study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar supplementation (2.5 %, 5 %, and 7.5 %) in animals' diets on immune response and oxidative stress in male Sprague Dawley rats following immunization with sheep red blood cells (RBCs). Rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving a standard diet and three groups receiving biochar-supplemented diets. Following six weeks of feeding, the animals were immunized and housed for two more weeks. Liver and kidney function parameters, oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) were measured before and after immunization. Histopathological changes in the kidney and liver of rats were observed to confirm the biochemical findings. The results demonstrated that liver and kidney function elevated in the control group after immunization; biochar supplementation at 5 % and 7.5 % considerably decreased oxidative stress and inflammation brought on by immunization. Additionally, these groups exhibited improved antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels post-immunization. Histopathological analysis confirmed these findings, showing preserved hepatocyte architecture and renal tubular integrity in biochar-treated groups compared to controls. According to the results, dietary biochar can be used as a functional feed supplement to help immunized animals mitigate oxidative stress and boost immunological responses.