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gut microbiome diet

Nutritional Intervention With Perennial Ryegrass Modulates UA Metabolism in Goslings via Gut Microbiota-Antioxidant Pathway Modulation

17 April 2026

Asif MA, Zulfiqar Z, Mustafa BE, Saif S, Wang Z, Cui Y, Hao S, Boshuai L, Shi Y.

Summary

What the study found

Researchers discovered that incorporating perennial ryegrass into the diet significantly lowers uric acid levels and protects against metabolic stress. The study demonstrates that the plant’s fiber and polyphenols improve gut health and activate specific genetic pathways that help the body excrete waste more efficiently.

Key findings

  • Ryegrass supplementation significantly lowered serum uric acid and creatinine by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for uric acid production.
  • The intervention increased the activity of urate transporters, such as ABCG2 and OAT1, which facilitate the removal of uric acid through the kidneys and gut.
  • Consumption of the forage promoted a healthier gut microbiota, specifically increasing beneficial genera including Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Ruminococcus.
  • The treatment triggered the Nrf2-antioxidant pathway, which strengthened the intestinal barrier and reduced systemic inflammation.
  • High levels of bioactive polyphenols like quercetin and ferulic acid were found to move through the system, directly counteracting the metabolites that cause high uric acid.

Practical takeaways

This research suggests that a diet rich in natural forage and polyphenols can be a powerful tool for managing uric acid levels and preventing gout. For those focused on longevity, prioritizing high-fiber plant foods may optimize the microbiome to better regulate metabolic waste and reduce oxidative damage.

Limitations

Because this research was performed on Wanpu goslings, the exact dietary proportions and results may vary when applied to human physiology. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the specific polyphenol dosages required to achieve similar therapeutic effects in humans.

Abstract

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive uric acid (UA) accumulation resulting from increased hepatic production and impaired renal and intestinal excretion. Nutritional interventions using plant-based feed resources rich in bioactive compounds have shown promise in regulating urate metabolism in poultry. Perennial ryegrass, a forage abundant with dietary fiber and polyphenols, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may modulate UA metabolism. In the present study, Wanpu goslings were used to investigate the protective effects of perennial ryegrass against HUA and UA-induced oxidative stress. In the present study, Wanpu goslings were assigned to three dietary treatments: (i) concentrate-only diet (CD), (ii) concentrate diet supplemented with 30% perennial ryegrass (70% concentrate:30% ryegrass; GD1), and (iii) concentrate diet supplemented with 50% perennial ryegrass (50% concentrate:50% ryegrass; GD2). While CD and GD1 supported higher average daily gain compared to GD2. Inclusion of perennial ryegrass significantly reduced serum UA and creatinine (Cr) levels. Noticeably, ryegrass supplementation decreased hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity and enhanced the expression of urate transporters (ABCG2, OAT1, and OAT3) in intestinal and renal tissues, indicating improved urate excretion. Moreover, perennial ryegrass improved intestinal morphology and barrier integrity, attenuated oxidative stress through activation of the Nrf2-ABCG2 signaling pathway, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed enrichment of beneficial microbial genera, including <i>Alistipes</i>, <i>Ruminococcus</i>, and <i>Akkermansia</i>, in ryegrass-fed goslings. Metabolomic profiling further demonstrated decreased concentrations of HUA-associated metabolites xanthine, hypoxanthine, and inosine, and elevated levels of bioactive phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and ferulic acid. Network analysis suggested antagonistic interactions between polyphenolic metabolites and urate-promoting intermediates. These findings indicate that moderate inclusion of perennial ryegrass (30%) in concentrate-based diets may serve as a sustainable nutritional strategy to modulate UA metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbial composition in intensive goose production systems.
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