Resveratrol protects against triclosan–induced impairment of colonic barrier function in chickens

Triclosan (TCS) is a widely used antimicrobial agent, and chronic exposure has been reported to impair intestinal barrier function and induce oxidative stress and inflammation. Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may protect against TCS-induced intestinal injury. This study investigated the protective effects of RSV on TCS-induced colonic damage in chickens and the underlying mechanisms. In a 4-week trial, 100 10-week-old chickens were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 20 per group): control (CON), solvent control (VCON), TCS (150 mg/kg), RSV (400 mg/kg), and TCS+RSV. To evaluate the protective effects, we measured colonic morphology, barrier-related proteins, serum markers, oxidative stress indicators, and mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics signaling. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Results showed TCS significantly damaged colonic structure and impaired barrier function, alongside increased inflammation and mitochondrial dysregulation (P < 0.05). RSV supplementation markedly mitigated these effects by restoring morphology, upregulating tight junction proteins and MUC2, and reducing serum d-lactate and DAO levels. Mechanistically, RSV suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, enhanced antioxidant capacity via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and normalized the SIRT1/PGC-1α axis to preserve mitochondrial homeostasis (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that RSV may serve as a potential dietary strategy to protect intestinal health in poultry under environmental contaminant exposure.