Lecithin exerts direct lipid-lowering and antioxidant cytoprotective effects

Background: Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) is a prevalent metabolic disorder in laying hens that severely compromises physiological health and egg production. Lecithin, a vital phospholipid complex, is known for its lipotropic and cytoprotective properties; however, whether its preventive effects against FLHS act directly on the liver or rely on systemic shifts remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the direct cytoprotective role and molecular mechanisms of lecithin using an isolated cell-based model of FLHS. Methods: An Results: Lecithin supplementation significantly attenuated FFAs-induced TG accumulation (p < 0.05) and restored cellular redox homeostasis by increasing SOD activity and GSH levels (p < 0.05). In normal hepatocytes, lecithin downregulated the expression of Conclusion: This study demonstrates that lecithin possesses the capacity to directly protect hepatocytes by attenuating lipid accumulation and enhancing antioxidant defenses, suggesting that its preventive role against FLHS is driven, at least in part, by direct hepatic action rather than relying solely on systemic metabolism. Furthermore, we hypothesize that lecithin may potentially offer additional protection through indirect anti-inflammatory actions. These findings provide a robust theoretical foundation for elucidating the direct hepatoprotective mechanisms of lecithin, contributing to a clearer understanding of its role in FLHS prevention and supporting its scientific dietary supplementation in laying hens, particularly during the peak and late laying periods.