An Extract of Sericea Lespedeza Modulates Production of Inflammatory Markers in Pathogen Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP) Activated Ruminant Blood

Emmanuel K Asiamah,Kingsley Ekwemalor,Bertha Osei,Sarah Adjei-Fremah,Mulumebet Worku

doi:10.5539/jas.v8n9p1

Abstract

<p>Programs based on antibiotics are failing to control diseases due to increase in resistance of pathogens to antibiotics. Food safety, animal welfare and public health concerns have fueled interest in the use of plant-based alternatives. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a plant (Sericea Lespedeza, SL), and pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) (Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan (PGN)) on gene activation in ruminant blood. A water extract of SL, was used as a source of plant-derived tannins. Blood was collected from Holstein-Friesian cows (N = 4), Spanish × Boer goats (N = 4), St Croix sheep (N = 4) and incubated with 100 ng/mL of SL in the presence or absence of LPS or PGN. Samples maintained in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) served as negative control. The total protein concentration, WNT5a, and prostaglandin E2 in plasma were determined. Total RNA was isolated, reverse transcribed and Real time-PCR was performed using gene specific primers for TLR2, TLR4, WNT5a, and FZD. TLR2 and FZD were up-regulated in response to PAMPs. WNT5a and TLR4 genes were undetected in PAMP treated blood. SL regulated protein and prostaglandin concentration in all species. SL reduced PGE2 in sheep and cow blood. WNT5a was only secreted in LPS treated cow blood. Transcription and translation of genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity and the WNT signaling pathway in ruminant blood were responsive to diverse PAMPS, and can be modulated by SL. This suggests that dietary tannins may promote the health of ruminants. Further studies are needed to determine the significance of these changes in immune gene expression on ruminant health.</p>

Highlights

Elimination of pathogens depends on how efficiently the immune system of the host coordinates the delivery of blood components to the site of infection or injury (Boermans et al, 2009)
The results indicated that treatment had an effect on cell viability
We demonstrate that Sericea Lespedeza, a tannin-rich legume is involved in cell activation and modulates the response to bacterial cell wall components (PAMPS) in ruminant blood

Summary

Introduction

Elimination of pathogens depends on how efficiently the immune system of the host coordinates the delivery of blood components (plasma and leukocytes) to the site of infection or injury (Boermans et al, 2009). Improper orchestration of the immune response to microbial infections may lead to sepsis (Werners et al, 2005). Sepsis is a condition caused by an overwhelming immune response (Wiersinga et al, 2014). The sequencing of the cattle, sheep, and goat genomes have led to increased understanding of the genetics underlying immune response mechanism. Innate immunity especially plays a critical role in host defense against infection since it is the first line of defense. The innate immune response is triggered by recognition through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as toll-like receptors (TLRs) (Barton et al, 2009)

Methods

Results

Conclusion