Abstract
Simple SummaryBioactive products have an effect on the molecular and biochemical functions of a living organism, causing a physiological response of the given tissue. Such a products are biologically active. Depending on the active component and amount, the effects of such products can be positive or negative. Bioactive products can be food ingredients or dietary supplements, and while they are not required for survival, they are responsible for changes in the body’s health. Poultry farming struggles with zoonoses and other infectious diseases that require the use of veterinary drugs such as antibiotics. However, it is preferable to increase the natural potential of the poultry to cope with the burden of innate immune responses. Bioactive products can be used as an alternative to microbial or antiparasitic agents. Over 400,000 different plant species contain bioactive chemicals, yet only a portion of them have been examined. To examine and describe their therapeutic capabilities, more scientific analyses and characterizations are required. The use of in vitro and ex vivo models enables the evaluation of the immunomodulatory effect of bioactive molecules derived from substances such as plant extracts, essential oils, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. This article presents several studies on bioactive products and their immunomodulatory effects tested in vitro and ex vivo using various avian models.Antimicrobial resistance is becoming a greater danger to both human and animal health, reducing the capacity to treat bacterial infections and increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality from resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial efficacy in the treatment of bacterial infections is still a major concern in both veterinary and human medicine. Antimicrobials can be replaced with bioactive products. Only a small number of plant species have been studied in respect to their bioactive compounds. More research is needed to characterize and evaluate the therapeutic properties of the plant extracts. Due to the more and more common phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance, poultry farming requires the use of natural alternatives to veterinary antibiotics that have an immunomodulatory effect. These include a variety of bioactive products, such as plant extracts, essential oils, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. This article presents several studies on bioactive products and their immunomodulatory effects tested in vitro and ex vivo using various avian cell culture models. Primary cell cultures that have been established to study the immune response in chickens include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Chicken lymphatic lines that can be used to study immune responses are mainly: chicken B cells infected with avian leukemia RAV-1 virus (DT40), macrophage-like cell line (HD11), and a spleen-derived macrophage cell line (MQ-NCSU). Ex vivo organ cultures combine in vitro and in vivo studies, as this model is based on fragments of organs or tissues grown in vitro. As such, it mimics the natural reactions of organisms, but under controlled conditions. Most ex vivo organ cultures of chickens are derived from the ileum and are used to model the interaction between the gastrointestinal tract and the microbiota. In conclusion, the use of in vitro and ex vivo models allows for numerous experimental replications in a short period, with little or no ethical constraints and limited confounding factors.
Highlights
Poultry production in Poland develops dynamically, especially in the broiler sector.Due to the large scale of the poultry production, the use of antibiotics is often required to reduce disease outbreaks [1]
The trend to reduce antibiotics is correlated with the increased use of bioactive products that can have a positive effect on poultry growth, immune system, and health [3]
We present an overview of the avian cell culture models that facilitate the study of immunomodulatory effects in vitro and ex vivo
Summary
Poultry production in Poland develops dynamically, especially in the broiler sector. Due to the large scale of the poultry production, the use of antibiotics is often required to reduce disease outbreaks [1]. The trend to reduce antibiotics is correlated with the increased use of bioactive products that can have a positive effect on poultry growth, immune system, and health [3]. GALT in chickens consists of lymphoid cells and follicles, Meckel’s diverticulum, Peyer’s patches, ceacal tonsils, and bursa of Fabricius These structures include enterocytes, goblet cells responsible for the production of the mucus, cells that produce hormones, and peptides with antimicrobial activity. Using a chicken cell culture system as a model to study the immunomodulatory effects of bioactive molecules is more beneficial than using a live animal. Data obtained with cell culture experiments translate better to in vivo studies when the in vitro research model reflects the complexity of the tissue This is true for the immune response, which engages a wide repertoire of lymphoid cells. Immunostimulation is important because healthy intestines are responsible for the better absorption of ingredients, and the better growth and health of individuals
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