Concentration Of Secretory Immunoglobulin Research Articles

The use of bioluminescent enzyme bioassay for the analysis of human saliva: Advantages and disadvantages.

The purpose of the work was to find optimal conditions for bioluminescent enzymatic analysis of saliva (based on the use of NADH:FMN oxidoreductase + luciferase) and then to determine the biological effect of using bioluminescence assay of saliva to study the physiological state of the body under normal and pathological conditions. The saliva of snowboarders and students were studied in the "rest-training" model. The saliva of patients diagnosed with acute pharyngitis was examined in the "sick-healthy" model. Bioluminescence assay was performed with a lyophilized and immobilized bi-enzyme system using cuvette, plate, and portable luminometers. The concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and cortisol were determined by enzyme immunoassay, and the total protein content was measured by spectrophotometric method. The activity of the bioluminescent system enzymes increased as the amount and volume of saliva in the sample was decreased. The cuvette and plate luminometers were sensitive to changes in the luminescence intensity in saliva assay. Luminescence intensity correlated with the concentrations of sIgA and cortisol. The integrated bioluminescent index for saliva was reduced in the "rest-training" model and increased in the "sick-healthy" model. Thus, the non-invasive bioluminescent saliva analysis may be a promising tool for assessing the health of the population.

Weaning causes imbalanced T lymphocyte distribution and impaired intestinal immune barrier function in piglets

Context The immune system of piglets is not fully developed at weaning. The immature adaptive immune system along with the change in the feed types and the living conditions make piglets susceptible to pathogenic infections, and result in diarrhoea and decreased growth. However, the underlying mechanisms require further research. Aims This study was conducted to investigate the effects of weaning on the growth performance and intestinal immune function of piglets. Methods In total, 40 piglets with similar bodyweights were selected in pairs at 21 days old and divided into the suckling group (SG, breastfed by their mothers) and weaning group (WG, weaned at 21 days old). Eight piglets from each group were randomly selected and sacrificed at 24 days (SG3 and WG3) and 28 days of age (SG7 and WG7). The growth performance, T lymphocyte subpopulations, the concentration of cytokines and immunoglobulins, and the expression of Notch2 signalling proteins were determined. Key results The weaning caused a decrease in bodyweight (P < 0.01) and the ratio of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ T cells in the thymus (P < 0.05). Compared with SG3, the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the jejunum was decreased, and that of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in serum and ileum, IL-1β and IL-2 in jejunum were upregulated (P < 0.01), while IL-10 in the small intestine was downregulated (P < 0.05) in WG3. Weaning downregulated gene expression of IL-4 and upregulated gene expression of IL-1β, IL-12, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in small intestine (P < 0.05). Weaning downregulated protein expression of Notch2 and Hes1 but upregulated Jagged1 expression in small intestine of piglets (P < 0.05). Conclusions Weaning caused an imbalance in T lymphocyte distribution, thus impairing the intestinal immune function of piglets, which might be associated with the Notch2 signalling. Furthermore, weaning caused adverse effects on piglets especially on the first 3 days, which were partly recovered after 3 days, but still existed at 7 days after weaning. Implications The results of this study may guide the pig-raising industry, especially for the management of piglets shortly after weaning.

Changes in immunity during the second trimester of pregnancy in women with exacerbation of bronchial asthma associated with reactivation of cytomegalovirus infection

Aim. To evaluate changes in immunity in the second trimester of pregnancy in women with exacerbation of bronchial asthma associated with reactivation of cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI).Materials and methods. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and circulating immune complexes (CIC) was studied in 112 women at 21-24 weeks of uncomplicated pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by exacerbation of mild-to-moderate asthma associated with CMVI. The first group included 30 women seronegative for CMV, with an uncomplicated pregnancy. The second group consisted of 30 patients with exacerbation of mild asthma, initiated by the acute phase of CMVI, which induces the development of chronic compensated placental insufficiency. The third group consisted of 27 patients with moderate asthma in the acute stage against the background of the acute phase of CMVI, leading to the formation of chronic compensated placental insufficiency. The fourth group included 25 patients with exacerbation of moderate asthma with CMV etiology, initiating the development of chronic subcompensated placental insufficiency.Results. In women of the second group, the concentration of sIgA was 5.91±0.371 mg/L, IgA – 2.64±0.089 mg/mL, IgG – 15.4±0.791 mg/mL, IgM – 2.32±0.144 mg/mL, CIC – 0.176±0.004 optical density units (in the first group, respectively, 4.31±0.266 mg/L, p<0.001; 2.37±0.06 mg/mL, p<0.05; 13.3±0.293 mg/mL, p<0,05; 1.11±0.06 mg/mL, p<0.001; 0.092±0.005 optical density units, p<0.001). In patients of the third group, in contrast to the second one, no differences in immunity parameters were detected. In the fourth group, in comparison with the third one, lower parameters of sIgA (3.21±0.213 mg/L, p<0.001), IgA (1.43±0.081 mg/mL, p<0.001), as well as higher IgG values were detected (19.8±0.418 mg/mL, p<0.001), IgM (2.94±0.082 mg/mL, p<0.01) and CIC (0.198±0.005 optical density units, p<0.05).Conclusion. In patients with moderate asthma with exacerbation against the background of CMVI reactivation, which initiates the formation of chronic subcompensated placental insufficiency, in contrast to women with moderate asthma in the stage of CMVI exacerbation in the second trimester of pregnancy, leading to chronic compensated placental insufficiency in the third trimester of gestation, a more pronounced imbalance of humoral immunity and autoimmune disorders are found, which are important in the development of chronic placental dysfunction.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ИММУНОМОДУЛИРУЮЩЕЙ ТЕРАПИИ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ДЕЗОКСИРИБОНУКЛЕАТА НАТРИЯ НА МИКРОБИОТУ РОТОГЛОТКИ У ДЕТЕЙ C РЕКУРРЕНТНЫМИ РЕСПИРАТОРНЫМИ ИНФЕКЦИЯМИ В ВОЗРАСТЕ 1–6 ЛЕТ

Respiratory infections are one of the leading diseases currently and almost 2/3 of these infectious processes occur in childhood. The pathogenesis of recurrent respiratory infections is based on the failure of the links of the immune system, mainly caused by a violation of the immune homeostasis of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of the immunomodulatory therapy using sodium deoxyribonucleate on the microbiota of the oropharynx in children with recurrent respiratory infections. A single-center randomized placebo-controlled closed experimental study was performed in 90 pediatric patients with recurrent respiratory infections aged 1 to 6 y/o in May 2021-Nov. 2021 on the basis of the private medical center “Center for Modern Pediatrics” located in Voronezh, Russia. The main group consisted of 46 (23 boys and 23 girls aged 4 [3; 5] y/o) who had been given the sodium deoxyribonucleate drug nasally for 30 days. The control group of 44 (22 boys and 22 girls aged 4 [3; 5] y/o) had been given a placebo (a sterile 0.1% sodium chloride fluid) according to the same prescription scheme. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin was determined by the enzyme immunoassay; the composition of the microbiota was studied by the genetic sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. All of the participants in both groups were examined twice: at the start of the study and 90 days after. A statistically significant decrease in the relative amount of Proteobacteria and an increase in the relative amount of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota, an increase in the concentration of sIgA was found against the background of the use of the drug, which in tis turn indicates an increase in the activity of mucosal immunity (p<0.001). Conclusion: thus, the use of sodium deoxyribonucleate in children aged 1 to 6 years old with recurrent respiratory infections leads to a statistically significant decrease in the relative amount of Proteobacteria and an increase in the relative amount of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota in the oropharynx; increased activity of mucosal immunity, as evidenced by an increase in the concentration of sIgA.

Protein and Immune Component Content of Donor Human Milk in Japan: Variation with Gestational and Postpartum Age.

Donor human milk (DHM) is the second-best nutrition for preterm infants when their own mother's milk is unavailable. The nutrient content of human milk is influenced by various factors, including gestational and postpartum age, but there are no data regarding DHM composition in Japan. The aim of this study was to determine the protein and immune component content of DHM in Japan and to elucidate the effects of gestational and postpartum age on nutrient composition. From September 2021 to May 2022, 134 DHM samples were collected from 92 mothers of preterm and term infants. Protein concentrations in preterm DHM (n = 41) and term DHM (n = 93) were analyzed using a Miris Human Milk Analyzer. The concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and lactoferrin, major immune components, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Preterm DHM exhibited higher protein content than term DHM (1.2 g/dL and 1.0 g/dL, respectively, p < 0.001), whereas sIgA content was higher in term DHM than in preterm DHM (110 μg/mL and 68.4 μg/mL, respectively, p < 0.001). Gestational age was negatively correlated with protein levels and positively correlated with sIgA and lactoferrin levels. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between postpartum week and protein, sIgA, and lactoferrin concentrations. Our data suggest that gestational and postpartum age affects protein, sIgA, and lactoferrin concentrations in DHM. These results indicate the importance of nutritional analysis for the appropriate use of DHM in preterm infants.

Rapid and Highly Efficient Genetic Transformation and Application of Interleukin-17B Expressed in Duckweed as Mucosal Vaccine Adjuvant.

Molecular farming utilizes plants as a platform for producing recombinant biopharmaceuticals. Duckweed, the smallest and fastest growing aquatic plant, is a promising candidate for molecular farming. However, the efficiency of current transformation methods is generally not high in duckweed. Here, we developed a fast and efficient transformation procedure in Lemna minor ZH0403, requiring 7-8 weeks from screening calluses to transgenic plants with a stable transformation efficiency of 88% at the DNA level and 86% at the protein level. We then used this transformation system to produce chicken interleukin-17B (chIL-17B). The plant-produced chIL-17B activated the NF-κB pathway, JAK-STAT pathway, and their downstream cytokines in DF-1 cells. Furthermore, we administrated chIL-17B transgenic duckweed orally as an immunoadjuvant with mucosal vaccine against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chickens. Both IBV-specific antibody titer and the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were significantly higher in the group fed with chIL-17B transgenic plant. This indicates that the duckweed-produced chIL-17B enhanced the humoral and mucosal immune responses. Moreover, chickens fed with chIL-17B transgenic plant demonstrated the lowest viral loads in different tissues among all groups. Our work suggests that cytokines are a promising adjuvant for mucosal vaccination through the oral route. Our work also demonstrates the potential of duckweed in molecular farming.

Interactions of Microbiota and Mucosal Immunity in the Ceca of Broiler Chickens Infected with Eimeria tenella.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Eimeria tenella infection on the cecal microbiome, the protein concentration of cecal content, cecal mucosal immunity, and serum endotoxin levels in broilers. Three hundred sixty 14-day-old broilers were allocated to five infection doses with six replicates. The five infection doses were: ID0: 0, ID1: 6250, ID2: 12,500, ID3: 25,000, and ID4: 50,000 Eimeria tenella oocysts. Eimeria tenella infection significantly increased the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria, which includes diverse pathogenic bacteria, and significantly decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes. Protein concentration of the cecal content was linearly increased (p &lt; 0.05), and the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the cecal content was linearly decreased by Eimeria tenella infection (p &lt; 0.05). Goblet cell density was linearly reduced in the ceca by Eimeria tenella infection (p &lt; 0.05). Eimeria tenella infection tended to linearly decrease the relative mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptide genes such as avian beta-defensin 9 (AvBD9; p = 0.10) and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2; p = 0.08) in the cecal tissue. Therefore, Eimeria tenella infection negatively modulated cecal microbiota via impairing cecal mucosal immunity and increasing protein concentration in the cecal content in broilers.

The role of the palatine tonsils in the regulation of the state of humoral local immunity in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose and perinasal sinuses when infected with viruses of the respiratory group

Topicality: Acute respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which in the vast majority of cases are caused by viruses, especially with frequent recurrences of diseases, reduce local and system immunity, which often leads to the accumulation of bacterial infection due to the activation of endogenous microflora or exogenous infection and causes the development of viral-bacterial diseases. Recurrent respiratory diseases contribute to the formation of chronic pathology of the oro- and nasopharynx, which in turn supports the violation of the body's protective mechanisms. Previous studies have shown that the tonsils of the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring perform the function of immunological protection, and the absence of palatine tonsils (PT) negatively affects the state of both local and system immunity. Aim: to determine the role of the palatine tonsils in the realization of local humoral reactions in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of nose and paranasal sinuses when infected with viruses of the respiratory group. Materials and methods: Studies were conducted in 134 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases (CID) of nose and paranasal sinuses (PNS) in remission, among whom 93 had a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis, 27 – chronic catarrhal rhinitis, 14 – allergic rhinitis with chronic bronchitis. The control group consisted of 47 practically healthy persons without pathology from the ENT organs. The examined persons were divided into those who had PT and those from whom they were surgically removed no earlier than five years ago. All examinees were divided into those who had anamnestic antibodies in their blood to one or more of the respiratory viruses, such as: adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A virus in a clinically significant titer, and those in whom antibodies were not detected. The local humoral immunity state of patients was assessed by the content of immune complexes (IC) and concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), interferons alpha- (α-IFN) and gamma- (γ-IFN) in the oropharyngeal secretion (OS), which were determined by the immunoenzymatic method using sets of reagents for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays ("Cytokin", RF) and the Stat Fax-2100 analyzer (USA). All examined patients had a healthy state of the oral cavity. Results: The presence or absence of palatine tonsils changes the levels of number of humoral factors of local immunity in oropharyngeal secretion in practically healthy donors and in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose and PNS. The production of sIgA and α-IFN in OS depends on PM, decreasing in practically healthy persons of the control group who underwent tonsillectomy. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the nose and PNS caused a decrease in the concentration of IC and α-IFN in the OS of patients of both groups- with or without PT. In patients with normal PMs who got sick with viral infections, in contrast to those with removed PMs, α-IFN level in OS increased and practically did not differ from those in healthy donors. The greatest suppression of α-IFN production was determined in patients with CID of the nose and PNS with removed PM and with the absence of clinically significant titers of antiviral antibodies. The level of γ-IFN production did not reliably change in the OS of patients with CID of nose and PNS in the remission phase both with normal PT and after tonsillectomy, but depended to a greater extent on the transferred infectious disease caused by viruses of the respiratory group. Conclusion: PTs play a significant role in the formation of a number of reactions of local immunity in the naso- and oropharynx, both in practically healthy individuals and in patients with chronic inflammatory disease of nose and paranasal sinuses. Therefore, the determination of local immunity indices in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract with different status of the palatine tonsils, who are in contact or had contact with respiratory viruses, provides an opportunity to identify the most vulnerable links in the system of their anti-infective protection, which should first of all be paid attention to during examination and treatment of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, especially in cases of frequent recurrence of acute respiratory diseases.

Changes in immunological parameters and umbilical blood flow in pregnant women during exacerbation of chronic bronchitis associated with cytomegalovirus infection

Aim. To evaluate changes in immunological parameters and umbilical blood flow in pregnant women with exacerbation of chronic bronchitis associated with cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI).Materials and methods. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), immunoglobulin E (IgE), circulating immune complexes (CIC), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and systolic-diastolic ratio (SDR) in the umbilical artery was studied in 80 women with exacerbation of chronic bronchitis in the second trimester of pregnancy, uncomplicated and complicated by the acute phase of CMVI. The first group was represented by 30 women with cytomegalovirus seronegative physiological pregnancy; the second – 25 patients with exacerbation of chronic bronchitis caused by reactivation of CMVI, complicated by the development of chronic compensated placental insufficiency (CCPI); the third – 25 women with chronic simple bronchitis in the acute stage in the setting of the acute phase of CMVI, initiating the formation of chronic subcompensated placental insufficiency (CSPI) at 30-34 weeks of gestation.Results. In the first group, the concentration of sIgA in blood serum was 4.3±0.26 mg/L, IgE – 3.64±0.23 IU/mL, CIC – 0.091±0.005 AU, IL-6 – 2.41±0.21 pg/mL, IL-4 – 30.1±2.19 pg/mL, cortisol – 527.2±20.95 nmol/L, and SDR in the artery umbilical cord – 3.41±0.06 relative units. In women of the second group, in comparison with the first one, there was an increase in the concentration of sIgA by 1.40 times (p&lt;0.01), IgE – by 1.95 times (p&lt;0.001), CIC – by 1.83 times (p&lt;0.001) , IL-6 – 2.61 times (p&lt;0.001), IL-4 – 1.29 times (p&lt;0.05), cortisol – 1.35 times (p&lt;0.001) in the absence of statistically significant differences the magnitude of vascular resistance in the umbilical artery. In the third group, in comparison with the first one, there was a decrease in sIgA values by 1.26 times (p&lt;0.05) in the setting of an increase in the concentration of IgE by 2.56 times (p&lt;0.001), CIC – by 2.09 times (p&lt;0.001 ), IL-6 – by 3.65 times (p&lt;0.001), IL-4 – by 1.64 times (p&lt;0.001), cortisol – by 1.52 times (p&lt;0.001) and SDR in the umbilical artery – 1.27 times (p&lt;0.001). In women of the third group, in contrast to the second one, a decrease in the concentration of sIgA by 1.77 times (p&lt;0.001), as well as an increase in IgE by 1.31 times (p&lt;0.01), CIC ‒ by 1.14 times (p&lt;0.001), IL-6 ‒ 1.39 times (p&lt;0.001), IL-4 ‒ 1.27 times (p&lt;0.05), cortisol ‒ 1.13 times (p&lt;0.05) and SDR in the umbilical artery ‒ 1.21 times (p&lt;0.001). A direct correlation was established between IL-6 and cord blood flow (r=0.53; p&lt;0.01), as well as an inverse relationship between sIgA and cortisol (r=-0.44; p&lt;0.05).Conclusion. In the second trimester of gestation, exacerbation of chronic simple bronchitis caused by reactivation of CMVI, which initiates the development of CSPI, in contrast to chronic bronchitis in the acute stage, associated with the acute phase of chronic CMVI, which induces the formation of CCPI, is accompanied by an imbalance of nonspecific local and systemic immune responses, as well as stress-reaction, which leads to the growth of SDR in the umbilical artery.

Holder Pasteurization: Comparison of Water-Bath and Dry-Tempering Devices.

BackgroundHuman milk (HM) for premature infants is frequently Holder pasteurized (heated at 62.5 ± 0.5°C for 30 min) despite its detrimental effects on heat-sensitive milk components. This tolerated compromise ensures HM's microbial safety while less detrimental methods like short-time HM treatments (HTST) are still being evaluated. Dry-tempering devices (DT-HoP) were recently introduced in clinical practice due to hygienic concerns about water-based Holder pasteurizers (WB-HoP). Evidence on the impact of such dry-tempering devices on HM quality is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare protein retention rates after DT-HoP, WB-HoP and HTST.MethodsWe colorimetrically determined alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and lactoferrin (LF) before and after DT-HoP, WB-HoP and HTST.ResultsALP was below the detection limit after HoP, but retained 52.8 ± 13% activity after HTST (p < 0.01). Secretory IgA (WB-HoP = 73.2 ± 13.5% vs. DT-HoP = 57 ± 14%, p = 0.0018) and LF retention (WB-HoP=47 ± 40% vs. DT-HoP=25 ± 8%, p = 0.07) differed between the two HoP modes. Again, retention was better maintained after HTST compared to HoP (80.4 ± 23% sIgA and 70 ± 42% LF concentration, all p < 0.01).ConclusionDry-tempering milk lowers even further the quality of HM when performing HoP compared to water-bath pasteurization, while HTST warrants continued evaluation for clinical application.

Effect of an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on the Concentration of Salivary Immunoglobulin A.

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF MF) therapy is effective in the treatment of injury, inflammation and postoperative complications. Its clinical applications relate to bone unification, pain reduction, soft tissue oedema and the decrease of electric potentials in the oral cavity. It enhances regeneration of periapical bone lesions. It is obvious that cells (leukocytes, platelets, keratinocytes, osteoblasts) and proteins (fibrin, collagen, elastin and growth factors) exhibit alterations when exposed to an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF MF) on the parotid gland on the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A. The study group consisted of 24 patients, aged 14–16, who underwent ELF MF on the parotid gland region. The control group comprised 25 matching persons. The IgA concentration in saliva samples was established using radial immunodiffusion. Following ELF MF, a statistically significant increase in the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A was found in the study group, whereas in the control group, no statistically significant differences were noted. It can be concluded that an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field increases the activity of the immune system of the parotid gland.

The Effects of Early Oropharyngeal Administration of Microdosed Colostrum on Feeding Status in Ventilated Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

Background: For extremely low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs), mechanical ventilation and total parenteral nutrition are generally required in the early stages and lose the protective effect of early gastrointestinal nutrition of colostrum. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to explore the effectiveness of early colostrum oropharyngeal administration on the feeding status of ELBWIs on mechanical ventilation. Materials and Methods: We randomly divided mechanically ventilated ELBWIs into an intervention group and a control group. In the intervention group, we provided oropharyngeal administration of colostrum during mechanical ventilation. The first colostrum oropharyngeal administration ended within 24 hours of birth. In the control group, we gave colostrum only for gastrointestinal nutrition, and other interventions were the same as for the intervention group. We collected the 1st and 6th day of life airway secretions and urine specimens from both groups. We recorded feeding status, including corrected gestational age at onset of enteral nutrition, corrected gestational age of no gastric retention during feeding, corrected gestational age of full enteral nutrition, corrected gestational age of sucking began, and corrected gestational age of per oral feeding. We also recorded growth of body mass, the incidence of feeding intolerance, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Results: On the 6th day of life, concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A, and lactoferrin in airway secretions and urine of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The intervention group showed younger corrected gestational age of no gastric retention during feeding, corrected gestational age of full enteral nutrition, the corrected gestational age of sucking began and per oral feeding than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The day of recovery to birth weight was earlier than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The rate of feeding intolerance and NEC incidence in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Early oropharyngeal administration of colostrum improves immune function of the gastrointestinal tract and the systemic anti-infective capability in ELBWI on mechanical ventilation, promoting the maturity of gastrointestinal function, improving feeding condition, and reducing the risk of feeding intolerance and NEC.

Boron Modulates the Barrier Function, Antioxidant Activity, and Epithelial Cell Proliferation in Rat Jejunum

We have explored the effect of boron in drinking water on the microstructure, mechanical barrier, immune barrier, antioxidant activity, and cell proliferation in rat jejunum. The treatment resulted in a significant increase in the jejunum villi height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth compared to the control group. The results showed that the jejunum villi height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the rats in experimental groups IV and V significantly increased compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.05 or P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, boron treatment resulted in a significant increase in the number of rat jejunum goblet cells, intraepithelial lymphocyte and proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive cells as well as the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A along with increased activity or content of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity. However, there was a decrease in expression of these markers in rats receiving the highest dosage of boron (640 mg/L). The results show that supplementing drinking water with low doses of boron could improve the microstructure of rat jejunum, enhance mucosal immunity, mechanical barrier function, and antioxidant activity, and promote cell proliferation.

Dietary supplementation with glutamine improves gastrointestinal barrier function and promotes compensatory growth of growth-retarded yaks

The growth retardation of yaks commonly exists on the Tibetan Plateau, and the gastrointestinal barrier function of growth-retarded yaks is disrupted. Glutamine (Gln) is an effective feed additive to improve the gastrointestinal barrier function of animals. This research evaluated the effects of Gln on growth performance, serum permeability parameters, gastrointestinal morphology and barrier function of growth-retarded yaks. Thirty-two male growth-retarded yaks (74.0 ± 6.16 kg of BW and 480 ± 5.50 days of age) were randomly allocated to 4 groups: the negative control (GRY, fed basal ration), Gln1 (fed basal ration and 60 g/d Gln per yak), Gln2 (120 g/d) and Gln3 (180 g/d). Another 8 male growth normal yaks (112 ± 6.11 kg of BW and 480 ± 5.00 days of age) with same breed were used as a positive control (GNY, fed basal ration). The results showed that GRY had lower growth performance and higher (P < 0.05) diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid and lipopolysaccharide concentrations in serum as compared to GNY. Glutamine improved the average daily gain (ADG) of growth-retarded yaks, and the Gln2 group displayed highest ADG. Glutamine supplementation reduced markers of gut permeability in growth-retarded yaks. The GRY and Gln2 groups were selected to study the gastrointestinal barrier function. Growth-retarded yaks fed Gln2 showed higher (P < 0.05) height and surface area of ruminal papillae as compared to GRY. A similar trend of height and surface area in jejunal villus was found between GRY and Gln2 groups. The Gln2 increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A in jejunum and ileum of growth-retarded yaks. The rumen and jejunum of Gln2 yaks exhibited lower (P < 0.05) interleukin-1β and higher (P < 0.05) interleukin-10 mRNA expressions. Growth-retarded yaks fed Gln2 increased (P < 0.05) the expressions of claudin-1, occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the rumen and jejunum. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Gln could improve the gastrointestinal barrier function and promote the compensatory growth of growth-retarded yaks.

PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract. Studies of the dental status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) indicate a highprevalence and intensity of damage to the teeth hard tissues.The aim is to develop a set of preventive measures against caries in children with cerebralpalsy and determine its effectiveness.Material and methods. The study included 55 children (mean age of patients was 8.4± 2.7 years) with spastic forms of cerebral palsy, which were divided into 2 groups:Group I (35 patients) – children with cerebral palsy, whom the developed set of preventivemeasures was applied to; Group II (20 children) – children with cerebral palsy, whowere given only recommendations for optimal hygienic care of the oral cavity. Allpatients underwent neurological examination, dental status, study of biochemical andimmunological parameters of oral fluid were determined.Results and discussion. Most of the examined children with cerebral palsy had spasticforms, therefore the tactics of preventive dental procedures were carried out taking intoaccount the neurological symptoms of the underlying disease. A set of treatment andprevention measures for dental caries in children with cerebral palsy was developed,which included correction of identified risk factors, correction and control of individualoral hygiene, sealing or preventive coating of fissures and blind pits of teeth and a setof local measures to normalize the teeth mineralization processes. The reduction of theincrease in the intensity of caries after the application of the proposed complex in a yearwas 53%, the reduction of the increase in the intensity of caries of permanent teeth - 30%.Conclusion. The effectiveness of the proposed complex was confirmed by a significantimprovement in oral hygiene, a decrease in acidic acid activity in the oral fluid and anincrease in alkaline phosphatase activity, an increase in the concentration of secretoryimmunoglobulin A (by 51.1%, p˂0.01).

The Construction and Immunoadjuvant Activities of the Oral Interleukin-17B Expressed by Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 Strain in the Infectious Bronchitis Virus Vaccination of Chickens.

Interleukin-17B (IL-17B) is a protective cytokine of the IL-17 family and plays an essential role in the regulation of mucosal inflammation. However, little is known about the role of IL-17B in the control of viral infections. In this study, a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum, designated as NC8-ChIL17B, was constructed to express the chicken IL-17B (ChIL-17B) gene. The recombinant ChIL17B (rChIL17B) protein was about 14 kDa and was anchored to the surface of NC8 cells. In vitro, it was found that the rChIL17B protein inhibited the proliferation of the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) through activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the JAK (Janus kinase)-STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) signaling. Moreover, to evaluate the immunoadjuvant activities of NC8-ChIL17B, 40 three-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens were divided into four groups. Three groups were orally vaccinated with fresh NC8, NC8-ChIL17B, and phosphate buffered saline (PBS), along with the infectious bronchitis virus vaccine, and the other group was the PBS-negative control. The results of the IBV-specific antibody titer and the concentration of the cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in sera, as well as the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the tracheal and small intestinal mucosa, the number of cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4+) and cluster of differentiation 8 positive (CD8+) T cells in the blood, and the expression of immune-related genes all indicated that NC8-ChIL17B efficiently enhanced the humoral and cellular immune responses to IBV vaccine. Moreover, the viral loads in the NC8-ChIL17B- and IBV-vaccinated group were significantly lower than in the control groups, suggesting a significant promotion of the immunoprotection of IBV vaccination against the virulent IBV strain. Therefore, ChIL-17B is a promising, effective adjuvant candidate for chicken virus vaccines.

The level of serum and vaginal immunoglobulins in experimental vaginitis and its pharmacological correction

The problem of searching effective drugs for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female genital tract, which are accompanied by changes in the immune system, remains relevant. The purpose of the study – to investigate the level of immunoglobulins A, M, G and secretory immunoglobulin A in blood serum and vaginal washings in experimental vaginitis and in conditions of using new vaginal suppositories Melanizol and Klimedeks. Materials and methods. The study was conducted using non-linear sexually mature female rats weighing 190 ±10 g. Vaginitis was modeled by a single intravaginal application of an irritant, presented by the mixture of terebenthine oil with dimethyl sulfoxide. We studied the effect of the vaginal suppositories Melanizol and Klimedeks and the reference drugs: suppositories Gravagin, vaginal tablets Micogynax and Suppositories with Hippophaes oleum. At the end of the 8-day experimental period, the concentration of immunoglobulins IgA, IgM, IgG and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in blood serum and vaginal washings were studied. Results. The absence of significant changes in the concentration of Ig A, M, G in the serum of rats with experimental vaginitis and the tendency to increase in levels of Ig A, M, G in vaginal washings compared with indicators in intact animals. The serum and vaginal sIg A values were 2.5 and 1.4 times decreased in rats with vaginitis, respectively, compared with the intact controls. All studied drugs increased the concentration of the secretory immunoglobulin, and suppositories Klimedeks had a more significant effect. Conclusions. Experimental vaginitis is characterized by a tendency to an increase in the concentration of Ig A, M, G in the vaginal washings and a significant decrease in the levels of serum and vaginal sIg A. The studied suppositories Melanizole and Klimedeks are as effective as Gravagin, Micogynax and Suppositories with Hippophaes oleum.

The effects and combinational effects of Bacillus subtilis and montmorillonite on the intestinal health status in laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects and combinational effects of Bacillus subtilis (BS) and montmorillonite (MMT) on laying performance, gut mucosal oxidation status, and intestinal immunological and physical barrier functions of laying hens. Three hundred sixty laying hens (29-week-old) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (n = 6) for 10 wk as follows: (1) basal diet; (2) the basal diet plus 5 × 108 cfu BS/kg; (3) the basal diet plus 0.5 g MMT/kg; and (4) the basal diet plus 5 × 108 cfu BS/kg and 0.5 g MMT/kg. Dietary supplementation with BS increased egg production and egg mass, the activities of catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase in the intestinal mucosa, and villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio of the jejunum (P < 0.05) but downregulated the mRNA expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the duodenum and jejunum, interleukin 1 beta in the duodenum, and nuclear factor kappa B P65 (NF-κB P65) and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MMT increased egg production and egg mass, the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A in the duodenum, and the occludin mRNA expression level in the jejunum (P < 0.05) but reduced feed conversion ratio, malondialdehyde concentration in the duodenum and jejunum, and the mRNA expression level of MyD88 in the jejunum (P < 0.05). In addition, there was an interaction effect between BS and MMT supplementation on the CAT activity and the MyD88 mRNA expression level in the duodenum and the mRNA expression level of occludin in the jejunum (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary BS and MMT and their combination may improve the intestinal health status of laying hens, which may contribute to the increase in hens' laying performance.

Effects of Mannan Oligosaccharides and/or Bifidobacterium on Growth and Immunity in Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica).

The goal of this study was to evaluate the influences of mannan oligosaccharides (MOSs) and/or Bifidobacterium on the growth and immunity of pigeons over a 56-day period. One hundred paired adult pigeons were randomly divided into four groups of five paired pigeons. Paired pigeons with two young squabs were housed in a man-made aviary. Parent pigeons in the control group received a basal diet (C), while the other three groups were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 20 g of MOSs/kg of feed (M), 10 g Bifidobacterium (1×1010 CFU/g)/kg of feed (B), or a combination of M and B (MB). We found higher body weights (BW) in pigeons of the B group than in the C, M, and MB groups. None of the treatments exerted significant effects involving spleen and thymus indices, whereas M birds tended to improve the bursa of Fabricius index. Pigeons fed with the M-supplemented diet exhibited improved serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations compared with those fed with C and the B- and MB-supplemented diets. In addition, M treatment increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels compared with MB treatment. MB treatment improved serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations compared to that by the C treatment. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) was significantly reduced in the duodenum and increased in the ileum in pigeons fed with the MB-supplemented diet. This study indicated that dietary supplementation with Bifidobacterium increased the growth performance. Dietary supplementation with MOSs or in combination with Bifidobacterium was able to improve immune function in pigeons but exerted no apparent effect on weight gain. Accordingly, in terms of economic benefits, the findings suggested that supplementation with Bifidobacterium alone may improve production performance, and that supplementation with MOSs alone may improve immune function in pigeons.

Determination of some indicators of immunity and lipoperoxidation in the oral fluid in persons with a low vitamin D level.

Oral fluid is a unique biological environment, containing a wide range of substances, coming from local and systemic sources, which makes it possible to use it as an object for assessing pathological changes in the body both at the local and systemic levels. In comparison with the traditional method of blood analysis, the advantage of evaluating the parameters of the oral fluid is the non-invasive of this method of obtaining material. All patients underwent oral fluid sampling using special plastic containers with a swab, which facilitate the selection of material, eliminating the penetration of mucin into a clean test sample, which helps to obtain more accurate analysis results. The amount of secretory IgA, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), TBA-active products, the level of total antioxidant activity in the oral fluid in individuals with a low level of 25(OH)D before and after taking the native solution of vitamin D "Aqua Trim" were determined. The concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A, lipopolysaccharide, binding protein and the level of total antioxidant activity are reduced in the oral fluid of people with vitamin D deficiency, but the number of intermediate products of lyoperoxidation increases. The course intake of the native solution of vitamin D (International Nonproprietary Name - Colecalciferol) normalizes the functioning of the immunity of the oral cavity and restores the balance of the "lipid peroxidation-antioxidants" system.