Serum IgM Concentrations Research Articles

Cigarette smoking differentially affects immunoglobulin class levels in serum and saliva: An investigation and review.

The aim of the present study was to compare concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM and IgD in both serum and saliva samples from smoking and non-smoking individuals using a protein microarray assay. The findings were also compared to previous studies. Serum and saliva were collected from 48 smoking male individuals and 48 age-matched never-smoker male individuals. The protein microarray assays for detection of human IgG, IgM, IgA and IgD were established and optimized using Ig class-specific affinity-purified goat anti-human Ig-Fc capture antibodies and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated goat anti-human Ig-Fc detection antibodies. The Ig class specificity of the microarray assays was verified, and the optimal dilutions of serum and saliva samples were determined for quantification of Ig levels against standard curves. We found that smoking is associated with reduced IgG concentrations and enhanced IgA concentrations in both serum and saliva. By contrast, smoking differentially affected IgM concentrations-causing increased concentrations in serum, but decreased concentrations in saliva. Smoking was associated with decreased IgD concentrations in serum and did not have a significant effect on the very low IgD concentrations in saliva. Thus, cigarette smoking differentially affects the levels of Ig classes systemically and in the oral mucosa. Although there is variation between the results of different published studies, there is a consensus that smokers have significantly reduced levels of IgG in both serum and saliva. A functional antibody deficiency associated with smoking may compromise the body's response to infection and result in a predisposition to the development of autoimmunity.

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome secondary to Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia

Acquired von Willebrand (vW) syndrome in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) should be differentially diagnosed from hyperviscosity syndrome of WM, which exhibits a bleeding tendency. We report a rare case of acquired vW syndrome secondary to WM. A 62-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of extensive subcutaneous hemorrhage following a light hit to the left arm. Although the platelet count was normal, APTT was prolonged to 49.4 sec. Furthermore, the serum concentration of IgM was elevated to 7,796 mg/dL, which was revealed to be IgM-κ monoclonal protein, leading to a diagnosis of WM. On ophthalmofundoscopy, mild hemorrhage, but not retinal vein dilatation, was observed. Regarding the abnormal APTT value, we measured coagulation factors in the intrinsic arm, revealing reduced activities of vW factor and factor VIII of 11 and 18%, respectively. Furthermore, the amount of vW protein was decreased to 23%. Multimer analysis of vW factor demonstrated an abnormal pattern lacking high-molecular-weight- bands. Additional diagnosis of acquired vW syndrome secondary to WM was made. The APTT cross-mixing test showed a simple but not inhibitor-related decreasing pattern of vW factor, suggesting the absorption of this factor by abnormal lymphoplasmacytic cells. The patient was treated with bendamustine, leading to reduced IgM, improvement of the APTT value, and the normal multimer pattern of vW factor.

Chitosan nano-encapsulation improves the effects of mint, thyme, and cinnamon essential oils in broiler chickens

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chitosan nano-encapsulating mint (MEO), thyme (TEO) and cinnamon (CEO) essential oils (EOs) used in the diet on performance, immune responses and intestinal bacteria population in broiler chickens.A total of 600 mixed-sex, 1-d-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in a 2 × 4 factorial experiment as completely randomised design with 8 experimental groups (diets) with 5 replicates of 15 chicks each (totally 40 pens). The eight experimental diets consisted of no EO and free distiller water (control); no EO and chitosan nano-encapsulated (CNE) distiller water; and other six treatments with free or CNE form of MEO, TEO and CEO (added at 0.025%, 0.04% and 0.055% respectively to starter, grower and finisher diets).Both EOs and the CNE form had significant (P < 0.05) benefits on improving body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio in periods of 29–42 and 1–42 days. The highest effect was (P < 0.05) obtained in birds receiving TEO, which was intensified by nano-encapsulation. Breast percentage was improved by nano-encapsulation (P < 0.05). The EOs (especially TEO and CEO) and CNE form improved (P < 0.05) serum IgY and IgM concentrations (at 35 and 42 days) and intestinal Lactobacillus spp. and E. coli populations (at 42 days) in broilers. Nano-encapsulated EOs, especially TEO and CEO had (P < 0.05) the largest effect on increasing IgY42 concentrations and the microbial populations.The tested EOs, especially TEO, improved more of the evaluated traits in broiler chickens. Also, Chitosan nano-encapsulation because of its ideal properties can be an effective, suitable and inexpensive method for protecting bioactive compounds and improving effects of the herbal EOs especially thyme in broiler chickens.

Citric acid mitigates soybean meal induced inflammatory response and tight junction disruption by altering TLR signal transduction in the intestine of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus L

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of citric acid on the involvement of TLRs in the soybean meal induced inflammatory response and tight junction disruption in the distal intestine of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets were formulated: fish meal-based diet (FM); 40% fish meal protein in FM replaced with soybean meal protein (SBM); SBM + 1.5% citric acid and SBM + 3% citric acid. Compared to the FM, diet SBM significantly increased the gene expression of TLRs (TLR2, TLR3, TLR5b, TLR9, TLR21, TLR22) and MyD88, as well as TLR related molecules (NF-κB, IRF-3, p38 and JNK), which were remarkably reduced by dietary citric acid. Similarly, citric acid supplementation in SBM markedly depressed gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and pore-forming tight junction protein Claudin-7, and enhanced gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 and TJ proteins related to the decrease in paracellular permeability (Claudin-3, Claudin-4, Occludin, Tricellulin and ZO-1). Compared to the SBM, the concentration of IgM and C4 in serum was significantly reduced by dietary citric acid. In brief, dietary citric acid could synchronously inhibit TLRs-dependent inflammatory response regulated by NF-κB and IRF3, as well as cause TLRs-dependent tight junction disruption modulated by p38 and JNK. Therefore, citric acid could function on mitigating soybean meal induced enteropathy in the distal intestine of juvenile turbot.

Non-therapeutic administration of antimicrobial growth promoters to interrogate suppression mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune responses using an ovine model of stress

Abstract Antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) have been administered in non-therapeutic concentrations in livestock feed to increase weight gain per unit of feed consumed. Daily low-dose antibiotic administration is capable of modulating immunity by suppressing inflammation, potentially increasing metabolic resources that can be allocated to muscle development. It is unknown how the AGPs tylosin (TYL) and chlortetracycline (CTC) influence acquired immunity. The objective of this study was to measure acquired immune responses, assess impacts on innate immunity and to elucidate mechanisms of immunosuppression by immunizing 10-week old lambs (male Suffolk cross) with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) during AGP administration (TYL, CTC or Control diets) while enduring intermittent physical stress. Over a 4-week period, 18 lambs (n=3 per diet/stress group) were monitored. Between the third-fourth experimental week, stressed lambs gained less weight (1.50 ± 0.49 kg) than non-stressed lambs (3.06 ± 0.37 kg, P &amp;lt; 0.03). The weight of lambs fed AGPs did not surpass those on the control diet. Diet and stress did not impact serum concentrations of total IgG and IgM, or anti-KLH IgG and IgM specific titres. Endpoint hematological analysis revealed that stressed lambs had decreased red cell distribution width (RDW%, 29% vs. 31%, P&amp;lt;0.01) and peripheral lymphocyte populations (5.72 × 103/μL vs. 4.69 × 103/μL, P&amp;lt;0.02). A diet × stress interaction was observed for peripheral granulocyte population (P=0.02). The impending restriction of AGP usage in North America has generated interest in identifying AGP alternatives, and elucidation of the mechanisms of AGP function is needed to develop effective non-antibiotic alternatives that mimic their action.

Expression and characterization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) secretory and membrane-bound IgM in response to bacterial infection

IgM, the predominant immunoglobulin in teleost, plays an important role in host defense against pathogen infection. In this study, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) secretory (s-IgM) and membrane-bound IgM (m-IgM) genes were characterized at expression patterns against bacterial infection in vivo and in vitro. Expression analysis revealed that both s-IgM and m-IgM were highly expressed in head kidney, spleen and mucosal tissues such as intestine and gill. Both IgM mRNA expressions were significantly up-regulated in the head kidney, spleen, intestine and gill following Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) challenge. The significant up-regulations of both IgM expressions were also detected at the protein level with the analyses of western blotting and immunofluorescence detection. In addition, inducement with the S. agalactiae in vitro caused significant increases in expressions of both s-IgM and m-IgM. The IgM concentrations in serum and cell supernatant were both significantly increased after S. agalactiae stimulation by ELISA analysis. Taken together, the present study of IgM characterization indicated that IgM played an important role in host defense against bacterial infection in Nile tilapia.

Biocompatibility and Immunotoxicology of the Preclinical Implantation of a Collagen-based Artificial Dermal Regeneration Matrix

ObjectiveGraft rejection, with the possibility of a violent immune response, may be severe and life threatening. Our aim was to thoroughly investigate the biocompatibility and immunotoxicology of collagen-based dermal matrix (DM) before assessment in clinical trials. MethodsDM was subcutaneously implanted in BALB/c mice in two doses to induce a potential immune response. The spleen and lymph nodes were assessed for shape, cell number, cell phenotype via flow cytometry, cell activation via CCK8 kit, Annexin V kit, and Ki67 immunostaining. Serum samples were used to measure antibody concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Local inflammation was analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry staining. Data analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA and non-parametric tests. ResultsOur data illustrate that the spleen and lymph node sizes were similar between the negative control mice and mice implanted with DM. However, in the high-dose DM (DM-H) group, the total cell populations in the spleen and lymph nodes, T cells and B cells in the spleen had slight increases in prophase, and the low-dose DM (DM-L) group did not display gross abnormities. Moreover, DM-H initiated moderate cell activation and proliferation in the early phase post-immunization, whereas DM-L did not. Neither DM-H nor DM-L implantation noticeably increased IgM and IgG serum concentrations. Examination of the local cellular response revealed only benign cell infiltration and TNF-α expression in slides of DM in the early phase. ConclusionOverall, DM-H may have induced a benign temporary acute immune response post-implantation, whereas DM-L had quite low immunogenicity. Thus, this DM can be regarded as a safe product.

Analysis of immunoglobulin and T cell receptor gene expression in ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) revealed an extraordinarily high IgM expression in the gut

The serum IgM concentration of ballan wrasse is relatively high, estimated to approximately 13 mg/ml in adult wild fish of 800 g. The present study revealed an unusual high abundance of IgM mRNA in the gut of ballan wrasse. Initially, transcripts encoding IgM, IgT, IgD, TCRα, TCRδ and CD3ε were quantified by RT-qPCR in several tissues of wild caught fish (approx. 800 g), indicating an elevated immune activity in hindgut and an extraordinarily high expression of IgM. Subsequently, a new RT-qPCR analysis was performed on the entire intestine, cut into four different segments, of reared fish (32–100 g). The analysis indicated immune activity along the entire intestine, but not as strong as in the hindgut. Furthermore, similar to the larger fish, the relative abundance of IgM transcripts was higher in the hindgut than in kidney and spleen, although the absolute level of IgM was in general higher in the larger fish. The secreted form of IgM was completely dominant in comparison to the membrane bound form of IgM and the other analysed genes. IgM was purified from gut mucus and external mucosal surfaces by magnetic beads coated with protein A. Mucus IgM reacted with rabbit antisera raised against serum IgM and contained subunits of the same size. Regarding the elevated immune activity in the intestine it is tempting to speculate on a possible compensatory strategy in this lineage of stomach-less fish, and that natural antibodies have an important role in the first line defence.

Vaccine-Induced Protection Against Furunculosis Involves Pre-emptive Priming of Humoral Immunity in Arctic Charr.

With respect to salmonid aquaculture, one of the most important bacterial pathogens due to high mortality and antibiotic usage is the causative agent of typical furunculosis, Aeromonas salmonicida spp. salmonicida (Asal). In Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, the host response during infections with Asal is well-documented, with furunculosis outbreaks resulting in significant mortality in commercial settings. However, less is known about the host-pathogen interactions in the emerging aquaculture species, Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus. Furthermore, there is no data on the efficacy or response of this species after vaccination with commonly administered vaccines against furunculosis. To this end, we examined the immunological response of S. alpinus during infection with Asal, with or without administration of vaccines (Forte Micro®, Forte Micro® + Renogen®, Elanco Animal Health). Artic charr (vaccinated or unvaccinated) were i.p.-injected with a virulent strain of Asal (106 CFUs/mL) and tissues were collected pre-infection/post-vaccination, 8, and 29 days post-infection. Unvaccinated Arctic charr were susceptible to Asal with 72% mortalities observed after 31 days. However, there was 72–82% protection in fish vaccinated with either the single or dual-vaccine, respectively. Protection in vaccinated fish was concordant with significantly higher serum IgM concentrations, and following RNA sequencing and transcriptome assembly, differential expression analysis revealed several patterns and pathways associated with the improved survival of vaccinated fish. Most striking was the dramatically higher basal expression of complement/coagulation factors, acute phase-proteins, and iron hemostasis proteins in pre-challenged, vaccinated fish. Remarkably, following Asal infection, this response was abrogated and instead the transcriptome was characterized by a lack of immune-stimulation compared to that of unvaccinated fish. Furthermore, where pathways of actin assembly and FcγR-mediated phagocytosis were significantly differentially regulated in unvaccinated fish, vaccinated fish showed either the opposite regulation (ForteMicro®), or no impact at all (ForteMicro®Renogen®). The present data indicates that vaccine-induced protection against Asal relies on the pre-activation and immediate control of humoral immune parameters that is coincident with reduced activation of apoptotic (e.g., NF-κB) and actin-associated pathways.

Atherosclerosis of brachiocephalic arteries and arterial stiffness in patients with breast cancer

Te study involved 43 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC) (II-III stage) with overexpression of HER2; median age 50 (40;57) years. All patients underwent neoadjuvant drug therapy with antracyclines, taxanes and trastuzumab followed by surgery, radiation and hormone therapy according to the indications. Before anticancer therapy the general clinical examination was conducted and lipid profle, plasma lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level, titres of autoantibodies IgM and IgG to lipoproteins and their oxidized derivatives were estimated. Te vascular wall stiffness (pulse wave velocity on the carotid-femoral (PWVcf) and shoulder-ankle (PWVsa) segments, the central pressure, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the degree of stenosis of the brachiocephalic arteries) were determined at baseline and at each stage of anticancer therapy. Te atherosclerosis progression was determined if the new stenosis (≥15%) or increase of preexisting stenosis (≥5%) were revealed; CIMT increase ≥ 0.1 mm. Te parameters of cellular immunity (peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping via direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry), lipid spectrum parameters, serum concentration of Lp (a), autoantibodies IgM and IgG against lipoproteins and their oxidized derivatives, as well as PWVсf and PWVsa were assessed in 17 BC patients before the onset of neoadjuvant therapy and in 20 healthy women. BC patients and healthy women were comparable in traditional cardiovascular risk factors but differed in PWVsa and PWVcf levels (p&lt;0.05). In BC patients the activation of T-cell immunity with the stimulation of both subpopulations with pro-inflammatory and regulatory properties was observed (p&lt;0.05). Te direct correlations between the content of activated T-lymphocytes (T-act), T-helpers (T) 1 and PWVsa (p&lt;0.05), as well as T-act, T1 and T2 and PWVcf (p&lt;0.05) were revealed in the general group. Te decrease of systolic blood pressure (SBP), central SBP (SBPc), central diastolic blood pressure (DBPc), PWVcf and PWVsa levels accompanied with a temporary heart rate increase were observed during anticancer therapy; SBP, SBPc, PWVcf levels restored by the end of the follow-up period. Te CIMT increase was detected in 22 (51%), and the atherosclerosis progression in 26 (60%) BC patients during anticancer therapy. Lp (a) level above 12.8 mg/dl was associated with CIMT increase (p&lt;0.05). Age &gt; 48 years and radiation therapy were risk factors for CIMT increase and atherosclerosis progression (p&lt;0.05), respectively. Te vascular stiffness is increased in BC patients, which is associated with the activation of effector subpopulations of T-lymphocytes and the elevation of circulating level of both pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic T-cells. Te level of Lp (a) above 12.8 mg/dl is associated with atherosclerosis progression, which requires further research. Age and radiation therapy are the risk factors for atherosclerosis progression during anticancer therapy.

Enhancement of immune response mediated by oropharyngeal colostrum administration in preterm neonates.

The immune system of preterm infants is immature, being a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in the preterm infant. Oropharyngeal colostrum administration could be an immunomodulatory aid. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of oropharyngeal colostrum on the serum levels of immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and resistin during the first month of life and to track the clinical outcome of the neonates. One hundred preterm neonates born at <32weeks of gestation and/or weighing<1500g and assisted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were enrolled and divided into two groups: colostrum (n=48) and control (n=52). The subjects assigned to the colostrum group received 0.2mL of colostrum (oropharyngeal route) every 4hours for the first 15days of life, and if mothers have inability to breastfeed, they were included in the control group (no oropharyngeal colostrum). Serum concentrations of IgA, IgM, and IgG1, lactoferrin, and resistin were assessed in both groups at 1, 3, 15, and 30days of life. Clinical data during hospitalization were collected. IgA and IgM increased in preterm neonates who were administered colostrum for 15 and 30days. Lactoferrin increased after 30days, and resistin increased after 15days of supplying oropharyngeal colostrum. The colostrum group underwent full enteral nutrition before, and no differences were observed in the common neonatal morbidities. Oropharyngeal colostrum administration is safe in preterm neonates and improves their immunologic profile, showing a potential role as an immunomodulatory agent.

Immunomodulatory effect of γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides on immunosuppressed broilers.

In this study, we irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) using 25kGy 60 Co γ ray to obtain γ-irradiated Astragalus polysaccharides (IAPS) and then investigated the effects of IAPS on growth performance and immune function of cyclophosphamide (CPM)-treated broilers. The physicochemical properties of APS and IAPS (molecular weight, water solubility, viscosity, morphological and structural properties) were evaluated. Then, 384 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks with similar initial weight were randomly assigned into 6 groups: the non-treated group (control), and CPM-treated groups were fed either a basal diet or the diets containing 900mg/kg APS, or 900, 600, 300mg/kg IAPS, respectively. On days 16, 18, and 20, all broilers except for the control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5ml CPM (40mg/kg·BW). Broilers in the control group were intramuscularly injected with 0.5ml sterilized saline (0.75%, wt/vol). This trial lasted for 21days. The physicochemical treatment showed that γ irradiation could decrease the molecular weight and viscosity, and increase the water solubility of APS (p<0.05), whereas the structural properties of APS was not affected. In the animal trial, 900mg/kg APS or 900, 600mg/kg IAPS relieved the decreased growth performance, thymus index, T lymphocytes proliferation, serum IgG concentration, NOS activity and the increased blood heterophil:lymphocyte ratio in CPM-treated broilers (p<0.05). CPM-induced decreases in B lymphocytes proliferation and serum IgM concentration were only increased by IAPS at 900mg/kg (p<0.05). Overall, both APS and IAPS alleviated CPM-induced immunosuppression. Especially, IAPS possessed better immunomodulatory effect than APS, indicating that γ irradiation could be used as an effective method to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of APS.

BAFF and BAFF-Receptor in B Cell Selection and Survival.

The BAFF-receptor (BAFFR) is encoded by the TNFRSF13C gene and is one of the main pro-survival receptors in B cells. Its function is impressively documented in humans by a homozygous deletion within exon 2, which leads to an almost complete block of B cell development at the stage of immature/transitional B cells. The resulting immunodeficiency is characterized by B-lymphopenia, agammaglobulinemia, and impaired humoral immune responses. However, different from mutations affecting pathway components coupled to B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling, BAFFR-deficient B cells can still develop into IgA-secreting plasma cells. Therefore, BAFFR deficiency in humans is characterized by very few circulating B cells, very low IgM and IgG serum concentrations but normal or high IgA levels.

Immunological study for infected women with T.vaginalis in AL-Najaf AL-Ashraf province

The study was conducted on 450 out patients and 30 healthy women, whom have visited the department of infertility at Al-Sadder medical city, Al-Zahra Hospital and in Najaf Province during the period from January till August, 2012. The infection with T.vaginalis in clinical suspected women determine by using the wet amount microscope, the infection women numbers and percent by wet mount microscope gave 49 and 10.88% respectively. The results showed significant elevation (P&lt;0.01) in serum concentration of IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE in serum of T.vaginalis infection patients in comparison to healthy control group.

The effects of dietary soybean isoflavone on immunity in Chinese yellow-feathered broilers challenged with infectious bursal disease virus

AbstractTo investigate the effects of soybean isoflavone (SI) on immunity in infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV)-infected broilers, chicks were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0 (non-infected control), 0 (infected control), 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg SI for 44 days. At 21 days old, chickens were inoculated with bursal infectious dose causing 50% morbidity of the IBDV BC 6/85 strain by the eye-drop and nasal route (except for non-infected controls). Results showed that, over 1–23 days post-infection (dpi), there was a significant interaction between SI supplementation level and time: high-level SI supplementation increased peripheral T lymphocyte proliferation, percentages of CD3+, CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes, CD4+to CD8+ratio, serum concentrations of IgA, IgM and IgG, and IBDV antibody titres. Except for serum IgA and IgM, these variables increased over time with far higher values at 23 dpi than earlier. Compared with non-infected controls, IBDV inoculation decreased peripheral T lymphocyte proliferation at 3 dpi, percentages of CD3+, CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes, and serum IgG, IgM concentration at 23 dpi, and increased IBDV antibody titres at 7, 15 and 23 dpi. Supplemental SI quadratically increased peripheral T lymphocyte proliferation, CD4+to CD8+ratio and serum IgA concentration at 3 dpi, percentages of CD3+, CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes at 3 and 23 dpi, and serum IgM concentration and IBDV antibody titres at 23 dpi. These results indicate that dietary SI improved cellular and humoral immunity of IBDV-infected birds and may enhance resistance of Yellow-feathered broilers to infectious diseases.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BUFFALO CALVES FED DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MILK REPLACER

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the productive performance and economic efficiency for pre- and post-weaning buffalo calves fed milk replacer (MR) at levels of 9, 10 and 11% of their body weight in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups, respectively. Fifteen buffalo calves of average live body weight (LBW) 38.59±1.55 kg were chosen and separated from their dams within 2 h of birth. Calves were fed twice daily at the rate of 10% of their LBW on dam colostrum for the first three days and then the whole buffalo milk for seven days. Consecutively, calves were divided depending on their body weight into three groups with average body weight of 41.89±1.46 kg at the beginning of the experimental period (10 day initial age). The obtained results showed that increasing the level of milk replacer in the daily meal of suckling calves from 9% up to 11% of their body weight led to in parallel way to significant (P<0.05) decrease in solid feeds of starter, berseem hay (BH) and rice straw (RS). Calves in all experimental groups reached LBW over a range (87.35-94.56 kg) at weaning age (15 wk), being the heaviest was occurred with G3, while calves in G1 showed the lightest ones, being significant differences among dietary treatments. Total and daily gain from initial-18 wk were significant higher (P<0.05) in G2 than those of G1, but being similar with those found with G3. The digestibility of all nutrients as well as the feeding values (TDN and DCP) did not significantly different among the dietary treatments (different levels of MR). On the other hand, Values of PCV, Hb and RBCs were the highest (P<0.05), while WBCs was the lowest (P<0.05) in G2. Concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA in blood serum were significant higher (P<0.05) with G2 than those of the other dietary treatments. Likewise, most blood metabolites were also markedly higher with G2 than those of G1 and G3 which have the low or high level of MR, respectively. Comparatively the values of liver enzymes and the concentration of thyroid hormones (T4) for low level-MR (G1) were mostly significant (P<0.001) higher than those of mid MR level (G2) and insignificant higher than those of the high MR level (G3). It could be concluded that, using milk replacer at 10% of their live body weight had the improved growth performances of suckling buffalo calves as well as recognized highest economic feed efficiency as compared to those reared on the same milk replacer at levels of 9 or 11%. This may help farmers to keep up and care of suckling buffalo calves and not sell it, and such regime could help to alleviate the problem of milk and beef shortage in Egypt.

In vitro phagocytosis of opsonized latex beads by HD11 cells as a method to assess the general opsonization potential of chicken serum

ABSTRACTOpsonins, an important arm of the innate immune system, are various soluble proteins, which play a critical role in destruction of invading pathogens directly or via engulfment of pathogens through the intermediate of phagocytosis. The diversity of opsonin profiles is under genetic influence and may be associated with variation in disease resistance. The aim of this study was to set up an assay to determine serum opsonophagocytic potential (OPp) for chicken sera by flow cytometry and to evaluate the assay using samples from different chicken lines. Two chicken lines selected for high and low concentrations of mannose-binding lectin, a known opsonin, in serum were used to establish the method. Furthermore, the presumed “robust” Hellevad chickens and two other commercial chicken lines (Hisex and Bovans) were tested to evaluate OPp as a parameter reflecting general immune competence. The results showed that Hellevad and Bovans chickens had higher OPp than Hisex chickens. There were no correlations between concentrations of total IgY or mannose-binding lectin and OPp. However, a strong positive correlation was observed between vaccine-induced infectious bronchitis virus titres and OPp. Moreover, inverse relationships were observed between concentrations of total serum IgM as well as natural antibody levels, and OPp. In conclusion, in vitro opsonophagocytosis assessment and determination of OPp may be of relevance when addressing general innate immunocompetence.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSA flow cytometry method was developed to assess poultry serum opsonophagocytosis potential.This method is based on serum-opsonin-coated polystyrene beads and HD11 cell phagocytosis.Serum samples from different commercial chicken lines were compared.Opsonophagocytic potential may be included in assay panels for general immune competence of poultry.

Theobromine Is Responsible for the Effects of Cocoa on the Antibody Immune Status of Rats

A 10% cocoa-enriched diet influences immune system functionality including the prevention of the antibody response and the induction of lower immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations. However, neither cocoa polyphenols nor cocoa fiber can totally explain these immunoregulatory properties. This study aimed to establish the influence of cocoa theobromine in systemic and intestinal Ig concentrations and to determine the effect of cocoa or theobromine feeding on lymphoid tissue lymphocyte composition. Three-week-old female Lewis rats were fed either a standard diet (AIN-93M; RF group), a 10% cocoa diet (CC group), or a 0.25% theobromine diet (the same amount provided by the cocoa diet; TB group) in 2 separate experiments that lasted 19 (experiment 1) or 8 (experiment 2) d. Serum IgG, IgM, IgA, and intestinal secretory IgA (sIgA) concentrations were determined. In addition, at the end of experiment 2, thymus, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), and spleen lymphocyte populations were analyzed. Both CC and TB groups in experiments 1 and 2 showed similar serum IgG, IgM, and IgA and intestinal sIgA concentrations, which were lower than those in the RF group (46-98% lower in experiment 1 and 23-91% lower in experiment 2; P<0.05). In addition, in experiment 2, the cocoa and theobromine diets similarly changed the thymocyte composition by increasing CD4-CD8- (+133%) and CD4+CD8- (+53%) proportions (P<0.01), changed the MLN composition by decreasing the percentage of T-helper (Th) lymphocytes (-3%) (P=0.015), and changed the spleen composition by increasing the proportion of Th lymphocytes (+9%) (P<0.001) after 1 wk of diet treatment. The theobromine in cocoa plays an immunoregulatory role that is responsible for cocoa's influence on both systemic and intestinal antibody concentrations and also for modifying lymphoid tissue lymphocyte composition in young healthy Lewis rats. The majority of these changes are observed after a single week of being fed a diet containing 0.25% theobromine.

Maternal chitosan oligosaccharide supplementation during late gestation and lactation affects offspring growth

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a natural compound derived from chitin, has growth promotion property. However, the nature of the relationship between maternal COS supplementation and offspring growth is not yet understood. Therefore, we intended to determine the effects of maternal COS supplementation in late gestation and lactation on the offspring growth performance. Twenty-four pregnant Yorkshire sows were distributed into two equal groups (n = 12) and fed either with a basal diet (control group) or a basal diet containing 100 mg/kg COS, from gestation day 85 until lactation day 21. Serum samples were collected from six sows of average body weight, from each group on farrowing day (lactation day 1) and lactation day 21, whereas colostrum and milk samples were respectively obtained on lactation days 1 and 21. We found that maternal COS supplementation significantly increased (p < .05) the average piglet weaning weight per litter. Supplementation of COS in the sow diet elevated (p < .05) the serum interleukin-10, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgM concentrations, as well as total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, higher (p < .05) colostrum IgM and milk lactose contents were simultaneously observed in COS-treated sows compared to the control sows. In summary, COS supplementation during late gestation and lactation can boost antioxidant capacity and humoural immunity of sows, and contributes to improving colostrum and milk quality, ultimately, enhancing the offspring growth performance.

Dietary arginine supplementation enhances the growth performance and immune status of broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary Arg on growth performance and immunity in broiler chickens. Three hundred 1-d-old broiler chickens were divided into 5 treatments with 6 cages and 10 chickens per cage. The broiler chickens in the 5 treatments were fed with the basal diet (Arg-deficient diet, 8.6% Arg in diet from 0 to 21 d and 6.8% Arg in diet from 21 to 42 d) supplemented with 0%, 0.45%, 0.90%, 1.35%, and 1.80% Arg, respectively. The effects of dietary Arg on performance and immune status were assessed. The results showed that, with increasing of dietary Arg content, body weight was increased quadratically on d 21 (P < 0.01) and 42 (P < 0.01). The daily weight gain (P < 0.01) and feed conversion (P < 0.05) were improved quadratically during the entire period. In addition, with increasing of dietary Arg content, serum concentrations of growth hormone (P < 0.01), insulin-like growth factors-1 (P < 0.01), insulin (P < 0.01), IgA (P < 0.01), and IFN-γ (P < 0.01), as well as thymus weight (P < 0.05) of broiler chickens, were improved quadratically on d 21; and lymphocyte proliferation (P < 0.01), the antibody titers to newcastle disease (linear, P < 0.01; quadratic, P < 0.01), and serum IgM concentration (P < 0.05) were increased linearly or quadratically on d 42. The results indicated that incorporating Arg in excess of the 1994 NRC requirement improves the growth and immunity of broiler chickens.