Number Of Hemocytes Research Articles

Insights of dietary electrolyte balance in broilers raised under natural heat stress conditions

ABSTRACT 1. Dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) has been used to minimise problems in broiler chickens raised in warm climates. However, there is a need to determine the most appropriate DEB levels in these animals 2. This study evaluated the influence of five DEB levels (110, 175, 240, 305 and 370 mEq/kg) on water intake (WI), zootechnical performance (feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio), tibiotarsus bone variables (fresh bone weight, dry bone weight, bone length, mineral matter, Seedor index and bone strength) and intestinal histomorphometry (villus height (VH) and width (VW), crypt height (CH) and width (CW), internal and external muscularis) on broilers in two developmental phases (1–21 and 22–42 d of age). Additionally, the haematological profile (blood count and serum biochemistry), carcass yield, cuts and abdominal fat were assessed. 3. Applying 370 mEq/kg DEB increased WI, VW in the jejunum and ileum and number of haemocytes at 21 d, while WI and VW in the duodenum and ileum at 42 d. In contrast, 110 mEq/kg increased chlorine concentrations at 21 d and leukocyte and heterophil numbers at 42 d. 4. In summary, the 370 mEq/kg level was the most appropriate for broiler homoeostasis raised under natural heat stress, as the best results were found on WI and VW variables. Therefore, this DEB level was recommended in broilers aged 21 or 42 d.

Dragon fruit-derived oligosaccharides alter hemocyte-mediated immunity and expression of genes related to innate immunity and oxidative stress in Daphnia magna

Dragon fruit oligosaccharide (DFO) is an indigestible prebiotic that enhances the growth and reproduction of Daphnia magna, increases the expression of genes involved in immunity, and reduces oxidative stress. This study investigated the effects of DFO on the expression of innate immunity- (Toll, Pelle, proPO, A2M, and CTL), oxidative stress- (Mn-SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis-related genes (NOS1, NOS2, and arginase) as well as NO localization and number of hemocytes in D. magna. For this ten-day-old D. magna were treated with 0 or 9 mg l−1 of DFO for 24 and 85 h. Gene expression levels, NO intensity and localization, and total hemocytes were evaluated. After 24 h, the expression of Toll and proPO increased significantly (p < 0.05), while that of C-type lectins (CTL) was reduced (p < 0.05). At 85 h, Mn-SOD and CTL expressions were markedly suppressed (p < 0.05). NO was mostly localized in the foregut, midgut, hindgut, and carapace. The expression of NOS1 was reduced after 24 h (p < 0.05). In addition, NO intensity at 24 h was insignificantly lower than the control (p > 0.05). At 85 h, the expression of NOS1, NOS2, and arginase was higher than control, but NO intensity did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the total hemocyte count elevated remarkably at 85 h (p < 0.05). Our study suggested that 9 mg l−1 of DFO could alter the expression of the genes related to innate immunity, oxidative stress, and NO synthesis in D. magna and significantly stimulate hemocyte production.

Participation of shrimp pva-miR-166 in hemocyte homeostasis by modulating apoptosis-related gene PvProsaposin during white spot syndrome virus infection.

Tiny controllers referred to as microRNAs (miRNAs) impede the expression of genes to modulate biological processes. In invertebrates, particularly in shrimp as a model organism, it has been demonstrated that miRNAs play a crucial role in modulating innate immune responses against viral infection. By analyzing small RNAs, we identified 60 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in Penaues vannamei hemocytes following infection with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). We predicted the target genes of WSSV-responsive miRNAs, shedding light on their participation in diverse biological pathways. We are particularly intrigued by pva-miR-166, which is the most notably elevated miRNA among 60 DEMs. At 24 h post-infection (hpi), the negative correlation between the expression of pva-miR-166 and its target gene, PvProsaposin, was evident and their interaction was confirmed by a reduction in luciferase activity in vitro. Suppression of PvProsaposin in unchallenged shrimp led to decreased survival rates, reduced total hemocyte count (THC), and increased caspase 3/7 activity, suggesting its significant role in maintaining hemocyte homeostasis. In WSSV-infected shrimp, a lower number of hemocytes corresponded to a lower WSSV load, but higher shrimp mortality was observed when PvProsaposin was suppressed. Conformingly, the introduction of the pva-miR-166 mimic to WSSV-infected shrimp resulted in decreased levels of PvProsaposin transcripts, a significant loss of THC, and an increase in the hemocyte apoptosis. Taken together, we propose that pva-miR-166 modulates hemocyte homeostasis during WSSV infection by suppressing the PvProsaposin, an anti-apoptotic gene. PvProsaposin inhibition disrupts hemocyte homeostasis, rendering the shrimp's inability to withstand WSSV invasion.IMPORTANCEGene regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported during viral infection. Furthermore, hemocytes serve a dual role, not only producing various immune-related molecules to combat viral infections but also acting as a viral replication site. Maintaining hemocyte homeostasis is pivotal for the shrimp's survival during infection. The upregulated miRNA pva-miR-166 could repress PvProsaposin expression in shrimp hemocytes infected with WSSV. The significance of PvProsaposin in maintaining hemocyte homeostasis via apoptosis led to reduced survival rate, decreased total hemocyte numbers, and elevated caspase 3/7 activity in PvProsaposin-silenced shrimp. Additionally, the inhibitory ability of pva-miR-166-mimic and dsRNA-PvProsaposin on the expression of PvProsaposin also lowered the THC, increases the hemocyte apoptosis, resulting in a lower WSSV copy number. Ultimately, the dysregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene PvProsaposin by pva-miR-166 during WSSV infection disrupts hemocyte homeostasis, leading to an immunocompromised state in shrimp, rendering them incapable of surviving WSSV invasion.

Regulatory role of ETS1 transcription factor in hemocytes proliferation in Anadara granosa

The ETS1 transcription factor is crucial in the process of biological development. In vertebrate, ETS1 plays a pivotal role in promoting endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. However, the identity and function of ETS1 remains unclear in mollusks. In this study, an ETS1 homolog (named as AgETS1) was identified in blood clam Anadara granosa (synonym: Tegillarca granosa). The full length of the AgETS1 transcription factor is 1569 bp, consisting of 539 amino acids, including the Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) domain, which can recognize and bind to sequence of GGAA. Tissue expression analysis of A. granosa showed that AgETS1 exhibits the highest expression level in the gill tissues (51.5-fold of that in hemocyte, p < 0.05). AgETS1 mRNA transcripts were predominantly expressed during larval development, from zygote to trochophore stage. Moreover, the expression levels of AgETS1 in blood clams with high hemoglobin concentration (hemocyte count >1.75 × 108 cells/mL) were significantly higher than that in blood clams with low hemoglobin concentration (hemocyte count <8.5 × 107 cells/mL) (p < 0.05). RNA interfering (RNAi) of AgETS1 induced a corresponding decrease in the number of hemocytes in the hemolymph and a reduction in EdU-marked proliferating cells in the gill tissue. These results indicated that the ETS1 actively regulated the proliferation of hemocytes in A. granosa.

The Activin Branch Ligand Daw Regulates the Drosophila melanogaster Immune Response and Lipid Metabolism against the Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Serine Carboxypeptidase.

Despite impressive advances in the broad field of innate immunity, our understanding of the molecules and signaling pathways that control the host immune response to nematode infection remains incomplete. We have shown recently that Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is activated by nematode infection and certain TGF-β superfamily members regulate the D. melanogaster anti-nematode immune response. Here, we investigate the effect of an entomopathogenic nematode infection factor on host TGF-β pathway regulation and immune function. We find that Heterorhabditis bacteriophora serine carboxypeptidase activates the Activin branch in D. melanogaster adults and the immune deficiency pathway in Activin-deficient flies, it affects hemocyte numbers and survival in flies deficient for Activin signaling, and causes increased intestinal steatosis in Activin-deficient flies. Thus, insights into the D. melanogaster signaling pathways and metabolic processes interacting with H. bacteriophora pathogenicity factors will be applicable to entomopathogenic nematode infection of important agricultural insect pests and vectors of disease.

Extracellular matrix proteins Pericardin and Lonely heart mediate periostial hemocyte aggregation in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae

An infection induces the migration of immune cells called hemocytes to the insect heart, where they aggregate around heart valves called ostia and phagocytose pathogens in areas of high hemolymph flow. Here, we investigated whether the cardiac extracellular matrix proteins, Pericardin (Prc) and Lonely heart (Loh), regulate the infection-induced aggregation of periostial hemocytes in the mosquito, An. gambiae. We discovered that RNAi-based post-transcriptional silencing of Prc or Loh did not affect the resident population of periostial hemocytes in uninfected mosquitoes, but that knocking down these genes decreases the infection-induced migration of hemocytes to the heart. Knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the proportional distribution of periostial hemocytes along the periostial regions. Moreover, knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the number of sessile hemocytes outside the periostial regions, suggesting that the role of these proteins is cardiac-specific. Finally, knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the amount of melanin at the periostial regions, or the intensity of an infection at 24 h after challenge. Overall, we demonstrate that Prc and Loh are positive regulators of the infection-induced migration of hemocytes to the heart of mosquitoes.

Histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical assessments of Roundup®, atrazine, and 2,4-D mixtures on tissue architecture, body fluid conditions, nitrotyrosine protein and Na+/K+-ATPase expressions in the American oyster, Crassostera virginica

Pesticides are widely used to control weeds and pests in agricultural settings but harm non-target aquatic organisms. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the effect of short-term exposure (one week) to environmentally relevant concentrations of pesticides mixture (low concentration: 0.4 μg/l atrazine, 0.5 μg/l Roundup®, and 0.5 μg/l 2,4-D; high concentration: 0.8 μg/l atrazine, 1 μg/l Roundup®, and 1 μg/l 2,4-D) on tissue architecture, body fluid conditions, and 3-nitrotyrosine protein (NTP) and Na+/K+-ATPase, expressions in tissues of American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) under controlled laboratory conditions. Histological analysis demonstrated the atrophy in the gills and digestive glands of oysters exposed to pesticides mixture. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining showed the number of hemocytes in connective tissue increased in low- and high-concentration pesticides exposure groups. However, pesticides treatment significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the amount of mucous secretion in the gills and digestive glands of oysters. The extrapallial fluid (i.e., body fluid) protein concentrations and glucose levels were dropped significantly (P < 0.05) in oysters exposed to high-concentration pesticides exposure groups. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis showed significant upregulations of NTP and Na+/K+-ATPase expressions in the gills and digestive glands in pesticides exposure groups. Our results suggest that exposure to environmentally relevant pesticides mixture causes morphological changes in tissues and alters body fluid conditions and NTP and Na+/K+-ATPase expressions in tissues, which may lead to impaired physiological functions in oysters.

Physiological and immunological assessment of two types of crayfish in aquaculture

Due to the need to develop domestic aquaculture of decapod crustaceans, one of the urgent issues is monitoring the health of these aquatic organisms through the most informative bioindicators — hemolymph indicators. The aim of the study was a comparative physiological and immunological assessment of long-toed (Pontastacus leptodactylus) and Australian red-clawed (Cherax quadricarinatus) river crayfish contained in a closed water use facility. The main hydrochemical parameters generally met the existing requirements. The physiological and immunological condition of crayfish was assessed by hematological and cytochemical analyses. Hemolymph samples were taken in vivo by puncture of the ventral sinus. The total number of hemocytes was determined in the native hemolymph in the Goryaev chamber. The number of cells in five large squares was counted. Lysosomal cationic protein was detected in hemocytes by the cytochemical reaction with bromophenol blue, which we previously modified. Red-clawed crayfish have a significantly 45% higher total number of hemocytes, which indicates its greater immune resistance to pathogens compared with long-toed crayfish. The most significant species differences in the hemogram were noted for agranulocytes (HC I) — in long-fingered crayfish, the indicator is higher with a high confidence coefficient (t). With a high degree of confidence, it is possible to judge a higher proportion of semigranulocytes (HC II) in red-lobed crayfish. The proportion of HC IV of long-fingered crayfish is greater than that of red-clawed crayfish. In red-clawed crayfish, the average cytochemical coefficient of ACC is lower than in long-fingered crayfish. This also confirms its high immune resistance due to the consumption of highly cytotoxic cationic protein in the process of immune protection.

Potential threats of microplastics and pathogenic bacteria to the immune system of the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis

As one of the main components of marine pollution, microplastics (MPs) inevitably enter the mussel aquaculture environment. At the same time, pathogenic bacteria, especially pathogens such as Vibrio, can cause illness outbreaks, leading to large-scale death of mussels. The potential harm of MPs and pathogenic bacteria to bivalve remains unclear. This study designed two experiments (1) mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were exposed to 100 particles/L or 1,000 particles/L polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, 17.01 ± 6.74 μm) MPs and 1 × 107 CFU/mL Vibrio parahaemolyticus at the same time (14 days), and (2) mussels were exposed to 100 particles/L or 1,000 particles/L MPs for a long time (30 days) and then exposed to 1 × 107 CFU/mL V. parahaemolyticus to explore the effects of these two stresses on the mussel immune system. The results showed that after the combined exposure of V. parahaemolyticus and MPs, the lysosomal membrane stability of hemocytes decreased, lysozyme activity was inhibited, and hemocytes were induced to produce more lectins and defensins to fight pathogenic invasion. Long-term exposure to MPs caused a large amount of energy consumption in mussels, inhibited most of the functions of humoral immunity, increased the risk of mussel infection with pathogenic bacteria, and negatively affected mussel condition factor, the number of hemocytes, and the number of byssuses. Mussels may allocate more energy to deal with MPs and pathogenic bacterial infections rather than for growth. Above all, MPs exposure can affect mussel immune function or reduce its stress resistance, which in turn has an impact on mollusk farming.

Antioxidant Systematic Alteration Was Responsible for Injuries Inflicted on the Marine Blue Mussel Mytilus edulis Following Strontium Exposure.

The ionic properties of strontium (Sr), a significant artificial radionuclide in the marine environment, were estimated using a stable nuclide-substituting experimental system under controlled laboratory conditions. The bio-accumulation of Sr and its impacts, as well as any possible hidden mechanisms, were evaluated based on the physiological alterations of the sentinel blue mussel Mytilus edulis. The mussels were exposed to a series of stress-inducing concentrations, with the highest solubility being 0.2 g/L. No acute lethality was observed during the experiment, but sublethal damage was evident. Sr accumulated in a tissue-specific way, and hemolymph was the target, with the highest accumulating concentration being 64.46 µg/g wet weight (ww). At the molecular level, increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and changes in ROS components (H2O2, O2-, and -OH) and antioxidant system activity indicated that the redox equilibrium state in hemocytes was disturbed. Furthermore, the rise in the hemocyte micronucleus (MN) rate (4‱ in the high-concentration group) implied DNA damage. At the cellular level, the structures of hemocytes were damaged, especially with respect to lysosomes, which play a crucial role in phagocytosis. Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) was also affected, and both acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities were reduced, resulting in a significant decline in phagocytosis. The hemolymph population structure at the organ level was disturbed, with large changes in hemocyte number and mortality rate, along with changes in component ratios. These toxic effects were evaluated by employing the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework. The results suggested that the disruption of intracellular redox homeostasis is a possible explanation for Sr-induced toxicity in M. edulis.

A new insight into Cd exposure-induced hemocyte reduction in Lymantria dispar larvae: Involvement of the ROS-ATF6-ER stress-apoptosis pathway

Hemocytes are important targets for heavy metal-induced immunotoxicity in insects. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which cadmium (Cd) exposure affects the hemocyte count in Lymantria dispar larvae. The results showed that the number of larval hemocytes was significantly decreased under Cd exposure, accompanied by a significant increase in the apoptosis rate and the expression of Caspase-3. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of hemocytes in the Cd-treated group showed irregular swelling. Expression levels of ER stress indicator genes (CHOP, Bip1, Bip2, Bip3, and Bip4) were significantly higher in the Cd-treated group. Among the three pathways that potentially mediate ER stress, only the key genes in the ATF6 pathway (ATF6, S1P-1, S1P-2, and WFS1) exhibited differential responses to Cd exposure. Cd exposure significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of oxidative stress-related genes (CNCC, P38, and ATF2) in hemocytes. Studies using inhibitors confirmed that apoptosis mediated the decrease in hemocyte count, ER stress mediated apoptosis, ATF6 pathway mediated ER stress, and ROS or oxidative stress mediated ER stress through the activation of the ATF6 pathway. Taken together, the ROS-ATF6-ER stress-apoptosis pathway is responsible for the reduction in the hemocyte count of Cd-treated L. dispar larvae.

Effect of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiacloprid on Oxidative Stress, Genotoxic, and Immunotoxic Biomarkers in Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the neonicotinoid insecticide Thiacloprid on oxidative stress, genotoxic, and immunotoxic biomarkers in Galleria mellonella. The effects of neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid on antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, hemocyte number, micronucleus frequency of greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) larvae at different doses (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 µg) and periods (24, 48, 72, and 96 hrs) were explored. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly at 5, 10, and 15 µg thiacloprid doses compared to the control and negative control in all periods tested, while significantly decreased at 20, 25, and 30 µg doses. Catalase (CAT) activity showed significant increases at 5, 10 and 15 µg thiacloprid doses at 24 and 96h compared to the control and negative control. MDA concentrations showed significant increases in all periods compared to the control and negative control. At 24th, 48th, 72nd and 96th, total hemocyte count (THC) decreased significantly at all doses except 5 µg thiacloprid concentration. During all the tested periods, there was a significant increase in the number of micronuclei, particularly at high doses of thiacloprid (20, 25, and 30 µg) compared to both the control and negative control. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between MDA and the number of micronuclei, while other markers showed a negative correlation with micronucleus (MN). These results suggest that high doses of thiacloprid induce significant increases in micronuclei formation and are positively correlated with MDA levels, indicating oxidative damage and genotoxicity caused by thiacloprid exposure in the tested organism. Overall, our findings suggest that the measured parameters can be considered reliable biomarkers to demonstrate oxidative damage from thiacloprid exposure.

Performance of juvenile vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) hemocyte cells number and differentiation in different cultivation technologies

The Performance from The Number and Differentiation of Haemocyte Cell of udang vaname (Litopenaeus vannamaei) . Juvenile on Reared with Different Aquaculture Technology. This study aims to assess the performance of the number of hemocytes and cell differentiation of juvenile Udang vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei) on reared with different levels of technology. The research was conducted by sampling directly to the location of intensive pond and traditional pond. The sampling frequency is 2 times at intervals of 15 days during the juvenile Litopenaeus vannamaei ± 2 months old. Hemolimfe parameters measured were the number of hemocytes, whereas the percentage of hemocytes differentiation by type of cell. The results showed that an increase in the number of juvenile litopenaeus vannamaei hemocytes on monitoring at 16:30, respectively rose from 30×106 cells/ml in traditional pond, and 34.8×106 cells/ml in intensive pond. at 12:00 monitoring, became 68.7×106 cells/ml traditional pond and 64.8×106 cells/ml in intensive pond. Furthermore, cell hyalin is higher percentage (54-61%) on traditional pond than globular cells (33-35%) and cell semiglobular (7-14%), but in intensive pond, globular cells is higher between hyaline cells and globular cells at each monitoring for 24 hours. This fact shows that the condition of vitality juvenile litopenaeus vannamaei reared on traditional pond more vibrant than litopenaeus vannamaei juveniles reared in intensive pond allegedly prone to stress, especially at dawn (4:30 a.m).

Immune signaling pathways in Rhodnius prolixus in the context of Trypanosoma rangeli infection: cellular and humoral immune responses and microbiota modulation.

Rhodnius prolixus is a hematophagous insect and one of the main vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli parasites in Latin America. Gut microbiota and insect immune responses affect T. cruzi and T. rangeli infection within triatomines. Particularly the Toll and IMD signaling pathways activations and how they orchestrate the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) expressions in R. prolixus, especially when infected by T. rangeli. Examine how T. rangeli infection modulates R. prolixus cellular and humoral immunity and its impacts on insect microbiota. R. prolixus was fed on blood containing epimastigotes of T. rangeli, and infection was quantified in insect tissues. The gene expression of dorsal, cactus, relish, PGRP, and AMPs was examined in the midgut, fat body, and salivary glands by quantitative real-time PCR. Microbiota composition was analyzed using RT-q PCR targeting specific bacterial species. Hemocyte numbers and phenoloxidase activity were quantified to assess cellular immune responses. T. rangeli infection modulated triatomine immunity in midgut and hemocoel, activating the expression of the NF-kB gene dorsal, associated with the Toll pathway; increasing expression of the gene encoding PGRP receptor, a component involved in the IMD pathway, both in the intestine and fat body; repressing the expression of the relish transcription factor, mainly in salivary glands. Among the R. prolixus AMPs studied, T. rangeli infection repressed all AMP gene expression, other than defensin C which increased mRNA levels. The PO activity was enhanced in the hemolymph of infected insects. T. rangeli infection did not induce hemocyte number alterations compared to control insects. However, an increase in hemocyte microaggregation was detected in infected insects. R. prolixus recognizes T. rangeli infection and triggers humoral and cellular immune responses involving Toll pathway activation, defensin C synthesis, increased phenoloxidase activity, and enhanced hemocyte aggregation. On the other hand, T. rangeli infection suppressed some IMD pathway components, suggesting that, in R. prolixus, this pathway is involved in defensins A and B gene regulation. Importantly, these immune responses altered the bacterial microbiota composition, potentially favoring T. rangeli establishment in the insect vector.

Association between α-klotho levels and adults with COPD in the United States.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by increased inflammation, persistent lung function decline, and extensive lung injury. Klotho, a well-known antiaging protein, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the effects of klotho on COPD have yet to be thoroughly elucidated. This study examined the association among COPD adults and their α-klotho level. Data were collected from the 2007 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 676 participants were analyzed and divided into COPD (n = 403) and non-COPD (n = 273) groups. The two groups were compared with respect to clinical characteristics. Logistic regression analysis and a generalized additive model were used to estimate the association between COPD incidence and serum α-klotho concentration. All COPD participants were stratified according to the levels of α-klotho (Q1: <687 pg./mL; Q2: 687-900 pg./mL; Q3: ≥900 pg./mL), and clinical characteristics were compared. Non-COPD individuals had higher α-klotho levels than did COPD individuals (863.09 ± 267.13 vs. 817.51 ± 302.20, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the Q2 and Q3 layers had a lower risk of COPD than did the Q1 layer, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.73 (0.50, 0.99) for Q2 and 0.58 (0.41, 0.86) for Q3 (p < 0.001). The generalized additive model showed that the risk of COPD gradually decreased with increasing α-klotho concentration when the α-klotho concentration < 1,500 pg./mL, while the risk of COPD increased as the α-klotho concentration increased to ≥1,500 pg./mL. Compared with individuals in the Q2 or Q3 groups, individuals with COPD in the Q1 group were more likely to be current smokers, have lower levels of erythrocytes, and have higher levels of creatinine and leukocytes. Increased α-klotho levels were negatively correlated with the risk of COPD in participants over 40 years old with α-klotho <1,500 pg./mL. When α-klotho was ≥1,500 pg./mL, the risk of COPD increased as α-klotho levels increased. Pulmonary ventilation function and the number of hemocytes differed among COPD patients with different levels of α-klotho.

Gcm counteracts Toll-induced inflammation and impacts hemocyte number through cholinergic signaling.

Hemocytes, the myeloid-like immune cells of Drosophila, fulfill a variety of functions that are not completely understood, ranging from phagocytosis to transduction of inflammatory signals. We here show that downregulating the hemocyte-specific Glial cell deficient/Glial cell missing (Glide/Gcm) transcription factor enhances the inflammatory response to the constitutive activation of the Toll pathway. This correlates with lower levels of glutathione S-transferase, suggesting an implication of Glide/Gcm in reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and calling for a widespread anti-inflammatory potential of Glide/Gcm. In addition, our data reveal the expression of acetylcholine receptors in hemocytes and that Toll activation affects their expressions, disclosing a novel aspect of the inflammatory response mediated by neurotransmitters. Finally, we provide evidence for acetylcholine receptor nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 6 (nAchRalpha6) regulating hemocyte proliferation in a cell autonomous fashion and for non-cell autonomous cholinergic signaling regulating the number of hemocytes. Altogether, this study provides new insights on the molecular pathways involved in the inflammatory response.

Mitochondrial metabolism in Drosophila macrophage-like cells regulates body growth via modulation of cytokine and insulin signaling.

Macrophages play critical roles in regulating and maintaining tissue and whole-body metabolism in normal and disease states. While the cell-cell signaling pathways that underlie these functions are becoming clear, less is known about how alterations in macrophage metabolism influence their roles as regulators of systemic physiology. Here, we investigate this by examining Drosophila macrophage-like cells called hemocytes. We used knockdown of TFAM, a mitochondrial genome transcription factor, to reduce mitochondrial OxPhos activity specifically in larval hemocytes. We find that this reduction in hemocyte OxPhos leads to a decrease in larval growth and body size. These effects are associated with a suppression of systemic insulin, the main endocrine stimulator of body growth. We also find that TFAM knockdown leads to decreased hemocyte JNK signaling and decreased expression of the TNF alpha homolog, Eiger in hemocytes. Furthermore, we show that genetic knockdown of hemocyte JNK signaling or Eiger expression mimics the effects of TFAM knockdown and leads to a non-autonomous suppression of body size without altering hemocyte numbers. Our data suggest that modulation of hemocyte mitochondrial metabolism can determine their non-autonomous effects on organismal growth by altering cytokine and systemic insulin signaling. Given that nutrient availability can control mitochondrial metabolism, our findings may explain how macrophages function as nutrient-responsive regulators of tissue and whole-body physiology and homeostasis.

Effects of spray-dried bovine plasma on growth performance, immune system, and survival of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The aquaculture industry in Mexico is searching for food ingredients that increase productivity without negatively affecting overall performance and health. Bovine plasma has been shown to contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds and growth factors that improve intestinal function and nutrient absorption. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP) on growth performance, protein efficiency, immune system, and survival in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Four diets were formulated to contain 0%, 1.5%, 3%, and 6% SDBP in isoproteic and isolipidic diets. Then, 120 juveniles of L. vannamei (4.02 ± 0.03) were randomly distributed in 12 ponds of 500-L with filtered seawater under a recirculation system (RAS). The diets were randomly distributed among the experimental tanks, with three ponds assigned per experimental diet. The feed was offered three times a day for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, shrimp fed the diet with 3% SDBP had significantly (p < 0.05) improved overall performance compared to the other dietary treatments. Also, diets enriched with SDBP presented a significant increase (p < 0.05) of hemocytes compared to the dietary treatment SDBP-0, with a positive correlation between the number of hemocytes and increasing SDBP content. Furthermore, diets with 3% and 6% SDBP had the highest survival rate (90.0% and 93.3%, respectively). In conclusion, SDBP added at 3% in shrimp diets resulted in improved growth, survival, and hemocyte count. Therefore, SDBP is an excellent alternative to maintaining healthy shrimp.

The immune response of Locusta migratoria manilensis at different times of infection with Paranosema locustae.

Paranosema locustae is an entomopathogenic microsporidia with promising potential for controlling agricultural pests, including Locusta migratoria manilensis. However, it has the disadvantage of having a slow insecticidal rate, and how P. locustae infection impacts the host immune response is currently unknown. The present study investigated the effect of P. locustae on the natural immune response of L. migratoria and the activities of enzymes that protect against oxidative stress. Infection with P. locustae increased the hemocytes and nodulation number of L. migratoria at the initial stage of infection. The hemocyte-mediated modulation of immune response was also affected by a decrease in the number of hemocytes 12 days postinfection. Superoxide dismutase activity in locusts increased in the early stages of infection but decreased in the later stages, whereas the activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) showed opposite trends may be due to their different mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the transcription levels of mRNA of antimicrobial peptide-related genes and phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph in L. migratoria were suppressed within 15 days of P. locustae infection. Overall, our data suggest that P. locustae create a conducive environment for its own proliferation in the host by disrupting the immune defense against it. These findings provide useful information for the potential application of P. locustae as a biocontrol agent.

Experimental study on the molluscicidal activity of surfactin against Oncomelania hupensis

To evaluate the molluscicidal activity of surfactin against Oncomelania hupensis, so as to provide the experimental basis for use of Bacillus for killing O. hupensis. O. hupensis snails were collected from schistosomiasisendemic foci of Wuhu City on September 2022, and Schistosoma japonicum-infected snails were removed. Then, 60 snails were immersed in surfactin at concentrations of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 mg/mL and 0.062 5 mg/mL for 24, 48, 72 hours at 26 °C, while ultrapure water-treated snails served as controls. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of surfactin against O. hupensis snails was estimated. O. hupensis snails were immersed in surfactin at a concentration of 24 h LC50 and ultrapure water, and then stained with propidium iodide (PI). The PI uptake in haemocyte was observed in O. hupensis snails using fluorescence microscopy. The mortality of O. hupensis was 5.0% following immersion in surfactin at a concentration of 0.062 5 mg/mL for 24 h, and the mortality was 100.0% following immersion in surfactin at a concentration of 2 mg/mL for 72 h, while no snail mortality was observed in the control group. There were significant differences in the mortality of O. hupensis in each surfactin treatment groups at 24 (χ2 = 180.150, P < 0.05), 48 h (χ2 = 176.786, P < 0.05) and 72 h (χ2 = 216.487, P < 0.05), respectively. The average mortality rates of O. hupensis were 38.9% (140/360), 62.2% (224/360) and 83.3% (300/360) 24, 48 h and 72 h post-immersion in surfactin, respectively (χ2 = 150.264, P < 0.05), and the 24, 48 h and 72 h LC50 values of surfactin were 0.591, 0.191 mg/mL and 0.054 mg/mL against O. hupensis snails. Fluorescence microscopy showed more numbers of haemocytes with PI uptake in 0.5 mg/mL surfactintreated O. hupensis snails than in ultrapure water-treated snails for 24 h, and there was a significant difference in the proportion of PI uptake in haemocytes between surfactin-and ultrapure water-treated snails (χ2 = 6.690, P < 0.05). Surfactin is active against O. hupensis snails, which may be associated with the alteration in the integrity of haemocyte membrane.