Serum IgA Concentrations Research Articles

Infant Microbiota Communities and Human Milk Oligosaccharide Supplementation Independently and Synergistically Shape Metabolite Production and Immune Responses in Healthy Mice

BackgroundMultiple studies have demonstrated associations between the early-life gut microbiome and incidence of inflammatory and autoimmune disease in childhood. Although microbial colonization is necessary for proper immune education, it is not well understood at a mechanistic level how specific communities of bacteria promote immune maturation or drive immune dysfunction in infancy. ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to assess whether infant microbial communities with different overall structures differentially influence immune and gastrointestinal development in healthy mice. MethodsGerm-free mice were inoculated with fecal slurries from Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis positive (BIP) or B. longum subspecies infantis negative (BIN) breastfed infants; half of the mice in each group were also supplemented with a pool of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for 14 d. Cecal microbiome composition and metabolite production, systemic and mucosal immune outcomes, and intestinal morphology were assessed at the end of the study. ResultsThe results showed that inoculation with a BIP microbiome results in a remarkably distinct microbial community characterized by higher relative abundances of cecal Clostridium senu stricto, Ruminococcus gnavus, Cellulosilyticum sp., and Erysipelatoclostridium sp. The BIP microbiome produced 2-fold higher concentrations of cecal butyrate, promoted branched short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and further modulated serotonin, kynurenine, and indole metabolism relative to BIN mice. Further, the BIP microbiome increased the proportions of innate and adaptive immune cells in spleen, while HMO supplementation increased proliferation of mesenteric lymph node cells to phorbol myristate acetate and lipopolysaccharide and increased serum IgA and IgG concentrations. ConclusionsDifferent microbiome compositions and HMO supplementation can modulate SCFA and tryptophan metabolism and innate and adaptive immunity in young, healthy mice, with potentially important implications for early childhood health.

Effect of a probiotic supplement (Bacillus subtilis) on struggling behavior, immune response, and meat quality of shackled broiler chickens exposed to preslaughter stress

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a dietary probiotic supplement on struggling behavior, immune response, and meat quality of shackled broiler chickens exposed to preslaughter stress. Two hundred and ten 1-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were divided among 21 floor pens (10 chicks per pen). The pens were randomly distributed to 1 of 3 dietary treatments containing a probiotic, Bacillus subtilis, at 0 (control), 0.25 (0.25×), and 0.5 (0.5×) g/kg (n = 7). At the end of the experiment (d 35), birds were transported for a journey of 80 km to the abattoir, each crate contained 5 pen mates, 2 birds of them (2 bird per crate, total 14 birds per treatment) were randomly selected for testing. Struggling behavior measurements began after the birds had arrived at the abattoir. Serum and muscle samples (right leg and breast) were collected for immune response and meat quality parameters. The results indicated that probiotic supplemented broilers had lower breast muscle protein carbonyls and serum levels of IgM but higher breast muscle total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to those of controls. In addition, probiotic supplemented broilers' leg and breast muscle had higher color lightness and greater water holding capacity (WHC%) with lower cooking loss (CL) and lower pH values (P < 0.05). Probiotic supplemented broilers' breast and leg meat was also tastier (P < 0.05) compared to controls. There were no treatment effects on other measured parameters including struggling behavior, serum IgA and IgG concentrations, and breast muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) (P > 0.05). These results suggest that the probiotic supplement could be an alternative management tool for promoting broiler health and welfare by modifying immune response and meat quality.

Results of the study of factors predicting the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis during radiation or chemoradiation therapy in patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer.

Today, a number of methods and ways of prevention and treatment of radiation- -induced mucositis of the oral cavity and oropharynx have been developed, but the represented approaches are still not effective enough. Therefore, to increase the effectiveness of the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced mucositis, it is necessary to approach this problem comprehensively and individually, and to evaluate the factors affecting the development of mucositis. In this single-center prospective controlled non-randomized clinical trial, the results of clinical observation of the development of complications of radiation and chemoradiation therapy in 105 patients with a newly diagnosed squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx were analyzed. Factors affecting the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis including the age, gender of the patients, their general condition before the treatment according to World Health Organisation scales, type of the treatment and its doses, additional use of immunotherapy with alpha/beta defensins, characteristic signs of the tumor process and all indices of the immune status of the patients before the treatment have been analyzed. The method of construction and analysis of one-factor logistic regression models, where 24 indices were analyzed as factorial features, showed that the reduction of the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis is predicted by several factors: immunotherapy, gender, serum concentrations of IgG and IgA. A decrease (P &lt; 0.001) in the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis was revealed if immunotherapy with alpha/beta defensins (with a total dose of 40 mg) was included into the treatment scheme (relative odds (RO) 0.05; 95% reference interval (RI) 0.02-0.18), in comparison with patients of the groups where it was not present or this immune agent was used in a total dose of 60 mg (P = 0.001, RO 0.06; 95% RI 0.01-0.30). The next factorial sign was gender, namely the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis was lower for men (P = 0.003; RO 0.15; 95% RI 0.04-0.53) compared to women. An increase (P = 0.024) in the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis with an increase in the initial level of IgG serum concentration was revealed, (RO 1.08; 95% RI 1.01-1.16) for each 1 mg/mL, as well as an increase (P = 0.044) in the possibility of the appearance of grade III radiation-induced mucositis with an increase in the serum concentration of IgA (RO 1.23; 95% RI 1.01-1.50) for every 1 mg/mL also before the beginning of the treatment. Multifactorial analysis has also confirmed that the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis increases (P = 0.008) with a high serum IgG concentration before the treatment or with an increase in this index during therapy (RO 1.13; 95% RI 1.03-1.09) for every 1 mg/mL (when standardized by other risk factors). It was determined that when standardizing according to other factors (gender, IgG level), the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis in the use of the immune agent alpha/beta defensins in a total dose of 40 mg per course decreases (P &lt; 0.001; RO 0.08; 95% RI 0.02-0.27) compared to patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer who were not treated with immunotherapy. The risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis also decreases (P = 0.001) in the use of immunotherapy in a higher dose, i.e. 60 mg per course (RO 0.03; 95% RI 0.004-0.24 compared to patients whose treatment did not include immunotherapy (when standardized by other factors). As a result of this controlled clinical study, some factors were determined in addition to the radiation as those affecting the risk of the development of grade III radiation-induced mucositis in patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer during special treatment. These factors comprise the inclusion of immunotherapy with alpha/beta defensins into the specific treatment; gender, and baseline levels of serum IgG and IgA concentrations suggest a pattern in which the higher the serum IgG and IgA concentrations are before the start of the treatment, the greater is the likelihood of severe radiation-induced mucositis degree during special therapy. The results of the study of humoral state of the immune system in patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer before the beginning of chemoradiation therapy can be used as prognostic risk factors for the development of severe gamma-irradiation-induced mucositis of the oropharyngeal area, as well as an indication for the use of immunotherapeutic agents (in particular, alpha/beta defensins) that are able to polarize the immune response towards type 1 T-helpers through their immunomodulatory action.

52 Alleviating antinutritional effects of high soybean meal diets for nursery pigs through multienzyme and acidifier supplementation

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of multienzyme and acidifier supplementation in high soybean meal (SBM) diets on performance and allergenic response in nursery pigs. A total of 240 weaned pigs, 5.9 ± 0.8 kg body weight (BW), were allotted to 5 dietary treatments with 8 replicates in a randomized complete block design. Dietary treatments were low SBM diet (17% in phase 1 and 20% in phase 2), standard SBM diet (22% in phase 1 and 25% in phase 2), high SBM diet (30% in phase 1 and 35% in phase 2), high SBM diet with multienzyme supplementation (100 ppm of phytase, 500 ppm of carbohydrase, 250 ppm of protease, and 25 ppm of keratinase), and high SBM diet with multienzyme and acidifier (0.5%) supplementation. The enzyme combination was selected based on an in-vitro digestion experiment evaluating the degradation rate for antinutritional factors present in SBM. Diets were provided in a 3-phase feeding program: phase 1 (wk 1), phase 2 (wk 2 and 3), and phase 3 (wk 4 to 6); common corn-SBM based diet. Growth performance was measured at the end of each phase along with blood collection for serum IGF-1, IgA, and IgE analyses. One pig per pen was euthanized to collect intestinal tissue for histomorphology and ileal digesta for sIgA analysis. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS and fecal score data was analyzed using FREQ procedure of SAS. Pigs fed high SBM diets with multienzyme or with multienzyme and acidifier tended to have a greater (P = 0.08) average daily gain compared with pigs fed High-SBM diet during phase 2 by 12.5%. Pigs fed high SBM diets with multienzyme and acidifier supplementation had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily feed intake compared with pigs fed high SBM diet in phase 2. During phase 1 and 2, pigs fed high SBM diets supplemented with multienzyme or multienzyme plus acidifier had less incidence of soft and watery feces (χ2 &amp;lt; 0.05) than those fed high SBM diet. Dietary treatment did not affect serum concentrations of T4, IGF-1, IgA, and IgE. Pigs fed high SBM diet with multienzyme and acidifier supplementation had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentration of sIgA in the ileal digesta on d 14 compared with high SBM diet (24.2 vs 33.8 mg/mL) but similar to low SBM diet (22.7 mg/mL). Pigs fed high SBM diet with multienzyme and acidifier supplementation had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio on d 7 compared with low SBM by 12%. In conclusion, supplementation with multienzyme or multienzyme and acidifier in high SBM diets could reduce the negative impact of high SBM inclusion in nursery pig diets by improving growth performance, promoting intestinal health, and reducing allergenic response in nursery pigs.

TLR9 mediates IgA production in the porcine small intestine during PEDV infection

IgA plays a vital role in defending against the infectious pathogens. However, the specific regulatory pathways involved in IgA secretion in the context of PEDV infection have remained elusive. Therefore, in this study, we explore the molecular mechanisms underlying IgA secretion in response to infection, with a particular focus on PEDV, a devastating enteric virus affecting global swine production. Our investigation begins by examining changes in IgA concentrations in both serum and small intestinal contents following PEDV infection in 2- and 4-week-old pigs. Remarkably, a significant increase in IgA levels in these older pigs post-infection were observed. To delve deeper into the regulatory mechanisms governing IgA secretion in response to PEDV infection, isolated porcine intestinal B cells were co-cultured with monocytes derived DCs (Mo-DCs) in vitro. In the intestinal DC-B cell co-cultures, IgA secretion was found to increase significantly after PEDV infection, as well as upregulating the expression of AID, GLTα and PSTα reflecting isotype switching to IgA. In addition, the expression of TLR9 was upregulated in these cultures, as determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Moreover, our findings extend to in vivo observations, where we detected higher levels of TLR9 expression in the ileum of pig post PEDV infection. Collectively, our results highlight the ability of PEDV to stimulate the generation of IgA, particularly in elder pigs, and identify TLR9 as a critical mediator of IgA production within the porcine intestinal microenvironment during PEDV infection.

Effect of using Plantago ovata psyllium seed powder on some physiological, immunological and histological characteristics of broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted in the Office of Agricultural Research’s chicken farm, the Animal Resource Department, and the chicken Research Station, from January 13 to February 23, 2023. The experiment used thirty-one-day-old Ross 308 chicks, with an average weight of 38.1 grams. The enclosed hallway housing the thirty cells where the chicks were raised. The chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments. Each treatment was repeated five times with 10 birds each replication. The birds were fed a balanced food and a balanced diet was used. At 0, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1% of the ration in each of the five treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5), psyllium was found in Plantago ovata seeds. The findings showed that there was no significant difference in the blood plasma concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) between the experimental treatments. It was discovered that all treatments had considerably (P≤0.05) lower amounts of cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) than the control therapy. It was shown that treatments T5, T4, and T3 resulted in significantly higher blood serum levels of IgG (P≤0.05) compared to the control therapy. Furthermore, it was shown that blood IgM levels increased significantly (P≤0.05) in response to treatments T5 and T4. Serum IgA concentrations in all study treatments rose considerably (P≤0.05) as compared to the control treatment. The relative weights of glandular and index fabricia did not differ noticeably amongst the treatments. The findings showed that the villus height, diameter, and crypt depth in the T4 and T3 treatments were considerably (P≤0.05) larger than in the control treatment. After conducting the experiment, we conclude that broiler chickens’ body composition and immunohistochemistry features may be improved by including 0.4-1% of psyllium seed powder into their diets.

Major low-energy trauma results in non-specific immunoglobulin generation without evidence for specific autoantibody production: A prospective cohort study.

Cellular debris resulting from large trauma might overwhelm the scavenger mechanisms and lead to autoimmune reactions. We analysed whether a major well-defined trauma in humans induces laboratory signs of transient autoimmunity in the months after the insult. We included 50 patients with pertrochanteric femur fracture undergoing intramedullary nail osteosynthesis in a prospective cohort study and followed them at 3-4 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. By standard techniques, we assessed levels of total immunoglobulins, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-cardiolipin antibodies, anti-dsDNA antibodies and anti-C1q antibodies, as well as antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV) as a control. Blood leukocyte differential and lymphocyte subpopulations were determined at baseline and in the first two postoperative samples. The mean age of the patients reached 80.1 years, and 23 (46%) completed all visits. Serum concentrations of total IgG, IgM and IgA increased at all follow-up time points. The ANA fluorescence light intensity units increased at 12 weeks and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.0001), but the proportion of ANA-positive patients did not change (35%). The values of anti-C1q mildly increased at all follow-up visits, but not the ratio to total IgG. Anti-dsDNA remained negative in all patients, and anti-cardiolipin IgG/IgM antibodies did not change. Anti-CMV IgG antibodies increased significantly at all follow-up visits, without change in the ratio to total IgG. Flow cytometry showed an increased proportion of B-cells 3-4 days postoperatively. In conclusion, major musculoskeletal trauma in elderly patients induces a generalized non-specific increase in immunoglobulin production without laboratory signs for enhanced systemic autoimmunity.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Breastmilk Three and Six Months Postpartum in Relation to the Trimester of Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection-An Exploratory Study.

The immune system of neonates is immature and therefore knowledge of possible early-life protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as breastfeeding, is of great importance. Few studies have investigated the presence and duration of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breastmilk in relation to the trimester of maternal infection during pregnancy, and none with successful participation from all three trimesters. This study has dual objectives (1) in relation to the trimester of infection to examine the frequency, concentration and duration of IgA and IgG antibodies in breastmilk and blood serum in the third and sixth month post-partum in former SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers and (2) to examine the association in pediatric emergency admission of children within the first six months of life compared to children of non-SARS-CoV-2-infected women. The first objective is based on a prospective cohort and the second is based on a nested case-control design. The study participants are women with a former SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, whose serology IgG tests at delivery were still positive. Maternal blood and breastmilk samples were collected at three and six months postpartum. Serum IgA frequency three months pp was 72.7% (50%, 90% and 60% in the first, second and third trimester) and 82% six months pp (67%, 91% and 82% in the first, second and third trimester). Breastmilk IgA frequency three months pp was 27% (16.6%, 36% and 20% in first, second and third trimester) and 28% six months pp (0%, 38% and 28% in the first, second and third trimester). The highest IgA concentration in breastmilk was found six months post-partum with infection in the third trimester. Serum IgA was detectable more than 400 days post infection, and serum IgG above threshold was found 430 days after date of infection. We found no correlation between serum IgA and breastmilk IgA, nor between serum IgG and breastmilk IgA regardless of the trimester of infection.

Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on the growth performance, immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and subsequent development of layer chicks

Deficiencies or excesses of dietary amino acids, and especially of methionine (Met), in laying hens can lead to abnormal protein anabolism and oxidative stress, which affect methylation and cause cellular dysfunction. This study investigated the effects of dietary methionine (Met) levels on growth performance, metabolism, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and the subsequent development of laying hens. A total of 384 healthy 1-day-old Hyline Grey chicks of similar body weight were randomly allocated to be fed diets containing 0.31%, 0.38%, 0.43% (control group), or 0.54% Met for 6 wk, with 6 replicates of 16 chicks in each. The growth performance of the chicks was then followed until 20 wk old. The results showed dietary supplementation with 0.43% or 0.54% Met significantly increased their mean daily body weight gain, final weight, and Met intake. However, the feed:gain (F/G) decreased linearly with increasing Met supplementation, from 0.31 to 0.54% Met. Met supplementation increased the serum albumin, IgM, and total glutathione concentrations of 14-day-old chicks. In contrast, the serum alkaline phosphatase activity and hydroxyl radical concentration tended to decrease with increasing Met supplementation. In addition, the highest serum concentrations of IL-10, T-SOD, and GSH-PX were in the 0.54% Met-fed group. At 42 d of age, the serum ALB, IL-10, T-SOD, GSH-PX, T-AOC, and T-GSH were correlated with dietary Met levels. Finally, Met supplementation reduced the serum concentrations of ALP, IL-1β, IgA, IgG, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Thus, the inclusion of 0.43% or 0.54% Met in the diet helps chicks achieve superior performance during the brooding period and subsequently. In conclusion, Met doses of 0.43 to 0.54% could enhance the growth performance, protein utilization efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immune responses of layer chicks, and to promote more desirable subsequent development during the brooding period.

Physiological, immunological and microbial effects of soybean bioactive peptides and vitamin E supplementing to broiler diet

The physiological, immunological, and microbiological traits of 180 Ross-308 broiler chickens were examined in relation to supplementary soybean bioactive peptide (SBP) levels and vitamin E. Group 1 was the control group, Groups 2, 3, and 4 were given a basal diet along with 2.5, 5, and 7.5 g SBP kg-1 of diet, respectively, and Group 5 was given a basal diet together with 250 mg of vitamin E kg-1 of diet. An improvement in the globulin, albumin-to-globulin ratio, total antioxidant activity (except 7.5 g), SOD, and GSH-PX (except 7.5 g) activities in SBP treatment groups compared to the control. In comparison with control, feeding SBP improved bursa index, IgA, and IgG concentrations in blood serum. Feed supplementation with 5 g SBP significantly increased relative weight of spleen and IgM concentrations. Feeding SBP increased lactic acid bacteria in the ileum and caecum while decreasing E. coli counts in the ileum as compared with control. None of the selected serum biochemical indices, immune-related parameters, and total bacterial count were statistically different between the vitamin E group and the control. Therefore, 5 and 7.5 g of SBP kg-1 in a broiler diet was able to boost antioxidant status, antibacterial activity, and birds' immune response.

Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate Alleviates Immune Injury and Intestinal Problems Caused by Clostridium Perfringens through Gut Microbiota.

Microencapsulated sodium butyrate (MS-SB) is an effective sodium butyrate additive which can reduce the release of sodium butyrate (SB) in the fore gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we assess the protective effects and mechanisms of MS-SB in Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens)-challenged broilers. Broiler chickens were pre-treated with SB or MS-SB for 56 days and then challenged with C. perfringens three times. Our results indicate that the addition of MS-SB or SB before C. perfringens infection significantly decreased the thymus index (p < 0.05). Serum IgA, IgY, and IgM concentrations were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) under MS-SB or SB supplementation. Compared with SB, MS-SB presented a stronger performance, with higher IgA content, as well as a lower IL-1β level when normal or C. perfringens-challenged. While C. perfringens challenge significantly decreased the villus height (p < 0.05), MS-SB or SB administration significantly increased the villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C ratio) (p < 0.05). Varying degrees of SB or MS-SB increased the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) during C. perfringens challenge, where MS-SB presented a stronger performance, as evidenced by the higher content of isovaleric acid and valeric acid. Microbial analysis demonstrated that both SB or MS-SB addition and C. perfringens infection increase variation in the microbiota community. The results also indicate that the proportions of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Clostridia, Ruminococcaceae, Alistipes, and Clostridia were significantly higher in the MS-SB addition group while, at same time, C. perfringens infection increased the abundance of Bacteroides and Alistipes. In summary, dietary supplementation with SB or MS-SB improves the immune status and morphology of intestinal villi, increases the production of VFAs, and modulates cecal microbiota in chickens challenged with C. perfringens. Moreover, MS-SB was more effective than SB with the same supplemental amount.

Long-Term Impairment of the Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier in Patients With Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia and its Effect on Prognosis.

Cohort study. The aim of this study was to explore the association between blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) markers and other factors associated with an unfavorable outcome among patients with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) who achieved successful intradural adhesion lysis (IAL). Only approximately half of PTS patients receiving IAL have a favorable outcome. Forty-six consecutive patients with PTS and 19 controls (CTRL) were enrolled. All PTS patients underwent physical and neurological examinations and spinal magnetic resonance imaging before and 3 to 12 months after IAL. All patients underwent myelography before surgery. BSCB disruption was detected by increased intrathecal and serum concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, and IgM. A multivariable analysis was performed with a logistic regression model to identify factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to investigate the diagnostic value of biomarkers. The ages and general health of the PTS and CTRL groups did not differ significantly. QAlb, IGAQ, IGGQ, and IGMQ was significantly higher in PTS patients than in controls ( P =<0.001). The degree of intradural adhesion was significantly higher in the unfavorable outcome group than in the favorable outcome group ( P <0.0001). QAlb, immunoglobulin (Ig)AQ, IGGQ, and IGMQ was significantly correlated with clinical status ( R =-0.38, P <0.01; R =-0.47, P =0.03; R =-0.56, P =0.01; R =-0.43, P =0.05, respectively). Higher QAlb before surgery (odds ratio=2.66; 95% CI: 1.134-6.248) was significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated a cutoff for QAlb higher than 10.62 with a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 96.3%. This study is the first to detect increased permeability and BSCB disruption in PTS patients. QAlb>10.62 was significantly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes following intradural decompression. Level III-prognostic.

Euglena gracilis β-Glucans (1,3): Enriching Colostrum of Sow for Enhanced Piglet Immunity.

The effects of supplementing the diet of sows with βG-(1,3) derived from Euglena gracilis algae were assessed regarding quality and amount of colostrum as well as performance of piglets. A total of 120 sows (first (nulliparous) to sixth parity (multiparous)) from D85 of gestation until weaning were divided into two groups: the control diet group (n = 60) and the βG-(1,3) diet group (n = 60). Sows receiving βG-(1,3) exhibited an average increase of 870 g (24.9%) in colostrum production, leading to a 25.17% higher intake of colostrum by piglets. Furthermore, piglets in the βG-(1,3) group showed significantly superior weight gain of 34 g (50%) compared to the control group 18 h after birth (p < 0.05). Sows fed with βG-(1,3) produced colostrum with significantly higher concentrations of IgG (5.914 mg/mL, 16.16%) and IgM (0.378 mg/mL, 16.29%) than the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, serum concentrations of IgG (13.86 mg/mL, 51.25%), IgA (17.16 mg/mL, 120.19%), and IgM (13.23 mg/mL, 144.78%) were significantly higher in sows fed with βG-(1,3) than in the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementing sows with βG-(1,3) derived from the Euglena gracilis algae resulted in increased colostrum production and consumption, along with greater weight gain in piglets during the first 18 h after birth. Additionally, both the colostrum produced by the sows and the blood serum of the piglets exhibited higher concentrations of immunoglobulins.

PSXI-5 Impact of Different Vaccine Formulations in Reducing Methane Production in Beef Cattle

Abstract Ruminants are the main contributor to agricultural emissions of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), which is one of the main greenhouses causing global warming. The objective of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness of 4 different vaccine formulations (VF) on methane abatement in beef cattle. Two weeks before the start of the trial, steers aged between 9 to 10 months with body weights (236.57 ± 20,61 kg) were trained to use the GreenFeed (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) system for methane measurement. At the end of the adaptation period, animals that best accepted the GreenFeed system were selected (n = 20) for the experiment. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four different formulations of vaccine treatments as well as a control group. Each treatment group had the following number of steers: Control/Untreated (UTD, n = 4), F1/OVA_ adj (n= 4), F2/Ag1_adj (n= 4), F3/pep1_Ag1_adj (n = 4), F4/pep2_Ag1_adj (n = 4). On day 0, vaccine was administered followed by booster injections on day 20 with 2mL injected intramuscularly in the anterior region of the neck both times. Through jugular venipuncture, blood was collected into a 10 mL vacutainer tube (Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ) to obtain serum on day 34 post-treatment to determine methanogen-specific IgA and IgG concentration. Rumen fluid (14 mL) was collected on pre-treatment (d0), and post treatments (d 20 and d 34) into a glass jar using an esophageal stomach tube connected to a vacuum and occurred pre-feeding to determine the relative abundance of total archaea and Methanobrevibacter ruminantium. Methane production was sampled on individual animals using the GreenFeed system pre-treatment (d -8 to -1) and post treatment (d 22 to d 29). The GreenFeed system estimates daily methane production (DMP, g/day) by measuring gas concentration for 3 to 5 mins on individual animals. Data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD post-hoc analysis. Preliminary results showed overall mean methane emission pre-treatment (165.853 ± 2.69 g/d) compared with post-treatment (192.164 ± 2.33 g/d) increased by 16%. However, methane emissions between treatment groups showed statistical difference (P &amp;lt; 0.001) specifically between treatment group F2 and F4. Serum concentration of IgA and IgG, ruminal relative abundance of total archaea and Methanobrevibacter ruminantium did not show significant difference (P &amp;gt; 0.10). From the results, vaccine formulation F2 and F4 showed effects in the methane emission between the treatment groups. Future research will consider increasing the vaccine dosage and analyzing more samples. This project was supported by HelixNano.

PSXIII-4 Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus on Intestinal Morphology, Blood Profiles, Immune Responses, and Ileal Gene Expression of Weaned Pigs

Abstract Probiotics are considered as a potential non-antibiotic feed additive that may improve intestinal health of pigs. However, there is limited information on potential mechanism of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The study was carried out to evaluate effects of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus on intestinal morphology, blood profiles, immune responses, and ileal gene expression of weaned pigs. In a randomized complete block design [block: initial body weight (BW)], a total of 100 weaned pigs (7.99 ± 0.85 kg of average initial BW; 28 days of age) were assigned to two dietary treatments (5 pigs/pen; 10 replicates/treatment). Dietary treatments were fed for 4 weeks: 1) a commercial basal nursery diet (CON), and 2) CON + 0.02% probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 (PRO). Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus was obtained from a commercial company (ILDONG Bioscience Co., Ltd., Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea). Blood was collected from randomly selected one pig per pen on day 1, 7, 14, and 28 for blood profiles and immune responses. On the final day of study, pigs were euthanized to collect each part of small intestine for measuring intestinal morphology and ileal gene expression. Measurements were 1) villus height, width, and area, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD), and number of goblet cells by the hematoxylin and eosin staining method, 2) number of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and hematocrit (HCT) by an automated hematology analyzer calibrated for porcine blood, 3) immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and C-reactive protein in serum by the ELISA kits, and 4) ileal gene expression of tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory cytokines by qRT-PCR. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS. Experimental unit was the pen. Statistical model for intestinal morphology, blood profiles, and immune responses included dietary treatment as a main effect and initial BW as a covariate. The t-test was used for ileal gene expression. The PRO increased number of goblet cells in duodenum (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and VH:CD in ileum (P &amp;lt; 0.10) compared with CON. Pigs fed PRO had decreased HCT on day 7 (P &amp;lt; 0.10), WBC on day 28 (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and serum IgA concentrations on day 28 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than those fed CON, but RBC on day 7 and 14 were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The PRO upregulated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) claudin-3, occludin, tight junction protein-1 genes in ileum compared with CON, but TNF-α, interferon-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 genes were downregulated (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, addition of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus in the nursery diet improved gut health via enhancing intestinal morphology and upregulating ileal tight junction-related protein genes, and modified blood parameters and ileal inflammatory cytokine genes.

PSXIV-30 Effects of Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation During Gestation in Beef Heifers on Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Colostrum and Immune Responses in Naturally and Artificially Reared Calves

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impacts of feeding a vitamin/mineral supplement to beef heifers throughout gestation on concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig) in colostrum and in calf serum 24 h after consumption of maternal colostrum (Exp. 1) or a colostrum replacement product (Exp. 2). Angus-based beef heifers [n = 72, initial body weight (BW) = 380.4 ± 50.56 kg] were managed in an individual feeding system and randomly assigned to a basal diet targeting gain of 0.45 kg·heifer-1·d-1 (CON; n = 36) or the basal diet plus 113 g·heifer-1·d-1 of a vitamin/mineral supplement (VTM; n = 36). For Exp. 1 treatments began at the time of artificial insemination (AI) to sexed semen, and heifers becoming pregnant after first service AI (CON, n = 14; VTM, n = 17) continued treatments throughout gestation. At calving, heifer calves were allowed to nurse their dams and remained alongside their dams until weaning. For Exp 2. non-pregnant heifers were rebred 60 d after initial dietary treatments began and continued treatments throughout gestation, with resultant heifer calves (CON, n = 7; VTM, n = 7) being removed from their dams at birth and receiving 1.5 L of colostrum replacer containing 150 g globulin protein via an esophageal feeder, followed every 12 h by 1.9 L of milk replacer. In both experiments samples of colostrum were collected after completely milking the rear-right quarter of the udder. Blood samples were collected from calves before (within 2 h of birth) and 24 h after colostrum consumption. Concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were quantified in colostrum and serum via bovine radial immunodiffusion plates. Data for both experiments were analyzed for the effect of treatment using the MIXED procedure in SAS, with additional analysis of data from Exp. 1 using the CORR procedure to determine correlations among dam colostrum and calf serum Ig concentrations at 24 h. In both experiments, maternal treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) concentrations of IgG, IgM, or IgA in colostrum at calving or in calf serum at 24 h. All calves from both experiments had undetectable concentrations of these respective immunoglobulins at birth. Concentrations of IgG at 24 h in calves that received maternal colostrum were 2,595.8 ± 535.38 mg/dL (Exp. 1), whereas those that received colostrum replacer were 1,610.6 ± 335.09 mg/dL (Exp. 2). Concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were positively correlated (r ≥ 0.34; P ≤ 0.05) with concentrations of calf serum IgG, IgM, and IgA at 24 h after suckling. Our results suggest that maternal vitamin/mineral supplementation throughout gestation did not impact Ig concentrations in colostrum or the resultant serum Ig concentrations in calves either 24 h after suckling or after delivery of a commercial colostrum replacer.

108 Effects of Yeast Carbohydrates Fed to Lactating Sows on Sow and Offspring Performance

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the optimal inclusion level of a yeast carbohydrate (YC) product in sow diets based on sow and suckling piglet performance. Forty-nine sows and gilts (Parity 0 to 5; 217 ± 30 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three YC supplementation levels (0%, 0.1%, and 0.2% of diet) in late gestation beginning at d 105 and lactation. Yeast carbohydrate was top-dressed using corn as a carrier to achieve daily active ingredient intake of 3 and 6 g/d in gestation (0.1 and 0.2% YC, respectively) and 7 and 15 g/d in lactation (0.1 and 0.2% YC, respectively) at the 0730 and 0800 h feed time in gestation and lactation, respectively. Variables measured included: sow body weight (BW), backfat (BF), feed intake (ADFI), litter characteristics at birth, piglet BW, piglet weight distribution at birth and weaning, and serum, colostrum, and milk immune status. Sows supplemented with 0.2% YC had 0.95 less stillborn pigs compared with control and 0.1% YC treatment groups (P = 0.04). Total born, born alive, and farrowing duration did not differ among treatment groups. The 0.2%YC treated sows weaned 1.04 more pigs (P = 0.09) than control and 0.1%YC groups. Colostral immunocrit ratio tended to be greater in 0.2%YC sows compared with control sows (P = 0.09; 0.66 vs 0.48 in 0.2%YC and control, respectively). Control litters had 14.9% greater proportion of light weight pigs at birth (&amp;lt; 1.20 kg) and both YC groups had 12.4% greater proportion of average weight pigs (1.20 to 1.65 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Pig BW at weaning (5.96 vs 5.77 vs 5.61 kg in control, 0.1 and 0.2%, respectively) and overall ADG (0.24 vs 0.22 vs 0.22 kg/d in control, 0.1 and 0.2%, respectively) were greater in control group (P ≥ 0.05). The 0.2% YC group had a 3.7% and 10.4% greater frequency (χ2 &amp;lt; 0.01) of weaning light weight (&amp;lt; 5.00 kg) and average weight (5.00 to 6.40 kg) pigs, respectively. The YC groups both had greater frequency of pigs that fell into lighter BW categories between birth to weaning (2.9 vs 27.3 vs 25.9% in control, 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively; χ2 &amp;lt; 0.01). There was a 15.6% ldecreased pre-weaning mortality of light born pigs in 0.2% YC group compared with control and 0.1% YC groups (χ2 = 0.03). Suckling pigs from sows in the 0.2% YC group had a greater (P = 0.03) concentration of serum IgA at weaning (23.47 vs 23.83 vs 31.63 μg/mL in control, 0.1, and 0.2%, respectively). In conclusion, 0.2% YC supplementation in sow diet benefited both sow and litter performance with the capacity to wean more light born pigs as well as a greater colostral immunocrit ratio and offspring IgA concentrations at weaning.

PSI-14 Enteric Challenge Increases Amino Acids and Energetic Costs in Growing Pigs

Abstract Supplementing tryptophan (Trp), threonine (Thr), and methionine (Met) above the requirements might support immune system energetic and protein costs during a sanitary challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between protein deposition (PD) and immune response in challenged pigs. Twenty gilts per treatment (25.4 kg, ± 3.7 of body weight [BW]) were group-housed for 28 d in a poor sanitary condition characterized by oral inoculation with 2×109 CFU of Salmonella typhimurium, fresh manure spreading from a commercial pig farm on the barn floor and no daily cleaning. Pigs were distributed in a complete randomized block design in two treatments: control (CN) or supplemented (AA+) diet with Trp, Thr, and Met:Lysine 20% above the requirements recommended by NRC (2012). Serum samples were collected at 7 days post-challenge (dpc) for immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) quantification. Body composition was estimated by dual-energy X-ray densitometry at d -1 and 28 dpc to obtain protein (PM, % of BW) and lipid (LM, % of BW) masses. Pigs were individually fed through automatic feeding stations throughout the trial. The percentual feed intake (FI) decrease was calculated relative to individual FI of pigs before the challenge (d -4 dpc). Pearson correlations (Figure 1) were performed using the ggpubr package of R Software, and means were compared using a mixed model. Initial PM, LM, and treatment had no influence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) on the average FI reduction during 7 dpc, which was on average 20% less for both treatments (Table 1). However, PM was 8%, and PD was 15% greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) AA+ than CN pigs, without changes in lipid deposition. Although the IgG and IgA serum concentrations were not influenced by the initial PM and LM (P &amp;gt; 0.05), pigs with increased IgG concentration at 7 dpc presented lower PD for both AA+ (r = -0.64; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and CN (r = -0.58; P &amp;lt; 0.01) treatments. The Pearson correlation indicates that less IgG was synthesized per unit of protein deposited in AA+ pigs, suggesting that AA+ diet might have impaired the systemic immune response and improved PD. The concentration of IgA in blood at 7 dpc had no correlation (r = -0.27; P &amp;gt; 0.05) with PD in CN fed pigs, whereas increased IgA at d 7 resulted in decreased PD at d 28 for AA+ pigs (r = -0.68; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Likely because IgA has a greater Thr content in its composition, the AA+ diet provided a better AA profile for its synthesis. Additionally, LD decreased proportionally to PD, suggesting increases in energetic costs not linked to FI, but rather to the immune system energetic expenses during the enteric challenge. Increasing Trp, Thr and Met ratio attenuates the inflammatory response and improves nutrient utilization and PD in challenged pigs.

Comparison of weekly gluten immunogenic peptide measurement and conventional tools to assess adherence to the gluten-free diet in celiac disease: An observational prospective study

BackgroundAdherence to the gluten-free diet (GFD) is critical to achieving symptom control and mucosal healing in celiac disease (CeD), but its assessment is difficult. ObjectivesWe sought to compare stool gluten immunogenic peptides (GIPs) measurements over a 4-wk period with conventional tools commonly used to monitor compliance with a GFD. MethodsConsecutive adult patients with CeD attending the Small Bowel Section of the Buenos Aires Gastroenterology Hospital were invited to this observational study and were instructed to collect stool samples on Fridays for 4 consecutive weeks. Weekly mean stool GIP concentration was measured was estimated. GIP results were compared with a self-assessment scale of adherence, specific CeD serology, the celiac symptom index, and the assessment by an expert dietitian. ResultsFifty-three CeD patients were enrolled and those with stool GIP ≥0.65 μg/g/wk (n = 13; 24.5%) had higher serum concentrations of IgA deamidated gliadin peptides (DGPs) antibodies [69 (29–109) compared with 14 (13–29); P = 0.0005] and IgA tissue transglutaminase [42 (14–200) compared with 10 (7–16); P = 0.02], higher proportion of cases with IgA DGP antibodies >20 AU/mL (84.6% compared with 33.3%; P = 0.002), and a higher self-estimated adherence score [5 (4–9) compared with 9 (7–10); P = 0.003]. GIP did not correlate with celiac symptom index scores (55.6% compared with 30.8%; P = 0.9). Expert dietitian assessment identified 69% [odds ratio (OR): 5.25; 95% CI: 1.1–27.2; P = 0.01] of nonadherent cases when high stool GIP. Logistic regression analysis determined that IgA DGP (adjusted OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.01–1.11; P = 0.02) and males (adjusted OR: 28.3; 95% CI: 1.1–722.6; P = 0.04) were independently associated with excessive gluten exposure. ConclusionsWeekly stool GIP identifies gluten exposure that is not always detected by commonly used GFD adherence assessment methods. The higher the concentration of stool GIP, the better the predictive value of serology and dietitian interviews. Stool GIP is a useful and practical test for GFD monitoring, particularly for risky gluten exposure in real-life scenarios.

Immune system dysfunction in purulent inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area in pediatric patients

The issues of treatment of purulent inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial region (PMMA) are quite urgent, due to increasing number of such patients. Their clinical course is getting worse, and the efficiency of antibiotic therapy is decreasing. Clinical outcomes of purulent maxillofacial pathology in children are complicated by potential severe local deformities at the growth areas of the jaw bones which are difficult to eliminate. The number of cases of prolonged and chronic inflammatory processes, development of local and general complications is increased. The reason for these complications may be an impaired susceptibility to infectious agents, which is determined by the state of the immune system. Therefore, our aim was to reveal some features of immune functions in children with purulent-inflammatory diseases of maxillofacial area.&#x0D; The study included a group of pediatric patients 8-17 years old with maxillofacial inflammatory diseases of the maxilla (the study group), and 13 conditionally healthy children (the comparison group). The contents of T cells (CD3+CD19-, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+), and В cells (CD3-CD19+), NK (CD3-CD16+CD56+) was determined using Cytomics FC-500 (Beckman Coulter, USA);concentrations of serum IgA, IgM, IgG were determined by ELISA technique (Vector-Best, Russia). Phagocytic activity of neutrophilic granulocytes (NG) was evaluated as percentage of actively phagocytic NGs, capturing processes were assessed by appropriate phagocytic indices, and the digestive activity was evaluated against S. aureus (strain 209).&#x0D; Combined defects of immune response in children with maxillofacial hypertension were established: decrease of T lymphocytes contents along with decrease of T helpers and CTL ratio along with unchanged content of NK cells and B lymphocytes. Increase of IgA and IgG levels was also found. Defects of phagocytosis were revealed, primarily connected with the processes of completed phagocytosis and increased content of actively phagocytizing NG.&#x0D; Treatment of children suffering with purulent inflammatory diseases of maxillofacial region is still an urgent problem in dentistry. The revealed dysfunction of immune response to pathogens in the purulent maxillofacial disorders may explain a prolonged clinical course of inflammatory processes, thus determining a need for usage of immunotropic therapy in complex treatment schedules including operative aid as well as conventional drug and physiotherapeutic treatment aiming for increase of rehabilitation efficiency and prevention of postoperative complications in these patients.