Immunoglobulin IgG Research Articles

P75NTR Ectodomain Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits and Pathologies in a Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Deprivation Mice Model

The neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR) is a circadian rhythm regulator and mediates cognitive deficits induced by sleep deprivation (SD). The soluble extracellular domain of p75NTR (p75ECD) has been shown to exert a neuroprotective function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and depression animal models. Nevertheless, the role of p75ECD in SD-induced cognitive dysfunction is unclear. In the present study we administrated p75ECD-Fc (10, 3 mg/kg), a recombinant fusion protein of human p75ECD and fragment C of immunoglobulin IgG1, to treat mice via intraperitoneal injection. The results revealed that peripheral supplementation of high-dose p75ECD-Fc (10 mg/kg) recovered the balance between Aβ and p75ECD in the hippocampus and rescued the cognitive deficits in SD mice. We also found that p75ECD-Fc ameliorated other pathologies induced by SD, including neuronal apoptosis, synaptic plasticity impairment and neuroinflammation. The current study suggests that p75ECD-Fc is a potential candidate for SD and peripheral supplementation of p75ECD-Fc may be a prospective preventive measure for cognitive decline in SD.

Analysis of the 2017-2018 Rift valley fever outbreak in Yirol East County, South Sudan: a one health perspective.

Introductionthe emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases have threatened both human and animal health globally since their identification in the 20th century. Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus is a recurrent zoonotic disease in South Sudan, with the earliest RVF cases confirmed in 2007 in Kapoeta North County, Eastern Equatoria state.Methodswe analyzed national RVF outbreak data to describe the epidemiological pattern of the RVF outbreak in Yirol East county in Lakes State. The line list of cases (confirmed, probable, suspected, and non-cases) was used to describe the pattern and risk factors associated with the outbreak. The animal and human blood samples were tested using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (Immunoglobulin IgG and IgM) and Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Qualitative data were collected from weekly RVF situation reports, and national guidelines and policies.Resultsbetween December 2017 and December 2018, 58 suspected human RVF cases were reported. The cases were reclassified based on laboratory and investigations results, such that as of 16th December 2018, there were a total of six (10.3%) laboratory-confirmed, three (5.2%) probable, one (1.7%) suspected, and 48 (82.8%) non-cases were reported. A total of four deaths were reported during the outbreak (case fatality rate (CFR) 6.8% (4/58). A total of 28 samples were collected from animals; of these, six tested positives for RVF (positivity rate of 32.1% (9/28). The outbreak was announced in March 2018, after four months of the first reported suspected RVF case. Several factors were attributed to the delayed notification and outbreak announcement such as lack of multi-sectorial coordination at the state and county level, multi-sectoral coordination at national level mostly attended by public health experts from human health, inadequate animal health surveillance, poor coordination between livestock disease surveillance and public health surveillance, limited in-country laboratory diagnostic capacity, the laboratory results for the animal health took longer than expected, and lack of a national One Health approach strategy.Conclusionthe outbreak demonstrated gaps to investigate and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks in South Sudan.

Chapter 12a: Epidemiology by country – an overview

TBE is a flavivirus infection of the central nervous system (CNS), transmitted by ticks and in some rare instances by ingestion of unpasteurized milk. It is diagnosed in the forested belts of Northern Eurasia ranging from the UK, eastern France, The Netherlands and Norway down to Italy through central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Kazakhstan, and China to Japan. About 10,000 cases of TBE are reported annually, likely a significant underestimate as serological testing is more sporadic than complete and in some countries and, in some countries, (like Japan) not even available. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have put TBE on their list of notifiable diseases. Their case definition requires clinical symptoms of CNS infection plus virological or serological confirmation of the infection, usually by detection of specific immunoglobulins IgG and IgM. Vaccination against TBE is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. Surveillance of TBE and the TBEV is incomplete. Reported incidences do not reflect actual risk since this fluctuates annually as a result of changes in exposure, vaccine uptake, intensity of case finding and reporting, climate factors, reservoir animals and ticks - just to mention the most relevant factors. For largely unknown reasons (including human behavior, improved diagnostics, or climate change) TBEV appears to be spreading north, east, west, even south and to higher altitudes to areas that were previously believed to be free of the virus.

P-162 Atezolizumab and bevacizumab pre-liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond Milan criteria

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the second most common cause of cancer-related death and accounts for over 80% of primary liver cancers worldwide. Curative treatment options include surgical resection in patients with well-compensated liver function and radiofrequency ablation in small tumors. However, in 90% of patients, HCC occurs in the setting of cirrhosis where optimal management remains liver transplantation (LT) with 5-year survival rates of approximately 80%. Atezolizumab is a humanized immunoglobulin Ig G1 monoclonal antibody that targets PD L1 and inhibits the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptors, PD-1 and B7-1 (CD80), both of which function as inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells.

Heterogeneity of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histologically determined condition of the male body and is characterized by glandular-stromal multi-focal proliferation originating from the paraurethral and (or) transition zone of the prostate gland. Proliferative processes in the body are under the control of the immune system. Identifying and understanding the immunological aspects of prostatic hyperplasia can help control prostate tissue growth, improving men's quality of life. The aim of our study was to conduct a pilot study, assessment of the immune status of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Materials and methods. The study included patients having stage 2 BPH (according to Guyon’s updated classification system (n=8)) and patients who did not have clinical and morphological manifestations of BPH. The subjects underwent standard examinations in accordance with the clinical protocol of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus. The immunogram indicators included: the main subpopulations of lymphocytes (CD3 T lymphocytes, CD4 T helper cells, CD8 T cytotoxic lymphocytes), the ratio of Th/Tc, CD19 B lymphocytes, the level of serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA and circulating immunocomplexes (CIC), as well as phagocytic index and phagocytic number. Results. Patients with BPH had statistically lower levels in the number of phagocytosed units compared to the patients without BPH. Furthermore, patients with BPH have highly variable results for immune system indices. Thus, the ratio of Th/Tc ranged from 1,3 to 2,3 units, and the level of CIC – from 10 to more than 300 units. The variability of the results obtained allowed us to divide patients with BPH into two groups: first group (n=3) with normal indices for levels of CIC and for the ratio of Th/Tc; the second group (n=5) with the indices for levels of CIC and for the ratio of Th/Tc that significantly exceeded the reference values. None of the patients in the second group had a concomitant autoimmune disease. Conclusions. Patients with BPH have a dysfunction of the immune system. Even having such a small number of enrolled subjects, it is possible to form subtypes of patients with BPH – they are future phenotypes. The study aiming at finding immunological disorders in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia should be continued.

The Effect of Vegetable Oils on some Physiological Traits in Adult Male Rats

The study was conducted in the animal house at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine/ Tikrit University to investigate the effect of different concentrations of four types obtained from Al-Emad oil production company, which is grape seed oil, pumpkin oil, black seed oil and olive oil, with two types of commercial oils obtained from local markets, namely sunflower oil and corn oil, on some physiological characteristics of adult male rats with a number of 28 animal which had been divided in to 7 Groups , each one contained 4 animals. Animals underwent a lightening cycle which has been divided into 12 light hour and 12 dark hour, with a fixed temperature at 25± 2 º C. Animals had been left for one week to be adapted with the new conditions and to be sure of diseases privation. Food and water had been given continuously by oral dosing with sufficient quantities along the period of the process. The results have shown a significant increase in the gained weight of laboratory animals. There is also an increase in the total number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, granulosa cells, lymphocytes and platelets when adding grape seed oil, nigella oil, pumpkin oil and olive oil. And a decrease in the number of white blood cells compared to the addition of sunflower oil and corn oil. There is also an increase in the values of immunoglobulins IgA, IgM, IgE and IgG When adding grape seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, black seed oil and olive oil and a decrease in the values of the liver enzymes (ALT) and (AST) compared to the addition of sunflower oil and corn oil.

Characterization of lesions in the temporal muscle and the male reproductive system (epididymis and testicle) of dogs experimentally infected with Leishmania infantum with different clinical stages

Leishmaniosis is a zoonotic disease with a very complex pathogenesis modulated by the interaction between the parasite, the vector and the host. Although the pathological characteristics have been extensively studied in the typically affected organs, some locations such as muscles and reproductive organs have been less studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of lesions in the temporal muscle and the male reproductive organs (testicle and epididymis) and correlate their characteristics with the presence of the parasite and with the clinical status of the dogs. The temporal muscle was studied in 25 infected beagle dogs (nine females and 16 males) and five uninfected control dogs (two females and three males) and the testicle and epididymis in the 19 males. Dogs were euthanized one year after infection and clinical signs, anti-Leishmania serum antibodies, and lymph node parasite load were assessed. Muscular and reproductive lesions were characterized by H&E and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The presence of the parasite in the lesions was evaluated using IHC and molecular techniques.Myositis was observed in 72% (18/25) of the dogs and was characterized by lymphoplasmacytic or histiocytic lesions. Mild and severe lesions were detected, the latter being statistically associated with the presence of the parasite and with the clinical status of the dogs. Orchitis was observed in 50% (8/16) of the dogs and was mainly mild and lymphoplasmacytic. No statistical relationship was found between testicular lesions and the presence of the parasite or the clinical status. Epididymitis was observed in 87.5% (14/16) of the dogs, and the lesions were often infiltrated by numerous histiocytes and neutrophils. Epididymal lesions were statistically associated with the clinical status of the dogs and with the presence of the parasite in the lesions. IgG and IgM immunoglobulins were found in all lesions, suggesting a local immune response with reactivation of the infection. Leishmania was more frequently detected in severe and histiocytic lesions, although some lesions had no detectable parasites.These results have shown that lesions in the temporal muscle, epididymis, and testicles are common in dogs infected by Leishmania infantum and that dogs may show a different response to infection. This response is characterized by varying degrees of cellular and immune responses associated with a variable presence of the parasite.

Micro-Fourier-transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy as tool for probing IgG glycosylation in COVID-19 patients

It has been reported that patients diagnosed with COVID-19 become critically ill primarily around the time of activation of the adaptive immune response. However the role of antibodies in the worsening of disease is not obvious. Higher titers of anti-spike immunoglobulin IgG1 associated with low fucosylation of the antibody Fc tail have been associated to excessive inflammatory response. In contrast it has been also reported that NP-, S-, RBD- specific IgA, IgG, and IgM are not associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load, indicating that there is no obvious correlation between antibody response and viral antigen detection. In the present work the micro-Fourier-transform infrared reflectance spectroscopy (micro-FTIR) was employed to investigate blood serum samples of healthy and COVID-19-ill (mild or oligosymptomatic) individuals (82 healthcare workers volunteers in “Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas”, São Paulo, Brazil). The molecular-level-sensitive, multiplexing quantitative and qualitative FTIR data probed on 1 µL of dried biofluid was compared to signal-to-cutoff index of chemiluminescent immunoassays CLIA and ELISA (IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2). Our main result indicated that 1702–1785 hbox {cm}^{-1} spectral window (carbonyl C=O vibration) is a spectral marker of the degree of IgG glycosylation, allowing to probe distinctive sub-populations of COVID-19 patients, depending on their degree of severity. The specificity was 87.5 % while the detection rate of true positive was 100%. The computed area under the receiver operating curve was equivalent to CLIA, ELISA and other ATR-FTIR methods (>0.85). In summary, overall discrimination of healthy and COVID-19 individuals and severity prediction as well could be potentially implemented using micro-FTIR reflectance spectroscopy on blood serum samples. Considering the minimal and reagent-free sample preparation procedures combined to fast (few minutes) outcome of FTIR we can state that this technology is suitable for fast screening of immune response of individuals with COVID-19. It would be an important tool in prospective studies, helping investigate the physiology of the asymptomatic, oligosymptomatic, or severe individuals and measure the extension of infection dissemination in patients.

Case Study on Severe Adverse Drug Reactions Caused by Rituximab

Rituximab is a chimeric IgG1 immunoglobulin that attacks B cells' CD20 molecules. Its efficiency in the treatment of B cell malignant proliferative illness has been proven since 1997. Rituximab is also used to treat autoimmune illnesses involving B cells, such as autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren's syndrome (SS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (SLE). A 19-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with complaints of painful raw lesions all over the body for 6 months, burning sensation of eyes with redness, fever for 10 days. On Day 4 of admission, the patient was started on Injection Rituximab, and the patient had variations in ECG observed, complaint of fever, associated with chills, tachycardia and insomnia, observed on the very first day of use. Each form of HSR has its own set of characteristics, as well as its own course and management. In terms of a tailored and exact approach, the new proposed classification appears to have clinical implications. Skin tests are the first stage in the diagnostic process, and if they are negative, DPT should be performed if appropriate settings are available. As a result, the desensitisation strategy requires more awareness and acceptance.

Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Six Immunoassays in Pediatric and Adult Patients 12 Weeks After COVID-19

IntroductionSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific humoral immune persistence has been proposed to be affected by patients’ characteristics. Moreover, available conflicting assay results are needed to be settled through comparative research with defined clinical specimens.MethodsThis prospective study investigated SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies among 43 adults and 34 children at a mean of 12 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms using six serological assays and compared their performance. We used two Euroimmun (Euroimmun, Luebeck, Germany), two automated Roche Elecsys (Basel, Switzerland), and two rapid immuno-chromatographic Ecotest (Matrix Diagnostics, Assure Tech. (Hangzhou) Co., L, China) assays to investigate SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.ResultsThe findings showed that the Roche Elecsys anti-S total test yielded the best positivity/sensitivity (children 94.1% and adults 93.0%; p = 0.877) while five immunoglobulin IgG targeting assays had similar positivity/sensitivity between children (88.2% to 94.1%) and adults (88.4% to 93.0%) (p > 0.05). Although IgM positivity was relatively low (p < 0.001), it was found in the majority of our pediatric and adult patients (67.6% and 86.0%, respectively; p = 0.098). SARS-CoV-2 S IgG titers were found to be higher among males in pediatric and adult groups compared to females (p = 0.027 and p = 0.041, respectively). Furthermore, we observed significantly higher antibody titers among pneumonia patients (p = 0.001).ConclusionOverall, we concluded SARS-CoV-2 antibody persistence over an average of 12 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. While automated Roche Elecsys total antibody assays yielded the best sensitivity (> 90%) and five assays targeting IgG had acceptable performance. Patients with pneumonia and males have higher antibody titers. The effect of antibody persistence on re-infections should be monitored in longitudinal studies.

Validation of rapid antibody (IgG-IgM) test kit for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Qatar.

Background: In response to the growing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the shortage of laboratory based molecular testing capacity and reagents, multiple diagnostic test manufacturers have developed rapid and easy to use devices to facilitate testing outside laboratory settings. These kits are either based on detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2 virus or detection of antigen or human antibodies generated in response to the infection. However, it is important to understand their performance characteristics and they must be validated in the local population setting.Design and methods: The objective is to assess the validity of the rapid test for IgG and IgM immunoglobulins compared to the current gold standard reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. A total of 16951 asymptomatic individuals were tested by the Ministry of Public Health track-and-trace team using both rapid immunodiagnostic test and RT-PCR as part of screening across various random settings with potential risk of community interaction prior to gradual lifting of restrictions in Qatar. Rapid test was considered to be posiive if both IgG and IgM are positive, while only IgG/IgM positive was considered as rapid test negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.Results: The sensitivity of rapid test kit was found to be 0.9%, whereas the specificity was found to be 97.8%. the PPV was found to be 0.3% whereas the NPV was found to be 99.4%.Conclusions: Based on the outcome and results of the study, it appears that the sensitivity and PPV of the rapid antibody test are low. As such, this test is not recommended for use to assist in taking clinic-based decisions or decisions related to quarantine/isolation. Significance for public health It is important to understand the performance characteristics of the Rapid Antibody (IgG-IgM) kits and they must be validated in the local population setting before they can be recommended for use.

Spirulina platensis and biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles improve performance, antioxidant status, humoral immunity and dietary and ileal microbial populations of heat-stressed broilers

This study was conducted to assess the impact of dietary incorporation of Spirulina platensis and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) individually or in combinations on growth performance, antioxidant status, humoral immune response, and microbial populations in diet and ileum of heat-stressed broilers. Ross-308 one-day chicks (n = 450) were fed one of 9 experimental diets with five replicate cages in 2 phases for 35 d. The experimental diets were a control basal diet without supplementation or with 0.1 mg SeNPs, 0.2 mg SeNPs, 5 g Spirulina, 10 g Spirulina, 0.1 mg SeNPs + 5 g Spirulina, 0.1 mg SeNPs + 10 g Spirulina, 0.2 mg SeNPs + 5 g Spirulina and 0.2 mg SeNPs + 10 g Spirulina per kg diet. Dietary supplementation with Spirulina and SeNPs significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight gain and European production efficiency factor. Serum GPx and SOD were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with dietary Spirulina and SeNPs supplementation, while, TBARS was decreased (P < 0.05). Circulating immunoglobulin IgM, IgA and IgG were increased in treated birds compared to the control ones, while the antibody titers to IBD, AIV, and NDV were not significantly altered. The results showed that SeNPs and Spirulina exhibited dose-dependent antimicrobial activities against ileal counts of total bacterial, total molds and yeast, coliform, E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Enterococcus spp. However, ileal populations of Lactic acid bacteria were increased with dietary Spirulina and SeNPs in a dose-dependent manner. The microbial load in broilers' diets was reduced by dietary incorporation of S. platensis and SeNPs. These results indicate that Spirulina and SeNPs can be potentially used as growth promoters and antioxidant, immunostimulant, and antimicrobial agents in heat-stressed broilers.

Red Blood Cell Abnormalities as the Mirror of SARS-CoV-2 Disease Severity: A Pilot Study.

PurposeUnraveling the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease is of crucial importance for designing treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the disease on erythrocytes (RBCs) and to correlate the findings with disease severity.Materials and MethodsHospitalized patients (n = 36) with COVID-19 and control group of healthy volunteers (n = 18) were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical, laboratory and chest Computed Tomography (CT) findings at time of admission were recorded. Laboratory measurements included: Hemoglobin (H b), indirect billirubin, LDH, D-Dimers, and plasma free hemoglobin (plasma free-Hb). On RBCs were performed: osmotic fragility (MCF), Free-Hb after mechanical stress (Free-Hb-MECH), intracellular RBC concentration of calcium ions (iCa2+), intracellular ROS (iROS), G6PD, intracellular active caspase-3 (RBC-caspase-3), IgG immunoglobulins (RBC-IgGs), which are bound on RBCs’ senescent neo-antigen proteins and RBC surface phosphatidylserine (RBC-PS).ResultsThe percentage of males was 50 and 66% and the mean age was 65.16 ± 14.24 and 66.33 ± 13.48 years among patients and controls respectively (mean ± SD, p = 0.78). Upon admission patients’ PO2/FiO2 ratio was 305.92 ± 76.75 and distribution of infiltration extend on chest CT was: 0–25% (N = 19), 25–50%: (N = 7), and 50–75% (N = 9). Elevated hemolysis markers (LDH and plasma free-Hb) were observed in patients compared to the control group. Patients’ RBCs were more sensitive to mechanical stress, and exhibited significantly elevated apoptotic markers (iCa2+, RBC-PS). Plasma free Hb levels correlated with the extend of pulmonary infiltrates on chest CT in COVID-19 patients. Surprisingly, patients’ RBC-iROS were decreased, a finding possibly related with the increased G6PDH levels in this group, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism against the virus. This compensatory mechanism seemed to be attenuated as pulmonary infiltrates on chest CT deteriorated. Furthermore, RBC-IgGs correlated with the severity of pulmonary CT imaging features as well as the abnormality of lung function, which are both associated with increased disease severity. Lastly, patients’ D-Dimers correlated with RBC surface phosphatidylserine, implying a possible contribution of the red blood cells in the thrombotic diathesis associated with the SARS-CoV-2 disease.ConclusionThis pilot study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection has an effect on red blood cells and there seems to be an association between RBC markers and disease severity in these patients.

An open-label, pilot study to evaluate the benefits of using lyophilized human milk-derived nutritional product (NeoLact 70 – 1.55 g) as an immune-nutritional supplement in premature infants discharged from NICU

Background: Premature and low birth weight (LBW) infants are at increased risk of having inadequate growth in post-discharge periods. In this study, lyophilized human milk was used as an immune-nutrition supplement along with breastfeeding for a period of 1 month in preterm infants discharged from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Objectives: Primary objective was to assess the percentage change in serum immunoglobulins for the duration of supplementation, and secondary objectives were to correlate changes in immunoglobulins to number of episodes of infections including respiratory infections and diarrhea, requirement of antibiotics, weight gain, and episodes of feed intolerance during the study period. Methods: A total of 10 preterm and LBW infants were included in the study at the time of discharge from NICU after satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The serum immunoglobulins were estimated at baseline and at end of the study, other parameters such as episodes of infections, feed intolerance, and weight gain were recorded on the weekly follow-up visits. All the infants received supplementation with NeoLact 70 – 1.55 g on a TID frequency along with the regular breastfeeding for a period of 1-month post-discharge from NICU and were followed up on a weekly basis. Results: Ten infants completed the study, mean birth weight and gestational age were 1779.4±576 gm and 33.5±4.9 weeks, respectively. There was increase in immunoglobulins IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgM by 38.29%, 85.36%, 17.45%, and 48.25%, respectively, from baseline to end of study. None of the infants experienced feeding intolerance, diarrhea, abdominal distension, fever, respiratory infections, or rehospitalizations, none of the infants required antibiotics or probiotics during the study period. The average weight gain in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week of supplementation was 28.42 g/day, 31.57 g/day, 35.17 g/day, and 39.24 g/day, respectively, with a mean weight gain of 30.4 g/day achieved for the entire duration of the study. Conclusion: The immune-nutritional supplementation with lyophilized human milk (NeoLact 70 – 1.55 g) helps to ensure exclusive human milk diet post-discharge and reduce the risk of infections, diarrhea, and rehospitalization through the enhancement of immunoglobulins and ensuring optimal weight gain. However, these results should be confirmed through multicentric studies with larger sample size. Supplementation with NeoLact 70 – 1.55 g can clinically benefit premature and LBW infants post-discharge.

Study of the resistance of cows with mastitis depending on the age of lactation

Relevance.The breeding stock and young cattle in the conditions of industrial technology of animal husbandry experience an increased antigenic load, which leads to disturbances in the immune status and the development of inflammatory processes manifested by endometritis and mastitis, diarrheal and respiratory syndromes. It was relevant to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the immunological reactivity of the animal’s body according to the state of resistance in cattle with clinical and subclinical mastitis, depending on the age of lactation. As a result of complex studies, the specific and nonspecific reactivity of the body of cattle in different periods of lactation was studied.Methods.The object of the study were cows of a black-and-white Holstein breed (n = 450). Groups of animals were formed according to the age of lactation:1st lactation, 2–3rd lactation, 3–4th lactation and for health reasons: clinically healthy animals, with subclinical mastitis and clinical mastitis. Milk samples were taken from cows to count the number of somatic cells, and blood to determine the quantitative content of IgG immunoglobulin and indicators of nonspecific resistance.Results.It was found that with mastitis in cows of different lactation ages, almost identical changes in the immune status were observed. Quantitative determination of IgG levels in animal blood serum is the basis for assessing the immunity of cattle. The immune status in clinically healthy animals was characterized by a higher level of the total amount of IgG immunoglobulin in the blood serum (amounted to 22.25 ± 0.70 mg/ml), whereas in cows with a subclinical form of mastitis, the level of IgG immunoglobulin decreased by 12.3%, with a clinical form of mastitis — by 17.2%. The results also showed that in cows of different lactations with subclinical and clinical mastitis, the bactericidal activity (by 10.8%) and the lysozyme activity of the blood increased significantly (by 8.22%). In cows with clinical mastitis — by 8.6% and 9.7% respectively, compared with the indicators in groups of healthy animals. Thus, mastitis, occurring in acute and subacute form, leads to a decrease in the resistance of the cows’ organism.

DPRLR causes differences in immune responses between early and late feathering chickens after ALV-J infection

To understand the differences in immune responses between early feathering (EF) and late feathering (LF) chickens after infection with avian leukosis virus, subgroup J (ALV-J), we monitored the levels of prolactin, growth hormone and the immunoglobulins IgG and IgM in the serum of LF and EF chickens for 8 weeks. Moreover, we analysed the expression of immune-related genes in the spleen and the expression of PRLR, SPEF2 and dPRLR in the immune organs and DF-1 cells by qRT–PCR. The results showed that ALV-J infection affected the expression of prolactin, growth hormone, IgG and IgM in the serum. Regardless of whether LF and EF chickens were infected with ALV-J, the serum levels of the two hormones and two immunoglobulins in EF chickens were higher than those in LF chickens (P < 0.05). However, the expression of immune-related genes in the spleen of positive LF chickens was higher than that in the spleen of positive EF chickens. In the four immune organs, PRLR and SPEF2 expression was also higher in LF chickens than in EF chickens. Furthermore, the dPRLR expression of positive LF chickens was higher than that of negative LF chickens. After infection with ALV-J, the expression of PRLR in DF-1 cells significantly increased. In addition, overexpression of PRLR or dPRLR in DF-1 cells promoted replication of ALV-J. These results suggested that the susceptibility of LF chickens to ALV-J might be induced by dPRLR.

The Clinical Efficacy of Chemotherapy Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer and Its Influence on Cellular Immunity, Serum CEA, and TNF-α.

Background This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine in patients with cervical cancer and its effect on cellular immunoglobulin, serum sugar chain antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Methods Conventional chemotherapy was performed in control and observation groups. Meantime, the observation group received traditional Chinese medicine. Finally, the clinical efficacy, immunoglobulin, serum tumor markers, and serum TNF-α of the two groups were compared. Results Compared with the control group, total effective rate in the observation group was increased. After treatment, serum CD8+, TNF-α, CA125, and CEA levels were reduced in the two groups, and the observation group was higher. In the two groups, CD3+ and CD4+ levels were enhanced after treatment, and the observation group was also higher. Compared with the control group, the immunoglobulin IgG, IgA, and IgM levels increased in the observation group. The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was reduced compared to the control group. Conclusion Chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese can help improve the clinical efficacy and immunity in patients with cervical cancer. Moreover, the safety and feasibility of the treatment method are relatively high.

Effects of Antimicrobial Peptide Microcin C7 on Growth Performance, Immune and Intestinal Barrier Functions, and Cecal Microbiota of Broilers.

Microcin C7 is an antimicrobial peptide produced by Escherichia coli, composed of a heptapeptide with a modified adenosine monophosphate. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of Microcin C7 as a potential substrate to traditional antibiotics on growth performance, immune functions, intestinal barrier, and cecal microbiota of broilers. In the current study, 300 healthy Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments including a corn–soybean basal diet and basal diet supplemented with antibiotic or 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg Microcin C7. Results showed that Microcin C7 significantly decreased the F/G ratio of broilers; significantly increased the levels of serum cytokine IL-10, immunoglobulins IgG and IgM, and ileal sIgA secretion; significantly decreased the level of serum cytokine TNF-α. Microcin C7 significantly increased villus height and V/C ratio and significantly decreased crypt depth in small intestine of broilers. Microcin C7 significantly increased gene expression of tight junction protein Occludin and ZO-1 and significantly decreased gene expression of pro-inflammatory and chemokine TNF-α, IL-8, IFN-γ, Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4, and downstream molecular MyD88 in the jejunum of broilers. Microcin C7 significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus and decreased the number of total bacteria and Escherichia coli in the cecum of broilers. Microcin C7 also significantly increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and lactic acid levels in the ileum and cecum of broilers. In conclusion, diet supplemented with Microcin C7 significantly improved growth performance, strengthened immune functions, enhanced intestinal barrier, and regulated cecal microbiota of broilers. Therefore, the antimicrobial peptide Microcin C7 may have the potential to be an ideal alternative to antibiotic.

Immune profile and responses of a novel dengue DNA vaccine encoding an EDIII-NS1 consensus design based on Indo-African sequences

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need to tackle viral variants, expand the number of antigens, and assess diverse delivery systems for vaccines against emerging viruses. In the present study, a DNA vaccine candidate was generated by combining in tandem envelope protein domain III (EDIII) of dengue virus serotypes 1–4 and a dengue virus (DENV)-2 non-structural protein 1 (NS1) protein-coding region. Each domain was designed as a serotype-specific consensus coding sequence derived from different genotypes based on the whole genome sequencing of clinical isolates in India and complemented with data from Africa. This sequence was further optimized for protein expression. In silico structural analysis of the EDIII consensus sequence revealed that epitopes are structurally conserved and immunogenic. The vaccination of mice with this construct induced pan-serotype neutralizing antibodies and antigen-specific T cell responses. Assaying intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ staining, immunoglobulin IgG2(a/c)/IgG1 ratios, and immune gene profiling suggests a strong Th1-dominant immune response. Finally, the passive transfer of immune sera protected AG129 mice challenged with a virulent, non-mouse-adapted DENV-2 strain. Our findings collectively suggest an alternative strategy for dengue vaccine design by offering a novel vaccine candidate with a possible broad-spectrum protection and a successful clinical translation either as a stand alone or in a mix and match strategy.

Effect pf Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Feed Component on the Redox and Immune System of Pregnant Sows and their Offspring

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the effect of dried fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for sows on blood redox and immunological parameters, taking into account the physiological period (pregnancy or lactation) and age (primiparous vs multiparous sows). The experiment also aimed to determine how FRSM administered to pregnant sows, affects the antioxidant and immune systems of piglets. The animals were divided into 4 groups of 15 animals each. Control groups of primiparous (CG) and multiparous sows (CS) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows. Experimental groups of primiparous (EG) and multiparous sows (ES) received feed with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to day 100 of gestation, 9% share of FRSM from day 100 of gestation to day 7 of lactation, and then again 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. In the blood plasma of pregnant sows fed diet with FRSM addition, higher FRAP value and vitamin C, uric acid (UA), immunoglobulin IgG content, lymphocytes (LYM) count and a lower content of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides (LOH), immunoglobulin IgM was noted than in the blood plasma of control sows. Both primiparous and multiparous lactation sows whose feed included FRSM had higher catalase (CAT) activity, higher FRAP, vitamin C, immunoglobulin IgG and IL-6 content, and lower UA content than the control sows. Piglets born to sows fed diet with FRSM addition had significantly higher FRAP values, vitamin C, IgG, and IL-6 content and white blood cells (WBC) count and lower MDA and UA content in the blood plasma than piglets born to sows from control group. Multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows had higher CAT activity, and higher vitamin C, LOH, creatinine (CREAT), and IgM content. Elevated FRAP, and CREAT levels and reduced MDA content were also observed in the plasma of the multiparous sows compared to primiparous sows during lactation. Multiparous lactation sows compared to primiparous sows had lower WBC count, and IgG and IgM content. Piglets born to multiparous sows had higher FRAP values, LOH content and IgA content while lower MDA content compared to piglets born to primiparous sows. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in feed for sows significantly stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. The inclusion of dried fermented rapeseed meal in the diet of sows stimulates antioxidant processes in primiparous and multiparous sows and in their piglets. This is responsible for stimulation of the immune system (increased LYM counts and IgG titres in the blood plasma). The improved antioxidant status in the plasma suggests that dried fermented rapeseed meal stimulated the immune system of pregnant and lactating sows and their newborn offspring.