Immune Parameters Research Articles

Fermentation of Sargassum ilicifolium with Probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Enhances Growth, Immunity, and Gene Expression in Rainbow Trout Before and After Challenge with Streptococcus iniae.

This study investigates the effect of Sargassum ilicifolium algae fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae probiotics on growth, immunity, gene expression, and digestive and antioxidant enzymes before and after challenge with Streptococcus iniae in trout. Trout (50.69 ± 1.33g) were fed with different percentages of S. ilicifolium (SI) powder over an 8-week trial. The supplements included both unfermented (SI 0.5%, SI 1%, SI 2%) and fermented (FSI 0.5%, FSI 1%, FSI 2%) forms. A significant increase in white blood cells was observed in the group receiving 2% FSI compared to the control group (P < 0.05). All growth factors in trout notably increased with varying levels of fermented and unfermented S. ilicifolium powder compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Biochemical parameters including serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase exhibited a notable rise before the challenge with S. iniae (P < 0.05). Immune parameters, including total immunoglobulin, lysozyme, complement 3, bactericidal activity, and nitroblue tetrazolium showed increases both before and after the challenge with S. iniae (P < 0.05). Additionally, the expression levels of the insulin-like growth factor-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and Ghrelin genes showed significant increases both before and after exposure (P < 0.05). Also, antioxidant enzymes and digestive enzymes increased significantly before and after exposure (P < 0.05). All levels of unfermented and fermented, except for SI 0.5%, showed significant increases compared to the control group following the challenge with S. iniae (P < 0.05). Overall, fermented and unfermented S. ilicifolium support growth and enhance immune, antioxidant, and digestive functions in rainbow trout effectively.

Characteristics in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion and the impact on immune, coagulation, and inflammatory profiles

Objective Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA) impacts the physical and psychological well-being of women of reproductive age. This study aimed to reveal the potential mechanisms behind unexplained RSA from the perspective of glucose and lipid metabolic profiles before conception and their relationship with immune, coagulation, and inflammatory markers. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion at our gynecology department from June 2022 to June 2023. According to whether abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism exist, patients were grouped into normal group and abnormal group. The study compared the glucose and lipid metabolic characteristics, immune status, coagulation, and inflammatory parameters between two groups. Results The Abnormal Group exhibited higher fasting blood glucose, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, along with lower levels of HDL cholesterol. Additionally, alterations in immune profile parameters, including lower levels of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, NK cells, and elevated IL-6, were observed in the Abnormal Group. Regarding coagulation and inflammatory profile parameters, the Abnormal Group demonstrated prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, elevated fibrinogen and D-dimer levels, and increased platelet count, along with elevated C-reactive protein, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between the pre-pregnancy metabolic characteristics and immune, coagulation, and inflammatory profile parameters. Conclusion Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism may lead to or exacerbate unexplained RSA in some patients, and therapeutic interventions targeting glucose and lipid metabolism hold promise for improving pregnancy outcomes in this population.

Neuroticism is associated with future disease and mortality risks.

Neuroticism has been associated with numerous health outcomes. However, most research has focused on a single specific disorder and has produced controversial results, particularly regarding mortality risk. Here, we aimed to examine the association of neuroticism with morbidity and mortality and to elucidate how neuroticism affects trajectories from a healthy state, to one or more neuroticism-related disorders, and subsequent mortality risk. We included 483,916 participants from the UK Biobank at baseline (2006-2010). Neuroticism was measured using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Three clusters were constructed, including worry, depressed affect, and sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity (SESA). Cox proportional hazards regression and multistate models were used. Linear regression was used to examine the association between neuroticism and immune parameters and neuroimaging measures. High neuroticism was associated with 37 non-overlapping diseases, including increased risk of infectious, cardiometabolic, neuropsychiatric, digestive, respiratory diseases, and decreased risk of cancer. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, physical measures, healthy behaviors, and baseline diagnoses, moderate-to-high neuroticism was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality. In multistate models, high neuroticism was associated with an increased risk of transitions from a healthy state to a first neuroticism-related disease (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.09 [1.05-1.13], P <0.001) and subsequent transitions to multimorbidity (1.08 [1.02-1.14], P = 0.005), but was associated with a decreased risk of transitions from multimorbidity to death (0.90 [0.84-0.97], P for trend = 0.006). The leading neuroticism cluster showing a detrimental role in the health-illness transition was depressed affect, which correlated with higher amygdala volume and lower insula volume. The protective effect of neuroticism against mortality was mainly contributed by the SESA (sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity) cluster, which, unlike the other two clusters, did not affect the balance between innate and adaptive immunity. This study provides new insights into the differential role of neuroticism in health outcomes and into new perspectives for establishing mortality prevention programs for patients with multimorbidity.

Short-term oral zinc supplementation enhances Natural Killer cell functionality and decreases circulating Innate Lymphoid Cell counts and frequencies in healthy young adults

BackgroundZinc is an essential trace element with high importance for immune function. Previous research has shown that vegetarians and vegans are at increased risk of zinc deficiency, due to low zinc bioavailability in plant-based food. However, its effects on immune parameters in healthy adults following these diets remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of dietary patterns, serum zinc levels, and short-term oral zinc supplementation on Natural Killer (NK) cells, circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells (cILCs), and NK cell functionality in omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans.MethodsA total of 54 study participants, including 21 omnivores, 18 vegetarians, and 15 vegans were enrolled in our study. NK cell and cILC counts and frequencies were analyzed by flow cytometry and NK cell cytotoxicity assay was performed and compared between the three dietary cohorts as well as between zinc adequate (ZA) and zinc deficient (ZD) individuals. Based on serum zinc concentrations and/or Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) scores, study participants classified as ZD were supplemented with 10 mg zinc daily for 14 days. After this period, the same experiments were performed.ResultsOur results show that neither dietary patterns nor baseline zinc levels significantly affect cILC or NK cell counts, frequencies, or NK cell cytotoxicity. However, short-term oral zinc supplementation significantly reduced cILC counts and frequencies, while enhancing NK cell functionality. Here, NK cell cytotoxicity is significantly positively correlated, whereas cILC counts are negatively correlated with serum zinc concentrations. Remarkably, 72% of all study participants, including 48% of omnivores, were classified as ZD.ConclusionsSince proper NK cell functionality is required for early defense against infected or malignant cells, and cILCs act as progenitors to replenish tissue resident ILCs, which are crucial for tissue homeostasis and barrier integrity, our results suggest that routine zinc supplementation might be a simple yet effective strategy to enhance immune defense and potentially prevent diseases across different dietary groups.Trial registrationThe study was approved and registered by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen University on the 19th of July 2023 (study numbers: EK 23–148 and EK 23–234, CTC number: 23–163).

Sex-specific Associations between Immune Parameters and Clinical Symptoms in First-episode Patients with Schizophrenia.

Inflammation is linked to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The neutrophil- to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a measure of systemic inflammation, has been reported to be associated with schizophrenia. However, few studies have examined the sex-specific association between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore sex differences in NLR and its correlation with symptoms in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients. Ninety-seven FES patients and 65 control subjects were recruited. The severity of clinical symptoms was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and white blood cells were calculated. We performed a cross-sectional analysis comparing NLR in males and females in the patient and control groups. We explored its sex-specific associations with clinical symptoms in the patient group. We found that neutrophil (NEU) counts and NLR were higher in male patients compared to female patients with schizophrenia. There were no significant differences in white blood cell counts and NLR in healthy controls. Linear regression analysis showed that NEU counts were associated with clinical symptoms in male patients, and NLR correlated with symptoms in female patients after controlling for age, onset age, and years of education. Our study suggests that NLR values and NEU counts were higher in male patients compared with female patients with schizophrenia and that the association between NLR or NEU and clinical symptoms was sex-specific.

T-CELL IMMUNE RESPONSE TO SARS-COV-2 IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS 2.5-3 YEARS AFTER COVID-19

BACKGROUND: The T cell adaptive immune response is an important factor in the formation of antiviral defense against SARS-CoV-2. AIMS: Тo study T cell immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 in helthcare workers (HCWs) of a temporary infectious diseases hospital in Kazan - COVID-19 convalescents 2.5-3 years after the infection using the IGRA-ELISPOT technology – «TIGRA-Test SARS-CoV-2». METHODS: The immune response to the most immunogenic peptides S,N,ORF-3a, ORF-7a SARS-CoV-2 was studied in 91 HCWs of the city of Kazan 2.5 - 3 years after suffering from COVID-19 of varying severity and varying vaccine status. The results were recorded by the number of spots formed - imprints of one T cell secreting IFN-γ in response to antigenic stimulation. The number of spots obtained characterized the content of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 antigens and made it possible to assess the individual immune response (IR). When statistically processing the data, descriptive statistics methods and the Wilcoxon matched data test were used. Differences were considered significant at p 0.05. RESULTS: 2.5 - 3 years after undergoing COVID-19, a T-cell immune response to S protein peptides is recorded in 71%, and to structural peptides N, M, ORF3a and ORF7a in 87% of medical workers. A higher level of T cell immunity to antigens of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is observed in HCWs who have had moderate/severe COVID-19. n the asymptomatic form, the preservation of the T cell response to S-protein peptides and peptides N,M,ORF3a and ORF7a is comparable to a mild form of COVID-19. The preservation of the parameters of hybrid immunity compared to post-infectious immunity is higher, which is significant both for groups with a history of clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and for the group with asymptomatic forms. CONCLUSIONS: Our empirically established ranking of the number of spots in classes can be used to assess individual cellular immunity and stratify the risks of re-infection in HCWs. A negative result of the T cell immune response to the spike S protein antigen may be the basis for deciding whether to re-vaccinate HCWs.

Evaluation of neopterin, oxidative stress, and immune system in silicosis

Abstract Objectives The onset and advancement of silicosis are intricately linked to immune system activation and oxidative stress. We aimed to examine whether occupational silica exposure induces alterations in neopterin levels, the immune system, or the oxidant/antioxidant system. Methods Fifty-two healthy individuals, 47 workers with silica exposure who did not develop the disease, and 71 silicosis patients were included in the study, totaling 170 participants. Neopterin was measured in serum and urine. Chromatographic analysis of neopterin level was performed with Thermo Ultimate 3000 ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured in serum. Immune and oxidative stress parameters were measured by spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric methods. Results Serum neopterin levels were significantly different between the study groups, while urinary neopterin levels were not. Serum neopterin levels were significantly decreased in the silicosis group compared to the exposure and non-exposed group groups. TNF-α, IFN-γ, FGF, IL-1α, 8-OH-dG, and GR increased with silica exposure, while SOD and GPx decreased. Serum neopterin, IL-1α, GR, age, and forced expired volume (FEV1%) were found to be risk factors for silicosis development. A negative correlation existed between neopterin levels, TNF-α, and overall exposure duration. Conclusions Neopterin is applicable in the diagnosis and monitoring of oxidative stress and alterations in the immune system associated with silicosis. Thus, it can ensure that preventive measures are taken at an early stage.

Impacts of different vitamin C delivery systems (liposomal and nano-liposomal) on growth, immunity, antioxidant defense, gut health, and digestive function in grey mullet (Liza ramada)

This study investigated the effects of different forms of dietary vitamin C on growth performance, immune responses, antioxidant defense, and physiological health of grey mullet (Liza ramada, mean initial weight 40.32 ± 0.15 g, n = 3) over a 60-day feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated: a control diet devoid of vitamin C (D1) and diets supplemented with 200 mg/kg of crystalline vitamin C (L-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate, L-AMP; D2), liposomal vitamin C (D3), nano-liposomal vitamin C (D4), or a 1:1 mixture of liposomal and nano-liposomal vitamin C (D5). Fish fed D4 exhibited the highest growth performance, with significantly (P < 0.05) greater final body weight, specific growth rate, and better feed conversion ratio compared to other groups. Digestive enzyme activities were markedly enhanced in all vitamin C-treated groups, with D4 showing the highest amylase, lipase, and protease activities. The abundance of pathogenic bacteria decreased while acid-fermentative bacteria increased in the intestinal microbiota of vitamin C-supplemented groups, particularly in D4. Blood biochemical analysis revealed elevated total protein and globulin levels, reduced glucose and cortisol concentrations, and improved lipid metabolism in D3, D4, and D5. Immune parameters, including lysozyme activity and respiratory burst (NBT), were significantly higher in D4 and D5 (P < 0.05). Hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities increased, while malondialdehyde levels decreased in D4 and D5. These findings demonstrate that nano-liposomal vitamin C and its mixture with liposomal vitamin C confer significant benefits to growth, immune function, antioxidant defenses, and overall physiological health, highlighting their potential as effective dietary supplements in aquaculture.

Mizoribine or Cyclophosphamide for Lupus Nephritis

Lupus nephritis is typically treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide, which is associated with serious adverse effects. Oral mizoribine may be an alternative for induction therapy of lupus nephritis. However, large-scale, long-term, randomized clinical studies of mizoribine are lacking. To assess the efficacy and safety of oral mizoribine vs intravenous cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for Chinese patients with lupus nephritis. This prospective, multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, phase 3 randomized clinical trial recruited patients with class III, III+V, IV, IV+V, or V lupus nephritis aged 18 to 70 years from 40 centers in China. Inclusion criteria included 24-hour urinary protein level of 1.0 g or higher and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index of 8 or higher. The first patient was enrolled on November 29, 2014, and the study finished March 14, 2019. The follow-up period was 52 weeks. Data were analyzed from September 4, 2019, to January 21, 2020. Oral mizoribine (50 mg, 3 times a day) or cyclophosphamide (6 intravenous doses at 0.5-1.0 g/m2 body surface area, with a maximum dose of 1.0 g/d) for 52 weeks plus oral glucocorticoid. Total remission rate (complete remission rate plus partial remission rate) after 52 weeks (prespecified). A total of 250 patients were randomized, and 243 patients (mean [SD] age, 34.6 [10.7] years, 213 women [87.7%]) were treated (123 patients [50.6%] in the mizoribine group and 120 patients [49.4%] in the cyclophosphamide group). The total remission rate at 52 weeks was 66.1% (76 of 115 patients) in the mizoribine group and 76.8% (86 of 112 patients) in the cyclophosphamide group, and the relative risk ratio (mizoribine vs cyclophosphamide) was 0.861 (95% CI, 0.729-1.016). The lower limit of this 2-sided 95% CI was greater than the noninferiority margin of 0.726, indicating that mizoribine was noninferior to cyclophosphamide. Changes in other immune parameters and kidney function were generally similar between the groups. The incidence of any treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events was 80.5% (99 of 123 patients) in the mizoribine group and 78.7% (96 of 122 patients) in the cyclophosphamide group, and the most frequent adverse event in both groups was upper respiratory tract infection (41 patients [33.3%] and 37 patients [30.3%], respectively). This randomized clinical trial shows that compared with intravenous cyclophosphamide, oral mizoribine was noninferior and well tolerated when used with glucocorticoid for induction therapy of active lupus nephritis. Mizoribine can be used as an alternative to intravenous cyclophosphamide as induction therapy for lupus nephritis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02256150.

Alternate-day fasting differentially affects body composition, metabolic and immune response to fasting in male rats exposed to early-life adversity: Modulatory role of cafeteria diet.

The increased risk for obesity and metabolic disorders following early-life adversity is aggravated by poor diet (e.g., cafeteria diet). Alternate-day fasting (ADF) is a dietary regimen shown to improve immune and metabolic dysfunction related to obesity. Here, we evaluate if ADF can ameliorate the negative effects of early-life adversity and/or cafeteria diet on biological, immune and metabolic parameters. At weaning, animals reared under normal or adverse conditions (i.e., low bedding) were fed either standard chow or cafeteria diets ad libitum or subjected to an ADF regimen. In adulthood, we measured 24-hour fasted cholesterol, triglycerides, cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and body composition parameters including perigonadal, retroperitoneal, and brown fat pad weight. Animals exposed to early-life adversity respond differently to cafeteria diet and ADF. Adverse reared animals fed chow diet in the ADF regimen showed the largest reduction in body weight and perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat pad weight, the smallest increase in corticosterone levels, and the largest increase in TNF-α levels. However, the differential effects of the ADF regimen on body, perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat weight observed in adversely reared animals fed chow diet compared to controls were not present if the adversely reared animals were fed cafeteria diet in the ADF regimen. Furthermore, adversely reared animals fed cafeteria diet in the ADF regimen showed high IL-1β and IL-6 levels. Together, the data suggest that the altered vulnerability to metabolic and immune dysfunction following early-life adversity is not just due to the type of diet but also how the diet is consumed.

Induced swimming in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax): effects on the stress response, immune, and antioxidant status

Suitable swimming conditions can improve the growth and welfare of farmed fish. This study investigated how swimming affects immune and oxidative responses in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), an important farmed fish species in Southern Europe. Thirty-two specimens were assigned into four experimental groups with the following conditions for 6 h: steady low (L, 0.8 body lengths (BL)⋅s−1); steady high (H, 2.2 BL⋅s−1); oscillating (O, 0.8–2.2 BL⋅s−1) swimming speeds; and control non-induced to swim (C, < 0.1 BL⋅s−1). The H group exhibited higher white blood cell counts and plasma cortisol levels compared to the C and L groups. However, innate immune parameters in plasma and skin mucus showed no differences between groups. Gene expression revealed an up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines (tnfα and il1β) and igf1 in the gills of fish from H and L groups, respectively, whilst no variations were observed in the head-kidney. In the skin, tnfα was up-regulated in the L group. Moreover, the H group showed increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and higher lipid peroxidation levels in red muscle. The L group had a higher ratio of reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH: GSSG) in red muscle, suggesting enhanced antioxidant status. Under all swimming conditions, the GSH: GSSG ratio was increased in the white muscle. Conversely, hepatic markers of oxidative stress were similar among groups. Results suggest that steady swimming at 0.8 BL⋅s−1 enhanced the antioxidant status in red muscle which may be of relevance to improve the welfare of this cultured species.

Dynamic Immune Indicator Changes as Predictors of ARDS in ICU Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Study.

Understanding the dynamic changes in immune indicators during sepsis and their predictive value for Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This single-center, observational retrospective study was conducted at Lishui Central Hospital, Zhejiang Province. Patients diagnosed with Sepsis-3 were categorized into non-ARDS and ARDS groups based on ARDS development. Data collection included demographics, clinical data, and immune parameters. Immune parameters were collected on days 1, 3, and 7 post-admission. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors for ARDS, and a nomogram model was constructed. The predictive ability of the model was evaluated using ROC curves. Multivariate analysis identified key factors for the nomogram, including CD4, CD8, Treg, lymphocyte, IgG, and IgA levels on Days 3 and 7. On Day 3, CD8 (P < 0.001), Tregs (P = 0.021), IgG (P < 0.001), and IgA (P < 0.001) showed significant negative correlations with ARDS development. On Day 7, CD4 (P < 0.001), CD8 (P < 0.001), lymphocyte count (P < 0.001), and IgA (P < 0.001) similarly demonstrated significant negative correlations with ARDS risk. The nomogram model had an AUC of 0.998 (95% CI: 0.997-0.999), indicating high predictive ability. Early dynamic changes in immune indicators, including CD8, CD4, Treg, IgA, IgG, and Lymphocyte, predict ARDS development in ICU sepsis patients.

Effects of propolis extract supplementation in breeder and broiler diets and it's in ovo injection on immune status, blood parameters, vaccine-antibody response and intestinal microflora of broiler chick

This study evaluated the effects of dietary propolis extract supplementation and in-ovo propolis injection on the immune status, blood parameters, vaccine-antibody response, and intestinal microflora of broiler chickens. A total of 600 Ross 308 broiler chicks were used. Breeder diets were supplemented with 400 ppm propolis extract (P) or left unsupplemented (C) during weeks 38–39. Eggs from the control group (C) were divided into four groups, with in-ovo injections of 400 ppm propolis extract (C-iP) or physiological saline (C-iS) on day 18 of incubation. Untreated eggs formed the control (C–C) or propolis-supplemented (P–C) groups. Chicks were fed either a basal diet (C) or a diet supplemented with 400 ppm propolis extract (P), forming six experimental groups: C–C, C-P, P–C, P-P, C-iP, and C-iS, with 10 replicates per group (10 chicks per replicate). Propolis supplementation significantly increased immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgG, IgM) compared to the control group. Although it positively affected certain blood parameters, no significant differences were found in post-vaccination antibody titers. The C–C group had the highest total antioxidant levels, while total oxidant levels and oxidative stress index were lowest in the P-P group. Despite positive effects on blood parameters and intestinal microflora, no significant improvements in growth performance were observed. Nevertheless, propolis extract shows potential as an immune enhancer for broiler chickens through parental feeding, standard diets, or in-ovo injection.

Integrative unveiling of optimum dietary protein requirement for Siniperca scherzeri: Growth performance, feed utilization, serum biochemical and immune parameters and hepatic health maintenance

Integrative unveiling of optimum dietary protein requirement for Siniperca scherzeri: Growth performance, feed utilization, serum biochemical and immune parameters and hepatic health maintenance

Optimal dietary lipid requirement of Spinibarbus caldwelli: Comprehensive characterization of growth performance, feed utilization, serum biochemical and immune parameters, hepatic lipid metabolism and health maintenance

Optimal dietary lipid requirement of Spinibarbus caldwelli: Comprehensive characterization of growth performance, feed utilization, serum biochemical and immune parameters, hepatic lipid metabolism and health maintenance

Delmarva (DMV1639) infectious bronchitis virus infection alters the microbiome of gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts of broiler chickens.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is known to cause significant alterations in tracheal microbial flora in broiler chickens 5 days post-infection (dpi) and our focus is to understand the changes in both respiratory and gastrointestinal microbiome in broilers over a period of time following IBV infection. A study was conducted to characterize the tracheal and cecal microbiome in IBV infected and control broiler chickens at 6, 9 and 15 dpi. IBV genome in trachea, lung and cecal tonsils could be observed in the infected group at all the time points. Immune response parameters and histopathological lesion scores were significantly higher in IBV infected trachea and cecal tonsils at 6, 9 and 15 dpi compared to the controls. We observed that cecal microbial diversity (alpha diversity) was increased in the IBV infected group at 6 and 15 dpi. On the other hand, diversity (alpha diversity) of tracheal microbiome was elevated only at 9 dpi in the IBV infected group. Moreover, significant shift of microbial communities (beta diversity), in both cecum and trachea was observed following IBV infection. Enzyme and metabolic pathway analyses of cecum indicated an upregulation of DNA replication and cell wall synthesis pathways and a downregulation of pathways related to short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in the IBV infected group compared to the controls. Analysis of tracheal metabolic pathways suggested initial adaptation to the infection stress and gradually shifting to enhanced microbial growth and stability. The study outcome adds to the understanding of microbiome changes secondary to histological changes and immune response following IBV infection in broiler chickens.

Microglial suppression by myeloperoxidase inhibitor does not delay neurodegeneration in a mouse model of progressive multiple sclerosis.

Microglial suppression by myeloperoxidase inhibitor does not delay neurodegeneration in a mouse model of progressive multiple sclerosis.

Effects of ocean acidification and warming on apoptosis and immune response in the mussel Mytilus coruscus.

Effects of ocean acidification and warming on apoptosis and immune response in the mussel Mytilus coruscus.

Impact of Selected Natural Bioactive Substances on Immune Response and Tight Junction Proteins in Broiler Chickens.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of dietary natural compounds, such as β-glucan, carotenoids, oligosaccharides and anthocyanins, on immune response and tight junction proteins in broiler chickens. A total of 900 one-day-old chickens were allocated to five treatments in three floor pens (replicates) of 60 broilers per pen. Chickens were fed five diets: a control (basal) diet, a diet supplemented with β-glucan at 0.05%, or diets supplemented with carotenoids, oligosaccharides or anthocyanins at 0.5% of each compound. Male broilers were randomly selected for sample collections. On Day 25, plasma samples were collected from the brachial vein. On Day 26, six broilers were intraperitoneally injected with 2mg of lipopolysaccharide per kg of body weight. Twelve hours later (Day 27), blood and ileum samples were collected to determine immune parameters and tight junction proteins using ELISA assays. The results showed that anthocyanin supplementation reduced the level of interleukin-1β compared to the lipopolysaccharide-injected control group (p=0.047), which suggests that anthocyanin could partly alleviate the inflammation. Carotenoids reached a lower level of interleukin-6 compared to the β-glucan treatment (p=0.0466). β-Glucan (p=0.0382) and oligosaccharides (p=0.0449) increased the level of plasma immunoglobulin G compared to the challenged control group, which may indicate an enhanced humoral immunity. Furthermore, β-glucan (except for occludin 2), carotenoids, oligosaccharides and anthocyanins increased (p<0.05) the levels of ileal zonula occludens-1, occludin 1 and occludin 2 compared to the lipopolysaccharide-challenged control chickens. This may suggest that all the bioactive substances improved the gut barrier function. The plasma levels of tight junction proteins show higher concentrations in lipopolysaccharide-challenged groups compared to the non-challenged groups (p<0.05). This may refer to the tight junction disruption and appearance in circulation as a reflection of lipopolysaccharide exposure.

Wheat flour as carbon source on water quality, growth performance, hemolymph biochemical and immune parameters of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) juveniles in biofloc technology (BFT)

Wheat flour as carbon source on water quality, growth performance, hemolymph biochemical and immune parameters of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) juveniles in biofloc technology (BFT)