Immune Stress Research Articles

Evaluation of Bacillus coagulans LMG S-31876 for immunomodulation and stress: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

ObjectiveThe study aimed to analyze the safety and effectiveness of the ProBC Plus (Bacillus coagulans LMG S-31876) supplement across various health parameters, including stress levels, immunoglobulin levels, biochemical parameters, and vital signs.MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial study was conducted involving 50 subjects diagnosed with ailments related to immune system dysfunction and stress related disorders. Patients were treated with ProBC Plus (2 billion colony-forming units [CFU]) along with a placebo capsule administered once daily for a period of 8 weeks.ResultsThe effects of ProBC Plus exhibited a positive response on stress relief, lipid parameters, immune status, and vital signs, which is further statistically significant (p value <0.05, 5% marginal error at 95% CI).ConclusionThe study on ProBC Plus showed positive results. Over the course of 8 weeks, an improvement in the immune status was observed, as indicated by the immune status questionnaire. Enzymatic markers exhibited a significant decline in predicting a positive response toward treatment. In terms of lipid profile, ProBC Plus helps to maintain the value within the normal range, thereby predicting its potential as cardiovascular support. The vital signs remained within the normal range throughout the study. Therefore, ProBC Plus is considered safe for consumption and contributes to the overall well-being of individuals.Clinical trial registrationhttps://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=77914&EncHid=24313.96864&userName=CTRI/2023/01/048720, CTRI/2023/01/048720.

The investigation of peripheral inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in dementia with Lewy Bodies, compared with Alzheimer's Disease, and mild cognitive impairment.

Although inflammation and oxidative stress have been increasingly recognised as components of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) pathologies. Few studies have investigated peripheral inflammation, and none have examined oxidative stress in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The purpose of our study was to characterize and compare those biomarkers in DLB with those in AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Plasma samples were obtained from Chinese patients with DLB (n = 50), AD (n = 59), and aMCI (n = 30), and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 54). Peripheral inflammatory biomarkers, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Oxidative stress markers, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), were also assessed. The findings revealed that DLB patients had higher IL-6 levels than AD and HCs and elevated IL-10 and IL-17A levels compared to HCs. In terms of oxidative stress, the levels of SOD were significantly lower and MDA were significantly higher in the DLB and AD compared with HCs. Significant positive correlations were found between Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores and CRP levels. Our study identifies a unique peripheral immune and oxidative stress profile in DLB, characterized by elevated IL-6, MDA, and reduced SOD levels, distinguishing it from AD. These findings, linked to α-synuclein (α-Syn) pathology, provide novel insights into DLB mechanisms and highlight potential biomarkers for disease monitoring, targeted therapies, and future clinical trials.

Transcriptomics Reveals Crowding Stress Inhibit the Immune Defense of The Head kidney of The Pearl Gentian Grouper Juvenile through NF-κB Signal Pathway

Crowding stress is a significant welfare factor affecting aquatic animals in recirculating aquaculture systems. Little is known regarding the influence of prolonged crowding stress on the immunity of juvenile pearl gentian groupers. However, research exploring the potential mechanisms through which crowding stress affects fish immune function is limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of crowding stress on the immune stress of the pearl gentian grouper juvenile (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus lanceolatus) under prolonged conditions. We focused on the pearl gentian grouper juvenile and selected low- and high-density groups as the experimental breeding densities. Research shows that crowding stress increases the activities of alkaline acid plum and acid phosphatase, reduces the activities of lysozyme and immunoglobulin M content. RNA sequencing and comparative transcriptomic analyses were employed to explore changes in the gene expression of juvenile pearl gentian groupers subjected to crowding stress. Differential gene expression analyses between the low- and high-density groups identified 5777 unigenes that were differentially expressed following crowding stress, with 3216 and 2561 upregulated and downregulated, respectively. In the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, many of the enriched signaling pathways related to genes were associated with immunity and oxidative stress. In addition, the combined analyses of enzyme activity and transcriptomics indicated that crowding stress suppressed the immune function of juvenile pearl gentian groupers, reducing their immune ability. Overall, these findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying crowding stress tolerance in juvenile pearl gentian grouper, suggesting that the NF-κB pathway plays a crucial role in the immune response of the head kidney of the pearl gentian grouper to long-term crowding stress.

Navigating Host Immunity and Concurrent Ozone Stress: Strain-Resolved Metagenomics Reveals Maintenance of Intraspecific Diversity and Genetic Variation in Xanthomonas on Pepper.

The evolving threat of new pathogen variants in the face of global environmental changes poses a risk to a sustainable crop production. Predicting and responding to how climate change affects plant-pathosystems is challenging, as environment affects host-pathogen interactions from molecular to the community level, and with eco-evolutionary feedbacks at play. To address this knowledge gap, we studied short-term within-host eco-evolutionary changes in the pathogen, Xanthomonas perforans, on resistant and susceptible pepper in the open-top chambers (OTCs) under elevated Ozone (O3) conditions in a single growing season. We observed increased disease severity with greater variance on the resistant cultivar under elevated O3, yet no apparent change on the susceptible cultivar. Despite the dominance of a single pathogen genotype on the susceptible cultivar, the resistant cultivar supported a heterogeneous pathogen population. Altered O3 levels led to a strain turnover, with a relatively greater gene flux on the resistant cultivar. Both standing genetic variation and de novo parallel mutations contributed toward evolutionary modifications during adaptation onto the resistant cultivar. The presence of elevated O3, however, led to a relatively higher genetic polymorphism, with random and transient mutations. Population heterogeneity along with genetic variation, and the promotion of interdependency are mechanisms by which pathogen responds to stressors. While parallel mutations may provide clues to predicting long-term pathogen evolution and adaptive potential. And,a high proportion of transient mutations suggest less predictable pathogen evolution under climatic alterations. This knowledge is relevant as we study the risk of pathogen emergence and the mechanisms and constraints underlying long-term pathogen adaptation under climatic shifts.

The Next Viral Plague: A newly identified-and deadly-combination of climate and habitat crises, coupled with immune system stress, is driving more bat-borne viruses to afflict humanity.

The Next Viral Plague: A newly identified-and deadly-combination of climate and habitat crises, coupled with immune system stress, is driving more bat-borne viruses to afflict humanity.

From microalgae to gastropods: Understanding the kinetics and toxicity of silver nanoparticles in freshwater aquatic environment.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly used in various consumer products and industrial applications, raising concerns about their environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the physicochemical stability, trophic transfer, and toxic effects of citrate-coated AgNPs in a freshwater food chain including the diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana and the gastropod Lymnaea stagnalis. AgNPs remained stable in the exposure medium, with a minimal dissolution (<0.06%) after 24h, indicating that particulate forms dominated during exposure. AgNPs inhibited the growth of C. meneghiniana without significantly affecting chlorophyll-a content or reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Scanning electron microscopy revealed extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) secretion, which likely formed eco-coronas, reducing AgNPs bioavailability and oxidative damage. However, trace element analysis showed significant depletion of iron, manganese, and nickel, indicating early metabolic stress and redistribution of essential metals to support antioxidant defenses. In L. stagnalis, toxicokinetic analysis showed distinct patterns of Ag uptake and depuration across exposure routes. Waterborne and foodborne exposure resulted in similar and higher Ag accumulation compared to the combined group. Waterborne exposure showed the highest non-eliminable fraction and a bioconcentration factor (BCF)>1, indicating efficient uptake and retention. Foodborne exposure exhibited a biomagnification factor (BMF)>1, despite efficient elimination. Combined exposure had the highest depuration rate, with BCF >1 and BMF <1, reflecting reduced trophic transfer potential. Oxidative stress in L. stagnalis was highest during combined exposure, with increased ROS in hemolymph during uptake. Foodborne exposure caused prolonged immune stress, evidenced by elevated total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and protein levels. In the hepatopancreas, foodborne exposure during depuration led to increased lipid peroxidation and TAC, indicating oxidative and metabolic challenges specific to dietary exposure. These results highlighted the complex interactions of AgNPs with primary producers and consumers in freshwater ecosystems, emphasizing the need for multi-route assessments in nanoparticle risk evaluations.

PsDMAP1/PsTIP60-regulated H4K16ac is required for ROS-dependent virulence adaptation of Phytophthora sojae on host plants

Host plants and various fungicides inhibit plant pathogens by inducing the release of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causing DNA damage, either directly or indirectly leading to cell death. The mechanisms by which the oomycete Phytophthora sojae manages ROS stress resulting from plant immune responses and fungicides remains unclear. This study elucidates the role of histone acetylation in ROS-induced DNA damage responses (DDR) to adapt to stress. Mechanistically, the P. sojae DNA methyltransferase 1-associated protein (PsDMAP1) binds Tat-interactive protein 60 (PsTIP60) to comediate histone H4 acetylation on lysine 16 (H4K16ac). This regulation affects RNA polymerase II (pol II) recruitment, transcriptional induction of DDR-related genes, and the enrichment of histone H2Ax phosphorylated on serine 137 (γH2Ax) in response to both plant immunity and fungicide stress. The resulting H4K16ac serves as a crucial transgenerational epigenetic signal for virulence adaptation of P. sojae on plants, as a result of adaptation to ROS stress.

INFLUENCE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AND VITAMIN E ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS UNDER HEAT STRESS

This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of adding dietary three medicinal plants and vitamin E on productive performance, serum physiological parameters, immunity and antioxidant status of broiler chickens under heat stress (34 - 38) C° for 35 days. A total of 600 Ross one day old broiler chicks were distributed randomly into eight treatments with five replicates 15 birds per each replicate as follows: T1: broiler were fed standard ration (negative control); T2: 50 mg vitamin E /kg ration (positive control); T3: 5g Dill powder /kg ration; T4: 10g Dill powder /kg ration; T5: 5g Adiantum powder /kg ration; T6: 10g Adiantum powder /kg ration; T7: 5g Crataegus powder /kg ration and T8: 10g Crataegus powder /kg ration. Live body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality rate were measured at weekly intervals. There was a significant effect of medicinal plants on live body weight at 35 day. However, non-significant difference was noticed on feed intake, significant differences on feed conversion ratio, mortality and livability%. Regarding male chickens, T3 treatment had significantly higher carcass yield as well as each of T3 male and T4 female had higher dressing percentage. Furthermore, higher production index was found in T4 while, high value of economic figure was shown in T5 as well as significant effect on serum thyroid hormone T3,T4, corticosterone hormone and enhanced total antioxidant capacity and stable malondialdehyde all helped to reduce oxidative stress as well as boost antibody titers of ND and IBD compared with T1. It can be concluded that the supplementation of medicinal plants to broiler´s diet had a beneficial effect on most of broiler performance, improving immunity, resistance characteristics and oxidative stress particularly in T4 (Dill10g/kg) under heat stress.

Immune Stress-induced Tumor Mutation Burden and Neoantigen Expression in 4T1 Mammary Cancer Cells: A Potential Mechanism for Long-term Survival in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

The Kaplan-Meier curves for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) display a small group of potentially-cured patients with long-term survival, creating a 'kangaroo-tail' shape of the survival curve. However, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon and what occurs in patients whose cancer is resistant to ICIs remain unclear. The present study aimed to answer these questions. We analyzed mutations in mouse 4T1 mammary-gland-derived cancer cells expressing the hemagglutinin antigen (4T1-HA), which were grown in either wild-type mice or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)-loaded immunocompromised mice (RAG-/- + ACT) under immune stress. These mutations were compared to those in 4T1-HA cells grown in RAG-/- mice without immune stress as a control. The number of gene mutations, the tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) scores were increased in the cancer cells under immune stress. The mutations in the antigen protein were such that the protein retained its immunogenicity and could still function as a neoantigen. Repeated immune recognition of additional neoantigens may lead to the kangaroo-tail survival phenomenon. The common genetic mutations of the analyzed 4T1-HA cells under immune stress included genes related to immune response. Analysis of alternative splicing of genes showed that are accumulated gene alterations under immune stress related to cancer-cell proliferation. Copy-number variation (CNV) analysis indicated that normal-antigen presentation and immune responses may be impaired under immune stress. Cancer cells, under immune stress, may acquire both immune escape capabilities and increased immunogenicity. This dual effect could lead to either resistance or response to ICIs, respectively.

Enzymatic Regulation of the Gut Microbiota: Mechanisms and Implications for Host Health.

The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem, is vital to host health as it aids digestion, modulates the immune system, influences metabolism, and interacts with the brain-gut axis. Various factors influence the composition of this microbiota. Enzymes, as essential catalysts, actively participate in biochemical reactions that have an impact on the gut microbial community, affecting both the microorganisms and the gut environment. Enzymes play an important role in the regulation of the intestinal microbiota, but the interactions between enzymes and microbial communities, as well as the precise mechanisms of enzymes, remain a challenge in scientific research. Enzymes serve both traditional nutritional functions, such as the breakdown of complex substrates into absorbable small molecules, and non-nutritional roles, which encompass antibacterial function, immunomodulation, intestinal health maintenance, and stress reduction, among others. This study categorizes enzymes according to their source and explores the mechanistic principles by which enzymes drive gut microbial activity, including the promotion of microbial proliferation, the direct elimination of harmful microbes, the modulation of bacterial interaction networks, and the reduction in immune stress. A systematic understanding of enzymes in regulating the gut microbiota and the study of their associated molecular mechanisms will facilitate the application of enzymes to precisely regulate the gut microbiota in the future and suggest new therapeutic strategies and dietary recommendations. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of enzymes in modulating the gut microbiota. It explores the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms and discusses the potential applications of enzyme-mediated microbiota regulation for host gut health.

Remote Sensing Technologies Quantify the Contribution of Ambient Air Pollution to Asthma Severity and Risk Factors in Greenness, Air Pollution, and Wildfire Ecological Settings: A Literature Review

Numerous epidemiologic studies have used remote sensing to quantify the contribution of greenness, air pollution, and wildfire smoke to asthma and other respiration outcomes. This is the first review paper to evaluate the influence of remote sensing exposures on specific outcome severity and risk factors in different ecological settings. Literature searches utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar identified 61 unique studies published between 2009 and 2023, with 198 specific outcomes. Respiration-specific outcomes were lower in greenness and higher in air pollution and wildfire ecological settings. Aerosol optical depth (AOD)-PM2.5 readings and specific outcomes were higher in economically developing than in economically developed countries. Prospective studies found prenatal and infant exposure to higher ambient AOD-PM2.5 concentration level readings contributed to higher childhood asthma incidence. Lung function was higher in greenness and lower in the other two ecological settings. Age, environment, gender, other, and total risk factors showed significant differences between health outcomes and ecological settings. Published studies utilized physiologic mechanisms of immune, inflammation, and oxidative stress to describe obtained results. Individual and total physiologic mechanisms differed between ecological settings. Study results were used to develop a descriptive physiologic asthma model and propose updated population-based asthma intervention program guidelines.

Multi-omics analysis reveals genetic architecture and local adaptation of coumarins metabolites in Populus

BackgroundAccumulation of coumarins plays key roles in response to immune and abiotic stress in plants, but the genetic adaptation basis of controlling coumarins in perennial woody plants remain unclear.ResultsWe detected 792 SNPs within 334 genes that were significantly associated with the phenotypic variations of 15 single-metabolic traits and multiple comprehensive index, such as principal components (PCs) of coumarins metabolites. Expression quantitative trait locus mapping uncovered that 337 eQTLs associated with the expression levels of 132 associated genes. Selective sweep revealed 55 candidate genes have potential selective signature among three geographical populations, highlighting that the coumarins biosynthesis have been encountered forceful local adaptation. Furthermore, we constructed a genetic network of seven candidate genes that coordinately regulate coumarins biosynthesis, revealing the multiple regulatory patterns affecting coumarins accumulation in Populus tomentosa. Validation of candidate gene variations in a drought-tolerated population and DUF538 heterologous transformation experiments verified the function of candidate genes and their roles in adapting to the different geographical conditions in poplar.ConclusionsOur study uncovered the genetic regulation of the coumarins metabolic biosynthesis of Populus, and offered potential clues for drought-tolerance evaluation and regional improvement in woody plants.

Dietary geniposide supplementation could enhance hepatic lipid metabolism, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and ammonia stress resistance in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Dietary geniposide supplementation could enhance hepatic lipid metabolism, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and ammonia stress resistance in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

The Oxytetracycline and Florfenicol Effect on the Immune System and Oxidative Stress Response of the SHK-1 Cell Line of Salmo salar

The aquaculture industry in Chile, as in the rest of the world, has rapidly grown, becoming a crucial economic sector. However, diseases pose a major threat, causing significant economic losses and environmental impacts. Various antimicrobials, particularly Oxytetracycline and Florfenicol, are used to combat these diseases, which has boosted production and mitigated economic losses. However, excessive antibiotic use has led to pathogen resistance, necessitating higher doses. This overuse can cause side effects in fish, including liver damage and immunosuppression. This study aimed to determine the impact of multiple doses of florfenicol and oxytetracycline on the SHK-11 cell line of Salmo salar by analyzing the expression of genes related to innate immunity and oxidative stress by qRT-PCR in addition to the quantification of immune system proteins via dot blot. The experimental treatments were the following: cells were stimulated with different concentrations of oxytetracycline (0.25, 0.5, and 1.5 µg/mL) and florfenicol (1, 10, and 20 µg/mL) for time kinetics of 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. For both cases, controls consisting of cells without antibiotics were included. The expression of the immune system genes was mostly inhibited compared to the control. However, it was observed that TLR-1 and MyD88 present a joint activation pattern at different times and concentrations for both antibiotics. Regarding the expression of CAT and GPx, transcripts were increased in the early stages of stimulation with oxytetracycline and florfenicol, followed by a subsequent decrease in gene expression. This study provides relevant information to understand the effect of antibiotics at the cellular level in one of the most important species for global aquaculture, the Atlantic salmon.

Zearalenone enhances TSST-1 production by intestinal Staphylococcus and increases uterine immune stress in rats

Zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin prevalent in food crops, poses significant health risks, particularly through its impact on the gut-uterus axis. This study assessed the effects of a 5 mg/kg body weight ZEA dosage in female SD rats, focusing on gut microbiota alterations, inflammatory responses, and uterine changes. Our findings revealed substantial shifts in microbial composition, including significant reductions in beneficial genera such as Akkermansia and Ruminococcaceae and marked increases in pathogenic staphylococci, which correlated with elevated levels of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) in serum and uterine tissue. RNA sequencing of uterine samples indicated activation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) pathway, along with significant upregulation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2, enzymes associated with ECM remodelling. Correlation analysis showed a strong link between staphylococcal proliferation and ECM pathway activation, suggesting that ZEA-induced gut dysbiosis contributes to uterine inflammation and structural alterations. These results reveal how ZEA disrupts gut and uterine health, highlighting critical pathways that could serve as targets for future preventive and therapeutic strategies against mycotoxin exposure.

Variation in ovine serum vitamin D concentrations from late summer to early spring and during immune challenge with bacterial endotoxin

Vitamin D is most known for its role in the development and maintenance of the skeletal system. However, recent studies have found that vitamin D modulates the immune system, and at sufficient levels supports optimal immune function. Previous research has examined how vitamin D levels change seasonally and during immune stress challenges in both humans and cattle, but not sheep. Our study aimed to investigate the changes in the vitamin D status of sheep throughout the year in Southern Ontario as well as in response to a bacterial endotoxin challenge. Vitamin D was found to be significantly lower in spring when compared to summer and early winter levels. No significant differences were found in vitamin D levels among any measured time points during the immune challenge, although a trending increase was found 4 hr post-challenge. Overall, this study demonstrated how vitamin D levels in sheep change throughout the year, and slightly during endotoxin challenge. Given the importance of vitamin D in regulating optimal immune function, more investigation of these changes in vitamin D levels is warranted in terms of supporting optimal immune function.

Maggot alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by inhibiting immune stress and complement activation

To explore the therapeutic mechanism of maggot for psoriasis-like lesions in mice from the perspective of immune stress and complement activation regulation. Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, maggot (1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) groups, and Benvitimod (1%) group. Psoriasis-like lesions were induced by application of imiquimod cream, and the severity of skin lesions was assessed using the modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (MPASI) score. Auricular swelling of the mice was observed, and histopathological changes of the skin lesions were examined with HE staining. Scratching behavior of the mice was observed and the spleen index was calculated. Toluidine blue staining was used to detect mast cells in the skin lesions, and serum levels of IgG, IgM, the complements CH50, C1s, C3, C3a, C5 and C5a, and the inflammatory factors IL-23, IL-17A and TNF-α were determined with ELISA. In mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions, treatment with the maggot at the 3 doses significantly decreased MPASI score, alleviated auricular swelling and pathologies in the skin lesions, reduced scratching behaviors, spleen index, and the number of mast cells in the lesions. Treatment with high-dose maggot significantly lowered serum levels of IgG, C1s, C3a, C5a, IL-23, IL-17A and TNF- α and the levels of C1s, C3, C3a, C5 and C5a in the lesion tissue, and increased serum levels of CH50, C3, and C5. The therapeutic effect of maggot showed a dose-effect dependence. Maggot can alleviate psoriasislike skin lesions in mice by inhibiting immune stress and complement activation.

GPR37 and its neuroprotective mechanisms: bridging osteocalcin signaling and brain function.

Osteocalcin (OCN) is a hormone secreted by osteoblasts and has attracted widespread attention for its role in regulating brain function. Clinical studies indicate a positive correlation between levels of circulating OCN and cognitive performance. Indeed, lower circulating OCN has been detected in various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), while OCN supplementation under certain conditions may improve cognitive function. GPR37, a G protein-coupled receptor, has recently been identified as a receptor for OCN. It exhibits distinct expression patterns across various brain regions and cell types, potentially influencing its functional roles within the brain. Research indicates that GPR37 regulates neuronal migration, cell proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. Furthermore, GPR37 has been shown to mitigate inflammation and apoptosis through various mechanisms, exerting neuroprotective effects. However, its regulatory influence on brain function exhibits inconsistency, highlighting a duality in its actions. Therefore, this review thoroughly summarizes the roles and mechanisms of GPR37 in modulating cellular physiological activities and its involvement in immune responses, stress reactions, and neuroprotection. It aims to enhance the understanding of how GPR37 modulates brain function and facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets or strategies for related diseases.

Effects of vaccination and interventions on nasal microbiome and BRD-associated pathogens in calves.

Vaccination is a widely adopted measure to prevent diseases, but the process of immunization can induce a substantial stress response. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a combined Mycoplasma bovis-BoHV-1 vaccine on the upper respiratory tract microbiome and BRD-associated pathogens in calves, as well as to evaluate the effects of potential interventions. The results showed that the percentage of Pasteurella species in the upper respiratory tract was elevated in calves after vaccination without intervention, and Pasteurella multocida was activated and proliferated. Interestingly, none of the three interventions (Sodium selenite-vitamin E, Astragalus polysaccharide and Ceftiofur sodium) affected antibody production after immunization. The administration of sodium selenite-vitamin E and astragalus polysaccharide reduced serum levels of cortisol and malondialdehyde, increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and alleviated the proliferation of Pasteurella multocida. Furthermore, the use of ceftiofur sodium almost completely inhibited the proliferation of Pasteurella multocida induced by immune stress. These findings provide a reference for mitigating the negative impacts associated with vaccination and highlight the potential benefits of using targeted nutritional and antimicrobial interventions to optimize immune responses and maintain a stable respiratory microbiome in calves.

Gene Expression Study in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata): Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Olive Oil Polyphenols on Immunity, Metabolic, and Oxidative Stress Pathways.

In an era with an ever-growing population, sustainability and green transition are the main milestones to be considered within the current European Green Deal program, and the recovery of by-products for the integration of feed with bioactive molecules, that are sustainable and with high nutritional value, is an ambitious mission to be explored also in aquaculture. Olive oil extraction produces a range of solid and liquid by-products, in varying proportions depending on the utilized production techniques, all of which are considered as possible pollutants. However, these products are also rich of polyphenols, bioactive molecules with several and well-known beneficial properties (antimicrobic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating). On this basis, this work aimed at evaluating the effects of dietary supplementation with polyphenols derived from olive mill wastewater on growth performance and on gene expression modulation, by means of RT-qPCR assays, in farmed Sparus aurata. Particularly, some target genes of metabolic, immunity, and oxidative stress pathways have been investigated in breeding gilthead seabream. Differential gene expression analysis was carried out, and differences between the control group (n = 9) and the treated one (n = 9) were computed with Student's t test. The results have highlighted that supplemented feed enhanced fish growth, with a significant feed conversion ratio between the two groups. Furthermore, the polyphenol diet had a beneficial impact on gene expression fold with a level of significance for fatty acid binding protein 2, superoxide dismutase 1, and interleukin-12 genes at hepatic or intestinal district. These significant and promising preliminary findings promote, in the future, other investigations on polyphenolic by-products and on their putative or possible re-utilization in fish feeding.