Organs Of Immune System Research Articles

Bloodstream infections: mechanisms of pathogenesis and opportunities for intervention.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are common in hospitals, often life-threatening and increasing in prevalence. Microorganisms in the blood are usually rapidly cleared by the immune system and filtering organs but, in some cases, they can cause an acute infection and trigger sepsis, a systemic response to infection that leads to circulatory collapse, multiorgan dysfunction and death. Most BSIs are caused by bacteria, although fungi also contribute to a substantial portion of cases. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans are leading causes of BSIs, although their prevalence depends on patient demographics and geographical region. Each species is equipped with unique factors that aid in the colonization of initial sites and dissemination and survival in the blood, and these factors represent potential opportunities for interventions. As many pathogens become increasingly resistant to antimicrobials, new approaches to diagnose and treat BSIs at all stages of infection are urgently needed. In this Review, we explore the prevalence of major BSI pathogens, prominent mechanisms of BSI pathogenesis, opportunities for prevention and diagnosis, and treatment options.

Association between Antinuclear Antibodies Patterns and Immunological Markers with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Iraqi Female Patients

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition where the immune system attacks various tissues and organs, affecting commonly women between the ages of 15 to 44. It is caused by genetics or environmental factors. A critical factor in the diagnosis by antinuclear antibodies at a level of ≥1:80. Objective: To assess the disease activity and identification of antinuclear antibody patterns and titer on Hep-2 cells with immunological markers. Methods: This was a case-control study conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Medical City between January 25, 2024, to April 25, 2024. 60 SLE patients were contrasted with 60 healthy controls. The American College of Rheumatology SLE criteria were used to make the diagnosis. Results: SLE patients had a mean age of 32.12±10.54 years, while controls had a mean age of 31.37±10.65 years (P=0.699). positive family history represents 15.0 % while negative family history of SLE patients is 85.0%. The mean disease duration was 5.25±4.77 years. The disease activity index (SLEDI) was (27.80 ±10.40). The most common patterns of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) are speckled (56.7%), homogeneous (26.7%), peripheral (1.7%), mixed (3.3%), and negative (11.7%) patterns. Conclusion: Antinuclear antibodies are considered the gold standard diagnostic test. A few healthy individuals display speckled patterns at a ratio of 1:40. The disease activity no significant with pattern.

Zinc pathogenic importance in correcting immunity and restoring public health in the post-COVID period: An overview

Context: The problem of correcting immune system function and compensating for co-morbidities becomes particularly clinically significant in the post-COVID period. There is evidence that certain trace elements in the human body, particularly zinc ions, play a critical role in restoring the function of the immune system and internal organs. Objective: To analyze the mechanisms of zinc action maintaining the body homeostasis in order to justify pathogenetically the inclusion of zinc drugs in the therapy of patients in the post-COVID period. Methods: Data from Elsevier, Global Health, PubMed-NCBI, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Research gate, RSCI Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Academy, e-LIBRARY.RU and CyberLeninka were used. Results: This review showed that the importance of zinc in maintaining body homeostasis in the post-COVID period is determined by its multifaceted effect on all parts of the immune system, its anti-inflammatory activity, antimicrobial properties and participation in the restoration of internal organ function. Elimination of zinc deficiency in the post-COVID period is essential to support immunity, compensate for comorbidities and reduce the risk of complications. The impossibility of synthesizing zinc in the body requires its constant intake in sufficient quantities. Zinc levels are significantly reduced after infectious diseases, as this element is specifically distributed to organs and tissues to maintain immunological and metabolic functions. The degree of zinc deficiency is associated with the severity of COVID-19 and the post-COVID period. It is pathogenetically justified to prescribe zinc drugs in the post-COVID period, the choice of which should take into account comorbidities and severity of hypozincemia. Conclusion: Regularly administered therapy with zinc drugs in the post-COVID period will help correct the population immunity and restore public health.

Морфофункциональное состояние органов иммунной системы у поросят-гипотрофиков в ранний неонатальный период

Abstract. The purpose of the study was to study the state of the immune system organs in hypotrophic piglets in the early neonatal period in an industrial pig breeding complex. Methods. The experiment was conducted in 2023 in a large industrial pig farm in the Voronezh region on piglets of the wounded neonatal period received from sows 3-4 farrowing. The sows were kept at optimal microclimate parameters, taking into account their physiological state, and fed with SK-1 nutritionally balanced feed. At the initial stage of the experiment, the piglets obtained during farrowing underwent clinical examination and weighing. Animals under 800 g are counted as hypotrophic piglets (n = 30), animals over 800 g are normotrophic, respectively (n =30). After the groups were formed, animals were forced to be slaughtered before taking colostrum (n =5) and biological material was taken from each group (thymus, lymph nodes (inguinal), spleen for immunohistochemical studies. Results. The level of mitotic activity in the thymus of normotrophic piglets was 9.4 % higher (p < 0.05) than in piglets with body weight deficiency. In the spleen, the level of mitotic activity had no significant differences and was approximately the same in all animals participating in the experiment. In lymph nodes, the mitotic activity of cells in normotrophics was 12.7 % higher (p < 0.05). A study of positively expressed CD-3 cells in the spleen revealed significant differences, so, in normotrophic piglets, the number of cells positively stained with this marker was significantly higher than in piglets with a body weight deficiency by 10.2 % (p < 0.05). The number of CD-3 cells in the thymus differed by 5.6 %, and in the lymph nodes by 2.4 % between the groups, but there were no significant differences. The cellular expression of “immature” forms of B lymphocytes (PAX-5) in the lymph nodes of normotrophics was significantly higher by 12.9 % (p < 0.05) compared with hypotrophic piglets. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that for the first time a comprehensive immunohistochemical study of the organs of the immune system of piglets in the early neonatal period was carried out using monoclanal antibodies CD-3, Ki-67 and PAX-5. As a result of the experiment, it was revealed that piglets with body weight deficiency have a “depression” of the immune system, which manifests itself in hypoplasia of T-lymphocytes in the spleen, “maturing” B-lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and low mitotic potential in the thymus and lymph nodes.

ОЦЕНКА ИММУНОМОДУЛИРУЮЩЕГО ДЕЙСТВИЯ СУХОГО ЭКСТРАКТА ТРАВЫ TRIFOLUM PRATENSE L.

The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal concentration of dry extract of the herb Trifolium pratense L. to reduce the immunosuppressive effect of methotrexate on the lymphoid organs of mice. Materials and methods. The immunomodulatory effect of the dry extract of the herb Trifolium pratense L. was assessed by the ability to bring the weight and cellularity of the lymphoid organs of the immune system of mice when exposed to methotrexate to the level of intact animals. Experimental studies were performed on 129 mature outbred white male mice. Immunomodulatory activity was assessed by determining the mass of the thymus and spleen, the number of thymocytes, splenocytes and myelokaryocytes. Results. A study of the immunomodulatory properties of the dry extract of the herb Trifolium pratense L. revealed that this phytosubstance in the selected dosage of 50 mg/kg did not change the weight and number of cells in the thymus and spleen of mice, including the number of bone marrow cells, while restoring the weight and cellularity of the immune system organs of mice exposed to methotrexate, which is comparable to the effect of the immunomodulator «Immunal». Conclusion. Dry extract of the herb Trifolium pratense L. at an optimal dosage of 50 mg/kg can reduce the immunosuppressive effect of methotrexate, which may be due to the high content of phenolic compounds. This herbal medicine can be considered as an immunomodulatory herbal remedy.

DELAYED EFFECTS OF RADIATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Relevance: The effect of radiation on the immune system of the offspring of persons affected by exposure to low doses of various radiation types is still an urgent issue. In the literature, several issues related to delayed consequences, namely, morphofunctional disorders in the organs of the descendants of irradiated individuals, have not received adequate resolution. The purpose was to analyze literature on the long-term effects of radiation, manifested by morphofunctional disorders of the immunocompetent organs in the descendants of persons exposed to radiation, to confirm the importance of further study of this issue. Methods: The review included publications indexed in PubMed, Medline, E-library, and CyberLeninka databases. The search was made using the Google Scholar search engine. The applied search filters included conducted experimental studies over the past eight years (2015-2023). Results: The search revealed insufficient publications devoted to studying metabolic processes and histomorphological changes in the immunocompetent organs of the body of the descendants of exposed individuals. An insufficient number of publications on long-term biochemical and pathohistological changes in immune system organs due to irradiation necessitate a profound study of the topic. Conclusion: The study of morphofunctional disorders in the descendants of the first generation of irradiated individuals remains a task for radiobiologists and oncologists, with the development of criteria for morphological diagnosis.

Phytochemicals: a promising approach to control infectious bursal disease.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the dangerous diseases of poultry that affects the bursa of Fabricius, which is an important organ of the bird's immune system. IBD virus is resistant to many drugs, making its control difficult. Vaccination of IBD is in practice for a long time worldwide to control IBD, but secondary issues like vaccine failure and lower efficacy lead to their reduced use in the field. Multiple medicines are currently used, but the phytochemicals have emerged as promising agents for controlling IBD. The drugs to be developed should possess direct antiviral properties by targeting viral entry mechanisms, enhancing the host immune response, and inhibiting viral protein synthesis. Phytochemicals have potential to contribute to food security by minimizing the possibility of disease outbreaks and ensuring that consumers worldwide obtain healthy poultry products. It has been now claimed that direct and indirect activities of phytochemicals can be effective in the control of IBDV. Although available evidence suggest that the phytochemicals can contribute in controlling occurrence IBDV, there is a definite need of focused studies to gain more insight and develop rational strategies for their practical use. This review highlights the disease caused by IBDV, inhibition of viral replication, boosting the immune system, disruption of viral membrane, and important phytochemicals showing antiviral activities against IBDV.

Periodontopathogen-Related Cell Autophagy-A Double-Edged Sword.

The periodontium is a highly organized ecosystem, and the imbalance between oral microorganisms and host defense leads to periodontal diseases. The periodontal pathogens, mainly Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, colonize the periodontal niches or enter the blood circulation, resulting in periodontal tissue destruction and distal organ damage. This phenomenon links periodontitis with various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors, steatohepatitis, and Alzheimer's disease. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular self-degradation process essential for eliminating internalized pathogens. Nowadays, increasing studies have been carried out in cells derived from periodontal tissues, immune system, and distant organs to investigate the relationship between periodontal pathogen infection and autophagy-related activities. On one hand, as a vital part of innate and adaptive immunity, autophagy actively participates in host resistance to periodontal bacterial infection. On the other, certain periodontal pathogens exploit autophagic vesicles or pathways to evade immune surveillance, therefore achieving survival within host cells. This review provides an overview of the autophagy process and focuses on periodontopathogen-related autophagy and their involvements in cells of different tissue origins, so as to comprehensively understand the role of autophagy in the occurrence and development of periodontal diseases and various periodontitis-associated systemic illnesses.

Effect on the splenocyte function of weaned piglets induced by continuous lipopolysaccharide injections.

When piglets are exposed to pathogens for a long period, the immune system organs, among them the spleen, play a major role in combating the stress caused by those pathogens. In the present study, the effect on splenocyte function was investigated in a model of weaned piglets in which stress was induced by multiple low doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Forty-eight 28-day-old piglets were divided into two groups: the LPS group and the control group. During the experimental period of thirteen days, the LPS group was intraperitoneally injected with LPS (100 μg/kg) once per day, and the control group was injected with the same volume of 0.9% sterile saline. On the 1st, 5th, 9th and 13th days, the piglets' spleens were collected for isolating splenocytes. The proliferation ability of splenocytes was evaluated by the cell-counting-kit 8 method. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle stage and apoptosis, and the nitric oxide level of cell supernatant was also tested. In the experimental group, the proliferation ability of splenocytes was enhanced, the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase was smaller, and cells were promoted to the S and G2/M phases. Meanwhile, apoptosis was suppressed and nitric oxide release upregulated. The results were significantly different between the LPS group and the control group on the 5th and 9th days. The difference between the results of one group and those of the other suggest that after the 5th LPS injection, multiple low doses of LPS activated splenocytes and restored the number of splenocytes, which maintained and possibly enhanced the regulation of the immune function of the spleen.

Appendectomy and Long-term Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Overall and by Tumor Fusobacterium nucleatum Status.

To test hypotheses that appendectomy history might lower long-term colorectal cancer risk and that the risk reduction might be strong for tumors enriched with Fusobacterium nucleatum, bacterial species implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis. The absence of the appendix, an immune system organ and a possible reservoir of certain pathogenic microbes, may affect the intestinal microbiome, thereby altering long-term colorectal cancer risk. Utilizing databases of prospective cohort studies, namely the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we examined the association of appendectomy history with colorectal cancer incidence overall and subclassified by the amount of tumor tissue Fusobacterium nucleatum​​ (Fusobacterium animalis). We used an inverse probability weighted multivariable-adjusted duplication-method Cox proportional hazards regression model. During the follow-up of 139,406 participants (2,894,060 person-years), we documented 2811 incident colorectal cancer cases, of which 1065 cases provided tissue F. nucleatum analysis data. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of appendectomy for overall colorectal cancer incidence was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.84-1.01). Appendectomy was associated with lower F. nucleatum-positive cancer incidence (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33-0.85; P=0.0079), but not F. nucleatum-negative cancer incidence (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.83-1.14), suggesting a differential association by F. nucleatum status (Pheterogeneity=0.015). This differential association appeared to persist in various participant/patient strata including tumor location and microsatellite instability status. Appendectomy likely lowers the future long-term incidence of F. nucleatum-positive (but not F. nucleatum-negative) colorectal cancer. Our findings do not support the existing hypothesis that appendectomy may increase colorectal cancer risk.

Lyophilized lymph nodes for improved delivery of chimeric antigen receptor T cells.

Lymph nodes are crucial organs of the adaptive immune system, orchestrating T cell priming, activation and tolerance. T cell activity and function are highly regulated by lymph nodes, which have a unique structure harbouring distinct cells that work together to detect and respond to pathogen-derived antigens. Here we show that implanted patient-derived freeze-dried lymph nodes loaded with chimeric antigen receptor T cells improve delivery to solid tumours and inhibit tumour recurrence after surgery. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells can be effectively loaded into lyophilized lymph nodes, whose unaltered meshwork and cytokine and chemokine contents promote chimeric antigen receptor T cell viability and activation. In mouse models of cell-line-derived human cervical cancer and patient-derived pancreatic cancer, delivery of chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting mesothelin via the freeze-dried lymph nodes is more effective in preventing tumour recurrence when compared to hydrogels containing T-cell-supporting cytokines. This tissue-mediated cell delivery strategy holds promise for controlled release of various cells and therapeutics with long-term activity and augmented function.

Morphological features of the poultry thymus

This article reviews the literature on the morphological features of the poultry thymus. Since the preservation of livestock and disease prevention is a constant problem, the issue of poultry care will always remain in the forefront. Efforts to preserve the population and increase their productivity are directly related to strengthening poultry immunity and the state of their immune system. The study of the morphology of immune system organs allows us to objectively assess the effectiveness of methods for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, as well as to identify critical periods of development of the immune system and the body as a whole. When assessing the immune status of poultry, much attention is paid to the state of lymphoid organs, including the thymus. Currently, aspects related to the dynamics of development of immunocompetent organs during the postnatal period of ontogenesis and the time frame of their involution remain unresolved. Understanding the morphological features of the thymus and its changes is a key element in assessing the function of the immune system. It was found that with the growth and development of chicks, the absolute and relative weight of the thymus increases. However, at the onset of reproductive maturity, these values decrease significantly. Involution of the thymus mass occurs, the boundary between cortical and cerebral substances becomes less distinct, and the cellular composition of the thymus changes. The process of age-related involution is accompanied by a decrease in lymphoid tissue and T-lymphocytes. It is worth noting that the total number of circulating T-lymphocytes remains stable, as this population includes long-lived cells that do not require constant renewal. In this context, there is a change in the ratio of cortical and cerebral substances, the growth of connective tissue stroma and adipose tissue. It is noted that stress factors are one of the causes of early thymic involution, and the degree of development and morphological state of the thymus significantly affect the body's resistance to infections. Changes in the structure and morphometry of the chicken thymus can be an important criterion for the morphological diagnosis of immunodeficiencies in poultry.

MICROBIOMES OF HUMAN, LIVESTOCK ANIMAL GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT, FOOD PRODUCTS AND COMPOUND FEEDS: CONNECTIONS AND IMPACTS. PART 2

Research on the human gut microbiome began long ago and currently uses the latest modern methods and creates new insights and understanding. The human gut microbiome contains billions of microbial cells per 1 g of intestinal contents. These microbes include members of all superkingdoms: prokaryotes (kingdoms Bacteria and Archaea), eukaryotes (Fungi), and viruses. The taxonomic composition includes hundreds of bacterial species, dozens of archaeal and fungal species, and dozens of viral families. They are constantly in close connection and interaction with each other and with host cells and tissues. Methanogenic archaea have been shown to potentially impact the development of certain diseases, and fungi and bacteria are beneficial symbionts that have a significant impact on host health. Viruses are mostly bacteriophages that modulate bacterial populations. The impact on human health occurs through complex molecular mechanisms: microbes secrete biologically active metabolites that modulate cellular and tissue biochemical activity and, hence, the functioning of the immune system and other organs, including the CNS. In turn, the human body responds using its nervous and immune systems and local intestinal tissues that produce certain substances that modify the activity of microorganisms. This results in formation of a gut-brain axis consisting of afferent (to the brain) and efferent (from the brain) pathways. A correlation between the composition of the microbiota and the development of some intestinal and non-intestinal diseases, including neurodegenerative and behavioral disorders, has been shown. The human gut microbiota varies throughout a person's life, and differs significantly by age (from infancy to the elderly) in terms of the taxonomic proportions. At the same time, food products contain hundreds of species of microbes, i. e. various bacteria and fungi (yeast and mycelial). This food microbiota can have an impact on the gut microbiota, especially in children (infants, preschool) and elderly. However, this issue has not been investigated and should be studied in the future.

Sciadonic acid ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression by modulating the immune response and altering the gut microbiota.

Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is a frequently used chemotherapeutic drug, but long-term Cy treatment can cause immunosuppression and intestinal mucosal damage. The intestinal mucosal barrier and gut flora play important roles in regulating host metabolism, maintaining physiological functions and protecting immune homeostasis. Dysbiosis of the intestinal flora affects the development of the intestinal microenvironment, as well as the development of various external systemic diseases and metabolic syndrome. The present study investigated the influence of sciadonic acid (SA) on Cy-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results showed that SA gavage significantly alleviated Cy-induced immune damage by improving the immune system organ index, immune response and oxidative stress. Moreover, SA restored intestinal morphology, improved villus integrity and activated the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway, stimulated cytokine production, and reduced serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis indicated that SA increased t beneficial bacteria (Alistipes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Rikenella and Odoribacter) and decreased pathogenic bacteria (norank-f-Oscillospiraceae, Ruminococcus and Desulfovibrio) to maintain intestinal homeostasis. The present study provided new insights into the SA regulation of intestinal flora to enhance immune responses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular mechanisms of Sepsis attacking the immune system and solid organs.

Remarkable progress has been achieved in sepsis treatment in recent times, the mortality rate of sepsis has experienced a gradual decline as a result of the prompt administration of antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and the implementation of various therapies aimed at supporting multiple organ functions. However, there is still significant mortality and room for improvement. The mortality rate for septic patients, 22.5%, is still unacceptably high, accounting for 19.7% of all global deaths. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the pathogenesis of sepsis in order to enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment methods. Here, we summarized classic mechanisms of sepsis progression, activation of signal pathways, mitochondrial quality control, imbalance of pro-and anti- inflammation response, diseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), cell death, presented the latest research findings for each mechanism and identify potential therapeutic targets within each mechanism.

Impact of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae biomass on the immune status of rats

The improvement of the novel foods' safety assessment algorithms is currently one of the food hygiene significant areas. Within the studying of Hermetia illucens insects' effect, the standard in vivo allergological research integrated in the protocol of medical and biological evaluation of genetically modified food has been used. The protocol was supplemented with cytokine profile indicators and pathomorphologic characteristics of immunocompetent organs' lymphoid tissue. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae biomass on the rats' immune status in the experiment on the induced anaphylactic shock model. Material and methods. The effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae biomass was studied in a 29-day experiment on growing (43-72 days of life) male Wistar rats fed with Hermetia illucens biomass - main group (n=29) and semi-synthetic casein diet - control group (n=29). The complex assessment of allergenic potential of Hermetia illucens biomass was carried out in the experiment on the induced anaphylactic shock model in Wistar rats. An expanded pool of immune status indicators was studied including active anaphylactic shock severity (lethality, number of severe anaphylaxis reactions, anaphylactic index); cytokine profile (content of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as regulators of cellular and humoral immune response); IgG1 and IgG4 level before and after administration of ovalbumin permissive dose (4 mg/kg b.w.). In addition to this pathomorphologic characteristics of lymphoid tissue of the main immunocompetent organs (thymus, spleen, Payer's patches) have been obtained. Results. The significant systemic anaphylaxis reaction decrease in the main group has been shown. Comparative assessment of the serum cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α) as well as the level of immunoglobulins of the IgG1, IgG4 class before and after administration of ovalbumin permissive dose did not reveal significant differences in rats of the control and main groups. In the main group, there was a decrease in blood serum proallergic cytokines: the level of IL-4 reduced by 1.3 fold, IL-10 - 1.1 and IL-13 - 1.2 fold (p>0.05), and in animals with mild anaphylactic reaction - by 1.8, 1.4 and 1.4 times, respectively (p>0.05). The morphologic studies of the immune system organs showed no intergroup differences. Conclusion. Thus, allergological studies of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in the experiment with the use of systemic anaphylaxis rat model and determination of immune status indicators (anaphylactic shock severity, cytokine profile, IgG1 and IgG4 level, morphologic structure of immunocompetent organs) did not reveal any allergenic effect of the studied product.

Morphogenesis of some organs of the immune system of broiler chickens in the age aspect when adding the feed additive “Amber Chill feed supplement” to the diet

This article uses the results of a comparative morphological study of Ross 308 cross broiler chickens of the experimental and control groups when introducing the feed additive “Amber Chill feed supplement” with drinking water during the technological cycle. The experiments were conducted at the Ural Federal Agrarian Research Center Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences” in 2023. The inclusion of the feed additive “Amber Chill feed supplement” in the diet of broiler chickens did not have a negative effect on the general condition, safety of poultry, and live weight gain. The hematological parameters of broiler chickens of the control and experimental groups were within the reference values. Histological examination of the organs of the immune system – thymus, spleen, bursa of Fabricius at 10, 20, 35 and 42 days of age revealed the processes of maturation and differentiation of organs and some processes of involution by the end of the technological cycle. A distinctive feature between the groups was the earlier maturation of the immune system organs in broiler chickens of the experimental group, as opposed to the control group.

Immunoregulatory properties of the dry extract of the herb <i>Cichorium intybus L.</i> in <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> systems

Aim: to evaluate the effect of a dry extract of the herb of Cichorium intybus L. on the production of cytokines by human peripheral mononuclear cells in the systems in vitro and on the mass (thymus, spleen) and number of cells (thymus, spleen, bone marrow) of immune organs of mice in a model experiment of immunodeficiency in the systems in vivo.
 Materials and methods. The study of the immunoregulatory properties of the dry extract of chicory herb was evaluated by the ability to change the production of cytokines on the model of mononuclear cells during co-cultivation under in vitro conditions and by the ability to restore the mass (thymus, spleen) and the number of cells (thymus, spleen, bone marrow) of the organs of the immune system of outbred mice under conditions of immunosuppression induced by methotrexate to the level of intact mice in vivo.
 Results. An analysis of the immunoregulatory properties of dry extract of chicory herb in the systems in vitro showed that a solution of chicory extract increased the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-6, IFNγ and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1Ra. Evaluation of the effect of the dry extract of chicory herb in the systems in vivo found that the dry extract of the herb of Cichorium intybus L. had no effect on the mass (thymus, spleen) and number of cells (thymus, spleen, bone marrow) of the immune system organs in intact mice and restored these parameters of the immune system in animals treated with cytostatic MTX to the level of intact animals, and the effect of the extract was comparable to the effect of the reference drug “Immunal”.
 Conclusion. The dry extract of the herb of Cichorium intybus L. can be considered as a promising agent that normalizes the parameters of the immune system under conditions of MTX-induced immunosuppression, suppresses the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulates the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10, and the activity of this extract is associated with high content of phenolic compounds. Given the above, further study of chicory herb and dry extract from it is expedient and aimed at creating new effective herbal preparations that regulate the functions of the body’s immune system.

Impact of early posthatch feeding on the immune system and selected hematological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters in broiler chickens

Under commercial conditions, chicks hatch within a 24 to 48 h window, a period known as the hatching window. Subsequently, they undergo various treatments before finally being transported to the broiler farm. These procedures may delay the chicks' access to food and water, sometimes receiving them as late as 72 h after hatching. Previous studies have indicated that fasting during this initial period is detrimental, leading to impaired body growth, compromised immune system response, and hindered muscle development. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of early posthatch feeding on immune system organs and selected hematological, biochemical, and hormonal parameters. The experiment utilized Ross 308 broiler eggs incubated under typical commercial hatchery conditions. The experimental group's eggs were hatched in HatchCare hatchers (HC) with immediate access to feed and water, while the control group's eggs were hatched under standard conditions (ST). Thirty chickens from each group were assessed on the 1st (D1), 7th (D7), 21st (D21), and 35th (D35) day after hatching. On D1, the HC group exhibited lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and total serum protein values, suggesting that early access to water prevents initial dehydration in newborn chicks. Conversely, the ST group showed a stress reaction on D1 due to feed deprivation, leading to an almost 2-fold higher serum corticosterone concentration compared to the HC group. However, this increase did not result in a significant change in the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. Furthermore, the HC group displayed an increase in triglyceride concentration and a decrease in HDL concentration on D1. On D7, the HC group exhibited an increased relative weight of the bursa and a higher CD4+ cell number in the cecal tonsil (CT), indicating a more rapid development of these organs resulting from early stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. However, early feeding did not influence the numbers of Bu-1+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells or the germinal center (GC) areas in the spleen. In conclusion, early feeding contributes to the welfare of newborn chicks by reducing dehydration and stress levels and stimulating the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Morphological changes in the immune system organs of piglets fed with different feed additives

Nowadays, the interest in studying the impact of feed additives on the organism of piglets during critical periods of weaning remains increasingly relevant. Feed additives containing blends of essential oils with plant extracts, preparations containing dry yeast, organic acids, pro- and prebiotics are suggested to replace growth promoters and antibiotics. This contributes to the increased productivity, survivability, immune response formation, and ensuring normal intestine morphology in piglets. Proper concentrations and timing of feed additive application aimed at maintaining a healthy intestine in piglets after weaning and improving their productivity remain equally important. This study presents the results of an experiment on the use of various feed additives for piglets before weaning and their effect on the morphology of the immune system organs.The research was conducted on piglets of the Large White breed, divided into four groups of ten individuals each. From days 7 to 28 of life, various feed additives were introduced into the main diet for each group: piglets of the control group (I) received a standard nutritionally balanced diet; piglets of group II had a supplement added to the standard diet containing a combination of live yeast of the Saccharomyces genus and a complex of 6 enzymes (proteases, cellulases, xylanases, α-amylases, β-glucanases, and phytases) at a rate of 0.5 kg per ton of feed; piglets of group III received a feed additive containing a blend of essential oils with plant extracts (Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum vulgaris, Capsium extract) at a rate of 0.2 kg per ton of feed; piglets of group IV had a feed additive added to the main diet containing dry yeast and egg powder enriched with immunoglobulins at a rate of 2 kg per ton of feed. The main feed used in the experiment was provided in the form of fine granules. Histological examination of the thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and duodenum lymphoid formations revealed that the morphological structure of the organs was preserved in piglets of all experimental groups. The partial structure of the thymus was well defined, with a clear differentiation into cortical and medullary substances. Piglets receiving the feed additive "Activo" with a blend of essential oils from plant extracts and the feed additive "Globigen Jump Start," which includes dry yeast and egg powder enriched with immunoglobulins, demonstrated a slight increase in the thymic cortex relative area, both on days 14 and 28 of the study, and an increase in the number of plasma cells. In the spleen and lymph nodes of piglets in all experimental groups, the lymphoid tissue was predominantly represented by small and medium lymphocytes; lymphoid nodules of large size with reactive centers were observed too. Brachet staining in the lymph nodes of piglets in all experimental groups revealed plasma cells with bright eosinophilia, and large nuclei predominantly with a single nucleus. However, their quantity varied, with the highest number of plasma cells observed in piglets of group IV, which received the feed additive "Globigen Jump Start" with dry yeast and egg powder enriched with immunoglobulins. Histologically, in the piglets’ duodenum, the villi were closely packed, a small number of goblet cells were located between enterocytes, plasma cells with distinct eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentrically placed nuclei were localized in the lymphoid nodules of the mucous membrane and in the crypt areas. Their quantity was higher in piglets of groups III and IV.