Increase In IgG Concentration Research Articles

PSXIV-11 Evaluating the Inoculating Bacterial Communities Within the Bovine Dam and Neonate After Applying an Ablation Technique to the Dam Vaginal Microbiome Prior to Parturition

Abstract The vaginal microbiota (VM) is the first contact of the neonate with microorganisms, which can attribute to neonatal health outcomes. The effects of an altered VM at parturition on neonatal microbial inoculation and passive transfer success has not been evaluated. Betadine lavages (BL) are commonly used to mitigate bacterial infections within the reproductive tract by ablating the VM. Ablation of the VM prior to parturition decreases microbial competition during neonatal microbial colonization, increasing the likelihood for pathogen inoculation. Thus, this study aimed to determine if an altered VM impacts neonatal and dam microbial inoculating bacterial communities in beef cow-calf pairs. Cows (n = 12) were randomly assigned to either control (CON) or BL (BLG) treatment groups two weeks prior to calving. Treatment BL was infused into the anterior vagina weekly until calving. Samples (dam-vaginal swab, dam-udder swab, dam-haircoat swab, and calf-nasal swab) were collected within 24 hours of parturition and stored at -80°C. The vaginal bacterial community composition was determined through sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina Miseq platform. Alpha diversity was compared via two-way ANOVA; beta diversity was compared via PERMANOVA. Taxonomic differences were evaluated using the LEfSe platform. Microbiota data were analyzed using the R software package. Serial BL prior to parturition did not alter the alpha diversity of the dam-vaginal (P = 0.42), dam-udder (P = 0.53), or dam-haircoat (P = 0.21) microbiota but did alter the calf-nasal microbiota (P = 0.03). Moreover, the beta diversity did not differ within the dam-vaginal (P = 0.66) or dam-udder (P = 0.56) between BLG vs. CON, but there was a trend within both the calf-nasal (P = 0.08) and dam-haircoat (P = 0.09) for BLG pairs to have increased variation compared with CON. Within the calf-nasal microbiota, BLG had increased relative abundance of Actinobacteria and a decreased relative abundance of Proteobacteria compared with CON. Interestingly, previously reported IgG data from this study showed there was no difference in passive transfer status between CON and BLG calves, represented by no significant differences in calf serum (P = 0.88). However, BLG dam colostrum had increased IgG concentrations compared with CON dams (P = 0.04). Together, these results are indicative of physiological insults (BL) prior to parturition leading to an increased immune response in BLG dams which altered colostrum IgG. Thus, neonatal colostrum consumption could drive immune responses against inoculating bacteria resulting in differing nasal microbial communities between BLG and CON calves. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the vaginal microbiota and its importance in neonatal health outcomes and highlights the need for further research in this area to better inform management practices for optimal calf health and productivity.

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

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

Third COVID-19 vaccine dose for people with multiple sclerosis who did not seroconvert following two doses of BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) inactivated vaccine: A pilot study on safety and immunogenicity.

People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) on anti-CD20 therapies (aCD20) and fingolimod have shown inadequate humoral responses to COVID-19 vaccines. The objective of the study was to pilot larger studies by demonstrating the safety and comparing the immunogenicity of different types of third doses in seronegative pwMS after two doses of BBIBP-CorV inactivated vaccine. In December 2021, subject to receiving their third dose, being COVID-19-naiive, and receiving no corticosteroid within two months, we measured the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2-Spike IgG in pwMS seronegative after two shots of BBIBP-CorV inactivated vaccine. We included 20/29 pwMS who received adenoviral vector (AV), 7/29 who received inactivated, and 2/29 who received conjugated third doses. No serious adverse events were reported two weeks post-third dose. The pwMS receiving AV third doses showed significantly increased IgG concentrations, while only the ones not on aCD20 and fingolimod responded to inactivated third doses. An ordinal logistic multivariable generalized linear model indicated that age (per year β: -0.10, P = 0.04), type of disease-modifying therapy (aCD20 β: -8.36, P <0.01; fingolimod β: -8.63, P = 0.01; others: reference), and type of third dose (AV or conjugated β: 2.36, P = 0.02; inactivated: reference) are predictive of third dose immunogenicity among pwMS who remain seronegative after two shots of BBIBP-CorV vaccine. Statistical significance was not achieved for variables sex, MS duration, EDSS, duration of DMT, duration of third dose to IgG test, and duration from last aCD20 infusion to third dose. This preliminary pilot study highlights the need for further research to determine the optimal COVID-19 third dose vaccination strategy for pwMS living in areas where BBIBP-CorV vaccine has been used.

Anti-PEG antibodies before and after a first dose of Comirnaty® (mRNA-LNP-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine).

The early and massive vaccination campaign in Israel with the mRNA-LNP Comirnaty® (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus made available large amounts of data regarding the efficacy and safety of this vaccine. Adverse reactions to mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are rare events, but due to large mediatic coverage they became feared and acted as a potential source of delay for the vaccination of the Israeli population. The experience with the reactogenicity of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety of PEGylated liposomes, PEGylated proteins and other PEGylated drugs raised the fear that similar adverse effects can be associated with the PEG lipid which is an essential component of currently used mRNA-LNP vaccines against COVID-19. In this study we quantified the levels of anti-PEG IgG, IgM and IgE present in the blood of 79 volunteers immediately before and 3weeks after receiving a first dose of Comirnaty® vaccine. Our in vitro results show that different humanized anti-PEG antibodies bind the PEGylated nano-liposomes in a concentration-dependent manner, but they bind with a lower affinity to the Comirnaty vaccine, despite it having a high mole% of neutral PEG2000-lipid on its surface. We found an increase in IgG concentration in the blood 3weeks after the first vaccine administration, but no increase in IgM or IgE. In addition, no severe signs of adverse reactions to the Comirnaty vaccine were observed in the population studied despite the significant pre-existing high titers of IgG before the first dose of vaccine in 2 donors.

Serum immunoglobulin G concentration after plasma transfusion in neonatal foals with hypogammaglobulinemia in various health status

Due to the time-limited intestinal uptake of colostral immunoglobulins, the suggested treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia in new-born foals is usually plasma transfusion. The aims of this study were twofold: firstly, to investigate the course of serum IgG concentration after plasma transfusion in newborn foals; and secondly, to determine the amount of transfusion required for a significant increase in serum IgG concentration. For this purpose, the IgG concentration was measured in 23 foals at three different points in time: before transfusion, 1 hour after transfusion, and 24 hours after transfusion. There was an increase in IgG concentration in the blood of 18 foals (78.3%). In five foals (21.7%), no increase in serum IgG concentration were detected after plasma transfusion. Transfusion of 1 mg IgG caused an average increase in IgG level of 0.03 mg/dl (0.001–0.268 mg/dl) 1 hour after transfusion. After 24 hours, the same amount of IgG caused a larger increase of 0.05 mg/dl (0.002–0.537 mg/dl). None of the foals demonstrated adverse reactions to the plasma transfusion. These values provide a guidance how much IgG is needed to increase serum IgG concentration to a desired level. However, this study has shown that there is a high variability in serum IgG concentration after plasma transfusion. Which highlights the necessity for monitoring IgG concentration following transfusion.

Antibodies Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a Large Cohort of Vaccinated Subjects and Seropositive Patients.

COVID-19 is a current global threat, and the characterization of antibody response is vitally important to update vaccine development and strategies. In this study we assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (N = 272) and subjects vaccinated with the BNT162b2 m-RNA COVID-19 vaccine (N = 1256). For each participant, socio-demographic data, COVID-19 vaccination records, serological analyses, and SARS-CoV-2 infection status were collected. IgG antibodies against S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 were detected. Almost all vaccinated subjects (99.8%) showed a seropositivity to anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG and more than 80% of vaccinated subjects had IgG concentrations > 200 AU/mL. In a Tobit multivariable regression analysis, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was statistically significantly associated with increased IgG concentrations (β coef = 266.4; p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 IgG concentrations was found with older age (β coef = −1.96 per year increase; p < 0.001), male sex (β coef = −22.3; p < 0.001), and days after immunization (β coef = −1.67 per day increase; p < 0.001). Our findings could support the vaccination campaigns confirming the high immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine under investigation with respect to the natural infection. Further studies will be required for evaluating the role of age and days after immunization in the persistence of vaccine antibodies and protection from the disease.

Investigation of Immunomodulatory and Gut Microbiota-Altering Properties of Multicomponent Nutraceutical Prepared from Lactic Acid Bacteria, Bovine Colostrum, Apple Production By-Products and Essential Oils.

Dietary components, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), bovine colostrum, apple production by-products, and essential oils, can favorably alter the host immune system and gut microbiota, however, their cumulative effect as multicomponent nutraceutical supplement has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study is the first one to evaluate a combination of LAB, bovine colostrum, dehydrated apple pomace, and essential oils for their immunomodulatory and prebiotic properties in the swine model. This study shows that supplementary feeding of pigs using multicomponent nutraceutical resulted in a statistically significant decrease in proportions of T cytotoxic and double-positive (CD4+CD8+low) cells within the CD3+ cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiment (0DPI). Conversely, a statistically significant increase in proportions of B cells (accompanied by an increase in IgG concentration) and macrophage/monocyte cells within viable cell population at 28 DPI, compared to the beginning of the experiments, was observed. Furthermore, changes in the bacterial composition of gut microbiota in pigs fed with multicomponent nutraceutical changed significantly, with a 1.78 times higher number of probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Faecilbacterium) at the end of the experiment, compared to control group animals. This study shows a positive effect of the nutraceutical formula used on the changes of gut microbiota by facilitating an increase in probiotic bacteria strains and possible anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparative characteristics of the clinical and laboratory features of the primary Sjogren’s syndrome associated with anticentromere antibodies and the “classic” subtype of the disease

Objective: to compare clinical and laboratory manifestations in 2 groups of patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS): with and without anticentromere antibodies (ACA); compare the incidence, clinical and laboratory characteristics of lymphomas in these two groups.Materials and methods. We examined 119 patients with ACA-positive pSS (pSS-ACA+). pSS was diagnosed based on Russian 2001 criteria, systemic sclerosis (SSc) – criteria ACR/EULAR 2013. To diagnose liver diseases, the level of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) was determined, as well as liver biopsy. The diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) was established according to the recommendations of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the Russian Gastroenterological Association and the Russian Society for the Study of the Liver. Lymphomas were diagnosed according to histological, immunohistochemical and molecular studies of affected organs biopsies, according to the classification of the World Health Organization. A combination of pSS and SSc was diagnosed in 37 patients, and they were excluded from further analysis. We compared clinical and laboratory features in patients with pSS-ACA+ (n=82) and ACA-negative pSS (pSS-ACA–, n=64) and characterized lymphomas in the pSS-ACA+ (n = 14) and pSS-ACA– (n=10) groups.Results and discussion. In patients with pSS-ACA+, a later age of disease onset was revealed, the duration of the disease before lymphoma development did not differ. In patients with pSS-ACA+, we found a lower frequency of rheumatoid factor (RF), antibodies to Ro (anti-Ro) and La (anti-La), decreased C3-complement, hypergammaglobulinemia, increased IgG concentration, CRP, increased ESR, leukopenia and anemia. 51.2% of patients with pSS-ACA+ were seronegative for anti-Ro, anti-La and RF. Patients with pSS-ACA+ had a higher frequency of AMA and elevated IgM. The incidence of cryoglobulinemia and paraproteinemia did not differ. The frequency of recurrent parotitis in pSS-ACA+ was significantly lower, there were no differences in the frequency and severity of other signs of salivary and lacrimal gland damage. PBC and epitheliitis of the biliary ducts in patients with pSS-ACA+ were detected significantly more often. Damage to the peripheral nervous system, lungs, hypergammaglobulinemic purpura, arthralgia and autoimmune thyroiditis were significantly more often detected in the group of patients with pSS-ACA–. In the pSS-ACA+ group, Raynaud’s phenomenon was significantly more frequent, mainly with scleroderma-type capillaroscopic abnormalities. There was no difference in the frequency of other signs characteristic of SSc. MALT lymphomas were diagnosed in the study groups with the same frequency. Patients with lymphomas in the pSS-ACA+ group were characterized by significantly higher laboratory activity. All patients with lymphomas in both groups showed persistent parotid salivary gland enlargement. Lymphomas in both groups developed in patients with late stage salivary and lacrimal gland damage, systemic manifestations of pSS in both groups were rare.Conclusion. pSS-ACA+ is an independent subtype of pSS, which has a number of significant clinical and laboratory differences from the “classic” variant of the disease. ACA in pSS are associated with a low frequency of anti-Ro, anti-La, and RF, as well as an increased risk of PBC and limited SSc. MALT lymphomas in the pSS-ACA+ and pSS-ACA– groups developed with the same frequency and were associated with the progression of glandular damage, regardless of the presence of systemic manifestations.

Pathogen dependent effects of high amounts of oxytocin on the bloodmilk barrier integrity during mastitis in dairy cows.

The reduction of antibiotic use in food producing animals becomes increasingly important. Therefore, suitable alternatives for mastitis treatment in dairy cows have to be considered. Oxytocin (OT) induces milk ejection and hence supports milk removal from infected mammary quarters. Beyond udder emptying, the injection of very high dosages of OT causes increased somatic cell counts (SCC) in milk and enables the transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig) from blood into milk through a reduced blood-milk barrier integrity. The aim of the present study was to investigate pathogen-specific changes of SCC, the blood derived milk components lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum albumin (SA), and IgG in milk of cows suffering from mastitis caused by different pathogens treated with two intravenous injections of high dosages of OT (100 IU). Milk samples from 184 dairy cows from different farms were collected on day1 (day of clinical examination and mastitis diagnosis) and on days2, 3, 14, and 28. Bacteriological examination (day1) identified involved pathogens. Cows were randomly assigned to treatment (OT injections on days1 and 2) or control group (no OT). Independently of the assigned experimental group, cows received the common therapy protocol of the veterinary practice after sample collection if the general condition was affected. Milk SCC, LDH, SA, and IgG changed specifically depending on involved pathogens. Highest values of all three parameters were measured in mastitis caused by Streptococcus uberis. Changes were less pronounced with other Streptococci spp., Staphylococci spp. or Corynebacterium bovis. Oxytocin treatment did not affect any of the studied parameters independent of the involved pathogen. Only in quarters infected with Staphylococci other than Staphylococcus aureus a decreased SCC and increased IgG concentrations in quarters, where no pathogens were detected, were observed. Thus, high dosage OT administration is obviously not suitable as a stand-alone mastitis treatment in dairy cows.

Features of change of immune status indicators in individuals with active and latent forms of herpes-virus infections

Objective. The aim of the study is to investigate the peculiarities of changes in the immune status of individuals with active and latent forms of herpesvirus infections. Herpesvirus infections are an urgent problem of modern health care.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The prospective longitudinal cohort study included 92 permanent blood donors who were examined twice at 6-month intervals for the presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies and antigens of herpes simplex viruses 1, 2, Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus type 6, as well as humoral immunity indicators.&#x0D; Results. In the period from October to April, 68.5 % of blood and its components donors were found to have markers of active herpesvirus infection caused by HSV 1, 2, EBV, CMV, and HHV6. The combination of the detected markers in the absence of clinical manifestations and changes in General and biochemical blood tests indicated asymptomatic reactivation of latent infection. The frequency of reactivations in the autumn and spring months is the same. The absence of IgG production after asymptomatic reactivation of HSV-2 and HHV-6 infections and an increase in IgG concentrations to HSV-1, EBV, and CMV were revealed. EBV infection is the most common among the studied nosologies (98.91 %) and is characterized by statistically significantly higher levels of specific IgG. The effect of asymptomatic reactivation of herpesvirus infections on the levels of total IDA, IgM, IgG, IDE, and CEC was not established.&#x0D; Conclusions. Asymptomatic reactivation of herpesvirus infections does not significantly affect the changes in immune status indicators, and the absence of clinical manifestations, and significant changes in General and biochemical blood tests cause epidemiological risks associated with difficulties in identifying the sources of infection.

Autophagy-inducing peptide increases CHO cell monoclonal antibody production in batch and fed-batch cultures.

The development of generic biopharmaceuticals is increasing the pressures for enhanced bioprocess productivity and yields. Autophagy ("self-eating") is a cellular process that allows cells to mitigate stresses such as nutrient deprivation. Reputed autophagy inhibitors have also been shown to increase autophagic flux under certain conditions, and enhance recombinant protein productivity in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cultures. Since peptides are commonly added to bioprocess culture media in hydrolysates, we evaluated the impact on productivity of an autophagy-inducing peptide (AIP), derived from the cellular autophagy protein Beclin 1. This was analyzed in CHO cell batch and fed-batch serum-free cultures producing a human Immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1). Interestingly, the addition of 1-4 µM AIP enhanced productivity in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell-specific productivity increased up to 1.8-fold in batch cultures, while in fed-batch cultures a maximum twofold increase in IgG concentration was observed. An initial drop in cell viability also occurred before cultures recovered normal growth. Overall, these findings strongly support the value of investigating the effects of autophagy pathway modulation, and in particular, the use of this AIP medium additive to increase CHO cell biotherapeutic protein production and yields.

Feeding β-hydroxy β-methyl butyrate to sows in late gestation improves litter and piglet performance to weaning and colostrum immunoglobulin concentrations

Positive effects of β-hydroxy β-methyl butyrate (HMB) on reproductive performance, growth rate and health have been reported in both human and animal studies. However, research into its effect on sow and litter performance is limited and the results show inconsistencies. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of HMB supplementation to sows on litter and piglet performance to weaning. A total of 279 (214 Large White × Landrace and 65 Large White × Landrace × Duroc) multiparous sows were used across four experiments. Sows received either a control diet or a diet supplemented with HMB (minimum of 15 mg/kg sow’s body weight) from day 100 of gestation until parturition (ca. day 115). The number of piglets born (total, alive or dead) was not affected by maternal dietary treatments. Feeding sows HMB increased total live born litter weight by 5.0 % (P = 0.031) with tendencies for these litters to remain heavier at week one (P = 0.081) and at weaning (P = 0.084). There were tendencies for HMB to increase average piglet weights at birth (P = 0.088), week one (P = 0.088) and at weaning (P = 0.054). In addition, there was a tendency for HMB to increase piglet growth rate from week one to weaning (P = 0.079). The concentration of IgM in colostrum was increased by 9.7 % with HMB supplementation (P = 0.029). The concentration of IgG was influenced by an interaction between diet and experiment (P = 0.016) whereby HMB significantly increased the colostrum concentration of IgG in experiment 1, numerically increased IgG concentration in experiment 2, but had no effect in experiment 3. Overall HMB supplementation to sows at a minimum dose of 15 mg/kg body weight for 15 days prior to parturition significantly increased litter weight at birth with tendencies for litters and average piglet weights to remain heavier at weaning. Supplemental HMB significantly increased the concentration of IgM in colostrum with a significant interaction between diet and experiment for IgG concentration.

Significance of serum protein electrophoresis in the detection of multiple myeloma: A diagnostic interpretation of patients with varied immunoglobulins

Background:To determine the relationship between serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and serum immunoglobulin profiles of patients with multiple myeloma (MM).Methods:This is a retrospective study conducted at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, focusing on patients over 18 years who received diagnostic blood tests for MM. Results for SPE and serum immunoglobulin profiles were obtained using lab logbooks. Descriptive and inferential statistics techniques were used to analyze the data.Results:The median age of MM patients in Trinidad and Tobago is of 69 years. The ratio of male and female patients with the MM is 50:50. Out of 131 patients, 24 (18.32%) had M bands present, 60 (45.80%) had an increase in gamma globulin, and 16 (12.21%) had a decrease in albumin. In cases of M band presence and raised gamma, there was noticeable increase in IgG concentration and a slight increase in IgM concentration. There was also an increase in IgA concentration in patients with the M-band but a decrease in concentration in those with raised gamma. Patients with an elevated gamma had a significant increase in IgG diameter and IgG concentration.Conclusions:This study showed a relationship between the presence of M bands and serum immunoglobulins. It has proven the significance of SPE and immunoglobulins, like IgG and IGM, in the detection of MM in the early and advanced stages. Therefore, it is recommended that SPE be used, along with other laboratory tests, in the diagnosis of MM.

State of the immune system in women with exacerbation of cytomegalovirus infection in the third trimester of pregnancy

Aim . To study the state of the immune system in women with exacerbation of cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) in the third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and methods . The study involved 120 women in the third trimester of pregnancy, uncomplicated and complicated by CMVI. The first group was represented by 30 seronegative women with physiological pregnancy, the second − 30 pregnant women with latent CMVI, leading to the development of placental insufficiency, the third − 30 patients with exacerbation of CMVI and placental insufficiency, and the fourth − 30 women with exacerbation of CMVI, initiating the development of placental insufficiency and the threat of miscarriage. The concentration of immunoglobulins (sIgA, IgA, IgG and IgM) and circulating immune complexes (CIC) in blood serum was studied. Results . It was shown that in women of the first group the concentration of sIgA in the blood serum was 5.0 (4.10-7.10) mg/ml, IgA − 2.32 (2.09-2.48) mg/ml, IgG – 13.8 (13.0-14.4) mg/ml, IgM − 1.08 (0.98-1.19) mg/ml and CIC − 0.097 (0.076-0.113) AU. In the second group, compared with the first one, the IgG concentration increased to 14.3 (13.3- 15.3) mg/ml (p=0.0284), at the same time there were no statistically significant changes in the sIgA level (p=0.697), IgA (p=0.085), IgM (p=0.197) and CIC (p=0.476). In the third group, in contrast to the second one, an increase in IgG concentration was recorded by 1.09 times (p=0.0016), IgM – by 1.88 times (p=0.000001) and CIC – by 1.70 times (p=0.000001) against the background of a 1.24-times decrease in IgA levels (p=0.000001) and no difference in sIgA concentration (p=0.208). In patients of the fourth group, in comparison with the third one, a decrease in the level of sIgA was diagnosed by 1.66 times (p=0.0000089) and IgA − by 1.41 times (p=0.00048) with an increase in IgG by 1.26 times (p=0.000001), IgM − 1.21 times (p=0.0011) and CIC − 1.09 times (p=0.0199). Conclusion . With exacerbation of CMVI in the third trimester of pregnancy, complicated by placental insufficiency, severe dysimmunoglobulinemia and autoimmune changes in the female body lead to the development of symptoms of the threat of miscarriage.

Investigation of total immunoglobulin G concentration, heavy chain antibody levels, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in female camels and their newborn calves.

Camels belong to a group of animals, where the structure of placenta does not allow intrauterine transfer of maternal immunoglobulins to the fetus and maternal immunity is exclusively transferred by colostrum to the newborn calf. There are few studies on the passive transfer of maternal immunity in the dromedary camel. This study determined total immunoglobulin G concentration, heavy chain antibody (HCAbs) levels, and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) in female camels and their newborn calves. For this, samples were collected from nine she-camels (blood and colostrum) and their calves (blood). IgG concentration and HCAb level were determined in mother serum and colostrum as well as in calf serum using ELISA. The NLR was calculated after the estimation of relative fractions of neutrophils and lymphocytes in collected blood samples using a blood cell analyzer. Both IgG and HCAbs were higher concentrated in camel colostrum than in mother serum. At parturition and before the first colostrum intake, calf serum did not contain any measurable concentration of IgG and only low levels of HCAbs. After colostrum consumption, a rise in IgG and HCAb levels was observed in calf serum. For total IgG, a minimum was reached on day 30 postnatum. While a significant increase in IgG concentration was seen on day 60 postnatum, no significant rise was measured in HCAbs at that age. Only post-colostrum IgG levels in calf serum correlated positively with IgG levels in mother colostrum. Directly after birth, newborn calves showed significantly higher NLR than their mothers. This indicates a pro-inflammatory nature of the calf immune response. The decrease of the NLR on day 60 postnatum may argue for the maturation of the calf immune response at this age.

Effects of spirulina supplementation on lipid metabolism disorder, oxidative stress caused by high-energy dietary in Hu sheep

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of spirulina supplementation in a high-energy (HE) diet on lipid metabolism, oxidative status and immunity in Hu lambs. The lambs were assigned to two groups receiving either a standard diet (ST) or a HE diet. Each group was divided into three subgroups: no spirulina supplementation (control), 1% spirulina supplementation, or 3% spirulina supplementation. The body fat, serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol and oxidative stress increased in lambs fed the HE diet. However, 3% spirulina supplementation in the HE diet reduced above parameters and enhanced antioxidant capacity, including increased SOD activity and T-AOC content in serum and Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL). Additionally, lambs receiving 3% spirulina supplementation showed an improvement in immunity-related parameters, including increased IgG concentration in serum and red and white blood cell counts. In conclusion, 3% spirulina supplementation in HE diet ameliorated lipid metabolic disorder and oxidative stress caused by a HE diet.

Evaluation of 2 different treatment procedures after calving to improve harvesting of high-quantity and high-quality colostrum

The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 different treatment procedures at the first milking after calving to increase colostrum quantity and to improve colostrum quality in dairy cows. We hypothesized that either exogenous treatment with oxytocin or the presence of the calf at first milking would lead to higher colostrum quantity and higher IgG concentration. The study was conducted from October to December 2017 on a commercial dairy farm in Germany. A total of 567 cows at the time of calving were enrolled, but for the final analyses only 521 animals were considered. The cows were randomly assigned on a daily basis into 1 of 3 groups: (1) control group (n = 177), (2) application of 20 IU of oxytocin i.m. (OXY; n = 163), and (3) presence of the calf (CA; n = 181) before and during milking. Cows in the control and oxytocin group had no contact with their calves after calving and were milked in a separate milking parlor. Cows in the oxytocin group were injected with 20 IU of oxytocin i.m. 3 min before manual stimulation. For cows in the third group, the calf was placed into a calf cart and located in front of the cow 3 min before manipulation of the cow. Colostrum quantity was determined by a digital hanging scale. The colostrum quality was assessed with digital Brix refractometry and ELISA. To evaluate the effect of 2 different treatment procedures, a generalized linear mixed model was constructed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., IBM, Ehningen, Germany). The mean (±SE) colostrum quantity was 4.17 ± 0.30 kg. The treatment procedures and the harvesting time after calving had no effect on colostrum quantity. Parity, calf birth weight, and calving time affected colostrum quantity. Cows in second parity had the lowest quantity of colostrum (3.74 ± 0.37 kg) compared with cows in parity 1 (4.75 ± 0.34 kg) and cows in parity 3 or greater (4.75 ± 0.38 kg). Cows calving during the night (2200 until 0600 h; 4.93 ± 0.37 kg) had the highest quantity of colostrum compared with cows calving in the morning (0600 until 1400 h; 4.17 ± 0.38 kg) or afternoon (1400 until 2200 h; 4.14 ± 0.34 kg). Regarding colostrum quality, 48% of the colostrum samples contained ≥50 mg of IgG/mL. The mean IgG concentration was 54.6 ± 2.80 mg of IgG/mL. Colostrum quality was affected by the treatment procedures, colostrum quantity, parity, calving time, harvesting time after calving, and the calving day during the week. Both treatment procedures (i.e., OXY with mean IgG concentration results of 57.0 mg of IgG/mL and CA with 56.0 mg of IgG/mL) resulted in higher IgG concentrations in colostrum compared with the control group (50.7 mg of IgG/mL). With increasing colostrum quantity, the colostrum quality decreased in primiparous and multiparous cows. A longer time lag between calving and milking negatively affected the colostrum quality. Concentration of IgG was higher for cows in parity 3 or greater (64.6 ± 2.59 mg of IgG/mL) compared with cows in parity 1 (48.5 ± 2.86 mg of IgG/mL) and cows in parity 2 (50.7 ± 2.89 mg of IgG/mL). Cows calving during the night had greater IgG concentrations (60.4 ± 2.92 mg of IgG/mL) compared with cows calving in the morning (51.9 ± 2.98 mg of IgG/mL) or afternoon (51.3 ± 2.71 mg of IgG/mL). Harvesting colostrum on quieter days, such as Sundays, resulted in higher IgG concentrations (61.4 ± 3.70 mg of IgG/mL). The assessment by Brix refractometry resulted in a mean result of 26.0 ± 0.20% Brix. Treatment procedures and the harvesting time after calving had no effect on colostrum quality. A negative association was observed between colostrum quantity and quality in primiparous and multiparous cows determined by Brix refractometry. Brix readings were greater for cows in parity 3 or higher (27.7 ± 0.26% Brix) compared with cows in parity 1 (25.3 ± 0.30% Brix) and cows in parity 2 (25.0 ± 0.32% Brix). In conclusion, the treatment procedure for the first milking is irrelevant to improve the quantity of colostrum. Both treatment procedures, however, increased IgG concentrations as determined by ELISA.

Differences in immune responses of pigs vaccinated with Salmonella Typhimurium and S. Choleraesuis strains and challenged with S. Choleraesuis

S. Choleraesuis (Choleraesuis) and S. Typhimurium (Typhimurium) cause salmonellosis in pigs and humans. The effects of vaccine strains pSV-less Typhimurium OU5048 and Choleraesuis OU7266 and SPI-2-mutant Choleraesuis SC2284 on the immune responses of pigs against Typhimurium, Choleraesuis, and S. Enteritidis (Enteritidis) with or without the virulence plasmid (pSV) were determined. After oral vaccination of three vaccine groups and challenge with Choleraesuis CN36, the level of Salmonella-specific IgG in sera and the bactericidal effects and superoxide generation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) against the above strains were determined using ELISA and NBT assay, respectively. Among three vaccine strains tested, OU7266 stimulated the highest Salmonella-specific IgG levels. Complement inactivation increased IgG concentration, while E. coli absorption reduced IgG levels. The pSV-containing strains were less resistant to serum killing than the pSV-less strains, and Enteritidis exhibited the lowest resistance to serum killing. Serovars tested, vaccine strains, and timeline periods postvaccination and challenge were important factors affecting superoxide production. The two Choleraesuis vaccine strains stimulated greater levels of superoxide from PMNs and PBMCs than the Typhimurium strains. The PMNs and PBMCs in challenged and vaccinated pigs reduced more superoxide than those in challenged hosts. In vaccinated hosts, pSV-less Salmonella strains triggered lower levels of PMN/PBMC-generated superoxide upon challenge than strains with pSV against Enteritidis and Choleraesuis. Overall, Choleraesuis OU7266 may be better than the other vaccine strains in generating the greatest IgG levels, serum bactericidal activity and superoxide levels. The pSV likely influences the immune responses.

Cottonseed feeding changes oxidative stress markers in ewes during the peripartum period and increases the quality of colostrum

Immune indicators and oxidative stress markers were analyzed in blood and lacteal secretions of twenty Santa Ines ewes distributed in two feeding regimes: cottonseed concentrate (CS; n=10) and soybean concentrate (SB; n=10). Blood catalase activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were higher in SB than CS (P<0.05), suggesting that cottonseed increased oxidative stress in ewes. Cottonseed consumption increased IgG concentration, lysozyme activity and total protein concentration in the colostrum and decreased iron stock, suggesting a positive effect of this nutrient on the immune quality, antibacterial activity and antioxidant potential of colostrum.

Impact of siponimod on vaccination response in a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Objective:To evaluate effects of siponimod on response to T-cell–dependent (influenza) and T-cell–independent (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine [PPV-23]) vaccinations in healthy participants.Methods:In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, each participant underwent a 7-week treatment period and received intramuscular injections of influenza and PPV-23 vaccines (day 21). Participants were randomized to 4 treatment groups (N = 30 each) and received placebo or siponimod 2 mg once daily in concomitant, interrupted, or preceding fashion. Individual response to vaccination was defined by a ≥4-fold (influenza) antibody titer increase and by a ≥2-fold increase in serotype-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentrations (PPV-23) on day 28 vs baseline. Responder rates were compared using noninferiority analysis.Results:Mean influenza titers were similar to placebo in the preceding and interrupted groups but lower in the concomitant group. The proportion of participants with influenza titers ≥40 four weeks after vaccination (seroprotection) was similar to placebo across all groups and antigens. In each treatment group, response criteria were met for 3 of 4 antigens including H1N1 and H3N2. A noninferior response was determined in the context of preceding treatment but not interrupted or concomitant treatment. Regarding PPV-23, approximately 90%–100% of participants exhibited a ≥2-fold increase in IgG concentrations vs baseline. Noninferior responder rates were determined for each siponimod treatment group.Conclusions:Siponimod treatment had no relevant effect on antibody response to PPV-23. European Medicines Agency response criteria were essentially met for influenza, but titers were lower on concomitant treatment. Overall, these data suggest that siponimod has limited effect on the efficacy of vaccinations with neoantigens.Classification of evidence:This study provides Class II evidence that in healthy persons, siponimod had limited effect on the immune response following influenza or pneumococcal vaccinations.