Increase In sIgA Research Articles

Effects of inulin on fecal microbiota and specific immunity in cats

Inulin has potential benefits for alleviating intestinal stress syndrome, constipation, and immunomodulation. However, its effects on cat gastrointestinal tract remain unexplored. Eight healthy adult British short-haired cat were administered 50 mg/kg/d inulin with a basal diet for 21 days, while fecal samples were collected to measure indole and 3-methylindole levels, immune index detection, and fecal microbial diversity on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. The results showed that adding inulin to the diet of cat could cause the increase of sIgA on day 14 (P < 0.05) and enhance their immune performance. In addition, it will also affect the fecal microbiota of the cat. Collinsella abundance was significantly increased, which could indulge ursodeoxycholic acid production. Feeding inulin had no significant effect on the levels of indole and 3-methylindole (P > 0.05). The above results showed that inulin supplementation in cat diet could improve cat health by enhancing immunity and increasing intestinal beneficial flora.

Efficacy of the extract of marshmallow root, chamomile flowers, horsetail herb, walnut leaves, yarrow herb, oak bark, and dandelion herb in preschool children with pharyngeal and/or palatine tonsil disorders and frequent recurrent respiratory infections

Background. Acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs) are common in children and can become recurrent, especially in patients with pharyngeal and/or palatine tonsil disorders.&#x0D; Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the herbal medicine of marshmallow root, chamomile flowers, horsetail herb, walnut leaves, yarrow herb, oak bark and dandelion herb (Tonsilgon N) in preschool children with adenotonsillar disorders.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 1876 children aged 2 to 5 years with a history of pharyngeal and/or palatine tonsil disorders and frequent recurrent respiratory infections. The subjects were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n=940) received herbal medicine (10 drops 56 times daily) for 30 days, and Group 2 (n=936) received no additional medication. Efficacy and safety were evaluated after the therapy course and during the follow-up (3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment started). The assessment included nasopharyngeal endoscopy, cytological examination of nasal mucosa smears, measurement of soluble immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels and lysozyme activity in nasal secretion.&#x0D; Results. After a course of therapy, a significant decrease in the incidence of AURTIs (p0.05), associated with a local immunity improvement, estimated by sIgA levels and lysozyme activity (p0.001 for both values versus the control group), was noted. By the end of the study, in 86.5% of patients of Group 1, the pharyngeal tonsil volume decreased from grade 2 to grade 1 of hypertrophy (p=0.000). The pharyngeal and palatine tonsil hypertrophy worsened in 83.6% of Group 2 patients.&#x0D; Conclusion. The study results showed that Tonsilgon N significantly reduced the incidence of AURTIs in children with pharyngeal and/or palatine tonsil disorders and frequent recurrent respiratory infections. This effect was associated with an increase in sIgA and lysozyme levels in the nasal secretion and a decrease in neutrophil counts, indicating an improvement in local immunity.

Oropharyngeal administration of mother\u2019s own milk influences levels of salivary sIgA in preterm infants fed by gastric tube

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels in preterm infants fed by gastric tube. Infants (n = 130) with birth weight < 1500 g were randomly allocated into two groups which both received breast milk for enteral nutrition. The experimental group (n = 65) accepted oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration before gastric tube feeding for 14 days after birth. The control group (n = 65) accepted oropharyngeal 0.9% normal saline administration. Saliva concentration of sIgA were assessed at the 2 h, 7th and 14th day after birth. The level of salivary sIgA in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group on the 7th day after birth (p < 0.05), but there were no differences in salivary sIgA levels on the 14th day between the two groups. The results of quantile regression analysis showed that oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration, delivery mode and gestational age had significant effects on the increase of sIgA. SIgA in experimental group and the total number of intervention had a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05). Oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration can improve salivary sIgA levels of preterm infants.

Saliva as a useful tool for evaluating upper mucosal antibody response to influenza.

Mucosal immunity plays a crucial role in controlling upper respiratory infections, including influenza. We established a quantitative ELISA to measure the amount of influenza virus-specific salivery IgA (sIgA) and salivary IgG (sIgG) antibodies using a standard antibody broadly reactive to the influenza A virus. We then analyzed saliva and serum samples from seven individuals infected with the A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza virus during the 2019-2020 flu seasons. We detected an early (6-10 days post-infection) increase of sIgA in five of the seven samples and a later (3-5 weeks) increase of sIgG in six of the seven saliva samples. Although the conventional parenteral influenza vaccine did not induce IgA production in saliva, vaccinated individuals with a history of influenza infection had higher basal levels of sIgA than those without a history. Interestingly, we observed sIgA and sIgG in an asymptomatic individual who had close contact with two influenza cases. Both early mucosal sIgA secretion and late systemically induced sIgG in the mucosal surface may protect against virus infection. Despite the small sample size, our results indicate that the saliva test system can be useful for analyzing upper mucosal immunity in influenza.

Особенности секреторного иммуноглобулина А у пациентов после перенесенной COVID-19-инфекции

Secretory immunoglobulin A, as a marker of the immune response in the mucous membrane, is an available indicator for detecting changes in the local immunity of mucous patients who have undergone COVID-19. Objective. To evaluate the dynamics of changes in the level of sIgA in saliva samples and the effectiveness of the use of interferon α-2b in individuals after a coronavirus infection. Patients and methods. Patients aged 18 to 60 years after COVID-19 infection (group 1 on therapy, n = 65; group 2 without therapy, n = 65) and conditionally healthy individuals (control group, n = 15) were monitored. The material is saliva samples, where the sIgA level was determined initially and after a month. The drug – interferon α-2b, in the form of a gel for topical use (Viferon®, dosage 36,000 IU/g) was administered intranasally 2 times a day, for 1 month. Results. In all groups of patients who underwent COVID-19, the level of saliva sIgA was lower compared to the conditional norm of healthy individuals (6,45 ± 1,81 mg/ml). A month after the administration of interferon α-2b the best effect was observed in patients in the time interval of 1–3 months from the infection, where sIgA was noted a statistically significant increase from 1,84 ± 0,28 to 5,78 ± 1,96 mg/ml. In the groups of patients with later terms, a moderate increase in sIgA was determined (3–6 months: 2,83 ± 0,71 to 3,33 ± 1,78 mg/ml; 6–9 months: 3,53 ± 0,45 to 4,76 ± 2,3 mg/ml) and the absence of infectious diseases during rehabilitation period. In the group without therapy, in all temporal aspects, a persistent decrease in sIgA indicators below normal values was revealed, and the frequency of incidence of respiratory viral infections was noted in 9,2% of cases. Conclusions. During the rehabilitation period, the greatest changes in sIgA in saliva were observed in patients in the first 3 months after the COVID infection. The administration of interferon α-2b to patients in the post-COVID period is accompanied by the normalization of sIgA and prevents the development of respiratory infections. In similar groups, after COVID-19 without therapy, the indicator tends to decrease, and this category of people is at a higher risk of developing other infectious pathologies. Key words: interferon α-2b, COVID-19, mucosal immunity, post-COVID period, secretory immunoglobulin A, saliva

Modulation of gut microbiota by Mantequilla and Melipona honeys decrease low-grade inflammation caused by high fructose corn syrup or sucrose in rats

Several studies have shown that consumption of honey is associated with various health benefits. However, there is scarce evidence on whether honeys modify the intestinal microbiota by preventing the inflammatory response in the host. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to study the effect of Melipona (Mel) and Mantequilla (Mtq) honeys, which contain different bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity on gut microbiota and metabolic consequences in comparison with other sweeteners, in particular sucrose (S) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in rats. The results of the present work showed that both honeys have polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant and bactericidal activities. Rats fed with both honeys gained less weight and body fat by increasing energy expenditure compared to S or HFCS and increased gene expression of antioxidant enzymes mediated by the transcription factor Nrf2. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that consumption of both honeys modified the beta-diversity compared to those fed S or HFCS resulting in increased abundance of a specific cluster of bacteria of the Clostridium genus particularly Coprococcus eutactus, Defluviitalea saccharophila, Ruminicoccus gnavus and Ruminicoccus flavefaciens. As a result of the changes in the gut microbiota, there was a decrease in LPS- and TLR4-mediated low-grade inflammation and an increase in sIgA. Consumption of both honeys prevented glucose intolerance and increased adipocyte size compared to S or HFCS. In conclusion, consumption of MtqH or MelH can reduce metabolic endotoxemia by modifying the gut microbiota to prevent glucose intolerance.

Diversity of effects induced by boron-containing compounds on immune response cells and on antibodies in basal state

BackgroundIt has been reported that boron induces changes in the immune response, including in inflammatory processes. Recently, the effect of boric acid has been documented on the differentiation of lymphocyte clusters in mice and rats. However, the differences among boron-containing compounds (BCC) have been poorly explored. MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the effects after oral administration of boric acid (BOR), methylboronic (MET), 3-thyenylboronic (3TB), 4-hydroxymethyl-phenylboronic (4MP) and 4-methanesulfonyl-phenylboronic (4SP) acids on the populations of lymphocytes from spleen and Peyer’s patch (PP) as well as on antibodies. Groups of six male BALB/c were orally treated with 4.6 mg/kg of body weight with BOR, MET, 3TB, 4MP, and 4SP/daily for 10 days or vehicle (VEH) as a control group. After euthanasia, the spleen and small intestine were dissected. We conducted flow cytometry assays to assess B, CD3+ T, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cells. Levels of IgG and IgM in serum, and IgA in intestinal fluid samples were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay. ResultsIn particular, we observed the effects of the administration of boronic acids on the number of lymphocytes; these changes were more notable in spleen than in PP. We found different profiles for each boron-containing compound, that is BOR induced an increase in the percentage of CD8+ T and CD19+/IgA+ cells in spleen, but a decrease in CD8+ T and B220+/CD19+ cells in PP. Meanwhile MET induced a decrease of CD4+ T in spleen, but induced an increase of CD4+ T cells and a decrease in the number of CD8+ T cells in PP. Boronic acids with an aromatic ring moiety induced changes in serum immunoglobulins levels, while 3TB acid induced a notable increase in S-IgA. ConclusionsEffects in lymphocyte populations and antibodies are different for each tested compound. These results highlight the establishment of the necessary structure-activity relationship for BCC as immunomodulatory drugs. This is relevant in the biomedical field due to their attractiveness for selecting compounds to develop therapeutic tools.

Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A variation between female varsity athletes and nonathletes.

Exercise can lead to changes in immune function. To further investigate this relationship, we examined possible differences in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion rates among female college athletes and nonathlete students. We predicted that athletes would have higher sIgA secretion rates than nonathletes and show greater declines in sIgA during the study period as intensive exercise training continued. We recruited 52 female participants aged 18-22 years (13 swimmers, 20 runners, and 19 nonathletes). We collected two saliva samples from each participant: baseline and a second sample 2 weeks later. Additionally, participants reported minutes of cardiovascular activity performed per week and completed a survey that included a modified Profile of Mood States and the Undergraduate Stress Questionnaire. We found no significant differences in mean salivary sIgA secretion rates between athletes and nonathletes. Salivary sIgA significantly increased between sample collections for both groups, with nonathletes exhibiting a greater increase in sIgA than athletes. Cardiovascular activity was not associated with sIgA secretion rates. Illness status was a significant positive predictor of sIgA secretion rates. Cardiovascular activity did not predict salivary sIgA secretion rates in this sample of female college students, and athletes did not show significantly different sIgA secretion rates than nonathletes. Together, these findings suggest that exercise may not be associated with altered immune function in well-nourished college-aged women. The increase in secretion rates among both athletes and nonathletes suggests that additional factors shared by both groups may have led to increases.

Potential immunological effects of fermentable fibres in athletes

AbstractRecent findings point at novel benefits of specific fibres, like inulin, as their fermentation metabolites can improve mucosal immunity and protect against infections (1,2). This outcome is desirable for athletes, who are at increased exposure to oxidative damage and thus risk of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). However, whether inulin can improve immune function in athletes is unknown. We investigated the effect of supplementation with inulin-enriched foods on salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA), a marker of immunity associated with URTI, in rugby players. We hypothesised that inulin supplementation would increase sIgA, and such change would be greater than that observed in a group following a diet without inulin supplementation. Ten rugby players volunteered for this pilot study (24.2 ± 5.4 years, 93.2 ± 18.7 kg). Participants were randomly assigned to either control (CON) or intervention diet (IN) for 3-weeks; and provided with 2% inulin-enriched pasta and bread (IN) or the same products without inulin (CON), to be consumed as part of a prescribed diet plan. sIgA was measured before and after each condition by collecting saliva with validated swabs, and was quantified with enzyme-linked immunoassay. Differences within and between groups were assessed with paired-samples t-test and ANOVA, respectively. Relationships between inulin intake and sIgA were explored with Spearman's correlation and regression analysis. There was a significant increase in sIgA following inulin supplementation (p = 0.002), which was significantly different to CON (+ 53.6 ± 44.7 and 5.8 ± 37.2 mg/dL, p = 0.054). Average inulin intake was 10.9 ± 1.6 g/day, and it was positively associated with sIgA (rs = 0.661, p = 0.038) and correlated with sIgA changes (r2 = 0.438, p = 0.037). There were no significant differences in energy intake between and within groups (p &gt; 0.10). There were no reports of upper-respiratory tract or other infections during the study period (winter). Some IN participants reported improved bowel function. Inulin-enriched products could represent a simple approach to promote mucosal immunity and gut health in athletes. Larger controlled trials are warranted to confirm the dose-response and long-term effects of inulin supplementation including metabolic and performance outcomes.

The immunomodulatory and antiallergic effects of human colonized probiotics

The rate of allergy is increasing particularly among infants due to several factors reaching up to 30%. Several materials components have been implicated in the development and excessive activation of the immune system, acting as irritants and allergic agents. In several studies, in Mediterranean inhabitants with a specific diet, the prevalence of allergies in children was low, whereas dietary supplements in the Western and Mediterranean countries had a different role in the regulation of immune responses and in the reduction of allergic reactions. Probiotics have been associated with reduction of allergic reactions mostly by positive effect on T helper cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), B cells and dendritic cells. Furthermore, probiotics existing in the human intestine can modulate the immune response and allergic reactions through downregulation of Th2-related responses (IgE, IL-4 and IL-5). They mostly exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties by modulation of immune system components via hindering of various signaling pathways such as the NF-κB pathway, probably associated with changes in mitogen-activated protein kinases and pattern recognition receptors pathways. These microorganisms have also potential to inhibit the bacterial lipopolysaccharide attachment to the CD14 receptor, hence reducing the overall activation of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines production. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species act through increase in proinflammatory (Th1) cytokines (INF-γ, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-α and also IL-4 and IL-10), dendritic cells, CD4+FoxP3+ T cells, GATA-3 and intestinal barrier maturation, whereas decrease the Th2-mediated cytokines, IgA, IgE, IgG1, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6, IL-13, airway reactivity, pulmonary eosinophilia. Furthermore, Clostridium butyricum could act by improvement of anaphylaxis symptoms and increase of sIgA and CD4+ CD25+FoxP3Treg cells. In this review, we assessed the recent evidence that confirms the role of probiotics compounds as an important factor in the safety of homeostasis and the development of allergic reactions through a complex set of metabolites and the immune cells. The employment and application of probiotics combined with immunotherapy approaches can be possibly effective in reducing allergic reactions and related therapeutic costs.

Preparation and Performance of Ecofriendly Epoxy/Multilayer Graphene Oxide Composites with Flame-Retardant Functional Groups

This study aimed to prepare ecofriendly flame retardants. Using the –OH and –COOH functional groups of multilayer graphene oxide (GO) for the hydrolytic condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), TEOS was grafted onto GO to form Si-GO. Subsequently, p-aminophenol (AP) was grafted onto Si-GO to produce Si-GA, forming composite materials with epoxy (EP). The structures and properties of the composite materials were examined with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the limiting oxygen index (LOI). In terms of structure, FTIR observed two characteristic peaks of Si-GO, namely Si–O–C and Si-O-Si, indicating that TEOS was successfully grafted onto GO. TGA was used to determine the thermal stability of the epoxy/Si-GA composites; with the increase in Si-GA, the char yield of the materials increased from 15.6 wt % (pure epoxy) to 25 wt % (epoxy/10 wt % Si-GA), indicating that Si-GA effectively enhanced the thermal stability of the epoxy matrix. Lastly, the flame retardant tests determined that the LOI value rose from 19% (pure epoxy) to 26% (epoxy/10 wt % Si-GA), proving that graphene with modified silicon can be used to enhance the flame retardancy of epoxy.

The Interrelated Physiological and Psychological Effects of EcoMeditation.

This study investigated changes in psychological and physiological markers during a weekend meditation workshop (N = 34). Psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and happiness were assessed. Physiological markers included cortisol, salivary immunoglobulin A (SigA), heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), and resting heart rate (RHR). On posttest, significant reductions were found in cortisol (−29%, P < .0001), RHR (−5%, P = .0281), and pain (−43%, P = .0022). Happiness increased significantly (+11%, P = .0159) while the increase in SigA was nonsignificant (+27%, P = .6964). Anxiety, depression, and PTSD all declined (−26%, P = .0159; −32%, P = .0197; −18%, P = .1533), though changes in PTSD did not reach statistical significance. No changes were found in BP, HRV, and heart coherence. Participants were assessed for psychological symptoms at 3-month follow-up, but the results were nonsignificant due to inadequate sample size (n = 17). EcoMeditation shows promise as a stress-reduction method.

Дослідження динаміки показників імунного статусу у дітей з множинним карієсом на фоні захворювань шлунково-кишкового тракту у різні терміни лікування

The level of immunoglobulins and lysozyme in the oral fluid deviates from the norm at presence of the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), which is likely to be a trigger in the development of rampant caries in children. A detailed study of this aspect has made it possible to directly influence the inhibition of the pathological process.The aim of the study – to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of a complex of therapeutic and prophylactic measures aimed at increasing the resistance of the oral cavity in children with rampant caries on the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in 12–14 days and 6 months after treatment; compare the data with these before treatment.Materials and Methods. The article presents the results of the study of the dynamics of immunological parameters in children with rampant caries on the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The increase of the indexes of immunoglobulins A, G, secretory immunoglobulin A, lysozyme in the oral liquid of the children of the main, comparative and control groups was determined by the method of radial immunodiffusion in Mancini agar and agar diffusion method containing 0.05 % biomass powder Micrococcus lysodeikticus.Results and Discussion. As a result of the proposed treatment and prophylactic complex, we managed to achieve a significant improvement in the immunological status of oral fluid in children with rampant caries on the background of GI tract diseases. Thus, after treatment (12–14 days), the content of IgA in the oral liquid of the children of the main group increased by 80.0 % higher in relation to the data before treatment. At the same time, in children of the main group, the decrease in the IgG concentration, which was lower than the data before treatment, was studied at 26.32 %. At 12–14 days after treatment in children with multiple caries, against the background of gastrointestinal lesions of the main group, an increase in sIgA and lysozyme was observed, which was 39.13 % and 23.85 % higher, respectively, for the data before treatment.Conclusions. The complex of therapeutic and prophylactic measures introduced and implemented in clinical practice causes a pronounced caries prophylactic effect and improves the state of hygiene, increases the acidity of the enamel and mineralizing properties of the oral liquid, normalizes microbiocenosis and immunological status, which in general optimizes the processes of remineralization.

The state of immunological reactivity and nonspecific protection factor (lysozyme) in children with reactive arthritis

Aim. An improvement of diagnostics and prognostication of ReA clinical course in children on the base of studying the immunological reactivity and non-specific protection factor (lysozyme).Materials and methods. Examination of children took place in the municipal children’s cardiorheumatologic department of MHPI “Kharkov municipal children’s clinical hospital № 24" and municipal children’s polyclinic of the Kharkov city (№ 1, 2, 7, 12, 13, 14, 23).40 children with ReA underwent immunological examinations, detection of sIgA in the saliva and lysozyme in the blood serum in acute period and in 9–12 months after the beginning of disease. 19 children (47,5 %) – 2–6 years old, 21 children (52,5 %). – 7–14 years old. Boys – 22 (55,0 %), girls – 18 (45,0 %). The mean age of children in group was 7,2±0,32. The control group included 32 healthy children. The mean age of children in group was 7,4±0,54.The ReA diagnosis was set according to the order of Ukrainian MHP of 19.07.2005 № 362 “Protocol of diagnostics and treatment of disease of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue in children ICD-D М00-М25 arthropathies”.Immunological examinations included the study of indices of cellular, humoral, monocytic-phagocytic links of immunity, content of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6), detection of sIgA and index of nonspecific protection factor (lysozyme).Assessment of results of researches was carried out using STATISTICА program for Windows (version 10.0), Microsoft Excel 2012, MATLAB 2015a.Results. In the ReA acute period in children was observed depression of T-system on the background of activation of immunity B-system as the reliable decrease of СD8, СD25 and increase of СD21. There was revealed an increase of IL-6, increase of phagocytic number, spontaneous NBT-test and spontaneous neutrophils activity index.The sIgA level reliably exceeded the standard. At determination of lysozyme the blood serum of patients with ReA in acute period was revealed its deficiency comparing with the standard.In 9–12 months after the beginning of disease in subgroup of children with prolonged and relapsing clinical course was preserved the increase of IL-6 level and decrease of CD8, CD25 and increase of CD21, increase of sIgA and low content of lysozyme. The indicators of the favorable ReA outcome (remission) are: normalization of indices of T- and B-cellular link of immunity, IL-6, sIgA and lysozyme.Conclusions.1. In the ReA acute period was detected the decrease of CD8, CD25, increase of CD21and IL-6. The phagocytic link of immunity functions in the hypercompensation mode with emaciation (decompensation) phenomena. The sIgA content is increased and lysozyme level is decreased.2. In 9–12 months after the beginning of disease in subgroup of children with remission was detected normalization of indices of T- and B-cellular links of immunity IL-6, sIgA and lysozyme. In subgroup of children with prolonged and relapsing clinical course was preserved increase of CD21, IL-6, sIgA and decrease of CD8, CD25 and lysozyme

High-Dose Probiotic Supplementation Containing Lactobacillus casei for 7 Days Does Not Enhance Salivary Antimicrobial Protein Responses to Exertional Heat Stress Compared With Placebo.

The study aimed to determine whether high-dose probiotic supplementation containing Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) for 7 consecutive days enhances salivary antimicrobial protein (S-AMP) responses to exertional-heat stress (EHS). Eight endurance-trained male volunteers (age 26 ± 6 years, nude body mass 70.2 ± 8.8 kg, height 1.75 ± 0.05 m, VO2max 59 ± 5 ml·kg-1·min-1 [M ± SD]) completed a blinded randomized and counterbalanced crossover design. Oral supplementation of the probiotic beverage (PRO; L. casei . 1011 colony-forming units·day-1) or placebo (PLA) was consumed for 7 consecutive days before 2 hr running exercise at 60% VO2max in hot ambient conditions (34.0° C and 32% RH). Body mass and unstimulated saliva and venous blood samples were collected at baseline (7 days before EHS), pre-EHS, post-EHS (1 hr, 2 hr, and 4 hr), and at 24 hr. Saliva samples were analyzed for salivary (S) IgA, α-amylase, lysozyme, and cortisol. Plasma samples were analyzed for plasma osmolality. Body mass and plasma osmolality did not differ between trials. Saliva flow rate remained relatively constant throughout the experimental design in PRO (overall M ± SD = 601 ± 284 μl/min) and PLA (557 ± 296 μl/min). PRO did not induce significant changes in resting S-AMP responses compared with PLA (p > .05). Increases in S-IgA, S-α-amylase, and S-cortisol responses, but not S-lysozyme responses, were observed after EHS (p < .05). No main effects of trial or Time x Trial interaction were observed for S-AMP and S-cortisol responses. Supplementation of a probiotic beverage containing L. casei for 7 days before EHS does not provide any further oral-respiratory mucosal immune protection, with respect to S-AMP, over PLA.

Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults

Background: Mushrooms are widely cited for their medicinal qualities, yet very few human intervention studies have been done using contemporary guidelines.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether consumption of whole, dried Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms could improve human immune function. Primary objectives were to ascertain whether L. edodes consumption would improve γδ-T cell proliferation and activation responses, quantify a dose response, and elicit cytokine secretion patterns. Secondary objectives included determining changes in natural killer T (NK-T) cell proliferation and activation, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in saliva, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum.Design: Fifty-two healthy males and females, aged 21–41 years, participated in a 4-week parallel group study, consuming either 5 or 10 g of mushrooms daily. Each subject had blood drawn before and after 4 weeks of daily L. edodes consumption. Saliva and serum were also collected. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in autologous serum for 24 hours or 6 days, stained, and examined by flow cytometry.Results: Eating L. edodes for 4 weeks resulted in increased ex vivo proliferation of γδ-T (60% more, p < 0.0001) and NK-T (2-fold more, p < 0.0001) cells. Both cell types also demonstrated a greater ability to express activation receptors, suggesting that consuming mushrooms improved cell effector function. The increase in sIgA implied improved gut immunity. The reduction in CRP suggested lower inflammation. The pattern of cytokines secreted before and after mushroom consumption was significantly different; consumption resulted in increased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1α levels, a decreased macrophage inflammatory protein-1α/chemokine C-C ligand 3 (MIP-1α/CCL3) level, and no change to IL-6, IL-1β, MIP-1β, IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels.Conclusions: Regular L. edodes consumption resulted in improved immunity, as seen by improved cell proliferation and activation and increased sIgA production. The changes observed in cytokine and serum CRP levels suggest that these improvements occurred under conditions that were less inflammatory than those that existed before consumption.

Oral intake of Lactobacillus rhamnosus M21 enhances the survival rate of mice lethally infected with influenza virus.

Influenza viruses cause acute respiratory disease. Because of the high genetic variability of viruses, effective vaccines and antiviral agents are limited. Considering the fact that the site of influenza virus entry is the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, probiotics that can enhance mucosal immunity as well as systemic immunity could be an important source of treatment against influenza infection. Mice were fed with Lactobacillus rhamnosus M21 or skim milk and were challenged with influenza virus. The resulting survival rate, lung inflammation, and changes in the cytokine and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels were examined. Because of infection (influenza virus), all the mice in the control group and 60% of the mice in the L. rhamnosus M21 group died; however, the remaining 40% of the mice fed with L. rhamnosus M21 survived the infection. Pneumonia was severe in the control group but moderate in the group treated with L. rhamnosus M21. Although there were no significant changes in the proinflammatory cytokines in the lung lysates of mice collected from both groups, levels of interferon-γ and interleukin-2, which are representative cytokines of type I helper T cells, were significantly increased in the L. rhamnosus M21-treated group. An increase in sIgA as well as the diminution of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also observed in the L. rhamnosus M21-treated group. These results demonstrate that orally administered L. rhamnosus M21 activates humoral as well as cellular immune responses, conferring increased resistance to the host against influenza virus infection.

Total IgA in spleen, bursa and intestine of chickens pretreated with E. faecium AL41 and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis PT4

The concentration of secretory IgA (sIgA) in intestine flush and solid organs (spleen, bursa) in chickens pretreated with probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium AL41 (EF) and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 (SE) was assessed. Forty 1-day-old chickens Cobb 500 were divided into four groups: control, EFAL41, SE and combined EFAL41+SE. The increased concentration of sIgA was determined on day 4 after salmonella infection in the intestine flush in EFAL41group. In combined EFAL41+SE group significant increase of sIgA in the intestine flush was found 7 days post-infection. Pre-treatment of chickens with E. faecium AL41 also showed beneficial effect in bursa in EFAL41 and EFAL41+SE groups. In spleen, total IgA was increased only in SE group. The results demonstrated positive effect of E. faecium AL41 on IgA production in chickens' intestine and solid organs after S. Enteritidis PT4 challenge. Validity of method using for IgA evaluation in solid organ was proved.

Cortisol and secretory immunoglobulin A response to stress in German shepherd dogs.

The aim of the study was to determine whether cortisol and secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) could be used as an indicator of acute stress in both young and adult dogs. Seventeen German shepherd puppies were exposed to the Puppy test (challenge test) at the age of seven weeks. This test has been routinely used to assess the future working ability of potential police dogs. In addition, ten adult females were subjected to 4 minutes of defense training under stressful conditions. Saliva was collected from the puppies and adult females before testing and 20 minutes after the start of testing, using a cotton swab held for 1–2 minutes in each dog's mouth. Cortisol concentrations increased after the test compared to the control sample both in puppies and the adult females. However adult females showed a significant decrease in sIgA after defense training while puppies showed a tendency of increase in sIgA. We propose that salivary cortisol could be used as an indicator of stress in puppies during early ontogeny. It is not yet clear whether sIgA could be used as a useful indicator of short-term stress in dogs.

Dynamic changes in salivary cortisol and secretory immunoglobulin A response to acute stress

AbstractPsychological stress leads to the secretion of cortisol. While this psychoneuroendocrine response helps to maintain physiological as well as psychological homeostasis under stress, exaggerated release of cortisol can suppress aspects of immune function and have negative effects on health. The present study set out to investigate the dynamic changes in salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and cortisol before and after acute stress, and to analyse the relationship between sIgA and cortisol trend. Thirty‐five healthy subjects took part in this study. All subjects underwent an acute stress test (mental arithmetic task). Salivary cortisol and sIgA responses were assessed repeatedly before the stress test, immediately after the stress test and 20 min after the stress test. The levels of salivary cortisol and sIgA both significantly increased after the acute mental arithmetic challenge. However, the increase of sIgA is transient; the sIgA fall was significantly correlated with the cortisol rise during the 20 min after stress (r = 0.569, p &lt; 0.001). These results may help determine the timing of effective intervention in order to reduce the hypersecretion of cortisol and improve mucosal immune function. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.