Increased Serum IgA Concentrations Research Articles

Laetiporus sulphureus–fermented wheat bran enhanced the broiler growth performance by improving the intestinal microflora and inflammation status

This study investigates the effects of Laetiporus sulphureus–fermented wheat bran (LS) as a feed supplementation on the immunomodulative properties in broiler chickens. Crude phenolic compounds, crude polysaccharides, crude triterpenoids, and ergosterol were determined in LS water extracts. In animal experiments, 400 male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned into 5 groups fed with a corn–soybean–based diet (control) and a control diet replaced with 5% wheat bran (WB), 10% WB, 5% LS, and 10% LS, respectively. Each group had 4 replicates and 20 birds per pen (total of 80 birds/treatment). The results showed that the 5% LS–supplemented group had significantly higher BW in the finisher phase (22–35 D). Better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) of LS-supplemented groups was observed in both the finisher phase and the overall experimental period. The LS-supplemented groups had significantly lower coliform counts in the ileum than the other treatment and control groups (P < 0.05). The results of serum immunoglobulin showed that LS supplementation significantly increased serum IgA concentration compared with the control and WB-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, ileal IgA contents of the LS groups were significantly higher than in the WB and control groups (P < 0.05). Regarding proinflammatory cytokines, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-6 in the LS-supplemented groups were significantly lower than those in the 10% WB group (P < 0.05), whereas serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1β in the 5% LS group were significantly lower than in both the control and WB-supplemented groups (P < 0.05). An investigation on the effects of LS on immune-related genes in broiler showed that chickens supplemented with 5% LS had lower levels of liver and jejunum IL-1β and NF-κB mRNA compared with the control group and WB groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LS supplementation can potentially enhance growth performance of broilers by improving intestinal microflora and inflammation status.

Increased serum IgA concentration and plasmablast frequency in patients with age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among senior citizens of developed countries, with currently unknown etiology. Despite the close associations between AMD development and inhibitory complement factor H mutations, the first step of complement activation, which is the antibody response in AMD patients, has not been studied. Here, we obtained blood and tear samples from AMD patients and Non-AMD controls. We found that compared to Non-AMD controls, AMD subjects had increased IgA titers in serum and tear, and had elevated levels of circulating antibody-secreting plasmablasts. The increase in antibody titer was limited to the IgA isotype, since no significant differences were observed in IgM and IgG isotypes between AMD patients and Non-AMD controls. Interestingly, this increased antibody response in AMD patients was correlated with disease severity, as late AMD patients had increased IgA titers in serum and tear, as well as elevated plasmablast frequency after staphylococcal enterotoxin B stimulation, compared to early AMD patients. Together, our results implicated a role of overreactive IgA responses in AMD pathogenesis.

Increased serum IgA in Fcα/μR-deficient mice on the (129 x C57BL/6) F1 genetic background

Fcα/μR (CD351) is an Fc receptor for both IgA and IgM, which is abundantly expressed in the small intestine. However, the role of Fcα/μR in the intestinal tissue is largely unknown. Here, we found that Fcα/μR is highly expressed on follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in Peyer's patches (PP) in the small intestine. Fcα/μR-deficient mice on the (129 x C57BL/6) F1 background showed increased serum, but not fecal, IgA level in response to gut-oriented antigens. IgA+ B cells were increased in PP, but not in the lamina propria, of Fcα/μR-deficient mice, which was attenuated after reduction of commensal microbiota by oral treatment with antibiotics. Analyses of bone marrow chimeric mice, in which either FDCs or blood cells or both lack the expression of Fcα/μR, suggested that FDCs, but not blood cells, were responsible for the increased serum IgA concentration in Fcα/μR-deficient mice. Moreover, Fcα/μR-deficient mice showed enhanced germinal center formation against commensal microbiota in PP. Thus, serum IgA production against gut-oriented antigens is negatively regulated by Fcα/μR on FDCs in the F1 mice.

FRI0102 The significance of serum iga in rheumatoid arthritis in the era of biologic therapy

BackgroundIt is reported that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased IgA concentrations that are related to disease activity1). However, since the introduction of biologic therapy, few studies have been...

Faecal IgA concentration is influenced by age in dogs

Data comparing age-related alterations in faecal IgA concentrations of dogs are not available in the literature. The present study aimed to compare the faecal concentrations of IgA in puppies, mature and senior dogs. A total of twenty-four beagle dogs were used, including eight puppies (5 months old, four females and four males), eight mature (4.6 years old, eight males) and eight senior dogs (10.6 years old, three males and five females). Fresh faecal samples were collected from each dog for three consecutive days and pooled by animal. After saline extraction, IgA content was measured by ELISA. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA, and means were compared with Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Results showed that puppies have lower faecal IgA concentrations than mature dogs (P < 0.05); senior animals presented intermediary results. The reduced faecal IgA concentration in puppies is consistent with the reduced serum and salivary IgA concentrations reported previously, suggesting a reduced mucosal immunity in this age group. Although some studies have found an increased serum IgA concentration in older dogs, this may differ from the intestinal secretion of IgA, which appears to be lower in some senior animals (four of the eight dogs studied).

Serum immunoglobulin A concentration in infancy, but not human milk immunoglobulin A, is associated with subsequent atopic manifestations in children and adolescents: a 20‐year prospective follow‐up study

Serum and secretory IgA concentrations have been suggested to be inversely associated with allergic symptoms in children. Furthermore, low maternal milk IgA concentration has been suggested to be associated with the development of cow's milk allergy. Our aim was to explore whether the serum IgA concentrations in infancy and the IgA concentration of maternal milk predict atopic manifestations in childhood and up to age 20 years. A cohort of 200 unselected full-term newborns was prospectively followed up from birth to age 20 years with measurement of serum total IgA at ages 2 and 6 months. The mothers were encouraged to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for as long as possible. Total IgA concentration of maternal milk was measured at birth (colostrum, n=169) and at 2 (n=167) and 6 (n=119) months of lactation. The children were re-assessed at ages 5, 11 and 20 years for the occurrence of allergic symptoms, with skin prick testing and measurement of serum IgE. Children and adolescents with respiratory allergic symptoms and sensitization had a higher serum IgA concentration at age 2 months than the non-atopic subjects. Colostrum and breast milk IgA concentrations were not associated with the development of allergic symptoms in the recipient infant. However, maternal milk IgA concentration at 6 months of lactation was inversely associated with elevated serum total IgE and positive skin prick test to tree pollen in the offspring at age 20 years. Increased serum IgA concentration at age 2 months is associated with the development of subsequent allergic symptoms and sensitization in childhood and adolescence. Maternal milk IgA concentrations are not associated with subsequent allergic symptoms in the recipient infant. The present study provides novel information on the role of IgA in the development of respiratory allergy and sensitization.

Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS) in a child with normal serum IgD, but increased serum IgA concentration

This report describes a boy with hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS). The serum IgD level was normal, but the serum IgA concentration was markedly elevated. In addition, he had a history of orchitis on two occasions, a previously unreported manifestation of HIDS. This report expands the clinical and laboratory features associated with HIDS and serves to emphasize that a normal serum IgD level does not exclude the diagnosis of HIDS.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in children. Report of 100 patients and review of the literature.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is an acute leukocytoclastic vasculitis that primarily affects children. In the current report, the author presents the clinical features of 100 children with HSP and reviews the literature, placing particular emphasis on new information concerning the etiology, immunopathogenesis, and treatment of HSP. The dominant clinical features of HSP are cutaneous purpura (100%), arthritis (82%), abdominal pain (63%), gastrointestinal bleeding (33%), and nephritis (40%). The etiology of HSP remains unknown, but it is clear that IgA plays a critical role in the immunopathogenesis of HSP, as evidenced by increased serum IgA concentrations, IgA-containing circulating immune complexes, and IgA deposition in vessel walls and renal mesangium. There are 2 subclasses of IgA, but HSP is associated with abnormalities involving IgA1 exclusively, and not IgA2. This finding may be a consequence of abnormal glycosylation of O-linked oligosaccharides unique to the hinge region of IgA1 molecules. Although several lines of evidence suggest a genetic susceptibility to HSP, the fundamental basis for the abnormalities involving IgA remain unclear. In general, HSP is an acute, self-limited illness, but one-third of patients will have 1 or more recurrences of symptoms. Corticosteroid therapy may hasten the resolution of arthritis and abdominal pain, but does not prevent recurrences. To date, no form of therapy has been shown to shorten appreciably the duration of HSP. The long-term prognosis of HSP is directly dependent on the severity of renal involvement. Corticosteroids in usual doses have no effect on established nephritis. Evidence is emerging that treatment with high-dose intravenous pulse methylprednisolone coupled with azathioprine or cyclophosphamide may be beneficial in patients with severe nephritis.

Immune responses to dietary antigens in gluten-sensitive enteropathy of Irish setters

This study examined whether increased intestinal permeability in Irish setters with gluten-sensitive enteropathy was associated with altered immune responses to ingested antigens, and whether a humoral immune response to gluten is involved in the pathogenesis of the condition. Affected setters reared on a wheat-containing diet were compared with littermates reared on a cereal-free diet and age-matched control setters. Measurement of serum immunoglobulins revealed increased serum IgA concentrations in affected dogs. Antibody responses to a variety of dietary antigens were measured by elisa. Antibody levels to ovalbumin, collagen I and II and soya were not significantly different from normal dogs. Anti-gliadin antibody concentrations were lower in affected dogs than controls, and correlated with immune complex formation as assessed by CIq binding. The study suggested a modified immune response in dogs with increased intestinal permeability, although there was no major systemic antibody response to dietary antigens.

Thrombocytosis in Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

The clinical and laboratory features of acute Henoch-Schönlein purpura in 18 patients are presented. Thrombocytosis was noted in 67 per cent of the patients and was significantly associated with the presence of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding. We found no correlation between increased serum IgA concentrations or elevated sedimentation rates and any of the clinical features of Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Serum and intestinal fluid immunoglobulins and jejunal IgA secretion in Crohn's disease.

Immunoglobulins in serum and proximal intestinal fluids and secretion of IgA by cultured jejunal mucosa were measured in 12 healthy subjects and 36 patients with Crohn's disease. Concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE in serum and intestinal fluids were similar in the two groups, except for increased serum IgA concentrations in the patients. Elevation of IgA and chronicity of disease were correlated, which suggests that the IgA alteration was a response to duration of disease rather than a primary pathogenetic factor. IgA secretion by cultured jejunum was similar in control and patient groups. Thus, no evidence was found that abnormalities of secretory immunoglobulins are pathogenetically involved in Crohn's disease.