Lysozyme Activity Levels Research Articles

Growth performance of critically endangered Hypselobarbus pulchellus in biofloc system: Influence of carbon sources on immune response, enzyme and antioxidant activity

We investigated the effect of various carbon sources on the production performance of critically endangered Hypselobarbus pulchellus in biofloc system. The experimental setup comprised four biofloc treatment groups with various carbon sources (jaggery, tapioca, rice and corn flour) and a control group. Healthy early fry (0.0068 g) was randomly stocked at 100 individuals per m3 into 15 circular fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks (1000 l) and raised for 90 days. All the tested carbon sources significantly influenced weight gain, weight gain (%) and specific growth rate (SGR), with the jaggery treatment displaying the best growth performance (p<0.05). Fingerling survival rates varied from 93 to 95.67% (p>0.05). Compared to the control, the biofloc groups had significantly lower concentrations of nitrogen compounds, specifically total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate concentrations were significantly lowered (0.29, 0.35 and 1.32 mg l-1, respectively) in jaggery treatment (p<0.05). In addition, the treatment using jaggery had a higher amount of plankton biomass and an abundance of the Bacillariophyceae group (80%). All biofloc groups displayed enhanced immune and antioxidant activity compared to the control. The jaggery treatment had elevated levels of lysozyme activity than other treatments (p<0.05). Furthermore, fingerlings raised in BFT treatments had significantly higher amylase, protease and lipase activity (p<0.05). Overall, this study’s findings suggest that the addition of various carbon sources significantly improves the production performance, with jaggery as the best carbon source for critically endangered H. pulchellus fingerling production in biofloc system to ensure sustainability. Keywords: Antioxidant activity, Fingerling, Heterotrophic bacteria, Jaggery, Specific growth rate, Sustainability

Nano-selenium (nano-Se) removes the detrimental impacts of plant-based diets on the production performance and well-being of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Fishmeal (FM) is not a sustainable source of nutrients due to the over-exploitation of fisheries resources and increasing aquafeed costs. Plant protein (PP) sources have been utilized as FM alternatives in diets. A 60-day nutritional experiment was conducted to study the effects of the complete replacement of FM with PP ingredients in diets supplemented with nano-Se on growth performance, plasma physiological and immunological parameters, and liver antioxidant capacity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Five experimental diets were prepared, where FM-Control contained 35 % FM, PP-Control contained complete PP ingredients, and NSe1, NSe2, and Nse3 contained complete PP ingredients supplemented with 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg nano-Se, respectively. The growth performance of fish fed the FM-Control and NSe3 diets was higher than in the PP-Control group (P < 0.05). The best feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios were detected in the NSe3 group but were not significantly different from the FM-Control group (P > 0.05). While the highest levels of antioxidant parameters, including reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, were detected in the liver of fish fed with the FM-Control diet, the lowest malondialdehyde concentration was measured in the NSe3 group (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of lysozyme activity, alternative complement activity, and total immunoglobulin of the FM-Control and NSe3 groups were significantly higher than in other groups (P < 0.05). The best plasma physiological parameters including the lowest levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, and the highest levels of total protein, triiodothyronine (T3), and high-density lipoprotein were observed in fish fed with the FM-Control and NSe3 diets (P < 0.05). These results suggest that FM can be entirely substituted by PP in diets containing nano-Se at 3 mg/kg without harmful impacts on the performance and immunity of common carp.

Effects of Azadirachta indica Leaf Aqueous Extract supplemented Fish Diets on Innate Immune Response and Disease Resistance of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Pseudomonas fluorescens is an important bacterial pathogen causing economic losses in aquaculture worldwide. The adverse effects of antibiotics raise public concerns on using them in aquaculture. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves on nonspecific immunity and disease resistance in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish diets supplemented with aqueous extract of A. indica at the concentrations of 0% (Diet 1), 1% (Diet 2), 1.5% (Diet 3) and 2% (Diet 4) were investigated for their effects on nonspecific immune response and disease resistance in tilapia. The fish given diet 3 and diet 4 for 3 weeks had increased levels of leukocyte phagocytic activity though higher activity was observed in diet 4 group. Diet 3 and diet 4 also enhanced plasma lysozyme activity in tilapia. The similar levels of lysozyme activity were found in the fish receiving both diets for 3 weeks. Only diet 4 had stimulatory effect on respiratory burst activity in tilapia. This effect was observed 3 weeks after feeding the fish with diet 4. Throughout the experiment, no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) in phagocytic, lysozyme and respiratory burst activities were found between group fed with diet 1 (control) and diet 2. Following 3 weeks after feeding, fish were infected with Pseudomonas fluorescens at median lethal dose (LD50). No mortality was found in the diet 4 group while 50%, 48% and 28% of cumulative mortality were found in the fish receiving diet 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of A. indica may elevate the nonspecific immune response and enhance disease resistance in tilapia.

Comparing microbiotas of foals and their mares’ milk in the first two weeks after birth

BackgroundThe mare-foal relationship is essential for the well-being and growth of a foal. Mare’s milk provides a foal with nutrients, protective immunity, and microbes. Within the first two weeks of life, there is a risk for a foal to suffer from diarrhea, particularly “foal heat diarrhea” which happens at about the time of a mare’s estrus cycle but is more likely due to transitions in the microbiota in the foal’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We hypothesized that this GI microbiota transition could be caused by changes in lysozyme and microbial populations in the mare’s milk. To test this hypothesis, fifteen mare-foal pairs were followed in the first 15 days post-foaling. Every other day milk was collected from mares and rectal swabs were collected from foals. Lysozyme activity in the mare’s milk was measured using a fluorescence assay. Microbial DNA was isolated from the milk and swabs and the V4 domain of 16 S rRNA genes were PCR amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology. Microbial populations were analyzed using DADA2 and phyloseq within R.ResultsMare’s milk lysozyme activity peaked for samples at Day 1 and levels dropped to 72.5% of Day 1 activity by Day 15; however, microbial populations in the mare’s milk did not vary significantly over the two weeks. Furthermore, levels of microbial diversity found in foal rectal swabs were initially similar to microbial diversity seen in mare’s milk; however, over the first fifteen days, diversity increased for the foal rectal swab microbiota and swab microbial populations differed from milk microbes. A transition occurred shifting from microbes from the phylum Proteobacteria early in rectal swabs to those primarily from the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidota after the first few days post-foaling. These phyla contained several families and genera of microbes that promote utilization of milk components in healthy gut transition. Microbial abundance levels correlated more with days post-parturition than with lysozyme activity and mare’s milk microbial populations.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that much of the microbial populations responsible for the transition of the foal’s gut comes from sources outside of mare’s milk species and levels of lysozyme activity.

Growth, carcass criteria, and blood biochemical parameters of growing quails fed Arthrospira platensis as a feed additive

This study investigated the impact of Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) as a dietary supplement on growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity of growing Japanese quails. In a 28-day experiment, 240 unsexed 7-day-old quail chicks were used. The quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment sets, each comprising 6 replicates and 10 quail chicks. Group (1) fed the basal diet with no supplements, group (2) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.25 g A. platensis/kg diet, group (3) fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.50 g A. platensis/kg diet, and group (4) fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet. The results of this study revealed that the birds that were fed 0.50 g. or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had superior final body weights, body weight gains, feed conversion ratios, and carcass criteria compared to control, furthermore, had significant (P < 0.05) lower levels of liver enzymes and kidney function markers compared to control. Furthermore, birds fed 0.50 g or 1.00 g A. platensis/kg diet had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels compared to control. Dietary supplementation of A. platensis at 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased total antioxidant capacity, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme activity levels. Using A. platensis at 0.5 or 1 g/kg diet levels during the Japanese quails' growth period can improve growth, carcass criteria, liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and immunity.

Characteristics for the third molar extraction with orthodontic indications in the aspect of age

The research analyzes the effectiveness of third molar extraction with orthodontic indications in children of different ages. The study was conducted on 95 patients divided into three groups: the I group included 30 children aged 11–13 years; to II – 35 children aged 13–16 years, and III – 30 children aged 16–18 years. Clinical examinations were carried out according to generally accepted methods immediately after tooth extraction, 3 and 6 days later. The paraclinical parameters for the study were the level of lysozyme activity in the oral fluid of observation groups’ children, which was determined according to Horin H. method modified by Levitskyi A. and Zhigina O., as well as the concentration of secretory IgA, which was determined due to simple radial immunodiffusion method. Statistical processing of data was carried out using generally accepted methods of variational statistics. The results of the study show that the age of 11–13 years old is the most reasonable period for third molars extraction with orthodontic indications, which is justified by a shorter duration of postoperative period, fewer complications and a better protective capacity of children's oral fluid in this age period. In particular, in the dynamics of observation of children of the I group in the postoperative period, significantly fewer signs of the inflammatory process were noted, which can be explained by the less traumatic surgical manipulations. On the other hand, in children of II and III groups, the above-mentioned clinical symptoms had a higher degree of manifestation, were diagnosed in a larger number of children and indicated the development of the postoperative inflammatory process. The level of lysozyme activity in the oral fluid of children in the observation groups ranged from (40.87±2.01) units/l to (26.13±1.76) units/l, and secretory immunoglobulin A from (0.35±0.02) g/l up to (0.32±0.02) g/l, which generally indicates a deterioration of local protective reactions with increasing age of children. Keywords: сhildren, hermectomy, postoperative period, lysozyme, immunoglobulins.

Immuno-physiological effects of dietary reishi mushroom powder as a source of beta-glucan on Rohu, Labeo rohita challenged with Aeromonas veronii

Beta-glucans have immense potential to stimulate immune modulation in fish by being injected intramuscularly, supplemented with feed or immersion routes of administration. We studied how supplementing Labeo rohita’s diet with reishi mushroom powder containing beta-glucan influenced immunological function. A supplemented diet containing 10% reishi mushroom powder was administered for 120 days. Afterwards, analyses were conducted on different immunological parameters such as antioxidants, respiratory burst, reactive oxygen species (ROS), alternative complement activity, and serum immunoglobulin, which resulted significant increases (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) for the reishi mushroom-fed immune primed L. rohita. Additionally, analyzing various hematological parameters such as erythrocytes and leukocytes count were assessed to elucidate the immunomodulatory effects, indicating positive effects of dietary reishi mushroom powder on overall fish health. Furthermore, the bacterial challenge-test with 1.92 × 104 CFU/ml intramuscular dose of Aeromonas veronii showed enhanced disease-defending system as total serum protein and lysozyme activity levels accelerated significantly (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, reishi mushroom powder contained with beta-glucan ameliorated the stress indicating parameters like acetylcholinesterase (AChE), serum-glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum-glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) enzyme activities results suggested the fish’s physiology was unaffected. Therefore, the results indicated that adding dietary reishi mushroom as a source of beta-glucan could significantly boost the immune responses in Rohu.

Molecular Characterization and Immunological Approaches Associated with Yellow Grub Trematode (Clinostomid) Infecting Nile Tilapia

Yellow grub disease is caused by clinostomid metacercariae (CM) infecting freshwater fish and has a potential impact on human health by causing Halzoun disease. This study aimed to combine both molecular and immunological approaches to characterize CM naturally infecting Nile tilapia. Two hundred and fifty Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, were collected from Giza Governorate and screened for the presence of CM. Samples were collected from buccal cavities and blood of 20 highly infected fish (≥10 cysts/fish) under aseptic conditions. Partial sequencing of the ITS rRNA region was performed to identify and distinguish the causative agents from closely related species. The cellular immune response between infected and noninfected O. niloticus was investigated by quantitative real-time-PCR targeting tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Results showed significant increases in the levels of both TNF-α and IL-1β ( p &lt; 0.01 ) in fish infected with Clinostomum phalacrocoracis when compared to those infected with Clinstomum complanatum and negative controls (3.6 ± 0.2). Furthermore, the assessment of the levels of lysozyme activity in infected fish sera showed high levels versus noninfected ones.

A compound of paraprobiotic and postbiotic derived from autochthonous microorganisms improved growth performance, epidermal mucus, liver and gut health and gut microbiota of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

High-density intensive farming is the development trend of modern aquaculture, which is characterized by high density culture environment and feeding of high-fat diet. The use of high-fat diet can increase the weight gain rate of some fish species, but it affects the health of fish. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of a compound of paraprobiotic and postbiotic (CPP) derived from autochthonous microorganisms supplemented diet on growth performance, epidermal mucus, liver and gut health, and gut microbiota profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Common carp were fed with diets supplemented with 0, 1, 2 or 3 g/kg of CPP in the control diet for 14 weeks, with four replications in each group and 20 fish in each repetition. The results showed that fish fed with diet supplemented with CPP significantly decreased the hepatosomatic index (p < 0.05), even though no significant effects were observed in the growth performance of the fish. In the CPP1.0 and CPP2.0 groups the level of complement 4 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the epidermal mucus were significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No significant values were recorded among the treatment groups in the level of Lysozyme activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p > 0.05). For liver health, dietary CPP2.0 were significantly decreased the Triacylglycerol content in the liver, compared with the control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fish groups fed with CPP1.0 and CPP2.0 showed significant decreased in the number of vacuoles representing lipid droplets and the liver damage scores (p < 0.05), compared with the control group. The CPP2.0 group significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (Alt) and aspartate aminotransferase (Ast) levels, and significantly increased liver antioxidant (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT)) levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The level of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly reduced in the CPP groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Dietary CPP supplementation were significantly down-regulated the relative expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (nf-κb p65 and tnf-α) and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (il-1β, il-10 and tgf-β), compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, intestinal hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (hif-1α) expression was significantly increased in the CPP1.0 and 2.0 groups, compared with then control (p < 0.05). Combined with intestinal HE staining and inflammatory gene expression, it was found that the intestinal inflammatory cytokines (nf-κb p65, il-1β, il-10 and tgf-β) in the CPP2.0 supplemented group were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05), and the intestinal villi were more orderly arranged. In the CPP3.0 group, the expression of nf-κb p65, il-1β, il-10 were significantly higher compared with the control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, remarkably lower intestinal injury scores were recorded in the CPP groups verses the control (p < 0.05). The gut microbiota diversity index data showed that lower diversity index values were observed in the CPP2.0 group compared with the control (p < 0.05). The relative abundances of Fusobacteria and Cetobacterium in the CPP2.0 and 3.0 groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary CPP supplementation could enhance non-specific immunity and antioxidant levels, reduce liver lipid deposition, alleviate liver and intestinal damage and inflammation, and improve gut microbiota abundance and diversity in common carp fed with high-fat diet. The best positive effect was observed in common carp fed with diet supplemented at a level of 2 g/kg of basal diet.

Changes in Juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Growth Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Hematological Profile and Serum Biochemical Markers After Dietary Administration of γ-irradiated Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Ethanolic Extract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of γ-irradiated cinnamon ethanolic extract on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, lysozyme activity level and hematological factors in the juvenile rainbow trout. The fish were divided into five groups, including control group and four experimental groups (received diets enriched with 10 g/kg of non-irradiated or irradiated CEE at the radiation doses of 10, 20 and 40 KGy. At the end of the feeding trial (60` days), 10 fish were sampled from each tank after 12 h of feed deprivation. The results showed that the fish dietary irradiated CEE at doses of 10 KGy and 20 KGy had significantly higher final weights, weight gain, specific growth rates and growth hormone levels, and lower feed conversion ratios compared to the other groups (P≤0.05). The blood glucose level significantly lowered in the fish group fed with dietary γ-irradiated CEE, and increased the activity of lysozyme activity level and digestive enzymes compared to the control group (P≤0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of γ-irradiated CEE at a dose of 10 KGy can enhance the positive effects of cinnamon extract and improve the growth performance, digestion and lysozyme activity in juvenile rainbow trout.

Blood indices and immune organs morphological structure of broiler chickens under the influence of different doses of probiotic feed additives

In the development of effective methods of prevention and treatment of poultry today, importance is given to probiotics based on microbial cultures, in particular, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, yeast, etc. In contrast to antibiotics, the use of probiotics stimulates the immune response of animals, restores the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, and ensures its optimal ratio. At the same time, livestock products remain safe for the consumer. The purpose of our work was to conduct comparative clinical trials of the efficiency of the probiotic feed additive Probion-forte in terms of productivity, blood indices, and histological structure of immune organs of chicken broilers during fattening. The clinical studies were carried out with broiler chickens of “Cobb-500” cross at the age of 2 days, which were formed into four groups (300 units in each one). In order to determine the efficiency of application, probiotic feed additives were given to chickens in different concentrations during the growing period, together with the main diet. The first group (1st) was given probiotic Probion-forte in the dose of 1 g/kg of feed, the second group (2nd) – Probion-forte in a dose of 0.5 g/kg, the third (3rd) one – a probiotic-analog “Bio plus 2B” in a dose of 0.4 g/kg; the forth (4th) group was a control group – chickens received an essential diet, without adding any feed additives. The compound feed was provided according to norms recommended for the cross “Cobb-500”, considering age. On the 15th, 30th, and 43rd day of the test, 20 units were selected for hematological, pathomorphological and microbiological tests. The productivity of birds of all studied groups was evaluated by the average daily gains, safety, feed conversion, and slaughter output. The stabilized with EDTA chicken blood was used for morphological studies, and blood serum – for biochemical and immunological studies. Comparative clinical studies have shown that adding to the main diet of broiler chickens probiotic feed additive Probion-forte at a dose of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg throughout the growing period increases the safety and improves feed digestibility, and increases the bird’s European Efficiency Index. Based on the obtained hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of blood, it can be argued about the activating effect on the body of broiler chickens probiotic feed additives, namely the intensification of reanimation of free amino acids, which increases the content of the studied metabolites of lipid metabolism, which chickens use as energy and plastic material. Stimulating cellular and humoral protection, nonspecific resistance is established, confirmed by a high level of lysozyme activity in blood serum and significantly higher content of T- and B-lymphocytes, NK-cells, and γ-globulins. The macro- and microscopic structure of the studied immune organs is preserved in all groups of broiler chickens. Compared with the control group, morphometric examination in the immune organs of broiler chickens of the first and second groups revealed an increase in the area and density of lymphoid elements, an increase in the number of plasmablasts and plasma cells, much higher structural and functional capacity of cells, which was reflected at the ultrastructural level. The most significant difference was found in the 1st group of chickens fed with the feed additive Probion-forte at a dose of 1.0 g/kg of feed.

Tracing Some Salivary Immune Elements in Iraqi SARS-2 Patients.

Saliva is one of the most significant components in maintaining oral homeostasis and symbiosis. It contains antimicrobial proteins and peptides, such as mucins, lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, Catherine, statins, and antibodies (secretory immunoglobin A [sIgA]). Early defenses against respiratory infections rely heavily on mucosal immunity, especially secretory sIgA, which has several features and functions that make it suitable for mucosal defense. Salivary testing has been utilized to define mucosal immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Lysozyme has muramidase, with antimicrobial activity, and high concentrations in body fluids, such as saliva and tear. This research aimed to offer an update on how saliva components suppress viral infection and sustain health. A total of 50 individuals, including 30 SARS-2 patients and 20 non-infected subjects, in the age range of 32-54 years were enrolled in this study. Saliva specimens were obtained from polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and non-infected participants. To collect saliva, the subjects were advised to swirl water over their lips three times, and 5.0 ml of saliva was collected. Samples were centrifuged at 800 x g for 10 min. Saliva was diluted at 1:2,000 with 1 × Diluent N. The immunoglobulin A (IgA) titer in saliva was detected. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the solution's change in absorbance at 550 nm. Measurements (salivary IgA and lysozyme) were made after 7, 30, and 60 days of confirmatory PCR COVID-19 test. The mean scores of salivary IgA levels were obtained at 17.85, 15.26, and 10.73 mg/dl in patients and 9.53, 10.33, and 9.21 mg/dl in healthy individuals after 7, 30, and 60 days, respectively. The salivary lysozyme activity levels in SARS-2 patients compared to controls were 9.7, 7.3, and 4.2 mg/dl versus 2.9, 3.4, and 3.77 mg/dl, respectively. The salivary IgA level was significantly higher in patients of a confirmatory test for COVID-19 compared to healthy individuals.

Evaluation of potential applications of dietary probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis SB3086): Effect on growth, digestive enzyme activity, hematological, biochemical, and immune response of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The present study was designed to evaluate the dietary effect of dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis on growth, hematological and immune parameters of Oreochromis mossambicus fingerlings. A feeding trial of 8 weeks was carried out, in which fish were fed at a rate of 2% body weight with four experimental diets, including a control diet and three supplemented diets such as, 105, 107 and 109 CFUg-1 respectively. At the termination of feeding experiment, growth related parameters, hematological and immune response of fish were evaluated. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly decreased, inferring high efficiency in utilizing feed. In similar groups, hematological parameters such as total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte, total serum protein, blood glucose level and hemoglobin count were significantly increased (P&lt;0.05), with higher probiotic concentration. Similarly, digestive enzyme activity of protease, lipase and amylase was also higher in fish fed with increased concentration of probiotic. Diet groups having 109 CFUg-1 of probiotic was observed with elevated immune response, as levels of lysozyme activity, respiratory burst activity and phagocytic activity were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in this group as compared to control group. In conclusion, supplementation of diet with Bacillus licheniformis can enhance growth performance, and health status of O. mossambicus.

Features of local etiological factors of periodontal disease in residents of high latitudes

Aim. The purpose of the article is to determine specific regional risk factors for periodontal diseases in residents of the North-East of Russia on a complex clinical and physiological research.Materials and methods. A clinical study of the biophysical properties and composition of oral fluid (salivation rate, pH, viscosity, microcrystallization type, lysozyme activity) in the adult population with inflammatory periodontal diseases were done at dental clinic of the Medical Institute of M.K.Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, dental clinic "Valeon" and clinical and diagnostic laboratory "Scientific and Practical Center of Phthisiatry" (Yakutsk). A total of 1012 individuals aged 15-19 years old (n = 248) and 35-44 years old (n = 764) were examined. Oral hygiene in the age groups was assessed by the Oral Hygiene Index according to J.C. Green and J.R. Vermillion (1964). In addition, social and hygienic status was assessed according Yu. V.Chizhov's method (2005). Statistical processing was carried out using the SPSS software package, version 22. The research was performed in accordance with the principles and rules of evidence-based medicine.Results. The obtained results determine quantitative and qualitative changes in oral fluid properties. The presence of biological risk factors associated with changes in the composition and properties of the oral fluid, as well as a low sanitary level, which are associated with viscosity increase, salivation rate decrease, a predominance of II and III types of microcrystallization, acidic pH level, a decrease in the level of lysozyme activity, were revealed. The identified risk factors have an impact on the prevalence of periodontal disease in the people of the North and mostly determine their clinical course.Conclusion. The revealed biophysical features of oral fluid in the examined adolescents and adult population of the North-East of Russia are specific regional local risk factors for the development of periodontitis, which must be taken into account when improving the therapeutic and preventive measures of pathological processes of periodontal tissues.

Effects of heat shock protein inducer on Hsp70 gene expression and immune parameters during Streptococcus iniae infection in a Persian sturgeon fry.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) as stress-related factors play a fundamental role in innate and adaptive immune responses in fish, which can be considered as strong candidates for the development of new methods for fish disease prevention. It has been proven that Pro-Tex® as a heat shock protein inducer (HSPi) reduces harmful effects of cellular stress by increasing the Hsp70 protein production. We evaluated the effects of Pro-Tex® as an HSPi in a Persian sturgeon, (Acipenser persicus) exposed to a pathogenic bacterium. Therefore, A. persicus fries were pre-treated with 25.00, 50.00 and 100 mg L-1 of Pro-Tex® and then, injected with Streptococcus iniae ATCC29178. The Hsp70 gene expressions were determined in various organs including liver, gill and intestine and lysozyme (LYZ) activities along with supplemental levels of complement component 3 (C3) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were also determined in sturgeon blood in days 3 and 7 after infection. Expression of Hsp70 gene was increased during the first three days of infection and then, it was found to be down-regulated during the infection process. Also, levels of LYZ activity, C3 and IgM increased in a concentration-dependent manner; but these parameters decreased after 7 days. Our data suggest that induction of Hsp70 is a promising approach in modulation of immune response in A. persicus and it might be employed to confer protection in fish against bacterial infections.

Evaluation of Dietary Soluble Extract Hydrolysates with or without Supplementation of Inosine Monophosphate Based on Growth, Hematology, Non-Specific Immune Responses and Disease Resistance in Juvenile Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

Simple SummaryThis study was conducted to elucidate the effects of dietary soluble extract hydrolysates obtained from fishery by-products, such as shrimp soluble extract (SSE), tilapia soluble extract (TSE) and squid soluble extract (SQSE). Furthermore, we used a nucleotide, inosine monophosphate (IMP), as an additive in different concentrations along with shrimp soluble extract to understand their effects on growth, immunity and disease resistance in juvenile Nile tilapia. Our results demonstrated that dietary SSE could improve growth performance, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance against pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile Nile tilapia. Moreover, IMP did not add further benefits to the SSE diet. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of fishery by-products and IMP on fish diets.We performed an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate dietary soluble extract hydrolysates from fishery by-products, such as shrimp soluble extract (SSE) with or without inosine monophosphate (IMP), tilapia soluble extract (TSE) and squid soluble extract (SQSE), in juvenile Nile tilapia. A diet without feed additives was used as the control diet (CON); and five other experimental diets were formulated with 2% soluble extracts consisting of 100% SSE, 98% SSE + 2% IMP (SSEP2), 96% SSE + 4% IMP (SSEP4), 100% SQSE and 100% TSE. The diets were fed to 4.9 ± 0.07 g (mean ± SD) juvenile Nile tilapia in triplicate groups. The weight gain and specific growth rates of fish fed the SSE, SSEP2 and SSEP4 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON and SQSE diets. The superoxide dismutase activity levels of fish fed the SSE and SSEP4 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON, SSEP2, SQSE and TSE diets. Myeloperoxidase activity levels of fish fed the SSE and SSEP4 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON, SSEP2 and SQSE diets. Lysozyme activity levels of fish fed the SSEP4 and SQSE diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the SSE and SSEP2 diets. Feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, survival rate, whole body proximate composition and hematological parameters were not significantly different among the groups. After ten days of challenge = against Aeromonas hydrophila, the cumulative survival rate of fish fed the SSE diet was significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON, SQSE and TSE diets. In conclusion, dietary shrimp soluble extract could improve the growth performance, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in juvenile Nile tilapia, and inosine monophosphate did not add further benefits to this ingredient.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the method of prevention and treatment of complications after the tooth removal surgery according to orthodontic indications

The study was performed on 59 orthodontic patients who underwent tooth extraction surgery. In 30 of them (the main group) the drug complex was used, and in 29 (comparison group) the tooth extraction operation was performed without any additional actions. Pharmacological correction included vitamin-mineral complex, immunomodulator, probiotic chewing pills "BioGaya ProDentis" for 1 month. Examinations of children took place before the start of medication and after tooth extraction surgery for 3–4 and 6–7 days. The level of lysozyme activity in the oral fluid of children was determined according to the method of G. Gorin in the modification of A.P. Levitsky and O.O. Zhigina, the content of sIgA, IgA, IgG – by simple radial immunodiffusion, the concentration of IL-1β and IL-4 – by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A microbiological study was also performed. The use of pharmacological complex for the prevention and treatment of post-extraction complications in orthodontic patients for microbial, immune and antioxidant background correction showed a pronounced clinical effect, manifested by the absence of any complications from maxillofacial tissues and probably lower intensity of such clinical signs, redness and swelling. The microbiocenosis of the oral cavity of children who used our proposed means during the surgical stage of orthodontic treatment, showed quantitative and qualitative changes, which was a prerequisite for the normal course of the wound process. Examination of the oral fluid of children who underwent orthodontic surgery on the background of pharmacological correction, showed the restoration of its protective functions (increased lysozyme activity, sIgA levels, IL-4 concentration), which resulted in a postoperative period without complications. Keywords: tooth extraction surgery, complications, microbiocenosis, protective mechanisms of the oral cavity.

Effects of dietary leaf ethanolic extract of Apium graveolens L. on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, bacterial resistance and lysozyme activity in Labeo chrysophekadion (Bleeker, 1849)

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of Apium graveolens leaf extract on Labeo chrysophekadion. The fish were fed 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 g kg−1 leaf extract to supplement their diets for 150 days. The results revealed that the highest weigh gain and average daily gain being observed in fish that were fed 0.75 g kg−1. Furthermore, a lower feed conversion rate was observed in fish fed 0.50 and 0.75 g kg−1. Biochemical indices, the highest cholesterol level was found in a group fed 0.75 g kg−1, while glucose was found to be significantly higher in groups fed 0.25 and 0.50 g kg−1. Total protein, albumin and globulin levels were shown to have significantly (p < 0.05) increased alongside an increase in the concentration of the extract and higher levels were found in groups fed 0.50 and 0.75 g kg−1. After pathogenic challenge test, the highest level of lysozyme activity was observed in a group fed 0.25 g kg−1. The lowest cumulative mortality was observed in a group fed 0.75 g kg−1 when compared with other groups. These results suggest that 0.75 g kg−1 of A. graveolens this can promote growth performance, enhance some biochemical indices, disease resistance and non-specific immune response.

Sazan (Cyrpinus carpio), Sudak (Sander lucioperca), Gümüşi Havuz Balığı (Carassius gibelio) ve Kerevit (Astacus leptodactylus) Örneklerinde Serum Lizozim Aktivitelerinin Karşılaştırılması

In this study, serum lysozyme activity was studied by the agar well diffusion assay in various species of fish (common carp, Cyprinus carpio, pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, prussian carp, Carassius gibelio) and crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) obtained from three different regions in spring and autumn in 2013. The highest levels of lysozyme activity were found in pikeperch fish, followed by common carp, prussian carp, and crayfish, respectively. There was no significant difference between common carp, prussian carp, and crayfish, but it was found a significant between pikeperch fish and the other species (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was a significant difference of serum lysozyme levels between spring and autumn in common carp, prussian carp and crayfish (p&amp;lt;0.05). There was no significant difference between seasons in pikeperch fish. These results showed different of the lysozyme activity in the fish innate immune system in the aquatic ecosystem of different species.

Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder on skin mucosal immune responses and growth performance of guppy, Poecilia reticulata (Peter, 1860)

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of moringa leaf powder through dietary supplementation in guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) on skin immune responses and growth performance. A total number of 240 fish (average body weight of 0.13 ± 0.01 g) were equally divided into four feeding groups including 0% (T0), 5% (MT1), 10% (MT2) and 15% (MT3) concentration of moringa leaf powder. The results showed that levels of lysozyme activity and alternative complement activity (ACH50) significantly increased with increase the moringa leaf powder (p < .05) concentration. Regarding the myeloperoxidase activity results, 15% doses of moringa leaf powder showed the highest amount of myeloperoxidase activity as compared to control group (p < .05). Total immunoglobulin content was increased significantly 10% and 15% treatments as well. In the present investigation, dietary supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder had no significant impact on weight gain, net weight gain, specific growth rate, FCR and survival rate. The present results concluded that a dietary dose of 15% moringa leaf powder per kg of feed can significantly improve skin mucus immunity through enhanced production of mucus in the guppy.