Non-specific Immune Function Research Articles

Macleaya cordata extract improves egg quality by altering gut health and microbiota in laying hens

This study investigated the effect of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on the performance, gut health, and microbiota of laying hens. A total of 192 thirty-wk-old Hyline brown laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups. The CON group received a basal diet, while the low (MCE250), medium (MCE350), and high (MCE450) dose groups were supplemented with 250, 350, and 450 mg/kg MCE, respectively. The egg weight and Haugh unit demonstrated a linear and quadratic increase with the MCE dose during the initial 4-wk period of the experiment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the dietary supplementation of MCE led to a significant enhancement in eggshell thickness and Haugh unit at wk 8 and the data showed a statistically significant linear and quadratic increase (P < 0.05). Serum cytokine assay showed that dietary supplementation of MCE led to linear and quadratic increases in IL-4 and IL-10 level (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 350 and 450 mg/kg MCE was observed to result in linear and quadratic increase in serum lysozyme levels (P < 0.05). The addition of MCE to the diet resulted in a linear and quadratic increase in the levels of sIgA in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). In terms of gene expression, the addition of MCE to the diet resulted in linear and quadratic increases in the expression of IL-10, IgA, Serpinb14, Serpinb14B, and OIH (P < 0.05). The expression of jejunal genes pIgR and IL-4 was observed to increase in a linear and quadratic manner, respectively, following the dietary addition of 350 mg/kg MCE and IL-1β decreased in a linear manner (P < 0.05). Moreover, these favorable effects were maximized at medium dosage (350 mg/kg) of MCE addition, and intestinal microbial composition in the control and MCE350 groups was assessed. 350 mg/kg MCE increased the relative abundance of Bryobacter and Parasutterella and decreased the relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium in the cecum (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that Bryobacter, Parasutterella, Skermanella, and Erysipelatoclostridium were associated with nonspecific immune functions (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 350 mg/kg MCE supplementation elevated the immune response, and upregulated the expression of genes related to protein production in eggs, thereby improving egg quality. These effects may be associated with changes in the microbiota, specifically Bryobacter, Parasutterella, and Erysipelatoclostridium.

Polysaccharide of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr regulates macrophage immune response and epigenetic memory through TLR4-JNK/p38/ERK signaling pathway and histone modification

BackgroundInnate immune memory of macrophages is closely linked to histone modifications. While various studies have demonstrated that the polysaccharide of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr (ACMP), extracted through alcohol-alkali extraction, enhances macrophages' non-specific immune function; no literature currently addresses whether ACMP's regulatory effect is related to innate immune memory and histone modification. PurposeThis study aims to investigate if ACMP induces innate immune memory emergence in macrophages via pattern recognition receptor (PRR). Study designAfter co-incubating different doses of ACMP with RAW264.7 cells and BMDM cells, we observed changes in signaling pathways related to PRR and assessed the presence of innate immune memory phenomenon in the cells. MethodsWe observed the morphological characteristics of the ACMP using a scanning electron microscope, infrared spectrum, and HPLC pre-column derivatization method. We used q-PCR, Western blot, RNA-seq, and CUT&Tag-seq methods to examine ACMP's regulation of macrophage immune response and innate immune memory and explored its specific mechanism. ResultsACMP, primarily composed of Man, GlcN, Rha, Fuc, GalA, Xyl, Glc, Gal, Ara, and, exhibited a molar ratio of each monosaccharide (1.41: 0.35: 0.49: 0.18: 1.00: 97.12: 0.36: 3.58: 1.14). ACMP regulated immunological function in macrophages through the TLR4-MAPK-JNK/p38/ERK pathway. ACMP induced elevated levels of chromosomal H3K4me1, enhancing TNF-α, IL-1β, and other genes' responsiveness, allowing macrophages to develop innate immune memory to ACMP stimulation. ConclusionThis study first time demonstrates that ACMP regulates immunological function through the TLR4-MAPK-JNK/ERK/p38 signaling pathway, distinct from prior reports. ACMP induces innate immune memory in macrophages in response to its immune stimulation by promoting increased H3K4me1 on chromosomes. This mechanism may be crucial in how plant polysaccharides regulate macrophages and the body's immune function.

Unlocking the potential of N-acetylcysteine: Improving hepatopancreas inflammation, antioxidant capacity and health in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) via the MAPK/NF-κB/Nrf2 signalling pathway

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) positively contributes to enhancing animal health, regulating inflammation and reducing stress by participating in the synthesis of cysteine, glutathione, and taurine in the body. The present study aims to investigate the effects of dietary different levels of NAC on the morphology, function and physiological state of hepatopancreas in juvenile common carp (Cyprinus carpio). 450 common carps were randomly divided into 5 groups: N1 (basal diet), N2 (1.5 g/kg NAC diet), N3 (3.0 g/kg NAC diet), N4 (4.5 g/kg NAC diet) and N5 (6.0 g/kg NAC diet), and fed for 8 weeks. The results indicated that dietary 3.0–6.0 g/kg NAC reduced hepatopancreas lipid vacuoles and nuclear translocation, and inhibited apoptosis in common carp. Simultaneously, the activities of hepatopancreas alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase progressively increased with rising dietary NAC levels. Dietary NAC enhanced the non-specific immune function of common carp, and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, dietary 3.0–6.0 g/kg NAC significantly improved the antioxidant capacity of common carp, which was associated with enhanced glutathione metabolism, clearance of ROS and the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway. In summary, NAC has the potential to alleviate inflammation, mitigate oxidative stress and inhibit apoptosis via the MAPK/NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby improving hepatopancreas function and health of common carp. The current findings provide a theoretical basis for promoting the application of NAC in aquaculture and ecological cultivation of aquatic animals.

Sex-specific responses of Ruditapes philippinarum to ocean acidification following gonadal maturation

Ocean acidification (OA) can seriously affect marine bivalves at different levels of biological organization, generating widespread consequences on progeny recruitment and population maintenance. Yet, few effort has been devoted to elucidating whether female and male bivalves respond differentially to OA in their reproductive seasons. Here, we estimated differences in physiological responses of female and male Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) to OA during gonadal maturation. In comparison to OA-stressed male clams, females significantly depressed activities in enzymes related to energy metabolism (NKA, T-ATP), antioxidant defence (SOD and MDA), and non-specific immune function (ACP), and downregulated expression of AMPK that plays a key role in cellular metabolism, indicating that sex did significantly affect responses of R. philippinarum to OA. Such sex-based differences can be likely couched in energetic terms, given the much more energetically expensive cost of egg production than that of sperms. These results indicate that sex-specific responses to OA during reproductive seasons do exist in marine bivalves, and therefore accounting for such sex specificity is of paramount importance when projecting population sustainability and formulating conservation strategies in an acidifying ocean.

Change to the transcriptomic profile, oxidative stress, apoptotic and immunity in the liver of small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) under hypoxic stress

The small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) is one of the most highly cultured fish in China, contributing considerably to the country's economy. However, conditions experienced under high-density culture make the fish susceptible to hypoxia, which impacts growth and consequently product quality. To understand the effects of hypoxia stress on physiological and biochemical responses of L. polyactis, we subjected the fish to hypoxic (2.5 mg/L) stress for 96 h. We observed histological changes in the liver pre- and post-hypoxia and measured the changes in liver injury parameters. The results showed injury to the liver of L. polyactis following hypoxic stress, indicating that the liver is an important organ in the hypoxic stress response. To explore the genes and biological processes involved in hypoxic adaptation of L. polyactis at the overall transcription level, liver tissues were obtained pre- (0 h) and post- (6, 24, 48, and 96 h) hypoxia for transcriptomic analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in redox equilibrium, metabolism, immunity, and apoptosis pathways under hypoxic stress. In addition, we examined the changes in molecular indices related to oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and non-specific immunity in L. polyactis under hypoxic stress. The results showed that hypoxia induced reactive oxygen species overproduction, altered the activity of oxidase (MDA, PCO, 8-OhdG) and antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR), and reduced the mRNA expression of key antioxidant genes (sod1, sod2, cat) in the liver, thus confirming that hypoxic stress induced oxidative stress. Additionally, we confirmed that hypoxic stress induced apoptosis in the liver by inducing the enzyme activity of Caspase-3/8/9 and the mRNA expression of key apoptotic genes (bcl2, bax, fas, and bnip3). Furthermore, hypoxic stress inhibited the activity of non-specific enzymes (AKP, ACP, and LZM) and mRNA expression of immune-related genes (tnf-α, il-1β, and il-17c); hence, hypoxic stress inhibited the non-specific immune function of L. polyactis. In conclusion, our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxia adaptation in marine fish, which will aid in selective breeding of hypoxia-tolerant L. polyactis.

The regulation effect of Atractylodis macrocephalae polysaccharides on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immune function in Litopenaeus vannamei

This study aims to investigate the effects of Atractylodis macrocephalae polysaccharides (AMP) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and non-specific immune function in Litopenaeus vannamei. Accordingly, three experimental diets including 0 (control group), 0.05% and 0.5% AMP were formulated and fed for 3 weeks. The result showed that compared with the control group, dietary 0.5% AMP supplementation significantly increased the weight gain (P < 0.05), serum biochemical indices (albumin, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate-oxalacetate transaminase, glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol) while 0.05% AMP supplementation had no significant influence on the above index (P > 0.05). Dietary 0.05% and 0.5% AMP supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in tissues (hemolymph, hepatopancreas and intestine) while there was a decreasing trend on the malondialdehyde content with the increased AMP supplementation (P < 0.05). Tissue lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and total nitric oxide synthase content were significantly increased with increased AMP levels in the diets and reached the highest values in the 0.5% AMP supplementation group (P < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in the further antioxidant and immune-related gene expression analysis. Gene expression of inflammatory signaling pathways (toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88) and inflammatory cytokines (Tumour necrosis factor-α, apoptosis-inducing factor, member RAS oncogene family) was reduced with AMP supplementation in the diets. In conclusion, dietary AMP supplementation could improve growth performance, antioxidant ability and immune function in shrimp, and recommended dosage for safety was 0.05%.

The positive effects of dietary arginine on juvenile hybrid snakehead (Channa maculata♀×Channa argus♂) fed high-carbohydrate diets: Liver inflammation antioxidant response, and glucose metabolism

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of arginine supplementation on liver morphology, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory response, insulin signaling pathway and glucose metabolism in hybrid snakehead. Five experimental diets (2.31 %, 2.42 %, 2.72 %, 2.92 %, and 3.12 % arginine) were prepared by adding different levels of arginine to the basal diet containing high (27 %) level of carbohydrate. The results showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of fish fed with arginine diets were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.05), accompanied by the lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the same groups (p < 0.05). There were obvious mild inflammatory cell infiltration and increased perihepatic pancreatic space in control group, while the pathological state of the liver was relieved in fish fed with arginine diets. Dietary arginine supplementation resulted in significantly higher glucose metabolism-related genes glucokinase (GK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxkinase (PEPCK), glycogen synthase (GS) and pyruvate kinase (PK) and insulin signaling pathway key genes insulin receptor subset-1 (IRS-1), protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PI3K)(p < 0.05). Immune-related genes transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) were significantly higher in the arginine supplemented diet than in the control group (p < 0.05). Immune-related genes interleukin-8 (IL8), interleukin-1β (IL1β) and tissue tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in fish fed with arginine diets were significantly lower than those in control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary arginine can alleviate the adverse effects of high carbohydrate diet on hybrid snakeheads by improving glucose metabolism and enhancing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and non-specific immune functions.

C1q and central nervous system disorders.

C1q is a crucial component of the complement system, which is activated through the classical pathway to perform non-specific immune functions, serving as the first line of defense against pathogens. C1q can also bind to specific receptors to carry out immune and other functions, playing a vital role in maintaining immune homeostasis and normal physiological functions. In the developing central nervous system (CNS), C1q functions in synapse formation and pruning, serving as a key player in the development and homeostasis of neuronal networks in the CNS. C1q has a close relationship with microglia and astrocytes, and under their influence, C1q may contribute to the development of CNS disorders. Furthermore, C1q can also have independent effects on neurological disorders, producing either beneficial or detrimental outcomes. Most of the evidence for these functions comes from animal models, with some also from human specimen studies. C1q is now emerging as a promising target for the treatment of a variety of diseases, and clinical trials are already underway for CNS disorders. This article highlights the role of C1q in CNS diseases, offering new directions for the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Effects of rearing system and antibiotic treatment on immune function, gut microbiota and metabolites of broiler chickens

BackgroundIn China, cage systems with a high space utilization have gradually replaced ground litter systems, but the disease incidence of chickens in cages is higher. Broilers in the ground litter pens may be stimulated by more environmental microbes during the growth process and show strong immune function and status, but knowledge of which microbes and their metabolites play an immunomodulatory role is still limited. This study aimed to explore the differences and correlations in the immune function, gut microbiota and metabolites and the importance of gut microbiota of broilers raised in cages and ground litter pens.MethodsThe experiment involved a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with rearing systems (cages or ground litter pens) and antibiotic treatment (with or without broad-spectrum antibiotics in drinking water) as factors.ResultsThe results showed that, compared with the cage group, the ground litter broilers had stronger nonspecific immune function (Macrophages% and NO in blood), humoral immune function (IgG in blood, LPS stimulation index in ileum) and cellular immune function (T%, Tc%, ConA stimulation index and cytokines in blood). Antibiotic (ABX) treatment significantly reduced nonspecific immune function (Macrophages% and NO in blood, iNOS and Mucin2 mRNA expression in ileum), humoral immune function (IgG in blood and sIgA in ileum) and cellular immune function (T% and cytokines in blood, Th and Tc ratio, TLRs and cytokines mRNA expression in ileum). Furthermore, the ground litter broilers had higher α diversity of microbiota in ileum. The relative abundance of Staphylococcus, Jeotgalicoccus, Jeotgalibaca and Pediococcus in the ileum of ground litter broilers were higher. ABX treatment significantly reduced the α diversity of ileal microbiota, with less Chloroplast and Mitochondria. In addition, the levels of acetic acid, isobutyric acid, kynurenic acid and allolithocholic acid in the ileum of ground litter broilers were higher. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Jeotgalibaca, Pediococcus, acetic acid, kynurenic acid and allolithocholic acid were related to the immune function.ConclusionsThere were more potential pathogens, litter breeding bacteria, short-chain fatty acids, kynurenine, allolithocholic acid and tryptophan metabolites in the ileum of broilers in ground litter pens, which may be the reason for its stronger immune function and status.

Andrographis paniculata improves growth and non-specific immunity of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, and protects it from Vibrio alginolyticus by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis

Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a traditional medicinal plant with many pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunity stimulation and so on. Several studies have reported that AP plays a strong role in promoting the immune system of aquatic animals to resist several pathogens. In the present study, we investigate the effects of a diet containing AP on the immune responses, growth, and the resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus (V. alginolyticus) in Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei). Four diets were formulated by adding AP at the dosage of 0% (Control), 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% in the basal diet, respectively. Each diet was randomly fed to one group with three replicates of shrimps in a 28-day feeding trial. The results showed that dietary AP improved the growth performance and non-specific immune function of shrimps. To investigate the effect of AP on disease resistance of L. vannamei, shrimps fed with diet containing AP were challenged with V. alginolyticus. Compared with the control group, the shrimps fed diet containing AP showed significantly higher survival. Furthermore, the hepatopancreas injury in the shrimp fed with AP was less than control group at 6 h after V. alginolyticus infection. However, no difference was observed in the degree of hepatopancreas injury between AP groups and control group at 12 h and 24 h after V. alginolyticus infection. Based on this result, the samples at 6 h after V. alginolyticus infection was selected for subsequent detection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in hemocytes and O2− production in hepatopancreas caused by V. alginolyticus infection was significantly reduced after feeding a diet containing 0.25% and 0.5% AP (p < 0.05). In addition, we found that feeding AP significantly up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, Caspase 3, p53) and down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2) in hepatopancreas after V. alginolyticus infection. In conclusion, AP promote the growth and immunity of L. vannamei, and protects shrimps against V. alginolyticus by regulating the oxidative damage and apoptosis. These results provide useful information regarding the effects of AP extracts as a shrimp feed additive for sustainable shrimp culture.

Andrographolide promote the growth and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei, and protects shrimps against Vibrio alginolyticus by regulating inflammation and apoptosis via a ROS-JNK dependent pathway.

Vibrio alginolyticus (V. alginolyticus) is one of the major pathogens causing mass mortality of shrimps worldwide, affecting energy metabolism, immune response and development of shrimps. In the context of the prohibition of antibiotics, it is necessary to develop a drug that can protect shrimp from V. alginolyticus. Andrographolide (hereinafter called Andr), a traditional drug used in Chinese medicine, which possesses diverse biological effects including anti-bacteria, antioxidant, immune regulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of Andr on growth, immunity, and resistance to V. alginolyticus infection of Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Four diets were formulated by adding Andr at the dosage of 0 g/kg (Control), 0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg, and 2 g/kg in the basal diet, respectively. Each diet was randomly fed to one group with three replicates of shrimps in a 4-week feeding trial. The results showed that dietary Andr improved the growth performance and non-specific immune function of shrimps. L. vannamei fed with Andr diets showed lower mortality after being challenged by V. alginolyticus. After 6 h of V. alginolyticus infection, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, tissue injury, apoptosis, expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1 β and TNFα) and apoptosis-related genes (Bax, caspase3 and p53) were increased in hemocytes and hepatopancreas, while feeding diet with 0.5 g/kg Andr could inhibit the increase. Considering that JNK are important mediators of apoptosis, we examined the influence of Andr on JNK activity during V. alginolyticus infection. We found that Andr inhibited JNK activation induced by V. alginolyticus infection on L. vannamei. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) suppressed V. alginolyticus-induced inflammation and apoptosis, suggesting that ROS play an important role in V. alginolyticus-induced inflammation and apoptosis. Treated cells with JNK specific activator anisomycin, the inflammation and apoptosis inhibited by Andr were counteracted. Collectively, Andr promote the growth and immunity of L. vannamei, and protects shrimps against V. alginolyticus by regulating inflammation and apoptosis via a ROS-JNK dependent pathway. These results improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of V. alginolyticus infection and provide clues to the development of effective drugs against V. alginolyticus.

Lactoferrin improves the immune response and resistance of silver carp, a hematological, light (histochemical and immunohistochemical), fluorescent, and scanning electron microscopic study.

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein that has roles in iron metabolism, cell generation and differentiation, and antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activity. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus. The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy. Two diet regimes, a basic diet and a 600-mg/kg bovine lactoferrin-supplemented diet were used. The fish were fed for 30 successive days. We included 270 apparently healthy silver carp (H. Molitrix) with an average body weight of 10± 2g/fish. Addition of lactoferrin to the diet led to an increase in the activity of non-specific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices. The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen. The lactoferrin-supplemented diet significantly increased survival and disease resistance following V. vulnificus challenge, which seemed to correspond to an enhancement of non-specific immune functions in H. molitrix. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study evaluates the effect of dietary lactoferrin powder on the innate immune response and disease resistance of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) infected with Vibrio vulnificus. The study also investigates immune cells in different organs including gills, intestine, spleen, liver, and pancreas using light, scan electron microcopy. Lactoferrin increases the activity of nonspecific immune parameters; lymphocytes, and in the monocytes percentage, and in total protein, serum globulin, and albumin, with a corresponding increase in phagocytic activities and indices. The histological analysis revealed increase immune cells such as lymphocytes in intestine, rodlet cells in liver, gills, and pancreas, and the macrophages in liver, pancreas as well as spleen.

Dietary chitosan modulates the growth performance, body composition and nonspecific immunity of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

This study investigated the effects of feeding different concentrations of chitosan on the growth performance, body composition and non-specific immune function of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Four kinds of experimental diets were respectively prepared by adding 0 (control group), 5, 10 and 15 g/kg of chitosan to the basal feed and fed to juvenile yellow catfish for 8 weeks. Results show that the body weight gain rate, specific growth rate, survival rate, body protein content, serum superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, glutathione peroxidise activity, lysozyme activity and disease resistance ability against Aeromonas hydrophila of the experimental group with chitosan added to its diet were significantly higher than those of the control group optimally by 36.22 %, 14.37 %, 9.46 %, 8.97 %, 50.89 %, 33.15 %, 21.52 %, 40.80 %, 41.09 %, and 79.71 %, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant differences in feed efficiency among all groups (P > 0.05) were observed. The optimum dose of dietary chitosan required for the maximum growth of juvenile yellow catfish was 8.95 g/kg. Therefore, adding an appropriate amount of chitosan (8.95 g/kg) to the feed of yellow catfish can significantly improve its growth performance, ameliorate body composition and enhance its non-specific immunity.

Fine particulate matter, airway inflammation, stress response, non-specific immune function and buccal microbial diversity in young adults

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with risk of oral and respiratory diseases. However, the biological mechanisms of adverse oral and respiratory health response to PM2.5 fluctuation have not been well characterized. This study aims to explore the relationships of PM2.5 with airway inflammation, salivary biomarkers and buccal mucosa microbiota. We performed a panel study among 40 college students involving 4 follow-ups from August to October 2021 in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. Health outcomes included fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), salivary biomarkers [C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, lysozyme and alpha-amylase] and buccal mucosa microbial diversity. Linear mixed-effect models were applied to explore the cumulative impacts of PM2.5 on health indicators. PM2.5 was positively correlated with FeNO, CRP, cortisol and alpha-amylase, while negatively with lysozyme. Per 10-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was linked to maximum increments in FeNO of 10.71% (95%CI: 2.01%, 19.41%) at lag 0–24 h, in CRP of 7.10% (95%CI: 5.39%, 8.81%) at lag 0–24 h, in cortisol of 1.25% (95%CI: 0.44%, 2.07%) at lag 0–48 h, and in alpha-amylase of 2.12% (95%CI: 0.53%, 3.71%) at lag 0–24 h, while associated with maximum decrement in lysozyme of 0.53% (95%CI: 0.12%, 0.95%) at lag 0–72 h. Increased PM2.5 was linked to reduction in the richness and evenness of buccal microbe and o_Bacillales and o_Bacteroidales were identified as differential microbes after PM2.5 inhalation. Bio-information analysis indicated that immunity system pathway was the most important enriched abundant process altered by PM2.5 exposure. In summary, short-term PM2.5 exposure may impair oral and respiratory health by inducing inflammatory and stress responses, weakening immune function and altering buccal mucosa microbial diversity.

Protective effect of cinnamaldehyde on channel catfish infected by drug-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila

The protective effect of cinnamaldehyde on channel catfish infected by drug-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila CW strain was explored by observing the clinical signs and histopathology, measuring the cumulative mortality, serum biochemical and non-specific immune indicators, and intestinal microbiota in this study. The cumulative survival rate of the cinnamaldehyde within 14 days was significantly higher than that of the challenge group, which was 70% and 20%, respectively. Compared with the challenge group, the activities of lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the treatment group were increased, while there was no significant difference in catalase activity. Compared with the challenge group, the histopathology results showed that the injury of liver, spleen, and kidney was significantly alleviated after cinnamaldehyde treatment. The results of intestinal microbiota showed that the proportion of Proteobacteria in the challenge group was significantly increased, and the proportion of Aeromonas sp. reached 30% based on the analysis of species classification level. The composition of dominant species in the treatment group was similar to the control group. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde increased the cumulative survival rate of channel catfish infected by A. hydrophila. It could protect channel catfish through improving the non-specific immune function of channel catfish, alleviating the pathological lesions of liver, spleen, kidney, and intestine, and maintaining the relative balance of the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, cinnamaldehyde could be a candidate drug for the treatment of A. hydrophila infection.

The Effect of Suplementation of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) Extract Through Drinking Water on Total Erythrocytes and Total Leucocytes of Broiler

The aim of this study was to determine the effect and the best dose of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) extract supplementation on total erythrocytes and total leukocytes in broilers. The study was conducted for 6 months, May – October 2021. Maintenance and treatment of broilers for 30 days was carried out at the Karang Anyar Farm broiler cage unit in Karang Anyar Village, Jati Agung District, South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province. The experimental study used a completely randomized design with five treatments. Each treatment consisted of 25 broilers of the Cobb CP 707 strain which were divided into 5 cages, so a total of 125 broilers in 25 cages. Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) as an immunomodulator was added to drinking water with different doses according to broiler body weight, namely drinking water without a liquid extract of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) (P0); drinking water with Sambiloto liquid extract 0.05 cc/kg BW (3 mg/kg BW) (P1); 0.1 cc/kg BW (6 mg/kg BW) (P2); 0.2 cc/kg BW (12 mg/kg BW) (P3); 0.4 cc/kg BW (24 mg/kg BW) (P4). Total of 25 blood samples from 30-day-old broiler were taken through the brachial vein using a 3 mL syringe and stored in a 5 mL EDTA tube. Calculation of total erythrocytes and total leukocytes at the Palembang Health Laboratory and then the data were analyzed descriptively. The highest total erythrocyte in broilers was P0, the lowest was P4, the mean total erythrocyte was within normal limits for all treatments. The highest broiler leukocyte total was P2, the lowest was P3, the average total leukocyte for all treatments was above the normal range. The active compound in Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) is andrographolide which can act as an immunostimulant for specific and non-specific immune functions through NK cells, macrophages, and cytokine induction. The flavonoid content in sambiloto will also send intracellular signals to cell receptors to increase its activity when immune system activity is reduced which can increase the production of IL-2 thereby increasing lymphocyte proliferation, increasing the proliferation and differentiation of B and NK cells. The conclusion was that supplementation of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) extract through drinking water can maintain the number of erythrocytes within normal limits and increase the number of leukocytes as an immune response after vaccination with the best supplementation dose in drinking water of 6 mg/kg BW which is equivalent to a volume of 0.1 cc/liquid extract. kg BB broiler.

Fine Particulate Matter, Airway Inflammation, Stress Response, Non-Specific Immune Function and Buccal Microbial Diversity in Young Adults

Fine Particulate Matter, Airway Inflammation, Stress Response, Non-Specific Immune Function and Buccal Microbial Diversity in Young Adults

Investigation of the effect of agomelatine on cellular and humoral immunity in mice

Agomelatine has primarily been described as an antidepressant drug for laborartory animals. In the present study, agomelatine showed an overall stimulatory effect on the specific, as well as on non-specific immune functions of mice. Stimulatory effects were observed at 25 mg/kg. Administration of agomelatine in human beings is simple as it is available in the dosage form. The general immunomodulatory effects of agomelatine need further investigation for its use in the cases of clinical immunostimulation and in order to understand the precise mechanism of action for the stimulatory effect of the drug. The present result suggests that agomelatine may stimulate both the cellular and humoral immunity. Effects were evaluated at different doses of 1, 5 and 25 mg/kg using various parameters such as effect on hematological parameters. The results were further utilized to evaluate the activity on the cellular and humoral branches of immunity.

Subcellular component of Bacillus subtilis (AN11) induces protective immunity against Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita (Ham.)

Aquatic animals are usually vulnerable to a complex range of life-threatening pathogenic organisms which cause enormous losses in the aquaculture industry. In the present study, the probiotic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, isolated from the mangrove forest of Bhitarakanika, Odisha, India, was used to determine the efficacy of its subcellular component on the immune system of Labeo rohita and also to evaluate its effectiveness against the fish pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila. The subcellular component of bacteria was separated and immunized intraperitoneally at a dose of 4 µl, i.e. 40.4 µg protein/µl in healthy L. rohita (average weight 50 ± 5g). A dose of 0.1 ml phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was injected as a replacement of subcellular component in the control. After 1 month of immunization, various haematological parameters including RBC and WBC, non-specific immune factors such as respiratory burst activity, lysozyme, bactericidal activity and serum biochemical activity (i.e. total protein, albumin, globulin, and A/G ratio) were evaluated. The immunized and control fish were infected experimentally with virulent A. hydrophila. Bacterial cell suspension (20 µl) in PBS containing 106 CFU/ml injected intraperitoneally. The mortality rate was observed after the infection. After infection with A. hydrophila, the blood and serum samples were again obtained at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h for assessment of the above parameters to estimate the efficacy of subcellular component. Our result revealed that the WBC, NBT and bactericidal activity were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) in the immunized fish as compared to that of the control fish. After being infected with A. hydrophila, the total WBC count and NBT levels of immunized fish were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) risen at 72 h. Likewise, the levels of total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G in the immunized fish were increased than in the control fish. However, albumin and A/G ratio were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased after infected with A. hydrophila, but the highest globulin level was observed at 72 h of post-challenged. Due to its better effect on the non-specific immune function, e.g. respiratory burst (0.44 ± 0.01 ΔOD/min), lysozyme (4.13 ± 0.17 U/min) and bactericidal (88.80% ± 0.18%) activities of fish, this sub-cellular component can be useful as a potential vaccine for bacterial septicaemia caused by Aeromonas hydrophila in aquaculture.

Evaluation of dietary zinc on antioxidant-related gene expression, antioxidant capability and immunity of soft-shelled turtles Pelodiscussinensis

Zinc (Zn) plays a role in the antioxidant capacity and immunity of aquatic animals. A twelve-week feeding experiment was performed to estimate the impact of dietary zinc on antioxidant enzyme-related gene expression, antioxidant enzyme activity and non-specific immune functions of soft-shelled turtles, Pelodiscus sinensis. Six fishmeal-based experimental diets with 32.45% protein were formulated, which contained 35.43, 46.23, 55.38, 66.74, 75.06 and 85.24 mg/kg Zn, respectively. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels improved with an elevation in dietary Zn from 35.43 to 55.38 mg/kg and then reduced when dietary Zn was further elevated. The expression levels of Nrf2 and antioxidant-related genes CuZnSOD, MnSOD, CAT, GPX1, GPX2, GPX3 and GPX4 escalated with elevating Zn concentration up to 55.38 mg/kg in diets and then reduced as dietary Zn elevated. The expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (keap1) showed a reverse trend with that of Nrf2. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the 55.38 and 66.74 mg/kg Zn diet-fed groups were the lowest. Alkaline phosphatase activity (AKP), superoxide anion (O2−), lysozyme activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) improved with an escalation in dietary Zn concentration up to 66.74 mg/kg. Optimal dietary Zn improved antioxidant capability, immunity, and antioxidant enzyme-related gene expression. The dietary Zn demand for soft-shelled turtles were 60.93 and 61.63 mg/kg, based on second regression analysis of SOD and T-AOC activity, respectively.