Phagocytic Activity Of Neutrophils Research Articles

Effects of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis JCM 5805 on mucosal and systemic immune parameters, and antiviral reactions to influenza virus in healthy adults; a randomized controlled double-blind study

We investigated the effect of oral administration of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis JCM 5805 (JCM5805) cells on systemic and mucosal immunological parameters. One hundred and eleven volunteers were assigned into 2 groups receiving either heat-killed JCM5805 or placebo for 4weeks. The results suggested that secretory IgA levels in saliva were significantly increased in the JCM5805 group but not in the placebo group. Phagocytic activity of neutrophils was significantly reduced in the placebo group but not in the JCM5805 group. The severity of sore throat was lower in the JCM5805 group compared to the placebo group. The effect of JCM5805 on antiviral responses against human influenza A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses was also studied and IRF7, MX1, and OAS1 in PBMCs were significantly reduced in the placebo group but not in the JCM5805 group. The effects of JCM5805 on gene expressions were significant in vaccinated subjects compared with unvaccinated subjects.

Keigairengyoto, a traditional Japanese medicine, promotes bacterial clearance by activating innate immune cells in mouse cutaneous infection models

Prompt elimination of pathogens including bacteria and dead cells prevents the expansion of secondary and prolonged inflammations and tissue damage. Keigairengyoto (KRT) is a traditional Japanese medicine prescribed for dermatoses such as purulent inflammations. Our aim is to clarify the actions of KRT in bacterial clearance and to examine the cell-kinetic profiles of phagocytes. In a mouse cutaneous infection model using living Staphylococcus aureus, KRT drastically reduced the number of bacteria in the infection sites. To evaluate the bacterial clearance, pseudo-infection was induced in mouse ears by intradermal injection of FITC-conjugated dead S. aureus. Biochemical and histological examinations revealed that KRT promoted bacterial clearance at 6 and 24 h post-injection. The numbers and phagocytic activities of neutrophils and macrophages in the ears were evaluated histologically using anti-Ly6G and F4/80 antibodies. KRT reduced bacterial deposition and increased the accumulation of F4/80+ resident macrophages around the lesion site. FACS analysis was performed on single cell suspensions dispersed enzymatically from skin lesions, followed by an investigation of CD11b+Ly6G+ (neutrophils) and CD11b+Ly6G– (monocytes/macrophages) cells. KRT increased the mean fluorescent intensity of FITC in CD11b+Ly6G–cells and the number of FITC-positive CD11b+Ly6G+ cells, while KRT did not change the numbers of these cells. To investigate the active constituents of KRT, phagocytosis assay using macrophages was performed, resulting in that some flavonoid glucuronides of KRT derivatives augmented phagocytosis. Collectively, KRT promoted bacterial clearance by enhancing the phagocytic capability of neutrophils and macrophages. KRT may exert unique properties in preventive and therapeutic strategies for skin infectious inflammation.

Research of glucocorticosteroid therapy influence on neutrophils phagocytarial activity in allergic contact dermatitis conditions

Topicality. The population sensitization increases and in this connection they observe allergic skin diseases, which is an actual problem in medicine. The main dermatitis treatment is a glucocorticosteroid therapy, but it leads to reducedimmunity and serious side effects in patients.Aim. Research of glucocorticosteroid therapy influence on neutrophils phagocytarial activity in allergic contact dermatitis conditions.Materials and methods. Studies were conducted on a model 2,4 Dinitrochlorobenzene dermatitis in rats. Neutrophil granulocyte phagocytic activity was assessed by phagocytic index and phagocytic number, and the immune system - by the level of circulating immune complexes (CIC).Results and discussion. It was established that cream containing mometasone and ceramides, ointment containing methylprednisolone does not affect on neutrophil phagocytic activity and, at the same time, does not affect on the neutrophil phagocytic quantity (phagocytic index) and their absorbing properties (phagocytic number), as well as normalize CIC levels.Conclusions. Obtained results indicate the normal course of phagocytosis and animals immune protection during the local glucocorticosteroid therapy in the allergic dermatitis conditions.

The phagocytic activity of blood neutrophils in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis of I-II severity level on the background of parasitosis

The article presents the results of a study of phagocytic immunity chain in patients with CGP of I-II severity level on the background of enterobiasis, toxocariasis, giardiasis. The aim of this work was to study the nature of changes in the phagocytic immunity chain in patients with CGP of I-II severity level with parasitoses and patients with CGP without parasitoses. Studies were conducted on 540 patients with CGP, I-II severity level with parasitosis - (principle groups). The comparison group consisted of 90 CGP patients, I-II severity level without parasitosis, the control group – of 30 people without periodontal diseases and chronic diseases of other organs and systems. Phagocytic activity of neutrophils was assessed by their ability to absorb the S.aureus bacteria (strain 209), bactericidal capacity (BC) of phagocytes by the S. Nielsen method. Oxygen-dependent activity of phagocytes was studied in the spontaneous and induced zymosan HCT-test. Statistical processing of materials was made using mathematical statistical methods for the data analysis. There was established a reduction in patients with CGP of I-II severity level with parasitosis and in patients with CGP without parasitosis of the absorption and biocidal ability of peripheral blood neutrophils compared with healthy individuals. At I degree of CGP severity in patients without parasitosis, the number of cells, involved in phagocytosis (FI) was decreased on 13.7%, the number of microbes, absorbed by one cell (FN) on 17.3%, biocide – on 76%. As follows from the obtained data FI and FN in this group of patients did not differ from normal values significantly. In patients with CGP of I-II severity level without parasitosis all three indicators studied had a statistically significant difference. FI was reduced in comparison with the norm on 20.5%, FN – on 24.2%, BC – on 152%. In patients with CGP of I-II severity level with parasitosis the significant differences from the control group were observed both at the I degree of the disease, and at II severity level of the disease. At I degree of severity of the disease, reduction of FI in patients with parasitosis was 22.2 28.0%, FN – 32.8 – 39.7%, BC 158 – 170%, at II degree FI – 29.3 – 34.4 %, FF – 41.4 – 53.5%, BC – 238 – 264%. In patients with CGP of I-II severity level with parasitosis the significant differences compared with patients with CGP of I-II severity level without parasitosis were respectively related to the number of absorbed microbes by a single cell (FN) and biocidal capability of neutrophils (BC). Phagocytic index (PI) of patients with CGP of I-II severity level with parasitosis did not differ significantly from those in patients with CGP of I-II severity level respectively without parasitosis. In patients with CGP of I-II severity level with various forms of parasitosis is reduced as the induced red HCT test, as well as spontaneous HCT test. In patients with CGP of I-II severity level without parasitic, the spontaneous HCT test is increased in comparison with both infested patients, and the control group of individuals.

PHAGOCYTIC ACTIVITY AND BLOOD NEUTROPHILS RESPIRATORY BURST STATE FEATURES AMONGST WIDESPREAD PURULENT PERITONITIS PATIENTS IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD DYNAMICS

The research aim was to study the phagocytic activity and the blood neutrophils respiratory burst state amongst the patients with widespread purulent peritonitis (WPP) in the dynamics of the postoperative period. The study was involved patients with acute surgical diseases and injuries of the abdominal organs complicated by WPP. Blood sampling was performed prior to surgery (pre-operative period) and at 7, 14 and 24 day post-operative period. The neutrophil phagocytosis level was determined by flow cytometry using FITC-labeled staphylococcal protein A. There was counted the percentage of fluorescent neutrophils (defined as the phagocytic index — PI) and average of the cell fluorescence (phagocytic number — PN). According to the fluorescence intensity divided phagocytic neutrophils in an active (high PN) and weakly phagocytic (low PN). Condition of the respiratory burst in the neutrophils was examined using a chemiluminescent assay. It was found that patients with WPP in the preoperative period had increased phagocytic activity of the blood neutrophils. The maximum phagocytic activity observed on day 7 of the postoperative period and by 24 days the number of phagocytic cells is reduced to control level whereas phagocytic activity of the cells remains at the preoperative level. In the preoperative period in patients with WPP the amount of active phagocytic blood neutrophils 3.3 times higher than the number of weakly phagocytic cells. By the end of the observation period the number of active and weakly phagocytic neutrophils returning to normal. In the study of the state of respiratory burst in the neutrophils by the WPP patients discovered that the primary synthesis levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases only with 7 days of postoperative period and the induced activity of NADPH-oxidase remains elevated to the end of the observation period. At the same time, the synthesis of secondary ROS in the blood neutrophil of the WPP patients increased already in the preoperative period and remains high until the end of the survey. Using correlation analysis it was found that if healthy people had a competitive relationship between the level of synthesis of primary ROS and the activity of phagocytosis then all detected correlations in the WPP patients characterized by high level of coordination between the respiratory burst and the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils. These relationships are identified in the preoperative period, postoperatively do not exist. It can be assumed that the surgery and the subsequent treatment leads to complete incoordination in the neutrophils the mechanisms of phagocytosis and respiratory burst.

Effect of feeding chelates of trace elements on morphological and biochemical blood indicators of cows

In the article was discusses the questions about the effect of feeding chelate complexes of trace elements of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) on morphological and biochemical blood indicators of cows of Ukrainian black mottled dairy breed on the second month of lactation. For the experiment, 40 cows were selected and formed four groups: one control and three experimental. The cows in the control group fed a premix of sulfate salts of Cu, Zn and Mn in doses that are 100% covered their lack in a forage. Experimental animals from I, II and III groups were fed premixes with chelate complexes of Cu, Zn and Mn, which offset the deficiency of trace elements in the feed ration for 100, 50 and 25% (calculated on pure element), respectively. In animal blood examined the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, and in serum – total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, carotene, creatinine, urea, cholesterol, activity of AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase. As a result studies, have shown that blood indicators of the animals were within physiological fluctuations. Found that in the serum of animals of III experimental group the contents of total protein was lowered by 4.1% (P < 0.05) than in the first, and by 3.6% (P < 0.1) relative to the second group. It was determined that the concentration of albumin and total calcium in serum of II experimental group of cows was higher by 4.6% and by 6.0% (P < 0.1), respectively, relative to the third group. Content of inorganic phosphorus in the blood serum of animals of II group was higher at trends over the indicator in the serum of animals of the control and first experimental groups by 8.1% and by 6.9%, respectively. According to other indicators of animals blood does not have significant difference.

Динаміка фагоцитарної активності нейтрофілів у щурів за умов оксидаційного стресу та дії ліпосомального препарату

Динаміка фагоцитарної активності нейтрофілів у щурів за умов оксидаційного стресу та дії ліпосомального препарату

Immunotoxic effects of interferon alpha-2b, modified by immobilization by means of electron-beam synthesis technology

The paper presents the results of investigation of immunotoxic action of interferon α-2b, immobilized in polyethylene glycol by means of electron-beam synthesis technology. Materials and methods. In this study we used following methods: a preliminary assessment of immunotoxicity after single administration in wide range of doses, a study of the effect of the drug on the weight and cellularity of central and peripheral immune organs, an assessment of the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages, a study of the effect of the drug on the phagocytic activity of neutrophils, an estimation of the level of serum hemagglutinins to sheep erythrocytes, an evaluation of the effect of the drug on the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Results. We have shown that the course application of the drug based on immobilized interferon α-2b in tenfold and hundredfold therapeutic doses has no immunotoxic action. At the same time, single administration of the drug at various doses and the therapeutic course application in tenfold dose leads to the stimulation of humoral immune responses. The course application of this drug in tenfold and hundredfold therapeutic dose enhances the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and peripheral blood neutrophils of experimental animals.

Cytographic changes on BC-6800 Haematological Analyzer related to the presence of Candida albicans in peripheral blood. A new tool to suspect candidemia?

BackgroundWe studied the quantitative and cytographic changes that the presence of Candida albicans (C. albicans) in peripheral blood (PB) samples causes on the Mindray BC-6800 Haematological Analyzer.MethodsA simulated in vitro...

ВПЛИВ ФУМОНІЗИНОТОКСИКОЗУ НА МОРФОЛОГІЧНІ ТА БІОХІМІЧНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ КРОВІ ЩУРІВ

The article deals with the influence of fumonisins on morphological and biochemical indices of rats blood. 20 rats weighing 165-170 g were used in the experiment. It was formed two groups: first group of animals - served as a control, in the second experimental group – chronic fumonisin toxicosis was reproduced. Rats were daily injected with intra- gastro intestinal 90 mg of fumonisin per one animal. It was established that after the introduction of fumonisin to rats, mycotoxins have a negative impact on the morphological indices of rats blood. It wass found a probable increase in the number of leukocytes to 18.9 g/l, the number of eosinophils to 6.7% segmented neutrophils to 30.7%, and also the decrease in the number of lymphocytes and monocytees to 56.0 and 0.7%. In the analysis of leukocyte formula we have noted the tendency to displacement the nucleus left.Reactions that occur on the background of the above mentioned toxicity,caused by selective tropism for various tissues of the body; as a result there are nefro-, hepato- and nephrotoxic reactions.To diagnose these changes is possible after a comprehensive study on the basis of biochemical changes. At research of biochemical parameters in rats blood by the development of chronic fumonisin toxicosis it was set the reduction of the level of total protein; indicating the development of violations of proteins exchange in rats organism and protein synthesized liver function.Also it was found that under the conditions of fumonisin toxicosis in rats, alanine -aminotransferase activity and aspartate- aminotransferase in their blood throughout the experiment was increased.This is explained by increased permeability of cells under the influence of fumonisin that influenced directly on the membrane, probably, disrupting their structural components. The concentration of creatinine and urea in the blood of experimental rats which were fed with fumonisin, exceeded the physiological values that were clinical sign of the development of inflammation in rats organism.On the 14th day the phagocytic activity of neutrophils and phagocytic index of rat blood affected by fumonisin was reduced, indicating the availability of such changes in the immune system of animals.

Free radical oxidation and immune status in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: efficacy of Immunovenin

The aim of this study was to investigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the blood and the immune status of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The second aim was to evaluate clinical efficacy of immunoglobulin agent Immunovenin in these patients. Methods. ROS level in the blood was measured using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. The cellular and humoral immunity, IFN-γ and FNO-α blood concentrations and blood neutrophil phagocytic activity were also assessed. Of 52 patients with CAP, 18 patients were treated with Immunovenin intravenously additionally to the standard therapy and 34 patients were treated with the standard therapy. Results . The blood chemiluminescence intensity was increased and the immune status was abnormal in patients with CAP. Administration of Immunovenin led to reduction in severity of clinical symptoms, decrease in the ROS concentration in the blood and improvement in the immunity . Conclusion . Inclusion of IV immunoglobulin in the complex therapy of CAP could improve the course of the disease and the efficacy of treatment.

CHANGES IN BURNING WOUND IN APLLICATION OF MAGNETO-PLASMATIC THERAPY

The article analyzed treatments results of 76 patients with deep burns. It was stated that magneto-plasma therapy facilitated to the change from an inflammatory type of burn cytograms to regenerative type. These changes were expressed in reducing of neutrophil quantity in wound on the fifth day, decreasing of degenerative changed leukocytes on the tenth day, increasing of phagocytic activity of neutrophils in all terms, growing of macrophage reaction by the fifth day and multiplication of fibroblast quantity in wound on the tenth day. The neutrophil and macrophage quantities were increased in the wound after necrectomy due to influence of magneto-plasmatic therapy on the third day. There was synthesized interleukin-8. The quantity of cells producing IL-8 was reduced on the tenth day.

Lipoxin A4 augments host defense in sepsis and reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence through quorum sensing inhibition.

Bacterial infections can quickly turn into sepsis, with its attendant clinical sequelae of inflammation, tissue injury, and organ failure. Paradoxically, sustained inflammation in sepsis may lead to immune suppression, because of which the host is unable to clear the existing infection. Use of agents that suppress the inflammatory response may accelerate host immune suppression, whereas use of traditional antibiotics does not significantly affect inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a specialized, proresolution lipid mediator, could increase neutrophil phagocytic activity as well as reduce bacterial virulence. Using the mouse cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis, the administration of LXA4 (7 μg/kg i.v.) 1 h after surgery increased neutrophil phagocytic ability and Fcγ receptor I (CD64) expression. Ex vivo studies have confirmed that the direct addition of LXA4 to CLP neutrophils increased phagocytic ability but not CD64 expression. LXA4 did not affect neutrophils taken from control mice in which CD64 expression was minimal. Taken together with in vivo data, these results suggest that LXA4 directly augments CD64-mediated neutrophil phagocytic ability but does not directly increase neutrophil CD64 expression. Bacterial communication and virulence is regulated by quorum sensing inducers. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, virulence is induced with release of various virulence factors, by N-3-oxododecanolyl homoserine lactone binding to the quorum sensing receptor, LasR. We show that LXA4 is an inhibitor of LasR in P. aeruginosa and that it decreases the release of pyocyanin exotoxin. These results suggest that LXA4 has the novel dual properties of increasing host defense and decreasing pathogen virulence by inhibiting quorum sensing.-Wu, B., Capilato, J., Pham, M. P., Walker, J., Spur, B., Rodriguez, A., Perez, L. J., Yin, K. Lipoxin A4 augments host defense in sepsis and reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence through quorum sensing inhibition.

Vaccination against canine leishmaniosis increases the phagocytic activity, nitric oxide production and expression of cell activation/migration molecules in neutrophils and monocytes

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is transmitted by phlebotomine sandfly vectors and domestic dogs serve as a reservoir. The elimination of seropositive dogs has been a recommended strategy for managing the disease in Brazil. A protective canine vaccine would be an important tool for controlling the disease, reducing the parasites available to sandfly vectors and, consequently, reducing the number of human VL cases. Leishmune® is an anti-canine Leishmaniosis (VL Canine) vaccine produced by Zoetis (Pfizer, Brazil) that was commercially available in Brazil until 2014. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the protective immunological events induced by vaccination with Leishmune® in the time frame of one year. Healthy, non-vaccinated dogs and dogs of 1, 6 and 10 months post-vaccination were evaluated. Results showed that Leishmune® induced an increase in phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes and also increased NO production. Immunological events were correlated with functional responses, as high levels of IgG and an increase of the receptor Fcγ were detected. Vaccination induced an increased expression of TLR (2, 4, 5, 9), integrin (CD29, CD49f), activation (MHCII) and co-stimulatory (CD80, CD81) molecules by neutrophils and monocytes. Vaccination led to decrease of IL-4 and an increase of IL-8 production by monocytes and higher IFN-γ and IL-17 production by T-cells. The results suggested that Leishmune® was able to induce a long-lasting change in immune response, mediated by supportive immunological events that may be participating in protective immunity against CL.

The impact of immune disturbances on the failure of antituberculosis treatment.

Background and aimTuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, with an evolution and treatment outcome determined by the interaction between the mycobacterial and human genotypes. Various deficiencies of innate immune response starting from the first encounter of M. tuberculosis with lung cells endanger host infection control due to decreased triggering of cellular immune resistance and disturbed humoral immunity. Disturbed cell mediated immunity, known as the basic immune response in tuberculous infection, contributes to the deficient generation of central necrosis granuloma, consequently being responsible for severe clinical aspects and low final outcome. The tuberculosis patient’s immune assessment is important before treatment initiation, for establishing the risk reduction measures and increasing success rate.Material and methodsThe immune study was conducted on 54 new pulmonary tuberculosis cases with treatment failure, 34 new pulmonary tuberculosis cases that successfully ended the treatment and 50 healthy group individuals. Immune assays performed were: blastic transformation of lymphocytes induced by different antigens, quantitatitve assessment of cellular immunity through CD4+ T cell and CD8+ T cell phenotyping, humoral immunity - through immunoglobulin isotyping, innate resistance – through phagocyte activity of neutrophils, the titter of anti-tuberculosis antibodies and the serum level of circulating immune complexes. Investigations were performed at the onset the treatment and at the end of intensive phase of the standard anti-tuberculosis treatment.ResultsImmune disturbances evidenced in patients with treatment failure were: important deficiencies of cellular immunity, hyperactivity of humoral immunity and deficiencies of innate immunity. High predictive value for treatment failure showed the indices: deficiency of T lymphocytes count (OR=62.5) and T helper count (OR=12.5), high level of circulating immune complexes (OR=9.801), deficiency of innate resistance (decreased phagocytating index OR=2.875).ConclusionsFor increasing the treatment success rate, the study of immune disturbances must be performed before of antituberculosis treatment initiation, especially of cellular immunity for the early start of immune adaptive treatment.

Status of innate immunity before and after the comprehensive treatment of acute pyelonephritis

Objective. To study the state of innate immunity before and after standard treatment of acute serous and purulent pyelonephritis (ASP, APP). Methods. A clinical research, the determination of the immune status in the blood plasma. Results. In both forms pyelonephritis revealed the same type of changes in the innate immunity, specific for an inflammatory process. At the same time, when the APP, compared with the ASP greater degree appeared to increase the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in reduction below normal levels of anti-IL-10 and a decrease in phagocytic activity of neutrophils were less pronounced. A content of the most compliment indicators was below in the APP, except C5a and factor H, and increasingly appeared elevated HCT- sp.and HCT-st. while reducing NGF and SRI. In general, we can say that, according to identify the level of innate immunity factors in the development of their intensity and relief of inflammation was lower in the APP, which was the main cause of septic process.

Phagocytic activity of neutrophils in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Phagocytic activity of neutrophils in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Neutrophil Toll-Like Receptor 9 Expression and the Systemic Inflammatory Response in Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure.

There is a marked propensity for patients with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure to develop sepsis, which may culminate in multiple organ failure and death. Toll-like receptors sense pathogens and induce inflammatory responses, but whether this is protective or detrimental in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure remains unknown. We assessed Toll-like receptor expression on circulating neutrophils and their function in 24 patients with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure and compared with 10 healthy controls. Neutrophil Toll-like receptor 2, -4, and -9 expression and cytokine production and function were studied ex vivo at baseline and following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, oligodeoxynucleotides, ammonium chloride, and interleukin-8. To examine the influence of acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure plasma and endogenous DNA on Toll-like receptors-9 expression, healthy neutrophils were incubated with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure plasma with and without deoxyribonuclease-I. Circulating neutrophil Toll-like receptor 9 expression was increased in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure on day 1 compared with healthy controls (p = 0.0002), whereas Toll-like receptor 4 expression was decreased compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Toll-like receptor 2 expression was unchanged. Neutrophil phagocytic activity was decreased, and spontaneous oxidative burst increased in all patients with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Neutrophil Toll-like receptor 9 expression correlated with plasma interleukin-8 and peak ammonia concentration (r = 0.6; p < 0.05) and increased with severity of hepatic encephalopathy (grade 0-2 vs 3/4) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome score (0-1 vs 2-4) (p < 0.05). Those patients with advanced hepatic encephalopathy (grade 3/4) or high systemic inflammatory response syndrome score (2-4) on day 1 had higher neutrophil Toll-like receptor 9 expression, arterial ammonia concentration, and plasma interleukin-8 associated with neutrophil exhaustion. Healthy neutrophil Toll-like receptor 9 expression increased upon stimulation with acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure plasma, which was abrogated by preincubation with deoxyribonuclease-I. Intracellular Toll-like receptor 9 was induced by costimulation with interleukin-8 and ammonia. These data point to neutrophil Toll-like receptor 9 expression in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure being mediated both by circulating endogenous DNA as well as ammonia and interleukin-8 in a synergistic manner inducing systemic inflammation, neutrophil exhaustion, and exacerbating hepatic encephalopathy.

The cellular factors of innate immunity in nonpsychotic patients at high risk for schizophrenia

Changes in the parameters of innate immunity in patients with schizophrenia are observed already in the first episode. The study was performed to find out whether these changes take place prior to disease manifestation, and what role do they play in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Thirty-five male nonpsychotic patients at high risk of psychosis, aged between 17 to 23 years, were examined. Phagocyte activity (PA) of neutrophils in the blood serum was evaluated by the number of active neutrophils, i.e. phagocytic index (PhI), and phagocytic number (PhN), which was determined by counting latex particles absorbed with a single phagocytic cell. Cytotoxic activity of natural killer lymphocytes (NK CA) was evaluated by the number of cell targets K-562, which remained non-degraded after the contact with natural killer cells. The influence of monocytes on NKCA was determined as well. Compared to controls, patients had the lower PhI level (p<0.001) which was compensated by the increase in PhN levels, and the lower NK CA level which was increased due to the influence of monocytes. Negative correlations between PhI and PhN (r= -0.83, p<0.01) and between the level of NKCA and PhI (r= -0.83, p<0.05) as well as the positive correlation between PhN and SOPS scores (r=0.69, p<0.01) were found. After treatment, there was the decreasein the severity of mental disorders (p<0.001). The level of PhAN was normalized in 61.9% of patients compared to 36.7% before treatment. After treatment, the proportion of patients with normal levels of NK CA was the same as before treatment (40 and 35%, respectively). The immune disturbances revealed in the study may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease and have predictive value for schizophrenia.

Effect of Some Organic Acids and Essential Oils as Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Immune Response and Carcass Quality of Japanese Quail

Four hundred non sexed one-day old Japanese quail chicks were randomly allotted into four experimental groups (100 chicks/group). The first group (control) fed on the basal diet without any supplement while, the second to fourth groups fed on the basal diet supplemented by 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75 g of essential oils and organic acids blend (Biacid) respectively. During the experimental period (6 weeks) it was observed that using essential oils and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) blend at 0.25 or 0.5g/kg in the diet increased final quail chicks weight by about 4.1% and 9.9% respectively when compared with the control, while higher level (0.75g/kg diet) had no effect on quail chicks body weight. Also, there was a significantly increased body gain by about 4.3% and 10.6% respectively when compared with the control, while higher supplementation level had no significant effect on quail chicks weight gain. It was found that using a blend of essential oils and VFAs decreased the total feed intake of quail chicks and non-significantly improved feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio when compared with the control. On the other hand, it was observed that using essential oils and volatile fatty acids blend especially at 0.5g/kg diet increased neutrophil percentage, phagocytic activity and antibody production against Newcastle disease vaccine (NCDV) and had no adverse effect on kidney or hepatic cells function when compared with the control. Moreover, the use of Biaicd in Japanese quail chicks ration reduced total bacterial counts and E.coli in the cecal content, while increased Lactobacillus counts in the cecal content when compared with the control one.