Plasma Total Immunoglobulin Research Articles

Yeast extract improves growth in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a fishmeal-free diet and modulates the hepatic and distal intestine transcriptomic profile

Replacing fishmeal with alternative protein sources and improving new ingredients diets with feed additives are major objectives in aquaculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate benefits for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) of supplementing a fishmeal-free diet, composed of processed animal proteins (dehydrated poultry protein, hydrolyzed feather meal, poultry and pork blood meal), with yeast extract. Juvenile rainbow trout (initial weight 37 ± 2 g) were fed either with a control diet (19% fishmeal) or with a diet based on terrestrial animal by-products (17%) supplemented or not with 3% of yeast extract. Effects of the diets were evaluated in a 4-week digestibility trial and a 12-week growth experiment. Fish health was investigated by measuring plasma immune markers and performing histological study of the gut. Underlying molecular responses were investigated using unbiased transcriptomic analysis of the liver and distal intestine. Results indicated that supplementing with 3% yeast extract did not influence nutrient digestibility substantially. Nevertheless, fish fed the yeast supplemented fishmeal-free diet grew more than those fed the non-supplemented processed animal protein diet (final body weight of 206.7 ± 14.2 g vs 182.3 ± 13.5 g) but less than their counterparts fed the fishmeal diet (230.5 ± 7.6 g). Plasma and structural parameters indicated no exacerbated immune response or signs of intestinal inflammation in fish fed the fishmeal-free diets. However, plasma total immunoglobulin M levels and intestinal villi were significantly higher in fish fed the diet supplemented with yeast extract. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that the diets influenced immune, inflammatory, pathogen fighting and coagulation gene-related expressions. These results suggest that the dietary inclusion of yeast can enhance a fishmeal-free diet by improving rainbow trout performances and potentially their robustness.

Effects of dietary pomegranate peel supplementation on growth performance and biochemical responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, to chronic crowding stress

In the present study, the effects of dietary pomegranate peel (PP) at 0 (PP0; control), 5 (PP5), 10 (PP10), 15 (PP15), and 20 (PP20) g/kg were investigated in common carp, Cyprinus carpio (18.1 ± 0.42 g), under normal and stressful conditions. The fish were fed the aforementioned diets over two 4-week periods, one under normal stocking density (5 g/L; basal) and the other under high stocking density (15.5–16.3 g/L; stressed). The results showed that there were no significant differences in growth performance between the PP0 and PP5 treatments. However, PP10, PP15, and PP20 showed deteriorated growth performance, compared to PP0 treatment. The poorest growth parameters have been observed in PP15 and PP20 treatments. Plasma cortisol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased after the stress in all treatments. PP5 and PP10 had significantly lower plasma cortisol and PP10 and PP15 had significantly lower plasma glucose and aspartate aminotransferase, compared to PP0 treatment. Increase in dietary PP levels significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase activity. The stress and increase in dietary PP levels significantly decreased the plasma T3 and T4 levels. Dietary PP significantly improved plasma lysozyme (PP5, PP10, and PP15) and complement (PP5 and PP10) activities and mitigated their decrease after the stress (the best effects in PP10), but was not beneficial in mitigating plasma total immunoglobulin decrease after the stress. Dietary PP (5–15 g/kg) significantly decreased hepatic antioxidant enzymes activities and mitigated their elevations after the stress. Hepatic malondialdehyde significantly decreased by dietary PP administration, but increased after the stress. The lowest hepatic malondialdehyde level was observed in PP10 treatment. In conclusion, dietary 5 g/kg PP is recommended as the best supplemental level that improves the fish health, without adverse effects on the fish growth performance.

Effects of dietary phytol supplementation on growth performance, immunological parameters, antioxidant and stress responses to ammonia exposure in common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758)

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary phytol on growth performance, humoral immune parameters, antioxidant and biochemical responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, to ammonia toxicity. Diets containing four concentrations of phytol (mg kg−1): 0 (CTRL), 125 (PH125), 250 (PH250), and 500 (PH500) were fed to the fish (average weight: 26 ± 0.5 g) for 78 days; then the fish were exposed to 0.5 mg L−1 unionized ammonia nitrogen. According to the results, growth performance and survival were similar among the treatments. Dietary phytol supplementation significantly increased plasma total immunoglobulin (Ig) and complement (ACH50); the highest ACH50 levels were observed in PH250 and PH500 treatments, as the highest globulin and Ig levels were observed in PH250 treatment. In addition, PH250 and PH500 treatments presented significantly higher plasma lysozyme activity compared to CTRL, with the highest activity in PH250 treatment. Dietary phytol induced no changes in plasma cortisol, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate amino transferase, and hepatic malondialdehyde levels before ammonia exposure; whereas, it increased hepatic superoxide dismutase (PH125, PH250, PH500), catalase (PH250, PH500), glutathione peroxidase (PH125), plasma total antioxidant capacity (PH125, PH250, PH500) and decreased plasma glucose (PH125, PH250), and malondialdehyde (PH125, PH250). Ammonia exposure led to elevations in plasma cortisol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, malondialdehyde and hepatic antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde levels; but decreased plasma total antioxidant capacity. Dietary phytol mitigated the changes in plasma cortisol, glucose, malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total antioxidant capacity, and hepatic malondialdehyde levels, particularly at 125 and 250 mg kg−1 levels. On the other hand, the phytol-treated fish exhibited higher elevation in hepatic antioxidant enzymes after ammonia exposure, compared to CTRL. In conclusion, the present results indicate phytol is an immunostimulant in common carp and can stimulate antioxidant system to protect the fish against oxidative stress caused by ammonia exposure.

Peripheral markers of allergen-specific immune activation predict clinical allergy in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a T-cell-mediated disease that is caused by specific foods and results in esophageal dysfunction. Existing allergy testing modalities are not helpful when attempting to identify EoE-causal foods necessitating empiric food elimination and recurrent endoscopy. The goal of this study was to identify and compare allergen-specific immune features that can be assayed in a minimally invasive manner to predict clinical food allergy in EoE. We obtained blood samples from control subjects (n=17), subjects with clinical EoE milk allergy (n=17), and subjects with immunoglobulin E-mediated milk allergy (n=9). We measured total and milk-specific plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG)4 levels and peripheral memory CD4+ T helper (TH ) cell proliferation and cytokine production after stimulation with endotoxin-depleted milk proteins. Sensitivity and specificity for predicting clinical EoE milk allergy were calculated and compared between approaches. Total and milk-specific IgG4 levels were not significantly different between control subjects and subjects with clinical EoE milk allergy. Stimulation with milk proteins caused TH lymphocytes from subjects with clinical EoE milk allergy to proliferate more (%P1 of 38.3±4.6 vs. 12.7±2.8, p<0.0001), and produce more type 2 cytokines (%IL-4+ of 33.7±2.8 vs. 6.9±1.6, p<0.0001) than cells from control subjects. Milk-dependent memory TH -cell proliferation (sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 82%, respectively) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) production (sensitivity and specificity of 100%) most strongly predicted clinical EoE milk allergy. Peripheral markers of allergen-specific immune activation may be useful in identifying EoE-causal foods. Assaying milk-dependent IL-4 production by circulating memory TH lymphocytes most accurately predicts clinical EoE milk allergy.

Impact of Nematode Infections on Non-specific and Vaccine-Induced Humoral Immunity in Dual-Purpose or Layer-Type Chicken Genotypes.

Nematode infections may induce immune-modulatory effects and influence host-immune responses to other pathogens. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a mixed nematode-infection influences non-specific and vaccine-induced humoral immunity against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), and Avian Metapneumovirus (AMPV) in already vaccinated hens of a dual-purpose (Lohmann Dual, LD) or a layer genotype (Lohmann Brown Plus; LB). Until 17 weeks-of-age, LD (n = 70) and LB (n = 109) hens were vaccinated against major bacterial and viral diseases and coccidiosis. At 24 weeks-of-age, the hens received either a placebo or an oral inoculation of 1,000 infectious eggs of A. galli and H. gallinarum. Plasma total immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes (IgY, IgM, IgA) levels and vaccine-induced antibody titers against NDV, IBV, and AMPV were determined from 2 to 18 weeks post-infection (wpi). Infections had no suppressing effect on total Ig isotypes IgY, IgM, and IgA as well as on vaccine-induced antibody titers against NDV, IBV, and AMPV (P > 0.05). Overall, LB hens had higher levels of IgY, IgM, and IgA than those of LD hens (P < 0.05). There were no differences between IBV titers of the two genotypes (P > 0.05). Independent of infection status of the hens, NDV titers were higher in LB hens than in LD hens at wpi 2 (P < 0.05), but not in following weeks (P > 0.05). Uninfected LD hens had lower AMPV titers than their infected counterparts at 6 and 14 wpi (P < 0.05). Regardless of nematode infection, LD hens revealed a higher risk of responding weak to vaccination against NDV (odds ratio = 5.45; P = 0.021) and AMPV (odds ratio = 13.99, P < 0.001) than did LB hens (P > 0.05). We conclude that nematode infections have no adverse effects on non-specific and vaccine-induced humoral immunity in either genotype. LB hens have higher levels of total immunoglobulin isotypes than LD hens. Except for IBV, vaccine-induced humoral immune responses show a dependency on genotype. Dual-purpose hens show lower responsiveness to vaccinations against NDV and AMPV, possibly due to factors associated with increased body fat reserves in this genotype.

Effects of dietary Hibiscus sabdariffa supplementation on biochemical responses and inflammatory-related genes expression of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, to ammonia toxicity

The present study aimed to assess immunostimulation and anti-inflammation effects of dietary Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, on rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, under normal conditions as well as following ammonia exposure. For this, the fish (~ 8 g) were divided into three groups and fed diets containing 0 (R0), 0.5 (R0.5) and 1 (R1) % Roselle mill for 60 days, then exposed to 0.3 mg/L unionized ammonia nitrogen for 24 h as a factorial design. According to the results, 0.5% dietary Roselle inclusion showed significantly higher final weight, weight gain (%), feed conversion ratio, and specific growth rate. Moreover, results showed that dietary Roselle supplementation significantly increased blood WBC, plasma total immunoglobulin (Ig), alternative complement (ACH50), and bactericidal activity, and skin mucus/plasma lysozyme activity. Moreover, dietary Roselle significantly decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and hepatic expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnfa), interleukin-1 beta (il1b), interleukin-8 (il8), and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene expression. Exposure to ammonia significantly increased plasma ammonia and blood WBC levels. Moreover, ammonia exposure significantly increased plasma ALT and AST activities, and hepatic gene expressions, and decreased plasma or mucus total Ig, lysozyme, ACH50 and bactericidal activity; Roselle administration mitigated such changes. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Roselle is capable to augment immune and to mitigate inflammation in rainbow trout, which lead to higher health following ammonia toxicity. Dietary 0.5–1% Roselle supplementation is recommended for trout feed formulation.

Linseed fibers modulate the production of short-chain fatty acids and improve performance and plasma and skin mucus parameters of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen).

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic action of distinct linseed fibers on diets for silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) juvenile. For this, soluble and insoluble fractions of linseed fiber were concentrated separately and combined in four ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4), which were added in diets and evaluated along with a control diet. After 45days receiving the experimental diets, the animals were submitted to biometry for data collection and samples. The experimental design was completely randomized, data were submitted to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Fish performance was higher for the group that received the 1:2 and 1:4 diets. The production of intestinal acetic acid was higher in fish fed on the 1:2 diet, and butyric acid was higher with 1:4 diet and the propionic acid with the control diet. The control diet led to lower counts of goblet cells. Total proteins and globulins in plasma, mucoprotein, total immunoglobulins, and cutaneous mucus pH were higher in fish fed on diets 1:2 and 1:4. Cortisol levels and intestinal pH were lower in these treatments. The linseed fiber intake increased total plasma immunoglobulins and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and in mucus. It was concluded that the use of 1:2 and 1:4 soluble fiber/insoluble linseed in the diet beneficially modulates the production of short-chain fatty acids in the digesta, with reflection on growth performance, number of goblet cells in the intestinal epithelium, and improvement in plasma and skin mucus parameters of fish.

Continuous exposure of PM2.5 exacerbates ovalbumin-induced asthma in mouse lung via a JAK-STAT6 signaling pathway.

Epidemiological studies and mice models have demonstrated that air pollution containing particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) exacerbates acute episodes of asthma in both children and adults. To investigate the effect of continuous PM2.5 treatment on asthma regulation mechanism behind this effect. In this study, the effects of continuous exposure to PM2.5 on asthma and eosinophil recruitment was compared to the effect of a single pre-ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitization exposure to PM2.5. Wild-type mice were either challenged once with PM2.5 + OVA before sensitization and asthma induction over a 27-day period, or with 5 times of PM2.5 + OVA treatment and sensitization/asthma induction over the same period. Continuous exposure to PM2.5 significantly increased total plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE), bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell numbers, eosinophils, and macrophages, leading to increased lung injury. This effect was regulated through increased production of chemokines and cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), IL-12, IL-5, IL-13, and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Eosinophil recruitment during continuous PM2.5 treatment was regulated through phosphorylation of the JAK/STAT6 pathway. As this study shows, continuous PM2.5 treatment significantly worsens asthma as compared to single exposure to PM2.5 or OVA exposure alone. Our findings reveal that continuous exposure of PM2.5 exacerbates OVA-induced asthma in mouse lung through JAK-STAT6 signaling pathway.

Hematological profile of Astyanax bimaculatus under different offer of Lactobacillus sp

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological and immunological parameters of yellowtail lambaris (Astyanax bimaculatus), fed with different frequencies of the probiotic (Lactobacillus spp.). Fishes were distributed into 20 experimental units and divided in five treatments: control (0%), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of probiotic supply. A higher presence of total leukocytes (47.70 103cell µl-1), lymphocytes (36.11 103cell µl-1) and monocytes (11.58 103cell µl-1) was verified in fish fed 100% of probiotic, showing a directly proportional ratio among the frequencies of the probiotic supply on the availability of circulating cells in the circulatory system (R² 094-0.97). Hematocrit (27.30-34.63%), hemoglobin (7.00-10.90g dl-1), mean corpuscular volume (4.21-5.45 10-5.pg), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (3.45-5.40 10-6.pg), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, (2.99-4.35g dl-1), total protein (44.32-50.26mg ml-1) and total plasma immunoglobulin (27.96-34.08mg ml-1) did not diverge among treatments. The frequency of the probiotic supply interferes with the hematological profile, although lactic acid bacteria were present in the same concentrations in the intestinal tract, regardless of the probiotic supply, there was an increase in circulating leukocytes, especially lymphocytes and monocytes, in lambari fed probiotic with more frequency.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus on blood biochemical profile, antioxidant activity and plasma immunoglobulin level in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus on blood biochemical profile, antioxidant activity and plasma immunoglobulin level in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves. The 90 day trial was conducted on 24 neonatal Murrah buffalo calves randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments, viz. CON (basal diet alone), T1 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 100 mL/calf/day having 108 CFU/mL), T2 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 200 mL/calf/day having 108 CFU/ml) and T3 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 300 ml/calf/day having 108 CFU/mL). Supplementation of probiotics improved the plasma glucose level in T2 and T3 as compared to CON. Total protein (TP), plasma albumin (A), plasma globulin (G) and A:G ratio did not change with the supplementation of probiotic in calves. Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels in plasma remained same in all the 4 groups. Total antioxidant (TA) activity was higher in T2 and T3 as compared to CON, whereas it was intermediate in T1. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in T1, T2 and T3 groups as compared to CON whereas catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity remained same in all groups throughout experimental period. The total plasma immunoglobulin and plasma IgG remained uninfluenced in all the groups. In conclusion, supplementation of L. acidophilus improved energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves.

Intestinal transcriptional profiling reveals fava bean-induced immune response in DBA/1 mice

BackgroundFava beans (FBs) have long been used as food, and their principal disadvantage is derived from their haemotoxicity. We hypothesized that FB ingestion alters the intestinal gene expression pattern, thereby inducing an immune response.ResultsIn-depth sequence analysis identified 769 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the intestine in FB-treated DBA/1 mouse intestines. The identified genes were shown to be associated with biological processes (such as response to stimulus and immune system processes), human disease pathways (such as infectious diseases, endocrine and metabolic diseases, and immune diseases), and organismal system pathways (such as the digestive system, endocrine system, environmental adaptation, and immune system). Moreover, plasma total immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased when the mice were treated with FBs.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that FBs affect the intestinal immune response and IgE and cytokine secretion in DBA/1 mice.

Immunostimulating effects of Ginkgo biloba extract against toxicity induced by organophosphate pesticide, diazinon in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss: innate immunity components and immune-related genes.

The immunostimulating and therapeutic properties of Ginkgo biloba (GB) have always been the focus of traditional medicine over thousands of years. During last decade, special attentions were paid to use of GB in aquaculture to enhance fish health and survival. In the present study, we investigated for the first time the immunogenic effects of dietary GB against oxidative and toxicity induced by organophosphate pesticide, diazinon. In non-diazinon-exposed fish, the plasma total immunoglobulin, lysozyme activity, and peroxidase activity significantly elevated after 60-day experiment in fish supplemented with 1 and 2g GB/kg diet (p < 0.05). The respiratory burst activity and complement activity significantly increased only in groups supplemented with 0.5g GB/kg diet (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the peroxidase activity, total immunoglobulin, and lysozyme activity significantly declined in groups supplemented with 4g GB/kg diet during feeding trial (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in expression of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) genes in kidney between control group (non-GB-supplemented fish) and GB-supplemented fish (p > 0.05). In diazinon-exposed fish, all immunity components significantly decreased during exposure in control and those fed 0.5 and 4g GB/kg diet (p < 0.05). In fish fed 1 and 2g GB/kg diet, no alternations were found in immunity components during exposure period (p > 0.05). In addition, diazinon induced the expression of IL-1β and TGF-β1 genes in control and fish fed 0.5 and 4g GB/kg diet (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in expression of IL-1β and TGF-β1 genes in fish supplemented with 1 and 2g GB/kg (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest an immunogenic role for dietary GB at optimum dietary levels (1-2g GB/kg diet) against toxicity induced by diazinon. Nevertheless, GB at high dietary levels (4g GB/kg diet) showed immunosuppressive effects, which makes it necessary to optimize its levels in diet.

Genomic loci associated with antibody-mediated immune responses in an F2 chicken population

Immunity-related traits are heritable in chicken, therefore, it is possible to improve the inherent immunity by breeding programs. In this study using the Illumina chicken 60K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chip, we performed a set of genome-wide association studies to determine candidate genes and loci responsible for primary and secondary antibody-mediated responses against sheep red blood cell. A F2 population descended from a commercial meat-type breed and an Iranian indigenous chicken was used for this study. Statistical analysis was based on a mixed linear model utilizing genomic relationship matrix to prevent spurious associations. Correction for multiple testing was done by applying 5% and 10% chromosomal false discovery rates (FDRs) for significant and suggestive thresholds, respectively. Nine significant and 17 suggestive associated SNPs were identified. Most of the SNPs that were suggestively associated with the primary response of total plasma immunoglobulins were also significantly associated with this trait in secondary response. Three SNPs were located within a narrow region of 23 kb on chromosome 16. Pathway analysis for the genes surrounding the associated SNPs showed that they are involve in antigen processing and presentation, primary immunodeficiency, vitamin digestion and absorption, cell adhesion molecules, phagosome, influenza A, folding, assembly and peptide loading of class I major histocompatibility complex, lipid digestion, mobilization, and transport (FDR < 0.1). Interestingly, there were common regains associated with multiple immune-related traits.

Dietary soybean lecithin affects growth performance, fillet biochemical composition and digestive enzyme activity in Sparidentex hasta juvenile

ABSTRACT An eight-week study was conducted on silvery-black porgy (Sparidentex hasta) juveniles to evaluate four isoproteic, isolipidic and isoenergetic different diets (50% crude protein, 20% crude lipids, 18.5 MJ kg−1) containing graded levels of soybean lecithin (SBL) (0, 30, 60 and 90 g kg−1 diet) at the expense of fish oil (FO). Fish fed the 60 g SBL kg−1 diet had significantly higher weight gain (32.4%) and feed intake (8.8 g fish−1) than the control group (SBL 0) (P < 0.05). The fillet fatty acid (FA) profiles were correlated with the FA profile of the experimental diets. Fish fed with SBL-supplemented diets had higher fillet phosphatidylcholine levels than the control group (P < 0.05). Plasma total immunoglobulin was higher in fish fed 60 and 90 g SBL kg−1 diets than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Total protease activity was higher in fish fed the 90 g SLB kg−1 diet than other treatments (P < 0.05). Results indicated that substitution of dietary FO with SBL diet up to 67% (60 g SLB kg−1 diet) improved somatic growth performance and profoundly affected the fillet fatty acid profile in silvery-black porgy juveniles.

Hepatic Cytochrome P450 Activity and Nitric Oxide Production During Multiple Ovalbumin Challenges.

Mast cell-mediated allergic diseases are a significant global health problem. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by acute type 1 allergies greatly suppresses hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolism. A recent in vitro study demonstrated that repeated FcεRI-mediated activation intrinsically modulates mast cell function. We investigated the effect of ovalbumin (OVA) challenges on CYP activity and NO production under real immune responses. After repeated sensitization with OVA once a week, serum nitrate plus nitrite (NOx) and total plasma immunoglobulin E concentrations were measured using commercially available kits. Hepatic microsomal CYP-specific activities and protein expression were determined using typical substrates and by western blot, respectively. In the liver, the levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), F4/80, and c-kit mRNA were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Hepatic total NOS activity was measured using a colorimetric assay kit. When mice received multiple OVA challenges, the 11th sensitization elevated NOx concentrations in serum and suppressed the activities of five major CYPs without altering protein expression levels. After the 7th, 11th, and 15th sensitizations, F4/80-positive Kupffer cell and hepatic c-kit-dependent mast cell mRNA levels were similar to those of the control. The 7th and 11th sensitizations increased hepatic iNOS mRNA expression to 15-fold and threefold above control levels, respectively, but did not enhance the total NOS activity in the liver. Multiple OVA challenges, unlike acute sensitization, greatly reduced serum NOx levels. The challenge-suppressed hepatic CYP metabolism was likely related to the increased serum NOx. Serum NOx may be an endogenous marker for CYP metabolism inhibition in type 1 allergic diseases.

Effects of Nickel Supplementation on Antioxidant Status, Immune Characteristics, and Energy and Lipid Metabolism in Growing Cattle.

Nickel (Ni) has not been elucidated as an essential mineral in dairy animals, though in plants and lower organisms, its role in activation of urease enzyme is well known. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ni supplementation on intake, growth performance, urease activity, antioxidant and immune status, and energy and lipid metabolism in growing cattle. Eighteen growing Hariana heifers were randomly allocated into three groups on body weight (125 ± 3.0kg) and age basis (10 ± 2.0months). Feeding regimen was similar in all the groups except that treatment groups were supplemented with 0.0 (Ni0.0), 1.5 (Ni1.5), and 3.0 (Ni3.0) mg of Ni/kg dry matter (DM) in three respective groups. DM intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, plasma urease activity, biomarkers of antioxidant and immune status, energy and lipid metabolism, and plasma Ni levels were observed during the 90-day experimental period. There was linear increase (p< 0.05) in mean DMI and ADG without affecting feed efficiency was observed in 3.0mg of Ni/kg DM supplemented heifers. Dietary Ni supplementation showed linear increase (p < 0.05) in mean plasma urease activity. No effects of (p > 0.05) of Ni supplementation were observed on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and plasma lipid peroxide (LPO) concentration; whereas, mean plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) showed linear decrease (p < 0.001) in Ni-supplemented groups. Adding Ni up to 3.0mg of Ni/kg DM did not exert (p > 0.05) any effect on plasma total immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations. Mean plasma cortisol level showed negative association with supplemental Ni levels and concentration was found lowest (p < 0.05) in 3.0mg of Ni/kg DM-added group. Dietary Ni supplementation did not affect mean plasma concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). There was a linear increase (p< 0.001) in plasma Ni concentrations as the Ni concentrations increased in the diet. The results of present study indicated that dietary supplementation of 3.0mg of Ni/kg DM improved performance of growing cattle by increasing urease activity.

Inorganic Vanadium Supplementation in Crossbred Calves: Effects on Antioxidant Status, Immune Response and Haemato-Biochemical Attributes.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of inorganic vanadium (V) supplementation on antioxidant enzymes, immune status, and haemato-biochemical attributes of growing crossbred calves. Twenty-four male Karan Fries calves (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) (initial body mass 72.83 ± 2.5kg; age 3-9month) were randomly allocated to four groups: the control (received basal diet devoid of supplemental V), the 3ppm (received basal diet with 3mg/kg V), the 6ppm (received basal diet with 6mg/kg V) and the 9ppm group (received basal diet with 9mg/kg V). All the calves were fed for 150days as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards to meet their nutrient requirements for 500g growth rate/day. Peripheral blood samples were collected at the start of experiment and subsequently at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150days post-V supplementation for determination of antioxidant enzyme activity, immunological parameters and haemato-biochemical attributes. Results indicated that dietary supplementation of V did not affect daily gain, feed intake and haematological parameters. Crossbred calves fed with 9mg V/kg diet showed reduced (P <0.05) plasma total cholesterol concentration; however, plasma total protein and glucose concentration remained unaltered. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity as well as immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was significantly (P <0.05) higher in group supplemented with 9mg V/kg DM; however, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activity and total plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration were similar in all experimental group. Dietary V supplementation showed a negative relation with plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration, whereas non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration remained unaltered among all groups. Plasma V level increased (P <0.05) with increasing dietary V levels without affecting levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn. In conclusion, a dietary addition of 9mg V/kg DM reduced cholesterol content and improved antioxidant and immune response in growing crossbred calves.

Dietary administration of the commercially available probiotics enhanced the survival, growth, and innate immune responses in Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala) in a natural earthen polyculture system

The use of probiotics is considered effective for survival, growth and enhanced immune response in aquaculture. In the current study, effects of commercially available probiotic (Magic Plus) was investigated on survival, growth and immune response of Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala) in a polyculture system. The experiment was conducted for 90 days on 1200 fingerlings in two groups i.e. control and probiotic supplemented groups each having 600 fingerlings. Control group was fed with 35% protein basal diet without any supplements and the other group was supplemented with commercially available probiotic at the rate of (1012 CFU kg−1 diet). After 90 days, probiotic supplemented group was characterized with significant increase (p < 0.05) in growth parameters like, total weight, total length, %weight gain, specific growth rate and survival growth rate. Immunological indices like, lysozyme activity, white blood cells, total plasma protein level and immunoglobulin (IgM) of supplemented group were also significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced. Moreover, digestive enzymes i.e. cellulase, protease and amylase were also found to be significantly (p < 0.05) hyper-active in probiotic supplemented groups. Haematological parameters like, RBCs, Hb, Hct, MCH and MCHC were also significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Thus, the current study strongly suggests that a commercially available probiotic Magic plus may serve as a healthy and immunostimulating feed additive in C. mrigala culture.

Physiological and immune response of juvenile rainbow trout to dietary bovine lactoferrin

Lactoferrin, a large multifunctional glycoprotein, is involved in many physiological functions but its immunomodulatory pathways are not well characterized in fish. The objective of the present study was to investigate the temporal effect of dietary bovine lactoferrin (BLf) at low (0.1%) and high (1%) on immunological organs of rainbow trout juveniles. BLf diets did not affect specific growth rate, haematocrit, splenic index, spleen respiratory burst activity as well as humoral (mIgM) and neutrophils (MPO) gene expressions after short term - 35 days (D35) and long term nutrient test - 51 days (D51) of feeding. Both low and high BLf doses induced enhanced level of plasma alternative complement activity, plasma total immunoglobulin on D35 and D51, lymphocyte plus thrombocyte cell proportion on D35 and monocyte cell proportion in total blood leukocyte cells on D51. On D51 but not on D35, BLf diets upregulated the expression of inflammatory genes in kidney for il-1 at the low BLf dose, il-8 at both BLf doses and il-6 at the high BLf dose in spleen, and il-10 at both BLf doses in kidney. Moreover, the expression of T helper (cd4-2α; cd4-2β) genes was significantly upregulated only on D51 by both BLf doses in both spleen and kidney tissues. On D51, controls and BLf treated fish were intraperitoneally injected with A. salmonicida achromogenes. The expression of 13 immune genes was evaluated at 44 h post-injection (D54). The expression of lysozyme gene was upregulated by both BLf doses after bacterial infection both in spleen and kidney. The expression of mcsfrα (spleen) and tgf-β1 (kidney) was also modulated by both BLf doses. Low and high BLf doses enhanced disease resistance of rainbow trout juveniles with the cumulative survival rate of 36% and 38% respectively while those of the control was 19% after 14 days challenged with bacteria. The results indicate that BLf diets activated the humoral immunity, associated to blood leukocyte cells of rainbow trout after short term BLf administration, and the long term BLf administration was necessary for sensitizing other lymphoid organs such as in spleen and kidney. Only after long term test, BLf diets induced significantly higher levels of innate and adaptive immune gene expressions than those of the control. Dietary BLf activated more markedly the expression of innate immune genes than the adaptive ones; this upregulation of some immune genes could explain the high disease resistance observed in rainbow trout juveniles fed BLf.

Host virus and pneumococcus-specific immune responses in high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: implications for disease progression.

Patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) display a high incidence of infections due to an associated immunodeficiency that includes hypogammaglobulinemia. A higher risk of infections has also been recently reported for high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, while no information is available in low-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis. Here, we evaluated the status of the humoral immune system in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n=58), as well as in low- (n=71) and high- (n=29) count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis versus healthy donors (n=91). Total free plasma immunoglobulin titers and specific levels of antibodies against cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, influenza and S.pneumoniae were measured by nephelometry and ELISA-based techniques, respectively. Overall, our results show that both CLL and high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis patients, but not low-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis subjects, present with relatively high levels of antibodies specific for the latent viruses investigated, associated with progressively lower levels of S.pneumoniae-specific immunoglobulins. These findings probably reflect asymptomatic chronic reactivation of humoral immune responses against host viruses associated with expanded virus-specific antibody levels and progressively decreased protection against other micro-organisms, denoting a severe humoral immunodeficiency state not reflected by the overall plasma immunoglobulin levels. Alternatively, these results could reflect a potential role of ubiquitous viruses in the pathogenesis of the disease. Further analyses are necessary to establish the relevance of such asymptomatic humoral immune responses against host viruses in the expansion of the tumor B-cell clone and progression from monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis to CLL.