Relative Thymus Weight Research Articles

N-Pep-Zn Improves Cognitive Functions and Acute Stress Response Affected by Chronic Social Isolation in Aged Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHRs).

Aging and chronic stress are regarded as the most important risk factors of cognitive decline. Aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) represent a suitable model of age-related vascular brain diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of chronic isolation stress in aging SHRs on their cognitive functions and response to acute stress, as well as the influence of the chronic oral intake of N-Pep-Zn, the Zn derivative of N-PEP-12. Nine-month-old SHRs were subjected to social isolation for 3 months (SHRiso group), and one group received N-pep-Zn orally (SHRisoP, 1.5 mg/100 g BW). SHRs housed in groups served as the control (SHRsoc). The behavioral study included the following tests: sucrose preference, open field, elevated plus maze, three-chamber sociability and social novelty and spatial learning and memory in a Barnes maze. Levels of corticosterone, glucose and proinflammatory cytokines in blood plasma as well as salivary amylase activity were measured. Restraint (60 min) was used to test acute stress response. Isolation negatively affected the SHRs learning and memory in the Barnes maze, while the treatment of isolated rats with N-Pep-Zn improved their long-term memory and working memory impairments, making the SHRisoP comparable to the SHRsoc group. Acute stress induced a decrease in the relative thymus weight in the SHRiso group (but not SHRsoc), whereas treatment with N-Pep-Zn prevented thymus involution. N-pep-Zn mitigated the increment in blood cortisol and glucose levels induced by acute stress. N-pep-Zn enhanced the adaptive capabilities towards chronic (isolation) and acute (immobilization) stress in aged SHRs and prevented cognitive disturbances induced by chronic isolation, probably affecting the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal, sympathetic, and immune systems.

Safety evaluation of Avicenna germinans leaf extracts in rats

BackgroundAvicenna germinans is one of Nigeria's dominant mangrove plants and has valuable pharmacological and therapeutic activity. It is widely employed in traditional medicine to treat many ailments and diseases, including cancer. However, little is known about the safety of the plant. Acute and sub-acute toxicity profiles of the plant extracts were assessed in this study. MethodsThe oral acute toxicity was determined with 5000 mg/kg body weight each of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans leaf in rats. The rats were monitored for mortality, clinical manifestations, and weight changes over 14 days. During the sub-acute toxicity study, twenty-five female rats were fed with 0–1000 mg/kg ethanol extracts of Avicenna germinans for 21 days. The body weight was monitored during treatment, while changes in gross organ morphology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and limited histological analysis were evaluated after treatment. ResultsAcute administration of the three extracts did not result in mortality or any obvious adverse effects. The gross pathology, relative organ weights, hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology were similar to the control, except for the 1000 mg/kg dose that evoked marked increases in relative heart, intestinal, thymus, and adrenal weights. In addition, foci of inflammatory cells in the interstitium and lymphoid hyperplasia were found in the heart and lungs, respectively, in the 1000 mg/kg group. ConclusionThe findings indicate that LD50 of the three extracts of Avicenna germinans were > 5000 mg/kg and sub-acute administration of the ethanol extract is relatively safe at least up to 750 mg/kg body weights.

Effect of feeding chitosan and blend of essential organic acids on growth performance, haematological parameters and innate immunity in early aged male layer chicks.

The use of antibiotics as conventional feed additives in poultry operations have proven useful, however resulted serious health concerns to consumer due to their bio-accumulation, besides rising problem of antimicrobial resistance in microbes, thus, an alternative to antibiotic growth promoter have called for. One of the aim of the experiment was to assess the lone and combined effects of feeding of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) and blend of organic acids and short chain fatty acids in essential oils on growth performance, haematological parameters, relative lymphoid organ weight and innate immunity in early aged layer chick(male birds). A total of ninety, day-old chicks were randomly allotted into five groups: CO, Control group fed only poultry feed ; AGP, antibiotic growth promoter fed Avilomycin at the dose of 200mg/kg of poultry feed; CH, chitosan oligosaccharide fed at the rate of 100mg/kg feed; OE, blend of organic acids and short chain fatty acids in essential oils contained 1000 to 2000mg/kg feed in a graded dose per week and CH + OE, chitosan oligosaccharide plus blend of organic acids and short chain fatty acids in essential oils at consistent rate and manner as followed for each of given feed additives when fed individually. Data on growth performance, samples for haematological parameters and innate immunity were measured and assayed on 7th, 21st and 42nd day post feeding (dpf) respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group; there is a marginal gain in body weight at 7th and 21st dpf in CH group and the corresponding CH + OE group. Feed conversion ratio in CH group was remarkably good at 7th and 21st dpf. No significant difference was observed in relative organ weights of thymus, spleen and Bursa of Fabricius in treatment groups as compared to control birds; however a significant rise in splenic weight index in OE fed birds at 42nd dpf noted. Haematological changes were inconsequential in treatment groups with an exception to enhancement of heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H:L ratio) in CH group at 42nd dpf. Serum lysozyme activity proportionately elevated in CH + OE group on 21st and 42nd dpf when measured against control group; on the other hand no detectable augmentation of gut lysozyme activity observed. Both serum bactericidal and gut bactericidal activity boosted in combinatorial group at 42nd dpf. These results indicated that early age feeding of chitosan individually or combination with organic acids and short chain fatty acids in layer chick is beneficial, as it has the potential to enhance body weight gain to some extent and improves systemic and localized innate immunity to offer protection against infectious assaults thus may avoid early chick mortality in farms.

Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) drink spiked with spices-Immunomodulatory properties

Indian gooseberry juice (20% (v/v) was reconstituted with 5% ginger juice (v/v) extracted from freshly harvested rhizomes, 2% each of turmeric rhizome powder and black pepper powder (w/v), followed by raising the total soluble solids to 130Brix by adding sugar syrup. Finally, 5% acid lime juice of 2.45% of titratable citric acid was added to the entire mixture in order to impart a fruity flavour to the product. The entire mixture was homogenized at 175 Bar (2500 psi) with a speed of 235 rpm and was subsequently pasteurized at 1000C for 10 minutes. LC-MS/MS analysis detected phenolic compounds (2-galloyl glucose, 2,6-galloyl glucose), capsaicinoids, curcuminoids, gingerol and shogaol. Though cyclophosphamide significantly inhibited the relative weight of thymus from 0.193 ± 0.048 in normal mice to 0.077 ± 0.034, treatment with the herbal drink significantly increased the relative weight of thymus, showing increased T cell differentiation. Mice treated with the drink showed marginal increase in the WBC count, indicating recovery of immunity. Recovery of bone marrow cellularity in mice fed with the herbal drink was directly proportional to the concentration of the drink. Increase in a-esterase activity was also directly proportional to the concentration of herbal beverage.

The use of organic calcium derived from eggshell waste on physiological and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens

The study aimed to investigate the effect of using eggshell waste or eggshell extract as organic calcium source in feed on the physiological conditions and intestines of broilers. A total of 392 one-day-old chicks were randomly distributed into four groups (10 birds each group), CONT (control diet con taining 1% limestone as an inorganic calcium source), EGFL (feed containing 1% eggshell powder as an organic calcium source), EEG1 (feed containing 1% eggshell extracted with Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate as an organic calcium source), and EEG05 (feed containing 0.5% eggshell extracted using A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate). Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly, whereas blood, intesti nal content, and small intestinal segments were collected at day 35. Our results showed that during days 8-35, weight gain and feed consumption were lower (P<0.05) in EEG05 than in CONT and EGFL. Thymus relative weight tended (P=0.08) to be lower in EEG05 than in CONT, and gizzard was lower (P<0.05) in EGFL than in CONT and EEG05. Serum total triglyceride was significantly higher in CONT than in other groups. Moreover, serum high-density lipoprotein was higher in EEG1 and EE G05 than in CONT (P<0.05). furthermore, serum albumin were higher (P<0.05) in EEG1 than in CONT, EGFL and EEG05. Additionally, serum uric acid was higher (P<0.05) in EEG1 than in EGFL and EEG05. Among the groups, SGPT levels were lowest (P<0.05) in EEG05 birds. While there was no effect (P>0.05) of treatments on coliform and lactic acid bacteria in the ileum and caecum, jejunal crypt depth tended (P=0.09) to be lower in EEG1 and EEG05 than in CONT and EGFL broilers. Con clusively, using 1% eggshell powder or eggshell extract in feed as the substitute for limestone had no detrimental effect on broiler chickens’ growth, physiological status and intestinal condition. Hence, eggshell powder or eggshell extracted with A. bilimbi L. fruit filtrate can be used as an organic calcium source to replace limestone.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis on the immune parameters, intestinal morphology and mucin gene expression in broilers exposed to Salmonella enterica challenge

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis supplementation on bacterial population, morphometry and mucin gene expression of intestine, and on immune response in Salmonella challenged broilers. Treatments were: 1) negative control (no probiotic- no challenging); 2) probiotic treated (no challenging); 3) positive control (no probiotic-salmonella challenging), and 4) Salmonella challenged chicks fed probiotic. Salmonella infection resulted in significant decrease in the relative weight of thymus. In challenged birds, dietary addition of probiotic increased (P<0.0.5) the relative weights of bursa and thymus. Population of lactic acid bacteria was significantly higher in probiotic treated groups as compared to negative control or challenged chickens. Challenged chickens had the lowest count of goblet cells and those received probiotic had the highest goblet cells count. The expression of mucin 2 gene was higher in group received dietary probiotic as compared with other treatments. Difference for gene expression was not found in challenged chickens and the negative control (P>0.05). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of Bacillus subtilis could alleviate the negative effects of Salmonella infection on intestinal cells and bacterial population and could improve the growth and development of immune organs and function in infected broilers.

Investigation of immunomodulatory activity of hericium erinaceus on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice

The study was conducted to assess the immunostimulatory effect of Hericium Erinaceus on cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficient mice. Animals were administered Hericium Erinaceus orally at 0.72 g/kg b.w and 1.44 g/kg b.w for seven consecutive days. On the 4th day, CP (200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into mice. The results illustrated that Hericium Erinaceus at 0.72 g/kg b.w only posed an immunostimulating potency in the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model. Besides, Hericium Erinaceus at 1.44 g/kg b.w ameliorated the effects of CP on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, relative spleen weight, serum IL-2, TNF-α concentration, and micro-histological images of spleen and thymus substantially. This suggested the potential of Hericium Erinaceus to treat immunosuppression diseases in clinical practice.

Effect of microencapsulation of egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) by sodium alginate/chitosan/sodium alginate on the growth performance, serum parameters, and intestinal health of broiler chickens.

Egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) is an antibiotic alternative to prevent and fight intestinal pathogenic infections. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sodium alginate/chitosan/sodium alginate IgY microcapsules on the growth performance, serum parameters, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. One-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were divided into five treatments, each with 10 replicates of five chickens. The dietary treatments were maintained for 28 days and consisted of a basal diet (NC), basal diet + 500mg chlortetracycline/kg diet (CH), basal diet + 50mg non-microencapsulated IgY/kg diet (NM), basal diet + 600mg low levels microencapsulated IgY/kg diet (LM), and basal diet + 700 mg high levels microencapsulated IgY/kg diet (HM). Throughout the 28-day trial period, the NM, LM, HM and CH groups increased average daily gain (ADG) compared with the NC group (P < 0.05), and the HM group reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with the CH group (P < 0.05). The LM and HM groups increased relative organ weights of thymus and spleen compared with the CH and NM groups (P < 0.05). The HM group improved the duodenal, jejunal and ileum villi height (VH) and villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) compared with the CH and NM groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the CH group, the HM group increased serum immunoglobulin (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels (P < 0.05), and decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P < 0.05). Compared with the NC group, the NM, LM, HM, and CH groups reduced colonic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella levels (P < 0.05). and the HM group promoted the levels of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria compared with the CH group (P < 0.05). Microencapsulation could be considered as a way to improve the efficiency of IgY. The 700 mg high levels microencapsulated IgY/kg diet could potentially be used as an alternative to antibiotics to improve the immune performance and intestinal health, leading to better performance of broiler chickens.

Effect of GnRH immunocastration on immune function in male rats.

The present study aimed to reveal the effects of immunocastration on the development of the immune system in rats. Seventy rats were randomly assigned into two groups: Control (n = 35) and immunized (n = 35). Twenty-day-old rats were immunized with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and booster immunization was administered every two weeks (three immunizations in total). From 20-day-old rats, we collected samples every two weeks, including five immunized rats and five control rats (seven collections in total). We collected blood samples, testicles, thymuses, and spleens. The results showed that GnRH immunization increased the GnRH antibody titers and reduced the testosterone concentration (both P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the number of CD4+CD8- cells, CD4-CD8+ cells, and CD4+CD8+ cells increased (P < 0.05) whereas the number of CD4-CD8- cells and CD4+CD25+ cells reduced in the immunized group (P < 0.05) over time. GnRH immunization also increased the relative weights of thymus and spleen (P < 0.05), serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) over time (P < 0.05), and changed the mRNA levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6. IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, CD4, D8, CD19 GnRH, and GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) in thymus and spleen. Thus, GnRH immunization enhanced the immune markers in thymus, spleen, and blood immune cytokines in rats.

Influence of Inula helenium rhizomes and Matricaria chamomilla inflorescences on the biochemical and physiological parameters in male rats fed a high-fat diet.

Pharmacological correction of a high-fat diet is of great interest to prevent the development of obesity and hypertension. More and more research is being done on the preventive use of medicinal herbs for excess caloric intake. The aim of this study was to determine the general physiological effect of I. helenium rhizomes and M. chamomilla inflorescences used in the diet of male rats consuming excess amounts of fat and calories in the daily diet. In a 30-day experiment, we determined the effect of I. helenium rhizome and M. chamomilla on the physiological activity and metabolic processes of laboratory rats consuming a high-fat diet. The physical activity was evaluated according to the mass gain of animals and change in the relative mass of the internal organs, and also the functional conditions of the central nervous system. The influence on the metabolic processes was revealed by biochemical and clinical blood analyses. In a laboratory experiment on male rats, it was found that the addition of dry crushed rhizomes of Inula helenium L. and inflorescences of Matricaria chamomilla L. to the diet caused opposite changes in body weight. In the control group, the animals slightly increased their body weight (up to 111.5% of the initial weight by the end of the experiment); the rhizomes of I. helenium caused a decrease in body weight gain (up to 105.5% on the 30th day of the experiment compared to the initial weight); rats fed M. chamomilla inflorescences gained 123.2% of their initial body weight during the month of the experiment. The rhizomes of I. helenium caused an increase in the stomach relative mass. A decrease in the thymus relative weight was observed when animals were fed M. chamomilla inflorescences. The rhizomes of I. helenium stimulated an increase of blood protein concentration (mainly due to globulins), an increase in the alkaline phosphatase activity and cholesterol, and a decrease in the triglycerides concentration. M. chamomilla inflorescences reduced the blood urea concentration and increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase, causing strong changes in fat metabolism. Under the influence of the diet with the addition of M. chamomilla inflorescences, the atherogenic index increased in animals by 6.5 times relatively to the control group (due to a decrease in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and an increase in the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, an increase in the total cholesterol concentration). When M. chamomilla was added to the diet, the blood triglycerides concentration in animals decreased sharply and the concentration of leukocytes increased. The concentration of monocytes exceeded the limits of the physiological norm both in the control group and in the group of animals fed on M. chamomilla inflorescences. The results of the studies show the promise for further research of I. helenium rhizomes in the prevention of hypertension and also indicate strong risks when using M. chamomilla inflorescences for preventive purposes during high-fat and hypercaloric diet.

Studies on immunostimulatory effect of efcovida powder on Cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice

To evaluate the immunostimulatory activity of Efcovida powder, we induced immunosuppression in Swiss mice by cyclophosphamide (CP). Efcovida powder at two doses of 60 mg/kg b.w and 120 mg/kg b.w were administered orally for seven consecutive days to animals. CP (200 mg/kg i.p.) was injected on the 4th day. The result showed that Efcovida powder at the dose of 60 mg/kg b.w only posed an immunostimulating potency in the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model while Efcovida powder at the dose of 120 mg/kg b.w significantly ameliorated the effects of CP on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, leukocyte quantity, relative thymus weight, serum IL-4, IL-6 concentration, and micro-histological images of spleen and thymus. This suggested the potential of Efcovida powder to treat immunosuppression diseases in clinical practice.

Effects of combined use of thyme powder and aqueous extract on growth performance, carcass and organ characteristics, blood parameters, enzymes, immune system and jejunum morphology in broilers

This experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of Thyme Extract (TE) and Thyme Powder (TP) on growth performance, carcass and organ characteristics, blood parameters, enzymes, immune system, and intestinal morphology in broilers. The experiment was performed based on a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replications and 10 Ross 308 male broilers in each replication for 42 days. Experimental treatments included aqueous extract of thyme (50 and 100 mg/kg feed) and thyme powder (150 and 250 mg/kg feed) which were used in combination with the basal diet (control). The effect of treatments was analyzed by SAS statistical software and the means were compared at 5% probability level with Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that in the final period of the experiment, different levels of TE and TP had a significant effect on daily weight gain, feed intake and conversion ratio improvement (P&lt;0.05) so that the highest mean was related to treatment TE (100) + TP (250). The effects of different levels of TE and TP were significantly different on European index, economic value and total weight of the period (P&lt;0.05), meaning that the highest means were related to TE (100) + TP (250), and the lowest means were related to TE (0) and TP (0). Different levels of TE and TP had significant effects on the relative weight of thymus, live weight, wing weight, ventricular fat and pancreas (P&lt;0.05). The effect of different levels of TE and TP on the immunity was significant throughout the period (P&lt;0.05). The higher levels of TE and TP increased the villi length, villi width, crypt depth, layer thickness and the ratio of villi length to crypt depth to the control treatment. Based on the results of the present study, the use of TE (100 mg/kg) + TP (250 mg/kg) in the diet is recommended to supplement the diet of Ross 308 broilers.

Non-clinical safety evaluation of salvianolic acid A: acute, 4-week intravenous toxicities and genotoxicity evaluations

BackgroundToxicological problem associated with herbal medicine is a significant public health problem. Hence, it is necessary to elaborate on the safety of herbal medicine. Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a major active compound isolated from Danshen, a popular herbal drug and medicinal food plant in China. The aim of the present study was to explore the toxicological profile of SAA.MethodsThe acute toxicity studies were performed in mice and Beagle dogs with single administration with SAA. A 4-week subchronic toxicity was test in dogs. SAA was intravenously administered at doses of 20, 80 and 300 mg/kg. Clinical observation, laboratory testing and necropsy and histopathological examination were performed. The genotoxic potential of SAA was evaluated by 2 types of genotoxicity tests: a reverse mutation test in bacteria and bone marrow micronucleus test in mice.ResultsIn acute toxicities, the LD50 of SAA is 1161.2 mg/kg in mice. The minimum lethal dose (MLD) and maximal non-lethal dose (MNLD) of SAA were 682 mg/kg and 455 mg/kg in dogs, respectively. The approximate lethal dose range was 455–682 mg/kg. In the study of 4-week repeated-dose toxicity in dogs, focal necrosis in liver and renal tubular epithelial cell, the decrease in relative thymus weight, as well as abnormal changes in biochemical parameters, were observed in SAA 80 or 300 mg/kg group. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of SAA was 20 mg/kg. Thymus, liver and kidneys were the toxic targets. These toxic effects were transient and reversible. These results indicated that it should note examination of liver and kidney function during the administration of SAA in clinic. Furthermore, SAA had no mutagenic effect at any tested doses.ConclusionThese results provide new toxicological information of SAA for its clinical application and functional food consumption.

In Vivo Assessment of Lycopene Effect on Obesity-Induced Inflammation

A chronic low-grade inflammation is one of etiologic conditions closely associated with obesity. The study aims to examine the effect of lycopene on obesity inflammatory conditions in rats. 20 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups (n=5) and for 30-day treatment they were divided into the control group received corn oil as a vehicle, lycopene control group received lycopene extract (10 mg/kg) daily with gavage, obese control group subjected to high fat (HF) diet and received corn oil and obese/lycopene group subjected to HF diet and daily received lycopene extract by the same dose. Bodyweight, weight of thymus and spleen, cytokines [Resistin, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6)], lipid profile, and immunohistochemical assay for the Nuclear Factor kappa-B receptors (NF-κB) expression were measured and analyzed. The results revealed that the induced obesity caused a remarkable increase in bodyweight, relative weight of thymus and spleen, levels of serum cytokines, total cholesterol and triglycerides and NF-κB receptors expression, but decreased high-density lipid (HDL) level significantly. Administration of lycopene to obese rats caused a significant depletion in the levels of serum cytokines, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) with a significant increase in HDL level and caused no change in bodyweight, while the relative weight of the spleen and thymus was improved. Also, lycopene caused a marked decline in NF-κB receptors expression in thymus and spleen. These results supported the importance of lycopene as a beneficial carotenoid in combating obesity and companied disturbed fat index and metabolism.

In ovo nano-silver and nutrient supplementation improves immunity and resistance against Newcastle disease virus challenge in broiler chickens.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) interact with the microbes and host immune system to protect against diseases. Fertile broiler eggs (n = 900) were allotted to six groups: un-injected control, sham (sterile water), AgNPs (50 μg), AgNPs+Amino acids (Methionine-10 mg + Arginine-25 mg), AgNPs+Vitamins (Vit B1-72μg + Vit B6-140μg), and AgNPs+Trace Elements (Zn-80 μg and Se-0.3 μg) and incubated for 18 days. On 18th embryonic day, 0.6 ml test solution was injected at the broad end of egg using 25 mm needle and transferred to hatcher. Post-hatch, half of the chicks from each group were vaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine, and the other half were kept as unvaccinated unit and reared for 42 d with standard management practices. Hatchability, 1st and 42nd d body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were similar between treatment groups in both vaccinated and unvaccinated units. The relative weight of bursa Fabricius and thymus was similar, but spleen weight was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in AgNPs, AgNPs+Vits, and AgNPs+TEs chicks than control group. Cellular immune response (against mitogen phytohemagglutinin-P) was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in AgNPs+TEs chicks, whereas HA titer against sheep red blood cells antigen, serum IgG, IgM, and HI titer against ND vaccine was apparently higher in AgNPs+Vits group chicks than control. No clinical symptoms were observed in the vaccinated groups except for a few control birds 6 days postchallenge (PC). Three days PC, unvaccinated birds show depression, off feed, greenish diarrhea, and nasal discharge and the control group started dying. The highest cumulative infection (CI) was observed in sham (79.17%) and un-injected control (75%), but lowest in AgNPs+AAs birds (58.33%) on 3rd dpi. The CI reached 100% on 5th dpi in control groups and AgNPs, and 91.67% and 93.75% in AgNPs+TEs and AgNPs+AAs group, respectively. The AgNPs+TEs and AgNPs+AAs group birds lived for more than 90 h compared to 75 h in control groups and also had higher IL-6 and IL-2 gene expressions at 24 h PC. It was concluded that 50 μg/egg AgNPs with vitamins (B1 and B6) and trace elements (Zn and Se) improved performance, but AgNPs with trace elements and amino acids enhanced immune response and resistance against vND virus challenge in broilers.

Reactive Alterations in Thymic Lymphocytopoiesis to Short-Term Decrease in Deuterium Content in the Body

We studied changes in thymic lymphocytopoiesis induced by a short-term decrease in deuterium content in the body. The experiment was performed on adult male Wistar rats receiving water with lower deuterium content [D]=10 ppm. Increased relative weight of thymus was found after 24 h of consumption. Flow cytometry revealed higher percentage of undifferentiated cells and mature T cells, especially cytotoxic T cells. Hence, lymphocytopoiesis in the thymus is highly sensitive to short-term decrease in deuterium body content. A decrease in the content of deuterium stimulates proliferation of lymphoblasts in the thymus and slows down migration of differentiated T cells. Enhanced generation of cytotoxic T cells under these conditions attests to the role of deuterium in selection of double-positive thymocytes. The revealed shifts are reactive, and their pattern can change later, which requires further research.

Role of dietary resistant starch in the regulation of broiler immunological characteristics.

Resistant starch (RS) has received increased attention due to its potential health benefits. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of dietary corn RS on immunological characteristics of broilers. A total of 320 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments: normal corn-soyabean (NC) diet group, corn starch diet group, 4 %, 8 % and 12 % RS diet groups. This trial lasted for 42 d. The relative weights of spleen, thymus and bursa, the concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and IL-4 in plasma at 21 d of age, as well as the activities of total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in plasma at 21 and 42 d of age showed positive linear responses (P < 0·05) to the increasing dietary RS level. Meanwhile, compared with the birds from the NC group at 21 d of age, birds fed 4 % RS, 8 % RS and 12 % RS diets exhibited higher (P < 0·05) relative weight of bursa and concentrations of NO and interferon-γ in plasma. Birds fed 4 % RS and 8 % RS diets showed higher (P < 0·05) number of IgA-producing cells in the jejunum. While compared with birds from the NC group at 42 d of age, birds fed 12 % RS diet showed higher (P < 0·05) relative weight of spleen and activities of TNOS and iNOS in plasma. These findings suggested that dietary corn RS supplementation can improve immune function in broilers.

Feeding Nigella sativa oil to broilers affects their performance, serum constituents and cecum microbiota

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of supplementation of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) as a growth promoter in broiler diets. A total of 300 unsexed one-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly divided into five treatment groups (60 chicks/group). Each group was divided into five replicates with 12 chicks per replicate. Group 1 was fed on the basal diet with no additives (control). Group 2 was fed the basal diet supplemented with oxytetracycline (OTC) at the level of 50 ppm. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm NSO, respectively. Birds fed on 1500 ppm NSO diet showed the heaviest body weight at 14, 28 and 42 days of age. Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved at all ages with the inclusions of OTC and NSO generally superior to the control group. The relative weight of spleen was increased significantly by the addition of NSO at various levels. However, relative weights of thymus and bursa were not altered by the treatments. Total bacterial count, total yeast and moulds count, E. coli and salmonella spp. counts were reduced significantly, whereas the total lactic acid bacteria count was increased in OTC and NSO groups compared with control. Nigella sativa oil could be used in broiler chicken feeds as a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters to improve gut health and consequently growth performance.

Effectiveness of interleukin-4 administration or zinc supplementation in improving zinc deficiency-associated thymic atrophy and fatty degeneration and in normalizing T cell maturation process.

Nutritional zinc deficiency induces thymic atrophy, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of thymic atrophy and fatty degeneration associated with zinc deficiency and its effect on T cell maturation. Building on previous research demonstrating the beneficial effect of IL-4 administration or zinc supplementation on the spleen in zinc-deficient rats, we further examined whether these supplements also improve thymic atrophy. Five-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a standard diet, zinc-deficient diet (n=16 each) with either saline or IL-4, or a zinc-deficient diet for 6weeks followed by a standard diet for 4weeks. Relative thymus weights, serum thymulin concentrations, and the number of cytokeratin-8-positive cells, AIRE-positive cells, IL-7-positive cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, pre-T cells, and CD25+ CD44+ (DN3) cells in the thymus of zinc-deficient rats significantly decreased compared with those in all other groups. Conversely, PPAR-γ-positive cells, oil red O-positive areas, pro T cells, CD25- CD44+ cells, TUNEL-positive cells, Viobility 405/452 Fixable Dye-positive cells, CD68-, CD163- or CD169- macrophages, and IL-1β concentrations were significantly increased in the thymus of zinc-deficient rats as compared to those in the other groups. After IL-4 administration or zinc supplementation for zinc deficiency, all the measurement indices were recovered to levels in standard rats. It was demonstrated that zinc deficiency caused thymic atrophy, accompanied by fatty degeneration in the cortical regions and affected T cell maturation. IL-4 administration or zinc supplementation for zinc deficiency ameliorated thymic fatty degeneration.

Effects of NP on some hematological and immunological indices in sarcoma TG180-bearing mice

Objective: Evaluate the effects of saponin-rich extracts from Panax notoginseng roots with steaming - NP (H) and without steaming - NP (O) on some hematological and immunological indices in sarcoma TG180-bearing mice. &#x0D; Methods: The mice were injected with Sarcoma TG180 cells in the thigh to cause tumors, then were oral administrated NP(O), NP(H), Letinan or normal saline from the 6th day to 22nd day since developed tumors. On the 22nd day, blood was taken for IL-2, TNF-α and hematological indicators, revealing and determining the relative weight of spleen and thymus. &#x0D; Results: NP(H) and NP(O) at both level of the doses of 300 mg/kg/day and 900 mg/kg/day increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, adjusted white blood cell and platelet counts return to physiological level, increased blood IL-2 and TNF-α, increased relative weight of spleen and thymus. &#x0D; Conclusion: The saponin-rich extracts from Panax notoginseng roots had the effects of improving hematological index and enhancing immunity on sarcoma 180-bearing mice, in which the extract from steaming Panax notoginseng roots has a better effect compared with no-steaming Panax notoginseng roots ones.