sIgA Concentration Research Articles

Immunological parameters examination of the oral fluid in normal and pathological conditions: sensitivity analysis of microorganisms in modern therapeutic practice in vitro

Inflammation of the mucosal immune system is a common occurrence (saliva). The masticatory process and salivary enzymes destroy antigenic material that enters the mouth cavity, yet it can still activate immunological responses. Many soluble components are secreted by epithelial cells or incorporated into oral cavity fluids. Defensins, histatins, lysozyme, and lactoferrin all have antibacterial action. They appear to work synergistically with secretory IgA. The objectives of this study is to examine the immunological parameters (concentration of total IgA and secretory IgA) of the oral fluid of the examined individuals in normal and pathological conditions; and to identify the sensitivity/resistance of microorganisms-the main representatives of the oral microflora to antimicrobial drugs widely used in modern therapeutic practice (antibiotics) in vitro. To achieve the study's goals, 65 individuals aged 18 to 50 were evaluated. To measure secretory IgA in oral fluid, we used a solid-phase immunoassay and a ZAO Vector Best sIgA ELISA BEST strip. The "secretory IgA-ELISA" reagent collection is designed to quantify secretory IgA in body fluids using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measures secretory IgA. The t-test was used to assess the significance of differences across indicator groups. Results indicated that amount of total IgA in oral fluid is significantly lower in people with dental and periodontal problems than in people who are healthy. This indicates a decrease in oral cavity resistance and an increase in carious/periodontal processes. Caries and/or periodontal disease have been linked to lgA deficiency. The results showed that staphylococci and streptococci dominated the oral cavity microbiota in the comparison groups. In addition to this, Neisseria and Veillonella were found. Streptococci accounted for 57 percent of all microorganisms planted in this biotope. Enterobacteria accounted for up to 15%, whereas Neisseria accounted for about 4% and 2%. The decrease in sIgA levels in periodontitis patients' saliva indicates a lack of local mucous membrane protection, increasing the risk of caries and periodontitis. The lower sIgA levels in the mouth make tooth tissue more susceptible to caries-causing microbe adherence than in healthy people.

Influence of physical exercises on salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration in athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Influence of physical exercises on salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration in athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Mucins 5b and 7 and secretory IgA in the oral acquired pellicle of children with caries and caries-free children

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether differences in the abundance of mucins 5b and 7 as well as secretory IgA exist in the oral acquired pellicle between children with active caries and caries-free children. DesignPellicle formation was performed for 10 min in-situ on ceramic slabs in the oral cavity of children (5–7 years of age) with caries (n = 15) and without signs of caries (n = 13). Furthermore, unstimulated saliva was collected. Concentrations of Muc5b, Muc7 and sIgA were measured in desorbed pellicle eluates and in saliva. ResultsSignificantly larger concentrations of Muc5b, Muc7 and sIgA were detected in the pellicle obtained from children with caries compared to caries-free children. However, in the salivary samples concentrations of mucins Muc5b and Muc7 as well as sIgA did not differ significantly between the two groups. ConclusionsAll three pellicle components Muc5b, Muc7 as well as sIgA could be identified as potential biomarkers for early childhood caries with high sensitivity and specificity. This could contribute to a better understanding of the different caries susceptibility in children.

Immune-related effects of compound astragalus polysaccharide and sulfated epimedium polysaccharide on newborn piglets

This study aimed to evaluate the immune effects of compound astragalus polysaccharide and sulfated epimedium polysaccharide (APS-sEPS) on the peripheral blood lymphocyte and intestinal mucosa in newborn piglets. A total of 40 newborn piglets were randomly divided into four groups during a 25-day experiment, including APS-sEPS, APS, sEPS and control group. The results showed that supplementation with APS-sEPS to newborn piglets remarkably increased the physiological parameters, especially the WBC. In peripheral blood, piglets that received APS-sEPS showed the highest proliferation of T lymphocytes, the percentage of CD3 + CD4+ and CD3 + CD8+ cells were the highest on days 15 and 25 (p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of IFN-γ on days 7 and 15, and IL-4, IL-10, sIgA on days 7, 15 and 25 in APS-sEPS group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the villus length and the ratio of villus length to crypt depth in APS-sEPS group were both significantly increased compared to that of control group (p < 0.05). In the duodenum, jejunum and illume, the concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-10, total IgG and sIgA in APS-sEPS group were all significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.05). In intestinal mucosa, APS-sEPS significantly increased the expression of NF-κB and IRF-3 mRNA in each section of small intestine of piglets. Nevertheless, in the illume segment, the effect of APS-sEPS was more significant than that of APS and sEPS (p < 0.05). The expression of TLR4 was more significant than that of control group in duodenum only. The results from the present research provide evidence that the suckling piglets administered with APS-sEPS supplement exhibited enhanced immune function of peripheral blood lymphocyte and expression of specific antibodies, and ameliorated intestinal morphological development and increased activities of humoral immune response in the small intestine, which would be related to the activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway and IRF3.

INFLUENCE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS ON THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PROSTHETIC STOMATITIS

Purpose: to study the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the state of the mucous membrane and tissues of the oral cavity to optimize the prevention and increase the effectiveness of dentition defects complex treatment in this contingent of patients. Materials and methods. We examined 112 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 35 to 64 years, who were further divided into three groups. The state of the oral mucosa, morphological changes, local immunity, lysozyme were determined. The work used morphological, microscopic methods, enzyme immunoassay and spectrophotometry. To test the statistical significance of intergroup differences, the nonparametric Mann- Whitney test was used. Results. Oral use in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, applications of 1% Clotrimazole cream and Echinacea Compositum S had a positive preventive and therapeutic effect, which was accompanied by an increase in capillary resistance, a decrease in the degree of migration of leukocytes, an increase in the functional activity of immune system cells and an increase in the level of regenerative processes. In patients with defects in the dentition against the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus, violations of the oral cavity local immunity were revealed, characterized by a significant increase in the S-IgA content and a decrease in lysozyme.Orthopedic treatment with partial removable denturesled to a significant decrease in the concentration of S-IgA and an increase in the bactericidal activity of saliva due to increased lysozyme synthesis. It was concluded that type 2 diabetes mellitus affects the state of the oral mucosa, which must be taken into account when providing orthopedic and dental treatment.

Caregiving quality modulates neuroendocrine and immunological markers in young children in foster care who have experienced early adversity.

Early adversity is believed to alter the body's stress-response systems, putting children at increased risk for somatic and mental health problems. However, it remains unclear whether such alterations normalize under improved caregiving experiences. Thus, the goal of the present study was to investigate (a) whether children in foster care show endocrine and immunological alterations relative to children living with their biological families, (b) whether these alterations change over time spent with the foster family, and (c) whether the alterations are modulated by current caregiving experiences. A total of 94 children in foster care and 157 biological children, aged two to seven years, took part in a longitudinal study with three assessments conducted over a 12-month study period. At the initial assessment, children lived for an average of 18 months with their current foster families. Children's cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and progesterone concentrations and cortisol/DHEA ratios were measured in scalp hair and children's secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels in saliva. Caregiving quality was assessed based on caregiver-reports and observational measures of caregiver-child interactions. Children in foster care had lower cortisol/DHEA ratios and higher progesterone concentrations than biological children, while no group differences were found for cortisol, DHEA or sIgA. Time spent with the current foster family did not significantly influence the child's endocrine or immunological markers. Importantly, caregiving quality modulated cortisol/DHEA ratios and sIgA concentrations: children in foster care of lower caregiving quality had lower cortisol/DHEA ratios than children in foster care of higher caregiving quality and showed decreasing, rather than increasing, sIgA concentrations across the study period. Our results indicate that caregiving quality in the foster family may have an important modulating effect on selected indicators of the child's stress response and could thereby mitigate the possible consequences of early childhood adversity.

The Enhancement of Intestinal Immunity in Offspring Piglets by Maternal Probiotic or Synbiotic Supplementation Is Associated With the Alteration of Gut Microbiota.

A total of 64 pregnant Bama mini-pigs were used to investigate the effects of maternal probiotic or synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation on immune response, intestinal morphology, and microbiota community of offspring piglets. The sows were assigned randomly to one of four groups, control group (basal diet), antibiotic group (basal diet supplemented with 50 g/t virginiamycin), probiotic group (basal diet supplemented with 200 mL/d probiotic fermentation broth per pig), or synbiotic group (basal diet supplemented with 200 mL/d probiotic fermentation broth per pig + 500 g/t xylo-oligosaccharides) during pregnancy and lactation periods. After weaning, two piglets close to the average body weight (BW) per litter were selected and fed a basal diet. Eight piglets with similar BW were selected from each group for sample collection at 65 d-old. The results showed that plasma interleukin (IL)-2 and lipopolysaccharide concentrations were decreased (P < 0.05) in the probiotic group, while the immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration in the probiotic and synbiotic groups was increased (P < 0.05), when compared with the control group. The jejunal IL-10, interferon-α, and secretory IgA (sIgA) concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) in the probiotic and synbiotic groups, as well as the ileal sIgA concentration in the probiotic group. The jejunal villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth were increased (P < 0.05) in the probiotic group, as well as the ileal VH in the synbiotic group. Furthermore, the piglets from the antibiotic group exhibited a lower microbiota diversity in the jejunum and ileum. The piglets from the synbiotic group had higher relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, Turicibacter, and Clostridium in the jejunum compared with the antibiotic group. Dietary probiotic treatment increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Psychrobacter in the ileum compared with the antibiotic and control groups. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, and Blautia in the jejunum and Psychrobacter in the ileum, were positively correlated with the alterations of immunoglobulin and cytokines. Collectively, these findings suggest that maternal interventions with probiotic or synbiotic are promising strategies for improving the immune response of offspring piglets by altering the gut microbiota.

Assessment of salivary stress and pain biomarkers and their relation to self-reported pain intensity during orthodontic tooth movement: alongitudinal and prospective study.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between pain intensity and concentrations of salivary pain and stress biomarkers during orthodontic tooth movement. Eighteen patients (8males, 10females; mean age 14.57 ± 2.39 years) who needed orthodontic treatment with maxillary premolar extraction and segmental canine distalization participated in this study. Baseline samples were collected (T1), and orthodontic attachments were placed to maxillary first molars, second premolars, and canines. Then extractions were performed. After 1‑month follow-up, canine distalization started with asegmental wire (T2). Concentrations of salivary α‑amylase (sAA), cortisol, secretory immunoglobulinA (sIgA) and chromograninA (CgA) were examined at T1, T2, and on days 4 (T3), 7 (T4), 14 (T5), and 30 (T6) after starting retraction. Participants also scored their pain on avisual analogue scale (VAS). Pain catastrophizing behavior and dental anxiety levels of the participants were evaluated by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (C-DAS), respectively. Repeated measure ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis were used for statistical evaluations (p < 0.05). The maximum values for sAA were seen at T1. Males had higher sAA levels than females with statistical differences at T1, T3, and T4. No significant differences for cortisol, sIgA, and CgA concentrations were observed. The highest mean VAS score was recorded at T3. No correlations were detected between any salivary biomarkers, VAS, C‑DAS, and PCS scores. The stress of starting orthodontic treatment increased sAA levels more than the pain that was experienced during orthodontic tooth movement. Being male was apredictor of higher sAA concentrations. Orthodontic tooth movement did not cause significant alterations in salivary pain and stress biomarkers.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Reduces the Pathogenicity of Escherichia coli in Chickens.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is a recognized probiotic that is widely used in scientific research and clinical applications. This study found that the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) strain can reduce the adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to primary chicken intestinal epithelial cells by 75.7% and inhibit 41.7% of the E. coli that adhere to intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, LGG showed strong inhibitory ability on the growth of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Paratyphi B, and Salmonella Enteritidis in vitro. Furthermore, the influence of LGG on the growth performance, intestinal flora, immunity, and disease resistance of chickens was explored. Chickens fed with LGG exhibited increased average daily weight gain and concentrations of sIgA, IgG, and IgM than did controls. After 21 days of feeding, a diet with LGG increased the diversity of intestinal microbiota and maintained intestinal health. Moreover, LGG promoted immunologic barriers by upregulating cytokines and chemokines via the Toll-like receptor. The major pro-inflammatory factors, including Myd88, NF-κB, Il6, and Il8, were upregulated compared to controls. After being challenged with E. coli, the survival rate of chickens fed with LGG was significantly higher than those in the control group, and decreased numbers of E. coli were detected in the heart and lungs of the LGG group. In summary, oral administration of LGG to chickens could improve growth performance, maintain intestinal homeostasis, and enhance innate immune response and disease resistance.

Effects of Energy Deficit on Secretory IgA During a Simulated Multi-Stressor Military Operation

ObjectivesSecretory IgA (SIgA) is a critical component of mucosal immunity and a first line of defense against pathogens. Intense physical exercise, lack of sleep, and inadequate energy intake are frequently observed during military training and operations. These factors are associated with a decline in SIgA and may increase the risk of infection; however, to what degree each of these factors contributes to immune dysfunction is unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of severe energy deficit on mucosal immunity (SIgA) during a multi-day period of intense training. MethodsThe parent study was a randomized, crossover trial in healthy males (n = 10, 22.4 ± 5.4 y, 87.3 ± 10.9 kg) to assess the effect of severe negative energy balance on inflammation, iron absorption, and other physiological and cognitive outcomes during a simulated sustained military operation (SUSOPS; high energy expenditure with repeated bouts of intense exercise). Participants completed two SUSOPS trials and were randomized to consume ± 10% of estimated total daily energy expenditure (TDEE, energy balance) or 45% of TDEE (energy deficit). At 0500 on each SUSOPS day (D1: baseline, D2:24 h, D3:48 h), participants placed polyester oral swabs under their tongue for 3-mins. A second swab was collected (i.e., placed under the tongue until saturation) to ensure adequate sample volume. SIgA secretion rate (μg/min) was calculated from SIgA concentration (μg/mL; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and salivary flow rate (mL/min). Dependent variables were log10 transformed due to non-normal distribution and data were analyzed using linear mixed models. ResultsIndependent of treatment, a main effect of time (P = 0.01) was observed where SIgA secretion rate declined by 20% from D2 [1.77 ± 0.34 μg/min] to D3 [1.41 ± 0.51 μg/min], P = 0.001, with no significant treatment by time interactions. A main effect of time (P = 0.01) was also found wherein SIgA concentration declined by 13% from D2 [2.67 ± 0.32 μg/mL] to D3 [2.33 ± 0.37 μg/mL], P = 0.001. There were no main or treatment effects with regard to SIgA flow rate. ConclusionsMucosal immune response, as measured by SIgA, declined in response to SUSOPS. Severe energy deficit did not exacerbate the decline in SIgA secretion rate observed in response to the high intensity, multi-stressor training scenario. Funding SourcesUS Army Medical Research and Development Command.

E-waste polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure leads to child gut-mucosal inflammation and adaptive immune response.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure alters immunological responses. Research concerning PAH exposure on intestinal immunity of children in electronic waste (e-waste) areas is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants on intestinal mucosal immunity of children in e-waste areas. Results showed higher hydroxylated PAH (OH-PAH) concentrations in e-waste-exposed children, accompanied with higher sialyl Lewis A (SLA) level, absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts, decreased of percentage of CD4+ T cells, and had a higher risk of diarrhea. OH-PAH concentrations were negative with child growth. 1-OHNap mediated through WBCs, along with 1-OHPyr, was correlated with an increase SLA concentration. 2-OHFlu, 1-OHPhe, 2-OHPhe, 1-OHPyr, and 6-OHChr were positively correlated with secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration. Our results indicated that PAH pollutants caused inflammation, affected the intestinal epithelium, and led to transformation of microfold cell (M cell). M cells initiating mucosal immune responses and the subsequent increasing sIgA production might be an adaptive immune respond of children in the e-waste areas. To our knowledge, this is the first study of PAH exposure on children intestinal immunity in e-waste area, showing that PAH exposure plays a negative role in child growth and impairs the intestinal immune function.

Effects of essential oil on growth performance, digestibility, immunity, and intestinal health in broilers

Essential oils (EO) are concentrated hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic compounds obtained from plants, which have properties as withdrawn antibiotic growth promoters. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of EO on growth performance, digestibility, immunity and intestinal health in broilers. A total of 500 1-day-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly put into five groups with 10 replicate cages containing 10 birds each. Birds in the 5 groups were fed a basal diet (CON), and basal diet with 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg EO (EO0.5, EO1, EO2 and EO4) for 42 d respectively. Birds were euthanized at 21d and 42 d, blood and tissue samples were collected. In the study, the digestibility of DM, GE and EE in groups with EO supplementation were significantly increased compared with CON group (P < 0.05). However, only EO2 and EO4 significantly increased the digestibility of CP compared with CON group (P < 0.05). In contrast to CON group, EO0.5 and EO1 in jejunum at 21 d, and EO1 in jejunum at 42 d markedly increased the activity of sucrase (P < 0.05). In addition, the level of SOD of EO2 and EO4 in serum at 21 d was significantly increased compared with CON group (P < 0.05). What's more, the concentration of intestinal mucosa SIgA in jejunum and ileum at 21 d of groups with EO supplementation was significantly increased compared with CON group (P < 0.05). Moreover, V/C in jejunum at 21 d of groups with EO supplementation, CD in jejunum at 42 d was also significantly increased to compare with CON group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of critical genes associated with nutrient transportation (i.e., GLUT2, SGLT1, SLC38A, SLC79A and SLC27A4) and barrier function (TJP1) were quadratically and linearly up-regulated in jejunum and ileum with EO supplementation (P < 0.05). These results suggest that EO has a positive impact on growth, immunity and intestinal health in broilers, and 200 mg/kg of EO was recommended in broiler diet.

67 Partial substitution of cereals with sugar beet pulp and hindgut health in horses

In high energy-demanding horses, replacing cereals by sugar beet pulp (SBP) rich in soluble fiber may be of interest to limit hindgut dysbiosis and subsequent mucosal inflammation. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of partial substitution of cereals with SBP on the hindgut microbial ecosystem and the mucosal associated immunity. Six adult exercised Trotteurs Français were enrolled in a 3 × 3 Latin-square design with experimental periods (EP) and wash-out of 21 days each, to test 3 isoenergetic diets distributed in 2 equal meals. On a dry matter (DM) basis, the high-fiber diet (HF) was composed of 100% hay, the high starch diet (HS) of 55% hay and 45% barley, and the high-soluble fiber diet (HSF) of 50% hay, 21% barley and 29% SBP. Horses received hay ad libitum during the wash-out periods. Barley and SBP were introduced gradually during the five first days of each EP. Feces were collected on the last day of each EP to enumerate total anaerobic and cellulolytic bacteria and to measure volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate, secretory IgA (SIgA) concentrations, DM and pH. Effects of diet, period and their interactionwere tested using MIXED procedure (SAS). Horses fed HS had significantly higher total anaerobes concentration and tended to have lower cellulolytics concentration, confirming hindgut ecosystem alteration with HS (Table 1). No significant diet effect was observed on SIgA concentration. With HSF, cellulolytics counts and total VFA concentrations were higher compared to HS, emphasizing increased fiber hindgut fermentations. In line with the higher amount of highly fermentable fibers in this diet, VFA concentrations were also higher compared to HF. These results suggested that replacing part of cereals by SBP can help limiting hindgut dysbiosis while maintaining a high energy supply through soluble fiber fermentation. Analyses of bacterial diversity and structure, and of blood VFA concentrations would provide further explicative information concerning SBP interest.

Local concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin a in patients with adenoiditis, rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic purulent otitis media when using physiatric methods in complex therapy

Improvement of therapeutic tools is one of topical issues in modern otorhinolaryngology. The article is devoted to the study of the stimulating effect of physical therapy on the concentrations of secretory IgA in nasal secretions, from the entries of auditory tubes and nasopharynx in the patients suffering from adenoiditis, rhinosinusitis, and exacerbation of chronic otitis media. The increase in clinical and immunological efficiency when using low-frequency ultrasonic cavitation therapy in combination with photochromotherapy in combined treatment of these conditions was evaluated in dynamics by measuring concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin levels in nasal secretions using enzyme immunoassay technique (Vector-Best, Russia). The purpose of this study was to improve clinical and immunological effectiveness of treatment of patients with chronic adenoiditis, sinusitis and exacerbation of chronic purulent otitis media when using low-frequency ultrasound cavitation and photochromotherapy in complex therapy. The study involved 54 patients. The control group consisted of 25 patients who received conventional treatment (topical and systemic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs, unloading and elimination procedures, symptomatic and restorative therapy) and the main group of 29 people who, in addition to etiotropic therapy, received low-frequency ultrasound cavitation irrigation of the nasal cavity followed by a course of photochromotherapy. Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment was carried out by studying the barrier state of the nasal mucosa by the levels of secretory IgA concentration by the method of enzyme immunoassay. The low-frequency ultrasound cavitation in combination with photochromotherapy as an adjunct to etiotropic treatment in patients with adenoiditis, rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic otitis media promotes an earlier increase in secretory IgA concentration of nasal mucosa and entry of the auditory tube when compared to standard treatment methods. The trend to IgA increase by 14 days reached maximal values and was slightly decreased month later. An early increase in the concentration of secretory IgA in nasal secretions and the entry of auditory tube, and positive clinical results of treatment are observed when low-frequency ultrasound cavitation is used in etiotropic therapy in combination with photochromotherapy in patients with adenoiditis, rhinosinusitis and exacerbation of chronic otitis media. The results substantiate the opportunity of introducing these physical methods of physical therapy into complex etiotropic therapy, as a non-invasive and effective method.

Effects of a probiotic-fermented herbal blend on the growth performance, intestinal flora and immune function of chicks infected with Salmonella pullorum

Salmonella pullorum is a highly pathogenic bacteria in poultry industry. However, antibiotics were restricted in many countries because of the increasing risk of antibiotic resistance, Therefore, an environmental friendly and effective alternative strives to be developed. This study investigated the benefit of a probiotic-fermented herbal blend on the growth performance and gut microbiota of newborn broilers infected with S. pullorum. A total of 120 one-day-old dwarf male chicks were randomly allotted to 4 treatment groups, each including 5 replicates of 6 chicks: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), herbal blend (HB), and probiotic-fermented herbal blend (PF). All birds (n = 90), except for those in the NC, were infected with S. pullorum (1.69 × 108 CFU) on day 1. On day 11, body weight (BW), mortality, tissue pathology, cecal colony counts, immune organ indices, cecal mucosa secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations, and cecal cytokine mRNA expression levels were investigated. No mortality was observed after the PF treatment, and less pathological condition was in the ileum, cecum, and liver of HB and PF. BW, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were significant higher in the HB group compared to the PC and were the highest in the PF (P < 0.05). HB treatment significantly increased cecal populations of Lactobacilli, and decreased cecal populations of Escherichia coli and Salmonella, but results were more pronounced in the PF group (P < 0.05). Both HB and PF treatments increased cecal mucosa sIgA compared with the PC (P < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma were lowest (P < 0.05) and interleukin 4 was the highest (P < 0.05) in PF, which exhibited similar levels to the NC group. PF treatment significantly improved the development of the thymus and bursa in S. pullorum-infected chicks. In conclusion, PF treatment prevented death, improved growth performance, regulated intestinal flora and enhanced immune ability of in S. pullorum-infected with chicks.

Probiotic stool secretory immunoglobulin A modulation in children with gastroenteritis: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe previously conducted the Probiotic Regimen for Outpatient Gastroenteritis Utility of Treatment (PROGUT) study, which identified no improvements in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) administered a probiotic. However, the aforementioned study did not evaluate immunomodulatory benefits.ObjectivesThe object of this study was to determine if stool secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations in children with AGE increase more among participants administered a Lactobacillus rhamnosus/helveticus probiotic compared with those administered placebo.MethodsThis a priori planned multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled ancillary study enrolled children presenting for emergency care who received a 5-d probiotic or placebo course. Participants submitted stool specimens on days 0, 5, and 28. The primary endpoint was the change in stool sIgA concentrations on day 5 compared with baseline.ResultsA total of 133 (n = 66 probiotic, 67 placebo) of 886 PROGUT participants (15.0%) provided all 3 specimens. Median stool sIgA concentrations did not differ between the probiotic and placebo groups at any of the study time points: day 0 median (IQR): 1999 (768, 4071) compared with 2198 (702, 5278) (P = 0.27, Cohen's d = 0.17); day 5: 2505 (1111, 5310) compared with 3207 (982, 7080) (P = 0.19, Cohen's d = 0.16); and day 28: 1377 (697, 2248) compared with 1779 (660, 3977) (P = 0.27, Cohen's d = 0.19), respectively. When comparing measured sIgA concentrations between days 0 and 5, we found no treatment allocation effects [β: −0.24 (−0.65, 0.18); P = 0.26] or interaction between treatment and specimen collection day [β: −0.003 (−0.09, 0.09); P = 0.95]. Although stool sIgA decreased between day 5 and day 28 within both groups (P < 0.001), there were no differences between the probiotic and placebo groups in the median changes in sIgA concentrations when comparing day 0 to day 5 median (IQR) [500 (−1135, 2362) compared with 362 (−1122, 4256); P = 0.77, Cohen's d = 0.075] and day 5 to day 28 [−1035 (−3130, 499) compared with −1260 (−4437, 843); P = 0.70, Cohen's d = 0.067], respectively.ConclusionsWe found no effect of an L. rhamnosus/helveticus probiotic, relative to placebo, on stool IgA concentrations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01853124.

Effects of oregano essential oil as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, antioxidant status, and intestinal health of broilers

This experiment was conducted to assess the comparative effects of dietary antibiotics and oregano essential oil (OEO) addition on growth performance, antioxidant status and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 16 broilers each. The 4 treatments were: an antibiotic-free control diet (control), control + 20 mg/kg colistin sulfate and 20 mg/kg virginiamycin (antibiotics), control + 200 mg/kg natural oregano essential oil (NOEO), and control + 200 mg/kg synthetic oregano essential oil (SOEO). The experiment lasted for 42 d. Results showed that birds fed with OEO had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and lower (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed with control diet during d 1 to 21. Besides, birds fed with NOEO had the greatest (P < 0.05) ADG in the four groups during d 22 to 42. The serum oxidative stress parameters showed that OEO improved (P < 0.05) the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) of birds on day 21 and the activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of birds on d 42. Relative to control, NOEO increased (P < 0.05) the activity of T-AOC in jejunum and decreased (P < 0.05) the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and jejunum. Moreover, OEO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of sIgA in duodenum and jejunum, Lactobacillus and total anaerobes in cecum, as well as activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase in duodenum, but restrained (P < 0.05) the amount of Escherichia coli. The NOEO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) total anaerobes of broilers on d 42 and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) of ileum. These results suggest that OEO improved antioxidant status and intestinal health of broilers which contributed to the growth performance improvement of broilers. Dietary OEO supplementation can be a promising alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for improving poultry production.

Multidimensional Approach for Investigating the Effects of an Antibiotic-Probiotic Combination on the Equine Hindgut Ecosystem and Microbial Fibrolysis.

The equine hindgut ecosystem is specialized in dietary fibers’ fermentation to provide horses’ energy and contribute to its health. Nevertheless, antibiotics are known to disrupt the hindgut microbiota, affecting the fibrolytic activity of bacteria and the intestinal immune balance, leading to diseases. This in vivo study used a general and comprehensive approach for characterizing the hindgut ecosystem of 9 healthy horses over 28 days in response to a 5-day challenge with oral trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (TMS), with a special emphasis on microbial fibrolytic activity and the host immune response. Horses were supplemented with two doses of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Ligilactobacillus salivarius (formerly L. salivarius), and Bifidobacterium lactis blend or a placebo in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Changes in fecal microbiota were investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing. Clostridioides difficile was quantified in feces using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Anaerobic microbiological culture was used to enumerate functional bacterial groups (cellulolytic, amylolytic, and lactic acid-utilizing). The environmental dimensions were assessed by measuring the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and lactic acid using biochemical methods, and changes in pH and dry matter weight. Systemic and local inflammation was evaluated by determination of cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig)A concentrations in the serum and secretory IgA (SIgA) concentrations in the feces using immuno-enzymatic methods. Oral TMS treatment strongly altered the whole hindgut ecosystem by 2 days after the first administration. Bacterial diversity decreased in proportion to the relative abundance of fibrolytic genera, which coincided with the decrease in the concentration of cellulolytic bacteria. At the same time, the composition of microbiota members was reorganized in terms of relative abundances, probably to support the alteration in fibrolysis. C. difficile DNA was not found in these horses, but the relative abundances of several potential pathobiont genera increased. 2 days after the first TMS administration, fecal concentrations of VFAs and SIgA increased in parallel with fecal water content, suggesting an alteration of the integrity of the hindgut mucosa. Recovery in bacterial composition, functions, and immune biomarkers took 2–9 days after the end of TMS administration. Supplementation with this bacterial blend did not limit bacterial alteration but might have interesting mucosal immunomodulatory effects.

Ingestion of High β-Glucan Barley Flour Enhances the Intestinal Immune System of Diet-Induced Obese Mice by Prebiotic Effects.

The prebiotic effect of high β-glucan barley (HGB) flour on the innate immune system of high-fat model mice was investigated. C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with HGB flour for 90 days. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the cecum and serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Real-time PCR was used to determine mRNA expression levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 in the ileum as well as the composition of the microbiota in the cecum. Concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and organic acids were analyzed by GC/MS. Concentrations of sIgA in the cecum and serum were increased in the HGB group compared to the control. Gene expression levels of IL-10 and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) significantly increased in the HGB group. HGB intake increased the bacterial count of microbiota, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Concentrations of propionate and lactate in the cecum were increased in the HGB group, and a positive correlation was found between these organic acids and the IL-10 expression level. Our findings showed that HGB flour enhanced immune function such as IgA secretion and IL-10 expression, even when the immune system was deteriorated by a high-fat diet. Moreover, we found that HGB flour modulated the gut microbiota, which increased the concentration of SCFAs, thereby stimulating the immune system.

Analysis of the level of non-specific and specific immunity parameters in saliva of children with osteogenesis imperfecta and study of relationships between selected proteins, disease symptoms and sociodemographic factors

Introduction. Osteogenesis imperfecta is characterized by dental symptoms, including dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI). Carious process can be modified by factors such as patient’s hygiene habits, diet, saliva and its components. Saliva’s elements of non-specific immunity with antibacterial and immunomodulatory action are hBD1, hBD2 defensins, cathelicidin LL-37, lysozyme and specific immunity – secretory immunoglobulin A. Aim. Analysis of levels of hBD1 and hBD2 defensins, cathelicidin LL-37, lysozyme and sIgA in saliva of children with osteogenesis imperfecta and in a comparative group of healthy children. Material and methods. In the years 2015-2018, 62 individuals with brittle bone disease were examined, samples of non-stimulated saliva were collected from 30 patients and from 30 subjects of the comparative group. Levels of the examined parameters were measured using ELISA immunoassays tests. Statistical analysis of laboratory test results was carried out. Statistically significant differences/relationships were established at the significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results. The concentration of the studied proteins in saliva did not differ significantly between the groups. There were statistically significant positive correlations between: age and sIgA concentration in saliva of the examined patients; age and concentration of hBD1 and hBD2 in saliva of children from the comparative group; age and sIgA concentration in saliva of patients from the study and comparative groups. For the comparative group, statistically significant differences in sIgA concentrations in saliva between girls and boys were observed. Conclusions. Laboratory test results of hBD1 and hBD2 defensins, cathelicidin LL-37, lysozyme and sIgA levels in saliva indicate that there is a need for further laboratory tests, which could explain the low levels of caries index in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. The increased levels of sIgA in saliva with growing age of the patients (with OI and healthy children) may indicate that specific immunity system matures with age or may reflect the impact of external environment on this parameter.