Serum Immune Responses Research Articles

Folic Acid-Coated Nanochitosan Ameliorated the Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, Antioxidant Status, and Immune Responses of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

In recent years, chitosan has gained considerable attention due to its favorable properties such as excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability for which it can be used as a health supplement for delivering bioactive compounds in the food industry and nutrition. In the present study, the effect of nanochitosans coated with folic acid (FA) was considered on the growth performance, hematological parameters, antioxidant status, and serum immune responses of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings. Graded levels of FA-coated nanochitosan (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg kg−1 diet) were added to the basal diet, and each experimental diet was fed to three groups of fish with an approximate weight of 31 g for 8 weeks. The experimental study demonstrated that dietary FA-coated nanochitosan significantly (P < 0.05) improved the weight gain ration (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish at the end of the feeding trial. There were also linearly increasing trends in red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) of fish fed with increasing dietary chitosan/FA levels, whereas no significant difference was recorded in differential leukocyte count of fish among the treatments. In case of antioxidant responses, fish fed diet supplemented with 0.50 mg kg−1 FA-coated nanochitosan had the highest CAT and SOD activities, while the maximum activity of GPX was found in fish fed diet supplemented with 1.00 mg kg−1 FA-coated nanochitosan. Malondialdehyde activity also reached the lowest value in fish fed with 1.00 mg kg−1 FA-coated nanochitosan-supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Measured immune responses showed a linear augmentation in lysozyme activity (LA) with increasing dietary FA-coated nanochitosan, while linearly and quadratically increasing trends were recorded in immunoglobulin M (IgM) content as well as complement component C3 and C4 activities by increasing the supplementation of nanochitosan coated with FA (P < 0.05). Findings of the current study illustrated the positive effect of dietary FA-coated nanochitosan as a promising compound on improving the growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant status, and immune responses of rainbow trout.

Growth, hepatic health, mucosal barrier status and immunity of juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer fed poultry by-product meal supplemented with full-fat or defatted Hermetia illucens larval meal

Poultry by-product meal (PBM) as a replacement for fish meal (FM), an expensive and unsustainable protein aquafeed ingredient, has been tested on different aquaculture fish species. However, the complete replacement of FM with a mixture of PBM and Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae in barramundi culture has not been previously investigated. In this study, results are presented on growth performance, fillet fatty acid composition, serum metabolites, skin mucosal barriers, hepatic steatosis, antioxidant activity, and immunity of juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer fed either a FM-based diet (0PBM-0HI) or two test diets in which total FM protein was replaced by a mixture of 70% PBM and 30% full-fat (FHI) and defatted HI larvae (DHI) meal (designated as 70PBM-30FHI and 70PBM-30DHI). After 56 days of feeding, the results showed that the growth was affected when fish were fed 70PBM-30DHI with a higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) with respect to 0PBM-0HI and 70PBM-30FHI diets. There was no variation in growth performance, feed utilization, and FCR between 0PBM-0HI and 70PBM-30FHI. The retention of total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids increased in the fillet of juveniles fed 70PBM-30FHI and 70PBM-30DHI while total retention of polyunsaturated (PUFA), n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA decreased than the control. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) increased in fish fed 70PBM-30DHI whereas haptoglobin upsurged in 70PBM-30FHI compared to 0PBM-0HI. There were no significant effects in the serum immune response between dietary treatments whilst serum and liver CAT activity were negatively impacted by 70PBM-30DHI. The 70PBM-30DHI induced hepatic steatosis whilst 0PBM-0HI and 70PBM-30FHI showed no obvious change in the liver. Skin mucosal barriers were impacted by 70PBM-30DHI whilst 70PBM-30FHI fed fish showed a similar response to 0PBM-0HI. The fish fed on 70PBM-30DHI showed a higher proportion of infection rate with Vibrio harveyi than 70PBM-30FHI but showed no variation with the control-fed fish. In summary, FHI larvae meal could be a good complementary protein source, particularly when replacing FM completely with insect-based proteins.

Dietary Aspergillus oryzae Modulates Serum Biochemical Indices, Immune Responses, Oxidative Stress, and Transcription of HSP70 and Cytokine Genes in Nile Tilapia Exposed to Salinity Stress.

Simple SummaryProbiotics are live microbial adjuncts with numerous beneficial effects on fish. This study aims to evaluate the roles of Aspergillus oryzae (ASP) in the modulation of serum haemato-biochemical measurements, immunity, antioxidative capacity, and transcriptomic responses of Nile tilapia juveniles exposed to salinity stress. Findings revealed that dietary supplementation with A. oryzae mitigated the harmful influences of salinity stress on the exposed Nile tilapia.Nile tilapia Juveniles (19.50 ± 0.5 g) were fed on a basal diet (control group (CTR)) and a diet supplemented with 1 g Aspergillus oryzae (ASP) per kg diet for 12 weeks. Fish were then subjected to different salinity levels (0, 10, 15, and 20 practical salinity units (psu)) for another 15 days. Two-way ANOVA analysis revealed that the individual effects of ASP in Nile tilapia exposed to salinity levels presented a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in values of haemato-biochemical indices (such as glucose, cortisol, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and malondialdehyde) compared to those in the CTR group exposed to the same salinity levels. Moreover, significant increases (p < 0.05) of blood protein profile (albumin, globulin, and total protein), non-specific immune responses (lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, and phagocytic index), and antioxidant enzymes activities (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) were observed in ASP-supplemented groups. Interestingly, there was significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of the mRNA expression values of heat shock protein 70 and interferon-gamma genes, alongside upregulation of the mRNA expression values of interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 8 genes, in the hepatic tissues of Nile tilapia in ASP-supplemented groups exposed to different salinities compared to those in the CTR group exposed to the same salinity levels. Taken together, these findings supported the potential efficacy of dietary supplementation with ASP in alleviating salinity stress-induced haemato-biochemical alterations, immune suppression, and oxidative stress in the exposed Nile tilapia.

Effects of Clostridium butyricum- and Bacillus spp.-Based Potential Probiotics on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Immune Responses, and Caecal Microbiota in Broilers.

We aimed to investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum-, Bacillus subtilis-, and Bacillus licheniformis-based potential probiotics on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune responses, and caecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial structure in broiler chickens. Three treatment groups containing a total of 1200 one-day-old AA broilers were included: birds fed with a basal diet only (Con), birds fed with added 1010 probiotics cfu/kg (ProL), and birds fed with added 1011 probiotics cfu/kg (ProH). The dietary probiotics significantly improved the final and average body weights and serum immunoglobulins A, M, and Y. The probiotics also enhanced the ileal morphology and improved the caecal acetate, butyrate, and propionate contents. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that dietary compound probiotics modulated the caecal microflora composition as follows: (1) all birds shared 2794 observed taxonomic units; (2) treatment groups were well separated in the PCA and PCoA analysis; (3) the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Barnesiella, Odoribacter, [Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group], [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and Butyricimonas significantly varied between treatments. The compound probiotics improved the growth performance, serum immune responses, the ratio of ileal villus height to crypt depth, and major caecal SCFAs in broiler chickens. The dietary C. butyricum-, B. subtilis-, and B. licheniformis-based probiotics improved overall broiler health and would benefit the poultry industry.

Effects of andrographolide on lipopolysaccharide‐induced serum biochemical indices, immune responses and intestinal inflammation related to gene expression of Monopterus albus

An 8-week trial investigated how andrographolide effected lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced serum biochemical indices, immune responses and the intestinal inflammatory response of Monopterus albus. The study included control and andrographolide groups (150 mg/kg andrographolide) with three replicates per group. Samples were taken 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after LPS injection. The results showed that the levels of GLU, COR, AST, ALT, IgM, LZM, AKP, C3 and C4 in serum showed an initial increasing that then decreased. Compared with that of the control group, the levels of serum LZM, AKP, IgM, C3 and C4 in the andrographolide group increased quicker after LPS injection, while the levels of GLU, COR, AST and ALT increased more slowly; further, these indices recovered to normal levels quicker. The expression of several genes in the intestine first increased and then decreased after LPS injection. Compared with that of the control group, il-10, tgf-β1, tgf-β2 and tgf-β3 gene expression in the andrographolide group increased quicker after LPS injection, while that of il-1β, il-8, il-12β, nf-κb, tlr-3, tlr-7 and tlr-8 increased more slowly; these indices recovered to normal levels more quickly. In conclusion, LPS injection induced immune stress and inflammatory response in M. albus. Dietary supplementation with 150 mg/kg andrographolide effectively alleviated these responses.

Refolded recombinant major capsid protein (MCP) from Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV) effectively stimulates serum specific antibody and immune related genes response in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) is a causative agent of high mortality in fish resulting in significant economic loss to the fish industry in many countries. The major capsid protein (MCP) (ORF006) is an important structural component that mediates virus entry into the host cell, therefore it is a good candidate antigen of ISKNV for subunit vaccine development. In this study, MCP of ISKNV was successfully produced in Escherichia coli strain Ril and was purified as the soluble form by refolding recombinant MCP using urea in combination with dialysis process. The refolded recombinant MCP protein had ability of oligomerization to become trimer like native MCP protein. Fish immunized with refolded recombinant MCP showed significantly higher serum antibody titer than fish immunized with insoluble form of the protein (p < 0.05) at 21, 28- and 35-day post-immunization (dpi). Analysis of immune-related genes response in spleen and kidney of fish immunized with refolded recombinant MCP suggested that MHC-I, MHC-II, IL-1β and IL-4 genes were also significantly expressed relative to the group immunized with insoluble protein (p < 0.05) at 14, 21, 28- and 35-day post immunization. The highest serum antibody and immune related genes response were found at 28 day post immunization. Therefore, refolded recombinant MCP should be better than previously reported insoluble form as the candidate subunit vaccine to prevent infection of Nile tilapia from ISKNV.

VA-MENGOC-BC Vaccination Induces Serum and Mucosal Anti Neisseria gonorrhoeae Immune Responses and Reduces the Incidence of Gonorrhea.

Overall, there are over 30 different sexually transmitted infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae being the third most frequent with a reported 78 million cases per year. Gonococcal infection causes genital inflammation, which can be a risk factor for others sexually transmitted infections, particularly human immunodeficiency virus. Gonorrhea is a treatable disease, but recently an increase in antibiotic resistance has been of concern. There are currently no vaccines available. However, parenteral vaccination with anti N. meningitidis serogroup B vaccine has been reported to decrease the incidence of gonococcal burden in New Zealand and in Cuba despite the fact that parenteral vaccination is not deemed to induce mucosal IgA. Here we explore possible mechanisms of protection against gonococcal infection through parenteral meningococcal B vaccination. Ninety-two serum, saliva and oropharyngeal swabs samples of young adults (healthy and Neisseria carriers) of the internal higher school were obtained. They have been vaccinated with VA-MENGOC-BC (MBV) during their infancy and boosted with a third dose during this study. Serum and saliva samples were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot to measured IgG and IgA antibodies against N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae antigens. N. meningitidis carriers were determined by standard microbiologic test. In addition, we reviewed epidemiologic data for N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae infections in Cuba. Epidemiologic data show the influence of MBV over gonorrhea incidence suggesting to be dependent of sexual arrival age of vaccines but not over syphilis. Laboratorial data permit the detection of 70 and 22 noncarriers and carriers of N. meningitidis, respectively. Serum anti-MBV antigens (PL) responses were boosted by a third dose and were independent of carriage stages, but saliva anti-PL IgA responses were only present and were significant induced in carriers subjects. Carriers boosted with a third dose of MBV induced similar antigonococcal and -PL saliva IgA and serum IgG responses; meanwhile, serum antigonococcal IgG was significantly lower. In saliva, at least 2 gonococcal antigens were identified by Western blot. Finally, gonococcal-specific mucosal IgA antibody responses, in addition to the serum IgG antibodies, might contributed to the reduction of the incidence of N. gonorrhoeae. We hypothesize that this might have contributed to the observed reductions of the incidence of N. gonorrhoeae. These results suggest a mechanism for the influence of a Proteoliposome-based meningococcal BC vaccine on gonococcal incidence.

Cell Wall Components of Bacillus pumilus SE5 Improved the Growth, Digestive and Immunity of Grouper (Epinephelus coioides)

Background:: Probiotic cellular components could be an interesting alternative to live probiotics, which could potentially cause safety problems in open aquatic environments. Objective:: The cell wall (CW), peptidoglycan (PG) and lipoteichoic (LTA) were extracted from probiotic strain of Bacillus pumilus SE5, and these biomolecules were used to develop the possible application in fish aquaculture. Methods:: Grouper (Epinephelus coioides) juveniles were fed with either a basal control diet or the basal diet supplemented with CW, PG and LTA respectively for 60 days, and the growth performance, digestive enzymes activities, serum immune responses and immune genes expression in head kidney were determined. Results:: Dietary supplement PG and LTA significantly improved final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER), while significantly decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) was noticed in all the treatments compared with the control group. Dietary supplements of CW, PG and LTA enhanced the activities of trypsin, lipase and amylase in the liver. Serum complement C3 and IgM levels as well as, AKP, ACP and SOD activities elevated significantly in fish fed the PG and LTA containing diets. Furthermore, PG and LTA containing diets, significantly up-regulated expression of TLR2, NOD2, IL-8, IgM and three antibacterial peptides genes (epinecidin-1, hepcidin-1 and β-defensin) in the head kidney. Conclusion:: PG and LTA originated from probiotic B. pumilus SE5 could effectively enhance the growth performance, feed utilization, digestive ability and boost innate and adaptive immune system of E. coioides.

Bioactive Peptides from Sesame Meal for Broiler Chickens: Its Influence on the Serum Biochemical Metabolites, Immunity Responses and Nutrient Digestibility

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of bioactive peptides derived from sesame meal (BPSM), avilamycin as an antibiotic and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) as a prebiotic supplementation on the some serum metabolites, immune response, and ileal nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. A total of 300 broiler chickens were randomly placed in 6 treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds each, for 32 days. The experimental treatments consisted of a basal corn-soybean meal or control diet, control diet + 10 mg/kg avilamycin, control diet + 2 gr/kg MOS, control diet + 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg BPSM. According to the results, dietary treatments had no effects on the serum concentration of IgG and IgM (immunity indices), cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as an index for liver health (P > 0.05). While the blood concentration of albumin increased in broiler chickens fed diet containing 100 mg/kg BPSM (P < 0.05).In nutrient digestibility, addition of 100 mg/kg of BPSM and MOS increased the ileal digestibility coefficients of crude protein and ether extract in broiler chickens (P < 0.05). Likewise, ileal digestibility of vital amino acids including histidine, methionine, and tyrosine improved in broiler chickens, which received 100 mg/kg BPSM diet, while threonine digestibility increased in broilers fed MOS diet (P < 0.05). Body weight gain and food conversion ratio improved (P < 0.05) in the birds received MOS and 100 mg/kg BPSM, respectively. Considering the results of this study, it is concluded that BPSM can be used as a diet supplement in broiler chickens with no negative effect on the immune response and nutrient digestibility.

Effects of Supranutritional Selenium Nanoparticles on Immune and Antioxidant Capacity in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of supranutritional selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on immune and antioxidant capacity in rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups and given intragastric administration of SeNPs at doses of 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8mg Se/kg BW, respectively, for 2weeks. Serum immune parameters, serum and organic tissues (liver, heart, kidney) antioxidant indices, and liver mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were examined. The results showed that supranutritional doses of 0.4 and 0.8mg Se/kg BW SeNPs promoted the immune responses in serum. SeNPs administration improved antioxidant capacity in the liver and kidney, and the best improvement on antioxidant capacity was found in the kidney. Furthermore, intragastric administration of SeNPs upregulated mRNA expression of GPx1 and GPx4 in the liver. The results obtained indicated that SeNPs administration at supranutritional levels had beneficial effects on immune and antioxidant capacity and supplemental SeNPs at dose of 0.4mg Se/kg BW exhibited the best response in SD rats.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Extract Enhances Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Growth Performance, Serum and Mucus Innate Immune Responses and Resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila Challenge.

Simple SummaryThere has been extensive research addressing the positive effects of medicinal plant extracts using food fish as animal models. The present research was an attempt to assess zebrafish viability, considering the 3Rs approach, as an animal model for dietary experiments for fish nutrition studies, particularly evaluating novel additives for further implications in food fish. We have found oregano (Origanum vulgare) extract to be remarkably effective on fish growth and the fish immune system, enabling fish to fight a bacterial invasion. This study evaluated the dietary effects of an ultrasound-assisted extract of Origanum vulgare on the growth, antioxidant and immune responses (serum and mucosal) and resistance of zebrafish (Danio rerio) against Aeromonas hydrophila. Four hundred and forty adult zebrafish were distributed into 12 tanks and fed 4 experimental diets including 0% (control), 0.5% (M1), 1% (M2) and 2% (M3) of the extract per kg−1 diet for eight weeks. Fish were then challenged with A. hydrophila and mortality was recorded for 10 days. Results revealed that the extract exerted potent effects on growth parameters of weight gain and specific growth rate. The feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in fish fed extract-incorporated diets. O. vulgare extract improved antioxidant and immune responses, resulting in less sensitivity to oxidative stress and a higher survival rate when challenged with A. hydrophila. Overall, the greatest effects were observed in individuals with 1% dietary inclusion of the extract. These results suggest that the extract from the plant Origanum vulgare possesses a great potential to be used in the aquaculture industry and that zebrafish is an appropriate model for nutrition studies.

The use of dietary oak acorn extract to improve haematological parameters, mucosal and serum immunity, skin mucus bactericidal activity, and disease resistance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss)

Medicinal plants have been successfully used to enhance the growth and immunity of fish during recent decade. The experiments herein were designed to assess the dietary effects of oak acorn (Quercus brantii) extract (OAE) on blood parameters, serum and skin mucus immune responses and resistance antibacterial activities of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) skin mucus against Yersinia ruckeri and Streptococcus iniae. Four hundred and fifty fingerlings (10.45 ± 0.24 g) were randomly stocked in fifteen tanks and fed experimental diets containing 0 (control), 100 (OAE1), 200 (OAE2), 400 (OAE3) and 600 (OAE4) mg/kg of OAE for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, neutrophils (NEU), white blood cells (WBC) and hematocrit (Ht) and haemoglobin (Hb) levels significantly increased in the dietary treatments compared to those of the control. Higher lysozyme (Lys) activities and agglutinations (Agglu) were found in OAE2, OAE3 and OAE4. The alternative complement activity (ACH50) increased in supplemental the level of total immunoglobulin (total Ig) and skin mucus protease was highest in OAE3. The lysozyme activity of skin mucus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was enhanced in the OAE2, OAE3 and OAE4 groups. In vitro antibacterial activity tests showed that skin mucus effectively kills Y.ruckeri and S.iniae. Our findings further revealed the beneficial effects of dietary OAE on innate and mucosal immune responses, as well as the antibacterial activity of skin mucus of rainbow trout fingerlings.

MHC II-PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway Regulates Intestinal Immune Response Induced by Soy Glycinin in Hybrid Grouper: Protective Effects of Sodium Butyrate.

Soy glycinin (11S) is involved in immune regulation. As an additive, sodium butyrate (SB) can relieve inflammation caused by 11S. To further delve into the mechanisms. A diet containing 50% fishmeal was the control group (FM group), and the experimental groups consisted of the FM group baseline plus 2% glycinin (GL group), 8% glycinin (GH group), and 8% glycinin + 0.13% sodium butyrate (GH-SB group). The specific growth ratio (SGR), feed utilization, and density of distal intestinal (DI) type II mucous cells were increased in the GL group. In the serum, IFN-γ was significantly upregulated in the GL group, and IgG and IL-1β were upregulated in the GH group. IgG, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the GH-SB group were significantly downregulated compared to those in the GH group. The mRNA levels of mTOR C1, mTOR C2, and Deptor were upregulated in the GL, GH, and GH-SB groups in the DI compared with those in the FM group, while the mRNA levels of mTOR C1 and Deptor in the GH group were higher than those in the GL and GH-SB groups. 4E-BP1, RICTOR, PRR5, MHC II, and CD4 were upregulated in the GH group. TSC1, mLST8, and NFY mRNA levels in the GL and GH-SB groups were upregulated compared with those in the FM and GH groups. Western blotting showed P-PI3KSer294/T-PI3K, P-AktSer473/T-Akt, and P-mTORSer2448/T-mTOR were upregulated in the GH group. Collectively, our results demonstrate that low-dose 11S could improve serum immune by secreting IFN-γ. The overexpression of IgG and IL-1β is the reason that high-dose 11S reduces serum immune function, and supplementing SB can suppress this overexpression. Low-dose 11S can block the relationship between PI3K and mTOR C2. It can also inhibit the expression of 4E-BP1 through mTOR C1. High-dose 11S upregulates 4E-BP2 through mTOR C1, aggravating intestinal inflammation. SB could relieve inflammation by blocking PI3K/mTOR C2 and inhibiting 4E-BP2. Generally speaking, the hybrid grouper obtained different serum and DI immune responses under different doses of 11S, and these responses were ultimately manifested in growth performance. SB can effectively enhance serum immunity and relieve intestinal inflammation caused by high dose 11S.

The role of CD23 in the regulation of allergic responses.

IgE, the key molecule in atopy has been shown to bind two receptors, FcεRI, the high‐affinity receptor, and FcεRII (CD23), binding IgE with lower affinity. Whereas cross‐linking of IgE on FcεRI expressed by mast cells and basophils triggers the allergic reaction, binding of IgE to CD23 on B cells plays an important role in both IgE regulation and presentation. Furthermore, IgE‐immune complexes (IgE‐ICs) bound by B cells enhance antibody and T cell responses in mice and humans. However, the mechanisms that regulate the targeting of the two receptors and the respective function of the two pathways in inflammation or homeostasis are still a matter of debate. Here, we focus on CD23 and discuss several mechanisms related to IgE binding, as well as the impact of the IgE/antigen‐binding on different immune cells expressing CD23. One recent paper has shown that free IgE preferentially binds to FcεRI whereas IgE‐ICs are preferentially captured by CD23. Binding of IgE‐ICs to CD23 on B cells can, on one hand, regulate serum IgE and prevent effector cell activation and on the other hand facilitate antigen presentation by delivering the antigen to dendritic cells. These data argue for a multifunctional role of CD23 for modulating IgE serum levels and immune responses.

Effects of different plant extracts at various dietary levels on growth performance, carcass traits, blood serum parameters, immune response and ileal microflora of Ross broiler chickens

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different plant extracts (common nettle, coriander, dill and thyme) at various dietary levels (0, 150, 300 and 450 mg/L) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood serum parameters, immune response and ileal microflora of 650 male Ross chickens (13 treatment groups; five replicates/treatment group; 10 birds/replicate) in a 42-day trial. Plant extracts were added to drinking water. Supplementation, except for coriander, increased feed intake (p < .05). Thyme extracts at 300 mg/L improved both weight gain and feed efficiency (p < .05). Thyme or dill (300 mg/L) improved carcass and drumsticks yields (p < .05). Pre-slaughtered body weight was increased by supplementation with plant extracts at 300 mg/L (p < .05). Plant extracts positively affected blood serum parameters decreasing concentrations (p < .05) of total protein, albumin, urea and total cholesterol. Dill extract increased IgG against sheep red blood cells at d 28 (p < .05) and d 42 (IgG; tendency p= .0698), whereas coriander extract (450 mg/L) raised immune response against avian influence within 42 d from vaccination (p < .05). Plant extracts reduced coliforms (except dill at 300 mg/L level; p < .05) and aerobic bacteria (except dill; p < .05). Negative gram bacteria were increased by thyme and dill treatments at 150 mg/L (p < .05) whereas lactobacilli bacteria were raised by thyme at 150 mg/L level (p < .05). In conclusion, supplementation with thyme at 300 mg/L level had the greatest benefits on the evaluated parameters. HIGHLIGHTS Thyme supplementation at 300 mg/L level could improve broiler chicken growth performance, carcass traits and blood serum parameters. Thyme supplementation at 150 mg/L could positively affect ileal microbiota increasing lactobacilli bacteria and reducing coliforms. However, no relevant effects of the thyme treatment were observed on broiler chicken immune responses.

Effect of Herbal Extract on the Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Composition, Ileal Histo-Morphology and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

Effect of Herbal Extract on the Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Composition, Ileal Histo-Morphology and Immune Response of Broiler Chickens

Effects of different dietary electrolyte balances on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters and immune responses of broilers

ABSTRACT The effects of different dietary electrolyte balances (DEB; 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270 and 280 mEq/kg of diet) were investigated on growth performance, carcass traits, blood serum parameters and immune responses of broilers under thermoneutral environment. Data were analysed in agreement to a completely randomized design. In the grower period (linear, P = .01) and throughout the study (linear, P < .01) feed, energy and protein intakes decreased by increasing the DEB level. In the starter period, ADG showed the lowest value at 250 DEB level (quadratic, P < .01), whereas in the grower period and throughout the study, ADG decreased (linear, P < .01) by increasing the DEB level. Serum uric acid showed the lowest concentration at 250 DEB level (quadratic, P = .02). The serum triglyceride concentration decreased (linear, P = .02) and concentration of high-density lipoproteins raised (linear, P < .01) by increasing DEB level. Immune response against Gumboro disease tended (P = .09) to raise (linear, P < .01) by increasing the DEB level. No considerable DEB effect was observed on carcass traits and relative organ weights. The DEB values ranging from 220 to 240 mEq/kg could be appropriate to promote broiler growth performance.

Effect of dietary Bacillus subtilis on growth performance and serum biochemical and immune indexes in weaned piglets

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of dietary Bacillus subtilis on growth performance of weaned piglets, and also the effects of dietary B. subtilis on serum biochemical parameters and serum growth hormone, cytokines and immunoglobulins levels after Escherichia coli challenge. A total of 24 weaned piglets were housed in single pens and fed the basal diet (NC) either with or without B. subtilis (BS) or chlortetracycline (PC) for a 14-day period. All piglets were orally inoculated with E. coli K88 on day 14, and the blood samples were collected at 6 hours post-challenge. The results showed that dietary BS increased average daily gain and reduced feed conversion rate compared to the NC group. In addition, piglets in the BS group had higher serum growth hormone levels, total protein concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activities than the NC group did. Moreover, dietary BS decreased concentrations of serum IFN-γ and TNF-α and increased concentrations of serum IL-10 compared to the NC group, and BS supplementation increased serum IgA and IgG concentrations compared to those of the NC group. In conclusion, dietary B. subtilis improved growth performance of weaned piglets and attenuated the serum immune response to E. coli challenge.

Latest Reports on the Use of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Enhance Nutrient Consumption and Gut Health in the Natural Pigs

The Lactic Acid Bacteria strains (LAB), mainly Lactobacillus strains, endorse intestinal and serum immune responses to gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhoea reduction effects and antitoxin rotavirus. Supplementation of diet with LAB can benefit growth performance; nutrient utilisation and nutrient digestibility therefore enhance gut health of pigs. Understanding in the narrative related to the advantageous consequences of consuming a range of LAB for swine production has been widely reviewed, and the hazard and the safety related issues to to use of LAB have also been considered in this review. Taking into consideration that the primary cost in a swine business is feed effectiveness, feed cost, holds an exceptionally, if not the supreme, consequence in industrial pig production. Worldwide, in accompany with other animal industries the swine industry is affecting towards the long run a total ban and in control on the usage of antibiotic growth promoters. For that reason, the selection of a perfect substitute to the in-feed antibiotics to reimburse for the vanished profits because of the ban on the usage of antibiotic is immediately required to maintain the business for the sustainable and advantageous swine production.

33. Intranasal M2SR (M2-deficient Single Replication) Live H3N2 Influenza Investigational Vaccine Induces Serum HAI &amp; Broad Immune Responses in High Proportion of Adults

BackgroundA single intranasal (IN) dose of 108 TCID50 M2SR protected a responder subset of adults against infection and disease in a prior human influenza challenge study (EudraCT number: 2017-004971-30). Higher dose levels of M2SR were assessed in this phase 1b study to enhance immune responses and further increase protection levels in adults.MethodsA double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled dose escalation study (NCT03999554) was conducted at 4 US study sites with two different H3N2 M2SR vaccines that contained HA & NA from either A/Brisbane/10/2007 or A/Singapore/INFIMH-16–0019/2016. Serosusceptible 18–49 year old subjects (n = 206) received 2 IN doses of either saline or 1 of 3 different dose levels of vaccine (108 – 109 TCID50), administered 28 days apart.ResultsStudy vaccination was well-tolerated at all dose levels. A single 109 dose of A/Singapore/2016 M2SR generated significantly increased serum HAI responses compared to the 108 dose of A/Brisbane/10/2007 M2SR that had provided protection against infection & illness in an earlier human influenza challenge study (Fig. 1). HAI titers ≥40 were achieved in 0%, 23% & 58% of subjects after the first dose of placebo, 108 or 109 M2SR, respectively (p< 0.003). Increases also were stimulated in serum microneutralization titers (MNT) to drifted strains of H3N2 (Fig 2) & in serum NAI (Fig 3) and mucosal sIgA (Fig 4) titers. Further increases in serum and mucosal immune response were noted after a 2nd IN vaccination.Proportion of subjects with seroprotective HAI titers after vaccination Proportion of subjects with increased microneutralization titers against drifted H3N2 viruses after vaccination Geometric mean fold rise in serum neuraminidase inhibition antibody titers after vaccination ConclusionAn earlier clinical trial with a 108 dose of M2SR provided protection against infection and illness upon challenge with a highly drifted strain of H3N2. Protection correlated with vaccine induced serum MNT responses. In the current study, a single, 109 dose of M2SR significantly increased serum MNT, HAI & NAI titers as well as mucosal immune responses among greater proportions of study subjects. Since HAI, alone, is a well-accepted surrogate marker for vaccine protection against influenza, these broader enhancements indicate the potential for M2SR to protect against both matched and drifted strains of influenza in a high proportion of adults and strongly support clinical assessment in younger and older age groups as well as development of multivalent M2SR.Geometric mean fold rise in nasal mucosal secretory IgA antibody titers after vaccination DisclosuresJoseph Eiden, MD, PhD, FluGen (Consultant) Ruth Ellis, MD, FluGen (Consultant) Roger Aitchison, ScM, FluGen (Consultant) Renee Herber, BS, FluGen (Employee) Pamuk Bilsel, PhD, FluGen (Employee)