Sheep Red Blood Cells Research Articles

CD36 and LC3B initiated autophagy in B cells regulates the humoral immune response

ABSTRACT Scavenger receptors are pattern recognition receptors that recognize both foreign and self-ligands, and initiate different mechanisms of cellular activation, often as co-receptors. The function of scavenger receptor CD36 in the immune system has mostly been studied in macrophages but it is also highly expressed by innate type B cells where its function is less explored. Here we report that CD36 is involved in macro-autophagy/autophagy in B cells, and in its absence, the humoral immune response is impaired. We found that CD36-deficient B cells exhibit a significantly reduced plasma cell formation, proliferation, mitochondrial mobilization and oxidative phosphorylation. These changes were accompanied by impaired initiation of autophagy, and we found that CD36 regulated autophagy and colocalized with autophagosome membrane protein MAP1LC3/LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3). When we investigated T-cell-dependent immune responses, we found that mice with CD36 deficiency, specifically in B cells, exhibited attenuated germinal center responses, class switching, and antibody production as well as autophagosome formation. These findings establish a critical role for CD36 in B cell responses and may also contribute to our understanding of CD36-mediated autophagy in other cells as well as in B cell lymphomas that have been shown to express the receptor. Abbreviations: AICDA/AID: activation-induced cytidine deaminase; ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; BCR: B-cell receptor; CPG: unmethylated cytosine-guanosine; CQ: chloroquine; DC: dendritic cells; FOB: follicular B cells; GC: germinal center; Ig: immunoglobulin; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MFI: mean fluorescence intensity; MZB: marginal zone B cells; NP-CGG: 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl-chicken gamma globulin; OCR: oxygen consumption rate; oxLDL: oxidized low-density lipoprotein; PC: plasma cells; Rapa: rapamycin; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; SRBC: sheep red blood cells; Tfh: follicular helper T cells; TLR: toll-like receptor.

Effects of Selected Prebiotics or Synbiotics Administered in ovo on Lymphocyte Subsets in Bursa of the Fabricius, Thymus, and Spleen in Non-Immunized and Immunized Chicken Broilers.

Simple SummaryProbiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may be used as feed additives instead of banned antibiotic-based growth promoters. These bioactive compounds applied in ovo have beneficial effects on intestinal bifidobacteria, decrease the number of detrimental bacteria in the gut, stimulate the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), and modulate the development of lymphoid organs. The aim of our study was to determine whether the specific in ovo-delivered prebiotics and synbiotics affected the lymphocyte subsets of the bursa of the Fabricius, thymus, and spleen in non-immunized chicken broilers and in birds immunized with T-dependent (sheep red blood cells—SRBC) and T-independent (dextran—DEX) antigens. This study demonstrated that in ovo administration of prebiotics and synbiotics is a promising approach for enhancing chicken immune system functions. We conclude that a combination of inulin and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1 was the most effective of the tested compounds in the stimulation of the chicken immune system.The effects of in ovo-delivered prebiotics and synbiotics on the lymphocyte subsets of the lymphoid organs in non-immunized 7-day-old broiler chickens and in non-immunized, sheep red blood cells (SRBC)-immunized, and dextran (DEX)-immunized 21- and 35-day-old birds were studied. The substances were injected on the 12th day of egg incubation: Prebiotic1 group (Pre1) with a solution of inulin, Prebiotic2 group (Pre2) with a solution of Bi2tos (non-digestive transgalacto-oligosaccharides), Synbiotic1 group (Syn1) with inulin and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1, and Synbiotic2 group (Syn2) with Bi2tos and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris IBB SC1. In 7-day-old chicks, a decrease in T splenocytes was noticed in all groups. The most pronounced effect in 21- and 35-day-old birds was an increase in TCRγδ+ cells in Syn1 and Syn2 groups. A decrease in bursal B cells was observed in DEX-immunized Pre1 group (21-day-old birds), and in the Syn1 group in non-immunized and SRBC-immunized 35-day-old birds. An increase in double-positive lymphocytes was observed in Pre1 (35-day-old birds) and Pre2 (immunized 21-day-old birds) groups. In Pre1 and Syn1 groups (21- and 35-day-old), an increase in B splenocytes and a decrease in T splenocytes were observed. We concluded that Syn1 was the most effective in the stimulation of the chicken immune system.

Evaluation of the Effect of Hydroethanolic Root Extract and Solvent Fractions of Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud. ex A. Rich) Descoings ex Wild & Drummond on Cell-Mediated Immune Response and Blood Cell Count in Mice.

Introduction Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud. ex A. Rich) Descoings ex wild & Drummond (Vitaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for the management of various immunological and hematological disorders in different areas of Ethiopia and the rest of the world. In Ethiopia, the plant is used for the management of enlarged spleen, rabies virus, helminthic infection, snake bite, and various types of tumors. Objective To evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic root extract and solvent fractions of Cyphostemma adenocaule on cell-mediated immunity (delayed-type hypersensitivity), organ index (spleen and liver), and blood cell count in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods Acute oral toxicity test was conducted using nulliparous and nonpregnant Swiss albino mice following OECD 425 limit test method. Delayed-type hypersensitivity model was used to evaluate the effect on cell-mediated immunity. The experimental animals were divided into twelve groups which were sensitized and challenged with sheep red blood cells on day 0 and day 7, respectively. Levamisole 50 mg/kg was used as stimulant control, whereas cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg was used as suppressant control. Hydroethanolic root extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg), aqueous fraction (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg), and n-butanol fraction (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) were administered for seven days. The paw volume was measured using a digital plethysmometer before challenge and 24 hours after challenge. Blood was collected, and organs (spleen and liver) were isolated from each challenged mouse to determine blood cell count and organ index, respectively. Results No mortality and noticeable behavioral changes were observed among all mice receiving hydroethanolic root extract and solvent fractions at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Hydroethanolic root extract and solvent fractions of Cyphostemma adenocaule showed enhancement of delayed-type hypersensitivity, organ index, and blood cell count. Hydroethanolic root extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg showed the highest and statistically significant stimulation of delayed-type hypersensitivity (0.123 ± 0.010) and blood cell count compared to the vehicle. Conclusion Hydroethanolic root extract and solvent fractions of Cyphostemma adenocaule showed a stimulatory effect on cell-mediated immunity and hematopoiesis.

Zingerone improves the immune responses in an animal model of breast cancer.

The potent anti-tumorigenic effects were attributed to ginger and there are some reports regarding the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties ginger-derived components. This study aimed to investigate the effects of zingerone on some immune-related parameters in an animal model of breast cancer. The breast cancer was established in female BALB/c mice using a carcinogenic 4T1 cell line. At day 10 after cancer induction, tumor-bearing mice were divided into five groups and treated intraperitoneal (daily from days 11-30) with saline or zingerone (at doses 10, 20, 50 and 100mg/kg/day). The mice were sacrificed on day 31 and the number of splenic Th1- and Treg cells, the expression of IFN-γ and TGF-β in the blood mononuclear cells, the antibody production against sheep red blood cell (SRBC) were determined using flow cytometry, real time-PCR and a standard hemagglutination assay, respectively. Zingerone at doses 50 and 100mg/kg enhanced the number of splenic Th1 cells (p<0.03 and 0.007, respectively); at doses 10, 20, 50 and 100mg/kg reduced the number of splenic Treg cells (p<0.02, 0.01, and 0.01, respectively), at doses 50 and 100mg/kg enhanced the expression of IFN-γ (p<0.03), at doses 50 and 100mg/kg reduced the expression of TGF-β, at doses 50mg/kg reduced the titer of anti-SRBC antibody (p<0.05). Zingerone improve the T cell-mediated and antibody responses in a mouse model of breast cancer. Theimmunotherapeutic potentials of zingerone in cancers need more considerations.

Immunomodulating Properties of Humic Acids Extracted from Oligotrophic Sphagnum magellanicum Peat.

Humic acids extracted with sodium pyrophosphate from Oligotrophic Sphagnum magellanicum peat reduce mitogen-stimulated production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by mouse peritoneal macrophages and do not affect the secretion of IL-4 by lymphocytes. The studied humic acid sample stimulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, TNFα, IL-1β, and IFNγ by immunocompetent mouse cells and human mononuclear cells. Course administration of humic acids to mice enhances the humoral immunity, increasing the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen and the titer of antibodies in the blood serum after immunization with sheep red blood cells.

Strange blood — The Rise and Fall of Lamb Blood Transfusion in 19th Century Medicine and Beyond Medical Humanities, Volume 5, BoelBerner, (Transcript), 2020. ISBN‐978‐3‐8376‐5163‐8, 214 pages, including notes, sources and literature and an index

This is an interesting little volume seen from several angles. It concerns transfusion (part of the BJH repertoire), but notably it describes how transfusion of lamb's blood became a short-lived fancy among doctors, gaining traction in the 1870s and disappearing within a mere decade Though initially introduced by Riva in Rome in 1667, transfusion of lamb's blood was largely disregarded until the 1870s, when a treatise by Gesellius sought to summarize the literature. Concurrent with this, a series of wars had raised the wish in army doctors to attempt transfusions, most notably in the German Dr. Hasse from Nordhausen, who had served during the war with Denmark in 1864 and against France in 1870. Though blood from lambs had been used for humans every now and then, largely due to its easy availability and the fact that sheep red blood cells are smaller than their human counterparts, Dr. Hasse did significant scaling up and wrote his own book about it. The latter initiated a wave of lamb transfusions for a number of diseases in many Western countries. This book entertainingly describes these developments, both with respect to indications, techniques and actual procedures. In these troubled times, where nostrums for COVID-19 gain rapid and sometimes premature application, it is instructive to see how fast the idea and application of lamb blood transfusions spread. It is salutary in turn to find how quickly the practice disappeared. Although the author has a non-medical background, she has succeeded in amply describing the nature of the transfusion reactions seen. My first research project, in the mid-1970s, was to improve the E-rosette test, which measured the binding of human lymphocytes to sheep red blood cells and served as gold standard for identifying T cells. Reading about the sometimes dramatic reactions to even small volumes of lamb blood, I could not help wondering whether these were due to in vivo E-rosetting! Surprisingly, xenogeneic transfusion got a further but very brief renaissance in the 1890s as part of the serotherapy revolution, which culminated in Behring's tetanus antisera. It would have been instructive if the book had bridged that event and finished with Landsteiner's discoveries of blood groups in 1901 and 1909 which became the true foundation for today's transfusion medicine. Nevertheless, this is a good yarn, showing us how new treatments, also in the 19th century, were touted and ultimately ridiculed.

Nonlinear self-trapping and guiding of light at different wavelengths with sheep blood.

We demonstrate the formation of waveguides, a few centimeters long, in colloidal suspensions of sheep red blood cells for a wide range of wavelengths due to nonlinear self-trapping and self-guiding of a laser beam. The near infrared (NIR) light experiences a weaker nonlinear self-action and thus requires much higher power to obtain self-trapping as compared to visible light. To examine the waveguiding of light at different wavelengths, we utilize a pump-probe-type setting for beam coupling: a pump beam at a 532 nm wavelength is used to create a waveguide first, and then a probe beam with various wavelengths is sent through the waveguide channel. Effective guidance for both visible and NIR wavelengths is observed through such otherwise highly scattering bio-soft-matter.

Comparative evaluation of haematological profile of the Nigerian indigenous and Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs vaccinated with sheep RBC

This study was designed to evaluate haematological response between Nigerian indigenous pigs (NIP) and Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs (LWL) when vaccinated with sheep RBC. Twenty male pigs with average age of 42±3 days and weighed 3.10±0.29 kg (NIP) and 6.90±0.43 kg (LWL), were used. They were assigned to groups A (10 NIP) and B (10 LWL); each was further divided into two with five animals in each replicate. Processing of sheep RBC followed standard procedures; feed and animal management were similar. All the pigs were vaccinated with 1 ml of 10 % sheep RBC per pig at week 4 and revaccinated 3 weeks later. Their haematological profiles were determined using standard procedures and the study lasted ten weeks. There was a rise in WBC count of both groups after initial vaccination. Mean WBC count of LWL was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher at weeks 0, 1, 4 and 6, respectively. Lymphocyte count of the two groups also increased sharply after initial vaccination; values recorded for LWL showed a slight but a continuous rise while those of the NIP generally decreased and increased in value. A significant differences in mean values of neutrophil were recorded prior to initial vaccination (p = 0.011, t = 8), on weeks 1 (p = 0.013, t = 8) and 3(p = 0.005, t = 8) with NIP maintaining higher values than LWL. There was no significance (p ≥0.05) difference in the mean values of eosinophil, basophil and monocytes for both groups.

Dietary Supplementation of Potential Probiotics Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Synbiotic Improves Growth Performance and Immune Responses by Modulation in Intestinal System in Broiler Chicks Challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

This study evaluates the effects of probiotics and synbiotics on the performance, immune responses, and intestinal morphology, and the expression of immunity-related genes of broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella typhimurium. Three hundred and sixty broiler chicks were divided into six groups, including broiler chicks challenged and non-challenged with S. typhimurium and fed with probiotic, synbiotic, and basal diet without additive. Growth performance (food intake, daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality), immune responses (antibody titer against sheep red blood cells, immunoglobulins G and M), intestinal morphology, lactic acid bacteria population, and the expression of immunity-related genes (interferon-γ, interleukins 6 and 12, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were investigated. The administration of S. typhimurium decreased growth performance (P = 0.0001), immune responses (P = 0.0001), intestinal morphology (P = 0.0001), lactic acid bacteria population (P = 0.0001), and the expression of immunity-related genes (P = 0.0001) of broiler chickens. However, broiler chicks fed with probiotic (P = 0.001) and synbiotic (P = 0.0001) showed better growth performance, immune responses, intestinal morphology, lactic acid bacteria population, and the expression of immunity-related genes in comparison with infected broiler chicks fed with basal diet lack of probiotic and synbiotic. Feeding probiotics (P = 0.001) and synbiotics (P = 0.0001) showed positive effects for challenged and non-challenged broiler chicks. In sum, feeding synbiotic and probiotic alleviated the negative effects of S. typhimurium on growth and immunity of broiler chicks. It can be suggested to apply synbiotic and probiotics as benefit additive against infectious challenges, such as S. typhimurium.

Comparative evaluation of haematological profile of the Nigerian indigenous and Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs vaccinated with sheep RBC

This study was designed to evaluate haematological response between Nigerian indigenous pigs (NIP) and Large White x Landrace crossbred pigs (LWL) when vaccinated with sheep RBC. Twenty male pigs with average age of 42 ± 3 days and weighed 3.10 ± 0.29 kg (NIP) and 6.90 ± 0.43 kg (LWL), were used. They were assigned to groups A (10 NIP) and B (10 LWL); each was further divided into two with five animals in each replicate. Processing of sheep RBC followed standard procedures; feed and animal management were similar. All the pigs were vaccinated with1 ml of 10 % sheep RBC per pig at week 4 and revaccinated 3 weeks later. Their haematological profiles were determined using standard procedures and the study lasted ten weeks. There was a rise in WBC count of both groups after initial vaccination. Mean WBC count of LWL was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher at weeks 0, 1, 4 and 6, respectively. Lymphocyte count of the two groups also increased sharply after initial vaccination; values recorded for LWL showed a slight but a continuous rise while those of the NIP generally decreased and increased in value. A significant differences in mean values of neutrophil were recorded prior to initial vaccination (p = 0.011, t = 8), on weeks 1 (p = 0.013, t = 8) and 3(p = 0.005, t = 8) with NIP maintaining higher values than LWL. There was no significance (p ≥0.05) difference in the mean values of eosinophil, basophil and monocytes for both groups.

Phagocytosis and the antigen-processing abilities of macrophages derived from monocytes in spinal tuberculosis patients

This study examined the hypothesis that there is an impairment of macrophageal function in spinal TB. We examined macrophageal functions in spinal TB patients. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of five spinal TB patients and five healthy persons as control. The isolated monocytes were cultured with stimulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) for seven days for maturation. The phagocytic ability of the macrophages derived from monocytes was measured. Also, nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), beta-glucuronide, and acid phosphatase activity was investigated. We found that the monocytes collected from patient PBMCs were significantly fewer than those of the control group (2992.103 vs. 6474.103 (cells/mL)). There were also fewer macrophages that had adhered to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) (598.103 vs. 264.103 (cells/mL)). However, NO production (2346 vs. 325.17 (µmol/gram of protein)), and the MPO (570.7 vs. 17.4 (unit/mg), beta-glucuronide (0.149 vs. 0.123 (μmol/hour/100 mg of protein)), and acid phosphatase activities (1776.9 vs. 287.9 (μmol/hour/100 mg of protein)) of the macrophages in the spinal TB group were markedly higher than in the healthy group. Despite the low adhesion to foreign bodies, the intracellular processing of TB macrophages, including oxidative activity and lysosome function, was significantly high. These results suggested the impairment of macrophageal function in spinal TB. Possibly, there is a dominance of innate non-specific immunity in spinal TB infection.

Effects of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed on performance, immunity, total antioxidant activity of serum and intestinal development of broilers

This experiment aimed to examine the effect of periodical application of bioactive peptides derived from cottonseed (BPC) in comparison with using sub-therapeutic doses of lincomycin and the excessive inclusion of vitamin E on performance, immunity, total antioxidant capacity of serum and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-d-old male broiler chicks with similar initial weight (Ross strain) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (8 chicks/pen): non-treated group (basal diet), basal diet supplemented with 2 mg/kg lincomycin, basal diet supplemented with 50 IU vitamin E, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter period, basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg in starter and grower periods and basal diet supplemented with 6 g BPC/kg throughout the whole experiment. The highest final body weight was obtained in the group supplemented with BPC in starter and grower periods. In the finisher phase, broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the starter period and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) better feed conversion ratios (FCR). Jejunal villus height was significantly elevated in broilers supplemented with antibiotic (P < 0.001), furthermore it tended to be greater in broilers fed BPC in the starter period. The jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in broilers fed the diet containing antibiotic in comparison to other groups. Humoral immune response against Newcastle disease vaccine tended to be elevated in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial (P > 0.05). Broilers supplemented with BPC in starter and grower, and in the whole trial had significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibody titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The highest total antioxidant capacity was obtained in broilers supplemented with the excessive level of vitamin E, furthermore it tended to improve in broilers fed the diet containing BPC in the whole trial. In summary, the results of the study indicated that addition of BPC in broiler diets in the whole trial could improve FCR, immune responses and total antioxidant activity of serum, and BPC could be used in broiler diets as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics.

Effect of dietary saffron (Crocus sativus) petal extract on growth performance, blood biochemical indices, antioxidant balance, and immune responses of broiler chickens reared under heat stress conditions

To evaluate the alleviative effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) petal extract (SPE) on growth performance, blood biochemical indices, antioxidant status, and immunity of heat-stressed broilers, 250 newly hatched male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to control diet (basal diet, two groups), or control diet supplemented with 300, 500, or 700 mg SPE/kg diet, with five replicates and 10 birds each. The broiler chickens, except one of the control groups, were exposed to heat stress (HS, 37 ± 1 °C, 55% relative humidity) for 6 h/day from day 25 to 42. Heat stress reduced body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and abdominal fat percentage, and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < .05). It also caused decreases in the antibody production against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and an increase in the heterophil: lymphocyte (H: L) ratio. However, SPE linearly increased the FI during the entire experimental period (p = .024) and linearly improved the BWG and FCR during the finisher and entire experimental periods (p < .05). The abdominal fat percentage decreased linearly with increasing dietary SPE levels (p < .005). Dietary SPE also caused significant reductions in the plasma concentration of cholesterol (L, p < .001), uric acid (L, p < .001), and MDA (L, p < .001; Q, p < .001) and enzyme activity of LDH (L, p = .002; Q, p = .015) and AST (L, p = .002; Q, p = .019), whereas enhanced the total protein concentration (L, p = .006), SOD and GPx (L, p < .001; Q, p = .028) activities, and TAC content (L, p < .001). Meanwhile, supplementation with dietary SPE enhanced the bursa percentage (p = .05) and improved the primary and secondary antibody production titres against SRBC and antibody response to NDV at 24 and 24 days (p < .01). The results indicate that SPE is an effective additive for broiler chickens under heat stress conditions. According to estimates of regression models, the optimum amount of extract recommended is 689.5 mg/kg. HIGHLIGHTS Saffron petal extract (SPE) enhanced the growth performance of heat-stressed broiler chickens. Dietary SPE improved the liver function in broilers reared in heat stress conditions. Supplementation of SPE improved the antioxidant status and immune responses in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

Expression of B Locus Beta 2 (&lt;i&gt;BLB2&lt;/i&gt;) Gene at Cytolytic and Latent Immune Response Stages of Immunocompetence in Nigerian Indigenous Chickens

An economically-important trait in poultry for which gene identification continues to be a challenge is immune response. The objective of the study was to quantitate the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II BLB2 gene at cytolytic and latent immune response stages in Nigerian indigenous chickens. A total of 108 Nigerian indigenous chickens (NIC) were sourced across the South-western states in Nigeria. The birds were inoculated with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), after which blood samples were obtained (5 days post-inoculation) and antibody haemagglutination test was carried out to place the birds into groups of high and low antibody titre levels. The categorisation of the birds resulted in six groups of normal feather high, normal feather low, naked neck high, naked neck low, frizzle feather high and frizzle feather low antibody groups. A total of 48 chicks were selected from the progeny for gene expression studies. Surgical excision of thymus and spleen was carried out for the detection of cytolytic and latent responses of the birds. β-actin was used as the endogenous control and the critical threshold method (2–ΔΔCт) was carried out for the determination of fold change. The fold change of spleen tissue expression at cytolytic immune response of the birds was 30,362.44 compared to latent response 294.07; and the fold change of thymus expression at cytolytic immune response of the birds was 51.98 compared to latent response 5.24. At both cytolytic and latent stages of immune response to SRBC antigen, BLB2 expression in the spleen was comparatively higher than in the thymus and the height of transcriptional activity was associated with the cytolytic stage. The birds of high titre at both the cytolytic and the latent responses had higher mRNA expression. This study concluded that BLB2 gene expression in the Nigerian indigenous chicken was induced at the cytolytic stage and repressed at the latent stage. During avian infections, the category of high immune response birds would perform better than the low immune response counterpart; and the protective response that BLB2 gene offers will be repressed from one time point to the other.

Wild epiphytic Bangladeshi orchids Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. and Papilionanthe teres (Roxb.) Lindl. potentially modulates the immune functions in Swiss albino mice.

Objective:This research investigated the immunomodulatory potentials of two medicinally important wild epiphytic Bangladeshi orchids Cymbidium aloifolium and Papilionanthe teres using Swiss albino mice.Materials and Methods:Orchid extracts were prepared using a cold methanol extraction procedure. To assess the immunomodulatory action, Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 25–35 gm were divided into five groups each with six animals. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) of 0.5 × 109 cells/ml were used to immunize all mice on the 7th day, and a booster dose of the same quantity of SRBC was given on the 11th day of the experiment. After 14 days of oral treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of orchid extract, the mice were sacrificed to collect serum and organs. Hematological assays, delayed type of hypersensitivity assays, phagocytic index (PI), and histopathological investigations were used to assess in vivo immunomodulatory efficacy.Results:The body weight changes of the experimental animals were considerably greater at 100 mg/kg bw than at a higher dose (200 mg/kg bw). There was a substantial improvement of relative organ weights of the thymus and spleen at the low dose, but no effect on kidney weights was evident. The liver weight increased significantly (p < 0.05) at both doses. Total neutrophil, leukocyte, and lymphocyte counts, hemoglobin percentage, delayed hypersensitivity reaction, and PI were all significantly (p < 0.05) increased in mice receiving the lower dose. In contrast to the control group, the higher dose reduced immunological response, suggesting the negative influence of a higher dose of extracts on the immune reaction.Conclusions:The results demonstrate that orchid extracts can potentially modulate the innate immune system in the experimental animal.

Ajwain (Trachyspermum copticum) extract in broiler diets: effect on growth performance, carcass components, plasma constituents, immunity and cecum microflora

Hypothesis is that dietary ajwain (Trachyspermum copticum L.), a phytogenic feed additive, could improve the performance of broiler chickens. On a total of 200 Ross 308 male broilers, during the 42-d growing period (starter: day 1–14; grower: day 15–28 and finisher: day 29–42), varying levels of ajwain alcoholic extract (0, 150, 350 and 450 ppm) were added to the drinking water. A control treatment containing the Virginiamycin antibiotic was also studied. Within each treatment and period, the performances were evaluated and the Economic index calculated. On day 42, two birds per pen were killed and the carcase and organ weights determined. On day 42, on two birds per pen, blood samples were collected on the farm to study the serum parameters. On birds, vaccinated against sheep red blood cells at 14 and 35 days, blood samples were collected at 21 and 42 days of age to determine total Ig, IgG and IgM antibodies and, at day 42, the spleen and bursa of Fabricius were weighed. The microflora on the caecum content was counted. Ajwain extract significantly (p < .05) influenced productive performances, blood parameters, immune parameters and gut microbiota, indicating its possible role as a substitute for antibiotics in a sustainable poultry industry.

Immunotoxicity studies of sulfolane following developmental exposure in Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD rats and adult exposure in B6C3F1/N mice

Sulfolane is a solvent used in the petrochemical industry and a groundwater contaminant in areas near refineries. The current studies were conducted to assess the impact of oral exposure to sulfolane on the immune system using two models: (1) a perinatal drinking water exposure to 0, 30, 100, 300, or 1000 mg/L from gestation day (GD) 6 until ∼13 weeks-of-age in Harlan Sprague Dawley rats; and, (2) a 90-day gavage exposure of adult female B6C3F1/N mice to 0, 1, 10, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day. Immune parameters evaluated included measurement of antibody production against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), ex vivo measurements of natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) activity, and T-cell proliferation, as well as measures of splenic immune cell populations, hematological parameters, and histopathology of immune tissues. A decrease in ex vivo NK cell activity was observed in cells from female – but not male – F1 rats following developmental exposure. In adult female mice, splenic NK cell number was lower than the vehicle controls at doses ≥ 100 mg/kg; however, ex vivo NK cell activity was not affected by sulfolane treatment. In female mice, a decrease in the number of large unstained cells at doses ≥ 30 mg/kg was observed. In F1 rats, effects on white blood cells (WBC) were limited to a decreasing trend in leukocytes in females; no effects were observed in males. Under the conditions of this study, a no-observed-effect level (NOEL) of 3 mg/kg/day was identified based on reduced NK cell activity in female F1 rats. Overall, these findings suggest that oral exposure to sulfolane in rodents had minimal effects on the immune system.

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.

Performance, immune response, and oxidative status in broiler chicken fed oxidized oil and Otostgia persica leaf extract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin E (α-Toc) and Otostgia persica leaf extract (OPLE) on the performance, immune response, and oxidative status in broiler chicken fed oxidised oil. A total of 350 one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly attributed to seven dietary treatments. Broilers were fed diets containing fresh oil or oxidised oil without supplement, and diets containing oxidised oil supplemented with 200 mg/kg α-Toc, 100 or 200 mg/kg OPLE, 200 mg/kg α-Toc+ 100 mg/kg OPLE, and 200 mg/kg α-Toc + 200 OPLE mg/kg for six weeks. The plasma oxidative status was evaluated by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in plasma. Lipid peroxidation in thigh meat was measured by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs). Inclusion of antioxidants in the diet containing oxidised oils or fresh oil was increased body weight, feed intake, and weight gain (p < .05). The dietary antioxidants had no effect on plasma GPx in birds fed oxidised oil. Dietary supplementation with OPLE and α-Toc increased SOD activity and reduced TBARs in the thigh meat of broilers fed with a diet containing oxidised oil (p < .05). Birds fed with the dietary oxidised oil revealed lower titres of antibody against the sheep red blood cell (p < .05), and immune response was significantly improved by the supplementary OPLE. Serum cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and HDL were not affected by the inclusion of antioxidants and the type of oil. In conclusion, Otostgia persica leaf extract combined with α-Toc could reduce the negative effects of oxidised oil in the diets of broiler. Highlights Performance, plasma oxidative status, and lipid oxidation in broilers fed with oxidised oil were decreased. The immune response was significantly improved by the supplementary Otostgia persica leaf extract in broilers. Otostgia persica leaf extract reduced TBARs in thigh meat broilers fed with diet oxidised oils Otostgia persica leaf extract along with vitamin E has the ability to reduce the negative effects of a diet containing oxidised oil in broilers.

The Response of Broiler Chicks to Dietary Supplementation with a Probiotic, Acidifiers Blend, and Their Combination

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of a probiotic (Bacillus subtilis DSM 17299), blend of acidifiers, and their combination on the performance of broiler chicks. Two hundred and twenty unsexed one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into four groups (55 birds per group divided into 5 replicates) as 2X2 factorial arrangement including two factors, probiotic and blend of acidifiers, each of which had two levels: yes and no. Performance was determined weekly. Haemagglutination test was performed on blood samples taken on days 28 and 42 after the birds were injected twice (days 14 and 28) with 10% suspension of sheep red blood cells (SRBC). On day 42, tissue samples taken from the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were prepared for histology via scanning electron microscopy. During the first three weeks, dietary addition of probiotic significantly (p<0.05) increased body weight gain (BWG) while acidifiers significantly lowered (p<0.01) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Antibody titer against SRBC increased remarkably (p<0.01) 15 days post the first injection when probiotic was administered. The probiotic also increased (p<0.01) the number of the duodenal goblet cells, and the density of jejunal and ileal villi. Overall, the supplementation of probiotic or acidifiers enhanced the growth performance of broiler chicks, mainly during the first three weeks of age. The probiotic also improved the immune response and intestinal morphology of broilers. However, there was no evidence of synergy when probiotic and acidifiers were co-administered.