Total Immunoglobulin Concentrations Research Articles

Pirarucu requires taurine to maximize growth and antioxidant status when fed diets high in plant-based ingredients

Taurine (Tau) is a free conditionally essential amino acid for most fish species that plays a significant nutritional role, mainly in carnivorous fish species. However, limited studies are still available regarding the role of Tau on pirarucu nutrition, an important Amazonian fish species. Therefore, this study used diets high in plant-based ingredients to investigate the effect of taurine (Tau) supplementation on juvenile pirarucu's growth, metabolism, and health (n = 115, Weight = 504.12 ± 19 g). Fish were fed five diets containing increasing levels of Tau: 0.95, 5.1, 9.6, 12.9, and 17.2 g/kg in a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. After a 60-day feeding trial, growth, hematology, blood chemistry, Tau content in muscle, carcass, and liver, antioxidant status, and immunological parameters were evaluated. The control group (0.95 g/kg Tau) showed the lowest growth. According to the segmented regression model, the recommended Tau level for maximizing the development of juvenile pirarucu was 4.49 g/kg of feed. Additionally, fish fed the lowest dietary Tau level showed the highest ROS (reactive oxygen species) concentration. Dietary Tau levels did not affect hematological parameters and blood chemistry (p > 0.05). Fish fed 9.6 g/kg of Tau showed increased catalase activity, while the control group had the worst result in NBT (nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test). Fish fed with the highest dietary Tau levels (12.9 and 17.2 g/kg) showed increased total serum immunoglobulin concentration. These results suggest that the optimal inclusion level of Tau in diets for juvenile pirarucu is 4.49 g/kg of feed and that this amino acid acts as a mitigator of oxidative stress.

Interactive effects of dietary probiotic and succinic acid on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, immunomodulation, antioxidative capacity, and disease resistance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles

Abstract The current study was carried out to explore the effects of lactofeed (LA) as a multi-strain probiotic and succinic acid (SA) on growth variables, gut lactic acid bacteria count, digestive enzymes, innate immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and resistance against Yersinia ruckeri in rainbow trout juvenile (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Three hundred sixty healthy rainbow trout juveniles (13.21 ± 0.41 g) were randomly divided into twelve tanks (300 L) as four experimental groups. They were fed with basal diet (Control; BD), FT1: BD + 1 g/kg LA, FT2: BD + 5 g/kg SA, and FT3: BD + 1 g/kg LA + 5 g/kg SA for eight weeks. According to the results, final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), protein efficiency rate (PER), and feed conversion rate (FCR) revealed a remarkable discrepancy compared to the control group. In addition, dietary inclusion of LA (FT1 and FT3) significantly increased the specific growth rate (SGR). Dietary supplementation of LA+SA (FT3) remarkably improved total bacteria count (TBC) and amylase activity compared to the un-supplemented group. Gut lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count and digestive protease activity in all supplemented fish were remarkably higher than in un-supplemented gruop. Blood immunological factors including white blood cell (WBC) count, total immunoglobulin content (Ig), and the activity of lysozyme (LYZ), alternative complement pathway (ACH50), and acid phosphatase (ACP) were significantly enhanced in the supplemented groups. Neutrophil (NEU) count, skin mucus Ig and hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPX) increased in SA (FT2 and FT3) treatments. In addition, monocyte (MON) count and skin mucus LYZ activity significantly elevated following feeding with the FT3 diet. Other immunological parameters of skin mucus including protease activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and ACH50 activity, as well as hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities increased in fish fed with diets containing LA and/or SA. malondialdehyde (MDA) value was remarkably decreased in all supplemented rainbow trout compared to the fish fed with BD. Disease resistance against Y. ruckeri in fish fed with supplemented diets significantly improved with respect to the results obtained in the control specimens. Overall, dietary LA+SA supplementation was beneficial to improve growth performance, gut LAB count, digestive enzyme activities, innate immune responses, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance in rainbow trout. According to these findings, 1 g/kg LA + 5 g/kg SA is suggested for adding to rainbow trout diet.

Cytokine profile of oral fluid in patients with food allergy associated with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis

The world is experiencing a rapid increase in the prevalence of allergic and autoimmune diseases. It is known that allergic inflammation is most often systemic, involving various organs and systems in the pathological process, such as the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract with the development of dermatorespiratory, dermato-intestinal and other manifestations. The study of the features of the cytokine profile in oral fluid (saliva) deserves special attention, since these characteristics reflect not only local, but also systemic disorders. Of particular relevance is the study of local cytokine regulation of intercellular interactions in food allergies. Our objective was to study the concentration of IL-4, IL-10, IFNγ, secretory IgA in salivary fluid, the concentrations of total immunoglobulin E and eosinophilic cationic protein in blood serum of the patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis with concomitant food allergies.The study included patients with atopic dermatitis (AD, group 1, n = 20), psoriasis with concomitant food allergy (PS, group 2, n = 27), psoriasis without concomitant allergies (PS, comparison group 3, n = 23). Quantitative assessment of the cytokine concentrations (IL-4, IL-10, IFNγ, sIgA) in salivary fluid was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Concentrations of total immunoglobulin E and eosinophilic cationic protein in blood serum were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. The obtained results were processed using the Statistica 8.0 applied software.In groups of patients with atopic dermatitis (Group 1) and psoriasis with concomitant food allergy (Group 2), we have noted a statistically significant increase of salivary IL-4 and IL-10, as well as of total immunoglobulin E concentrations in blood serum as compared with a group of patients with psoriasis without concomitant allergies (group 3), and with control group. When studying concentrations of IFNγ in saliva, no statistically significant intergroup differences were found. The concentration of sIgA in saliva was significantly higher in the groups of patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis accompanied by food allergies in comparison with control group and the group of psoriatic patients without food allergies (group 3).The cytokine profile of saliva is characterized by unidirectional changes in food allergy. Skin seems to be the shock organ in this condition, regardless of nosological form of the disease (atopic dermatitis or psoriasis). Salivary fluid is an easily accessible material when assessing the state of mucosal immunity in food allergies.

Impact of zinc, copper, manganese and chromium supplementation on growth performance and blood metabolic profile of Sahiwal (Bos indicus) male calves.

This study aimed to see the effect of oral supplementation of specific trace minerals mixture on the growth, immunity, and reproductive development of indigenous growing bull calves. Eighteen Sahiwal bull calves, with an average age of 6 months were chosen and divided into three groups. Group 1 was fed with a basal diet, Group 2 was provided with an additional specific trace mineral supplement to achieve a diet containing 70 ppm of Zn, 17.50 ppm of Cu, 65 ppm of Mn, and 1.75 ppm of Cr. Group 3 received a 25% extra supplement to achieve a diet containing 87.50 ppm of Zn, 21.87 ppm of Cu, 81.25 ppm of Mn, and 2.18 ppm of Cr. The experiment was carried out for a total of 180 days. According to the findings, there was no significant impact of specific trace minerals supplementation on the animals' body weight, morphometric parameters, dry matter intake, average daily gain, nutritional value, digestibility and nitrogen retention. However, higher levels of Zn, Cu, and Mn led to increased (p < 0.05) total retention, while Cr retention remained the same. Serum mineral concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn increased significantly (p < 0.05) in G2 and G3 compared to the G1 group while Ca, P, and Cr had no significant change. Blood plasma glucose, albumin, globulin, and total protein showed no significant differences. Plasma alkaline phosphatase activity improved significantly (p < 0.05) in G2 and G3 but alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and IGF-1 remained unchanged. Superoxide dismutase activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and total immunoglobulin concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05) in G2 and G3 groups, however, catalase activity and IgG count did not change among the groups. Mineral-supplemented groups (G2 and G3) showed a significant change (p < 0.05) in testosterone production during the 120th and the 180th day of the trial. Scrotal circumference and temperature gradient of the scrotal surface did not show any significant change. Supplementing growing bull calves with specific trace minerals above the basal level (70, 17.50, 65 and 1.75 ppm of Zn, Cu, Mn and Cr) has no direct beneficial effect on the growth parameters but can have positive effects on their antioxidant status, immunity and reproductive development as the related blood parameters were positively affected.

Immune complexes in Kosali breed of cattle naturally exposed to arsenic contamination: Attenuation by

The study investigated the effect of bark powder on circulatory immune complexes and total immunoglobulins level in Kosali breed of cattle environmentally exposed to arsenic contamination through water and fodder. Arsenic concentration was significantly (p&amp;#60;0.05) higher in drinking water, fodder and cattle blood samples collected from the arsenic contaminated area as compared to uncontaminated area (control area). Kosali cattle reared in the arsenic contaminated area showed significantly (p&amp;#60;0.05) elevated circulatory immune complexes with decreased level of plasma total immunoglobulins compared to the control area. bark powder was administered orally @ 40 mg/kg. b. w. daily for 30 days to eight Kosali cattle (treatment group) selected from the arsenic contaminated area. Eight Kosali cattle each from arsenic contaminated and uncontaminated area (without any treatment) served as exposure control and healthy control respectively. Kosali cattle of the treatment group exhibited significant (p&amp;#60;0.05) decrease in the level of circulatory immune complexes; and increase in the total immunoglobulin concentration to the level comparable to that of healthy control.

Fungal allergy as a risk factor for developing rosacea

The pathogenesis of rosacea is not fully understood. In this disease, the release of inflammatory molecules and overgrowth of skin-colonizing microorganisms, including fungal microbiota, are noted. The study of the frequency of occurrence and the nature of the spectrum of sensitization to fungal allergens in patients with rosacea is of particular interest and accounts for relevance of the study. Purpose of the study: to analyze the frequency of occurrence and the nature of the spectrum of sensitization to fungal allergens in patients with rosacea.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included patients with rosacea aged 18 to 60 years (group 1, n = 31). All patients underwent a specific allergic examination: collected allergic history, skin prick testing using the following allergens: nutritional yeast, Candida albicans, Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium notatum (Allergopharma, Germany). Concentration of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophilic cationic protein in blood serum was measured in indirect immunofluorescence analysis with Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC semi-automatic analyzer. Statistica 8.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results. Analysis of the features of the spectrum of sensitization to fungal allergens in the group of patients with rosacea showed that the most significant allergens are Cladosporium herbarum (74.2% of patients) and Candida albicans (58.1%). Sensitization to nutritional yeast and Penicillium notatum was detected in almost half of the patients. The concentration of total immunoglobulin E in blood serum in the group of patients with rosacea was 79.4 IU/ml [23.4; 105.1], in the control group 45.1 IU/ml [23.4; 144.0]. The concentration of eosinophilic cationic protein in blood serum in the group of patients with rosacea was significantly higher compared to the control group: 50.3 ng/ml [43.0; 62.0] and 7.9 ng/ml [4.6; 27.1], respectively. After skin prick testing with fungal allergens, patients with rosacea were prescribed an individual elimination diet with the exclusion of causally significant allergens for a period of 1 month. In 61.2% (n = 19) of cases in patients with rosacea, a positive elimination effect was noted: a significant decrease in the severity of erythema, papules and pustules in the face.&#x0D; Conclusion. Thus, the study revealed a high incidence of fungal allergy and established the features of the spectrum of sensitization to fungal allergens in patients with rosacea. The most significant fungal allergens in rosacea are fungi of the genus Cladosporium herbarum, Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum as well as nutritional yeast.

Observation of the long-term clinical efficacy of "Fuyang Guben" acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on perennial allergic rhinitis and its effects on the total IgE and IL-4 in the serum

To investigate the long-term clinical efficacy and safety of "Fuyang Guben" (supporting yang and consolidating root) acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR), and to explore its functioning mechanism. The patients with PAR were randomly divided into acupuncture + western medicine group (n=30) and western medicine group (n=30). In the western medicine group, fluticasone propionate nasal spray was administered, one spray in each nostril in one treatment, once a day, for 6 weeks. On the basis of the western medicine group, fuyangguben acupuncture-moxibustion therapy was supplemented. Acupuncture was applied to Shangxing (GV23), Yintang (GV24+), and bilateral Yingxiang (LI20), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN8), Sibai (ST2), Hegu (LI4) and Chize (LU5); warm needling was applied at Dazhui (GV14). The patients of this group received 30 min of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy 3 times weekly during the first 4 weeks and twice a week in the last 2 weeks, totally for 6 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment, in week 10, 18 and 30 of follow-up visits, the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS), the total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS), the total ophthalmic symptom score (TOSS), and the score of the rhinitis quality of life (RQLQ) scale were compared in the patients of the two groups separately. Using ELISA, the serum concentrations of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were detected before and after treatment. After treatment, the rTNSS, TNNSS, TOSS, as well as RQLQ score were lower in comparison with those before treatment in each group (P<0.05).The rTNSS, TNNSS, TOSS and the score of RQLQ in the week 10, 18 and 30 of follow-up visits were reduced when compared with those before treatment in each group (P<0.05), and these scores in the acupuncture + western medicine group were remarkably lower than those of the western medicine group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum contents of total IgE and IL-4 were significantly decreased when compared with those before treatment in the acupuncture + western medicine group (P<0.05), and these indicators in the acupuncture + western medicine group were lower than those of the western medicine group (P<0.05). On the base of treatment with fluticasone propionate nasal spray, "Fuyang Guben" acupuncture-moxibustion therapy is safe and effective on PAR, presenting a remarkably long-term efficacy. The functioning mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of total IgE and IL-4 in serum.

Dietary Supplementation of a Mixture of Nucleotides, β-Glucan and Vitamins C and E Improved the Growth and Health Performance of Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

A twelve-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of a functional immunostimulant mixture (FIM; nucleotides, β-glucan and vitamins C and E) on growth, feed utilization, innate immunity, digestive enzyme activity, hematological parameters, intestinal morphology and inflammatory gene expressions of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. A fish meal-based basal diet (control) was formulated, and three other diets were prepared by incorporating 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% FIM into the basal diet (HB0.5, HB1.0 and HB1.5, respectively). Five replicate groups of fish (26.3 ± 0.1 g) were fed one of the experimental diets. Inclusion of 1.5% FIM in the diet significantly enhanced growth and feed utilization. Significantly higher plasma hemoglobin, hematocrit, total protein levels and lower plasma glucose level were observed in the HB1.5 group. Total immunoglobulin content, lysozyme, nitroblue tetrazolium, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities and immune-related gene expressions of toll-like receptor and perforin were significantly increased at the highest inclusion level. FIM supplementation significantly increased villus height and goblet cell counts. Anti-inflammatory gene expressions were significantly upregulated at a 1.5% level. Dietary supplementation of 1.5% of FIM could improve growth and feed utilization, immune, hematological and intestinal histomorphological parameters of olive flounder.

T-lymphocytes of the 2nd type of the immune response and their role in enhancing inflammation during the professional activities of firefighters

T lymphocytes of the 2nd type of immune response contribute to the development and exacerbation of inflammation, mainly allergic. Increased inflammation with prolonged exposure to adverse factors during the work of firefighters can lead to the development of various diseases. Evaluation of the immunity of firefighters is important for the appointment of adequate treatment and prevention of infectious and allergic diseases. This paper aimed to analyze the indicators of immunity in employees of the state fire service of EMERCOM of Russia, depending on the age and intensity of the professional workload. The surveyed were men (n = 79), mean age 31 years, work experience from 1 to 22 years, with different workload intensity. In peripheral blood, flow cytometry (Navios, FC 500, Beckman Coulter) was used to evaluate subpopulations of monocytes, the relative number of T lymphocytes of the 2nd type of immune response CD3+CD294+. The concentration of total immunoglobulin E (Immulite) was determined. From nasal secretions, the content of secretory immunoglobulin A (Vector Best) was evaluated (n = 30). Statistical processing of the results was performed using the Statistica 12.0 package (StatSoft). An increase in the number of CD3+CD294+ cells was observed in 16.5%. A direct correlation was found between the number of T lymphocytes 2 and the age of the examined persons (р &lt; 0.05). In the group of firefighters with a more intense workload, an increase in the number of CD3+CD294+ cells were 5 times higher (р &lt; 0.05). Among patients who had any disease of the respiratory tract, an increase in this population was observed statistically significantly more often – in 26% of cases versus 11.5%. A strong direct correlation was found between the number of T lymphocytes 2 and the duration of smoking experience (р &lt; 0.05). A direct correlation was established between the number of T lymphocytes 2 and the concentration of total IgE (р &lt; 0.05). A decrease in secretory IgA in the secret from the nasal passages was observed in 23% of firefighters, in 13% of the examined, the indicator went beyond the upper limit of the reference interval. Significantly more often revealed the deviation of this indicator from the reference values in firefighters with a high workload. An increase in the subpopulation of classical monocytes was established in the group of those examined with a high number of CD3+CD294+ cells (p &lt; 0.05). Thus, with an increase in the professional workload of firefighters in unfavorable conditions of service, inhibition of protection to infection and aggravation of damage to the respiratory tract with an increase in the 2nd type of immune response are noted. Evaluation of the number of type 2 T lymphocytes in peripheral blood will reveal a predisposition to the T2 profile of immune inflammation, which will contribute to a personalized approach to patient management.

Effect of dietary butyric acid, Bacillus licheniformis ‎ (probiotic), and their combination on hemato-biochemical indices, antioxidant enzymes, immunological parameters, and growth performance of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary butyric acid, probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis‎), and their combination on hematology and biochemical indices, liver antioxidant enzymes, immune parameters, and growth performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Three hundred healthy rainbow trout fish (average initial weight = 13.33 ± 0.20 g) were fed four isonitrogenous (40.99 g kg-1 crude protein) diets. The first diet (D1) was control. The other three diets D2, D3and D4 were supplemented with 2.2. × 107 CFU g-1B.licheniformis, 2 % butyric acid and 2 % butyric acid + 2.2. × 107 CFU g-1B.licheniformis diet, respectively. The results indicated that fish receiving diets 3 and 4 have the highest hematology parameters, total protein, albumin, and globulin. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline ‎phosphatase (ALP), ‎ and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity among experimental diet groups. The liver catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)‎ activity were significantly in fish fed with diets 2, 3, and 4 (P < 0.05). The most improvement in total immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration, lysozyme, and serum bactericidal activity were observed in fish fed with diets 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). The challenge test showed that the order of resistance to S. agalactiae infection was in fish fed with diets 3, 4, and ‎2, respectively. The fish fed with diet 4 exhibited the lowest feed conversion ratio and the highest final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (P < 0.05). In general, this study showed that dietary administration of butyric acid alone or ‎combined with B. licheniformis provides promising results as a functional feed for the ‎rearing of rainbow trout.‎

Chronic exposure to environmental concentrations of harmful algal bloom-forming dinoflagellates induces oxidative stress and reduces immune and hepatic functions in red seabream

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by dinoflagellates can be detrimental to aquaculture and fisheries. However, little is known regarding their ichthyotoxic effects on fish, particularly after chronic exposure to sublethal levels. In this study, significant modulations in physiology, immunity, antioxidant components, and hepatic indicators owing to non-toxin–producing dinoflagellate strains (Alexandrium affine and Cochlodinium polykrikoides) were analyzed in juvenile red seabream, Pagrus major, exposed to sublethal concentrations (0, 1, and 100 cells mL−1) for 60 days. At 60 days, higher mortality was induced by A. affine than by C. polykrikoides. Significant increases in respiration rate and plasma cortisol were observed in red seabream exposed to 100 cells mL−1 of the two dinoflagellates. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels were significantly elevated in the gill and liver tissues in response to 100 cells mL−1 of either dinoflagellate. Immunity parameters such as alternative complement activity, lysozyme activity, and total immunoglobulin content were significantly decreased during exposure to 100 cells mL−1 of the two dinoflagellates. Although no significant change was observed in the gonadosomatic index, the hepatosomatic index was significantly decreased by exposure to 100 cells mL−1 of the two dinoflagellates on day 60. The significant decrease in enzymatic activities of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase upon exposure to 100 cells mL−1 of either dinoflagellate suggested impaired hepatic function through prolonged exposure. Our results suggest that consistent exposure to sublethal concentrations of HAB-forming dinoflagellates is detrimental to fish physiology and biochemical defenses.

Issues of specific &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; allergological diagnosis of atopic conditions

There is a steady increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases of atopic origin worldwide, e.g., atopic bronchial asthma (ABA) and atopic dermatitis (AD). Identification of a causally significant allergen in allergic patients is crucial for the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of allergic diseases. Korea has developed the Allergy-Q multiplex test to detect specific IgE. Allergy-Q is based on an immunoblotting method using a nitrocellulose membrane as a solid phase for allergen immobilization and can detect allergen-specific IgE simultaneously to 107 allergens. Our aim was to conduct a comparative analysis for detectable allergen-specific IgE antibodies to food, fungal, pollen, household, epidermal allergens in blood serum by immunoblotting method using the Allergy-Q test system in patients with atopic dermatitis, atopic bronchial asthma and psoriasis.&#x0D; The study included patients with atopic dermatitis (AD, group 1, n = 9), atopic bronchial asthma (ABA, group 2, n = 14) and psoriasis (PS, group 3, n = 17). The concentration of total immunoglobulin E and allergen-specific immunoglobulins of class E in blood serum to 32 most common food, fungal, pollen, household, epidermal allergens was determined by the immunoblotting method using the Allergy-Q test system (Korea).&#x0D; We have found that sensitization of atopic origin was observed in all patients with AD (n = 9), in 85.7% (n = 12) of patients with atopic bronchial asthma, and in 47.1% (n = 8) of patients with psoriasis. Polyvalent sensitization was shown to prevail in all groups of the examined persons. When studying the spectrum of sensitization to food allergens, a significantly increased frequency of positive reactions to cows milk protein was found in the group of patients with AAA as compared with AD and PS groups. Among all studied groups, sensitization to the Alternaria fungi was found at the highest frequency in the group of patients with ABA. Sensitization to ragweed pollen was very common in all groups of patients. Sensitization to household and epidermal allergens in the groups with AD and AAA was noted for all studied allergens with the highest positivity rates for the feline epithelium and dog dander.&#x0D; In the present study, the Allergy-Q system showed an agreement with preliminary data from a specific allergological examinations. This relationship suggests a potential for usage of the Allergy-Q immunoblotting method as a highly effective alternative to other in vitro tests for diagnosing atopy. An advantage of the Allergy-Q Multiplex Serum Allergen-Specific IgE Detection Kit is a short processing time, small amount of blood sample, and broader clinical information on the causative allergens.

Black spot disease related to a trematode ectoparasite causes oxidative stress in Xyrichtys novacula

Xyricthys novacula is very popular fish species in the Balearic Islands and a main target for recreational fishing. Over the last years, spots were observed on many individuals, which seems to be progressively more common. The aim of the present study was to identify the parasite, determine its abundance in a marine protected area (MPA) and in a non-protected one with more anthropic influence, and to evaluate the antioxidant and immune responses to this parasite presence by studying biomarkers in both liver and epithelial mucus. Analysis of genetic sequences established with 98.6–98.4% certainty that the parasite is a digenean fluke Scaphanocephalus sp. An average abundance of 12.3 ± 11.3 and 1.3 ± 1.3 parasites per individual was found for the non-protected area and the MPA, respectively. The activities of lysozyme and superoxide dismutase and total immunoglobulin concentration were significantly higher in mucus of X. novacula with more parasites. Similarly, in liver, a higher parasite load is related to higher activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase, whereas malondialdehyde remained similar. In conclusion, Scaphanocephalus sp. affects X. novacula, inducing an immune and antioxidant response in epithelial mucus and in liver. The potential influence of the environment on parasite transmission, prevalence and abundance require further research to determine whether it makes fish more susceptible to infections.

Efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibody therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

Abstract Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory syndromes reported in the general population, with high prevalence reported. It is classified in two distinct entities depending on the endotype dominance, either type 2 or non-type 2, – chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. CRSwNP is described as a type 2 inflammatory disease, with the implication of T-helper 2 inflammation mechanisms with a secondary increase in the concentration of eosinophils and total Immunoglobulin E. CRSwNP is characterized by a high recurrence rate even after endoscopic sinus surgery. Considering the challenges associated with the treatment of CRSwNP, new medical therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, have been developed over the years. Biologics with anti-IL-5, anti-IgE, anti-IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4-Rα) action have been developed and tested for the treatment of asthma, eosinophilic dermatitis, and secondarily evaluated and approved for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In this review, we make a synthesis of the monoclonal antibodies available and their efficacy and safety in the treatment of nasal polyposis.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract improves growth, immunity, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant state, hepatic histoarchitecture, and intestinal histomorphometry of striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

In aquaculture, phytobiotics can be used as feed supplements with attractive growth-promoting, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and several health benefits for a variety of finfish species. Herein, we evaluated of the impacts of milk thistle extract (MTE; Silybum marianum) on the overall performances of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus juveniles. Fish (7.10 ± 0.00 g) were fed on diets containing graded MTE levels as 0.0 (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%. Fish were assigned into 4 triplicate groups and were hand-fed on the prepared corresponding diets thrice daily for 60 days with 3% of their wet body weight. Significant increases in the feed intake, final weight, weight gain, weight gain%, and specific growth rate were noticed in MTE-supplemented groups with regard to the control group. However, survival rate %, feed conversion ratio, body composition analysis, and amino acid content (% of protein) were statistically non-significant among all experimental groups. Liver function enzymes, intestinal histomorphometry (intestinal villus height, width, and crypt depth), and digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, and amylase) were increased in MTE groups compared to controls. Moreover, dose-dependent significant increases in serum lysozyme activities and total immunoglobulin content were remarked in all MTE groups in comparison with the controls. Liver CAT and SOD enzymes were significantly elevated, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly declined in liver homogenates of MTE groups compared with the controls. However, the levels of serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid were not significantly changed by dietary MTE. Of interest, the histological sections of the hepatopancreatic and intestinal tissues showed normal histoarchitecture of the hepatic cords and pancreatic acini as well as normal intestinal villi, crypts, and enterocytes with no lesions recorded among all the experimental groups. Collectively, the findings mentioned above suggest that MTE could improve the growth, enhance digestive enzymes and intestinal morphometry, and boost the immunity and hepatic antioxidant capacity of P. hypophthalmus. Thus, we suggest the possible application of MTE extract in aquafeed as a growth promotor, immunostimulant, and antioxidant.

Evaluation of Growth Performance, Nitrogen Balance and Blood Metabolites of Mutton Sheep Fed an Ammonia-Treated Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diet.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated diet treated with ammonia on the diet detoxification and growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites in sheep. Twenty-four female mutton sheep with an initial body weight of 50 ± 2.5 kg were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control diet (C); (2) aflatoxin diet (T; control diet supplemented with 75 μg of AFB1/kg of dry matter); and (3) ammoniated diet (AT; ammoniated aflatoxin diet). The results showed decreases (p < 0.05) in average daily feed intake, nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract, and retained nitrogen, and an increase (p < 0.05) in urine nitrogen excretion in sheep fed diet T compared with those fed the other diets. In comparison to C and AT, feeding T decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of total protein, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidants and increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of alanine amino transferase, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6. In summary, ammonia treatment has the potential to decrease the concentration of AFB1 and alleviate the adverse effects of AFB1.

Mitigating Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia through dietary Basella alba and Withania somnifera supplementation: A bioassay‐guided fractionation approach

The present study aimed to identify the antibacterial bioactive compounds in Withania roots and Basella leaves against Aeromonas infection in Nile tilapia. Withania ethanol extract (EW, ZoI 10.72 ± 1.028 mm) and Basella methanol extract (MB, ZoI 10.83 ± 1.058 mm) showed the highest antibacterial activity in disc diffusion assay. In in vivo experiment, Nile tilapia (25.61 ± 0.31 g) were fed basal, EW and MB (both at 0.7 g/kg feed) diets for 15 days either before being intraperitoneally injected with Aeromonas and basal diet feeding for 7 days (prophylactic) or after bacterial injection and basal diet feeding for 7 days (therapeutic). Fish fed EW and MB fortified diets showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower mortality, alkaline phosphatase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvate transaminase activities, HSP70, Caspase3, IFN-ɣ, IL-1 β, TNF-α level, while significantly (p < 0.05) higher weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, respiratory burst, lysozyme, phagocytotic activity, plasma total protein, total immunoglobulin content, RBC, WBC count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes percentages and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities compared to basal diet-fed fish. EW showed significantly (p < 0.05) better antibacterial efficacy compared to MB. Prophylactic treatment showed better results compared to therapeutic treatment. Bioassay-guided chromatography and GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of hexadecanoic acid, phytol, cis, cis, cis-7,10,13-hexadecatrienal in EW and α-tocopherol, 1-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, 1-heptatriacotanol in MB, which was reported to have antibacterial, antioxidative and immunostimulatory potential. Present results indicate prospective use of EW as a prophylactic immunostimulant and effective therapeutic remedy against Aeromonas in Nile tilapia.

MO220: Comparison of the Effects of Hydroxychloroquine and Glucocorticosteroids on Immunological Parametrs in Patients with IGA Nephropathy

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Current treatment strategies of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) primarily involve blood pressure control, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASIs), and glucocorticosteroids (GCs), which are recommended when the supporting therapies fail to reduce proteinuria (PU) levels below 1 g/day. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is considered to have an immunomodulatory rather than an immunosuppressant effect. The immune pathways targeted by HCQ are not fully investigated during treatment of IgAN. The aim of this study was to compare effects of HCQ and GCs on immunological parameters in patients with IgAN. METHOD 32 IgAN patients aged 32.0 (26.7 ÷ 36.0) y.o., male/female ratio as 24/8 with PU &amp;gt; 1 g/day and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 78 (61; 103) mL/min were divided into three treatment groups: RAASIs (n = 12); HCQ (n = 10); GCs Pozzi protocol (n = 10). The changes in clinical and immunological parameters were analyzed 6 months after treatment. Phenotypic and functional markers of peripheral blood lymphoid cells were identified by flow cytometry method (Cytoflex, «Beckman Coulter», USA). The concentrations of total immunoglobulins (Ig) class M, G, A and E were determined by ELISA method («VectorBest», Russia). Statistical analysis was done using Statistica 8.0. RESULTS After 6 months of treatment HCQ has shown effectiveness in decreasing of PU (P &amp;lt; .001), haematuria level (P &amp;lt;.01) as well as the same effect was noted in the other treatment groups after 6 months course. The renal function was stable in all investigated groups during follow up. There were no any adverse effects of the treatment. The decrease of potential cytotoxic γδTCR+Т-cells (P &amp;lt;.01) and CD3 + 56 + TNK-cells (P &amp;lt; .01) numbers in peripheral blood (Fig. 1) as well as the reduction of IgM (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and IgG (P &amp;lt; .05) serum levels (Table 1) were established in patients receiving HCQ. While GCs treatment resulted in CD3 + T-cells (P &amp;lt; .05) suppression (Fig. 1) mainly due to CD3 + CD4 + T-helpers down-regulation (P &amp;lt; .05) but stimulation of cytotoxic CD3 + CD8 + T-cells (P &amp;lt; .05) (data not shown) and increasing of IgE level (P &amp;lt; .05) (Table 1). It was not revealed any influence of RAASIs treatment either on the number of lymphoid cells populations (Fig. 1) or Ig levels. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates different ways of pathogenic treatment in IgAN. HCQ has exhibited an immunomodulatory action on the effector mechanisms of cellular cytotoxicity via minor lymphoid T-cells populations reduction as well as on productive phase of humoral immunity via IgM and IgG levels decreasing. While GCs have suppressed CD3 + T-cell and supported IgE-mediated autoinflammation.

Long-term exposure to antifouling biocide chlorothalonil modulates immunity and biochemical and antioxidant parameters in the blood of olive flounder

In this study, the potential effects of 30-day exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of chlorothalonil (0, 5, 10, and 20 μg L-l) were tested in the blood of the economically important olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, using biochemical endpoints. Significant decreases in the enzymatic activities of immunity markers, alternative complements, and lysozymes were detected in the fish exposed to 10 or 20 μg L-l of chlorothalonil at day 20 or 30. The total immunoglobulin content was lowered in response to 20 μg L-l chlorothalonil at day 10 and 20, even when later exposed to 5 μg L-l at day 30. Among the essential blood components, the cortisol level was increased in response to chlorothalonil throughout the study with a decrease in white blood cells, while no changes were observed in hemoglobin, red blood cells, total protein concentration, and glucose in all exposures. The enzymatic activities of the three hepatic toxicity markers, alanine transferases, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, increased by 10 and/or 20 μg L-l of chlorothalonil. Significant oxidative stress was induced by chlorothalonil in the fish exposed to 10 or 20 μg L-l of chlorothalonil, as revealed by increased malondialdehyde and fluctuating glutathione levels with increase in the enzymatic activities of antioxidant defense system, including catalase and superoxide dismutase, during exposure. Taken together, these results suggest that long-term exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of chlorothalonil can affect susceptibility to pathogens through immunosuppression, hepatic toxicity, and oxidative stress in olive flounder. These results can contribute to the monitoring of aquatic environments and ecotoxicological research through the measurement of blood components against waterborne chlorothalonil.

Dietary lutein supplementation improves immunity and antioxidant status of captive Indian leopards (Panthera fusca).

Indian leopards kept in zoos are fed solely on carabeef on bone (CBB) diets. Carabeef contains lesser or no carotenoids. Hence, the captive Indian leopard diets are suspected to be deficient in carotenoids while their wild counterparts acquire these pigments from their natural prey. Lutein is a vital carotenoid that plays its role as an antioxidant and immunomodulator. This experiment investigates the effect of lutein supplementation on antioxidant status, immunity, and stress in captive Panthera fusca fed CBB diets. Nine leopards were used based on 3 × 3 replicated Latin square designs in the experiment. Groups CON, LUT20, and LUT40 were supplemented with 0, 20, and 40 ppm of lutein, respectively. Each experiment comprised of 10 days of wash-out period, 11 days of adaptation, and 4 days of collection. Digestibility of crude protein (CP) was higher (p < .01) in groups LUT20 and LUT40. Serum concentration of protein, globulin, urea (p < .05), total carotenoids, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) activity, and lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) index were higher (p < .001) in groups LUT20 and LUT40. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum concentration of immunoglobulin were higher (p < .001) in group LUT20. Serum concentration of malonaldehyde (MDA) and fecal concentration of cortisol decreased (p < .001) in groups LUT20 and LUT40. Serum concentration of total immunoglobulin (µg/ml) and LTT were higher in group LUT20. Fecal concentration of cortisol (ng/g) was lower in LUT20 and LUT40. The study concludes that supplementation of lutein at 20 ppm would improve antioxidant status and immunity and alleviate stress in captive Indian leopards.