Total Immunoglobulin Levels Research Articles

Potassium diformate in the diet of sterlet sturgeon ( Acipenser ruthenus ): Zootechnical performance, humoral and skin mucosal immune responses, growth‐related gene expression and intestine morphology

This study evaluated the dietary effect of potassium diformate (KDF) on growth performance, body composition, humoral and skin mucosal immune responses, growth-relevant gene expression and intestine histomorphology in sterlet sturgeon. Sterlet fingerlings (N = 270; 6.86 ± 0.14 g) were scattered randomly into 18 tanks (six experimental diets in triplicate groups) and fed with incremental levels of KDF including 0 (control), 3 (KDF3), 6 (KDF6), 9 (KDF9), 12 (KDF12) and 15 (KDF15) g kg−1 for 70 days. The groups fed with KDF6 and KDF9 diets presented significantly higher growth indices and whole-body protein content, whereas the lowest feed conversion ratio was measured in these treatments compared with other groups (p < .05). Total immunoglobulin, lysozyme activity and total protein levels in the serum and skin mucus samples were increased by increasing the levels of KDF, and the highest values were obtained in KDF9. The expression levels of growth hormone, ghrelin, and insulin-like growth factor-I genes were notably upregulated in KDF9 compared with the control, KDF3 and KDF15 groups. The villus length and width of hind-gut were more than doubled in KDF9 treatment compared with the control group (p < .05). These results showed that the application of KDF in sterlet diet had the potential to achieve high overall performance, and also, the optimum inclusion level of KDF ranged from 8.48 to 8.83 g kg−1 based on the second-order polynomial analysis models.

Relation between Complicated Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis and the Mycological Profile of the Isolated Fungal Species

Background: Allergic fungal sinusitis is a non-invasive pansinusitis that occurs in young immunocompetent individuals, with a strong history of atopy and elevated levels of total immunoglobulin E and peripheral eosinophilia. Objective: The main target of the study was to know the relation between complicated allergic fungal sinusitis and the mycologic profile of the causative fungal species, as regards the genus and species of the isolated fungus, its antifungal susceptibility and its ability to produce destructive extracellular metabolic products and toxic agents. Patients and Methods: Our cross sectional research included 50 individuals diagnosed with complicated allergic fungal rhinosinusitis who attended to the ENT outpatient clinic. All the studied patients were evaluated by full history, complete ENT examination, radiological evaluation, laboratory investigations and endoscopic sinus surgery. Results: Aspergillus spp., particularly Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, are the most often identified agents in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. A multifaceted strategy to treat allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is necessary; surgery is the primary treatment for allergic fungal sinusitis. Corticosteroid treatment in its entirety is presently the gold standard of medical management, whereas alternative pharmacological treatments such as antifungals, antimicrobials, leukotriene modulators, and immunotherapy are reserved for those who are insufficiently responsive.. Conclusions: The most frequent kind of fungal rhinosinusitis is allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. It is found in immune-competent youth who have a history of allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis has a relatively slow and indolent clinical course, but results in the growth of bone walls, resulting in their thinning or weakening and final erosion.

Dietary supplementation with powder and gelatine micro and nanoencapsulated sodium propionate: Influence on growth performance, digestive and antioxidant enzymes and mucosal immunity of koi carp ( Cyprinus carpio koi)

The current study evaluated the efficiency of three forms of dietary sodium propionate (SP) on growth performance, digestive and liver antioxidant enzymes activities, as well as skin mucus immune responses of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio koi) fingerlings. Gelatine micro and nanoparticles loaded with SP were synthetized and expressed as gelatine-SP MPs and gelatine-SP NPs, respectively. Basal diet was supplemented with gelatine microparticles, gelatine nanoparticles, powder-SP, gelatine-SP MPs and gelatine-SP NPs. Fish were distributed into 18 experimental units and fed with prepared diets for eight weeks. The results indicated that the growth performance improved in fish fed SP-supplemented diets in comparison with the controls. The highest growth performance was observed in gelatine-SP NPs followed by gelatine-SP MPs. The digestive enzymes activity including protease, trypsin, lipase and α-amylase in gelatine-encapsulated SP micro and nanoparticles dietary groups increased significantly in comparison with other dietary groups (p < .05). The use of SP-loaded micro and nanoparticles decreased the liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in comparison to other groups (p < .05). Feeding fish with SP-supplemented diets led to increasing antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver tissue in comparison to the controls (p < .05). The skin mucus lysozyme, alternative haemolytic complement activity (ACH50) and total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were higher in SP-dietary groups than the controls; the highest levels were in gelatine-SP NPs dietary group (p < .05). The findings confirmed that the administration of SP loaded into micro and nanoparticles of gelatine could improve its efficiency in the diet of koi fish.

Temporal Associations of the SARS-CoV-2 NP Antigen and Anti-Spike Total Ig Levels with Laboratory Parameters in a Greek Cohort of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

Background The direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the lungs results in increased hospitalization rates of patients with pneumonia. Severe COVID-19 patients often develop ARDS which is associated with poor prognosis. Assessing risk factors for COVID-19 severity is indispensable for implementing and evaluating therapeutic interventions. We investigated the temporal associations between the SARS-CoV-2 antigen (Ag), total Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, and several laboratory parameters in hospitalized patients with varying degrees of COVID-19 severity. Methods The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) and total Ig Spike (S) protein-specific antibodies were determined for each patient with lateral flow assays through repeated sampling every two days. Hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated at the same time points. Results 40 Greek COVID-19 patients (31 males, 9 females) with a median age of 59.50 ± 16.21 years were enrolled in the study. The median time from symptom onset to hospitalization was 8.0 ± 4.19 days. A significant negative correlation was observed between the SARS-CoV-2 Ag and total Ig levels. The temporal correlation patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 NP Ag and anti-S total Ig levels with laboratory markers varied among patients with differing degrees of COVID-19 severity. Severe-critical cases had lower SARS-CoV-2 Ag and increased total Ig levels as compared to mild-moderate cases. Conclusions Distinct temporal profiles of the SARS-CoV-2 NP Ag and anti-S total Ig levels may distinguish different groups of COVID-19 severity.

Potential role of dietary chitosan nanoparticles against immunosuppression, inflammation, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations induced by pendimethalin toxicity in Nile tilapia

A 21-days feeding screening period was conducted to highlight the protective efficacy of dietary chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) on pendimethalin (PD)-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Hematology, non-specific immune response, the antioxidative enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), glutathione reduced (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] in the liver and anterior kidney, changes of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes [interleukins-8 (IL-8), interleukins-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α)] in the anterior kidney and histopathological alterations were assessed. Fish (50 ± 7.5 g) were randomly assigned into four groups (Three replicates), the first group served as the negative control and fed on the control diet only, and the second group served as the positive control and fed on the control diet supplemented with CSNPs (1 g kg−1 diet). The two other groups were exposed to 1/10 96-h LC50 PD (0.5 mg L−1) in rearing water and simultaneously fed the control diet alone or supplemented with CSNPs (1 g kg−1 diet), respectively. Fish were fed on the experimental diets twice a day for 21 days. The results revealed that PD exposure caused a significant decline in the survival rate of the Nile tilapia, as well as in most of the hematological indices, respiratory burst activity, phagocytic activity, total immunoglobulin levels, lysozyme, and bactericidal activity. Additionally, PD toxicity markedly suppressed most of the antioxidative enzymatic activities in both tissues together with upregulation of immune genes (IL-8 and TNF-α); however, IL-1β expression remained unaffected. The histopathological results revealed marked pathological changes in spleen, liver and intestine with a notable decrease of intestinal goblet cells in PD-exposed groups. Conversely, CSNPs exerted protective effects through improving the above mentioned parameters. Thus, CSNPs supplementation exhibited defensive effects against PD toxicity in Nile tilapia that might provide an insight into the promising role of CSNPs as a potential immunomodulatory feed additive for tilapia in aquaculture.

Predictive features associated with chronic spontaneous urticaria recurrence.

When chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is resolved, patients are often apprehensive about the likelihood of recurrence, and want to know if we can predict this using clinical or laboratory markers. This question is crucial because CSU is frequently accompanied by a high incidence of stressful comorbidities, and the fear of experiencing this again can be devastating to the patient. This study was designed with the aim of focusing on the prevalence and characteristics of the recurrence of CSU. We used our CSU patient registry that includes data on 180 patients who are followed periodically. In 23 (13%) patients, CSU was resolved during the first year. In 47 (26%) patients, CSU lasted more than 5years. The recurrence of CSU was recorded in 21% of our patients after having experienced a full remission anywhere between 1 to 10years (mean±2.9years). While investigating predictive clinical or laboratory markers, we noticed that bronchial asthma existed in 10/25 (40%) of patients in whom CSU recurred as compared with 45/180 (25%) in the general CSU population (p=0.049). In addition, increased levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig)E were found in 10/25 (40%) of the recurrence group as compared with 34/150 (23%) of the general CSU group (p=0.04). Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies were also found in 11/25 (44%) of the recurrence group as compared with 32/160 (20%) of the general group (p=0.003). The prevalence of CSU recurrence after a full remission is significantly higher among patients with existing bronchial asthma, increased levels of total IgE, and autoimmunity. Further studies are required in order to substantiate this important issue.

Association between environmental exposure to phthalates and allergic disorders in Korean children: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015-2017.

Phthalates are common industrial chemicals that are used as plasticizers in plastics, personal care products, and building materials. Although these chemicals have been suspected as risk factors for allergic outcomes among children, inconsistent associations between environmental exposure to phthalates and allergic disorders have been found across different populations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether environmental phthalate exposure was associated with parent-reported current allergic symptoms (atopic dermatitis, AD; asthma; and allergic rhinitis, AR) and the index of allergic response (levels of serum total immunoglobulin E, IgE) in a nationally representative sample of children. In this study, children aged 3-17 years (n=2208) were recruited from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2015-2017 to conduct an analysis of their current allergic symptoms. Among this number of children, the total IgE analysis included 806 participants because total IgE levels were only measured in children aged 12-17 years. After adjusting for all covariates, mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) [OR (95% CI)=1.15 (1.01, 1.30)], mono-(carboxyoctyl) phthalate (MCOP) [OR (95% CI)=1.35 (1.02, 1.78)], and the sum of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP) [OR (95% CI)=1.39 (1.09, 1.79)] were associated with increased odds of current AD. MCOP [OR (95% CI)=1.19 (1.01, 1.40)], mono-(carboxynonyl) phthalate (MCNP) [OR (95% CI)=1.24 (1.05, 1.45)], and ∑DEHP [OR (95% CI)=1.22 (1.02, 1.44)] were also associated with increased odds of current AR. Individual DEHP metabolites showed similar associations with current AD and AR. In addition, MCNP was positively related to IgE levels [β (95% CI)=0.26 (0.12, 0.40)]. MBzP [OR (95% CI)=1.17 (1.01, 1.35)], MCOP [OR (95% CI)=1.62 (1.12, 2.32)], and mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) [OR (95% CI)=1.36 (1.06, 1.76)] showed positive relationships with allergic multimorbidity. Moreover, higher concentrations of MCNP were related to increased odds of experiencing both current AR and total IgE levels [OR (95% CI)=1.98 (1.29, 3.04)], and children with elevated IgE levels (>100IU/mL) were more likely to have current AR associated with MCNP than those without elevated IgE levels (p=0.007). Specifically, the relationship between MCNP and current AR was significantly mediated through alterations in IgE levels (14.7%), and MCNP also showed the positive association with current AR, independent of IgE (85.3%). These results suggest that environmental exposure to phthalates may affect the immune system and increase the occurrence of allergic symptoms in children.

Lactococcus lactis and Resveratrol Decrease Body Weight and Increase Benefic Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Mice.

The microbiome is now known for its important role in whole-body homeostasis. A dysbiosis of the normal microbiota is correlated with metabolic disorders. In this sense, the search for compounds able to modulate the microbiome is needed. Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes seems to be a promising candidate. In this study, our motivation was to evaluate the effects of the association between Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis, a probiotic, on the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota and body weight of mice. Twenty female mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) standard diet, (2) standard diet plus Lactococcus lactis, (3) standard diet plus resveratrol, and (4) standard diet plus Lactococcus lactis and resveratrol. At the end of the treatment period, samples of blood, mucus, stomach, and small and large intestines were collected for analysis. Total levels of Immunoglobulin A and Immunoglobulin E, Lac+ and Lac- bacteria and Lactobacillus were measured. The main results indicate that the association between resveratrol and probiotics was able to decrease mice body weight, as compared to the other groups, in addition to decrease the number of Lac- bacteria and increasing the number of Lac+ bacteria. The levels of secretory IgA were also decreased, compared to the animals treated with only probiotics or resveratrol. We observed potential synergism between Resveratrol and Lactococcus lactis mainly in modulating the stomach and intestinal microbiota.

Effects of Apple (Malus pomila) Pomace-Derived Pectin on the Innate Immune Responses, Expressions of Key Immune-Related Genes, Growth Performance, and Digestive Enzyme Activity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Simple SummaryThe present study investigated possible administration of pectin derived from apple pomace as a beneficial and cost-effective feed additive to be used in trout culture. To achieve the aim, a range of parameters were measured including immune parameters (both at physiological and molecular levels), growth performance and digestive enzyme activity. The results showed promising effects on the measured parameters and hence we can suggest administration of this feed additive in trout culture. Pectins are a group of carbohydrates found in structural parts of terrestrial plants with wide industrial and biomedical applications. This study was designed to investigate the dietary effects of apple pomace-derived pectin (APDP) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four formulated diets were provided with different inclusion levels of APDP for 30 days: 0, 5, 10, and 20 g kg−1; referred to as control, P1, P2, and P3, respectively. In this study, 300 fish (3.56 ± 0.007 g) were randomly distributed into twelve fiberglass tanks and fed 3% of their respective body weight four times a day. At the end of the experiment, growth parameters, including weight gain, specific growth rate, and food conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly improved in P1 and P2 treatments compared to those of the other treatments. Results from proximate composition analysis showed that protein content increased, and lipid decreased in the P2 and P3 groups. Serum lysozyme, complement activity, total immunoglobulin levels, and total protein were significantly enhanced in all treatments compared to those of the control group. Gene expression results showed no significant difference in regulation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β); however, up-regulation of lysozyme, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was observed in both P1 and P2. Unlike lipase, the activity of protease and amylase significantly increased in fish receiving different levels of APDP compared to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the present findings suggest APDA as a promising feed additive for rainbow trout.

Enhanced growth performance, oxidative capacity and immune responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio fed with Artemisia absinthium extract-supplemented diet

In the present study, the effects of Afsanteen (Artemisia absinthium) aqueous extract (AE) were investigated on growth performance, innate immunity, and oxidative status of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Common carp juveniles were fed experimental diets that contained 0, 0.5, 1 or 1.5% of AE for 60 days (75 fish/treatment). Thereafter, the fish growth performance, feed efficiency, serum immune-related, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters were determined. The results showed that diets containing 0.5 and 1% of AE enhanced the growth performance and feed efficiency of the fish. Fish fed with AE supplemented diets (at all concentrations) also displayed higher levels of serum lysozyme, alternative complement, total immunoglobulin, superoxide dismutase, and total protein levels compared to the control diet; the highest levels were observed at 1% AE level. Serum albumin levels of all AE-supplemented treatments were significantly higher than the control treatment. Dietary AE supplementation significantly increased plasma glutathione peroxidase activities; the highest value was related to the fish fed 0.5% AE. All AE treatments showed significantly lower serum catalase activities compared to the control; the lowest value was related to 1.5% AE. 0.5 and 1% AE significantly decreased serum malondialdehyde levels. All AE- treated fish exhibited significantly lower serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities; the lowest values were observed in 0.5% or 1% AE. In conclusion, dietary inclusions of AE in juvenile common carp increased growth performance and feed efficiency, improved the innate immunity and antioxidant response, and improved hepatic health. AE at 0.5–1% levels is recommended for common carp diet formulation.

Complement activation and increased expression of Syk, mucin-1 and CaMK4 in kidneys of patients with COVID-19

Acute and chronic kidney failure is common in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, yet the mechanism of injury and predisposing factors remain poorly understood. We investigated the role of complement activation by determining the levels of deposited complement components (C1q, C3, FH, C5b-9) and immunoglobulin along with the expression levels of the injury-associated molecules spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), mucin-1 (MUC1) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK4) in the kidney tissues of people who succumbed to COVID-19. We report increased deposition of C1q, C3, C5b-9, total immunoglobulin, and high expression levels of Syk, MUC1 and CaMK4 in the kidneys of COVID-19 patients. Our study provides strong rationale for the expansion of trials involving the use of inhibitors of these molecules, in particular C1q, C3, Syk, MUC1 and CaMK4 to treat patients with COVID-19.

Evaluation of the effect of lidocaine epidural injection on immunological indices in dogs under total intravenous anesthesia submitted to ovariohysterectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of epidural anaesthesia with lidocaine in combination with general anaesthesia with propofol on some immunologic indices in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Twelve adult dogs were anesthetized with propofol (induction: 7 mg/kg; maintenance: 0.4 mg/kg/min) and were then allocated into either groups of epidural saline (control) or epidural lidocaine (4 mg/kg; treatment). All the included animals underwent ovariohysterectomy operation. The immune responses, hematologic parameters and cortisol levels were assessed in the predetermined intervals. Evaluation of the innate immunity revealed higher significant levels in the bactericidal, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activities at 4 hours after surgery in the treatment. In the humoral immunity, the total immunoglobulin level was significantly higher in the treatment. In the assessment of cellular immunity, higher significant values were detected in the delayed skin sensitivity to phytohemagglutinine injection after 48 and 72 hours in the treatment. Moreover, higher significant levels were observed in the number and percentage of lymphocytes as well as an increase in the percentage of monocytes in the treatment at 4 hours after the operation. Notably, the cortisol hormone in the treatment was lower than control at 4 hours of the surgery. In conclusion, epidural anaesthesia with lidocaine when added to general anaesthesia with propofol attenuated the suppression of the innate and cellular immune responses produced by anaesthesia and surgery in the dogs.

Genetic Selection for Resistance to Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Meat Goats and Hair Sheep through a Performance Test with Artificial Infection of Haemonchus contortus.

Simple SummaryInternal parasitism has been an important constraint to small ruminant production and anthelmintic resistance has become a worldwide issue. This study evaluated a 3-year genetic selection program through activities on-farm and a centralized performance test and also provided estimates of genetic parameters of growth and response to artificial infection with Haemonchus contortus by goats and sheep in the southcentral USA. Considerable species as well as breed differences were found in average daily gain and response to parasite infection. Average daily gain was greater for Boer than for Kiko and Spanish goats and slightly greater for Dorper than for St. Croix sheep. Infection level (number of eggs found in feces) of Spanish and St. Croix were relatively low each year, whereas that of Kiko and Dorper was lower after selection. An indicator of anemia (packed cell volume) did not always reflect infection level, which is probably reflective of differences among animals in resilience and susceptibility to haemonchosis. Moderate to high heritabilities were found for growth performance and response to parasite infection for growing meat goat and hair sheep males under a standardized environment that suggests considerable potential for genetic improvement through selection.Internal parasitism has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in small ruminants in many areas such as the southcentral USA. Among the different approaches and management practices to cope with internal parasitism, genetic selection for internal parasite resistance is recognized as one with considerable potential long-term impact. A central performance test with artificial infection of Haemonchus contortus for selection of growing meat goats and hair sheep for breeding to increase resistance to internal parasitism and on-farm selection of females was conducted for 3 years. The results varied considerably among breeds of goats and flocks of sheep. Spanish goats and St. Croix sheep maintained relatively low fecal egg count (FEC) each year, whereas for goats categorized as being of high resistance and Dorper sheep FEC decreased with advancing year. Packed call volume (PCV) and total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were not strongly related to FEC. Genetic parameters varied between the two species, which might be related to previous selection pressure exerted for parasite resistance. Heritability of FEC was higher in goats than sheep. The genetic correlation between FEC and IgM and IgG was negative for both species, which suggests possible genetic association. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between ADG and FEC were nonsignificant for both species. In conclusion, different relationships of FEC and PCV between species require careful attention during selection and the lack of relationship between ADG and FEC suggests that selection of growing male meat goats and hair sheep for resistance to internal parasitism will not adversely affect growth performance.

Study of total serum immunoglobulin E level and prevalence of atopy in alopecia areata patients

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is non-scarring hair loss. Its etiopathology is not fully known, most evidence considered AA an immunologically mediated disease. To compare serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) between AA patients and healthy subjects, and to assess whether AA is associated with atopy. Methods: 50 AA patients and 50 healthy subjects were included in this study. Presence of atopy was elicited by detailed family and/ or personal history of atopy. Clinically patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with single patch of AA (alopecia unilocularis, AU), or with multiple patches (alopecia multilocularis, AM). Serum levels of IgE were measured in both groups. Results: Serum levels of total IgE were significantly higher in patients than in controls (178 ± 154 ku/l vs. 118 ± 57 ku/l; P < 0.05). Evidence of atopy was present in 48% of AA patients compare to 18% of control subjects (P < 0.05). Patients with disease duration more than one year had significantly higher serum IgE levels (P < 0.05), and patients with AM had significantly higher serum IgE levels than patients with AU (267 ± 189 ku/l vs. 102 ± 32.3 ku/l; P < 0.05). Mean value of serum IgE did not vary significantly with patient’s age at onset, gender, history of atopy or family history of AA. Atopy was significantly associated with AM. Conclusion: Total serum IgE is elevated in AA patients with significant association with severe and chronic disease irrespective of the presence of atopy. Atopic diseases were more frequent in AA patients with severe clinical presentation.

Dietary Administration of Probiotic Aeromonas veronii V03 on the Modulation of Innate Immunity, Expression of Immune-Related Genes and Disease Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila Infection in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

This study investigates the effects of dietary Aeromonas veronii V03 supplementation on growth performances, innate immunity, and expression of immune-related genes in lymphoid organs of Cyprinus carpio and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Fish were fed for 4weeks with basal diet (BD; without probiotic), and experiment diet containing different doses of A. veronii V03 at 3.2 × 107 (DI) and 3.5 × 109 (DII) CFU g-1 of diet. At the end of the probiotic feeding trial, fish were challenged with A. hydrophila, and the percentage of survival rates was recorded over 7days. Results revealed that fish fed with A. veronii V03 demonstrated a significant improvement in growth and enhancement of innate immunity, including respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase, and lysozyme activities, and total immunoglobulin level compared with BD fed to fish. Relatively, expression of cytokines (MyD88, IL-1β1, IL-8, and IL-10) and c- and g-type lysozymes were significantly up- and downregulated in lymphoid organs of fish. Moreover, dietary supplementation of A. veronii V03 exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) higher survival rates of DI (90%) and DII (96.66%) compared with BD (53.33%) fed fish against A. hydrophila infection. These findings help to understand the effects of probiotic A. veronii V03 administrated feed influences on growth and ailment resistance to A. hydrophila infection by regulating innate and systemic immunity in common carp fish.

T helper 2-driven immune dysfunction in chronic arsenic-exposed individuals and its link to the features of allergic asthma

Limited information is available regarding the effects of arsenic exposure on immune function. We have recently reported that chronic exposure to As was associated asthma, as determined by spirometry and respiratory symptoms. Because T helper 2 (Th2)-driven immune responses are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including asthma, we studied the associations of serum Th1 and Th2 mediators with the As exposure markers and the features of asthma among individuals exposed to As. A total of 553 blood samples were selected from the same study subjects recruited in our previous asthma study. Serum levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines were analyzed by immunoassay. Subjects' arsenic exposure levels (drinking water, hair and nail arsenic concentrations) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Arsenic exposure levels of the subjects showed significant positive associations with serum Th2-mediators— interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin without any significant changes in Th1 mediators— interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. The ratios of Th2 to Th1 mediators were significantly increased with increasing exposure to As. Notably, most of the Th2 mediators were positively associated with serum levels of total immunoglobulin E and eotaxin. The serum levels of Th2 mediators were significantly higher in the subjects with asthma than those without asthma. The results of our study suggest that the exacerbated Th2-driven immune responses are involved in the increased susceptibility to allergic asthma among individuals chronically exposed to As.

Autoantibodies in severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: Just innocent bystanders?

Autoantibodies in severe COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome: Just innocent bystanders?

Inborn Error of Immunity or Atopic Dermatitis: When to be Concerned and How to Investigate

Around 20% of all children worldwide suffer from atopic dermatitis. Therefore, eczematous skin lesions and elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are common findings. Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) may be missed in the context of atopic dermatitis, and management and prognosis of these conditions can be substantially different. Children suffering from IEIs such as hyper-IgE syndromes, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, immunodysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked syndrome, Omenn syndrome, the atypical complete DiGeorge syndrome, and skin barrier disorders like Comèl-Netherton syndrome and severe dermatitis-multiple allergies and metabolic wasting syndrome may present with additional red flags, which should raise a clinical suspicion for an underlying IEI. These red flags may include eczematous skin lesion manifesting prior to two months of life, disseminated or recurrent viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, mucocutaneous candidiasis, purpura, chronic diarrhea, or abnormalities in development or of connective tissue. A differential blood count, as well as a lymphocyte subset analysis, total immunoglobulin levels, and vaccination titers can help the clinician to decide whether a patient with eczematous skin lesions and elevated serum IgE should be referred to a clinical immunologist for a full immunological work-up and broad genetic analysis.

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.

Clinical Efficacy and Possible Mechanism of Endoscopic Vidian Neurectomy for House Dust Mite-Sensitive Allergic Rhinitis

Background/Aims: Endoscopic vidian neurectomy (EVN) for allergic rhinitis (AR) has good clinical effects. However, the pathophysiological basis of the effect of EVN on AR is still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of EVN on house dust mite (HDM)-sensitive AR and the dynamic changes of serum immunoglobulin E and some immune regulatory factors. Methods: Twenty HDM-sensitive AR patients were treated with bilateral EVN (EVN group), 15 HDM-sensitive AR patients were treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT group), and 15 healthy subjects served as healthy controls. Quality of daily life was assessed by the scores of the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQs). The visual analog scale was used to assess clinical efficacy. Serum molecules were measured by ELISA and the UNICAP system. Results: Compared with the SCIT group, the RQLQs in the EVN group were lower 12 months after treatment (both p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in improving nasal itching and sneezing (both p > 0.05), but the clinical efficacy of bilateral EVN was greater than SCIT in improving nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, eye itching, and lachrymation 12 months after treatment (all p < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (tIgE), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus- and Dermatophagoides farinae-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the EVN group and the serum levels of TNF-α and interleukin-4 in the SCIT group were lower 12 months after treatment (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: The short-term efficacy of bilateral EVN is more effective than SCIT in treating HDM-sensitive AR. This may be because the surgery reduced the tIgE and sIgE levels. TNF-α may be involved in the therapeutic mechanism.