Antibody Titer Values Research Articles

Gastric mucosal status in populations with a low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Indonesia.

In Indonesia, endoscopy services are limited and studies about gastric mucosal status by using pepsinogens (PGs) are rare. We measured PG levels, and calculated the best cutoff and predictive values for discriminating gastric mucosal status among ethnic groups in Indonesia. We collected gastric biopsy specimens and sera from 233 patients with dyspepsia living in three Indonesian islands. When ≥5.5 U/mL was used as the best cutoff value of Helicobacter pylori antibody titer, 8.6% (20 of 233) were positive for H. pylori infection. PG I and II levels were higher among smokers, and PG I was higher in alcohol drinkers than in their counterparts. PG II level was significantly higher, whereas PG I/II ratios were lower in H. pylori-positive than in H. pylori-negative patients. PG I/II ratios showed a significant inverse correlation with the inflammation and atrophy scores of the antrum. The best cutoff values of PG I/II were 4.05 and 3.55 for discriminating chronic and atrophic gastritis, respectively. PG I, PG II, and PG I/II ratios were significantly lower in subjects from Bangli than in those from Makassar and Surabaya, and concordant with the ABC group distribution; however, group D (H. pylori negative/PG positive) was the lowest in subjects from Bangli. In conclusion, validation of indirect methods is necessary before their application. We confirmed that serum PG level is a useful biomarker determining chronic gastritis, but a modest sensitivity for atrophic gastritis in Indonesia. The ABC method should be used with caution in areas with a low prevalence of H. pylori.

Analysis of antibody titer value of IHA in 135 acute schistosomiasis patients

To analyze the antibody titer value of indirect haemagglutination test (IHA) in 135 confirmed acute schistosomiasis patients, so as to provide the evidence for improving the diagnosis and treatment of acute schistosomiasis. A total of 135 acute schistosomiasis inpatients were selected from 2001 to 2006. They all received the IHA antibody titer detection, and the correlation among the age, incubation period, and hospitalization days was calculated. The antibody titers of IHA were higher than 1:320 in all the cases. The percentages of 1:640, 1:1 280, 1:2 560, 1:5 120 and 1:10 240 were 1.48%, 28.15%, 35.56%, 20.00%, and 14.81% respectively. The mean age was (47.70 ± 14.58) years, average incubation period was (38.03 ± 4.59) days and mean hospital stay time was (15.08 ± 3.79) days. The antibody titer value had no correlation with the age distribution (r = 0.109, P > 0.05). There was a negatively correlation between the antibody titer value and incubation period, (r = -0.558, P <0.01), there was a positive correlation between the antibody titer value and hospitalization time (r = 0.791, P < 0.01), and there were significant differences among different groups (F = 17.07, 64.53, both P < 0.01). The antibody titer of acute schistosomiasis cases detected by IHA is 1:640 and above. There is no correlation between the antibody titer value and age, but the antibody titer value is higher, the incubation period is shorter and hospitalization time is longer.

SA79. Toxoplasma Gondii Affects Posterior Association Cortex and Related Functions in Healthy, but Not Schizophrenia, Individuals

Abstract Background: The apicomplexan protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (TG) is a successful parasite infecting ~30% of the human population, with some evidence to suggest it is more frequent in individuals with schizophrenia. TG has an affinity for the central nervous system and has been linked to cognitive and behavioral changes in rodents as well as humans. It is believed this mechanism contributes to the presentation of some schizophrenia cases. Given the relative absence of neurobiological studies, the aim of this project was to examine the influence of TG status on cortical thickness and cognitive function in a sample of schizophrenia and healthy individuals both seropositive and negative for the parasite. Methods: Schizophrenia (SCZ) = 77 (5 TG positive) and healthy control volunteers (CON) = 36 (11 TG positive) with clinical, cognitive, imaging, and available blood samples were used for the study. At least a 1-cc aliquot of serum from each subject was used for micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercially available research kit for quantitative immunoenzymatic determination of anti-TG immunoglogulin G (IgG)-class antibodies. Cognitive and clinical functioning was assessed using a standardized battery. Structural T1-weighted images were processed using the FreeSurfer toolkit. Analyses included analysis of variance models examining differences in cortical thickness and cognition between TG seropositive (+) and negative (−) groups per condition (SCZ and CON); and Pearson correlation models of anti-TG IgG antibody titer values with thickness and behavioral variables within each condition group. Results: No significant differences in cortical thickness or cognition were observed in SCZ(+) vs SCZ(−), as well as CON(+) vs CON(−) groups, with the exception of visuospatial reasoning in CON. When correlating against anti-TG IgG titer values and cognition, significant negative relationships were noted with visuospatial reasoning (r = −.39, P = .02) and verbal memory (r = −.36, P = .03) in CON but none in SCZ. Titer values were significantly correlated with cortical thickness of the superior parietal region in SCZ (RH: r = −.24, P = .03) and at a trend level in CON (LH: r = −.31, P = .06; RH: r = −.30, P = .07). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine cortical thickness in relation to cognitive function in a sample of SCZ and CON subjects with both seropositive and negative TG status. Results revealed the presence of TG appeared to primarily disrupt posterior association cortex and related functions (e.g., visuospatial reasoning) most prominently in healthy individuals but to a minor extent in schizophrenia patients. Overall, our findings suggest TG appears to exert greater influence over the neurobiology of nonpsychiatric individuals relative to psychosis, although addition research is warranted. Small seropositive sample sizes likely underpowered our ability to detect other effects.

Immunomodulatory Potential of New Classical Herbomineral Formulation in Experimental Animals: Impact of Biofield Energy Healing Treatment

A new proprietary herbomineral formulation was formulated, consisting of essential ingredients viz. herbal root extract ashwagandha and minerals (zinc, magnesium, and selenium). The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the herbomineral formulation in male Sprague Dawley rats. The test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely from seven renowned Biofield Energy Healers. Additionally, one group of animals also received Biofield Energy Treatment per se (day -15) by Biofield Energy Healers under similar conditions. The test formulation was evaluated for immunological parameters viz. humoral immune analysis, paw volume, hematological study, biochemistry, body weight, feed and water intake, and histopathology analysis were performed. The humoral immune response showed a significant increased primary and secondary antibody titre values by 26% and 150.4%, respectively in Biofield Energy Treatment per se group (G6, day -15), while primary and secondary antibody titre values were increased by 100.0% and 110.4%, respectively in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G7, day -15) group compared with the disease control group (G2). The results of delayed type hypersensitivity showed a significant increase in the paw volume by 94.44% in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G4) group with respect to the G2 group. However, a significant increase in paw volume by 61.11% and 44.44% was found in G6 and G7 group, respectively with respect to the G2 group. Hematological parameters showed a significant (p<0.001) increased platelet count by 85.6% in the G4 group, while 39.15% and 35.22% increase in the G6 and G7 groups, respectively compared with the G2 group. In biochemical analysis, a significant increase in calcium and phosphorus level were found in the G4 group compared with the G2 group. Animal weight parameters suggests that there were no treatment-related changes in any group, organ to body weight ratio, feed and water intake. The data described that the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation was found to be safe without any side effect during the course of the experiment. These data suggests that the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation and Biofield Energy Treatment per se can be used for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, enhancing stress management and prevention, and anti-aging by improving overall health.

Immunological Effects of Biofield Energy Healing (The Trivedi Effect&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;®&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) Based Novel Herbomineral Formulation After Oral Administration in Male &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Sprague Dawley&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Rats

Herbomineral formulations have been used and accepted all around the world owing to its medicinal and therapeutic importance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of Biofield Energy Healing (The Trivedi Effect®) Treatment on the new proprietary herbomineral formulation in male <i>Sprague Dawley</i> rats. The test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely from twenty renowned Biofield Energy Healers. The Biofield Energy Treated and untreated test formulation was evaluated using experimental parameters such as humoral immune response (primary and secondary antibody titre), delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, animal weight parameters, feed and water intake, histopathology, hematological and serum biochemistry were studies. Humoral immune data showed the primary and secondary antibody titre values were significantly (<i>p</i>≤0.05) increased by 105.88% and 260%, respectively in the Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation (G4) group with respect to the disease control group (G2). The delayed type hypersensitivity results showed a significant increased paw edema by 32.43% and 53.33% at 24 and 48 hours, respectively in the Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation (G4) group, while untreated test formulation group (G5) animals showed 13.33% increase in the paw edema (at 48 hour) compared with the G2 group. Hematological analysis showed a significant increase in the red blood cell count, while the platelet count was significantly increased by 27.78% in Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation (G4) group as compared with the G2 group. Biochemical analysis exhibited an increased level of calcium and phosphorus by 1.58% and 12.65%, respectively while serum uric acid was significantly decreased by 36.66% in the G4 group compared with the G2 group. In addition, animal weight parameters like body weight, relative organ weight, histopathology, water and feed intake data suggest that the Biofield Energy Treated herbomineral formulation was found safe, non-toxic, throughout the exposure period. In conclusion, the The Trivedi Effect^®-Biofield Energy Healing based herbomineral formulation would be the powerful immunomodulatory product, which can be useful to modulate the immunity against many infectious diseases. Overall, experimental data suggests that the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation can be used for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, stress management and prevention, and anti-aging by improving overall health.

Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Parameters in Female &lt;i&gt;Sprague Dawley&lt;/i&gt; Rats after Oral Administration of the Biofield Energy Healing Treated Herbomineral Formulation

The use of herbomineral formulations for different chronic diseases is gaining popularity because these natural formulations have fewer side effects, a higher safety profile, and more cost effectiveness. A new proprietary herbomineral formulation composed of herbs and certain minerals was formulated, consisting of the herbal root extract ashwagandha and the minerals (zinc, magnesium, and selenium). The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of a Biofield Energy Healing (The Trivedi Effect^®) Treatment on the herbomineral formulation in female <i>Sprague Dawley</i> rats. The test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment remotely from eighteen renowned Biofield Energy Healers. Immunomodulatory potential, humoral immune response, paw volume, hematological study, biochemistry, body weight, feed intake and histopathology analysis were performed. Humoral immune response data showed increased (<i>p</i>≤0.01) primary antibody titre by 124.7% in the Biofield Treatment test formulation (G3), while the untreated test formulation group (G4) showed decreased antibody titre compared with the disease control group (G2). The secondary antibody titre value in the G3 group was also altered compared with the G2 group. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) data suggest that the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation group (G3) showed a significant decrease in paw volume by 128.57% with respect to the G2 group. Hematology and biochemistry analysis showed altered values, as increased MCHC and RBC count by 138.09% and 7.24%, respectively in the G3 group compared with the G2 and G4 group. However, the platelet count was increased by 17.70% in the G3 group compared with the G2 group. The level of blood urea nitrogen was decreased by 10.90% in the G3 level compared with the G2 group. However, the levels of magnesium and phosphorus were increased by 13.29% and 6.28%, respectively in the G3 compared with the G2 group. Further, the change in body weight, feed consumption, organ to body weight ratio data, and histopathology examination did not suggest any statistical difference, which depicts that the Biofield Energy Treated test formulations was found to be safe. These data suggest that the Biofield Treated test formulation can be used for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Atherosclerosis, Dermatitis, Diverticulitis, Diabetes, etc. along with enhancing stress management and anti-aging by improving overall health.

Evaluation of Some Immunostimulants on the Immune-response of Broiler Chickens Against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Diseases Vaccination

Immunostimulants get an increasing importance to enhance the immune system and allowing maximum performance in poultry production. The effects of using different immunostimulants on the immune response of broiler chickens to Newcastle disease (ND) and Avian influenza (AI) vaccination were investigated in this study. 100 day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups, 25 birds for each group. Group A was not treated with any immunostimulants and used as a control, while groups B, C and D were supplemented with Imutrix® (oregano oils plus β-glucan), Evit liquid® (Vitamin E plus selenium) and inmunair®17.5 (Propionibacterium acnes and E. coli lipopolysaccharides), respectively. Statistical analysis results demonstrated significant divergence (P < 0.05) in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio among the applicable treatments. Birds of group B had the heaviest body weight (2.03 kg), followed by group C (1.87 Kg) and D (1.82 Kg) in comparison to the birds of group A (control, 1.79 Kg). Bursa of Fabricius weight showed non-significant differences among groups except in group B that showed an increase in the Bursa of Fabricius weight more than other groups especially the control group (1.15 g more). Comparable immune response was recorded for both AI and ND vaccination. The highest mean antibody titers were recorded for birds in group B at 14, 28 and 35 days old, while those in group D had the lowest antibody titre values. Thus, supplementing immunostimulants especially Imutrix® and Evit liquid® had a significant positive effect on performance characteristics and immune response against AI and ND vaccination in broiler chickens in contrast to non-treated group, which had low levels of immune response, rapid decreasing and no persistence for keeping high HI titer for long time.

Study of the Anti – Pregnancy - Associated Glycoprotein (Anti – Pag) Resulted from Antigen Pag Immunization, as Prospective Early Pregnancy Detector in Animals

Abstract Blastocyst protein named pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) has been isolated from pregnant dairy cow serum. PAG yielded from previous research issued from pregnant animals, wherein was specifically produced. This study is an initial research to use PAG as an antigen to be injected to rabbit in order to produce the corresponding antibody. The objective of the research was to study the character of anti-pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (Anti-PAG), as a result of immunization of PAG and to learn its specification reaction. The PAG isolate had bovine origin (molecular weight-MW of 67.34 kDa) and issued from previous research. Injection of PAG isolate could stimulate the production of Anti-PAG as an immunization response. Immunization was done by double booster inoculation. Anti-PAG derived from immunization was characterized via antibody titer value using ELISA technique. Specificity test of Anti-PAG was carried on by Western Blot technique. Results revealed that injection of PAG isolate to the rabbit stimulates anti-PAG production. Concentration of Anti-PAG was 1.192 μg with titer of 1.044. Anti-PAG derived from rabbits recognized Standard PAG antigen (bovine PAG MDBiomed cat. 101-7963-13-3) and PAG isolate derived from previous research. The reaction of antigen antibody is the basic structure of creating a gestation detection kit. Anti-PAG is expected to be the molecular marker in developing a gestation detection kit in the near future.

Can solid phase assays be better utilized to measure efficacy of antibody removal therapies?

Antibody removal therapies are used for patients with antibody-mediated-rejection or those requiring desensitization to become transplantable. Accurate measurement of antibody levels prior to, and during treatment, are required to choose the best therapeutic approach, and to provide measure of treatment efficacy. Currently, the FDA does not regard solid-phase assays for HLA-antibody identification as a reliable surrogate-marker for treatment efficacy.Serum samples from 40 patients (58 assays; >2200 positive data points) undergoing antibody-removal-therapies were tested as sample-pairs, pre- and post-treatment. MFI values of IgG and C1q single-antigen-bead assays were compared with antibody titer values (serial dilutions). Antibody reduction was tracked and the differences in pre-to-post-treatment values were calculated as delta-reduction of antibody levels. Dynamic patterns of titration studies reduced effects of serum-inherent inhibitory factors (prozone-like); eliminated over-saturation limitations, and provided better estimation of antibody-binding strength compared with the other methods. Moreover, delta-reduction of antibody values using titration studies was significantly more uniform compared with either IgG or C1q tests. Analyzing antibody results using only C1q positive or only higher MFI values did not change the overall magnitude of results. Overall, titration studies provided better estimate of responsiveness to treatment and thus can serve as companion to monitoring efficacy of antibody-removal therapies.

Efficacy and safety of vi-tetanus toxoid conjugated typhoid vaccine (PedaTyph™) in Indian children: School based cluster randomized study

ABSTRACTVi polysaccharide typhoid vaccines cannot be used in children <2 years owing to poor immunogenic and T cell independent properties. Conjugate vaccine prepared by binding Vi to tetanus toxoids (Vi-TT) induces protective levels even in children <2 years. We evaluated efficacy and safety following vaccination with a Vi-TT vaccine in children 6 months to 12 years of age. Overall, 1765 subjects were recruited from two registered municipal urban slums of southern Kolkata. Most of the children of the slum dwellers attended the schools in the locality which was selected with permission from the school authority. Schools were randomly divided into vaccinated (Test group) and unvaccinated group (Control group). Children and their siblings of test group received 2-doses of PedaTyph™ vaccine at 6 weeks interval. Control group received vaccines as per national guidelines. Adverse events (AEs) were examined after 30 minutes, 1 month and clinical events were observed till 12 months post-vaccination. Incidence of culture positive typhoid fever in the control group was 1.27% vis-a-vis none in vaccine group during 12 months. In subgroup evaluated for immunogenicity, an antibody titer value of 1.8 EU/ml (95% CI: 1.5 EU/ml, 2.2 EU/ml), 32 EU/ml (95% CI: 27.0 EU/ml, 39.0 EU/ml) and 14 EU/ml (95% CI: 12.0 EU/ml, 17.0 EU/ml) at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 months, respectively was observed. Sero-conversion among the sub-group was 100% after 6 weeks of post-vaccination and 83% after 12 months considering 4-fold rise from baseline. The efficacy of vaccine was 100 % (95% CI: 97.6%, 100%) in the first year of follow-up with minimal AEs post vaccination. Vi conjugate typhoid vaccine conferred 100% protection against typhoid fever in 1765 children 6 months to 12 years of age with high immunogenicity in a subgroup from the vaccine arm.

Effect of Azolla Supplementation on Growth, Immunocompetence and Carcass Characteristics of Commercial Broilers

One hundred and twenty, one week old, Cobb 400 broiler chickens were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments having four replicates each with ten birds. The birds of the control group (T1) were fed a basal diet (23.16% CP 1–3 weeks & 19.68% CP 3–6 weeks) while the other two groups were offered the treatment diets (T2& T3) replacing 4.50% or 5.50%, of the dry matter of the basal diet with dry Azolla pinnata powder on dry matter basis, respectively. Feeding azolla meal did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the weekly body weight gain of the birds during the experimental period. Total immunoglobulins and mercaptoethanol sensitive (IgM) antibody titer (log 2) values in response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the birds fed T3 diet compared to the other two dietary treatments at 6 weeks of age. Cell mediated immune response i.e. in vivo cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity response to lectin phytohaemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA-P) determined as foot web index was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the T3 birds compared to the other two dietary treatments. Dressing percentage was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 compared to the other two treatment groups. However, there was no significant difference among the treatment groups in the other carcass traits. Thus, it may be inferred that replacement of basal diet with dry Azolla pinnata meal on dry matter basis did not adversely affect the growth and carcass characteristics. Moreover, Azolla pinnata possesses promising immunomodulatory potential in commercial broilers.

Influence of hypo and hyper methionine supplementation on growth performance and immunological responses to Newcastle disease vaccinations of broiler chickens.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of varying levels of methionine supplementation in di et of broiler chickens on their immunological response to Newcastle disease , growth performance , organ characteristics and haematological parameters . A total of two hundred birds were raised from day - old to six (6) weeks . T hey were distributed into four treatments A, B, C and D with five replicates per treatment, each replicate having 10 birds. At both starter and finisher phases of the experiment, there were four experimental diets A, B, C and D. Diet A was the control diet and contained a standard of 0.38% methionine , diet B wa s the diet containing 0.5% methionine as permitted by National Research Council ( NRC ) standards while diet s C and D contained 0.63 % and 0.75% methionine supplementary levels , respectively. By the third week of the experiment, some of the general observations made include d leg weakness which later progressed to complete paralysis in about 40% of the birds placed on diet C and D . Mortality occurred in 70% of the paralysed birds. The immunological responses after vaccination with Newcastle disease vaccine intra - ocular ( NDV i/o ) revealed that chickens fed with 0.5% methionine ( treatment B) recorded the highest antibody titre value ( log 2 7 ) while treatment D (fed with 0.75% methionine) had the lowest mean titre value (log 2 5 ). Thereafter, administration of NDV LaSota elicited immune responses with antibody titre values being highest in treatment B (log 2 9 ) and least in both treatments A and D (log 2 7 ). T he performance characteristics such as the final body weight (FBW) , weight gain (TWG) , feed intake (TFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among the various dietary treatments , with birds on NRC requirement methionine based diet having significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher FBW, TWG, FCR and TFI than those fed the rest test diets throughout the experimental period. Relative weight of the organs liver and gizzard were also significantly (P&lt; 0.05) different between treatment groups. Among the haematological variables only the red blood cell count ( RBC ) , mean corpuscular haemoglobin ( MCH ) and mean corpuscular volume ( MCV ) values were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) among treatment groups in the starter phase of the experiment and erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR ) , basophil and eosinophil in the finisher phase . It was concluded that methionine supplementation at this high inclusion levels is detrimental to the immune response, growth performance, nutrient utilization and organ characteristics of broiler chickens .

Detection Of Equine Arteritis Virus In The Semen Of Stallions In The Republic Of Serbia

Abstract The results on serological testing of blood sera from stallions and mares used for breeding and the presence of the viral genome of Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) in stallion semen are presented. The blood and semen samples were taken from a horse stable on the territory of the Republic of Serbia during 2012, 2013 and 2014. Detection of anti-EAV specific antibodies in blood sera was performed by the virus neutralization test (VNT), and identification of EAV genome RNA in stallion semen was done by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In 2012, high seroprevalence of EAV was detected in the investigated stable. In total, 45% and 65 % of stallions and mares reacted positive, respectively, and the antibody titre values ranged between 2 and 10 log2. High seroprevalence was confirmed in the same animals again in 2013. Out of two stallions tested semen samples in 2013, the viral genome was detected by RT-PCR in 3 examined semen samples from a seropositive stallion, while EAV was not detected in 3 semen samples of a seronegative stallion. During 2014, 11 semen samples were collected from two seropositive stallions. Again, the presence of EAV was confirmed by RT-PCR in all 8 semen samples originating from the same stallion with the EAV genome positive semen result in 2013, whereas the virus was not detected in semen samples originating from the second anti-EAV antibody positive stallion. The presence of EAV-specific antibodies was confirmed in the blood sera of the mares inseminated with the semen of seropositive stallions in 2012 and 2013.

Epitope Spreading of Autoantibody Response to PLA2R Associates with Poor Prognosis in Membranous Nephropathy.

The phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R1) is the major autoantigen in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. However, the value of anti-PLA2R1 antibody titers in predicting patient outcomes is unknown. Here, we screened serum samples from 50 patients positive for PLA2R1 for immunoreactivity against a series of PLA2R1 deletion mutants covering the extracellular domains. We identified reactive epitopes in the cysteine-rich (CysR), C-type lectin domain 1 (CTLD1), and C-type lectin domain 7 (CTLD7) domains and confirmed the reactivity with soluble forms of each domain. We then used ELISAs to stratify 69 patients positive for PLA2R1 by serum reactivity to one or more of these domains: CysR (n=23), CysRC1 (n=14), and CysRC1C7 (n=32). Median ELISA titers measured using the full-length PLA2R1 antigens were not statistically different between subgroups. Patients with anti-CysR-restricted activity were younger (P=0.008), had less nephrotic range proteinuria (P=0.02), and exhibited a higher rate of spontaneous remission (P=0.03) and lower rates of renal failure progression (P=0.002) and ESRD (P=0.01) during follow-up. Overall, 31 of 69 patients had poor renal prognosis (urinary protein/creatinine ratio >4 g/g or eGFR<45 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) at end of follow-up). High anti-PLA2R1 activity and epitope spreading beyond the CysR epitope were independent risk factors of poor renal prognosis in multivariable Cox regression analysis. Epitope spreading during follow-up associated with disease worsening (n=3), whereas reverse spreading from a CysRC1C7 profile back to a CysR profile associated with favorable outcome (n=1). We conclude that analysis of the PLA2R1 epitope profile and spreading is a powerful tool for monitoring disease severity and stratifying patients by renal prognosis.

English

The effect of supplementing varying concentration levels of dietary lysine on growth performance and immune response to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccinations of broiler chickens was assessed. A total number of 180 day-old broiler chicks of mixed sex were used for the experiment. The birds were divided into 4 treatments (Treatment A, B, C and D), in which each treatment was replicated 3 times with 15 birds per replicate. Diet A was the control diet that was not supplemented with dietary lysine and diet B contained the recommended level of lysine by National Research Council (NRC) standards of 1.12%, while diets C and D both contained 1.13 and 1.14% lysine which is 10 and 15% increment of the NRC requirements, respectively. The result of the statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) among the various dietary treatments for feed intake, weight gain, final body weight and feed conversion ratio. Birds fed diet C had the highest final body weight (2.16 kg), total weight gain (2.12 kg) and feed intake (3.11 kg) while birds fed diet A had the best feed conversion ratio (1.37). The immunological response to ND vaccinations showed that birds fed diet C had the highest mean antibody titre values while those fed diet A with no lysine supplemented in their diets had the lowest antibody titre values. The haematological parameter was only significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). It was concluded that supplementing lysine above NRC requirement at the inclusion rates used in this study had significant effect on performance characteristics and immune response in broiler chickens. Key words: Lysine, immune response, growth performance, antibody titre.

Comparative Effect of Different Organic Acids (Benzoic, Acetic and Formic) on Growth Performance, Immune Response and Carcass Traits of Broilers

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of benzoic, acetic and formic acid supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. One hundred fifty, a day-old broiler chicks were procured from a local commercial hatchery and randomly divided into four treatment groups. Each group having thirty chicks was further sub divided into three replicates, ten chicks each. Group A, B, C were supplemented with 0.5% benzoic, acetic and formic acid, respectively, while group D was control. Data on growth performance in terms of body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio was noted on weekly basis. Blood sample were collected (2 birds/replicate) at 28 and 35 day of experiment to check the antibody titer against Newcastle disease and Infectious Bursal disease, respectively. Comparison by LSD test among different treatments showed that maximum weight gain was found in treatment C (formic acid) and minimum in D (control group). Significantly best feed conversion ratio was found in treatment C (formic acid) and poorer was found in treatment D (control group). The maximum significant value of IBD antibody titer (96.00GMT) was found in treatment C (formic acid) and minimum (41.67GMT) in treatment A (benzoic acid). However, the best result against ND antibody titer (104.67GMT) was found in treatment D (control group). Statistical analysis of the data on dressing percentage, breast meat, thigh meat and giblet organs weight e.g. liver, heart and gizzard revealed non-significant effect among the dietary treatment group. It was concluded that addition of organic acids (benzoic, acetic and formic) is helpful to improve weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the birds, these factors are specifically related to efficient and economical broiler production.

Effect of Poly herbal Phytobiotic on the Growth, Immunocompetence, Development of Digestive Organs and Carcass Characteristics of Commercial Broilers

Seventy two, one week old, Cobb 400 broiler chickens were distributed into two experimental groups having four replicates. The birds of the control group were fed a basal diet (22.5% CP & 2830 K cal/kg ME) while the other group was offered a basal diet supplemented with a polyherbal phytobiotic, AV/SSL/12 in drinking water@ 4 ml/100 birds/day during 1–2 weeks, 8 ml/100 birds/day during 2–4 weeks and 15 ml/100 birds/day during 4–6 weeks of age. AV/SSL/12 birds had a significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight compared to the control at 2nd week of age. The body weight gain of the birds in the liver tonic fed group was significantly higher (P<0.001) compared to the control group at 2nd week of age. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly better (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic group compared to the control group during 3–6 weeks and 1–6 weeks of age. Total immunoglobulins and mercaptoethanol sensitive (IgM) antibody titer (log 2) values in response to sheep red blood cells was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic compared to the control group. The herbal supplemented group had significantly higher (P<0.05) large intestine length compared to the control group at 6 weeks of age. However, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the carcass characteristics and yield of cut up parts of the broilers after 6 weeks of age. Hence, it may not be unreasonable to infer that poly herbal liver tonic, AV/SSL/12 possesses promising immunomodulatory potential and supplementation of poly herbal liver tonic may elicit growth of commercial broilers.

Immuno-Potentiating Activity of Gold Nanoparticles on Experimental Animal Models

Immuno-Potentiating Activity of Gold Nanoparticles on Experimental Animal Models Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have found their application in various fields of biomedical science. The immunological behaviour portrayed by GNP has been of great interest and not studied well. In the present study, the immuno potentiation property of GNP (40-50 nm) has been explored by studying the effect on immuno competent cells and immuno deficient animal models. Single dose exposure of GNP was given to male albino mice and total count of spleen, lungs and thymic lymphocyte and peritoneal macrophage was studied. Immuno deficient animal models were established (using UV rays and cyclophosphamide) and effect of GNP was studied through the total WBC count, macrophage count and haemagglutination titre value. It was observed that single dose exposure of GNP resulted a significant rise in WBC count, lung, spleenic and thymic lymphocyte count. In UV and cyclophosphamide (CP) induced immuno deficient animal model, GNP showed immuno stimulation by increasing WBC count significantly and restoration of macrophage count compared to the immuno deficient group. Humoral immunity of immuno deficient animals was decreased by UV and CP, observed through low haemagglutination titer value. GNP was found to increase the circulating antibody titre value in UV and CP induced immuno deficient animals. This study indicated that GNP has immuno potentiation capacity in immuno compromised and immuno deficient animal models. This study could bring forward new dimensions in combating immuno deficiency related problems (due to microbial infections, chemotherapy, AIDS) by GNP. The immuno potentiation property of GNP may be utilized in certain immuno deficient pathophysiological condition and may provide double protection. Further detailed study at molecular level (involving immunomodulatory markers) may enrich the concept.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Water Soluble Polysaccharides Isolated from Metroxylon sagu in Animal Models of Immunosuppression

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of water soluble polysaccharides isolated from Metroxylon sagu (PSMS) by dilute acid extraction, ethanol precipitation in rats by using three different in-vivo experimental models of immunosuppression. Methodology: Three models of immunosuppression include metronidazole (MTZ) induced immunosuppression, pyrogallol induced immunosuppression and Ethanol-induced immunosuppression. Immunological indices like humoral antibody titer values, cellular immune response, percent change in phagocytosis, serum immunoglobulins were estimated. Histopathology of spleen was done in all control and treated groups. The doses of 500 and 250 mg/kg of PSMS were administered orally to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity. Results: Though PSMS was demonstrated to have immunostimulatory activity in almost all three models of immunosuppression, PSMS was found to be more effi cacious against ethanol-induced immunosuppression when compared with pyrogallol induced immunosuppression and MTZ induced immunosuppression. However, dose-dependent improvement in immunological indices was evident in all three models. Conclusion: In summary, water soluble polysaccharides isolated from M. sagu stimulate the immunity in the animal models of immunosuppression.

Evaluation of Immunomodulatory activity of the flavanoid from Kigelia africana

Modulation of the immune responses to alleviate the diseases has been of interest for many years. Thus a real need exists to protect our immune systems and lead healthier lives. Hence the present study is aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of Flavanoid of Kigelia africana. The effect of flavanoid of Kigelia africana on the immune system of rats and mice was evaluated by using different experimental models such asmice lethality test, Serum immunoglobulin level, Haemagglutination reaction, hypersensitivity reaction, and delayed type hypersensitivity reaction test. Flavanoid of Kigelia africana was administered orally at low dose and high dose of 100mg/kg/day, poand 200 mg/kg/day, po respectively and Levamisole (2.5 mg/kg/day, po) was used as standard drug. Flavanoid of Kigelia africanain both doses increased the levels of serum immunoglobulin and prevented the mortality induced by bovine Pasteurella multocida in mice. Exhibits a dose related increase in the early hypersensitivity reaction and Delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to the SRBC antigen. It also resulted in a significant increase in the antibody titer value, to SRBC, in experimental animals. Hence, it was concluded that flavanoid of Kigelia africana increases both humoral immunity and cell mediated immunity.