Chaenomeles sinensis Extract Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis by Inhibiting the IL-33/ST2 Axis and Regulating Epithelial Cell Dysfunction.

Chaenomeles sinensis has traditionally been used as an herbal medicine due to its characteristics that protect against inflammation, hypertension, and mutagenesis. However, the effect of Chaenomeles sinensis extract (CSE) on allergic rhinitis (AR) and its underlying mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly investigated. The current study explored the likely effect of CSE on AR in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. To this end, OVA-specific immunoglobulins, nasal symptoms, cytokine production, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, and nasal histopathology were assessed to determine the role of CSE against AR. The supplementation of CSE was found to suppress OVA-specific IgE, while OVA-specific IgG2a was increased in the serum. Further, CSE ameliorated the production of T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines whereas it increased Th1 cytokine levels in nasal lavage fluid. Moreover, the CSE treatment group exhibited significant inhibition of IL-33/ST2 signaling. Subsequently, CES reversed the OVA-induced enhancement of epithelial permeability and upregulated E-cadherin, thus indicating that CES plays a protective role on epithelial barrier integrity. Altogether, the oral administration of CSE effectively controlled allergic response by restricting the buildup of inflammatory cells, enhancing nasal and lung histopathological traits, and regulating cytokines associated with inflammation. Collectively, the results show that the supplementation of CSE at different doses effectively regulated AR, thus suggesting the therapeutic efficiency of CSE in suppressing airway diseases.

Effects of parity, seasonal heat stress, and colostrum collection time postpartum on colostrum quality of Holstein cattle in an arid region.

The aim of this study was to determine effects of parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), seasonal heat stress at calving (summer vs. winter), and time postpartum on some parameters associated with colostrum quality in Holstein cows reared in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. Forty-seven cows (11 primiparous and 36 multiparous) expected to calve during summer, and 46 cows during winter (14 primiparous and 32 multiparous) were randomly selected. Management and feeding before and after parturition were similar for cows in both seasons. After parturition, colostrum from all cows was evaluated for volume, weight, temperature, density, and content of fat, protein, solids non-fat (SNF), and immunoglobulins (IGG). Data were analyzed with a model that included effects of parity status, calving season, and time postpartum, as well as all interactions. Colostrum produced in summer was warmer (P < 0.01) by almost 6 °C than winter colostrum, while colostrum from multiparous was warmer (P = 0.02) by 1.2 °C than that produced by primiparous cows. Colostrum volume and weight were not impacted by parity, calving season or time postpartum. Density, protein, and SNF content in colostrum were higher (P < 0.01) in multiparous vs. primiparous cows, as well as at parturition (0 h postpartum) than at 12 h postpartum (P < 0.01). At calving (0 h), spring colostrum had higher fat content (P < 0.01) and lower (P < 0.01) IGG concentration than that collected in summer, and no difference (P > 0.05) between seasons was observed for these components at 12 h postpartum. Multiparous cows produced colostrum with higher (P < 0.01) IGG concentrations than primiparous cows. In conclusion, only 0-h colostrum and that from multiparous cows was categorized as "Excellent," meanwhile the colostrum produced under summer heat stress was characterized as "Good" with reduced fat content. While the lacteal secretion collected at 12 post-partum still classified as colostrum, substantially lower contents of IGG, protein, fat, and SNF decreased its classification to "Poor" from the classification of "Excellent" at 0 h postpartum.

Cellular and humoral immunity of broilers subjected to posthatch fasting and a prestarter diet containing conjugated linoleic acid.

This study aimed to evaluate the immunity of chickens up to 35 d subjected to posthatch fasting and supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A total of 320 chicks were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (0 or 12 h of fasting × 0.000 or 0.025% CLA in a prestarter diet), totaling 4 treatments (No-F-12 h; F-12 h; No-CLA; CLA) with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. The relative weights (% body weight) of the spleen and bursa were determined 12 h posthatch (Post-12 h) and then weekly. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were measured by ELISA in the yolk sac contents Post-12 h and in the serum weekly. Hypersensitivity to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) inoculation was evaluated by toe-web swelling response on d 13 and 34, 4 times a day (after 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h inoculation, respectively, PHA-3 h, PHA-6 h, PHA-12 h, and PHA-24 h). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (P < 0.05). F-12h reduced the Post-12 h relative weight of the spleen, and CLA reduced the relative weight of the bursa at this stage and at 28 d. At 13 d, F-12 h reduced PHA-3 h, whereas PHA-12 h was increased by CLA. At 34 d, CLA reduced PHA-3 h. A greater reaction was observed in the No-F-12 h-CLA chicks, for the PHA-24 h. In the Post-12 h evaluation, F-12h reduced, whereas CLA increased NDV-specific IgY titers in the yolk sac. No-F-12 h-No-CLA chicks had the lowest serum titers. At 21 d, F-12 h-CLA chicks exhibited the highest serum titers. Titers were higher in the F-12 h-No-CLA chicks, when compared to other treatments. At 28 d, fasting reduced the titers. In conclusion, F-12 h and CLA accelerated the transfer of immunoglobulins from the yolk sac to the serum. F-12 h impairs cellular immunity, whereas CLA favors it.

Topics on maternal, fetal and neonatal immunology of dogs and cats.

Birth and the first few weeks of age are critical periods of developing the immune system of puppies and kittens and adapting to an environment containing a variety of infectious agents. The survival rate during these periods depends mainly on the newborn's immune capacity to prevent and combat infections. Although most components of innate and adaptive immunity are present at birth, responses are slow and immature compared to adults. Due to immunological immaturity and the endotheliochorial placental structure, circulating concentrations of immunoglobulins in dogs and cats at birth are quite low. Thus, newborns need a prompt and immediate immune response, which is essentially provided by defense cells and maternal antibodies via colostrum. Failure to ingest colostrum is correlated with high mortality rates in the neonatal period. Concurrently, factors related to pregnant, such as pregnancy physiological immunosuppression and nutritional and health states, can directly influence newborn immunity and health. Therefore, understanding the maternal and neonatal immunological aspects, importance of colostrum, risk factors for failure to transfer passive immunity and colostrum substitute strategies are essential to ensure the survival of the litter.

Impact of social-functioning and sleep on quality of life in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The impact of impairment of social functioning and sleep on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), is unknown in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The value of the Chronic Acquired Polyneuropathy Patient-Reported Index (CAP-PRI) to identify potential social functioning and sleep issues is equally unknown. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional evaluation of social functioning and sleep using the "Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease" (SCOPA) in 40 subjects with clinically-stable CIDP through a structured questionnaire. We assessed HR-QoL through the CAP-PRI. Disability was evaluated through the Overall Neuropathy Limitation Score (ONLS). RESULTS: SCOPA social functioning scores were impaired at least "a little" per averaged item in > 50 % of subjects, and at least "quite a bit" per averaged item in > 20 %. Most affected items were (i) difficulty with work/household/other chores (ii) difficulties with hobbies/sport/leisure activities. SCOPA sleep sub-scores indicated at least "a little concern" for night-time sleep in nearly 50 % of subjects. Abnormal sleep timing was rare. Associations were found between both SCOPA social-functioning and SCOPA sleep scores and the CAP-PRI. Linear regression demonstrated the SCOPA social-functioning score was independently associated with the CAP-PRI. The CAP-PRI showed high association with disability scores, good internal consistency, absence of ceiling effect, absence of significant floor-effect, and good criteria-related as well as construct-related validity. DISCUSSION: Social functioning and night-time sleep are frequently affected in CIDP and impact on HR-QoL. In contrast to traditional disability scales, the CAP-PRI additionally allows adequately capturing these impairments and may represent an adequate holistic outcome measure.

A window into the human immune system: comprehensive characterization of the complexity of antibody complementary-determining regions in functional antibodies.

The human immune system uses antibodies to neutralize foreign antigens. They are composed of heavy and light chains, both with constant and variable regions. The variable region has six hypervariable loops, also known as complementary-determining regions (CDRs) that determine antibody diversity and antigen specificity. Knowledge of their significance, and certain residues present in these areas, is vital for antibody therapeutics development. This study includes an analysis of more than 11,000 human antibody sequences from the International Immunogenetics information system (IMGT). The analysis included parameters such as length distribution, overall amino acid diversity, amino acid frequency per CDR and residue position within antibody chains. Overall, our findings confirm existing knowledge, such as CDRH3's high length diversity and amino acid variability, increased aromatic residue usage, particularly tyrosine, charged and polar residues like aspartic acid, serine, and the flexible residue glycine. Specific residue positions within each CDR influence these occurrences, implying a unique amino acid type distribution pattern. We compared amino acid type usage in CDRs and non-CDR regions, both in globular and transmembrane proteins, which revealed distinguishing features, such as increased frequency of tyrosine, serine, aspartic acid, and arginine. These findings should prove useful for future optimization, improvement of affinity, synthetic antibody library design, or the creation of antibodies de-novo in silico.

Effect of dietary onion (Allium cepa L.) powder as an antioxidant on semen quality, blood biochemicals, and reproductive parameters, as well as immunological variables of rabbit bucks under severe heat stress.

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) powder on the immunological variables, redox state, and semen quality of rabbit bucks exposed to severe heat stress. Thirty-six mature bucks (7 months old) were divided into three groups consisting of 12 bucks each, namely group I, control; group II, 400 mg onion powder/kg diet; and group III, 800 mg onion powder/kg diet. The quality of semen was evaluated for volume, pH, motility, concentration, total sperm output, viability, and packed sperm volume. Blood samples were collected in the 12th week for estimation of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and erythrocytic indices. Serum proteins, glutamate oxaloacetate (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), urea, creatinine, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), immunoglobulins, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured. The temperature-humidity index (THI) obtained was within the range of 28.85-33.08 indicating severe heat stress. The results show that mass and individual motility, concentration, total sperm output, sperm viability, and packed sperm volume were higher (P < 0.05) in groups II and group III, with group III having the highest (P < 0.05) levels compared to group I. Compared to group I, groups II and III had higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of RBC, MCV, MCH, FSH, LH, SOD, and catalase. The highest concentration (P < 0.05) of GPT was obtained in group III compared to other groups. The highest concentration of IgG (P < 0.05) was obtained in group II while the lowest was in group I. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with onion powder at 400 or 800 mg/kg diet improves semen quality, RBC, FSH, LH, SOD, catalase, and IgG while ameliorating the adverse effects of heat stress and improve the health and reproduction of rabbits.

SkQ1 Improves Immune Status and Normalizes Activity of NADPH-Generating and Antioxidant Enzymes in Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Oxidative stress and excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the mitochondria are considered as the central pathogenetic mechanisms of connective tissue destruction and factors responsible for a highly active inflammatory process and autoimmune response. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant 10-(6'-plastoquinonyl)decyltriphenylphosphonium (SkQ1) on the immune status, intensity of free radical-induced oxidation, and functioning of the antioxidant system (AOS) and NADPH-generating enzymes in rats with the adjuvant-induced RA. Laboratory animals were divided into 4 groups: control group; animals with RA; animals injected intraperitoneally with SkQ1 at the doses of 1250 and 625 nmol/kg, respectively, every 24 h for 8 days starting from day 7 of RA development. Tissue samples for analysis were collected on day 15 of the experiment. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the content of circulating immune complexes, and the concentration of class A, M, and G immunoglobulins were determined by enzyme immunoassay. The intensity of free radical-induced oxidation was evaluated based on the assessment of the iron-induced biochemiluminescence, diene conjugate content, and activity of aconitate hydratase. Enzymatic activity and metabolite content in the tissue samples were analyzed spectrophotometrically. It was shown that the development of RA was associated with an increase in the manifestation of immune response markers and intensity of free radical-induced oxidation, as well as with disruption of the AOS functioning and activation of NADPH-generating enzymes. SkQ1 administration resulted in a dose-dependent changes in the oxidative status indicators towards the control values and normalization of the immune status parameters. SkQ1 decreased the level of mitochondrial ROS, resulting in the suppression of the inflammatory response, which might cause inhibition of free radical generation by immunocompetent cells and subsequent mitigation of the oxidative stress severity in the tissues.

Bovine Colostrum for Veterinary and Human Health Applications: A Critical Review.

Bovine colostrum harbors a diverse array of bioactive components suitable for the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals with veterinary and human health applications. Bovine colostrum has a strong safety profile with applications across all age groups for health promotion and the amelioration of a variety of disease states. Increased worldwide milk production and novel processing technologies have resulted in substantial growth of the market for colostrum-based products. This review provides a synopsis of the bioactive components in bovine colostrum, the processing techniques used to produce high-value colostrum-based products, and recent studies utilizing bovine colostrum for veterinary and human health.

The Effect of Supplementation Using a Mixture of Fish Oil and Linseed on the Level of Immunomodulatory Components in Bovine Colostrum.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing rations, with a mixture of fish oil and linseed, on the level of immunomodulatory components in colostrum. Twenty multiparous cows, that were three weeks before scheduled calving, had a body condition of 3-3.5, and had not been diagnosed with multiple pregnancies, were qualified for the experiment. The cows were divided into two groups: experimental (FOL) (n = 10) and control (CTL) (n = 10). The CTL group were individually given the standard food ration for dry cows for about 21 days before calving, while the FOL group received food rations that were enriched with 150 g of fish oil and 250 g of linseed (golden variety). Colostrum samples for testing were taken twice a day on the first and second days of lactation, and then once a day from the third to the fifth day of lactation. The experiment showed that the applied supplementation had an impact, in the form of increasing the fat, protein, IgG, IgA, IgM, vitamin A, C22:6 n-3 (DHA), and C18:2 cis9 trans11 (CLA) contents in colostrum; however, the C18: 2 n-6 (LA) and C20:4 n-6 (AA) contents decreased. Due to the lower quality of colostrum found in high-yield cows, and therefore in the Holstein-Friesian breed, it is possible to improve the quality by, among other things, introducing nutritional modifications during the second stage of the dry period.

COVID-19 therapy and vaccination: a clinical narrative review.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the most globally impacting health issue our world has faced over the last century. As of January 7, 2022, around 300 million cases have been reported worldwide, with over 5 million deaths. The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a hyperactive host immune response leading to an excessive inflammatory reaction with the release of many cytokines - cytokine storm - commonly noticed in acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and fulminant multiorgan failure. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the scientific medical community has worked on therapeutic procedures that interfere with the exaggerated immune response. Thromboembolic complications are widespread in patients who are critically ill with COVID-19. Anticoagulant therapy was initially considered a cornerstone in hospitalized patients and even in the early post-discharge period; however, later trials have aborted the clinical benefits except for suspicion of or confirmed thrombosis. Immunomodulatory therapies are still crucial in moderate to severe COVID-19. Immunomodulator therapies include various medications from steroids to hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab and Anakinra. Anti-inflammatory agents, vitamin supplements and antimicrobial therapy had initial encouraging evidence, but there are limited data to review. Convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, eculizumab, neutralizing IgG1 monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir have positively impacted inpatient mortality and hospital length of stay. Eventually, wide population vaccination was proven to be the best tool to overcome the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and help humanity return to regular life. Many vaccines and various strategies have been used since December 2020. This review discusses how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has progressed and surged, and summarizes the safety and efficacy of the most used therapies and vaccines in the light of recent evidence.

Key changes in bovine milk immunoglobulin G during lactation: NeuAc sialylation is a hallmark of colostrum immunoglobulin G N-glycosylation.

We monitored longitudinal changes in bovine milk IgG in samples from four cows at 9 time points in between 0.5 and 28 days following calving. We used peptide-centric LC-MS/MS on proteolytic digests of whole bovine milk, resulting in the combined identification of 212 individual bovine milk protein sequences, with IgG making up >50 percent of the protein content of every 0.5 d colostrum sample, which reduced to ≤3 percent in mature milk. In parallel, we analyzed IgG captured from the bovine milk samples to characterize its N-glycosylation, using dedicated methods for bottom-up glycoproteomics employing product ion-triggered hybrid fragmentation; data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD037755. The bovine milk IgG N-glycosylation profile was revealed to be very heterogeneous, consisting of >40 glycoforms. Furthermore, these N-glycosylation profiles changed substantially over the period of lactation, but consistently across the four individual cows. We identified NeuAc sialylation as the key abundant characteristic of bovine colostrum IgG, significantly decreasing in the first days of lactation, and barely detectable in mature bovine milk IgG. We also report, for the first time to our knowledge, the identification of subtype IgG3 in bovine milk, alongside the better-documented IgG1 and IgG2. The detailed molecular characteristics we describe of the bovine milk IgG, and their dynamic changes during lactation, are important not only for the fundamental understanding of the calf's immune development, but also for understanding bovine milk and its bioactive components in the context of human nutrition.

Effect of Supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and ß-glucans to Mares During Late Gestation on Colostrum Quality and Passive Transfer of Immunity in Foals.

The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or ß-glucan, in the maternal diet during late pregnancy affects the concentration of total IgG in the colostrum of mares and influences the concentration of IgG in its foals. A total of 21 pregnant mares were used, aged 6±2 years, 3±1 pregnancies, 450±50kg in weight, and they were distributed into three groups: the control group (n=7); the S. cerevisiae group (n=7), which received 1010CFU of S. cerevisiae orally; and the ß-glucan group (n=7), which received 0.35g of ß-glucan orally. All groups started from the 300th day of their pregnancies until delivery. Samples of colostrum and serum from the mares were collected immediately after delivery. Blood samples from their foals were collected 12h after birth. The IgG measurement was performed using radial immunodiffusion. The results underwent a variance analysis. Higher concentrations of IgG were observed in the colostrum of mares that were supplemented with ß-glucans (74.14±15.25 g/L) when compared to the control group (53.80g±10.95g/L). Serum IgG concentrations of foals born to mares supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (11.57±5.05 g/L) showed a significant difference, with a higher concentration of IgG in the serum compared to the control group. Therefore, this study provides evidence that manipulation of the mares' diets in late gestation to add ß-glucan increased the IgG concentration in their colostrum. The addition of S. cerevisiae appears to improve the concentration of IgG in their foals within 12h after birth.

Preparative separation of immunoglobulins from bovine colostrum by continuous divergent-flow electrophoresis.

Immunoglobulins in bovine colostrum were separated and fractionated from other proteins using the method and instrumentation developed in our laboratory. The proposed separation was based on bidirectional isotachophoresis/moving boundary electrophoresis with electrofocusing of the analytes in a pH gradient from 3.9 to 10.1. The preparative instrumentation included the trapezoidal non-woven fabric that served as separation space with divergent continuous flow. The defatted and casein precipitate-free colostrum supernatant was loaded directly into the instrument without any additional colostrum pre-preparation. Immunoglobulin G was fractionated from other immune proteins such as bovine serum albumin, ß-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin, and was continuously collected in separated fractions over 3 h. The fractions were further processed, and isolated immunoglobulin G in the liquid fractions was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by re-focusing in gel isoelectric focusing. Separated immunoglobulin G was detected in seven fractions by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a gradually decreased concentration in the fractions. Re-focusing of the proteins in the fractions by gel isoelectric focusing revealed multiple separated zones of immunoglobulin G with the isoelectric point values covering the range from 5.4 to 7.2. Each fraction contained distinct zones with gradually increased isoelectric point values and decreased concentrations from fraction to fraction.

Silver-Silica nanoparticles induced dose-dependent modulation of histopathological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, proinflammatory, and immune status of broiler chickens.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a powerful disinfectant, but little information is available on their potential use as a growth promoter and the safety margin of this. In this study, 480 1-day-old Cobb chicks were assigned to one control and three treated groups. The treated groups were supplemented with silver-doped silica nanoparticles (SiO2@AgNPs) at three dietary levels (8, 16, and 20 mg/kg diet) for 35 days. The results revealed no significant changes in the growth performance and oxidative parameters, and in most of the hematological and biochemical parameters among the control and treated groups. In contrast, dose-dependent adverse effects were exerted on the histopathological structure and immunohistochemical expression of CD45 in liver, kidneys, and lymphoid organs (spleen, bursa, and thymus). In addition, the relative weight of lymphoid organs and the serum levels of immunoglobulins M and G were significantly diminished. Moreover, the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-ß1 and TNF-α) and the ultrastructural morphology in breast muscle showed significant dose-dependent alterations. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of SiO2@AgNPs at a level of 8 mg/kg diet or more has dose-dependent proinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on broiler chickens.

Modulation of immunological responses by aqueous extract of Datura stramonium L. seeds on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) is used traditionally in west Africa to treat asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, filariasis microbial infections and conjunctivitis. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous seed extract of D. stramonium L. (ASEDS) on Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats (180-200 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5). Group 1 received distilled water only. Rats in groups 2-6 were pretreated with 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) Cyclophosphamide orally for 27-days to induce immunosuppression. Thereafter, they received treatment orally for 28 days as follows: Group 2 (distilled water), group 3 (5 mg/kg b.w. Levamisole), groups 4-6 (60, 90 and 120 mg/kg b.w. ASEDS, respectively). HPLC was used to determine major compounds in ASEDS. The effects of ASEDS on immune cells, immunoglobulins A, G and M levels, lipoproteins, and antioxidant status of rats were evaluated. RESULTS: ASEDS indicated high content of Acutumine, Quinine, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Vanillic acid, Luteolin, Formosanin C, Saponin, Cyanidin, Tannic acid, 3-Carene, Limonene and α-terpineol. Cyclophosphamide triggered significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total leucocyte count and differentials, IgA, IgG, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins A, C and E levels of untreated rats. Administration of ASEDS led to significant (p < 0.05) improvement in immune cell counts, immunoglobulin synthesis, high-density lipoprotein concentration, and antioxidant status of rats in the treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from the study showed the immunomodulatory activity of ASEDS, thereby indicating its potential in immunostimulatory drug discovery.

Edible algae (Ecklonia cava) bioprocessed with mycelia of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms in liquid culture and its isolated fractions protect mice against allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Ecklonia cava is an edible marine brown alga harvested from the ocean that is widely consumed in Asian countries as a health-promoting medicinal food The objective of the present study is to evaluate the anti-asthma mechanism of a new functional food produced by bioprocessing edible algae Ecklonia cava and shiitake Lentinula edodes mushroom mycelia and isolated fractions. METHODS: We used as series of methods, including high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, cell assays, and an in vivo mouse assay to evaluate the asthma-inhibitory effect of Ecklonia cava bioprocessed (fermented) with Lentinula edodes shiitake mushroom mycelium and its isolated fractions in mast cells and in orally fed mice. RESULTS: The treatments inhibited the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and immunoglobulin E (IgE) production, suggesting anti-asthma effects in vitro. The in vitro anti-asthma effects in cells were confirmed in mice following the induction of asthma by alumina and chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA). Oral administration of the bioprocessed Ecklonia cava and purified fractions suppressed the induction of asthma and was accompanied by the inhibition of inflammation- and immune-related substances, including eotaxin; thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP); OVA-specific IgE; leukotriene C4 (LTC4); prostaglandin D2 (PGD2); and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and other fluids and organs. Th2 cytokines were reduced and Th1 cytokines were restored in serum, suggesting the asthma-induced inhibitory effect is regulated by the balance of the Th1/Th2 immune response. Serum levels of IL-10, a regulatory T cell (Treg) cytokine, were increased, further favoring reduced inflammation. Histology of lung tissues revealed that the treatment also reversed the thickening of the airway wall and the contraction and infiltration of bronchial and blood vessels and perialveolar inflammatory cells. The bioprocessed Ecklonia cava/mushroom mycelia new functional food showed the highest inhibition as compared with commercial algae and the fractions isolated from the bioprocessed product. CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro cell and in vivo mouse assays demonstrate the potential value of the new bioprocessed formulation as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic combination of natural compounds against allergic asthma and might also ameliorate allergic manifestations of foods, drugs, and viral infections.

Pre-Partum Supplementation with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Colostrum Characteristics and Lamb Immunity and Behavior after a Mild Post-Weaning Aversive Handling Period.

We studied the effect of pre-natal supplementation with n-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) combined with a tannin-rich forage on colostrum composition and immunological quality and whether these changes had advantageous effects on lambs' survival and stress reaction to a post-weaning stressor. Forty-eight Latxa ewes were fed during the last five weeks of pregnancy with two experimental diets: a control diet based on a neutral concentrate and forage (tall fescue hay; CO-FES), and a supplemented diet based on polyunsaturated (PUFA)-rich concentrate and tanniferous forage (sainfoin; ALA-SAIN). After parturition, twenty ewes had their blood and colostrum sampled, and their lambs were monitored until post-weaning. Lambs were afterwards subjected to (i) an aversive handling period (AHP) followed by a behavioral assessment and (ii) inflammatory and lymphocyte proliferation challenge. Feeding ALA-SAIN resulted in changes in colostrum fatty acid composition, specifically higher α-linoleic acid (p < 0.001), conjugate linoleic acid (p = 0.005), vaccenic acid (p = 0.006) and long-chain n-3 PUFA (p = 0.004). Pre-partum nutrition did not affect lamb immunoglobulin (Ig) G apparent efficacy absorption, but circulating IgG tended to be higher (p = 0.054) in ALA-SAIN lambs. ALA-SAIN lambs interacted more frequently with other lambs (p = 0.002), whereas ALA-SAIN females spent more time closer to other lambs (p < 0.001). Plasma cortisol was higher (p = 0.047) and plasma interleukin (IL)-2 lower (p = 0.003) in CO-FES lambs. This research highlights the importance of prenatal nutrition on the immune system stimulation and lambs' behavior as a strategy to improve lambs' health and welfare during early life.

Immunomodulatory potential of Nyctanthes abrortristis stem bark.

BACKGROUND: Phytotherapeutic modulation of the immune system to mitigate infectious ailments has been in vogue all over the world. OBJECTIVE: The present work has been designed to scientifically explore the immunomodulatory potential of Nyctanthes arbortristis stem bark using mice models. MATERIALS & METHOD: Methanolic (MNA) and aqueous (ANA) extracts of N. arbortristis stem bark were evaluated for possible modulation in humoral immunity through serum immunoglobulin estimation. The variation in cellular immunity was assessed using neutrophil adhesion test, carbon clearance assay, and cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Administration of MNA and ANA (both at 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly augmented the levels of serum immunoglobulins (humoral antibody), neutrophil adhesion, and phagocytic index (a measure of carbon clearance). Extracts also guarded the animals against cyclophosphamide-induced leukopenia, especially neutropenia. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that cellular and humoral immune responses were aroused by pretreatment of the animal with methanol and aqueous extract of N. arbortristis. Thus, the methanol and aqueous extract of N. arbortristis stem bark possesses a significant immunostimulant activity and can be used to uplift the immune system in the infectious condition.

Association of hepatitis B vaccine response to vitamin D supplementation and ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure during different time intervals in experimental animals.

The implications of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system have become clearer in recent years, being associated with less immune response following HBV vaccine. We aimed to elucidate the effect of vitamin D supplementation and UVB exposure on short- and long-term performance of hepatitis B vaccine. Forty-five male rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups that were immunized with recombinant HBsAg. The first group (group I) represented a negative control group, whereas group III rabbits were administered with commercially available 1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D as an alternative for UVB exposure in group II. Results showed that vitamin D concentrations were significantly higher in UVB exposed group compared to both negative control and vitamin D-supplemented groups during short- and long-time intervals. In addition, means of anti-HBsAg isotypes' levels and anti-HBsAg IgG avidity% were significantly higher in negative control group compared to other groups during short- and long-time intervals. Moreover, vitamin D serum concentration was positively correlated with anti-HBsAg IgG level and avidity % in both negative control and vitamin D-supplemented groups, while it was negatively correlated with anti-HBsAg IgM level in negative control group. It can be concluded from the above results that UVB radiation may have both augmenting and suppressive effects and that circulating serum vitamin D concentration may have a positive association with premium immune modulation following HBV vaccination.