Early immune response in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) after immunization with oral vaccine.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been used in the field of biomedicine as antigen carriers and adjuvants for protective antigens. In the present study, an oral nanovaccine against Vibrio alginolyticus was prepared employing MSNs as carriers. The uptake of the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) antigens in the intestine of large yellow croaker was evaluated using an immunohistochemistry assay. Additionally, the effects of the nanovaccine on the early immune response in large yellow croaker were investigated via oral vaccination. The presence of the antigens was detected in the mucosa and lamina propria of the foregut, midgut, and hindgut of large yellow croaker at 3 h following oral immunization. The expression levels of cytokines (i.e., lysozyme, IFN-γ, IFITM, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) in the intestine, spleen, and head kidney tissues of large yellow croaker before and after the immune challenge were determined via RT-qPCR assay. The obtained results revealed that the expression levels of lysozyme, IFN-γ, IFITM, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 in the intestine and head kidney of the vaccinated large yellow croaker, as well as the expression of lysozyme, IL-1ß, and IL-10 in the spleen, exhibited time-dependent oscillation regulation patterns. Notably, the nanovaccine immunization could induce early (6 h) and high expression of IFN-γ in the spleen and kidney tissues after the bacterial infection. The current study supplements the available data on the early immune response to fish nanovaccines. It also provides a valuable theoretical basis for the future development of large yellow croaker oral vaccines.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities of Stimunex® and Stimunex D3® in human monocytes/macrophages stimulated with LPS or IL-4/IL-13.

Macrophages exert an important role in maintaining and/or ameliorating the inflammatory response. They are involved in the activation of an immune response to pathogens, with a balance between the immunomodulatory role and tissue integrity maintenance, however, excessive macrophage activity promotes tissue injury and chronic disease pathogenesis. There is a high interest in evaluating the anti-inflammatory properties of new botanical preparations. Stimunex® and Stimunex D3® are two food supplements formulated as syrups, containing the extract of elderflower (Sambucus nigra, Caprifoliaceae), standardized in polyphenol (6%) and anthocyanins (4%), associated with wellmune WGP® ß-glucan, with the addiction of vitamin D3 (in Stimunex D3® formulation). The aim of the work was the evaluation of Stimunex® and Stimunex D3® activity in human polarized-macrophages, in order to support their use as supplement for preventing and reducing the inflammatory processes. In primary human stimulated macrophages, both syrups were able to revert LPS- and IL-4/IL-13-mediated response, reducing the release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results support that these standardized botanical preparations fortified with ß-glucan, may have a potential use in the prevention and coadjuvant management of inflammatory process as respiratory recurrent infections and other similar conditions. Moreover, the addition of vitamin D3 revealed to be an advantage in Stimunex D3® for its important role in maintaining and enhancing the innate immune response.

A polysaccharide extracted from alfalfa activates splenic B cells by TLR4 and acts primarily via the MAPK/p38 pathway.

Alfalfa polysaccharide (APS) has been proposed to exhibit growth-promoting and immune-enhancing bodily functions in vivo. However, little is known about its downstream immunomodulatory and intrinsic molecular mechanisms. Herein, mouse splenic lymphocytes were isolated to characterize the immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of APS in vitro. The results demonstrated that APS selectively improved the cell viability and IgM production of B cells, but no effects on T cell viability or secretion of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ were observed in vitro. The receptor blocking assay showed that TLR4 was the primary receptor involved in APS-mediated B cell activation, which was confirmed by the results obtained using C57BL/10ScNJ (TLR4 gene-deficient) mice. Moreover, APS activated the TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway at the translational level by significantly increasing the protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88. Downstream pathway blocking assay demonstrated that both the MAPK and NF-κB pathways were involved in APS-induced B cell activation. Additionally, APS significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK and activated the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit. Therefore, we concluded that APS specifically activates the immune functions of splenic B cells by TLR4, acting through the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, and potently activates the p38 pathway.

Immunoactive polysaccharides produced by heterotrophic mutant of green microalga Parachlorella kessleri HY1 (Chlorellaceae).

Hot water extract from biomass of heterotrophic mutant green alga Parachlorella kessleri HY1 (Chlorellaceae) was deproteinised, and three polysaccharidic fractions were obtained by preparative chromatography. The low-molecular fraction (1.5 × 104g mol-1) was defined mainly as branched O-2-ß-xylo-(1→3)-ß-galactofuranan where xylose is partially methylated at O-4. Two high-molecular fractions (3.05 × 105 and 9.84 × 104g mol-1) were complex polysaccharides containing α-l-rhamnan and xylogalactofuranan parts in different ratios. The polysaccharides were well soluble in hot water and, upon cooling, tended to self-segregate. Immunomodulatory activities of the obtained fractions were preliminary tested using ELISA, FACS and ImmunoSpot kits. The polysaccharides increased the TNF-α production in melanoma bearing mice with much higher intensity than in healthy mice. This was in agreement with the FACS results on T and B cells indicating their possibly secondary activation by innate immunity cells.

"Wang-Bi tablet, a patented Chinese medicine, maintains the balance of Th1/Th2 in mice with collagen-induced arthritis".

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Wang-Bi tablets (WBTs), a Chinese patented medicine, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS: A mouse model of CIA was induced using bovine type Ⅱ collagen. WBT treatment was administered and efficacy was evaluated. The levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the proportions of Th1 and Th2 were detected using flow cytometry. T-bet and GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) expression were demonstrated using Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Paw swelling and the arthritis index decreased significantly following WBT treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed markedly alleviated damage to synovium tissue in the WBT and methotrexate treatment groups. WBT regulated the production of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 and modulated Th1 and Th2 cell populations, which might have been induced by the attenuation of Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation through a decrease in the expression of T-bet and an increase in the expression of GATA3 in the synovial tissue in CIA mice. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that WBT may produce a therapeutic effect on CIA through maintaining the balance of Th1/Th2 cells, which could result in a decrease in the autoinflammatory disorder observed in RA.

Evaluation of the efficacy of isopathic immunotherapy in the treatment of allergic asthma in BALB/C mice.

Introduction: Homeopathy is a therapeutic method based on the fundamental principle of "like cures like." Homeopathic remedies are extremely dilute but involve vigorous shaking at each dilution. Isopathy is one approach of homeopathy, in which the causative agents or products of a disease are used to treat the same disease. Allergen immunotherapy is the only potential disease-modifying treatment for allergic patients. Subcutaneous immunotherapy is more effective than sublingual immunotherapy. However, subcutaneous immunotherapy is ineffective at a low dose, whereas at high doses it can result in an unacceptably high frequency of systemic reactions. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of isopathic immunotherapy with highly diluted ovalbumin (HD OVA) in the treatment of OVA-induced allergic asthma in BALB/c mice.Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA and alum. Two weeks later, the mice received HD OVA on days 21, 22, 32 and 41 (8 h after the last challenge) of the treatment. The mice were challenged with OVA (5%) aerosols on days 35, 38 and 41 for 20 minutes using an ultrasonic nebulizer and sacrificed the next day.Results: Isopathic immunotherapy significantly reduced lung tissue inflammation, the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar fluid, allergen-specific IgE and interleukin-4 production. It also insignificantly increased the production of transforming growth factor-beta and proliferation of regulatory T cells against the allergen.Conclusion: Isopathic immunotherapy may be a good candidate treatment for allergic asthma.

Cynanchum atratum Ameliorates Airway Inflammation via Maintaining Alveolar Barrier and Regulating Mast Cell-Mediated Inflammatory Responses.

Asthma is a common allergic airway inflammatory disease, characterized by abnormal breathing due to bronchial inflammation. Asthma aggravates the patient's quality of life and needs continuous pharmacological treatment. Therefore, discovery of drugs for the treatment of asthma is an important area of human health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether Cynanchum atratum extract (CAE) modulates the asthma-like allergic airway inflammation and to study its possible mechanism of action using ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice, as well as a mast cell-based in vitro model. The histological analysis showed that CAE reduced the airway constriction and immune cell infiltration. CAE also inhibited release of ß-hexosaminidase and expression of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues. In addition, CAE reduced the OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, total IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels in the serum. In the LPS-induced ALI model, CAE suppressed the LPS-induced lung barrier dysfunction and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Because allergic airway inflammatory responses are associated with the activation of mast cells, RBL-2H3 cells were used to evaluate the underlying mechanism of CAE effects. In RBL-2H3 cells, CAE down-regulated release of ß-hexosaminidase and histamine by reducing the intracellular calcium influx. In addition, CAE suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by inhibiting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB. Taken together, our findings suggest that CAE may help in the prevention or treatment of airway inflammatory diseases.

Silkworm dropping extract regulates food allergy symptoms via inhibition of Th2-related responses in an ovalbumin-induced food allergy model.

BACKGROUND: Silkworm droppings have long been used in traditional medicine to remedy allergic itching, palsy, blood circulation problems, and arthritis in Asian countries. To investigate the anti-allergic effect of silkworm dropping extract (SDE) and its mechanism, we used a mouse model of food allergy induced by ovalbumin (OVA). RESULTS: SDE ameliorated the symptoms of OVA-induced food allergies, and the levels of T helper 2 (Th2)-related cytokines [such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13] were found to be significantly decreased in both the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes by SDE. Furthermore, SDE treatment directly inhibited OVA permeation, IL-4 production, and degranulation of mast cells; in contrast, immunoglobulin E (IgE) production from B cells was not affected. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SDE has potential anti-allergic activities, and SDE may be useful in the treatment/prevention of allergic disorders such as food allergies, serving as therapeutic agents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Shashen-Maidong Decoction-Mediated IFN-γ and IL-4 on the Regulation of Th1/Th2 Imbalance in RP Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Studying correlative changes of Th1/Th2 (Th, Helper T cells) related factor Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the progression of radiation pneumonia (RP) rats and the efficacy of Shashen-Maidong decoction on these indexes to explore the immune mechanism of the decoction on the prevention and treatment of RP. METHODS: Male 60 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups. In addition to the normal control group taking saline, the other rats were set up RP model treated with Shashen-Maidong decoction or dexamethasone (DXM), respectively. The IFN-γ and IL-4 concentrations in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats were tested in the 2nd and 4th week after radiation, and the relative ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 was calculated. RESULTS: (1) There was significant difference of serum IL-4 concentrations in group B (p<0.01) and extreme difference in groups C and D (p<0.001) compared with group A in 4th week. Compared with group D, IL-4 concentrations in group B increased significantly in both 2nd and 4th week (p<0.01). Group B had significantly decreased IFN-γ concentrations in BALF (p<0.001) compared with group D in the 4th week. And IFN-γ concentrations in BALF in group B were increased compared with group C in the 4th week (p<0.05). (2) There was no difference of the relative ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 at each time in groups B and A for both serum and BALF, while the ratios in groups C and D in 4th week in BALF were increased (p<0.05) compared to group A. CONCLUSION: Shashen-Maidong decoction can improve the immune function of RP rats by increasing IFN-γ concentration and decreasing IL-4 concentration, possibly by increasing the relative ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 to regulate the immune imbalance of Th1/Th2.

Epicatechin and scopoletin-rich Morinda citrifolia leaf ameliorated leukemia via anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, and apoptosis pathways in vitro and in vivo.

The anti-leukemia mechanisms of Morinda citrifolia L. leaf extract were investigated on human Jurkat leukemia cells and in leukemia-induced BALB/c mice. The leukemia-induced mice were fed daily with the extract (100 or 200 mg/kg BW) and compared to ATRA (All-trans-retinoic-acid; 5 mg/kg BW). After 4 weeks' treatment, the extract (standardized to epicatechin and scopoletin), arrested Jurkat cell-cycle at the G0/G1 phase and activated the caspase-3 and caspase-8 (death-receptor extrinsic pathways). The extract dose-dependently reduced the blood and bone marrow myeloblasts levels of leukemia-induced mice; upregulated cancer suppressor genes CSF3, SOCS1, PTEN and TRP53; increased anti-inflammatory IL10 and IL4; downregulated anti-apoptotic or proliferation genes; decreased the pro-inflammatory NF-κß; suppressed pro-angiogenesis VEGFA mRNA expressions, and restored the homeostatic immune or leukocytes levels. The extract directly ameliorated leukemia via cancer cells apoptosis, suppressed inflammation and angiogenesis; and mitigated bone marrow myeloblasts imbalance, without any observable toxicity on the animals. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The scopoletin (coumarin) and epicatechin (flavonoid)-rich Morinda citrifolia (Noni) leaves may be used as functional food ingredient, vegetables, or dietary supplements to treat and suppress leukemia progression by directly killing the cancer cells and preventing new cancer cells development and bone marrow myeloblast imbalance in the bone marrow, without being toxic to normal cells. The M. citrifolia leaf extract suppressed inflammation, and potential metastasis by inhibiting new cancer-related blood vessel formation.

Antagonistic effect of vitamin E on nAl2O3-induced exacerbation of Th2 and Th17-mediated allergic asthma via oxidative stress.

Some basic research has shown that nanomaterials can aggravate allergic asthma. However, its potential mechanism is insufficient. Based on the research that alumina nanopowder (nAl2O3) has been reported to cause lung tissue damage, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nAl2O3 and allergic asthma as well as its molecular mechanism. In this study, Balb/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) to construct the allergic asthma model while intratracheally administered 0.5, 5 or 50 mg kg-1·day-1 nAl2O3 for 3 weeks. It was observed that exposure to nAl2O3 exacerbated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway remodeling, and inflammation cell infiltration, leading to lung function damage in mice. Results revealed that nAl2O3 could increase ROS levels and decrease GSH levels in lung tissue, promote the increases of the T-IgE, TGF-ß, IL-1ß and IL-6 levels, stimulate the overexpression of transcription factors GATA-3 and RORγt, decrease the levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 and increase the levels of IL-4 and IL-17A, resulting in the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 immune responses. In addition, antioxidant Vitamin E (Vit E) could alleviate asthma-like symptoms through blocking oxidative stress. The study displayed that exposure of nAl2O3 deteriorated allergic asthma through promoting the imbalances of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17.

Artesunate prevents type 1 diabetes in NOD mice mainly by inducing protective IL-4-producing T cells and regulatory T cells.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing ß cells. Recent studies showed that in addition to malaria, artemisinin and its derivative, artesunate (AS), could alleviate several autoimmune diseases. However, whether AS has a role in the prevention or treatment of T1D is still unknown. Therefore, in this study we administrated AS or DMSO in the drinking water of nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, a mouse model of T1D. We found that AS administration significantly prevented the incidence of T1D. The frequency of IL-4-producing CD4+ single-positive T cells and CD8+ T cells was significantly elevated, and IFN-γ-producing T cells were reduced in the spleen and pancreatic lymph nodes. In the pancreas, the skewing to IL-4-producing T cells was also observed. In addition, more regulatory T cells were found in the pancreas. mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, were decreased. In addition, AS administration promoted the functional maturity of ß cells in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that AS administration can prevent T1D in NOD mice mainly by reducing autoimmune T cells and increasing protective T cells. Our data constitute the first functional study of AS in T1D, which may provide a new rationale for future translational studies.-Li, Z., Shi, X., Liu, J., Shao, F., Huang, G., Zhou, Z., Zheng, P. Artesunate prevents type 1 diabetes in NOD mice mainly by inducing protective IL-4-producing T cells and regulatory T cells.

6,7-Dehydroroyleanone diterpene derived from Tetradenia riparia essential oil modulates IL-4/IL-12 release by macrophages that are infected with Leishmania amazonensis.

The treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in associated with several adverse effects and therapeutic failure, resulting in patients' abandonment of treatment. Research on new drugs with leishmanicidal potential from medicinal plants is essential. The anti-Leishmania activity of Tetradenia riparia essential oil (TrEO) and its derivatives, such as the diterpene 6,7-dehydroroyleanone (TrROY), and the immunomodulatory effects of TrEO have been reported. However, few studies have investigated the effects of TrROY. The present study evaluated the modulation of cytokine production by murine macrophages that were infected with Leishmania amazonensis (6 parasites/macrophage) and treated with TrROY (0.1, 1, and 100 µg/ml). Cytokine levels were measured by flow cytometry. The results were analyzed using Student's t test at a 95% confidence interval. Microscopic counting was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of TrROY on intracellular infection. TrROY modulated the production of cytokines that are essential for the immune defense response to Leishmania, with a decrease in interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels and an increase in IL-12 levels. A TrROY concentration of 0.1 µg/ml was chosen for the subsequent experiments. This dose was chosen because it modulated IL-4/IL-12 release by murine macrophages that were infected with Leishmania and because it presented no cytotoxic effects. TrROY (0.1 µg/ml) induced a 31% reduction of the rate of infection in murine macrophages compared with untreated cells. TrROY may be a promising leishmanicidal agent. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be conducted to evaluate the anti-Leishmania and immunomodulatory activity of TrROY.

Attenuating Effects of Nortrachelogenin on IL-4 and IL-13 Induced Alternative Macrophage Activation and on Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis.

Excessive alternative macrophage activation contributes to fibrosis. We studied the effects of nortrachelogenin, the major lignan component of Pinus sylvestris knot extract, on alternative (M2) macrophage activation. J774 murine and THP-1 human macrophages were cultured with IL-4+IL-13 to induce alternative activation, together with the extract and its components. Effects of nortrachelogenin were also studied in bleomycin-induced murine dermal fibrosis model. Knot extract significantly decreased the expression of alternative activation markers-arginase 1 in murine macrophages (97.4 ± 1.3% inhibition at 30 µg/mL) and CCL13 and PDGF in human macrophages-as did nortrachelogenin (94.9 ± 2.4% inhibition of arginase 1 at 10 µM). Nortrachelogenin also decreased PPARγ expression but had no effect on STAT6 phosphorylation. In vivo, nortrachelogenin reduced bleomycin-induced increase in skin thickness as well as the expression of collagens COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1 (all by >50%). In conclusion, nortrachelogenin suppressed IL-4+IL-13-induced alternative macrophage activation and ameliorated bleomycin-induced fibrosis, indicating therapeutic potential in fibrosing conditions.

Effects of Supplementary Seleno-L-methionine on Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in Mice.

Effects of selenium supplementation on atopic dermatitis (AD) were investigated by administering seleno-L-methionine (SeMet) using a mouse model of AD caused by repeated application of 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB). BALB/c mice were sensitized with TNCB to the abdomen on day -7; then, TNCB was applied repeatedly to each ear three times a week from days 0 to 23. SeMet was orally administered to the mice from days 0 to 23. The efficacy of SeMet on AD was assessed by measuring ear thickness, histologic evaluation, serum total immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, and expression of interleukin (IL)-4 in the ear and superficial parotid lymph node. Ear thickness was remarkably increased by repeated application of TNCB, and SeMet significantly suppressed ear thickness in BALB/c mice. SeMet inhibited epidermal hyperplasia and dense infiltration of inflammatory cells. The number of TNCB-induced mast cells was significantly decreased by SeMet. Serum total IgE levels that increased by the repeated application of TNCB were significantly suppressed by SeMet. Repeated application of TNCB induced expression of IL-4, a T-helper (Th) 2 cytokine, in the ear and superficial parotid lymph node of BALB/c mice and its expression was significantly inhibited by SeMet. These results demonstrated that SeMet supplementation suppresses AD-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice and inhibits the expression of total IgE and IL-4.

The protective role of Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in mice: Impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, motor deficits and anxiety-like behavior.

The gastroprotective effect of Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil) hexane extract (OBHE) in aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in mice and its ameliorative effect on behavioral alterations were determined. Pretreatment with OBHE (100 or 200 mg kg-1) or misoprostol (50 µg kg-1) alleviated the aspirin-induced oxidative stress by significantly decreasing (p < 0.001) gastric ulcer index scores (57, 76 and 79%), gastric TBARS (by 49, 51 and 52%), NO (21, 28 and 29%), H2O2 (24, 42 and 45%), and the serum pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α (21, 53 and 53%) and IL-6 (29, 30 and 31%), as well as by markedly increasing gastric GSH (41, 61 and 70%), GSH-Px (21, 32 and 34%), GST (33, 63 and 70%), GR (90, 99 and 112%), CAT (167, 211 and 267%) and serum PGE-2 levels (22, 135 and 200%) and IL-4 (64, 81 and 104%), respectively, compared with the aspirin-treated group. Meanwhile, OBHE and misoprostol induced a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the freezing time (53, 56 and 64%), and the grooming time (by 25, 43 and 44%), respectively, compared to the aspirin treated group. This study provides evidence that OBHE confers anxiolytic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prophylactic effects on aspirin-induced gastric ulcers. GC/MS was used for the characterization of OBHE components. Based on the findings of this study, basil may be used as a nutritional supplement or therapeutic drug to protect against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers, a common problem resulting from the use of aspirin.

Development and evaluation of in murine model, of an improved live-vaccine candidate against brucellosis from to Brucella melitensis vjbR deletion mutant.

Brucellosis is an infectious disease that brings enormous economic burdens for developing countries. The Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) M5-90 vaccine strain (M5-90) has been used on a large scale in China, but may cause abortions if given to pregnant goats or sheep subcutaneously during the late stages of gestation. Moreover, the vaccine M5-90 cannot differentiate natural from vaccinated infection. Therefore, a safer and more potent M5-90 vaccine is required. In this study, a vjbR mutant of M5-90 (M5-90ΔvjbR) was constructed and overcame these drawbacks. M5-90ΔvjbR strain showed reduced survival capability in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and BALB/c mice and induced high protective immunity in mice. In addition, M5-90ΔvjbR induced an anti-Brucella-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response and stimulated the expression of gamma interferon (INF-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in vaccinated mice. Furthermore, M5-90ΔvjbR induced IgG response and stimulated the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in immunized sheep. Moreover, the VjbR antigen allowed serological differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. These results suggest that M5-90ΔvjbR is an ideal live attenuated and efficacious live vaccine candidate against B. melitensis 16 M infection.

Metabolome and gut microbiota variation with long-term intake of Panax ginseng extracts on rats.

Ginseng, a widely used functional food and food additive, has been proven to have promotion effects of health on the body. However, whether the long-term intake of Ginseng is beneficial or has side effects on an organism is still unclear. In this study, untargeted GC-TOFMS metabolomic analysis of serum, cecum and ileum intestinal contents was conducted to understand the effect of the long-term intake of Ginseng extracts. 16S rRNA microbial sequencing technology was applied to investigate the effect of Ginseng extracts on the structure of gut microbiota. Cytokines in spleen were detected to determine the effect of Ginseng extracts on the immune system. Compared to control groups, the metabolites in serum, cecum and ileum, such as amino acids, amines and other metabolites related to carbohydrate metabolism, significantly varied between the C and GS groups. Ginseng extracts affected the structure of gut microbiota with a decreased abundance of TM7, while the abundance of Proteobacteria, Methylobacteriaceae, Parasutterella, Sutterella increased in the GS group. The increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus demonstrated that Ginseng extracts contribute to probiotic amplification. Highly correlated with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, interleukin 4 (IL4), IL10 and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were significantly elevated after the long-term intake of Ginseng extracts. These results indicated that the long-term administration of Ginseng extracts positively affected the host-gut metabolism, immune system, the anti-inflammation process and the gut intestinal microbiota structure.

The roles of the TLR/NF­κB signaling pathway in the mutual interactions between the lung and the large intestine.

The 'exterior-interior relationship between the lung and the large intestine' is a classical basic theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of the toll like receptor/nuclear factor­κB (TLR/NF­κB) signaling pathway in the mutual interactions between the lung and the large intestine. A rat model of allergic asthma complicated with intestinal flora disorder was established by oral administration of Candida albicans and intraperitoneal injection with ovalbumin. The number of inflammatory cells and expression levels immunoglobulin (Ig)E, secretory IgA, interleukin (IL)­4 and interferon­Î³ in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were subsequently measured. Bacterial colonies and expression of 16S ribosomal DNA were studied in feces samples and pathological alterations of lung tissues were identified. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes associated with the TLR/NF­κB signaling pathway in the lung and intestinal tissues were determined by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results of the present study indicated that, in the rat model of allergic asthma complicated with intestinal flora disorder, the expression levels of IL­4 and IgE, and the numbers of inflammatory cells and C. albicans increased, and marked inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in lung tissues, suggesting that the animal model was successfully established. Furthermore, the present results revealed the mRNA expression levels of genes associated with the TLR/NF­κB signaling (including myeloid differentiation primary response 88, TNF receptor associated factor 6 and ß­arrestin) were upregulated in both of the lung and intestinal tissues of the model group rats. Collectively, the results demonstrated that the TLR/NF­κB signaling may serve roles in the mutual interactions between the lung and the large intestine, and TLR and NF­κB may be potential targets for the treatment of lung diseases complicated with intestinal disorders.

An in vitro test system for compounds that modulate human inflammatory macrophage polarization.

Macrophages undergo activation by pathophysiological stimuli to pro-inflammatory and bactericidal, or wound-healing and anti-inflammatory phenotypes, termed M1 or M2, respectively. Dysregulation of the M1-M2 balance is often associated with inflammatory diseases. Therefore, mechanisms of macrophage polarization may reveal new drug targets. We profiled six compounds with claimed modulatory effects on macrophage polarization using peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages. Based on the distinct mRNA or protein expression in macrophages stimulated either with M1 [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + interferon-γ, IFNγ] or M2 interleukin-4 (IL-4) stimuli, we selected a combination of M1 (IL1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α,TNFα, CC chemokine receptor 7, CCR7 and CD80) and M2 (chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 22, CCL22, CD200R and mannose receptor C type 1, MRC1) markers to monitor drug effects on "M1 polarization" or cells "pre-polarized to M1". Azithromycin (25-50 µM), tofacitinib (2.5-5 µM), hydroxychloroquine (40 µg/ml) and pioglitazone (15-60 µM) exhibit an anti-inflammatory profile because they downregulated M1 markers and upregulated some M2 markers when given both before and after M1 polarization. Lovastatin given before M1 polarization downregulated M1 marker genes but enhanced the M1 phenotype in macrophages pre-polarized with LPS and IFNγ. Methotrexate (1.25-5 µM) did not modulate macrophage polarization. We have, thus, established a test system suitable to identify novel compounds or repurposed drugs that modulate inflammatory macrophage plasticity. Compounds with potential to reduce expression of molecules involved in inflammatory T cell activation (IL-1ß, TNFα, CD80), while enhancing production of a major chemokine involved in recruitment of Tregs (CCL22) may be of interest for treating chronic inflammatory diseases.