Spinal cord haemangiosarcoma in one dog - Case report.

A 5-year-old intact female Shih Tzu was presented with acute onset of hind leg paralysis. The neurologic examination revealed severe T3-L3 myelopathy. The differential diagnoses included degenerative, anomalous, traumatic, inflammatory, vascular, metabolic, and neoplastic changes. The results of the paraclinical examinations and diagnostic imaging narrowed the list of differential diagnoses and, along with the patient's deteriorating condition, led to the owner's decision to euthanise the dog. The histologic findings of the spinal cord specimens indicated a tumour of the blood vessels formed by the proliferation of endothelial cells, which may present as either capillary or cavernous structures. In this case, the tumour was a capillary-type haemangiosarcoma. The primary site of proliferation could not be determined in this case because no mass formation was noted while performing the necropsy.

Modulatory Effect of Beneficial Enterococci and Their Enterocins on the Blood Phagocytes in Murine Experimental Trichinellosis.

Bacteriocins (enterocins) represent a new therapeutic strategy in various intestinal and non-intestinal infections. In antiparasitic defence, an oxidative inflammation of phagocytes is effective in destroying new-born Trichinella spiralis larvae. The strains Enterococcus faecium CCM8558 and E. durans ED26E/7 and their enterocins, enterocin M and a durancin-like enterocin, respectively, were administered daily, and mice were then infected with T. spiralis larvae on the seventh day of treatment. Phagotest and Bursttest kits were used to detect the phagocytosis and respiratory burst in blood leukocytes. T. spiralis infection inhibited phagocytosis from day 11 post-infection (dpi) during the migration of new-born larvae into the muscles. E. faecium CCM8558, E. durans ED26E/7, and the durancin-like enterocin increased phagocytic activity from day 11 dpi. Both strains and their enterocins (enterocin M and durancin-like) stimulated the ingestion capability of phagocytes from 18 to 32 dpi. Enterococci/enterocins therapy prevented a reduction in cells with respiratory burst caused by T. spiralis infection from 11 dpi. The enzymatic activity of phagocytes was stimulated on 18 and 25 dpi, particularly by E. faecium CCM8558 and enterocin M. Enterocin M and the durancin-like enterocin were as effective in stimulating phagocytosis as the bacterial strains that produce them. The stimulation of phagocytosis could contribute to decreased larval migration and reduced parasite burden in the host.

An Overview of the Use and Applications of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in Broiler Chickens.

The implementation of government regulations on antibiotic use, along with the public's concern for drug resistance, has strengthened interest in developing alternatives not only aimed at preserving animal production but also at reducing the effects of pathogenic infections. Probiotics, in particular, are considered microorganisms that induce health benefits in the host after consumption of adequate amounts; they have been established as a potential strategy for improving growth, especially by stimulating intestinal homeostasis. Probiotics are commonly associated with lactic acid bacteria, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum is a well-studied species recognized for its favorable characteristics, including adhesion to epithelial cells, production of antimicrobial compounds, and activation of receptors that prompt the transcription of immune-associated genes. Recently, this species has been used in animal production. Different studies have shown that the application of L. fermentum strains not only improves the intestinal ecosystem but also reduces the effects caused by potentially pathogenic microorganisms. These studies have also revealed key insights into the mechanisms behind the actions exerted by this probiotic. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a concise overview of the effects of L. fermentum administration on broiler chicken health and performance.

Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum Administration on Intestinal Morphometry and Antibody Serum Levels in Salmonella-Infantis-Challenged Chickens.

There are no studies reporting the effects of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) on intestinal architecture and immunoglobulin serum levels in chickens. Here, we measured these parameters and hypothesized whether probiotic administration could modulate the observed outcomes. Two-hundred 1-day-old COBB 500 male chicks were allocated into four groups: (I) the control, (II) the group treated with L. fermentum, (III) the group exposed to S. Infantis, and (IV) the group inoculated with both bacteria. At 11 days post infection, blood was gathered from animals which were then euthanized, and samples from the small intestine were collected. Intestinal conditions, as well as IgA and IgM serum levels, were assessed. S. Infantis reduced villus-height-to-crypt-depth (VH:CD) ratios in duodenal, jejunal, and ileal sections compared to control conditions, although no differences were found regarding the number of goblet cells, muc-2 expression, and immunoglobulin concentration. L. fermentum improved intestinal measurements compared to the control; this effect was also evidenced in birds infected with S. Infantis. IgM serum levels augmented in response to the probiotic in infected animals. Certainly, the application of L. fermentum elicited positive outcomes in S. Infantis-challenged chickens and thus must be considered for developing novel treatments designed to reduce unwanted infections.

Fowl adenovirus-induced different manifestations of the disease in two consecutive chicken breeding flocks in a poultry hall.

This study investigated an adenovirus infection in two consecutive breeding flocks in the same poultry hall. Thirty-six thousand one-day-old chickens of the ROSS 308 hybrid broiler type were kept together in one hall. The chickens in the first breeding flock during fattening did not show any clinical signs of the disease or increased mortality. Typical clinical signs of the adenovirus infection were seen in the second breeding flock. The signs included: depression, apathy, somnolence, a crouched position with a droopy head, fuzzy feathers, anaemic combs and wattles, sporadic nervous signs, and reduced weight gain. Increased mortality was recorded from 18 to 25 days of age, the higher mortality rate resulted from dehydration and exhaustion. The surviving chickens showed growth slightly below average by the end of the fattening period. The necropsies of the chickens in the first flock showed characteristic lesions for inclusion body hepatitis (IBH). Adenoviral gizzard erosions (AGE) were found mainly in the chickens of the second consecutive breeding flock. In both breeding flocks, FAdV-A was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the liver and gizzard samples. The presence of fowl adenovirus B was not confirmed in the evaluated samples. The results showed lesions in the first flock typical for IBH, whereas the pathological changes in the second flock were characteristic of AGE.

Effects of the Probiotic Enterococcus faecium on Muscle Characteristics of Chickens.

The use of antibiotics in farm animals is one of the main reasons for the development of resistant bacterial strains (e.g., zoonotic pathogens). Therefore, save alternatives are needed. Here, we examined how post-hatch application (day one to seven of life) of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium AL41 (EF) affects the development and tissue properties of the broiler pectoralis major muscle (PM). Expression of regulators, namely IGF-1, PAX7, and MYF5, was also investigated. At day 1 (n = 6), and days 5, 8, and 12 (n = 10), muscle samples were taken from control and EF supplemented chicks. From day 5 on, myonuclei number per fiber was elevated in EF chicks. Improved capillarization (from day 8), larger myofibers, increased body and PM weights (day 12) were found in the EF group. Part of our findings is explainable by higher intramuscular expression of IGF-1 and lower MYF5 expression in EF birds. In both groups IGF-1 expression decreases with age, thereby increasing the cellular myogenic potential. However, a strong increase in PAX7 expression and more PAX7-positive nuclei were found in EF chicks at day 12. We conclude that EF supplementation improves PM growth and health due to positive effects on bioavailability and fusion capacity of SATC progeny and better tissue perfusion.

A PMAxxTM qPCR Assay Reveals That Dietary Administration of the Microalgae Tetraselmis chuii Does Not Affect Salmonella Infantis Caecal Content in Early-Treated Broiler Chickens.

Salmonella enterica serovars cause infections in humans. S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Infantis is considered relevant and is commonly reported in poultry products. Evaluating innovative approaches for resisting colonization in animals could contribute to the goal of reducing potential human infections. Microalgae represent a source of molecules associated with performance and health improvement in chickens. Tetraselmis chuii synthesizes fermentable polysaccharides as part of their cell wall content; these sugars are known for influencing caecal bacterial diversity. We hypothesized if its dietary administration could exert a positive effect on caecal microbiota in favor of a reduced S. Infantis load. A total of 72 one-day-old broiler chickens (COBB 500) were randomly allocated into three groups: a control, a group infected with bacteria (day 4), and a group challenged with S. Infantis but fed a microalgae-based diet. Caecal samples (n = 8) were collected two days post-infection. A PMAxxTM-based qPCR approach was developed to assess differences regarding bacterial viable load between groups. The inclusion of the microalga did not modify S. Infantis content, although the assay proved to be efficient, sensitive, and repeatable. The utilized scheme could serve as a foundation for developing novel PCR-based methodologies for estimating Salmonella colonization.

The Effect of Enterococcus faecium AL41 on the Acute Phase Proteins and Selected Mucosal Immune Molecules in Broiler Chickens.

Probiotic bacteria, including the Enterococcus faecium strain, can improve intestinal mucosal health by several mechanisms, including modulation of the immune response, as well as by improving the protective function of the epithelial barrier. In this study, we tested the effect of Enterococcus faecium AL41 on the acute phase proteins response (blood), gene expression of selected molecules of mucosal immunity (immunoglobulin A, mucin-2, insulin-like growth factor 2) and mucus production (all parts of the small intestine) in broilers. Eighty broiler chicks were divided into two groups: a control and E. faecium AL41 (birds were inoculated with AL41 for 7 days) group. The whole experiment lasted 11 days. Our results revealed that the administration of E. faecium AL41 had no substantial effect on the concentrations of acute phase proteins, but we recorded a significant increase in ß- and γ-globulin fractions at the end of the experiment, which may indicate an improvement in the immune status. A significant prolonged stimulatory effect of E. faecium AL41 on the relative expression of molecules (immunoglobulin A, mucin-2) as well as on the dynamic of mucus production in the chicken intestine was observed. In addition, AL41 significantly reduced the total number of enterococci in the cecum and faeces.

Modulation of lymphocyte subpopulations in the small intestine of mice treated with probiotic bacterial strains and infected with Trichinella spiralis.

AIMS: To study the local intestinal lymphocyte immunity in mice with trichinellosis affected by probiotic bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Enterococcus faecium CCM8558, Enterococcus durans ED26E/7, Limosilactobacillus fermentum CCM7421 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 17 L/1 were administered daily (109  CFU ml-1 ) and mice were infected with Trichinella spiralis (400 larvae) on the 7th day of treatment. T. spiralis infection significantly inhibited lymphocyte subpopulations from 5 to 25 days postinfection (dpi). L. fermentum CCM7421 and L. plantarum 17 L/1 restored the CD4+ T cell numbers in the epithelium and lamina propria at the control level from 11 dpi. All strains stimulated the CD8+ T cells numbers in infected mice, which were restored in the lamina propria on 11 dpi and in the epithelium only on 32 dpi. B cells (CD19+ ) inhibition after T. spiralis infection was not affected by treatment till 25 dpi. CONCLUSIONS: The strain-specific immunomodulatory effect of tested bacteria was confirmed. L. fermentum CCM7421 and L. plantarum 17 L/1 showed the greatest immunomodulatory potential on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in trichinellosis. E. faecium CCM8558 and E. durans ED26E/7 activated only CD8+ T cells in the lamina propria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Positive modulation of the gut lymphocyte immunity in T. spiralis infection with bacterial strains showed their beneficial effect with the host's antiparasitic defence.

Influence of Immune Parameters after Enterococcus faecium AL41 Administration and Salmonella Infection in Chickens.

Immune response of day-old chicks infected with Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 and preventive administration of Enterococcus faecium AL41 were studied using hematology and flow cytometry of immunocompetent cells in blood, cecum, bursa and spleen for 11 days, and included 220 animals divided into four groups (n = 55). E. faecium AL41 was administered for 7 days to EF and EFSE groups and on day 4 SE and EFSE groups were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis. Values of monocytes at 4 dpi significantly increased in EFSE and lymphocytes at 7 dpi in EF groups. Blood CD3, CD4, CD8 and IgM lymphocytes improved in EF and EFSE groups and IgA in EF group at 4 dpi. Phagocytic activity of probiotic groups was improved in both samples. Cecal IEL and LPL lymphocytes showed at 7 dpi stimulation of CD3, CD4 and CD8 subpopulations in probiotic groups, especially in EFSE group, IgA IEL and IgA with IgM LPL in EF groups. Bursa Fabricii at 7 dpi presented overstimulation of IgG subpopulation in SE group, spleen CD3 and CD8 in EF and EFSE groups. E. faecium AL41 revealed the protective effect and positive influence on the local and systemic immune response in Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 infected chickens.

Production of Intestinal Mucins, sIgA, and Metallothionein after Administration of Zinc and Infection of Ascaridia galli in Chickens: Preliminary Data.

The effect of inorganic zinc and Ascaridia galli infection was studied on MUC1, MUC2 (mucin), sIgA (secretory immunoglobulin A), and metallothionein in the intestines of broilers. Thirty-five-day-old chickens (n = 24), COBB 500 breed, were included in a 14-day experiment. Chickens were divided into 4 groups of 6 chickens each: control ©, Ascaridia galli (AG), Zinc group (Zn), and combined group (AG + Zn). Samples from the intestine for determination of MUC1, MUC2, sIgA, and metallothionein were taken at 7 and 14 days during necropsy. Samples from the jejunum for determination of MUC1, MUC2, sIgA, and metallothionein were taken at 7 and 14 days during necropsy. The results demonstrated that 12 days' administration of inorganic zinc increased production of MUC1 (p < 0.0001) and MUC2 (p < 0.001) in the Ascaridia galli-infected group (Ag + Zn) in comparison to control (C). The beneficial effect of zinc was also revealed in the production of sIgA (p < 0.0001) in the combined group (AG + Zn) at 7 days. The concentration of metallothionein increased mainly in the zinc group (p < 0.01) of first sampling and was upregulated in Zn and AG + Zn groups. The obtained data indicate the use of inorganic zinc as a suitable immunomodulator of intestinal immunity in Ascaridia galli-infected chickens.

Administration of Dietary Microalgae Ameliorates Intestinal Parameters, Improves Body Weight, and Reduces Thawing Loss of Fillets in Broiler Chickens: A Pilot Study.

This pilot investigation aimed at studying the feasibility of using a low dose (0.2%) of dietary microalgae as a means of improving intestinal morphometry, body weight, and selected meat quality parameters in broilers. A total of 72 one-day-old ROSS 308 male chicks were randomly separated into four groups; three experimental pens in which the birds were fed with biomass from Tysochrysis lutea, Tetraselmis chuii, and Porphyridium cruentum over 30 days and a control group. T. chuii and P. cruentum had a positive effect with regard to body weight. In treated animals, duodenal and ileal sections showed characteristic tall and thin villi, with serrated surfaces and goblet cell differentiation. In both sections, values of the villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio were increased by microalgae ingestion. The thawing weight loss of fillets was reduced in T. chuii-fed animals. The positive effects exerted by T. chuii and P. cruentum on intestinal architecture were associated with the improved body weight. Arguably, these outcomes exhibit the potential of using these species to enhance growth performance in broiler chickens by promoting gut homeostasis and thus nutrient absorption.

The Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum Biocenol CCM 7514 Moderates Campylobacter jejuni-Induced Body Weight Impairment by Improving Gut Morphometry and Regulating Cecal Cytokine Abundance in Broiler Chickens.

This research was conducted to investigate if the administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum could influence body weight, intestinal morphometry and the cecal cytokine response in Campylobacter jejuni-infected chickens. Seventy-two 1-day old COBB 500 male chicks were allocated randomly into four experimental groups. (I) Control group (C), in which chicks were left untreated. (II) LB group, treated with L. fermentum. (III) Cj group, infected with C. jejuni and (IV) coexposure group in which both bacteria were administered. Body weight was registered and then all birds were slaughtered; samples from the small intestine and caecum were collected at 4- and 7-days post infection. The experiment lasted eleven days. Villi height and crypt depth ratios of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were evaluated using appropriate software, while reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was utilized for assessing transcript levels of key cecal inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-18, IL-17, IL-15, IL13 and IL-4). Campylobacter-infected birds showed lower body weight values than those supplemented with the probiotic; these birds, in turn, proved to be heavier than those reared under control conditions. L. fermentum administration improved morphometrical parameters of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum; in general, villi were larger and crypts deeper than those identified in control conditions. Moreover, the negative effects elicited by C. jejuni were not observed in chickens exposed to the probiotic. Significant differences were also determined with regards to transcript abundance of all evaluated cytokines in the caecum. C. jejuni induced a downregulation of the studied interleukins; however, such a response was heightened by administration of L. fermentum, with an increase rate of transcription that promoted a more effective response to a C. jejuni infection. The effects of experimental treatments proved to vary between sampling points. Conclusively, these results demonstrate that L. fermentum lessens the negative effects elicited by C. jejuni on body weight by alleviating the impact on intestinal morphometry and cecal cytokine response, which ultimately improve chicken growth performance.

Effects of Lactobacillus Fermentum Supplementation on Body Weight and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression in Campylobacter Jejuni-Challenged Chickens.

Due to the interest in using probiotic bacteria in poultry production, this research was focused on evaluating the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum Biocenol CCM 7514 administration on body weight gain and cytokine gene expression in chickens challenged with Campylobacter jejuni. One-hundred and eight 1-day old COBB 500 broiler chickens were equally assigned to four experimental groups at random. In the control group (C) chicks were left untreated, whereas in groups LB and LBCj a suspension of L. fermentum was administered. A suspension of C. jejuni was subsequently applied to groups Cj and LBCj. Body weight was registered, and the individuals were later slaughtered; cecum samples were collected at 12, 36 and 48 h post-infection (hpi). The entire experiment lasted seven days. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to determine expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-15, IL-17, and IL-18 at each time point. Pathogen-infected individuals were observed to weigh significantly less than those fed with the probiotic. Significant differences were also found in transcript abundance; expression of IL-15 was downregulated by the probiotic and upregulated by C. jejuni. The effects of bacterial treatments were time-dependent, as the expression profiles differed at later stages. The present outcomes demonstrate that L. fermentum both reduces the impact of C. jejuni infection on chicken body weight and regulates positively pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, which ultimately increase bird well-being and improves production.

Lactobacillus fermentum Administration Modulates Cytokine Expression and Lymphocyte Subpopulation Levels in Broiler Chickens Challenged with Campylobacter coli.

This investigation was performed to assess the supplementation of probiotics on cytokine expression and lymphocyte subpopulation in Campylobacter coli challenged chickens. Thirty-six individuals were equally separated into four experimental treatments: C = untreated chickens, LB = probiotic control (Lactobacillus fermentum), Cc = Campylobacter-challenged control, LBCc = probiotic + Cc. All chicks were slaughtered and cecum samples were collected on day 4 postinfection. Gene expression analysis, using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), revealed significant differences in cytokine transcript expression between untreated and probiotic-treated chickens. In addition, flow cytometry was used to quantitate the levels of lymphocyte subpopulations. Principal component analysis showed that probiotic administration induced an overall downregulation of cytokine expression. C. coli exposure provoked a similar response to that of L. fermentum but to a lesser extent. Colonization of C. coli in the presence of the probiotic evoked a complex response with an upregulation of some type II cytokines, including interleukin IL-4 and IL-13, which could explain the increased presence of antibodies in both lamina propria and epithelium. Moreover, despite that the percentage of CD8 intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) was found to be higher, downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-15, IL-16, and interferon γ was observed. This suggests that the detected CD8 are not effector cells but induced IELs, which release antimicrobial peptides, and are ready to be primed upon encountering antigen. These outcomes demonstrate that probiotic administration promotes a humoral response to a C. coli infection while dampening any potential inflammation mediated by effector T cells in 1-week-old chicks.

Cytokine response after stimulation of culture cells by zinc and probiotic strain.

Intestinal porcine epithelial cells were used for an in vitro analysis of mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-18) and transcriptional factors (MyD88 and NF-κß). Cells were exposed to inorganic and organic zinc sources (in two different concentrations-50 µmol/L and 100 µmol/L) alone or combined with Lactobacillus reuteri B6/1, which was also applied individually. The total exposure time was 4 h. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR was used to determine expression levels of the aforementioned parameters. In general, upregulation was observed; however, a decrease of some mRNA's abundance was also determined. Differences in expression were analysed statistically using ANOVA and Tukey analyses. High relative expression was shown for IL-8, IL-18 and MyD88 in groups treated with 100 µmol/L of inorganic sources of zinc (ZnSO4) (p < 0.05), while groups treated with the organic form did not exhibit significant changes in expression. Also, 50 µmol/L of either zinc source did not significantly modify the transcriptional profile of the cytokines and transcription factors, showing that even inorganic sources, at lower concentrations, do not elicit a significant inflammatory reaction. In summary, supplementation of organic zinc source (Gly-Zn chelate) ensures that IL-8, IL-18, MyD88 and NF-κß expression levels are not positively regulated. In contrast, inorganic sources of zinc (ZnSO4) could induce an inflammatory reaction. However, this response could be dampened if L. reuteri B6/1 is administered, showing the helpful aspect of using probiotics to modulate an inflammatory response. Conclusively, the use Gly-Zn chelate appears as an optimal alternative for Zn administration that does not compromise normal intestinal homeostasis.

The influence of Farmatan® and Flimabend® on the mucosal immunity of broiler chicken1.

The aim of the present study was to monitor selected parameters of mucosal immunity in jejunum and ileum (immunoglobulin A [IgA], mucin 2 [MUC-2], and pro-inflammatory cytokines) in commercial broiler farm chicken after treatment with flubendazole (Flimabend®) and natural extract from chestnut wood (Farmatan®). A total of 24 forty-day-old Kalimero-Super Master hybrid chickens were divided into 4 groups (n = 6): the Fli group received Flimabend® per os, 100 mg/g suspension in 1.43 mg of active substance/kg body weight during 7 d of experiment; the Far group received Farmatan®per os at 0.2% concentration for 6 h/d during 5 d (experimental d 3 to 7); the Far + Fli group received a combination of doses administered in the same way as for the first two groups; and the C group represented control with no active substance administration. The concentrations of secretory IgA (sIgA) and MUC-2 and relative expression of selected immune parameters were evaluated. Our results show strong suppressive effect of the Farmatan® and Flimabend® combination on relative expression of IL-1ß and IL-18 in selected parts of the intestine. On the other hand, administration of natural extract from selected chestnut wood (Farmatan®) increased expression of total IgA as well as concentration of sIgA in the studied parts of the chicken intestine. Moreover, expression and concentration of MUC-2 was positively affected by addition of Farmatan®. In contrast, 7-d administration of Flimabend® resulted in upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease in IgA and MUC-2 gene expression. In conclusion, for maintenance of mucosal immunity via activation of IgA and mucin production, the long-term preventive use of Farmatan® is a suitable choice.

Influence of oral application of Enterococcus faecium AL41 on TGF-ß4 and IL-17 expression and immunocompetent cell distribution in chickens challenged with Campylobacter jejuni.

Campylobacteriosis is mainly caused by infection with Campylobacter jejuni following consumption or handling of Campylobacter-contaminated poultry meat. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of probiotic Enterococcus faecium AL41 on TGF-ß4 and IL-17 expression and on immunocompetent cell distribution after C. jejuni infection in broiler chicken, as a second part of the previous study of Karaffová et al. (2017). Accordingly, day-old chicks were randomly divided into four experimental groups of 10 chicks each (n = 10): control (C), E. faecium AL41 (EFAL41), C. jejuni CCM6191 (CJ), and combined E. faecium AL41 + C. jejuni CCM6191 (EFAL41 + CJ). Samples from the caecum were collected on days 4 and 7 post Campylobacter infection (dpi), for the isolation of mRNA of TGF-ß4, IL-17 and for immunohistochemistry. The relative mRNA expression of TGF-ß4 was upregulated in the combined (EFAL41 + CJ) group compared to other groups during both samplings, but the expression of IL-17 was downregulated. Similarly, the highest density of CD3+ was detected in the combined group at 7 dpi, but the number of IgA+ cells was increased in both groups with EFAL41. It was concluded that the EFAL41 probiotic E. faecium strain can modulate the expression of selected cytokines (upregulation of TGF-ß4 but downregulation of IL-17 relative expression), and activate IgA-producing cells in the caeca of chicks infected with C. jejuni CCM6191.

Effect of probiotic bacteria on phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis.

This study focusses on the effect of probiotic (bacteriocinogenic) strains on parasite infection and innate immunity - phagocytosis and oxidative burst of blood monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis. Bacteriocinogenic and probiotic strains of different origin (Enterococcus faecium AL41=CCM8558, Enterococcus durans ED26E/7, Lactobacillus fermentum AD1=CCM7421, Lactobacillus plantarum 17L/1) were administered daily in dose of 109CFU/ml in 100µl and mice were infected with 400 larvae of T. spiralis on 7th day of treatment. Phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes was inhibited at week 3 and 4 post infection (p.i.), i.e. in the time of massive muscle invasion with larvae T. spiralis. Administration of bacterial strains to mice prior to T. spiralis infection elevated and prolonged phagocytic activity of blood leukocytes and their ingestion capability from week 1 to 3 of the infection and the phagocytosis was inhibited only at week 4 p.i. The highest stimulative effect on phagocytosis was induced by strains E. durans ED26E/7, L. fermentum AD1=CCM7421, and L. plantarum 17L/1. The percentage of cells with respiratory burst and their enzymatic activity was increased after T. spiralis infection with the exception of week 3 p.i. In contrast, in all mice treated with bacterial strains the enzymatic stimulation was observed after the infection, with the highest intensity caused by strains E. durans ED26E/7, L. fermentum AD1=CCM7421 and L. plantarum 17L/1. The administration of probiotic strains stimulated phagocytosis and respiratory burst of blood PMNL that could contribute to a decreased larval migration and a destruction of muscle larvae and then reduced parasite burden in the host. The protective effect against T. spiralis infection was induced by all strains, but the highest reduction was recorded by E. faecium AL41=CCM8558.

One-year oral toxicity study on a genetically modified maize MON810 variety in Wistar Han RCC rats (EU 7th Framework Programme project GRACE).

The GRACE (GMO Risk Assessment and Communication of Evidence; www.grace-fp7.eu ) project was funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Programme. A key objective of GRACE was to conduct 90-day animal feeding trials, animal studies with an extended time frame as well as analytical, in vitro and in silico studies on genetically modified (GM) maize in order to comparatively evaluate their use in GM plant risk assessment. In the present study, the results of a 1-year feeding trial with a GM maize MON810 variety, its near-isogenic non-GM comparator and an additional conventional maize variety are presented. The feeding trials were performed by taking into account the guidance for such studies published by the EFSA Scientific Committee in 2011 and the OECD Test Guideline 452. The results obtained show that the MON810 maize at a level of up to 33 % in the diet did not induce adverse effects in male and female Wistar Han RCC rats after a chronic exposure.