Selenium and Polysaccharides of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz Play Different Roles in Improving the Immune Response Induced by Heat Stress in Chickens

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz alleviates LPS-induced proliferation, differentiation inhibition and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce systemic inflammation and affect the growth and development of poultry. As a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) can effectively improve the growth performance of animals and improve the immunity of animal bodies.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PAMK on LPS-induced inflammatory response, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of chicken embryonic myogenic cells.

METHODS

We used chicken embryonic myogenic cells as a model by detecting EdU/MYHC immunofluorescence, the expression of inflammation, proliferation, differentiation-related genes and proteins and the number of apoptotic cells in the condition of adding LPS, PAMK, belnacasan (an inhibitor of Caspase1) or their combinations.

RESULTS

The results showed that LPS stimulation increased the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited proliferation and differentiation, and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells, and PAMK alleviated these adverse effects induced by LPS. After the addition of belnacasan (inhibitor of Caspase1), apoptosis in myogenic cells was inhibited, and therefore, the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of pro-apoptotic genes Caspase1 and Caspase3 were increased. In addition, belnacasan inhibited the increased expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited proliferation, differentiation and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells induced by LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of action of PAMK and exogenous LPS on chicken embryonic myogenic cells and lays the foundation for the development and application of green feed additives in animal husbandry industry.

Effects of Selenium Supplementation on the Indices of Disease Activity, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on disease activity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on 59 patients with RA. Participants were randomly divided to receive 200 μg/day of selenium or a placebo for 12 weeks. The disease activity score (DAS.CRP and DAS.ESR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting blood glucose, lipids, antibodies to cyclic citrullinated protein (anti-CCP), nitric oxide, glutathione, and total antioxidant capacity were assessed. The mean of DAS.CRP and DAS.ESR decreased significantly within both study groups after the intervention. However, the between-group comparisons revealed no significant differences. The CRP levels decreased significantly in the selenium group, and this decrease was near the significance level compared to the placebo (P = 0.05). However, after adjusting for baseline values, the observed difference between groups did not remain significant. In addition, the values of ESR and anti-CCP decreased significantly within the selenium group. Although, between-group comparison did not statistically significant, the change in ESR and anti-CCP in the selenium group was small clinically relevant compared to the placebo [the effect size (95% CI) for ESR: 0.38 (- 0.14, 0.89), and for anti-CCP: 0.32 (- 0.2, 0.83)]. Our study showed that selenium caused a small clinically relevant improvement in some RA biomarkers such as ESR and anti-CCP. Future studies that evaluate the effects of novel forms of supplements such as selenium nanoparticles on the clinical symptoms and biomarkers of RA are suggested. Trial Registration: At www.irct.ir as IRCT20190924044869N1 on 2020-06-14.

Effect of fermented dandelion on productive performance, meat quality, immune function, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Dandelion has a great potential to be used as feed additive. Using microbial fermentation technology to degrade cell walls is conducive to enable better release of bioactive compounds of dandelion. This study intended to explore the effect of fermented dandelion (FD) on production performance, meat quality, immune function, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens. One-hundred and twenty 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly allotted into three treatments: CON (basal diet, control), LFD and HFD (basal diet with 500 and 1000 mg/kg FD, respectively), with five replicates of eight birds each. The experiment lasted for 42 days.

RESULTS

The results showed that birds in HFD group had increased ADG during 1-21 days (P < 0.05). On day 21, the bursa of Fabricius index of birds in LFD group was higher (P < 0.05), while the serum contents of IFN-γ and TNF-ɑ were lower in HFD group (P < 0.05). FD supplementation decreased the observed_species, shannon, chao1 and ace indexes (P < 0.05) as well as the abundance of Bacteroidota, Bacteroides, and Alistipes (P < 0.05). Birds in HFD group had higher abundance of Firmicutes and lower abundance of Verrucomicrobiota (P < 0.05). LFD group had lower abundance of unidentified_bacteria (P < 0.05). On day 42, the abdominal fat yield of HFD group was decreased (P < 0.05). Birds in LFD group had lower L* and b* values of breast muscle (P < 0.05), while higher spleen index. The CAT activities of breast muscle of FD groups were higher (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In summary, dietary FD supplementation at 1000 mg/kg improved production performance and immune function and modulated microbiota composition in ileum of broiler chickens. FD can be supplemented in the diet to enhance performance and health of broiler chickens, of which 1000 mg/kg FD is more effective.

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz(PAMK) protects against DEHP-induced apoptosis in grass carp hepatocytes

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a new environmental pollutant, which is widely used in plastic additives. DEHP and its metabolites pollute surface water and threaten the survival of fish. In order to investigate the mechanism of DEHP-induced apoptosis on grass carp hepatocytes, we treated grass carp hepatocytes with DEHP, and selected Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) to study its inhibitory effect on DEHP. The results showed that after DEHP exposure, apoptosis related proteins expression were increased significantly, leading to hepatocytes apoptosis. Moreover, AO/EB staining and Hoechst staining also showed that the number of apoptotic cells increased after DEHP exposure. It should be noted that PAMK simultaneous treatment could alleviate apoptosis induced by DEHP. The innovation of this study is that the application of Chinese herbal medicine (PAMK) to antagonize the damage of DEHP in fish was investigated for the first time. This study indicated that traditional Chinese medicine can also be used in fish production to reduce the accumulation of food-derived drugs.

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz alleviate lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in goslings via the p53 and FOXO pathways

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can affect the immune system of geese by inducing liver injury. The polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) have obvious immune-enhancing effects. Accordingly, this experiment investigated the effect of PAMK on LPS-induced liver injury in goslings. Two hundred 1-day-old goslings were randomly divided into the control group, LPS group, PAMK group, and PAMK+ LPS group, and the PAMK and PAMK+ LPS groups were fed the basal diet with 400 mg/kg PAMK, while the control and LPS groups were fed the basal diet. On D 21, 23, and 25 of the formal trial, the goslings in the LPS and PAMK+LPS groups were injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/kg LPS, and goslings in the control and PAMK groups were injected intraperitoneally with the same amount of saline. Livers were collected on D 25. HE-stained sections showed that PAMK could effectively alleviate the LPS-induced indistinct hepatic cord structure, loss of cytoplasmic contents of hepatocytes, and dilatation of hepatic sinusoids. The biochemical parameters of liver tissues showed that PAMK could alleviate the LPS-induced upregulation of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. To further investigate the mechanism of the mitigating effect of PAMK on LPS-induced injury, livers from the LPS and PAMK+LPS groups were selected for transcriptome sequencing. The sequencing results showed that there were 406 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the livers of LPS and PAMK+LPS goslings, of which 242 upregulated and 164 downregulated. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in immune signal transduction, cell cycle, and cell metabolism. Besides, protein‒protein interaction analysis showed that 129 DEGs were associated with each other, including 7 DEGs enriched in the p53 and FOXO signaling pathway. In conclusion, PAMK may alleviate LPS-induced liver injury in gosling through the p53 and FOXO signaling pathway. These results provide a basis for further development of PAMK as an immunomodulator.

Research progress on the mechanisms underlying poultry immune regulation by plant polysaccharides

With the rapid development of poultry industry and the highly intensive production management, there are an increasing number of stress factors in poultry production. Excessive stress will affect their growth and development, immune function, and induce immunosuppression, susceptibility to a variety of diseases, and even death. In recent years, increasing interest has focused on natural components extracted from plants, among which plant polysaccharides have been highlighted because of their various biological activities. Plant polysaccharides are natural immunomodulators that can promote the growth of immune organs, activate immune cells and the complement system, and release cytokines. As a green feed additive, plant polysaccharides can not only relieve stress and enhance the immunity and disease resistance of poultry, but also regulate the balance of intestinal microorganisms and effectively alleviate all kinds of stress faced by poultry. This paper reviews the immunomodulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of different plant polysaccharides (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz polysaccharide, Astragalus polysaccharides, Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen polysaccharide, and alfalfa polysaccharide) in poultry. Current research results reveal that plant polysaccharides have potential uses as therapeutic agents for poultry immune abnormalities and related diseases.

Isolation, structure and bioactivity of polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala are important components isolated and extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine named Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Traditionally, A. macrocephala has been used to strengthen the spleen, benefit qi, dry dampness and promote water circulation, and prevent miscarriage. As the main components, polysaccharides from A. macrocephala have a variety of related pharmacological activities, such as the ability to regulate the gastrointestinal tract, protect the liver and so on.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to compile the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from A. macrocephala and the mechanisms of actions to explore the future application potential of polysaccharides from A. macrocephala.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Valid and comprehensive relevant information was collected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, Pubmed and so on.

RESULTS

More than 20 polysaccharides have been extracted from A. macrocephala, different extraction and purification methods have been described, and the composition structures and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from A. macrocephala have been reviewed. Polysaccharides, as important components of A. macrocephala, were mainly extracted by four methods such as water decoction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, complex enzyme method and microwave-assisted extraction, and then were obtained through decolorization, deproteinization and separation and purification by various chromatographic columns. The chemical compositions and structures of polysaccharides from A. macrocephala show diversification, and three structural formulae have been confirmed at this stage. Polysaccharides from A. macrocephala have a variety of pharmacological activities, such as immunomodulation, antitumor, antioxidant, hepatoprotection, gastrointestinal mucosa protection, neuroprotection, hypoglycemia, growth promotion and so on.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a diversity in the compositional structures of polysaccharides from A. macrocephal, which have multiple biological activities and promising applications. Therefore, further understanding of the relationship between structures and functions of polysaccharides from A. macrocephaly, and potential synergistic effects with other substances is especially important for its development and utilization.

The chemistry and efficacy benefits of polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with many medicinal values, has a long usage history in China and other oriental countries. The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of volatile oils, polysaccharides, lactones, flavonoids, and others. The polysaccharides from AM are important medicinal components, mainly composed of glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), mannose (Man), galacturonic acid (GalA) and xylose (Xyl). It also showed valuable bioactivities, such as immunomodulatory, antitumour, gastroprotective and intestinal health-promoting, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic as well as other activities. At the same time, based on its special structure and pharmacological activity, it can also be used as immune adjuvant, natural plant supplement and vaccine adjuvant. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically analyze up-to-data on the chemical compositions, biological activities and applications of polysaccharide from AM based on scientific literatures in recent years.

Effects of Selenium as a Dietary Source on Performance, Inflammation, Cell Damage, and Reproduction of Livestock Induced by Heat Stress: A Review

Heat stress as a result of global warming has harmful consequences for livestock and is thus becoming an urgent issue for animal husbandry worldwide. Ruminants, growing pigs, and poultry are very susceptible to heat stress because of their fast growth, rapid metabolism, high production levels, and sensitivity to temperature. Heat stress compromises the efficiency of animal husbandry by affecting performance, gastrointestinal health, reproductive physiology, and causing cell damage. Selenium (Se) is an essential nutritional trace element for livestock production, which acts as a structural component in at least 25 selenoproteins (SELs); it is involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, and plays a key role in the antioxidant defense system. Dietary Se supplementation has been confirmed to support gastrointestinal health, production performance, and reproductive physiology under conditions of heat stress. The underlying mechanisms include the regulation of nutrient digestibility influenced by gastrointestinal microorganisms, antioxidant status, and immunocompetence. Moreover, heat stress damage to the gastrointestinal and mammary barrier is closely related to cell physiological functions, such as the fluidity and stability of cellular membranes, and the inhibition of receptors as well as transmembrane transport protein function. Se also plays an important role in inhibiting cell apoptosis and reducing cell inflammatory response induced by heat stress. This review highlights the progress of research regarding the dietary supplementation of Se in the mitigation of heat stress, addressing its mechanism and explaining the effect of Se on cell damage caused by heat stress, in order to provide a theoretical reference for the use of Se to mitigate heat stress in livestock.

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz regulates LPS-mediated mouse hepatitis through the TLR4-MyD88-NFκB signaling pathway

Feed corruption and poor breeding environment could cause widespread bacterial infection which could cause severe liver inflammation and lead to liver damage, even death. It has been proved that Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) could improve the immunity of animal, but the mechanism of its protective effect on hepatitis has been rarely reported. This study investigated the protective effect of PAMK on mouse liver through LPS-induced liver inflammatory. The results showed that LPS caused swelling of hepatocytes, disappearance of hepatic cord structure and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells, and LPS could up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, IKBα and NFκB, increased cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, enhance the levels of antioxidant enzymes CAT, GSH-PX, SOD, iNOs and MDA. PAMK pretreatment could relieved histopathological damage caused by LPS, and could activate the TLR4-MyD88-NFκB signalling pathway, reduce the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, increase IL-4 levels, inhibit the levels of GSH-PX and MDA. These results indicate that PAMK could reduce inflammatory damage and oxidative stress in mice and play a protective role in the early stages of LPS invasion of the liver.

Algae-derived polysaccharides supplementation ameliorates heat stress-induced impairment of bursa of Fabricius via modulating NF-κB signaling pathway in broilers

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dietary algae-derived polysaccharides (ADP) from Enteromorpha prolifera against heat stress (HS)-induced bursa of Fabricius injure in broilers, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect. A total of 144 8-week-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated into 3 treatments of 6 replicates each (8 broilers per replicate): thermoneutral zone group (TN, fed basal diet); heat stress group (HS, fed basal diet); heat stress + ADP group (HSA, basal diet supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg ADP). Broilers in TN group were raised at 23.6 ± 1.8°C during the whole study. Broilers in HS and HSA groups were exposed to 33.2 ± 1.5°C for 10 h/day. The experimental period lasted for four weeks. The results showed that HS and dietary ADP had no significant effects on bursa of Fabricius index (P > 0.05). HS exposure increased the apoptosis rate of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05), and the apoptosis rate was reduced by dietary ADP (P < 0.05). Besides, broilers in HS and HSA groups had a lower glutathione-S transferase (GST) activity and total anti-oxidation capacity (T-AOC), whereas had a higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of bursa of Fabricius than those in TN group (P < 0.05). HS exposure elevated the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, and IL-6, while decreased the concentration of interferon-γ (INF-γ) and IL-2 (P < 0.05), and dietary inclusion of ADP reduced the IL-1β level and increased the IL-2 level of bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Compared with TN group, broilers in HS and HSA groups had lower relative mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and GSTT1 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Additionally, HS exposure down-regulated the mRNA expression of inhibitor kappa B alpha (IκBα), IFN-γ, and IL-2, while up-regulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). However, dietary inclusion of ADP up-regulated the mRNA expression of IκBα and down-regulated the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HS exposure increased the relative protein expression levels of total and nuclear NF-κB p65 (P < 0.05), but dietary ADP supplementation reduced the relative protein expression levels of total and nuclear NF-κB p65 in bursa of Fabricius (P < 0.05). Collectively, dietary ADP ameliorated the impairment of histology, cell apoptosis and immune balance in bursa of Fabricius of heat stressed broilers, which is involved in modulation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Polysaccharide of atractylodes macrocephala koidz activated T lymphocytes to alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression of geese through novel_mir2/CD28/AP-1 signal pathway

Polysaccharide Of Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) has been proved to have anti-cancer, antitumor, anti-inflammation function and improve the immune level of the organism. The miRNA plays a very important role in regulating the immune function by negatively regulate the expression of target genes. To explore the molecular mechanism of PAMK active the lymphocytes, thirty 61-d-old geese were randomly divided into 4 groups (C, CTX, PAMK, PAMK+CTX). The thymus morphology, the level of serum granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMC-SF), IL-1β, IL-3, IL-5, the relative mRNA expression of CD25, novel_mir2, CTLA4 and CD28 signal pathway were measured. Further more, the lymphocytes was extracted from thymus to measure the relative mRNA expression of CD28 signal pathway. The results showed that PAMK could significantly maintain normal cell morphology of thymus, alleviate the decrease level of GMC-SF, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, TGF-β, the increase level of IL-4, IL-10, and the decrease relative mRNA expression of novel_mir2, CD25 and CD28 signal pathway in thymus and lymphocytes induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). In conclusion, PAMK alleviated the decreased T lymphocytes activation levels induced by CTX through novel_mir2/CTLA4/CD28/AP-1 signal pathway.

Emerging Genetic Tools to Investigate Molecular Pathways Related to Heat Stress in Chickens: A Review

Simple Summary

New genomic tools have been used as an instrument in order to assess the molecular pathway involved in heat stress resistance. Local chicken breeds have a better attitude to face heat stress. This review aims to summarize studies linked to chickens, heat stress, and heat shock protein.

Abstract

Chicken products are the most consumed animal-sourced foods at a global level across greatly diverse cultures, traditions, and religions. The consumption of chicken meat has increased rapidly in the past few decades and chicken meat is the main animal protein source in developing countries. Heat stress is one of the environmental factors which decreases the productive performance of poultry and meat quality. Heat stress produces the over-expression of heat shock factors and heat shock proteins in chicken tissues. Heat shock proteins regulate several molecular pathways in cells in response to stress conditions, changing the homeostasis of cells and tissues. These changes can affect the physiology of the tissue and hence the production ability of chickens. Indeed, commercial chicken strains can reach a high production level, but their body metabolism, being comparatively accelerated, has poor thermoregulation. In contrast, native backyard chickens are more adapted to the environments in which they live, with a robustness that allows them to survive and reproduce constantly. In the past few years, new molecular tools have been developed, such as RNA-Seq, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and bioinformatics approaches such as Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). Based on these genetic tools, many studies have detected the main pathways involved in cellular response mechanisms. In this context, it is necessary to clarify all the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in heat stress response. Hence, this paper aims to review the ability of the new generation of genetic tools to clarify the molecular pathways associated with heat stress in chickens, offering new perspectives for the use of these findings in the animal breeding field.

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) Alleviates Cyclophosphamide-induced Immunosuppression in Mice by Upregulating CD28/IP3R/PLCγ-1/AP-1/NFAT Signal Pathway

The polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) is recognized as an immune enhancer, with anti-cancer, anti-tumour, lymphocyte-activating and lymphocytes proliferation-inducing effects. For investigating the mechanism that PAMK alleviates the decline in T cell activation induced by CTX, 24 6-week-old BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into four groups (C, PAMK, CTX, PAMK + CTX). The spleen index, splenocytes morphology and death, cytokine concentration, T cell activating factors (CD25, CD69, CD71), mRNA expression levels related to the CD28 signal pathway were detected. Furthermore, the lymphocytes of mice was isolated and cultured, and then the Th1/Th2 ratio, activating factors, mRNA levels related to the CD28 signal pathway were detected. The results showed that PAMK significantly improved the spleen index, alleviated abnormal splenocytes morphology and death, maintained the balance of Th1/Th2 cells, increased the levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, and increased the mRNA levels of CD28, PLCγ-1, IP3R, NFAT, and AP-1. In conclusion, PAMK increased cytokines levels and alleviated the decline in activation level of lymphocytes induced by CTX through CD28/IP3R/PLCγ-1/AP-1/NFAT signal pathway.

Thermal stress consequences on growth performance, immunological response, antioxidant status, and profitability of finishing broilers: transcriptomic profile change of stress-related genes

The current study was conducted to investigate the impact of thermal stress on growth performance, blood biomarkers, metabolic hormones, immunological response, antioxidant activity, and expression of stress-related genes in broilers. One hundred and fifty one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were utilized in this work. On the 21st day of age, birds were subjected to three environmentally controlled treatments with five replicate pens of 10 birds per each, representing an initial density of 10 birds/m²-control: reared in a thermoneutral condition; THS₁ and THS_2: exposed to 4 and 6 h of daily thermal stress at 40 ± 1 °C, respectively, until the 42 days of age. The results demonstrated that thermal stress for 4 and 6 h significantly reduced (P < 0.001) daily weight gain, daily feed intake, blood leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, serum immunoglobulins (IgM, IgA, IgG), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), while serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and lactate dehydrogenase were elevated relative to the thermoneutral group. Additionally, the corticosterone level and the ratio of heterophil:lymphocyte increased significantly (P < 0.001) in thermal-stressed groups. The antioxidant enzymes were affected by thermal stress as represented by a significant decrease in the activity of serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) along with an increase in malonaldehyde concentration. Thermal stress affected gene expression by upregulating heat shock protein 70, heat shock factors 1 and 3, nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-4, and uncoupling protein, and downregulating GSH-Px, CAT, and IGF-1 transcript levels. However, no changes were observed in interleukin-2 expression levels. It can be concluded that thermal stress destructively influences productivity, physiological status, and gene expression by upregulating heat shock protein 70, heat shock factors 1 and 3, nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-4, and uncoupling protein, and downregulating GSH-Px, CAT, and IGF-1 transcript levels of broiler chickens.

Effects of Selenium-Enriched Yeast on Performance, Egg Quality, Antioxidant Balance, and Egg Selenium Content in Laying Ducks

This study investigated the effects of dietary selenium-enriched yeast (Se yeast) supplementation on the laying performance, egg quality, plasma antioxidant balance, and egg selenium (Se) content in laying Longyan ducks. A total of 480 32-week-old ducks were randomly divided into four dietary treatments, each consisting of six replicates of 20 ducks. The dietary treatments were a control basal diet and basal diets with supplementation of 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25 mg Se/kg via Se yeast. The analyzed Se contents of the four diets were 0.15, 0.21, 0.36, and 0.43 mg Se/kg, respectively. Dietary Se yeast supplementation had no apparent effects on laying performance and egg quality (p > 0.05), but it improved the antioxidant balance of ducks, as inferred by greater glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde content in plasma of ducks (p < 0.05). It was suggested that the Se content in the basal diet containing 0.15 mg/kg of Se requirement is adequate for productive performance, but not for the antioxidant balance of laying ducks. Besides that, the Se contents in the yolk, albumen, and whole egg increased linearly as the Se supplementation levels increased. With more feeding days, the Se contents in the yolk and whole egg from non-Se-yeast-supplemented ducks increased linearly (p < 0.05), while those from Se-yeast-supplemented ducks showed a quadratic relationship (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the Se content of the basal diet at 0.15 mg/kg was adequate for laying performance and egg quality traits in laying ducks. Dietary Se yeast supplementation is beneficial to improve the antioxidant balance of laying ducks and increase the Se deposition in eggs for producing Se-enriched eggs. Based on the quadratic model or the quadratic broken-line model analyses, supplemental 0.19 mg Se/kg via Se yeast, with a total equivalent of 0.34 mg Se/kg in the diet, could provide the optimum antioxidant balance in laying ducks. Dietary supplementation of 0.25 mg Se/kg via Se yeast, with a total equivalent of 0.40 mg Se/kg in the diet, could lead to achieving the desired Se content in the whole egg.

Dietary supplementation with selenium-enriched earthworm powder improves antioxidative ability and immunity of laying hens

Selenium (Se) has been recognized as an essential dietary nutrient for decades, and organic Se sources rather than inorganic ones are increasingly advocated as Se supplements. Earthworms have been studied as a feed additive and animal protein source for many yr. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Se-enriched earthworm powder (SEP) on the antioxidative ability and immunity of laying hens. A total of 120 27-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups (30 hens per group). Laying hens were fed diets supplemented with SEP having 0, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg of Se or with earthworm powder alone. After 5 wk of supplementation, serum from the hens was tested for nutritional components (protein, globulin, albumin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and glucose), antioxidative properties (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide), and immune responses (lysozymes, immunoglobulin G, IL-2, and interferon gamma). We found that SEP with 1.0 mg/kg of Se upregulated the hens' total protein, albumin, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, IgG, and IL-2 and downregulated triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and nitric oxide. These results indicate that SEP improves antioxidative levels and immune function of laying hens, indicating potential benefit from use of SEP as a feed additive in the poultry industry.

Evaluation of the synergetic effect of Yupingfeng san and Flos Sophorae Immaturus based on free radical scavenging capacity

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Decocting YPS and FSI together can better extract flavonoids and polysaccharides.

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DPPH assay confirmed that MYP had the synergistic antioxidant effect in vitro.

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Measuring the level of oxidation factors can determine the antioxidant ability of MYP.

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MYP had a better free radical scavenging effect in vivo than YPS.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the optimal extraction process and examine whether the combination of Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) and Yupingfeng san (YPS) has a synergistic effect on free radical scavenging capacity.

Design and methods

The time of immersion and extraction and the ratios (material/solvent) of the combination of YPS and FSI were optimized on the basis of polysaccharide and flavonoid yields via orthogonal design. The optimal result was used in the 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and animal experiments to test the antioxidant activity, which is reflected by superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity serum levels. The optimal extraction process was determined using various ingredients to obtain complex extracts with high active ingredient content and antioxidant activity. DPPH assay results showed that the optimized ingredients have antioxidant effects, and the combination had better antioxidation function than YPS in vitro. The combination also showed synergistic antioxidant activity compared with YPS in vivo.

Conclusions

The combination of YPS and FSI had a synergistic antioxidant effect in vitro. The optimized extracts had antioxidant effects in vivo. These results indicated that YPS could be used with FSI to improve its antioxidant capacity in the body on the basis of free radical scavenging capacity.

Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine for Acute Guillain-barré Syndrome Treatment

Introduction

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a worldwide demyelinating polyradiculopathy and polyneuropathy. Currently, there is no specific drug for GBS, and established treatment is generally based on immune-modulating treatment with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin in combination with supportive care. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of integrated Chinese and Western medicine for acute GBS treatment.

Methods

We enrolled 73 subjects, and randomly divided them into two groups: 35 cases in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and 28 in the Control group. The Control group was treated with the common Western medicine for one month; and the TCM group was administrated with one month of common treatment combined with TCM medication.

Results

Compared to the controls, TCM significantly enhanced the treatment efficiency in symptom expression, including the TCM syndrome score, the activity of daily living score, Hughes functional score and sensory dysfunction assessment. The total effective rate of the TCM group was 94.29%, significantly better than controls (78.59%). Moreover, TCM provide better improvement in motor nerve conduction functions (distal motor latency and motor conduction velocity) and sensory nerve conduction functions (sensory conduction velocity and sensory nerve action potential) in median nerve, ulnar nerve, and common fibular nerve.

Conclusion

When combined with TCM administration, the GBS treatment could acquire better outcomes.

Selenium-Alleviated Hepatocyte Necrosis and DNA Damage in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Geese by Mitigating Oxidative Stress

Selenium (Se) has been well recognized as an immune-enhancing agent with antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. The commonly used chemotherapy drug, cyclophosphamide (CTX), induces liver injury by increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. However, little is known about how Se alleviates CTX-induced liver injury in geese. In this study, 90 male Magang geese (3 days old) were randomly allocated into three groups (control, CTX, and Se + CTX group) with three replicates per group and ten geese per replicate. The control and CTX groups were fed a basal diet (Se content was 0.03 mg/kg). The Se + CTX group was fed a basal diet containing 0.44 mg/kg sodium selenite (Se content was 0.2 + 0.03 mg/kg). The control group was injected with 0.5 mL saline, while the CTX and Se + CTX groups were injected with CTX at 40 mg/kg body weight per day on days 21-23. The liver index, liver histology, and ultra-micromorphology detected antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver and serum. In addition, we detected the liver marker enzymes and protein levels in serum, and hepatocyte DNA damage. Se could alleviate liver development dysregulation, hepatocyte structural damage, the disturbances in antioxidant enzyme (GPx, CAT, and SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum and liver. Besides, Se could alleviate the dysregulation of liver marker enzyme (ALT and AST) activity and protein (ALB and TP) levels in the serum, and DNA migration induced by CTX. In conclusion, Se may inhibit hepatocyte necrosis and DNA damage by inhibiting CTX-induced oxidative stress.

Avian Stress-Related Transcriptome and Selenotranscriptome: Role during Exposure to Heavy Metals and Heat Stress

Selenium, through incorporation into selenoproteins, is one of the key elements of the antioxidant system. Over the past few years there has been increased interest in exploring those molecular mechanisms in chicken, responsible for the development of this protection system. In more detail, Cd/Pb poisoning and heat stress increase oxidation, mRNA levels of inflammatory proteins, and apoptotic proteins. Selenium seems to enhance the antioxidant status and alleviates these effects via upregulation of antioxidant proteins and other molecular effects. In this review, we analyze avian transcriptome key elements with particular emphasis on interactions with heavy metals and on relation to heat stress.

A High Throughput Three-step Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method to Study Metabolites of Atractylenolide-III

Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in the treatment of various diseases, especially spleen deficiency. As the principle active constituents of AMK, however, the metabolites of Atractylenolide-III (A-lactone-III) have not been identified in rats yet. In this study, a three-step high throughput method based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS-MS was developed to profile and characterize the metabolites of A-lactone-III in rat feces, urine and plasma. The initial step was a full-scan that utilized a multiple mass defect filter (MMDF) combined with dynamic background subtraction (DBS). PeakView®1.2 and Metabolitepilot™1.5 software was then used to obtain data and seek possible metabolites. Finally, MS-MS spectra of the parent drug and possible metabolites were compared by the fragment ion peaks and retention times, which enabled metabolites to be identified. As a result, 53 metabolites were characterized in rats in vivo. The metabolic pathways of A-lactone-III were identified as including methylation, oxidation, hydroxylation, dihydroxylation, hydrogenation, glycosylation, sulfonation, and glucuronide, cysteine and N-acetylcysteine conjugation.

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) Relieves Immunosuppression in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Geese by Maintaining a Humoral and Cellular Immune Balance

Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) has been well recognized as an immune enhancer that can promote lymphocyte proliferation and activate immune cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PAMK on humoral and cellular immune functions in immunosuppressed geese. Geese of the Control group were provided with normal feed, the PAMK group was provided with 400 mg·(kg body weight)⁻¹ PAMK, the cyclophosphamide (CTX) group was injected with 40 mg·(kg body weight)⁻¹ cyclophosphamide, while the CTX+PAMK group received the combination of PAMK and CTX. Spleen development and percentages of leukocytes in peripheral blood were examined. Principal component analysis was conducted to analyze correlations among humoral and cellular immune indicators. The results showed that PAMK alleviated the damage to the spleen, the decrease in T- and B-cell proliferation, the imbalance of leukocytes, and the disturbances of humoral and cellular immunity caused by CTX. Principal component analysis revealed that the relevance of humoral-immunity-related indicators was greater, and the CTX+PAMK group manifested the largest difference from the CTX group but was close to the Control group. In conclusion, PAMK alleviates the immunosuppression caused by CTX in geese, and the protective effect on humoral immunity is more obvious and stable.

The polysaccharide ofAtractylodes macrocephala koidz(PAMK) alleviates cyclophosphamide-mediated immunosuppression in geese, possibly through novel_mir2 targeting of CTLA4 to upregulate the TCR-NFAT pathway

The polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala koidz (PAMK) has been proved to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunity promoting effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have also been shown to participate in the regulation of immune function by negatively regulating the expression of target genes. However, little is known about how PAMK alleviates the immunosuppression via the miRNA pathway in geese. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of PAMK on immunosuppression. Magang geese (1 day old, n = 200) were randomly divided into groups, namely, the control group (normal feeding), PAMK (fed 400 mg kg⁻¹ PAMK), CTX (injected 40 mg kg⁻¹ BW cyclophosphamide), and CTX + PAMK (40 mg kg⁻¹ BW cyclophosphamide + 400 mg kg⁻¹ PAMK) groups. Thymus development was examined by the thymus index, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The T cell proliferation rate was stimulated by phytoagglutinin (PHA), and T cell activation related genes (CD28, CD96, MHC-II), and IL-2 levels in serum were detected. Differentially expressed miRNAs of geese to regulate T cell activation were found by miRNA sequencing technologies. The results showed that PAMK could alleviate thymus damage and the decrease in the T lymphocyte proliferation rate, T cell activation, and IL-2 levels that were induced by CTX. MiRNA sequencing found that the combination of PAMK and CTX significantly promoted T cell activation via upregulation of novel_mir2 (P < 0.05), which inhibited cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) expressions, thereby promoting the TCR-NFAT signaling pathway. It can be concluded that PAMK, through novel_mir2 targeting of CTLA4 to upregulate TCR pathway, finally alleviated immunosuppression induced by CTX in geese.

The polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala koidz (PAMK) has been proved to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunity promoting effects.

Glycoproteins and Polysaccharides are the Main Class of Active Constituents Required for Lymphocyte Stimulation and Antigen-Specific Immune Response Induction by Traditional Medicinal Herbal Plants

Traditional herbal remedies stimulate and modulate the immune system, and it is thought that their glycoproteins and polysaccharides are responsible for this activity. We prepared crude water, protein, and polysaccharide extracts from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, Helianthus annuus L., Scutellaria barbata D. Don, and Hedyotis diffusa Willd, respectively, and compared their immune-stimulating activities in vitro and in vivo. All protein and polysaccharide samples of the plants led to greater lymphocyte proliferation and TNF-α and IL-6 production in cultured splenocytes than did the crude water extracts at the same concentrations tested. In addition, the protein and polysaccharide samples did not contain lectin- or lipopolysaccharide-like molecules, so glycoproteins were deduced to be responsible for the lymphocyte stimulation. Oral administration with each of the samples enhanced the hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL)-specific humoral immune and lymphocyte proliferative responses in HEL low-responder C57BL/6 mice. Splenocytes from the mice fed the samples showed significantly greater increases in the level of IFN-γ, but not IL-4, after stimulation with HEL compared with that from the untreated control. However, higher increases in HEL-specific IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG3 rather than IgG2a were found in the mice fed the samples. These results indicate that the sample-mediated enhancement of anti-HEL-specific humoral immune responses was due to the stimulation of B lymphocytes rather than a selective priming of helper T cell populations. Collectively, we suggest that glycoproteins and/or polysaccharides of traditional herbal remedies enhance cellular and humoral immune response induction and thus could be useful for patients who need enhanced immune function.

The protective effects of polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) on the chicken spleen under heat stress via antagonizing apoptosis and restoring the immune function

Heat stress can cause immune organ dysfunction and apoptosis. Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz may have protective effects on immune organs. In this study, we established chicken models of Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz-heat stress interaction and detected the oxidative index, activities of mitochondrial complexes and ATPases as well as the ultrastructure in chicken spleens. Expression levels of cytokines, mitochondrial dynamics- and apoptosis-related genes were also measured. In the result, heat stress increased the expression of interleukin 1 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha and decreased that of interleukin 2 and interferon gamma. The activities of mitochondrial complexes and ATPases were decreased and oxidative stress was induced by heat stress. Besides, expressions of the mitochondrial dynamics- and anti-apoptosis-related genes were decreased and those of pro-apoptosis-related genes were increased by heat stress. HS induced pathological changes of mitochondria and triggered apoptosis in chicken spleens. However, these adverse effects triggered by HS were remarkably alleviated in Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz + heat stress group. This study confirmed the protective effects of Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz on the chicken spleen against the heat stress and revealed its mechanism, which is that Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz could relieve the heat stress-induced immune dysfunction of chicken spleens via reducing oxidative stress, enhancing the mitochondria function and inhibiting apoptosis.

Nanoselenium Supplementation of Heat-Stressed Broilers: Effects on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Blood Metabolites, Immune Response, Antioxidant Status, and Jejunal Morphology

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary nanoselenium supplementation at 0, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg of diet on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and jejunal morphology of 29-d-old male broilers subjected to heat stress at 37 ± 1°C for 14 d. Broilers were fed for 42 d on the experimental diets. The results showed that nanoselenium supplementation had no effect on growth performance, but it supplementation at the rate of 1.2 mg/kg diet decreased the serum concentration of cholesterol prior to the heat exposure. Further, dietary nanoselenium supplementation linearly increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, while linearly decreased those of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and aspartate aminotransferase in the serum before applying heat stress. Compared with thermoneutral temperature, heat stress reduced body mass gain, feed intake, percentages of carcass, breast, leg, abdominal fat, bursa of Fabricius, thymus, antibody response against sheep red blood cells, serum concentration of protein, erythrocyte activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, jejunal villus height, and villus height to crypt depth ratio, while increased feed conversion ratio, percentages of liver, gizzard, pancreas, gallbladder, heart, and the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde. Dietary supplementation of nanoselenium linearly reduced the abdominal fat and liver percentages, while linearly increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase and villus height in heat-stressed broilers. Furthermore, the lower level of nanoselenium decreased the percentages of gizzard and heart in broilers under heat stress. The diet supplemented with 1.2 mg/kg nanoselenium improved feed conversion ratio and increased antibody response against sheep red blood cells, activity of superoxide dismutase, and villus height to crypt depth ratio, but decreased the serum concentrations of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and malondialdehyde in heat-stressed broilers. The results suggest that supplemental nanoselenium improved growth performance, internal organs health, immune response, and jejunal morphology by alleviating the oxidative stress induced by heat stress.

The effect of selenium and polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (PAMK) on endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in chicken spleen induced by heat stress

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative stress are involved in different types of stress induced injuries.

Differences in Susceptibility to Heat Stress along the Chicken Intestine and the Protective Effects of Galacto-Oligosaccharides

High ambient temperatures negatively affect the human well-being as well as animal welfare and production. The gastrointestinal tract is predominantly responsive to heat stress. The currently available information about the multifaceted response to heat stress within different parts of the intestine is limited, especially in avian species. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the heat stress-induced sequence of events in the intestines of chickens. Furthermore, the gut health-promoting effect of dietary galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) was investigated in these heat stress-exposed chickens. Chickens were fed a control diet or diet supplemented with 1% or 2.5% GOS (6 days) prior to and during a temperature challenge for 5 days (38-39°C, 8h per day). The parameters measured in different parts of the intestines included the genes (qPCR) HSF1, HSF3, HSP70, HSP90, E-cadherin, claudin-1, claudin-5, ZO-1, occludin, TLR-2, TLR-4, IL-6, IL-8, HO-1, HIF-1α) and their associated proteins HSP70, HSP90 and pan-cadherin (western blots). In addition, IL-6 and IL-8 plasma concentrations were measured by ELISA. In the jejunum, HSF3, HSP70, HSP90, E-cadherin, claudin-5, ZO-1, TLR-4, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and HSP70 protein expression were increased after heat stress exposure and a more pronounced increase in gene expression was observed in ileum after heat stress exposure, and in addition HSF1, claudin-1 and HIF-1α mRNA levels were upregulated. Furthermore, the IL-8 plasma levels were decreased in chickens exposed to heat stress. Interestingly, the heat stress-related effects in the jejunum were prevented in chickens fed a GOS diet, while dietary GOS did not alter these effects in ileum. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the differences in susceptibility to heat stress along the intestine, where the most obvious modification in gene expression is observed in ileum, while dietary GOS only prevent the heat stress-related changes in jejunum.